Lettuce Storage Method

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I recently read this blog post on Blissful and Domestic  about buying your produce for the month then storing it wisely so it will last.  After reading this I decided I needed to get better about storing my produce to make it last longer.

I remembered how I used in the past this lettuce cleaning and storage method I learned about from a book I read a couple of years ago.  The book is called More Hours In My Day by Emilie Barnes and Sheri Torelli.  It is a great book with lots of helpful ideas for anyone who wants to improve their home and family organization.

Okay – on to the lettuce information – to keep your lettuce fresh for a week or longer you will follow this procedure:

  • wash all lettuce
  • dry lettuce on towels – blot with another towel 
  • place lettuce in mesh laundry-lingerie bag 

    Photos of lettuce washed, dried and placed in mesh laundry bag
    Photos of lettuce washed, dried and placed in mesh laundry bag
  • put lettuce in empty washing machine – Yes, your washing machine!
  • Select the spin cycle (mine says drain & spin) – usually this is at the end of the cycle
  • let the drain and spin cycle run its course

    Lettuce in mesh laundry bag placed in washing machine - then run spin cycle to remove all excess water
    Lettuce in mesh laundry bag placed in washing machine – then run spin cycle to remove all excess water
  • remove lettuce and store in large ziploc storage bags or in mason jar
  • place in your refrigerator
Lettuce placed in ziploc bag or mason jar after hand washed and put through spin cycle in washing machine
Lettuce placed in ziploc bag or mason jar after hand washed and put through spin cycle in washing machine

I can keep lettuce fresh for at least 7 to 10 days using this method.  It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to prep everything for this method but then all your lettuce is all clean, fresh and crisp – ready for any salad or sandwich.  I seem to eat a lot more salads in the summer so it is nice to have lettuce that is ready to use.  I usually process a whole bag of 3 romaine hearts and some red or green leaf artisan lettuce so I have a variety available in the refrigerator.  Note:  I have not yet tried this method using the washing machine with iceberg lettuce.  I don’t buy that type of lettuce that frequently.

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Categories: Food Storage

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Organizing DVD’s

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photo of dvd's organized in 3 ring binder
photo of dvd’s organized in 3 ring binder

I am on an organizing mission lately.  I spent most of last weekend organizing all of our DVD’s when I wasn’t keeping up with the normal daily tasks in our home.  I decided I was tired of looking at 2 shelves of movies and workout DVD’s.             See photo below:

2 shelves of DVD's before being organized into binders
2 shelves of DVD’s before being organized into binders

 

After searching for organizing ideas on pinterest I made a plan.

 

 

I went to Target in search of binders and DVD binder inserts but did not find what I needed there.  However I did buy 2 CD holders that each hold 48 CD’s and a smaller one that held 24 and began to organize all our music CD’s that took up a whole entertainment drawer of space.   See photos below of this project:

cd's in entertainment stand draw before organizing
cd’s in entertainment stand draw before organizingCD's organized into 3 zippered cases that used to take up this whole drawerCD’s organized into 3 zippered cases that used to take up this whole drawer 

 

I ended up finding the supplies I needed at Office Depot.  They had a couple varieties of DVD-CD inserts and I decided on this style so I could organize them in 3 ring binders.

clear plastic binder insert pages used to organize dvd's in 3 ring binders
clear plastic binder insert pages used to organize dvd’s in 3 ring binders

So, this is my end result after my project was done:

After view of shelf organized - all dvd's now stored in several 3 ring binders leaving lots of open shelf space
After view of shelf organized – all dvd’s now stored in several 3 ring binders leaving lots of open shelf space

I was able to get 2 shelves, that were 32 inches long, into 3 binders.  The photo of the one binder is of my yoga information in the photo above.  Also, included in the binders were a few other movies we had in our other entertainment center – the one with the CD’s – they are shown in the plastic bin in the photo below.

DVD's to organized from entertainment cabinet
DVD’s to organize from entertainment cabinet

I organized the DVD’s into categories like Family, Holiday, Fitness and made divider tabs for the categories.  I then alphabetized the DVD’s so we can find them easily.  I decided to save the DVD cover inserts so I would know the rating and movie summary but you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.  If you choose to do that option you will have to trim the DVD insert paper to fit into the page protector insert.

Before you begin this project a word of advice – count all of your DVD’s and figure out how many DVD page inserts you need.  They come in a package of 10 and hold 2 to 4 movies per page.  I did not count all of our movies and ended up making a couple of trips to the store.

Supplies needed for project:

  • 1 or 1 1/2 in. 3 ring binders (I needed 3 binders for all of my DVD’s)
  • DVD clear plastic inserts for binders
  • Tab dividers – (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Time – this took me approx. 3 days but I only worked on it for about 1 to 2 hours each day – note:  time did not include trips to store

I am so happy with the way my binders turned out and how much cleaner and neater the shelves look.

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Categories: Organizing

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Organizing Sewing Patterns

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patterns stored in clear plastic container with lid from Office Depot
patterns stored in large envelopes and clear plastic container with lid from Office Depot

Years ago I learned of this pattern storage method from a book I read called Confessions of an Organized Homemaker by Deniece Schofield.  I have been using this method to store my patterns ever since as it is much more efficient than keeping them in the original small envelope.

To Store your patterns you will need:

sewing pattern and blank envelope
sewing pattern and blank envelope
  • 10 x 13 envelopes
  • Scissors
  • Glue or Glue Sticks
  • Bankers Box or Plastic Storage Box

Here is what you do:

  • Remove all pattern pieces and instructions
  • Cut envelope down one side and the bottom so it lays out flat
  • Glue this cut pattern envelope to the front of large 10 x 13 envelope
  • Place all pattern pieces inside large envelope
pattern glued to blank envelope for more efficient storage
pattern glued to blank envelope for more efficient storage

 

Now your pattern pieces fit neatly inside this larger envelope and do not get so squished up and wrinkled.  It is also easier to read the pattern yardage and see the front view without having to flip it around.  The patterns store perfectly inside of bankers boxes or I recently found this plastic storage box at Office Depot that has a lid and stores the patterns perfectly.  The photo above at the top is of the plastic storage box.  I have used the bankers boxes for years as you can tell by the wear on my box – it still has tape marks around it from when we moved 7 years ago and places where labels fell off.

Use Bankers boxes for storing your sewing patterns
Use Bankers boxes for storing your sewing patterns

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Categories: Organizing Sewing

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Workout Planning

Step Aerobics Cat
Step Aerobics Cat

Do you workout?  If so, do you plan your weekly workouts?  Here is my workout planner-schedule that I use to plan my workouts each week:  workout schedule table   If you click on the highlighted text you should be able to view the schedule and print the pdf if you wish to use it.  It is blank and you can fill in your own workouts.   This is my own simple form that I made a couple of years ago and it may or may not work for you.

I do believe if you schedule your workouts at the beginning of each week (I do mine on Sundays) you are more likely to stick with them.  I have been scheduling my workouts regularly for the last four or five years. I have been working out on my own since 2002.  I started with pilates and yoga.  We lived in Georgia then and our public library had a great selection of books and dvd’s on pilates and yoga.  That is how I began my fitness journey.  A couple of years later I began to incorporate cardio, kickboxing and strength training.  I now own quite a large collection of various dvd’s on different types of exercise.

Presently I like to vary my workouts from week to week as to what type of workout I am doing. I make myself a personal goal to workout at least 4 or 5 times per week.  I am most successful at achieving that goal if I get up early – before my kids – and get in a 30 to 45 minute workout.

One of the reasons I like to vary the types of workouts I do is so that I do not get bored of the same activity.  I have read that it is also good to vary your types of activities to confuse the muscles a bit and rev up the metabolism.  For example this week I am doing strength-weight training using my Jari Love Get Ripped dvd’s.  Last week I did yoga all week Monday thru Saturday using my Shiva Rea dvd’s.  Next week I will use my Cathe Friedrich XTrain dvd’s combining cardio and strength.

For me fitness is a daily part of my life.  I know that the 30 to 45 minute workout every morning is going to get me going for the day and give me the energy I need for my daily activities.

Also, it is sometimes helpful to have a workout partner or friend.  I the past I have walked with a neighbor or rode my bike with a friend or two.  These days my cat is my faithful workout friend.  I call him my personal trainer.  He loves my workout step and to do yoga – Savasana is one of his favorite things to do at the end of my yoga workouts.

 

Yoga Cat
Yoga Cat
Exercise Cat
My cat loves the slide & glide discs

 

 

Categories: Exercise

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Honey Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea

Honey Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea

I love to try out new iced tea recipes when the weather gets warmer.  I decided to try this version of the Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile tea.  It is very refreshing and relaxing on a hot day.  Chamomile is commonly used to help with sleep so I enjoy drinking a glass in the evening.  You can find more info on Chamomile at this link.

Here is how I made my iced tea:

  • Place 4 cups water in pot or tea kettle – bring to a boil (I used a pot since I no longer have a tea kettle) 
  • Turn off heat
  • Place 10 tea bags in boiling water 

    Tea bags steeping
    Tea bags steeping
  • Steep 10 to 15 minutes (I like mine stronger so I steeped 15 min.) – remove tea bags
  • Add desired amount of sugar or honey to hot tea mixture and stir to dissolve – I used 2 tablespoons of honey, you could also leave out the sweetener if you prefer
  • Place 3 cups of ice in a 2 quart pitcher
  • Pour hot tea over ice in pitcher
  • Refrigerate and Enjoy
2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten pitcher of tea
2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten pitcher of tea

 

 

 

Categories: Recipes

Chevron Fabric Projects

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I recently came across some mini chevron cotton print fabrics at Hobby Lobby.  They appealed to me because both prints had colors that I love in them.  I bought the fabrics not sure exactly what I would make with them.  Therefore, I always buy at least 3 yards of fabric to ensure I have enough.  I learned this lesson a long time ago from a lady I worked with that told me you need to buy at least 3 yards so you have enough to make a garment.  If I have extra left I usually cut it into 2 1/2 in. or 1 1/2 in. strips for other projects.    I was thinking I would make skirts from both of these fabrics but different styles and then decided one would be a cute top with the right pattern.  Here is what I ended up making:

2013 05 15_2083
Blue & Green Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

Chevron Skirt - Kimberlees Korner
Chevron Skirt – Kimberlees Korner

The pattern I used for the skirt was one I have had for a couple of years, Butterick B4803.  I had made the different versions in the pattern of the long length and decided I wanted a shorter skirt this time so I used the basic view E and measured from my waist to just above my knee to figure the length I would shorten the pattern to.

I love to sew skirts for summer.  They are easy to make for one thing and sometimes a lot cooler and more comfortable than shorts or pants.  This particular pattern has only 2 side seams and and elastic waist and a narrow lower hem.  So easy to make.  I will be making more this style and length.

As I got in my closet the other day and decided to wear the skirt for the second time I discovered this top that I had embroidered a couple of years ago.  The embroidery design matched the skirt colors perfectly – how great is that?  I did alter-upcycle the shirt some though to look more updated with the skirt.  Note:  I will do a future post on my upcycled t-shirt at another time.

Chevron Skirt with Embroidered Top by Kimberlees Korner
Chevron Skirt with Embroidered Top by Kimberlees Korner
Front of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner
Front of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

Back of Chevron Top by Kimberlees Korner

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pattern I used for the top was one from my Bernina My Label software program.  I used the basic tunic pattern, removed the darts, added a cap sleeve, a scoop neckline and decided to place elastic in the center front and back to gather it in some.  I used 1/8 in. wide elastic approximately 7 in. long stretched across 10 in. of the center front and the center back.

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Categories: Sewing

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Books To Help You Learn More About Pinterest

Book Review on Pinfluence and Pinterest Power
Pinfluence and Pinterest Power – Great books to learn more about pinterest

Have you joined Pinterest?  Have you joined but don’t really know how to navigate your way around or see what Pinterest can do for you?  These two books can help you learn the world of Pinterest.

I joined Pinterest almost two years ago after a friend told me about it and how much I would enjoy pinning.  At first I just made a few boards, pinned a few things, and followed some of my friends.  Then, about a year ago I really got into the groove of using Pinterest.  I have started following some really interesting people, gained more followers myself, and found some really great things on there I would have never found without Pinterest.  For example:  blogs I now follow, crochet and knitting ideas and patterns, cleaning tips, garden ideas, photography info, recipes, sewing tutorials and lots of other valuable info.  There is something for everyone on Pinterest.  I consult my boards regularly for information, recipes and helpful tips on how to do things I am interested in learning.

A few months ago I decided I wanted to learn more about the wonderful world of Pinterest and how to use it more effectively.  I bought these two books:  Pinterest Power by Jason Miles and Karen Lacey and Pinfluence by Beth Hayden.  Both of these books are wonderful resources on learning Pinterest, in my opinion.  These books will give you the information you need to create a profile, have great pinterest boards and market your business.  There are lots of other good tips in these two books as well on things like Pinterest contests, email marketing, and connecting with other pinners.  The books are directed more toward marketing a business on Pinterest.  I think those that don’t have a business and just want to learn more about navigating Pinterest would also benefit from reading these two books.  The books have the basic information on creating beautiful boards, understanding pinning, repinning and commenting on pins.

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I am in no way affilated with these books or authors.  I just really love Pinterest, love to read and learn new things and wanted to share this information on my blog.  

 

Categories: Books

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Sewing Pattern Review

Simplicity Pattern 1915 made in mint green broadcloth
Simplicity Pattern 1915 made in mint green broadcloth

 

I recently made this top after acquiring some new patterns from Hobby Lobby.  They were on sale for .99 cents and I couldn’t resist buying a couple of new patterns.  I really do not need any more patterns but it is hard to say no when they are such a bargain.

This pattern was pretty easy and had good instructions.  If you have basic sewing skills and have made a few garment before you should be able to make this.  You will need to know how to gather as the whole neckline is gathered.

The fabric I used to make my top was a lightweight broadcloth in a pretty shade of mint green.  I have plans to make another one in purple and possibly put some embroidery on it.  As you see from the photo of the actual pattern there are other options for making the top look different.   The version I made this one was version E.  I think I will make my next version C with the curved hemline.

Simplicity Pattern 1915
Simplicity Pattern 1915

The top also has an option for tucks at the lower hemline of the sleeves.  The following photo is a close up of the sleeve tucks.

Simplicity Pattern 1915 - close up of sleeve tucks
Simplicity Pattern 1915 – close up of sleeve tucks

I hope you enjoyed the pattern review.  I plan on doing other pattern reviews in the future so make sure you subscribe to my blog via RSS feed or through Bloglovin if you like this post.

 

 

Categories: Sewing

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White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Cookies baked & cooling on rack

I created this cookie recipe after buying some Pinachio cookies from Trader Joes.  They were so good and I decided I could create my own version of them.

This recipe is for a slice and bake cookie.  The recipe makes 2 rolls of dough.  You could easily freeze 1 roll for up to 3 months and just bake 1 roll now.  That way you always have some dough in the freezer when you want fresh cookies.  Just take the dough out and allow to thaw at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, slice and bake.

Here is the recipe for the cookies:

yield:  about 3 1/2 dozen

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios – (I used my food processor to chop them)
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

In large mixing bow, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add gradually to cream mixture.  Fold in pistachios and white chocolate chips.  Shape dough into 2 rolls and wrap each separately in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.  Unwrap dough and slice into 1/4 inch slices.  Place slices approx. 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheet.   Tip: I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy clean up.    Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove to wire rack to cool.

Sliced dough on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

 

 

 

Categories: Baking Recipes

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