Sensible Guides

Favorite Kitchen Time Savers

Gertie — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:02 +0000

I love cooking for my family and through the years I have many favorite recipes I share regularly. I take my time when it comes to preparing meals since I find the entire process a time to relax and tap into my creative side.

However I also like to be organized and saving steps makes perfect sense when it comes to a large family.

It stands to reason if you are the chief cook in the house, you will have stumbled across many short cuts that make some kitchen chores less work. I have learned a few tricks along the way that have helped save time with great results.

Here are 12 great tips that have helped me keep my meal time prep easier.

My Favorite Tips

I will never forget a visit to a neighbor one morning as she was preparing a roast for her crockpot. Once we had our tea, she emptied the teapot into the pot, threw in the roast, added a few veggies and her meal prep was done. I learned many ways to reuse what’s in the house from this great lady.

Use your rubber gloves for better grip on a stuck lid.

A pizza cutter is perfect for cutting herbs and other light greens. Line them up and cut away.

Precut vegetables, fruits and cheeses that you use frequently. Not only does it save you time, it encourages healthy snacking.

Plan to repurpose your meals as often as possible. Even a leftover single serving can be frozen for a quick meal for one.

Pre-packaged meals can definitely save time, but they can be expensive. Stock up on your favorites when they’re on sale.

Keep an easily accessible grocery list on your fridge. Encourage all family members to update it as items run low.

To make garlic cloves easier to peel, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

You don’t need to precook your lasagna noodles. If you have plenty of sauce in your lasagna, the noodles will cook during the baking process.

I love quick flavor boosts that add just that little bit extra to my meals. My favorites are popping leftover veggies, sauces and even juice in the freezer to be added later. It does my heart good to know I am not throwing food out and I have a variety of frozen bonus options to add to any meal.

If you have leftover wine, freeze it into ice cube trays. You can use them for flavoring in sauces anytime.

Soaking potatoes in water for 15 minutes before baking will result in a crispier skin.

Squeeze more juice from your citrus fruit by heating them first. Pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or soak in hot water for a few minutes.

Save time with pre-made cake and other baking mixes you have picked up on sale. You can add your own special touch like fresh berries, nuts or other favorite ingredient.

It’s All in the Details

There are plenty of ways to save time and money when it comes to meal time planning. Whether you are a fast cooking, schedule frazzled parent or a slow cooking, chef in the making, when it comes to great ideas we all benefit from sharing what works.

Sensible Guides.

Important Tips for First-Time Gardeners

Gordie — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:28 +0000

As an avid gardener, we all tend to have a favorite kind of garden that speaks to us and makes us smile. From quaint English country gardens to organic vegetable patches there is a garden for just about everyone.

When spring is in the air, we are chomping at the bit ready to jump into our gardens and begin turning that soil and cleaning those beds.

For the first time gardener that patch of green is a blank canvas and though ready to embark on this new hobby, the lack of experience can be overwhelming. The first step is getting the right advice.

But before you head out and begin digging, here are the most important tips to consider if you are a first time gardener.

Your Climate

I do love my garden but I have to say I nearly pulled my hair out the first few years. There were times I would lose almost an entire bed because I didn’t listen to the experts and my plants were not hardy enought to survive the snow. I soon learned not to mess with Mother Nature.

There are specific climate zones for your area so the first step is to become familiar with what can grow and when can you plant it? Some species are hardy and others more delicate.

For instance you can’t grow a palm tree in a northern climate that has winter snowfall so find your zone by talking to a professional in the landscape area of a local nursery.

Locate the Sun

Walk your gardens for several weeks and see where the sun travels. You will need a sunny location for a vegetable patch so plan it accordingly. If shade is prevalent, source out the plants that thrive in the shade. Ferns and Hostas are beautiful long lasting plants that do best in cool shady areas.

Watering Plans

Watering plants is a science. The balance between over watering and under-watering is a fine line and must be taken seriously. Most plants require roughly one inch of water a week so track your rainfall and plan your watering schedule. A few empty tuna cans around your gardens will tell you if you need to take out the hose and sprinklers.

Soil Content

Before you start planning what you will grow, you have to know what your soil content is. This is not difficult, you can purchase soil testing kits that will help you determine the different levels of acid, alkaline and nitrogen and so on. Once you have an idea you can then begin to enrich your soil with whatever nutrient it is missing. Talk to your local nursery professionals, they will be happy to help.

I had this peony bush that would not flower no matter what I tried. It would grow year after year and I researched constantly on how I could get that girl to show her flowers. Finally, I left her alone and just fed and watered her and one spring it happened. I don’t how or why, if it was the full moon or a leap year. I just let her be and now she is doing beautifully without my fussing. Go Figure.

Pests

Many insect are necessary for a well functioning garden. Earthworms help aerate the soil and add nutrients. Ladybugs dine on aphids so include them into your insect arsenal.

Attract bees with brightly colored flowers around your vegetable garden to help with pollination. Research to see which insects you can add to your gardens for the best eco friendly defenders.

When it comes to your first garden trial and error are the name of the game. In time you will learn what works for your own gardens and what makes you happy. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way towards creating your own little oasis.

Sensible Guides.

8 Tips on Blogging for Beginners

Gordie — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:41 +0000

With the amount of people on the internet today there are many ways for people to speak to the masses and blogging has become a new way of offering opinions on just about any topic.

There is a multitude of ways to gather tidbits of information from the newest golf equipment to product reviews for the savvy consumer.

If you have a particular subject you are well versed in, you can indeed become a fountain of information for others just like you. All it takes is a bit of commitment and genuine, trustworthy content to encourage others to read what you have to say and offer their own ideas and opinions.

That’s how the blogosphere works, by connecting with and sharing information. Once you have established a website, all you need to do is keep writing.

When we first got the computer I would spend hours researching new thing and before long I signed up for a boatload of sites I visited often. I would leave comments and opinions and loved the debates when there was a difference of opinion. Sometimes they would fire me right up but they sure did keep me coming back.

Keep It Simple

Here are a 8 tips for the beginner to help you enjoy your new blogging experience.

Blog regularly but keep it interesting. You are trying to engage people not put them to sleep with long winded, one sided ramblings.

Blogging in not essay writing. Keep it casual in your own words and avoid talking At people instead of With them.

Ask for comments from your readers. Ask for their thoughts and opinions on the topic at hand.

If your inspiration for your blog post comes from someone else’s website, then link to that post and give them credit.

Longer is not always better when it comes to blog content. Think short and sweet. Get your point across without belaboring it.

Have your site made for easy navigation. Categorize your content and date your archives. Make it easy for people to find related posts.

Now that I know the ins and outs of this blogging stuff, I am a proud contributer to our church blog and have even started my own little site on my gardening tips and tricks. I am tickled when I get new ideas from other peoples comments and love the pictues they include. It really makes my day when I can see my little internet handiwork make someone else smile.

Include an About Me or About Us page on your blog. People like to know who they are reading and connecting with.

Start building relationship with others bloggers by visiting and commenting on their sites.

Have Fun

It’s easy to create and set up a website today and with a little bit of help behind the scenes, you can enjoy this new way of communicating across the globe.

It’s a new way of making online friends and getting great advice on just about anything under the sun. Enjoy it, what have you got to lose?

Sensible Guides.

Mothers Day Gifts Ideas

Gertie — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:40 +0000

Mothers Day is a special day honoring motherhood and the women who have played an important role in raising our children.

When it comes to gift giving for the Mom’s in our lives, it’s all about gifts from the heart. These specially thought out, hand crafted gifts of love are guaranteed to bring joy to one of the most special people in our lives.

Here are a few unique ideas to help light up Mom’s eyes and show her what she means to you.

For the Kids

Helping kids make crafts for the Mom’s in their lives is an easy way to make the occasion even more special for all involved.

I do love craft time and now with the grandkids, I get the biggest kick out of finding new craft ideas and Mothers Day is my favorite. I have to say it gives me the biggest thrill when I schedule our crafting sessions all the kids, young and old are eager to see what new idea I have planned for the day.

Mother’s day crafts with the children’s expressions of love are often the most cherished. Have children fill in the blanks on a Mother’s Day poem and then mount it in a colorful handmade frame.

Watch Me Grow Flower Pot. Make a paper flower and glue a child’s photo into the centre of the flower. Attach the flower to a Popsicle stick. Next, fill a small flowerpot with soil and plant a few seeds. Insert the flower, water regularly and enjoy watching it grow together.

Gather family photos and special momentos to create collages for scrapbooks, calendars and more.

Decorate everyday items such as mirrors, book covers, notepads and flowerpots with loving words. Use decorative pens, stenciling or cut and paste favorite passages.

Painted pottery dishes make beautiful Mother’s Day gifts. Add handprints, drawings, and special message. Glaze and fire for a beautiful finished piece for her to display.

For the Adult

Indulging Mom in ways she would not normally do for herself are often the gifts that make Mom smile the most. Here are some tried and true ideas that are sure to be winners.

Pampering in any form. From spas to manicures to a gift certificate for the next hair appointment. Any variation of taking personal care of mom is a treasured gift.

I have to say I love Mothers Day. My own kids are quick to spoil me with things I rarely buy for myself. But the best gift is when I get to spend time with them as adults. One on one. It’s these days that make me the proudest of the wonderful adults they have become.

A book by a favorite author or magazine subscription in her favorite hobby will be enjoyed for hours.

An evening out of her choice. See the newest blockbuster, a theatre production, or a wine and food exhibition. Tailor the outing to indulge her idea of a great time.

Schedule an entire day of exploring. Play tourist and explore the city, go to flea markets or browse the shops. Have lunch, and enjoy the day without plans for a total day of being together.

The key to celebrating Mother’s Day is all about what is special to you and your Mom. Know what she likes and make the plans to make it happen. Putting that smile on her face is worth it.

Sensible Guides.

10 Ways to Keep Allergies at Bay

Gordie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:30 +0000

Spring has arrived and for many of us so has allergy season. As much as we love the changes in our seasons, we don’t look forward to the sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes that are typical for the allergy suffer.

It is estimated that over 50 million Americans are affected by allergies in some form, and nasal allergies comprise over half of the allergy population. They are an unavoidable part of life and the fact that the numbers are steadily increasing makes it more important to be aware of our roles in keeping our symptoms in check.

Though allergies can be serious for some people, for the average person they are more of annoyance that require us to alter our daily lives.

Allergies 101

There are a many things that we can do to make our lives and our homes more comfortable. Here are 10 basic tips we can do to keep our allergies at bay.

Though I suffer from mild pet allergies I manage to keep them under control with over the counter medicines easily enough. It only seems to drive me crazy in the winter when the house is closed up and the cats seem to think my chair is the best place to soak up the sun and nap. Go figure.

Allergens harbor in clutter. Keep clutter in check and recycle all newsprint, magazine and circulars when finished.

A good quality vacuum cleaner with a Hepa Filter will go a long way to reducing allergens. Vacuum often and don’t forget to empty the canisters and clean it regularly.

Vacuum furniture regularly and launder blankets as often as possible.

Pillows and mattress pads should be laundered often and replaced every other year. Don’t forget to vacuum your mattress as well.

Remove all carpet in your home if possible as dust accumulates in the fibers.

Living with pets can be done with regular grooming and keeping them limited to certain areas of the home.

Keep smokers out of the house to keep air clean and use an air purifier when possible.

Clean and replace any filters that are run regularly throughout the home such as furnaces, central air unit filters etc. Buy the best quality you can afford.

Did you know that food allergies can actually cause weight gain? They can cause food cravings and lead to overeating so get checked out by your doctor if this seems to be something that rings true for you. Who Knew?

If you’re susceptible to skin allergies, keep a tube of cortisone cream handy, wherever you go.

When outside wear sunglasses to keep pollen away from your eyes.

Keep Current

Allergies will always exist so keep informed on the newest treatments on the market both medically and holistically. Continue to try new ideas until you find what works for you.

From weekly injections to green tea, there are a plethora of ways of dealing with allergies to keep them in control and stop them from interfering in your life.

Sensible Guides.

Cooking Tips for Quick Meals

Gertie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:00:08 +0000

For the cook in the house, planning and preparing the family meal takes time which is often at a premium for those just getting home from work.

This is where frozen pizzas, fast foods and high priced package meals can make a big impact in your budget and your health.

But there are plenty of low cost alternatives and by using some quick and easy meal preparation tips you can keep the family happy and your budget in check. All it takes is a little planning, patience and a dash of creativity.

Here are a few tips for making meal time easier for the chef in the family.

Planning is Key

One thing I learned early on it that is is quicker to cook what you know. When pressed for time, use a reciepe you are familiar with and save the new ideas for when you have time to enjoy your creative side. Trust me on this, there is nothing worse than a cranky family waiting on their supper.

The first step is planning. List all the dishes your family likes onto a monthly calendar and rotate the meals according to schedule. Keep the quick and easy meals for soccer nights or band practice and the more involved meals when everyone is home on time.

Review Your Recipes

Know what you need before you do your weekly shopping. Go through the menus and include the family in the process, then stock the pantry with their favorite staples.

Planning your meals for the week makes shopping more efficient and less costly in the long run. Bottom line it’s a lot faster to prepare your meals if you have everything on hand.

Preparation

The majority of the time spent on making a meal is in the preparation. Dedicate a couple of hours on the weekend for the weekly meal preparation, ideally after your weekly shopping. Chop your vegetables and have them ready in bags or containers in the fridge. Cut once and use twice is the new rule for today’s meal planner.

The same holds true for pre-cooked ingredients, especially meat and chicken. Simply cook extra and store for use later for a different dish. Double duty is the way to go for the larger family.

Repurposing Your Meals

Leftovers have had a bad rap through the years. You can repurpose your dishes for another meal just by being creative. Left over meats can be added to penne and baked for an Itallian meal. Add rice and you have an Asian flair. Change up the seasonings and most of the time, they will never know it was Tuesday’s chicken.

The internet even offers sites where you can get new recipes just by adding what you have in your refrigerator. The sky is the limit when it comes to leftovers.

Convenience Products are Life Savers

Did you know that meat or vegtables that are cut into small bite-sized pieces cook faster? When the size of the items are consistant they will cook evenly at be ready at the same time. Who knew?

Frozen pizza is great to have on hand when there are additional friends for dinner. Add extras veggies and cheese for added punch. Canned sauces and broths are perfect to use as a base for just about anything and shave off time during the week.

There are plenty of ways to make meal times more efficient and all it takes is a bit of preparation and planning. Even ordering out and the occasional fast food meal can be planned so meal times can be enjoyed by everyone without the guilt. Its all in the planning.

Sensible Guides.

How Paint Can Help You Sell

Gordie — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:00:06 +0000

You have decided to sell your home. With the markets today it’s important to put your best foot forward when it comes to sprucing up your home before putting it on the market.

You could potentially gain up to 20% more on the sale simply by taking the time to improve what you have and maximizing the benefits that buyers are looking for when purchasing a new home.

The easiest and the most effective solution is a good coat of paint. A good paint job can turn an otherwise drab, tired looking home into a bright and airy new space that will appeal to those looking for a fresh start.

Here are a few tips to remember while you prepare your home for that first look.

DIY or Pro

I remember when our young neighbour asked for help painting through their house before they put it up for sale. As soon as I arrived I notice it was going to be a bigger job than I thought. He had started in the family room and figured that painting the light switches to match the walls would be cheaper than buying new ones. Thankfully I managed to convince him the right way was better than the cheap way.

A bad paint job can scare away potential buyers. It can appear unfinished and cause people to question what else may be half done. Bottom line, if you can’t follow a straight line, hire a pro and get it right the first time. They will provide quality materials, professional workmanship and the cost will be worth the effort in the end.

If you are an avid DIYer, then opt for the best materials you can afford and take the time to make the job the cleanest and the most professionally done possible. Your attention to detail will not go unnoticed.

The Right Color

When it comes to selling your home, the right color combination can affect the ambience, which will affect your buyers positively or negatively. Keep in mind that your preference for vivid colors may negatively influence any sales. Stay neutral and keep shades of the same color throughout the house. It will provide a visual flow that will appear clean and uncluttered.

Don’t forget the ceilings. A fresh coat of light paint will give the impression of more light and higher ceilings.

Remember that the most attractive homes to purchase are the ones that have a light, spacious, and cozy feel. The way your furnishings contrast and complement the color combination you choose will be critical in the success of your paint job.

The finish of the paint will also have an impact on the look of the room. Flat finishes are good for hiding minor imperfections on the walls. An Eggshell finish is good for adding warmth to a room and is easy to clean. Glossy paint is good for emphasizing details and is the easiest to clean.

The Fixtures

I love to go through open houses and generally like what I see. Every now and then I come across a dandy like the old Victorian that came up for sale with what we called the hot dog colours. Ketchup red in the dining room, mustard in the kitchen and relish in the familyroom. Took a while to sell it too. Go figure.

Look at the existing fixtures, railings, and furniture in your home. Make sure the color combination you choose fits the existing furnishings in your home. You can wake up a tired railing with a richer stain or refresh a room with coordinating switch plates and covers.

Every home can be given a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you do it yourself, or hire a professional, painting your home is the first and the best investment you can make when it comes to getting the best price for your biggest asset.

Sensible Guides.

The Basics Behind Acupuncture

Gertie — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:00:15 +0000

Acupuncture has been around for centuries as an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and is now making an impact in mainstream medicine today.

Our increasing dependency on pills for quick fixes has also shown increased side effects associated with overuse and a build up of unhealthy tolerances within our own systems.

Today we hear about the benefits of Acupuncture and its proven ability to alleviate symptoms from pain and illness with the use of tiny needles inserted into specific pressure points called acupuncture points. It has been shown to relieve muscle spasms and stimulate immune function promoting healing in a variety of ways.

How It Works

We watched a documentary one time about a dentist who does all his work without any drugs and only uses acupuncture for pain relief for his patients. As much as I am all for new ideas I don’t think I am quite ready to try this new way just yet.

The principle behind acupuncture is to encourage the positive energy to flow smoothly through our body in the channels known as meridians. This energy is known as the qi (pronounced as chee). From the medical perspective when our qi is blocked, it can cause pain or illness.

With fourteen major meridians throughout our body, and 12 primary meridians associated with major organ systems there are essentially 360 acupuncture points that can be used in healing.

To treat illness or pain, slender needles are gently inserted into the acupuncture points which correspond with the location of the blocked qi. The stimulation from needling can restore the flow of the qi and return the balance of the body. For acute cases, such as ankle sprain, a small amount of electrical current attached to the end of the acupuncture needles can be used to provide the points with added stimulus.

When a patient seeks treatment, the acupuncturist will examine the individual using the basic diagnostic methods used in modern medicine. By assessing the patients concerns and doing a general assessment, the acupuncturist is then able to choose the treatment method and select the appropriate points for acupuncture.

A treatment is virtually painless as the needles are very fine. The patient may experience a small twinge of pain at certain acupuncture points where the skin is more sensitive to needling or the qi is stronger, but the feeling should subside after insertion and as the treatment continues.

Is It Safe

Our daughter-in-law suffered from terrible migraines for years until she began a course of acupuncture treaments. It has helped minimize her attacks and now she swears by it. Funny enough our son took a picture of her when she was in full needle mode wearing a great big smile on her face. It sure is a site to see.

Acupuncture is relatively safe with very few side effects the most common being a bruise or tenderness around the needle area. To minimize this, the acupuncturists will apply slight pressure once the needle is withdrawn. You can also apply ice to sensitive areas for faster relief.

Of course as with any treatment, you must do your research to ensure your acupuncturist is accredited, uses proper sterilization procedures and disposable needles.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many illness, ranging from slight local pain to migraine relief. Although its effectiveness is still cause for discussion, our search for a more natural pain relief has brought acupuncture to one of the fastest non medical pain management regimes available today.

Sensible Guides.

Facebook Basics for the New User

Gordie — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:00:10 +0000

In today’s world, it is estimated that almost every home has at least one computer and more and more seniors are coming online daily. With the rise in senior involvement, there are many courses available specifically structured for the senior newbie.

The benefits of social interaction and daily login provide a connection to family and friends in a more familial way. Learning how to surf through the internet also provides a boost in brain activity and helps delay memory impairment as we age.

Facebook is the internets largest social network and not just for the young any longer. There are over 200 million users that log into Facebook per day and setting up your own page can have you connected to any number of social groups from gardening to family gatherings.

If you are ready to give Facebook a try, here are a 10 tips to help you when setting up your new page.

The Basics

Don’t be nervous about setting up your email and Facebook pages, do what I did…I had my grandson take care of it while I watched. He thought it was a hoot and we now talk on the computer all the time. I am loving this new technology.

Check the Facebook settings and keep your information private. You might be surprised at the personal information you’re sharing that is unnecessary. This is important so get help if you need it.

When adding friends, find out what you have in common with the “See Relationship” feature. You can see the “likes” and “friends” you have in common for even more interaction.

Don’t want to be bombarded by the chat feature on Facebook? You can make yourself unavailable for chat by changing your settings.

Don’t use the Poke feature if you want to make a connection, start a dialogue and start talking instead.

Facebook Groups are a great way to connect with new people and to encourage open interaction.

If you are a planner Facebook Events is a great way to create in-person events like birthday parties or family reunions.

Don’t be shy and start “Liking” sites or individual pages. It’s a great way to connect by talking about mutual interests.

Personalize your page with favorite photos. Sharing is what it’s all about but don’t forget to ask before you post personal pictures. It’s only polite.

If there is an ad on Facebook that bothers you just hover over it and click the X to hide it.

Now that I know how to work the whole Social Networking stuff I am finding all sorts of friends from the Army and even some of my old school chums. I may have taken some time to be talked into this new fangled computer world but now I am the expert in the seniors centre.

If you don’t like a comment or photo you have been tagged in just open the photo page or comment and click the X at the top or hit the” Remove Tag” feature. It’s that easy.

Stay Connected

Enjoying online interaction with family and friends is a wonderful way of keeping in touch with people around the globe.

The sharing of photos and daily life keeps people connected in an often busy world where responsibilities can interfere with leisure and family time.

Join the new Social Networking world of today. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Sensible Guides.

Grieving The Loss of A Pet

Gertie — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:00:10 +0000

There are a great many people in the world who enjoy having a pet as a companion. Pets are cherished, pampered and often fill the void of children that have left home or family members who have passed on.

Whether your choice of companion is 4 legged, a rescue, a purebred or a feathered friend our pets instill a lifelong attachment that offer a sense of comfort for both animal and owner for years.

The downside of this of course is that most pets will not outlive their owners and losing a pet can be devastating. The feelings of loss are similar to losing a close family member and should never be trivialized. The sadness and depression are very real.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when moving through this period of grief.

Acknowledgment

Of course there is always the one pet who meant more to one member of the family and for me it was Oscar, our old tabby. She graced us with her queenly presence for 16 years and I swear I cried for days after she passed. Who knew you could get so attached to a piece of fur who brought mice home and woke us up with her caterwallin as soon as the sun rose.

Do not dismiss the feelings. Losing a friend is a hard part of life and acknowledging a pet as a friend can help accept the loneliness of their passing.

Do not let others minimize your feelings. Grief is grief and yours is just as relevant even with the passing of a pet.

Share your feelings with those you trust. It is quite likely that you know someone who has already lost a pet so talking through the sadness can often help.

Make a scrapbook. Keep your memories of your pet in an album or special box so that you can be reminded of the good years you had together.

Prepare a place of remembrance. It may not always be possible to bury your pet in your yard, but you can create a memorial with a collar or a favorite toy in a special place.

Spend the time to grieve and do not be in a big hurry to replace your pet. Bringing in a new pet too soon may hamper bonding with unrealistic expectations and comparisons.

The old saying ” A house is not a home without a pet” is a fact of life for our family. We have had all manner of pet and no matter how much we expect it when one of our pet family dies, we all go into full mourning adding to our little graveyard in the back of the garden.

Closure

Closure is an important part of saying goodbye. Whatever ritual feels right to help heal the sorrow is important for closure and can help make room for a new pet when you are ready.

Our kinship with our pets is personal and heartfelt. Allowing ourselves to say goodbye is the hardest part of having pets as a part of our lives. It’s the most important step of all.

Sensible Guides.