Oct 4, 2022 | House Hold Tips
If you have ever hosted an event, in all likelihood, you had a lot of leftover food. That’s because the mantra have too much rather than too little for a party is ingrained in most of us. However, that leaves us with a quandary – what to do with all the leftovers? Throwing it away seems like one of the only options you have. You know the majority of it will get old and turn bad, so why wait? However, that is not entirely true. Leftovers can come in very handy. So, let’s take a look at some ways you can use those leftovers:
Tomorrow’s Lunch
Using them the next day is a pretty straightforward thing to do. Put in the fridge what you can see yourself eating the next day. It saves you a lot of effort when you will probably be feeling pretty tired after hosting an event. Instead of lunch, perhaps they will make a great evening snack. Sandwiches or rolls are pretty good examples of using something as it is the next day with minimal effort.
Use your Freezer
Chucking things in the freezer is a great option for those items you cannot see yourself eating any time soon. You can cut things up ion to portions sizes to make defrosting a little easier too. Things like curries or casseroles are good examples of this. The next time you are too busy to make a decent meal, you can pull one of these out of the freezer and heat it up.
Reinvention
This is perhaps the best way to use your leftovers. It gets you thinking creatively and allows you to make brand new meals you may never have considered before. Who knows, you may be able to add a new recipe to your recipe collection. A turkey shepherds pie, for example, allows you to reuse all those turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving. If you have a lot of vegetable leftovers on a vegetable tray, treat them as individual items for a recipe rather than a lot of unused food. Fruit left over could be used to create a great fruit salad. Get your creative lenses out and start looking at the leftovers in terms of what could be. This is a lot more fun than throwing it all away. It may also save you a lot of money too.
Swap Ingredients
How about joining a food group and swapping items left over with someone else? This may sound like a wild idea, but it is a notion that is gaining in popularity. If you host a lot of events, then this could well be a great idea for you.
Be More Sparing
Obviously, prevention is better than cure. So, you could always learn from your mistakes and make less food in the first place. Ensure you know exactly who’s coming and try and work out how many pieces of food each person will have. That way, you will be catering in a more precise way and ensuring as little food goes to waste as possible.
Sep 25, 2022 | House Hold Tips, Parenting Tips
Having a baby is very exciting but can be nerve-racking at the same time. If it’s your first baby, you won’t have gone through the physical changes that having a baby brings where you will have very happy moments but may feel down at others.
If you are worried about giving birth, you are not alone! Many people give birth on a daily and hourly basis and have no problems at all (If you do have any issues you can contact a company like www.childbirthinjuries.com to help, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to this) Giving birth is a big deal which is why it’s important you prepare yourself as much as possible before the time comes.
To help you with preparing, here are our top tips before you give birth.
Make and freeze meals
On the days leading up to giving birth and the days after giving birth, you are not going to want to cook much food at all. Instead of having to add this unnecessary stress, prepare a range of meals well in advance and freeze them. This way you can get them out and defrost them in the microwave when you get hungry. This can help you eat more healthily instead of turning to fast food but also saves you the effort of having to cook for yourself when you get home.
Make a care basket
When the baby arrives you’ll want to have as many things nearby as possible and this is when a care basket comes in. Fresh bottles, nappies, baby wipes, Sudocrem, you’ll want to have it all prepared and ready so that you aren’t searching for it all when the baby arrives. Have multiple care baskets set up so that you can have one with you at all times. Have one at your, one at your parents and one at your grandparents, this way it doesn’t matter where you are, you have baby essentials ready and waiting.
Do the laundry
It sounds silly, but having the laundry done and dusted before you go will be a very positive thing. It means that not only is your home tidier but it’s one less thing to think about when you get back. All baby clothes should be washed before being used, so doing the laundry is the perfect excuse to wash them at the same time. Remember to use non-bio as this is less harsh on your little one’s skin. To save time, you can still use the tumble dryer to dry the clothes. It may also be worth investing in a new clothes rack as you’ll have plenty more clothes to dry when the baby arrives – you’ll soon be teaching your children to do their own laundry to help them grow up into respectable adults.
What are your top tips before giving birth? Are there any tips that we have missed that you think should be included? Is there anything you would like to share that will benefit our readers? Let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you.
Aug 7, 2022 | House Hold Tips
With the cold winter months soon to be appearing and utility bills rising to never-before-seen levels that many will not be able to manage, there has never been a better time to find the cheapest ways to stay warm. Fortunately this guide contains a range of effective tips and ideas that you can make the most of to stay warm this winter without having to spend a small fortune in the process, so if you’re ready to discover more, then simply read on!
Cook Up A Hearty, Warming Meal
One of the best ways to stay warm this winter without having to spend lots of money on heating is by cooking up a hearty, comforting meal that can warm you from the inside out. A great recipe that you can try would be something like a Dutch oven beef stew or even a chicken casserole, as a hot broth based dish that boasts lots of filling and sustaining foods like meat and potatoes will help you to feel cosy and comfortable no matter how cold it may be outdoors. Whether you choose to indulge some hot soup that you can keep in a thermos to stay warm, or even simply prepare yourself a piping bowl of porridge that can give you some energy for the cold day ahead, just be sure that you can fill up on healthy, hearty foods that can make you feel toasty both inside and out. It can even be beneficial to eat spicy foods rather than those which are just physically hot, as spice can certainly help to get your blood pumping and increase your body temperature! Making the mistake of eating a salad or having a bowl of ice cream would certainly ruin your day during the winter, as you’ll feel even more icy cold than you did before.
Stock Up On Blankets, Rugs & More
Stocking up on cosy soft furnishings should be your next focus, as being able to wrap yourself up in a super thick blanket will certainly help to protect you against the cold without having to spend any extra cash. You can add plush rugs to hard floor areas such as wood or tiles, as putting your bare foot on tiles or wood during the depths of winter can feel almost like stepping onto a big block of ice! Add some furry pillows to your sofa and swap out your summer duvet for a thicker winter alternative. Having lots of thick pyjamas and loungewear can also be of benefit, as you won’t feel the need to switch on your heating when you can wrap up in a long sleeve shirt, a jumper and some comfy sweatpants. The more cosy soft furnishings and accessories that you can have at home, the warmer you’re going to feel (for free!).
Staying warm this winter without having to spend a small fortune in the process has never been such a simple task when you can take the time to utilize some of the brilliant tips and ideas that have been carefully detailed in this guide.
Jul 20, 2022 | Dinner, House Hold Tips
Dating can be challenging. But, it can also be a lot of fun. So, if you’re looking to take the stress out of your date night and impress your significant other, why not cook them a delicious dinner at home? This blog post will provide you with a simple guide on how to plan the perfect date night dinner. We’ll give you tips on everything from menu planning to table setting. So, whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this post is for you!
Menu Planning.
Regarding menu planning, think about what your significant other likes. For example, if they’re a fan of Italian food, why not make them a homemade pizza? Or, if they’re more of a steak and potatoes person, whip up some surf and turf. There are endless possibilities for date night dinners, so get creative!
Ask them if you’re unsure what your partner likes to eat! This is a great way to get to know them better and discover their favorite foods, and don’t forget something sweet like this pain au chocolat. Plus, it’ll allow you to bond over something you both enjoy.
Create a Playlist.
No date night is complete without a great playlist. Whether you’re cooking dinner or enjoying a glass of wine, setting the mood with music is a must. So, create a playlist that your significant other will love. Choose songs that have meaning to the two of you or songs that make you both happy.
If you’re unsure where to start, look at your partner’s favorite band or artist. This should give you an idea of the type of music they like. Or, if all else fails, ask them! They’ll be more than happy to help you out. Then, crank up the volume once you’ve sorted your playlist and let the good times roll!
Set the Scene.
Now that you’ve sorted the music, it’s time to set the scene. If you want to impress your partner, put some effort into making your home look excellent. Light some candles, dim the lights and make sure everything is clean and tidy. You might even want to put out a vase of flowers or a box of chocolates. Whatever you do, make sure it looks like you’ve gone above and beyond to create a romantic setting.
After you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time to get creative! If you have any special mementos from your relationship, now is the time to bring them out. Put them on display for your partner to see. This could be anything from photos to concert tickets. Whatever it is, they’re sure to appreciate the gesture.
Enjoy Your Dinner.
Now that you’ve taken care of the menu, music, and setting, it’s time to enjoy your dinner! Sit down with your partner and savor every moment. This is your chance to relax and connect. So, make the most of it!
During dinner, be sure to keep the conversation flowing. Ask your partner about their day or tell them about something on your mind. If there’s something you’re dying to know about them, now is the time to ask. This is also an immaculate opportunity to discuss any plans or goals you have for the future. Just remember to stay present at the moment and enjoy each other’s company.
Following these simple tips will help you plan the perfect date night dinner. So, get out there and impress your significant other! They’re sure to appreciate the effort you’ve put in. And, who knows? This might be the beginning of a new tradition.
Jul 6, 2022 | House Hold Tips
Emergency warnings for storms (and other forms of severe weather) are usually issued three days before the storm’s arrival. However, things can change quickly. This means that you should begin to take action right away following a warning so that you’re able to keep yourself and those around you safe.
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- Carry out any necessary maintenance. Whether you’ll be taking shelter in your home or elsewhere, there are certain steps you need to take ahead of time to protect your property from storms. Ideally, you should try to carry out any essential home maintenance tasks beforehand, especially if failing to carry them out could make your home more vulnerable to damage. For example, you could clean out your gutters to reduce the chances of them overflowing or flooding.
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- Follow all government guidelines. Staying safe during severe weather conditions can often come down to following advice and guidelines laid out by authorities. For example, if you have been advised to avoid traveling, stay at home unless departing is absolutely pivotal. In situations where you have been given an advanced storm warning and want to take care of relatives when the storm hits, travel to them (or bring them to your home) as far in advance as possible. You should also use this as an opportunity to teach children some general safety rules
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- Have some emergency supplies to hand. During storms, you’ll be unable to pop to the grocery store and may be without energy and electricity for long periods of time. As a result, you should reach out to a long term food storage supplier ahead of time, so that you can store non-perishable goods in your home. For example, if you were to purchase products from Valley Food Storage, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have access to nutrient-rich, tasty food, even in an emergency scenario. Even better, when stored appropriately, these goods have a 25-year shelf life, meaning a purchase now can come in handy for years to come.
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- Brush up on some basic first aid. Brushing up on the basic first aid skills that everyone should learn is another excellent way to keep yourself, your family, and those around you safe during the wake of a storm. For example, once the storm has passed, many people may require medical attention, resulting in long waiting times at health centers. Being able to support people by carrying out basic first aid reduces the strain on these services.
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- Have a ‘grab bag’ ready. During adverse weather conditions, you should also be prepared to evacuate quickly if advised. This means you should put together a ‘grab bag’, containing items such as passports, IDs, insurance documents, medication and prescriptions, and phone chargers. You should also pack some spare clothes, a blanket and a few bottles of water. Overall, it’s better to pack light (only the essentials), even if it may be tempting to bring a lot of your belongings with you.
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- Be prepared for power outages. As mentioned above, power outages occur frequently during severe weather conditions. This is because electricity lines can be damaged by debris, such as falling trees, etc. As such, you should ensure that you are prepared for such power outages. Pull together a supply of matches, candles, and torches that you can use during this time. You should also invest in a portable charger so that you can continue to communicate with others, follow the news, or keep an eye out for government updates and guidance. You should also ensure you have purchased some spare batteries if you are using battery-powered devices, such as torches, during this time as they can quickly run out if you are using them constantly.
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- Try to stay calm. Managing your stress levels is another great way to ensure you stay safe during this time. This is because when stressed or frightened, you may be less likely to make rational decisions, which could put yourself or others in harm’s way. For example, if you notice that your property is damaged mid-storm, you may be tempted to go out and rectify the issue if you are panicking about further damage. However, it’s far better (and safer) to wait until the storm has passed to deal with this task – and being calm and logical will help you recognise this. Furthemore, when you remain calm and collected, you encourage the rest of your family to follow suit. This is particularly important if you’re seeking shelter with younger children, who may be frightened and looking to you for support.
Jun 20, 2022 | House Hold Tips
Our homes are the place we feel safe, but they can also hide a lot of hazards that can cause us to trip and fall, causing injury. There are a lot of simple things that you can do to make your home safer for people of all ages.
Think about the people in your home
Do you have small children at home, or elderly relatives? Or is it just you? You need to assess the potential trip hazards from their perspective. For example, an older adult may not have excellent vision, and not be able to see things on the floor that are easily identifiable to others. Having small kids in the house is a recipe for finding new things to trip over every five minutes as they leave toys and clothes scattered around the place. Elderly or vulnerable adults might benefit from a fall alarm from a company such as Val-U-Care which specialize in this type of alarm installation.
Fix your flooring
Loose carpets, curled-up rug edges, and ill-fitting lino are all potential ways to get injured in the home. All flooring should be fitted well and not have any damage or raised areas that you can catch with your foot. If necessary, get them replaced.
Use barrier mats
It’s very common to have wooden, laminate, and vinyl flooring in certain areas of the house, especially if they are in areas of heavy foot traffic or are likely to get dirty such as entranceways, hallways, and kitchens. While these types of floors are easier to clean, they can also become very slippery if any liquids get spilled on it is brought in on shoes from outside.
You can avoid this by putting mats down in entranceways and hallways to soak up any liquids before people slip on them. Make sure that they have a non-slip backing or pad as well so that they themselves don’t become a slip hazard. Clear up any liquids on the floor as soon as you notice them.
Remove clutter
Try and live in a clutter-free home if you can. Clear hallways and walkways of any unnecessary furniture or items that could be stored somewhere else.
Secure cables
It seems that everything has a charger or needs to be plugged in these days. That means there are a lot of cables snaking around your home. Make sure that all electrical leads are secured to walls or furniture and never have them across doorways or other areas where people walk.
Clear up
It’s not uncommon for someone to trip or fall on a discarded toy or item that has been left lying around. It could take years for your kids to grow out of this so you’re going to have to get into the habit of picking things up when you notice them so that they aren’t there for an unsuspecting relative to fall over.
Key points
Falling in the home can cause serious injury, or worse. While it’s not possible to prevent every fall, you can reduce the chances of it happening considerably.
