Food Fun and Facts Household Hints and Cleaning Tips



Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management

Mrs Beeton reigned supreme among the writers of domestic manuals in the Victorian era.

Much more than just a cookery book, or even a guide to household management, her Book of Household Management is full of historic and literary anecdotes - she aimed to give her readers a thorough education.

Today it is more than just a historical curiosity; as well as a great source book for nineteenth century recipes, it also provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the people of its time and is a thoroughly entertaining read.

This is a new edition (not a scan) of the 1861 text; it is unabridged and includes all the original illustrations in black and white.


Stop Stinky Kitchen Smells with Easy Tips from the "Queen of Clean"

(Family Features) - There's no masking it: when it comes to unpleasant household odors, the stinkiness wafting from the trash can is tops. According to a recent survey, 75 percent of Americans rated trash can odors as the most offensive smell in their home, beating out pet waste, dirty diapers and dead flowers.

And when it comes to trash can smells, food-related waste out-stinks the competition with those surveyed reporting that  spoiled food left in their refrigerator, meal-time dinner scraps and leftovers as the top three odors they'd like to have scent protection from.

"Kitchens are a breeding ground for olfactory offenses," says cleaning expert Linda Cobb, also known as the "Queen of Clean."  "But as easy as it is to create these foul odors, it's just as easy to alleviate them." Cobb offers short-cuts to stamping out stink in five areas of the kitchen:

Foul Fridge: Wipe out the refrigerator with a solution of half water and half white vinegar before putting groceries away.  This is a great way not only to clean, but also combat odors associated with food. A bowl of fresh coffee grounds will also help reduce odors in the refrigerator or the pantry.

Easy Trash Can Odor Fix: Try new GLAD ForceFlex OdorShield Bags with Febreze Freshness. The odor neutralization technology is embedded throughout an inner layer in the bag to neutralize odors - not just mask them, leaving behind a fresh scent while offering stretchable strength to help prevent rips and messy clean-ups.

Microwave Meal-time Meltdowns: Pour about an inch of vanilla extract in a bowl and bring it to a boil in the microwave. As soon as the vanilla reaches a boil, turn the microwave off.  Leave the bowl in the microwave overnight without opening the door. Any microwave odor problems will vanish by morning.

Ghastly Garbage Disposal: Put the plug in the sink and fill it with about three inches of warm water along with a handful of baking soda. Turn the disposal on and immediately pull the plug. The suction created - coupled with the baking soda - cleans out trapped food and sends it down the drain.

Scorched Supper Stench: To help clear the smell of burned food, fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil.  Drop in a sliced lemon or about a 1/4 cup of lemon juice and allow to simmer on the stove.

For more information and tips for avoiding garbage disasters, visit Glad.com.

SOURCE:
Glad




Termite Trouble



(Family Features) - Springtime showers aren't the only thing warmer weather brings. It can also trigger termite swarms-and the presence of winged termites can be a bad sign for homeowners.

Termites can enter a home through cracks as thin as a few sheets of paper and devour enough wood and wood products to do serious damage. Even though they are smaller than a grain of rice, termites cause more than $5 billion in damage to homes all across the United States, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). To make matters worse, most insurance policies don't cover termite damage, and according to Terminix, a national pest control company, homeowners pay an average of $3,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.

"A termite swarm is a group of winged, reproductive termites that leave their existing colony to establish new ones," said Paul Curtis, entomologist for Terminix. "Swarming is weather-driven and normally occurs on warm spring days, after a rain. The presence of a termite swarm is the most obvious, and often first, sign of a termite infestation, so it's important to  know what to look for and what to do if you experience a swarm in or around your home."

Termite colonies can remain hidden behind walls and other structural elements for months-and even years-before their presence is detected. Homeowners should look for signs such as mud tubes, which are hollow, drinking-straw-sized roadways for termites, and check for wood that makes a hollow sound when tapped. Also, look for discarded wings around windows and doors, which termite swarms may leave behind as a sign of activity.

Keep Termites Out

The pest control experts at Terminix recommend the following tips to help make your home less attractive to termites:

  • Fix roof or plumbing leaks. The moisture from these leaks allows termites to survive above ground.

  • Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact around the foundation, keeping firewood or other wood debris from being stacked against the side of the home.

  • Keep mulch or soil away from the home's siding. It's best to have a barrier of a few inches.

  • Remove items like scrap lumber, boxes and even old books or newspapers from crawl spaces.

  • Maintain adequate ventilation in crawl spaces.

  • Use a mesh screen on all windows, doors and ventilation openings.

  • Have your home inspected by a trained professional at least once a year. Prompt treatment and regular inspections can save thousands of dollars in damage repair.

You should also prevent moisture accumulation around your home's foundation by making sure water is diverted with downspouts and gutters. Don't let shrubs or other landscaping cover up vents, and remove old tree stumps and roots close to the building.

Termite Treatment

It's very difficult for homeowners to treat a termite problem themselves. Curtis says that treatment will vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the termite species, and the location of the building. Your best bet is to have a trained and licensed pest control company, like Terminix, assess the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

To learn more about termites and to download a swarm map for your area, visit www.terminix.com.

SOURCE:
Terminix





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A few Sewing tips for you.

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How to Practice Sun Safety

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Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household

Including an entirely new section on leash-walking multiple dogs, this dog training booklet has received rave reviews from people living with more than one dog.

Written with Patricia McConnell and Karen London's extensive knowledge of both theory and practicality, (not to mention their sense of humor), it provides clear and workable ideas to make living with a pack of dogs fun and fulfilling.

This is a great resource if you're looking for some dog training tips to create a little order out of the canine chaos in your home, or wondering how in the world you'll manage the entire pack for a walk around the neighborhood.

Perhaps you're concerned that there is tension between two of the dogs in your pack or whether your dog's play might escalate into aggression.

This expanded and updated booklet has the answers to those questions and many more. Written to help you maximize the joy of living in a multi-dog household, it emphasizes the use of ethology and positive training methods to teach your dogs to be polite and patient instead of demanding and pushy.

Filled with practical ideas about keeping life fun in houses that have two dogs or many more than that, Feeling Outnumbered is a great resource for all multiple dog owners whether novice or professional.

How to Clean Green


Clearing the Air. Dust harbors pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mites, mold and mildew. To control dust:

  • Use electrostatically charged dusters or damp rags frequently.
  • Use vacuums with HEPA filters that trap fine particles.
  • Change your home's air filters every month or two.
  • Remove your shoes before entering the house to avoid tracking in dirt, dust and pollen.
  • Use kitchen and exhaust fans to increase ventilation and reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released into the air.

Doing Laundry. Some detergents and fabric softeners can contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Look for products that are made with plant-based cleaning ingredients and have been dermatologist-tested, such as Green Works Naturally Derived Laundry Detergent.

  • Try fragrance-free variations for those who are sensitive to strong perfumes and scents.
  • Soften fabric by adding one-quarter cup baking soda or one-quarter cup white vinegar to the wash cycle.
  • Cleaning Kitchens and Bathrooms.
  • For an all-natural way to clean the oven, try using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad and baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to the stove. Leave it overnight and rinse with water the next day.
  • Prevent the build-up of mold in the bathroom by regularly running an exhaust fan. Keep in mind, the easiest way to clean is to avoid the mess in the first place.
  • Cut back on chemical fumes and residues with plant-based cleaners, such as Green Works Naturally Derived All-Purpose Cleaner. It contains no ammonia or phosphorus and is made of plant- and mineral-based ingredients. For more on green cleaning products, visit www.greenworkscleaners.com.







  • More Handy Household Hints for You!


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1,001 Old-Time Household Hints: Timeless Bits of Household Wisdom for Today's Home and Garden

The editors of Yankee magazine scoured scores of vintage books, magazines, journals, and memoirs to find the very best old-time secrets for preparing meals, cleaning, doing laundry, decorating, repairing the home, treating common ailments, caring for pets, celebrating the holidays, and gardening outdoors and indoors.

Throughout this treasury the editors suggest ways to adapt yesteryear's methods using today's technology and materials, giving readers the best of both the old and the new. As readers explore these pages, they'll discover:

how to mix a stain for wood furniture from coffee and salt
how to make real sourdough bread the way the pioneers did
how to air condition a hot, stale room without relying on electricity
how to fashion a beautiful garden trellis from twigs
Please click on the below image for more information on this great household hints book!




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  Anniversaries

Every wonder what to get for an anniversary Gift? Anniversary years 1-75

A Real Home

A Poem about Home

Beatitudes for a Housewife

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Learn how to make up a proper bed with Hospital Corners

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How to care and repair books

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Hints from the Nineteenth Century on.

Furniture Care

Make your own furniture Polish and other hints about wood furniture Care

Gardening
Good Books,tools and information on Gardening to help you plan your Spring Garden!




Nine Tips to Avoid Moving Scams

(Family Features) Each year, about 15 million American households move, and in the current challenging economy, many may be tempted to choose a mover based on the price alone.

Unfortunately, disreputable movers make a business out of baiting customers with very low estimates and then adding on unreasonable charges or even holding the customer's household goods hostage for exorbitant ransom. Taking the time to choose a mover wisely is well worth it.

"Anyone with a website can claim to be a mover," said Carl Walter, vice president of Mayflower, one of the oldest moving companies in the country. "It's important to do some homework to avoid falling victim to a scam that could add thousands of dollars to the price of a move. There are a number of red flags that make disreputable movers stand out, but to recognize them you have to know what to look for ahead of time. The best way to know if a prospective mover is doing something wrong is to know the right way from the start."

By planning ahead and doing some simple research, people can reduce their risk of falling victim to disreputable movers. Mayflower offers the following tips for people who are planning a move:

  • Go with a name you know - Find three moving companies that have offices in your area and have been in business for at least 10 years.

  • Get a referral - Word of mouth is the strong indicator of reliability - ask friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.

  • Ask for an in-home estimate - Transportation charges are based not only on the distance of the move, but also on the weight of the items being moved. To ensure that your estimate is accurate, have the moving company come and look at the items you need to move.

  • Don't be hooked by the lowest price - Disreputable movers often lure customers with lowball prices and then hit them with unreasonable charges or, in extreme cases, even hold their belongings for ransom. Get three estimates - if one is much lower than the others, that is a red flag.

  • Be sure the company is who it says - Some disreputable movers try to lure customers in by using names that are very similar to reputable companies. Check the reputable company's website to make sure the local agent is affiliated with the brand name it is claiming.

  • Don't pay up front - Typically you should not be required to pay a deposit to have your items moved. Most companies request payment at the time of delivery.

  • Do your research - If you are moving interstate, go to www.protectyourmove.gov to find out if a mover is licensed for interstate moves by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

  • Get it in writing - Ask for pickup and delivery dates in writing.

  • Know your rights - Request a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," a brochure created by the Federal Highway Administration that outlines consumers' rights. Federal law requires movers to give this to customers prior to an interstate move.

"When you move, you allow people you don't know to drive away with everything you own," Walter said. "It's important to make the right choice."

For more moving tips and to download the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" brochure, visit www.Mayflower.com.

SOURCE:
Mayflower Transit






How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household
Filled with practical advice as well as history, Blu Greenberg's book is a comprehensive guide to the joys and complexities of running a modern Jewish home.

How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household is a modern, comprehensive guide covering virtually every aspect of Jewish home life. It provides practical advice on how to manage a Jewish home in the traditional way and offers fascinating accounts of the history behind the tradition.

In a warm, personal style, Blu Greenberg shows that, contrary to popular belief, the home, and not the synagogue, is the most important institution in Jewish life.

Divided into three large sectionsD'The Jewish Way,' 'Special Stages of Life,' and 'Celebration and Remembering'Dthis book educates the uninitiated and reminds the already observant Jew of how Judaism approaches daily life. Topics include prayer, dress, holidays, food preparation, marriage, birth, death, parenthood, and many others.

This description of the modern-yet-traditional Jewish household will earn special regard among the many American Jews who are reexploring their ties to Jewish tradition. Such Jews will find this book a flexible guide that provides a knowledge of the requirements of traditional Judaism without advocating immediate and complete compliance.

How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household