Household

Easy Single Bloom Orchid Arrangements

May 6, 2011
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When I lived at the Four Seasons Hotel apartments, I only saw the florist once in 4 years. There are impressive arrangements all over the hotel. I would wake up in the morning and, voila, the vases would be full of different flowers in gorgeous arrangements I wouldn’t even suggest that you try at home. Being back in the hotel has been a treat. I find myself paying attention to details, like the flowers, that [...]

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Ecostore USA Auto Dishwash Powder Review and $25 Gift Card Giveaway

December 8, 2009
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I‘ve had trouble finding a good all around eco-friendly dishwasher detergent.  Some that I’ve tried tend to leave spots on my wine glasses, which are almost always in each load, or food residue on plates.  To be honest,  I was nervous to try Ecostore USA Auto Dishwash Powder and Rinse Aid because I’m a pretty loyal patron of their products.  I didn’t want to not love them, especially because I received both complimentary.  But I wanted to try something new, especially [...]

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DIY Christmas Tree Preservatives – Use What’s Already In Your Pantry

December 4, 2009
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We’re off to the tree lot this afternoon. I had a spectacular tree last year but it dried out quickly (ok, I did forget to put water in it once) so I went online to see what I could add to it as a preservative, other than the little bottle of premixed stuff for sale at the tree lot. There are quite a few interesting suggestions that I’ve never heard of. Whatever you do, definitely [...]

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Thanksgiving 101: The Safest Way to Thaw A Frozen Turkey

November 12, 2009
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According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, there are proper ways to thaw a frozen turkey without exposing you or your guests to unnecessary bacteria.  They suggest 3 methods:  in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Their preferred method is to safely and slowly thaw the turkey in the refrigerator.  Plan 1 day for every 5 pounds. If you decide to use cold water, they recommend sealing the turkey in an air tight or leak [...]

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If Your Husband Puts Your Keys in a Pile of Super Glue, Here’s How You Get it Off

November 10, 2009
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Well, it’s not entirely clear who put the keys in the super glue but we struggled for a while trying to get it off. I read that soapy water works but that did nothing for me.  Then I read that acetone based nail polish works.  It does, except that it’s labor intensive and you need to scrape it off layer by later.  I used a Q-tip to apply the nail polish remover and let it penetrate.  Then [...]

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