Handy Homemaker Tips & Tricks IV

Here are 10 more easy {and budget friendly} tips and tricks for all you homemakers out there! 

1. The next time you have green onions, don't throw away the white ends. Simply submerge them in a glass of water and place them in a sunny window. Your onions will begin to grow almost immediately and can be harvested almost indefinitely.

{Note: I have kept my green onions alive and growing for over 2 months using this trick! It is amazing!} 

2. Working with 6 tortillas at a time, wrap in a barely damp cloth or paper towel and microwave on High until steamed, about 30 seconds. Lay the tortillas on a clean work surface and coat both sides with cooking spray. Then carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Bake at 375°F until crispy, 7 to 10 minutes.

3. The secret to cutting  burlap in a straight line {here}

4. Rub facet with waxed paper and water will not leave a mark.

5. Clean stove, oven, pans, stainless steel appliances, refrigerator door, etc. with baking soda & peroxide cleaner:  Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda in a bowl. Add enough peroxide to make a paste. Rub on with fingers or sponge. 

6. How to clean baseboards {click here} 

7. Homemade Sugar Scrub {recipe}

8. Remove scratch marks from dishes {click here}

9. How to tint mason jars {tutorial}

10. How to ice-proof your windows. Fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water and spray on your car windows at night. In the morning, they should be clear of the icy mess.  How does it work? Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water – preventing water from freezing. What to do if you wake up to an already frozen car? Just spray the mixture on your window and watch it melt.

Previous tips & tricks posts:
Handy Homemaker Tips & Tricks 
Handy Homemaker Tips & Tricks II
Handy Homemaker Tips & Tricks III

Happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, FRIENDS!

Matt and I celebrated our first married Valentine's Day over the weekend! It was absolutely lovely!

 

Since Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to eat as much sugar as you want, we started out early with Cake Batter Pancakes & Sprinkle Glaze {recipe} for breakfast. 

 Breakfast was obviously a huuuuge hit! To continue the sugar rush, I baked up some Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies {recipe}...

Later, we took a trip to Nordy's where Matt let me pick out a pair of shoes...

Being disappointed with the new TOMS Ballet flats, I chose a classic pair of GRAY TOMS! I have been wanting these forever.

We also picked up a fresh baked cannoli at K9 Cafe, a conversation heart pillow from PetSmart, and Crate & Barrel Dog Biscuit Mix for Charlie's Valentine treat...

 He was ridiculously excited!

For the second year in a row, we dined at one of our favorite restaurants, Cajun Queen, for Valentine's Day. It was delicious!

I wish you all a happy and lovely Valentine's Day!

Fiesta Breakfast Casserole

What could be better than a deep dish of creamy hash brown potatoes loaded with cheese? One bite and you will fall in love with this tasty, colorful casserole! 

Serve this when you're looking to spice up your traditional breakfast casserole. 

 You Will Need:

{8} large eggs or {10} egg whites

{8} oz frozen hash brown potatoes

{1} cup sliced peppers {I used a frozen mixture}

{1} clove minced garlic

{1} tsp cumin

{2} tsp kosher salt or {1/2} tsp regular salt

{1} tsp red pepper

{1} tsp black pepper

{1} cup cheddar cheese

 In an 8x8 glass buttered dish layer potatoes then the peppers.

 Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add salt, both peppers, cumin and garlic.

 Pour over the potatoes and peppers.

Sprinkle cheddar on top. 

{Note: At this point, you can cover with your casserole with saran wrap and put in the refrigerator to bake the next morning, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.}

Bake at 375 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes until cooked through.

ENJOY!