DIY: Goo Gone

I’ve been on a DIY kick as of late and today I decided to attempt a non-toxic Goo Gone.  I love the original for its effectiveness; however, the harsh smell typically left me with a headache.  This version may require a little bit more scrubbing, but gets the job done in the end – naturally.

Cooktop Scraper

Things happen in strange ways sometimes.  Just last week my BFF was over for our weekly dinner and somehow we got on the topic of cleaning our ceramic cooktops (random, I know).  He was completely surprised that I use a cooktop scraper to get rid of caked on food; dubious that it was even appropriate to use and insisting the cooktop cream cleaner was the way to go. 

Then I was perusing Quora the other day and stumbled across a thread regarding the best way to clean a ceramic cooktop.  Since the cooktop scraper hadn’t been referenced as a solution, it left me thinking that not everyone has been privy to the benefits of the cooktop scraper.  I had assumed everyone knew, as my unit came equipped with one.  Alas, such is not the case and since I so heavily rely on my little scraper I just had to share this post!  

Happily they are not expensive and are available for under $10 at Future Shop or Home Depot.  Rona sells a kit that includes the cream cleaner, a sponge and the cooktop scraper for just over $10.

The cream is nice and certainly does a great job; however, I must admit that I seldom use it.  Most spills I'm able to catch before it cakes on using a regular cleaning cloth and soap, but once it gets baked in I always reach for my cooktop scraper.  It’s easy.  It’s safe.  It won’t scratch your surface.  What more can you ask for?!

Happy organizing!

Tidy Tips: Shelf Liners

Shelf liners are a relatively inexpensive and effective solution to protecting cupboard shelves, and drawers for that matter!  Once installed, they will help your dishes breathe, preventing mold and the clean-up is really easy.  This tip is particularly handy if the shelves have been painted, the shelf liner will protect your glassware and dishes from sticking to the paint.

There are a few options out there, but I have been loyal to the Ikea Rationell Variera for quite some time.

 

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After struggling to try and straighten the plastic roll, I finally figured out to toss them in the dryer for a few minutes.  Super easy fix that makes the laying process so much more enjoyable and efficient!

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Happy organizing!

Laundry Necessity - Rowenta Iron

It's amazing how much more efficient, not to mention enjoyable, a task can be when you use the appropriate tool! 

Earlier this year, I purchased a new iron.  Probably not the most exciting purchase to most, but I had taken some sewing lessons and learned that ironing is a key component of any well-made sewing project.  Seeing how a good iron could easily create well pressed seams with a hit of the "steam" button, well, I was sold.  And I was quickly on the hunt for a replacement of my decade old Proctor Silex. 

Having road tested a Rowenta at my Sew Basics I sewing lesson, provided by the lovely Emmeline of Emmeline & Annabelle, I was pretty convinced that I was getting myself a Rowenta.  I was happily surprised to see that Rowenta irons are readily available through Best Buy, Future Shop, and Sears; however, since each retailer carried a slightly different selection, I perused the Rowenta site to better understand their models. 

Having spent a whopping $24.99 on my Proctor Silex (which, at the time, I thought was a decent amount), I was a little shocked to see most of their units selling for over $100.  Following a review of each model's specifications, I ultimately decided on the Rowenta Focus II.  My selection is based on a few criteria, including:

1.    PRICE - Had to be somewhat reasonably priced.  Now you may be saying that $100 for an iron is steep, and I wouldn't have disagreed with you at the time (nor did my significant other, for that  matter!).  But I took the plunge and I haven't regretted my decision once.

2.      STEAM - Had to have a steam button.  Even if you have no intention of sewing, the steam button is an amazing feature for creating the perfect crease and for effortlessly removing wrinkles (without having to go over, and over, and over the same spot!).

3.    SELF CLEAN - Had to include a self-cleaning feature.  I am so in love with my iron, that I actually follow the recommended bi-weekly cleaning.  The fact that it is easy and quick to complete probably helps!

4.     AUTO OFF - This feature is quite practical if you like to sew.  This unit turns off and on automatically simply by moving the iron.  It heats up super quick and provides peace of mind, knowing that it will auto shut off if  I step away.  

From day one, I have loved using this iron, which totally took me by surprise.  Any doubt related to spending $100 completely disappeared after the first use.  Just the weight of the unit had me sold.  My previous iron was extremely light and cannot compete with the high heat settings the Rowenta offers.  The Precision Chrome Tip is designed to glide easily and perfectly fit to iron narrow edges, seams and collars. 

An iron is a basic laundry necessity, but having a really well-made version just makes the whole process that much more efficient and enjoyable.

Happy organizing!

Lavender Sachets

With spring in full swing and summer rapidly approaching I finally got around to switching my winter wardrobe for my summer one.  As I was packing my sweaters away, I was about to add my usual cedar balls to help fend off those pesky moths, when I recalled recently learning that dried lavender is another all natural way to protect your clothing.  Since I already make my own lavender sachets for my lingerie drawer, I just needed to toss one of those sachets in with my stored goods and I will have fresh smelling and hole free clothing come the fall!

Happy organizing!

What the Heck is "Mise En Place"? Efficient Techniques for the Kitchen

One of the first things we learned in cooking school was “mise en place" - literal translation means "putting things in their place".   The concept being that you have everything "in its place" prior to actually starting to cook.  

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If you have ever noticed on cooking shows, they always have their ingredients, cooking tools and pans at the ready.  This approach will definitely help limit stressful situations in the kitchen.  Cooking is a skill best approached with some preparation.  A little preparation goes a long way to keeping everything orderly and calm.

Before I begin cooking, I always start with reviewing the entire recipe.  Seems obvious, but I have had my share of "oh no - I had to add that after?!".    By reading the instructions from beginning to end, I start out understanding the whole picture which then allows me to focus on the details.  This is a concept I will come back to time and again.  It is no different than applying your make-up; you need to have an idea of the look you want to create before you can select the appropriate foundation, eye shadow, lip colour, etc. 

Similarly, in preparing a recipe, I want to understand: 

1.       What will the final product be?

2.       What ingredients are required?

3.       What tools are required?

4.       What steps are involved?

5.       How long will it take me?

For example, if I am making a loaf of French bread, then I need to be sure I have flour, yeast (that has not expired) and salt on hand.  I will also need my stand mixer with the hook attachment (not required, but helps expedite the process).

    

Once I have confirmed I have all the required ingredients and tools, now I need to focus on the steps I need to follow for each of these ingredients.  This allows me to gauge whether I have enough time to dedicate to the recipe.

 

Since bread requires a couple of hours to double proof, by having read the recipe in advance, I can set out a game plan:  start the dough in the morning, allow it to rise while I am out getting groceries and then let it rise again while I am doing laundry.  Or it allows me to decide to make it another time!  Having read the recipe ahead of time I can confirm that I have all required ingredients (or make substitutions if required), validate whether I have sufficient time to commit to the recipe (especially if the recipe is time sensitive in nature) and ensure I have the appropriate tools to get the job done.  If I need to allow the butter to come to room temperature, I do not want to find this out when I am in the throes of making the cake.

If you are anything like me, you may get your desire to cook on the spur of the moment and there is nothing that deflates an urge like a roadblock.

Key steps for mise en place:

1.       Read through the entire recipe - ingredients, steps and tools.

2.       Preheat oven (if applicable).

3.       Prepare ingredients.  This means clean and cut any vegetables and herbs, measure out liquids and dry ingredients, bring any meat or dairy to room temperature, etc.

4.       Organize all equipment and tools required for the recipe.

Key tools for mise en place:

Prep Bowls - I was gifted this set at Christmas and I absolutely love them!  In two short months, I have already lost count of the number of times and uses I have relied on this set from Williams-Sonoma.

CuttingBoard - A good cutting board is typically not inexpensive, but if you take good care of your board it will definitely be worth the investment.  I'm going on 10 years with mine and still appreciate the craftsmanship of the piece.  I gifted this Angus Carving Board from Williams-Sonoma to my meat loving father.

  

Chef's & Pairing Knives - these are two of my essentials in the kitchen and are heavily relied on during mise en place.  Knives are such a personal thing - no one can really say what knife will be best for you.  A trip to a few stores to check out the selection and get a feel for which sits best in your hand is highly recommended.  My one guidance is to purchase a knife with a full tang - meaning that the metal is one continuous piece running the entire length of the handle.  Keep in mind that feel is more important than cost in this case.

MeasuringCups & Spoons - Still love my Cuisipro set after 8+ years :)

 Peeler - been using one similar to this since I graduated from cooking school!

 Happy organizing!

Slim Velvety Hangers

I've had my eye on these hangers for quite some time (years to be exact), but since I had just spent time and money introducing wooden hangers to my wardrobe, I was a little hesitant to invest more money in hangers.  They are only hangers after all.  At least, that is what I thought until I stumbled across a set of slim hangers at Costco a couple of weeks ago and finally took the plunge.  At $16 for a set of 50 hangers, they are the least expensive set I have found and seemed reasonable enough for me to re-haul my hanger stash.

Now I still had a mix of wooden and the classic white plastic hangers.  The latter are not exactly the prettiest, I know; however, they certainly took up significantly less room than their wooden counterparts and at a fraction of the cost.  So I reserved those for shirts, hoodies and the like, while dedicating the wooden ones for my suits, dresses and coats. 

Since introducing the slim velvety hangers, I have still kept some of my wooden versions for all of our coats as I feel that, particularly for winter gear, they offer better support than either the plastic or velvet versions.  The slim velvety one’s own up to their claim of anti-slip; however, that also means that getting your gear onto the hangers can prove a little more challenging with the stick factor (the plastic just glided right over the fabric)!  Although, once on the hanger it isn't going anywhere - definite bonus for any slippery fabric and spaghetti strap dresses.

The only thing that I am not sold on with these is using them for my suits.  I find they hang a little strangely and pull across the shoulders, so I may switch back to my wooden ones for that task.  Time shall tell!

Happy organizing!