Don't worry. Organize yourself, Get a deal and you'll feel better. Invest in a few little tools can make a big different in helping you feel organized and in control. This week, the Container Store is offering 20% off everything in the store. What a bargain!
To help you out, here are a few of my favorite things that you can get at The Container Store. BTW - Most of these items will make great stocking stuffers.
Cooknook Cookbook Holder. ($12.99) Install it underneath your kitchen cabinet. You'll be able to easily read your recipes without losing your counter space. Fold it up underneath the cabinet done.
Magnetic Tape ($1.99) Make a magnetic out of almost anything with this flexible tape. Me? I make magnetics out of old game pieces, but you can use it on postcards, picture frames, and pens.
Monkey Door Hooks ($9.99) Whimsical and purposeful, these monkeys are a fun addition to a mudroom, bathroom or kids room. Hooks can be used for towels, backpacks, umbrellas and more!
Undershelf Baskets ($12.99) Add instant storage to your cabinets with these baskets. Great way to keep your baking supplies organized, your plates neatly stacked, and your linens nearby!
Conceal BookShelves ($9.99 - $12.99). Wickedly cool to use - Make a stack of books look like they float in the air. Holds about 15 lbs, and stacks 16 inches high. This product is definitely a form and function product that's nice to have!
Waterbottles ($3.99) and Waterbottle straps ($3.99). Leakproof bottles that are ergonomically designed and waterbottle straps for hands free lugging around of your water.
Booksling ($4.99) You'll always remember where you left off in your book when you use a booksling.
Showing posts with label save effort. Show all posts
Showing posts with label save effort. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
A Step Ahead of Christmas with Cheap Deals
I was telling someone this weekend that the secret to enjoying the Christmas holidays often rests in the ability to think of Christmas well ahead of day. Advanced planning is the only way to save money, time and effort in preparing for the holidays. So, start now in order to enjoy a hassle free holiday. Here are a few tips to get you started...
Be a perennial shopper. Keep an eye out throughout the year for great sales and clearance items that you can take advantage. Pick a theme an build gift baskets around it by filling it with end of season items, great sales items, and clearance items that you find throughout the year. Examples: (1) Flip flops, beach ball, beach towel, beach chair (with fan!), frisbee - all for $23. (2) Golf shirt, Scrabble (golf version), box of golf balls, and magnetic poetry - golf version - $25. (3) Stainless steel coffee thermo, 3 lbs of gourmet coffee, NY Crossword Puzzle book -$18. (4) Hand painted needlepoint canvas, assorted threads, needlepoint scissors, and needle case - $20. Great stuff. Cheap Prices. True Bargains.
Store Gifts in One Location. It's just easier to keep everything in one place. I put all gift purchases in an armoire. And organization is key to saving effort. In the armoire, I've got gift bags set up for the different themes, labelled with the intended recipient's name. I toss items in the bags, so everything is pre-sorted come the holidays.
Make your gift list. I keep my gift list in my armoire. I cross names off the list as I stock the gift armoire with purchases. This helps me keep track of who I've bought for, what I've bought, and how much inventory I've got left to work with.
Know your sales. I've been tracking my favorite stores for so long, I know when the best time to do my shopping. Every Columbus Day weekend, Toys R Us runs a Buy One; Get One Free Hasbro Game Sale. LL Bean Outlet runs a 50% off Canvas Tote bag sale. Michaels runs 25% off Everything in the Store Sale. And yes, every year, I'm there stockpiling, games, tote bags, and arts & crafts at deep discount.
Yard Sales, Garage Sales, Estate Sales, whatever - just go. You'd be amazed at the great gifts that you can be found at bargain prices. A copper weather vane (great gift for a friend's barn), original edition Scrabble (for a crossword enthusiast), antique tools and hinges (for a woodworking hobbyist), and a cordless cookie gun and cake decorating kit (for me, the baker- even I need a luxury every now and then.)
Be a perennial shopper. Keep an eye out throughout the year for great sales and clearance items that you can take advantage. Pick a theme an build gift baskets around it by filling it with end of season items, great sales items, and clearance items that you find throughout the year. Examples: (1) Flip flops, beach ball, beach towel, beach chair (with fan!), frisbee - all for $23. (2) Golf shirt, Scrabble (golf version), box of golf balls, and magnetic poetry - golf version - $25. (3) Stainless steel coffee thermo, 3 lbs of gourmet coffee, NY Crossword Puzzle book -$18. (4) Hand painted needlepoint canvas, assorted threads, needlepoint scissors, and needle case - $20. Great stuff. Cheap Prices. True Bargains.
Store Gifts in One Location. It's just easier to keep everything in one place. I put all gift purchases in an armoire. And organization is key to saving effort. In the armoire, I've got gift bags set up for the different themes, labelled with the intended recipient's name. I toss items in the bags, so everything is pre-sorted come the holidays.
Make your gift list. I keep my gift list in my armoire. I cross names off the list as I stock the gift armoire with purchases. This helps me keep track of who I've bought for, what I've bought, and how much inventory I've got left to work with.
Know your sales. I've been tracking my favorite stores for so long, I know when the best time to do my shopping. Every Columbus Day weekend, Toys R Us runs a Buy One; Get One Free Hasbro Game Sale. LL Bean Outlet runs a 50% off Canvas Tote bag sale. Michaels runs 25% off Everything in the Store Sale. And yes, every year, I'm there stockpiling, games, tote bags, and arts & crafts at deep discount.
Yard Sales, Garage Sales, Estate Sales, whatever - just go. You'd be amazed at the great gifts that you can be found at bargain prices. A copper weather vane (great gift for a friend's barn), original edition Scrabble (for a crossword enthusiast), antique tools and hinges (for a woodworking hobbyist), and a cordless cookie gun and cake decorating kit (for me, the baker- even I need a luxury every now and then.)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Easy Dinner Idea
I can never understand why most folks think lobster is too special to make for dinner any old day of the week. Price per pound, Lobster is cheaper than most cuts of steak. Most local markets are willing to steam them for you for free. And, it's a great summer meal that doesn't require you to heat up the kitchen. So, if you're looking for a dinner bargain that's easy to pull together, here's the main course suggestion and a few sides to round it out that makes a great complete dinner during the summer when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
Lobster. Estimate 1 - 1/2 lb per person. Steam it at the market approx 1 hr before dinner. Store in a plastic bag or a cooler to keep it warm/hot.
Corn on the Cob. Some people grill corn; others boil it. Me? I steam it in the 5- 6 qt crockpot. Shuck the corn. Place in crockpot with 1 cup of water. Cook 2-3 hrs on low. (Yes. It's that simple.)
Clam Chowder. Grab yourself a few pints of Legal Seafood's Clam Chowder at your local market or BJs Warehouse. Place in crockpot. Cook on warm 2-3 hours.
Coleslaw. Make it yourself, grab the semi-premade Fresh Express bag and some Kraft Coleslaw dressing, or pick up a container at your deli.
Ice Cream Novelities. Go retro and pull together a selection of your favorite Ice Cream treats from your youth (e.g, drumsticks, ice cream sandwiches, italian ices, dillybars, etc.)
Lobster. Estimate 1 - 1/2 lb per person. Steam it at the market approx 1 hr before dinner. Store in a plastic bag or a cooler to keep it warm/hot.
Corn on the Cob. Some people grill corn; others boil it. Me? I steam it in the 5- 6 qt crockpot. Shuck the corn. Place in crockpot with 1 cup of water. Cook 2-3 hrs on low. (Yes. It's that simple.)
Clam Chowder. Grab yourself a few pints of Legal Seafood's Clam Chowder at your local market or BJs Warehouse. Place in crockpot. Cook on warm 2-3 hours.
Coleslaw. Make it yourself, grab the semi-premade Fresh Express bag and some Kraft Coleslaw dressing, or pick up a container at your deli.
Ice Cream Novelities. Go retro and pull together a selection of your favorite Ice Cream treats from your youth (e.g, drumsticks, ice cream sandwiches, italian ices, dillybars, etc.)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Suitcase Donations for Foster Kids
Read about a sad problem with a happy "feel good/do good" resolution in today's Boston Globe. Displaced foster children come and go , carrying their belongings in a sad black trash bag. I also learned foster children, on average, move 4 times. Sad. Very Sad. Think about it - if you were a kid and all your belongings were carried in trash bag, wouldn't you feel sad, worthless/not valuable, disposable like trash? Wouldn't it be good if they could have something of their own to carry their belongings in? To give themselves a sense of ownership, permanency, home?Thankfully, there is a Suitcase Donation Initiative for Foster Children that supports this need. Great way to pay forward alittle kindness and help with little to no effort.
Locally, this initiative is being organized in Haverhill. A suitcase drop off is being held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with three drop-off points coordinated at Triton Regional High School, Pentucket Regional High School, and Masconomet Regional High School.Haverhill not convenient? Consider working with one of your own community groups or employer and launch an initiative within your own community. Starter Kits and Guidelines are available online.
Time to clean out the cellar, attic, and closets of old suitcases, gym bags, and duffel bags. Put them to good use by donating to this cause and help put a smile on a kid's face.
Locally, this initiative is being organized in Haverhill. A suitcase drop off is being held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with three drop-off points coordinated at Triton Regional High School, Pentucket Regional High School, and Masconomet Regional High School.Haverhill not convenient? Consider working with one of your own community groups or employer and launch an initiative within your own community. Starter Kits and Guidelines are available online.
Time to clean out the cellar, attic, and closets of old suitcases, gym bags, and duffel bags. Put them to good use by donating to this cause and help put a smile on a kid's face.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Unintended Uses of Kitchen Gadgets
Here's my list of new uses for old kitchen tools and gadgets. Breath new life into old gadgets, find yourself some kitchen shortcuts, learn how to get double duty out of ordinary kitchen items. Save time, money and effort with these kitchen AHA! moments. Enjoy!
8" Sieve - Strain a serving or two of pasta.
AHA! Makes a great sifter. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt for your baking recipes or use it to sprinkle powdered sugar over baked goods.
Cheese Grater - Grate cheeses, zests an orange peel, minces garlic.
AHA! Use the grater instead of pastry knives to crumble cold butter for your shortbread and scone recipes. Makes for lighter, fluffier pastry dough.
BBQ Skewers - Use to make kebabs or toast marshmallows.
AKA! Use as a cake tester. Stick in the middle of a cake to test its doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done.
Egg Slicer - Chops an Egg.
AHA! Slice butter into nice even butter pats or use it to slice the kiwis and bananas, eliminating messy handling of slippery foods.
Apple Corer - Divide an apple or pear.
AHA! Cut a round of cheese into perfect wedges. Use to cut a pan of brownies into two bite snacks.
Coffee Grinder - Grinds the java beans for the morning brew.
AHA! Rough chop a cup of nuts or grind a cinnamon stick for a fresh spice.
Coffee Filter - Make the morning coffee.
AHA! Prevent a popsicle from dripping or place one in a casket iron skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
Know of any other double duty uses for common kitchen tools? Ping me a note. I'd love to learn your ideas/uses of kitchen tools and gadgets
8" Sieve - Strain a serving or two of pasta.
AHA! Makes a great sifter. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt for your baking recipes or use it to sprinkle powdered sugar over baked goods.
Cheese Grater - Grate cheeses, zests an orange peel, minces garlic.
AHA! Use the grater instead of pastry knives to crumble cold butter for your shortbread and scone recipes. Makes for lighter, fluffier pastry dough.
BBQ Skewers - Use to make kebabs or toast marshmallows.
AKA! Use as a cake tester. Stick in the middle of a cake to test its doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done.
Egg Slicer - Chops an Egg.
AHA! Slice butter into nice even butter pats or use it to slice the kiwis and bananas, eliminating messy handling of slippery foods.
Apple Corer - Divide an apple or pear.
AHA! Cut a round of cheese into perfect wedges. Use to cut a pan of brownies into two bite snacks.
Coffee Grinder - Grinds the java beans for the morning brew.
AHA! Rough chop a cup of nuts or grind a cinnamon stick for a fresh spice.
Coffee Filter - Make the morning coffee.
AHA! Prevent a popsicle from dripping or place one in a casket iron skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
Know of any other double duty uses for common kitchen tools? Ping me a note. I'd love to learn your ideas/uses of kitchen tools and gadgets
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