Tag: tips

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Ginger Tea=HIT

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Hey Loves!

I’m not sure about the weather where you live, but it sure is frosty where I am. With the crazy weather changes, I noticed my body trying to catch a cold so I thought it wise to be proactive.

I am trying to stay away from Western medicine as much as I can and make natural remedies my first resort. I knew, through research, that ginger is known for combating sinus issues, sore throats, upset tummies and headaches. I also knew I wanted to get warm so I thought up a recipe for ginger tea.

Now, it may be the old southern woman in me but I didn’t use exact measurements. (Sorry!) Here are the supplies and method as exact as I could get them.

Let me know how your’s turns out!

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Supplies:
1 medium saucepan
Water
Fresh ginger
1 medium orange
Honey

Method:
Fill the sauce pan 3/4 full

Chop 2 small-to-medium pieces of ginger about a 1/4 inch thick and add to water

Bring water and ginger to a soft boil for about ten minutes or until water has absorbed the ginger and turned light brown

Remove from heat and add the juice of one medium orange

Finally add honey to your liking and serve warm.

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Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks

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Hey Loves!

I am so excited about Thanksgiving this year because my in-laws are finally spending a holiday with us. Ok- I will be honest, at first I was a little stir-crazy, and if you ask my husband I still am. Nonetheless hosting anyone for the holidays can be a big to- do, especially when you add a vegetarian who is gluten-free to a couple of true meat and wheat eating southerners.

Any-who, here are some tips that will have you hostess-ready in no time!

1. Make a schedule (FOR EVERYTHING)- Seriously, breaking down the cooking, shopping and cleaning by separate days and time give you time to get everything done and allow you to catch your breath at the same time. A schedule also allows for a margin of error. I would also advise to do your best scheduling activities. As a host(ess), your guest will look to you for guidance so I have a few ice breakers or games on hand, just in case the air gets stale or WWIII erupts over football. If you’re guest are coming to you for a few days, have some activities lined up that everyone can enjoy over their visit like going to the movies, hitting Black Friday sales or going to community festival(s). I suggest having all the food prepared and in oven-safe storage at least the day before Thanksgiving. This enables you to actually enjoy the holiday, decrease stress and only leaving warming and plating for the day of.

2. Make your list and check it…more than twice- After you and have made the final decisions on your menu, make a grocery list by first going through each recipe for each item. Then make another list combing totals (4 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, 2 packages of gluten-free flour mix, etc). Finally seperate your list by department (a link can be found here) so you aren’t making multiple laps around the grocery store. Make sure you triple- check it. You don’t want to forget anything. (If you do, know ahead if time what grocery stores are open and what time they close. Above I suggested to cook everything but the rolls by at least the Wednesday before but if you can’t, start early on Thanksgiving day!)

3. Make it Festive- This can be achieved in a myriad of ways. I racked up at my local Coton Colors tent sale, getting some super-nice Thanksgiving decor for 75% off. If you don’t have a Coton Colors near you and out of time to order online, don’t forget about Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and craft stores for holiday themed or everyday serving trays and dinnerware. I also got some awesome printables and DIY decor ideas from Pintrest. Don’t forget to compile a list of craft items for diy projects so you have all of your supplies.

Hope this helps you pull of your holiday without a hitch and design on a dime. I will post my decor pics to my Facebook and Instagram pages. Happy thanksgiving!

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Summer Fun Tips

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*singing* Summer Lovin’/had me a blast

Hey loves!
I am not sure about the weather where you are but summer is making a fierce return here. The days are long, the temps are high and the fun is just about to begin!
This is the first summer that I am not in school or working full time. I am also very healthy and not stressed about wedding planning (score!) So, I am looking to live my summer up to the fullest. How about you?
If you know me, I am all about the free or inexpensive. As I started doing research, I thought I would share some inexpensive summer tips with you!
1. Check your local ‘visit’ website for your state and city. (i.e. visit Florida). They have TONS of information on upcoming events that you want to plan for and travel to; local happenings in your area, discounts on adventure or theme parks and discounts on hotel rooms. For me, these sites also gave me ideas for things to add to my summer bucket list. For example, Pennsylvania is having state park tours guided by park rangers, so I checked the state parks near me to see what they had to offer. Which leads me to…

2. State Parks! I am very thankful I live in an area that does a great job of preserving nature. At any even given time in my back yard there are deers and cute little bunny rabbits. However, my front yard is your average American neighborhood with bikes, basketball hoops and cars all over the street because my neighbor is having another-get-together. State parks offer a ‘great-escape’ and for free or minimal prices you can, hike, bike, swim, scuba, picnic and (if you are lucky) see some nature animals native to your area. These are also great for date-day or a family fun-day. Pack a lunch and see the nature for a whole day!

3. Preview days are the best thing to happen to bored people, families and those looking for items to add to their summer bucket list (i.e. me). Preview days offer you free admission to museums and parks that normally are a bit expensive. So, to be clear, they are giving you FREE admission to a park that you normally would have to pay for, and probably have not gone to because of the price… I understand if you stop reading right here and go research some in your area. Really, I implore you.

4. I will admit, I lost my ‘bikini body’ right after Memorial Day. I am working to get it back before I head to Mexico this summer but it seeming near impossible. Anywho (if you can’t tell) I like doing activities outside and the beach is always a winner. (again, I’m a lucky gal) I live near a few beaches but if you do not, it would probably be best to make a weekend out of it. Make sure you check the websites mentioned above to make the most of your trip.

5. For some reason, America will celebrate anything…this time there is a plus to that. There is a festival for every fruit, nut and everything in between all over the country. They normally come with a parade, fair-like food and games and good time for a low amount of money. Who cares if you never thought a strawberry was that important. You can have a fun day because if it.

*singing* Summer days drifting away/but oh those summer nights

Ah yes, the days are longer but those steamy, sticky and (if you’re lucky) quite satisfying nights await you. You can have quite a few ‘dates’ or even do things with other friends and families like…

1. Water nights- I know you all are familiar with water days, you put on your swim suits and run around in the sprinklers until lunch… water nights have a similar concept except it is at night (duh…)! You can spice this up by making it an adult only affair (capture the flag style) and break out the super-soaker you have been eye-ing since you were 12 or keep it simple with your family.
2. Want something for you and your Mr. to do…try a summertime evening picnic. A few appetizers like fruit and cheese, some adult beverages, music and blanket is all you need. Location can be as far as your back yard or a local park- remember you can’t get too frisky in public…it is the law! (seriously, unless you own the property, it is illegal).
3. Wine Down Whenever- get together some of your gals and rotate homes once or twice a month. Everyone bring a bottle of wine-no need to spend your life savings- and drink, have a few laughs and look forward to the next time.
What is on your summer bucket list? Hope I helped you get started on knocking some off or adding some more!

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Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

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Hey Loves!

Spring has Sprung (and the weather is finally cooperating)! With this season comes road trips, laying out and outdoor parties. It is also bring spring cleaning. Me, being the very odd Mrs. I am simply looooooove this time of year, especially this spring cleaning. Why, you ask? Because (if you can’t already tell) organization and cleanliness literally soothe my soul. I know quite a few of you were over spring cleaning the second read it, but here are some tips and tricks to get you through it!

  1. Get organized: I used this list to guide me and the Mr. through the cleaning. A checklist allows you to tackle one item at a time instead of being so overwhelmed. It also allows you to have a point of reference for where you stopped.
  2. Divide the responsibilities: Get your Mr. or the kiddos involved. You can make it fun by listening music while diving to conquer. If you are sexy and single have a cleaning party. Serve dinner, wine and give favors for your gals pals this will help you out. Also (and this is very important) divide the responsibilities according to skill. My Mr. is not the best scrubber but he is tall (reaching the high spots) great with the vacuum and duster. This is not the time to see how well your husband or child can clean the windows when they have never seen Windex.
  3. Use the right tools: Do your research. Me and the Mr. found that dryer sheets work miracles on base boards. Not only are they easier to clean using dryer sheets, the static in the sheet repels dust! (can we say two-for-one-score!) Dry erasers work really well on door stains and to remove hard water stains on shower doors. Olive oil, lemon juice and baking soda work miracles on a glass top stove. The right tools help you maximize your cleaning time and energy.
  4. Make a schedule: Separate the task so they are achievable by each party. Your life can’t stop because spring cleaning has come but you can work the cleaning in around your life.
  5. Celebrate: When you are done have some cookies, cake, ice cream- whatever is clever. You did it! (and it really wasn’t that bad!)

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