Insanity is Hereditary

"Insanity is hereditary. You can get it from your children." Sam Levenson

Source: WAHM Choices - Work At Home Moms Choices

Pie Crust from the Freezer

Freezer Pie Crust

What You Need:

2 C sifted all purpose flour
1 t salt
3/4 C shortening
4 to 5 T ice water
Wax paper
Freezer wrap

How to Make It:

Place the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until mixture become crumbly.
Add 1 T of the ice water at a time.
After each addition, toss with a fork.
Push moistened ingredients to the side.
Only add ice water to dry ingredients.
Continue adding the ice water 1 T at a time until all the dry ingredients are moistened.
Dough should be moist enough to hold together but not sticky.
Divide dough in half.
Roll each half into a ball.
Wrap each ball with wax paper.
Wrap tightly in the freezer wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to use bring to room temperature and roll out as desired.

Pepperoni Spaghetti Bake

Spaghetti Bake Pepperoni

What You Need:

1 lb ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 (4 oz) can mushrooms, drained
1 (26 oz) jar pasta sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 t Italian seasoning
1 lb spaghetti, broken into small pieces
3/4 C milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 (5 oz) pkg sliced pepperoni
1 1/2 C shredded Cheddar cheese
2 C shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Freezer Wrap

How to Make It:

Place a large pot of water over high heat.
Bring to a rapid boil.
Boil spaghetti as directed on the package.
Drain and rinse.
Place ground chuck in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the onion, green pepper and mushrooms.
Cook until meat is browned being sure to crumble the meat.
Drain.
Add the pasta sauce, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
Stir until well combined.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Place the eggs and milk in a large bowl and blend.
Place the spaghetti in the egg mixture and toss to cover.
Lightly spray a large baking dish with a non stick cooking spray.
Place half of the spaghetti mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Place half of the meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti.
Repeat for another layer.
Put the casserole in the refrigerator to cool.
Once cooled, wrap with the freezer wrap.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
Bake 45 minutes.
Uncover and top the casserole with the pepperoni and 2 cheeses.
Continue to bake another 15 minutes or until cheese has completely melted.

Cleaning Up After Pets

Cleaning up after the pets that we love.

We love animals. Most of the time, that is. Just because we like our four-legged friends doesn't mean we have to agree with everything they do. Sometimes, there's a dirty side to pets. Those little guys can make bigger messes than their humans ever could. And when it's our job to clean up, it's not always a fun situation.

Never fear! Use these tips and you'll never have trouble cleaning carpets and cages again.

Urine on the Rug
Pets will "make water" to mark their territory, out of fear, or due to age and sickness. If you catch a culprit early, while the area is still wet, it's easier to clean.

Blot with paper towels
Spray the area with a water/white vinegar mix and blot again.
Repeat as needed.
If there's an odor after the stain's dried, use a pet-specific carpet cleaner to get it out.

If the area has already dried, you'll have to attack it with that carpet cleaner.

"Number Two" Duty
Just like point number one (pun intended), it's much easier to clean if the pet mess hasn't had a chance to set. Just pick it up with a paper towel and use an old toothbrush with mild dish detergent to clean the rest up.

If it's set in, you'll have more work to do.

Try to scrape off as much as possible.
Then, wet the stain using water/white vinegar mix.
Blot.
Then use a toothbrush and a mild detergent to break up any loose particles, being careful not to grind it into the carpet.
Use a pet-specific carpet cleaner to finish off the job.

If you're a pet owner yourself, check out this handy pooper-scooper or these eco-friendly, disposable doo-doo bags.

Hair, Hair Everywhere
Having issues with pet hair all over the place? Regular vacuuming helps a lot, but what about when it's all over the furniture?

For chairs and sofas, wrap masking tape around your hand (sticky side out) and slap the cushions lightly. The hair will stick to the tape and you can just throw it away. If you don't want to keep buying rolls of tape, though, make a one-time purchase and snag a pet grooming glove—brush the couch like you would a cat and the hair will be gone!

Cleaning is for the Birds
Thanks to About.com for this handy homemade birdcage cleaner.

3 cups hot water
3 tbsp of baking soda
2 tbsp pure lemon juice
Mix together, pour into a spray bottle and, voila! You have an eco-friendly and pet-safe cleaner. It's good for breaking down outdoor bird stains, too!

Here Fishy-Fishy
It's pretty easy to take care of a fish's home—all you have to do is plan ahead. Have your employer provide the new water. They should use bottled water or add chlorine neutralizer to tap water to make it fish-friendly.

Set out the water you need for at least an hour before you want to clean the bowl. That will allow the water's temperature to settle at room temperature and prevent any shock to the fish. Transfer the fish to the new water using a small net. Then, scrub the bowl and any gravel/decorations thoroughly, but DON'T use any chemicals or soap—those could hurt the fish.

When you're done, put the new water into the bowl and gently place Little Fishy-Fish back inside.

Article Source: Grannies Kitchen Cleaning Tips and Humor

Spring Cleaning: A Way to Raise Your Income

If you’re looking for ways to add to your income, consider letting your customers know (but only those who are still employed and don’t seem to be in financial crisis) that you are available to do an extra spring cleaning.

You can offer options, such as those below, and then your customers could pay you extra to do whichever of these tasks they want help with that aren’t part of your normal routine. But make sure you’re comfortable with a task before you offer to do it and that you can do it safely.

Wash windows, screens and storm windows.
Remove and put away storm windows that need to be taken off for the summer.
Wash outdoor furniture
Wash patios, decks, outside steps and walkways
Clean out gutters
Sweep under the rugs
Shampoo or dry clean rugs
Wash or dry clean curtains or window treatments
Flip mattresses
Vacuum refrigerator coil and grill
Wipe inside of freezer
Wash or dry clean all bedding, including blankets and spreads
Remove lint from back of clothes dryer
Vacuum and mop basement and attic
Vacuum and wipe walls and ceilings
Steam clean upholstery
Reseal areas that are sealed, including grout
Remove books from shelves and dust the shelves and each book
Wash light fixture covers, inside and outside the home
Oil all window and door hinges
Wax all floors except glazed tile

If your customers like this idea, then perhaps you will be able to do a special fall cleaning as well. Our article, “Beginner’s Guide to Seasonal Home Maintenance” may give you more ideas.

Do you have any other suggestions on how to make extra money as a housekeeper?

Share your ideas with the Care.com community!.

Dealing With Mud

Cleaning Tips & Info
May 04, 2009

It’s spring, and you’re happy to have warmer weather at last.

But as a housekeeper you are aware that spring often includes many rainy days, and that means that kids’ clothes and shoes get muddy, and so do the floors. And if the family has pets, they may come inside full of mud which they then get on the floors and furniture.

What does that mean for you? More work!

What’s the best way to get rid of mud from clothes, furniture and floors?

For clothing:

First, let it dry. Dry mud is easier to remove.
After it has dried, vacuum it up or try shaking the clothing to get it off.
Then, put some liquid detergent on the stain in the clothing and rub it. Continue rubbing it in every few minutes.
Afterwards, soak the garment in the detergent as long as needed until the stain disappears.
If the stain is still visible on the clothing, you can try applying a stain remover.
For floors:

First, let it dry.
Once the mud has dried, you can vacuum or scrape it off with a butter knife.

Then wash the floor as you usually would, devoting some extra time to the muddy area.
For furniture:

First, let it dry.
Then, use a dry toothbrush or soft bristle brush to gently brush off the mud.
Then, carefully blot the dirty area with mild soap and warm water.
If it is still visible on furniture, perhaps it will need to be professionally cleaned.
After cleaning up the mess, consider suggesting to the homeowner that muddy shoes be removed as soon as the child steps inside the house and placed to dry on some newspapers just inside the door. And muddy clothes should be removed there as well. They can either be placed in a laundry basket or on some newspapers lining the floor.

Were these suggestions helpful? Or do you have better strategies for dealing with mud. Share your thoughts and experiences with the Care.com community

The Etiquette of Accepting Lunch or Coffee While Cleaning

April 28, 2009
The Etiquette of Accepting Lunch or Coffee While Cleaning
Some housekeepers are offered coffee, juice and even elegant lunches when they clean. Should they accept them?

These tips should help you decide what to do:
• If you are offered lunch, it seems fine to accept it, as long as having the lunch doesn’t mean you neglect some house cleaning you would have done otherwise. Make sure you will be comfortable eating it and that you clean up after yourself.
• If you are paid by the hour and you are offered lunch, it would be appropriate not to charge for the time spent eating.

Cinnamon Rolls III

Submitted by: MISS ALIX

Home Town: Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany
Living In: Bakersfield, California, USA
Here's an easy alternative to buying those famous cinnamon

PREP TIME 2 Hrs
COOK TIME 20 Min
READY IN 2 Hrs 20 Min
Original recipe yield 16 rolls

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup warm milk
1 egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups bread flour
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons milk

DIRECTIONS
In the pan of your bread machine, combine water, melted butter, vanilla pudding, warm milk, egg, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, bread flour and yeast. Set machine to Dough cycle; press Start.
When Dough cycle has finished, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 17x10 inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over dough.
Roll up dough, beginning with long side. Slice into 16 one inch slices and place in 9x13 buttered pan. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. While rolls bake, stir together cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and milk. Remove rolls from oven and top with frosting.

Source: All Recipies
Grannies Kitchen

Make Mother's Day Memories

Make Mother's Day Memories
By: Patti Luzzi

Grab your digital camera and extra batteries, and cook up some memorable moments while Mom enjoys time to relax.

Moms love flipping through photos of their precious little (or not so little) ones, so why not take photos of the day and make a Mother's Day memory book? Buy a good-quality scrapbook at a craft store, along with some photo mounting squares. Then, each year you can add to the book, creating a unique record of the holiday--and a family heirloom.

Source: Grannies Kitchen
All Recipies

5 Kitchen Staples to Help Save Money

Ever wonder how our ancestors always seemed to have food on the table even in lean times? When we are visiting the grocery store every week to the tune of hundreds of dollars, we long to know their secret. In fact it isn’t a secret at all. It is actually good planning and preparation on their part. Once we realize this and begin doing as they did, we too will see our dollar stretch further.

The items that we have on hand are what determine how far our food will go. Filling your cabinets or pantry with a few useful staples can be the difference between a trip to the grocery store each and every week versus once or twice a month. Stocking just a few choice items is all you need to create wonderful meals.

1. Flour. Flour is a starter item for many recipes. You can add it to some water and make gravy in the pan for many meat dishes. Flour is used to make bread (biscuits, rolls, loaves) and to coat chicken. It can also be used to coat a round or square cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Of course, one of the favorite uses for flour is in cookie recipes that make scrumptious desserts.

2. Rice. My husband loves rice so much that we once bought a fifty pound bag from a grocery store in his hometown. Fifty pounds! Rice is a side dish, but it doesn’t have to be plain. It can be jazzed up with veggies to accompany dinner. My mother uses leftover rice for a dessert called sweet rice. Just add evaporated milk and some sugar to a bowl of rice and warm it in the microwave. It is a tasty treat for after dinner. Another popular dessert is rice pudding. Rice can also be mixed with leftover meat and a cream soup to form a casserole. Rice has many uses and your sure to find a few that your family will love.

3. Pasta. There are many different pasta choices and all have great uses. Manicotti can be stuffed with tomato sauce and cheeses. Macaroni can be used to make a creamy salad and also is great combined with cheese or spaghetti sauce. Spiral pasta is used in many different pasta salads. Spaghetti can be used in a casserole topped with cheese or in the traditional way with tomato sauce and meat.

4. Spices. There are other ways to season food besides salt and pepper. In fact, many spices taste better than salt. Even diehard salt-a-holics won’t miss the salt in foods if other seasonings are used. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic powder are all useful tools in your flavor arsenal to give foods a fresh new taste.

5. Beans. There go those beans again. Beans can top your salad (edamame), make an awesome dip (black beans), and go well with grilled foods (baked beans). They provide a good source of protein with very little fat. Beans are good in soups, stews, and over rice for a simple yet filling meal.

Do you have these staples in your kitchen? You can probably think of several more that will enhance your pantry and save money. Start with these and grow your own list of basic kitchen staples that are versatile and economical.

5 Kitchen Staples to Help Save Money
Source: Grannies Kitchen

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

I Love My KitchenAid® Stand Mixer

I Love My KitchenAid® Stand Mixer

Ask any cooking/baking enthusiast you know: their mixer is, by far, their favorite kitchen appliance—or at the top of their wish list. It is mine by far along with all the attachments makes everything so easy to.

Frozen Easter Eggs

Frozen Easter Eggs

What You Need:

3 pt soft vanilla ice cream
1 C mixed candied fruit
1/4 C light rum
1 C heavy cream
2 T sugar
Pastel food coloring
Plastic mold such as a melon, egg or ice cube tray
Freezer wrap

How to Make It:

Place the ice cream in a large mixing bowl.
Add the candied fruit and rum.
Mix together well - working quickly so the ice cream doesn't melt.
Place the ice cream mixture into the mold.
Place in freezer and freeze until firm, a few hours or even overnight.
Place a serving platter in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Un-mold ice cream and place on the chilled platter.
Place back in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
Place the heavy cream and sugar into a mixing bowl.
Mix until stiff.
Remove ice cream and frost each egg with part of the cream mixture.
Return ice cream to the freezer.
Divide the remaining cream mixture into as many bowls as you would like colors for the eggs.
Tint each cream mixture with a different color of the food coloring.
Remove ice cream from the freezer.
Use a pastry bag or baggie with one corner cut out to pipe the colored cream mixture onto each egg.
Return to the freezer and freeze until firm.
Once firm remove and wrap each egg in the freezer wrap.
Maybe stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Source: Grannies Kitchen
A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.

Strawberry Surprise Freezer Jam

Strawberry Surprise Freezer Jam

What You Need:

1 pt boxes of fresh strawberries, washed, drained and hulls removed
2 1/2 C of fresh pineapple, peeled and finely chopped
7 C sugar
2 pkgs (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin
1 C cold water
4 pt freezer containers with lids

How to Make It:

Place strawberries in a large mixing bowl.
Crush the strawberries with a potato masher.
Measure out 2 1/2 C strawberries and place in a separate bowl.
Add the pineapple to the strawberries.
Slowly add the sugar and stir until well combined.
Place the cold water in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the pectin.
Stir continuously until water begins to boil.
Boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat.
Pour the water mixture into with the fruit.
Stir well to combine.
Continue stirring 4 minutes.
Pour into the pt freezer containers and cover.
Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.
Freeze after 24 hours.
Jam will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To use, remove from freezer and allow to come to room temperature, about 1 hour.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Source: Grannies Kitchen

Thank You Mother

You are the embodiment of love,
You are like a boon from above,
Like you there's no other,
You're the only one, you're my mother.

Thank you Mother.