House Cleaning Tips

I did not write this, but wish I had...I would love to work on getting into a daily or semi-daily routine so that I don't have to panic and spend hours when company is coming or it's just time to do it.

If anyone has any other tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them...please share by commenting to this post.

Eat, pray, love,

Brigette

How to Clean Your House in 30 Minutes or Less

Cleaning house can feel like a gargantuan task, especially when you’ve let things slide for a few days too many. But it doesn’t have to be such a time-consuming undertaking. By incorporating these easy tips into your daily routine and prioritizing the areas that have a knack for getting the messiest the quickest, you’ll find that keeping the house in order is as easy as pie. The only drawback is that now you’ll have to figure out what to do with your new-found free time.



Kitchen:

• Do the dishes or place them in the dishwasher after every meal. (5 minutes)
• Wipe down counter tops and stove with an all-purpose cleaner after cooking. (2 minutes)
• Wipe up any spills and sweep up any crumbs after eating. (2 minutes)

Bathroom:

• Keep sanitizing wipes under your bathroom sink so you can quickly wipe the countertop after each time you wash your face or brush your teeth. (2 minutes)
• Once a week, wipe the toilet and seat rim and clean the toilet bowl. By keeping the cleaning products within reach, you’ll be more likely to reach for them even if you’re not doing a major cleaning  (2 minutes)

Bedroom:

• If you’ve already started a load of laundry, don’t consider it finished until you fold and put away clean clothes. Doing it right away ensures you’re less likely to have piles of clean clothes on your bed. (5 minutes)
• Each morning, clear bedside tables of dishes, books, and reading glasses from the night before. (2 minutes)
• Get into the habit of making your bed every morning, the moment you get out of bed. You’ll be happy you made the time when you come home that night. (2 minutes)

Living Room:

• Every few days, wipe the tables with a microfiber cloth to pick up dust while you watch TV. (2 minutes)
• Break out the Dustbuster to swoop up crumbs on the floor and in the couch cushions. By doing this while you watch TV, you’re integrating the chore into your daily routine, instead of waiting for a deep-cleaning session. (2 minutes)
• Before retiring for the evening put away all entertainment gadgets, DVDs, newspapers, and games that have been left out. (4 minutes)

(This came from a post by DivineCaroline, on Mon Oct 10, 2011 - it's not my own, but I thought it was worth sharing.)

October in The Dells...

We actually had the opportunity to visit The Dells in the beginning of October this year.  We usually go the 3rd weekend of the month to celebrate our anniversary.  But this year it was the 1st weekend, and oh, how things are different at the beginning vs. the end.  You wouldn't think that two weeks would really make that big of a difference, but boy does it.

The first thing we noticed is that the trees still have leaves and they are starting to transform into the beautiful colors of fall that we all know and love.  The other thing that was very apparent is that people were still coming to visit.  There were people every where from downtown to the restaurants to the hotels.  And...things were still open for these people to come visit.

One of our favorite experiences in the Dell's to eat at Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty (http://www.paulbunyans.com/), but they close for the season the 2nd weekend of October.  So this year it was very exciting to drive into the parking lot and see lots of cars and know we were going to get that great, home-style breakfast we love so much.  (Isn't it funny what people get a kick out of?!)

So, if you get a chance to visit the Dell's in the fall...we highly recommend the first or second weekend of October...you won't be disappointed.  We are even thinking of changing our visits from now on, too...so you might see us there.  ;)

It's finally Fall!

It's officially (& finally) Fall today...Yay!!!  This is my favorite time of year for so many reasons.  I love that the weather starts getting cooler, and caramel apples can be found everywhere.  I love that the leaves start changing colors, and pumpkins are found outside front doors.  And I really love pulling out my Fall recipes.

In the next few posts I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes that include all of those yummy fall flavors so many people enjoy.  If there is a particular one that I make and you would like to see me feature it, just let me know.


Now go out and enjoy Fall and all it has to offer!

Eat, pray, love,

Brigette

Spa Day...

It was a spa day...for Kiki!  She was able to enjoy the spa services of the Midwest School of Pet Grooming in Barrington, IL.  Thanks to Christy Schroeder (dog groomer extraordinaire (please ignore the incorrect word from the previous version - darn auto spell checker) and Mike's cousin's wife) who is currently enrolled in the school and is able to recruit "models" for the students to groom.  Of course we were all over the opportunity to: 1.) help Christy and 2.) to save big time on the cost of grooming (1/2 of what we pay normally).

As you can see from the pic Christy did a great job and Kiki looks fabulous!  She was so good she even got a special treat.  : )

Eat, pray, love,

Brigette

Shake, Share & Care

Things have been a little crazy, busy lately, and I realized it had been a few days since the last post...that's why when I received this email I knew it would be a good to share.  I have copied it straight from the email and give Daily Candy all of the credit for this one...but enjoy, it's for a great cause!

Eat, pray, love,

Brigette



Pink: It's Your Favorite Color Shake, Share & Care with Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac® mints
Your mouth won’t be alone in its love for the return of limited-edition Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac mints. Originally conceived in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and to support CancerCare’s mission to help all those affected by cancer, Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac mints will captivate your heart and soul, too.

The Tic Tac brand will once again partner with CancerCare — a national nonprofit that provides free, professional support services to people with cancer, their loved ones, and their caregivers — through the Shake, Share & Care campaign and has launched the Extraordinary Caregiver Contest.

Simply go to the Tic Tac USA Facebook page between now and October 3 to submit a nomination for the caregiver you think has most dedicated him/herself to someone affected by cancer. Then check back between November 1 and November 11 to vote for one of the finalist entries. Three extraordinary caregivers will each win $2,500¹ to use toward an extraordinary experience, and the nominators of the three winning entries will each receive a $500 gift card².
The Tic Tac brand is also donating $100,000 to CancerCare. Because if there’s one thing that Tic Tac mints knows, it’s that a little support goes a long way.

Nominate and vote for an Extraordinary Caregiver who has dedicated him/herself to those affected by cancer online at facebook.com/tictacusa. Look for limited-edition Pink Grapefruit Tic Tac mints in select stores.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Contest open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18+ as of date of entry. Entry period of essay submissions to the contest starts at 12 pm EST on August 26, 2011, and ends at 11:59:59 am EST on October 3, 2011. For Online Voting Period and Official Rules, go to facebook.com/tictacusa.


¹Awarded in the form of a check.²Gift card vendor to be selected by Sponsor.

Shake It Up!

I've been a fan of Martha Stewart's clever ideas for several years (I have friends that still call me Martha), so when I find a really fun one I have to share it with my peeps.  It also involves another thing that I love...eating alfresco (picnics, cookouts, potlucks, and anything that involves getting together with a bunch of friends and family and eating).

With this little gem of an idea though, the kids get to help with the "work" and enjoy the results.  It's homemade whipped cream without a mixer...that's right - no mixer!

Shake It Up Whipped Cream (my version of the name)

Before you leave for your outing, put 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar in a 1-quart airtight container. You'll "whip" the cream when you're ready to serve it.

Now here is the fun part!   At your outing, kids (big & small) can take turns shaking the container of cream and confectioners' sugar vigorously (two to four minutes), until the mixture is thick and fluffy. Don't shake it too early, or it will deflate before you serve it. Spoon fruit into cones (another awesome idea - no bowls need to serve), and top with a dollop of cream.

How easy is that?!  And you don't have to skip the good stuff just because you're not at home.

Eat, pray, love,

Brigette

As much as I would like to take full credit for this, I can't...read more at Marthastewart.com: Beach Ideas, Gardening Projects, Vacation Crafts, and Relaxing Ideas - Martha Stewart .

Tom is not who I thought he was...

My tomato plant is not a beefsteak producer like the tag said...it's a cherry producer.  Although I won't be making that big, beautiful BLT sandwich I've been dreaming about, I will have some awesome salads.  Jennifer & I actually ate the first 2 ripe ones last week and it looks like I'll have a few more to "harvest" this week.  I guess I'll just have to rely on the farmer's market for the BLT.  But I love going to the farmer's market so it's a win, win! 

Aren't they cute?!

Yay...my first container "garden" was successful.  Who knows what next year will bring - the sky's the limit (or what our little deck will hold)!  ;)

Eat (tomatoes), pray, love,

Brigette