Stop Calls from the Grocery Store

Does your husband or partner often forget things on the grocery list, or call you from the store to ask where something is? Write your list in the order that items are located in the store. You can even point out "landmarks" for finding items, specific colors of packages, etc. This can reduce the chance that items are missed and reduce backtracking through the store (and that phone call asking where the tampons are).

Clean Stainless Steel Fast and Eco-Friendly

If you have stainless steel in your kitchen, you’re always looking for a fast, easy way to keep it clean. We’ve tried lots of products on the market and none of them seem to work well. The best thing to clean stainless steel – plain vinegar at full strength. Vinegar is a weak acid that basically strips the metal clean, even areas around the stove that get greasy. You will want to use a cotton cloth soaked with vinegar to clean the areas. Then, take a second cloth and wet about ½ of it with water and ring out. Use the wet half to wipe the area cleaned with vinegar and the other half to dry and shine it. This is really fast and is truly the only thing that we have found works to our satisfaction. Make that steel sparkle!

Quick Clean Tip #2 - Clean Baseboards Fast!

Are you tired of bending down on hands and knees to clean baseboards? Or, you never find time to fit this task into your day? When mopping the floor, just run the mop along the baseboard as well. You can also do this with swifters, etc.

Quick Clean Tip #1 - Fast House Cleaning

Unexpected company on the way and the house is a mess? Here are some quick tips that will make your house look clean in a matter of minutes. The key to looking clean is shine and lack of clutter. Wipe shiny surfaces with a DRY towel to get that sparkle.

• Reduce Clutter: On surfaces, like coffee tables, etc., push stuff to one side or remove and organize later. Focus on the surfaces where your guests will be. Pick-up shoes, clothes, or toys that may be lying around and toss them into a closet (be sure not to toss them in the closet your going to hang the guest coat in).
• Shine Surfaces: Use disposable wipes on bathroom surfaces such as the sink, faucets, and counters. If you want to be environmentally conscious, just use a cloth and water. After clean, wipe with a dry cloth.
• Clean Floors (if needed): Run the vacuum only in high-traffic areas; use a swiffer to touch-up floors in main rooms.
• Pet hair on furniture: Wet a wash cloth with water, squeeze out, easily wipes off majority of fur. Alternatively, use my husband’s technique and run the vacuum on the seat cushions like you would on a floor.
• Smell problems? Make a pot of coffee, cook a piece of toast, light a candle and then blow out before guest arrives (candle smell is most profuse immediately after it is extinguished). Please do not use sprays, etc. They smell icky to most guests, don’t work, and can have a negative impact on the environment.

Less Clutter

Just bought a new pair of shoes? Got a new ski jacket? Every time you bring something home donate one of your old things. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s time to donate it. There are usually donation bins in your area. In our city we are regularly called for donation pick-ups at our house. Remember, your donations are tax deductible (giving you some money toward that next pair of shoes!).

Quick Meals for Parents

Has this happened to you? It's a weekday morning, you are running around trying to get ready for work and your kids off to school or day care, you open the fridge and realize you don't have anything for their lunches? Or you just came home from a hectic day at the office only to realize you didn't plan a dinner and there is nothing in the fridge.

Stock-up on quick and easy back-up meals, sides, lunch foods, and ingredients (especially when they are on sale). Examples are mac-n-cheese, individual apple sauce servings, frozen fruit, cereal, juice boxes (only 100% juice!), granola or power bars, peanut or soy butter, soups, and frozen pasta. Pick things your family likes. These items can make a last minute meal in a snap.

On a recent grocery trip, I came across some organic canned ravioli on sale and stocked up. Next time we get caught with no dinner planned, I can heat this up, serve it with some fruit, and know my kids are getting a healthy, nutritious meal quickly (and with very few dishes!).