Check out how easy it can be to clean those dusty lampshades!
Simple Video
Simple Tip To Stop Wasting Coupons
Admit it – you’ve probably had a “senior moment” and done this before! Forgotten to use a restaurant coupon, when you went to the restaurant specifically to use the coupon! Check out this simple tip to remember next time!
And don’t worry about that “senior moment” – you can blame it on the fantastic company and conversation at dinner!
Simple Halloween Decoration: Ghoulish Candles
What I loved about this project is I used items I had hanging around the house, so there was no expense involved in the project!
There’s just something about the romance of “bleeding” candles really screams Halloween!
What You Need:
- White candle of choice – I used used pillar candles that I was about to get rid of, but you can use brand new candles as well.
- Red candle – Make sure the candle you use is NOT a dripless candle! I used red tea lights I had hanging around (I had a bunch left over from Christmas).
Directions:
Place white candle in or on candle holder of choice. Light the red candle, and very gently drip the hot wax down the sides of the white candle until it looks ghoulish enough to your liking! That is it!
So simple, yet so creepy!
Note/Disclaimer:
- As with any project that involves a flame, keep lit candles in a safe place, away from potential fire hazards.
- Do not leave home with candles lit – you don’t want to come back from trick or treating and find your house in flames!
- Supervise children if they are doing this project. Hot wax and flames can be harmful to children, their clothes, their hair and eyebrows! (Take it from someone who lost an eyebrow as a kid!)
Simple Recipe: The Cocktail Secret
Simple Syrup is the secret ingredient for many cocktail recipes! Since simple is in the name, I, of course, love it! You can also use Simple Syrup when baking cakes to give them extra moisture – just brush the layers of cake with a little simple syrup (imagine adding the flavored syrup for another hint of flavor!). Here is the basic recipe:
Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup water
- 1 Cup sugar
Preparation
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and cook over med-high heat. Stir frequently, ensuring the sugar dissolves – bring to a boil, then quickly remove from heat. Allow to sit until the mixture is cool.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Flavored Variations:
Basil Simple Syrup
Add one cup of washed/dried basil leaves to the sugar water mixture. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour mixture through a sieve to remove basil leaves. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month.
Lemon Basil Simple Syrup
Follow the Basil Simple Syrup recipe, adding the zest of one small lemon.
Mint Simple Syrup
Follow Basil Simple Syrup recipe, replacing basil with mint.
Apple Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Add the peels of three apples, plus three cinnamon sticks to the basic simple syrup recipe above. Bring to boil, remove from heat and allow to cool at least 30 minutes. Strain through sieve and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month. (This one is perfect for Autumn Cocktails like this one – The Clean Slate Cocktail from AboutFood.com!)
Here is one of my favorite martini recipes, Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini (Adapted from TommyBahama.com). The flavor is fresh and light:
Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini
Photo From TommyBahama.com.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ parts Grey Goose Vodka
- ¼ part freshly squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
- ¾ part Basil Simple Syrup
- 2 Fresh Basil Leaves, washed and dried
Preparation
Muddle one basil leaf with simple syrup in a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients. Add ice and shake well. Strain into martini glass and garnish with remaining basil leaf.
Enjoy!
Simple Recipe: Chunky Monkey Bread
This is probably the most simple recipe I have in my repertoire! A multi-generational recipe – My mom taught it to me, and I taught it to my children.
Simple Garden Tip: The Simple (and Eco-Friendly) Way To Kill Weeds
Note: The trick to this tip is to make sure that the water is boiling hot – I first tried this with microwaved water that sat for a minute or so before I started taping. It did not do the trick. I went back and boiled water and took it directly from stove top to weeds. I saw it working the next day – it really killed them within 2 days. Then just pull the dead weeds out and they should not grow back! It also kills the seeds that get down in the cracks.
A big thank you to our lawn guy, Mike!
Simple Kitchen Tip: How To Prep Lettuce The Easy Way
If you ever have to work with iceberg lettuce, you will be amazed at how simple this kitchen tip is! You’ll never prep lettuce the same way again!
Simple Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
This was my first time to make mashed cauliflower, and from what I gather, I was pretty lucky to find one that had the consistency of real mashed potatoes! This recipe makes wonderfully thick and creamy mashed cauliflower – so similar to mashed potatoes because they are the perfect consistency!
Ingredients:
- 1 Medium Cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder plus 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Preparation:
Bring a pot of water to a boil – once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and cook for 10 minutes (until you can poke a fork into the cauliflower easily).
Drain the cauliflower.
Place the cooked cauliflower into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients. Cover and blend/process until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps.
Turn out into serving dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if you like!
I slightly adapted this recipe from one I found on TheTaylor-House.com – be sure to check them out! Great recipes, craft ideas, travel ideas and more!
Simple Kitchen Tip: What The Heck Is A Chiffonade?
Simple Kitchen Tip To Keep Veggie Trays Fresh!
When I have a party, I like to prepare some elements ahead of time to save myself time the day of the event! Try this simple tip to keep those veggie trays you prepare the day before fresh!