5 Ideas for Cleaning with Vinegar

Posted on July 31, 2009 by Lauren

fiveforfridayVinegar, it turns out is a very versatile household item. There are of course different types of vinegar, many used in cooking, but here the focus will be on other tried and true uses I’ve found for vinegar. A gallon of white vinegar is now a staple in my cleaning supply cabinet.

1. Clean your microwave with vinegar. I’m not going to tell you how often to do this, just how I’ve done it in the past. Wipe all the crumbs out of your microwave first, then heat 3/4 cup white vinegar to boiing. Trun off microwave at that point, but keep door closed. Let vinegar stand for 3-5 minutes, then wipe clean. Repeat for stubborn stuck on spots.

2. Clean windows with vinegar and water for a streak-free shine. To be really frugal, I have heard you can then wipe this with newspaper, but I prefer papertowels. This same solution can be used to clean bathroom mirrors as well.

3. Spot clean your tile floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle, then spray dried food, or other larger dirty spots on your tiles. Leave it set there for a couple minutes before you wipe it clean. This works as an excellent pre-treatment before mopping to take care of all the trouble spots ahead of time.

4. Remove hard water stains from the inside of vases, jars, glasses. Fill the container with a warm water and vinegar combination and let soak overnight. In the morning you may have to wipe it some, but then handwash it clean.

5. Clean and polish stainless steel or chrome fixtures using a cloth dampened with vinegar. I keep my spray bottle of vinegar and water close by to spry as needed, but I find if I stay on top of my cleaning a quick spray and wipe is all I need to get the bathroom and kitchen fixtures clean.

So, add a gallon of white vinegar to your shopping list, and invest in a good spray bottle. Then go to work on your household glass, mirrors, countertops, fixtures, tile floors and shower doors. Not only will you be saving time and money by using one product, but vinegar also eliminates the need for many chemical cleaners, thus it is good for our kids and the environment in general.

Posted in 5 for Friday, Money Savers | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

7 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Lauren

TastyTuesday When trying to eat healthier, like anything else in life, the best place to start is at the beginning. The first meal of the day is also the most important because without it our bodies aren’t fueled and ready for what the day may bring. Start your family out right each and every morning with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is the most important, yet can also be the healthiest meal without a lot of hassle or time. Enjoy the variety that the options below, and it will definitely never be boring.

1. Bagels – Low-fat cream cheese or your favorite natural fruit spread make bagels a quick breakfast when you’re pressed for time. They are easily transportable as a sandwich, if necessary, but beware eating them in the car might be a little messy depending on the fillings you choose. Make an egg and cheese sandwich for some added protein.

2. Smoothies – These are good any morning but particularly on a hot day. You’ll have to blend the ingredients together in the morning, but the prep work can be done at night. Cube your fruit and place it into a container. Instead of frozen yogurt in the morning, use a cup of plain yogurt. Add ice cubes, a little water and blend. You can even add some of your favorite vegetables to help get in the recommended 5 servings per day.

3. Non-Fat Yogurt – With fruit or without fruit, yogurt is a great addition to just about any breakfast. It’s full of calcium and fat free yogurt can actually work as a substitute for higher fat content foods such as mayo and cream cheese. Add some low-fat granola or whole berries to added texture and nutrition.

4. Fresh Fruit – Mix it up as a salad. Cut it up in your cereal, or eat your favorite kind by itself. Fruit is great no matter how you eat it. For those who like cottage cheese, mixing it with your favorite fruit is a great breakfast option that doesn’t take forever to prepare.

5. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Toast – Peanut butter is a great source of protein and the whole wheat is a healthier option than white toast. Most kids love peanut butter and will jump at the chance to eat it for breakfast instead of with jelly for lunch. Why not add some fruit spread and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast?

6. Omelets or Scrambled Eggs – Eggs are a great source of protein and mixing them with your favorite veggies or peppers give them a boost compared to just eating them plain or worse, frying them. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese for added appeal to little ones. Wrap them in a flour tortilla as a make and take breakfast burrito.

7. Muffins – Muffins are great because they can be made ahead of time saving lots of hectic mornings from being even more rushed. Mix fruits or vegetables in the batter and you will not only receive the grain from the muffin but your fruit and veggies too.

Even if you, or your other family members, are prone to grab a high calorie snack or fast food style lunch, you’ll be one step ahead by eating a healthy breakfast. Just remember, skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Instead of omitting breakfast or filling up on sugary foods each morning, try some of these ideas for a healthy breakfast menu in your household each and every day of the week.

Posted in Breakfast Recipes, Healthier You, Retreat Cookbook | Tagged | Leave a comment

5 Ideas for Healthy Grilling

Posted on July 24, 2009 by Lauren

fiveforfridayGrilling food is actually better for you than one would think. The type of grill you have is not important so much, as it is the grilling process that helps make the grilled food healthier. Here are some ways to make your next grilling adventure a healthy one for you, and your family.

1. Start with your cuts of meat. Cut off the excess fat when working with chicken. If you aren’t the type who likes to mess with chicken parts, buy them already skinned and boneless. With steaks, cut away the outer fat but don’t worry about the marbled effect within the meat. Do the same for pork. A butcher can guide you to the right cuts of meat for grilling if you ask them.

2. Steam your vegetables on the grill. You are cooking the meat on there, why not the rest of the meal? Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray and then wrap your sliced vegetables in it. The heat from the grill will create convection current inside the foil. Make sure that you tent the foil so that the air can move among the vegetables.

3. Fish is a healthy alternative to other meats. Fattier fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is tasty and tender when cooked on the grill. Fillets of fish crumble up easy so put them in foil just like the vegetables to keep them together during grilling. Fish steaks are better for direct grill cooking than fillets. They are thick but will cook quicker than other meats so don’t turn your back on them.

4. Spice it up! Instead of using salt on grilled foods, experiment with other seasonings. The process sears the outside and the seasonings that you have applied. Combined with the succulent juices that will be released once the meat is cut, these seasonings will add flavor to your meal.

5. Grilled fruit is a healthy dessert option. Pineapple, apples, or bananas are all made even sweeter as their natural sugars are brought out when warmed on the grill. Top with vanilla yogurt or icecream for a sweet, creamy yet healthy treat.

To grill healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or your favorite meats. The fat that is in the meat will all drip away as it cooks leaving you with a tender and heart-friendly main course. Your veggies steamed right on the grill will be a healthy addition, with grilled fruit to cap it off

Posted in 5 for Friday, Grilling & BBQ, Retreat Cookbook | Tagged , | Leave a comment