Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Mt. Neverest

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Are you familiar with the phrase “Mt. Neverest,” as in the never-ending pile of dishes, laundry, junk mail, etc?

Because I love to cook and try new recipes often, my Mt. Neverest is dishes. They always seem to creep up from a manageable few to an overwhelming, over-flowing sink before I realize it.

Here are my tips for keeping up with dishes:

1.  Clean as you go along! This is the best tip by far. 4 plates I can handle; 14 makes me want to cry.

2.  Have extra supplies on hand. How many of us have run out of dish soap? (Why does this always happen during a party or a Passover Seder?!) When it goes on sale, stock up! Better yet, stock up on sale with a coupon.

3.  Never go to bed with a dirty sink. You will not want to face it in the morning when you’re more “energized.” You will simply add to the pile and it will grow out of control. Either fill the dishwasher or do them by hand. Start the day without dread.

4. If you truly can’t keep up, use disposables. There’s no shame in piece of mind, especially when you’re stressed out and short on time. Paper Plates never killed anyone.

 

What is your personal “Mt. Neverest” and how do you tackle it?

 

Salt + Grapefruit = A Clean Shower?

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Ever since I saw this post, I’ve been dying to try it. That post gives the overview, mine gives the long view—with some additional tweaking.

This is what I’ve been using to clean my shower:

shower cleaners

This is what I’ll be using today:

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Needed items include: Kosher salt, grapefruit, a mixing bowl of warm water, and a washcloth. In my area, grapefruit is on sale 4/$1.00 and the salt regularly costs $1.19. I had a $0.40 coupon that doubled, so I spent $0.39 on the salt and $1.00 on the grapefruit. Scrubbing Bubbles and scrub sponges cost much more. I have enough for 2 cleans, so it’s only going to cost me $0.69 today.

If you dread cleaning the way I do, I also recommend putting on some tunes. I like Comcast’s ’80’s Channel. Cleaning is much less boring if I can rock out.

comcast80s

Ready? Let’s get started.

*Word to the wise* If you have any hangnails or cuts on your hands, wear gloves!

Step 1:  Let the grapefruit come to room temp. if refrigerated. It’s juicier and easier if not ice-cold. Cut each grapefruit in half. You’ll need 2 halves for the shower walls and 2 halves for the tub.  (I have a shower curtain, which I didn’t include. If you have a shower door, additional fruit may be needed.)

Step 2:  Using 1 half, start at the top of the shower wall. Squirt juice & let it drip down. Repeat until all walls are covered.

Step 3:  Coat the remaining half with salt. Use this as a scrubber, adding more as needed. It will take approximately 15 mins, start to finish.

Step 4:  Fold up a towel and lay it on the floor next to the tub. Kneeling on the towel, scrub the tub just as you did the shower walls.  (Took another 12 mins.)

Step 5:  Remove all fallen seeds from tub floor.

Step 6:  Discard the grapefruit. Wash hands. Put away salt (I had 1/2 bottle left). Grab the bowl of water and the washcloth and start rinsing. Begin with the walls and let the clean water drip into the tub.  Refill water as needed.

Done! You can dry it by hand—too much work for me!—or let it air dry. Marvel at your handiwork.

Having tried this in a very small, windowless bathroom, I can assure you it smells way better than the chemical cleaner that makes me gag. It also seems to produce an equally clean result. Will I be replacing the Scrubbing Bubbles?

Pros:  Cheap, nice smell, good mini workout with all the scrubbing and rinsing

Cons:  Messy, takes longer, more scrubbing

All in all, I really liked this method and I encourage everyone to try it.

 

Do you prefer homemade or commercial cleaners? Which works better?

Want To Start Your Own Blog?

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Many people want to start their own blog, but have no idea where to start. If that’s you, check out The Complete Blog Set-Up package on Blogelina.com

The package includes:

A free year of Economy Web Hosting ($80 – included in this package, if you need it)

Install WordPress on your domain (if you haven’t already – domain purchase not included)

Install your choice of Studiopress themes from those listed here ($80 – included in this package!)

Install 10 important plugins to keep your site running smoothly ($50 – included in this package!)

BONUS! The Basics of WordPress e-book ($25 – included in this package!)

BONUS! Access to 40+ WordPress video tutorials ($50 – included! We don’t leave you hanging when it comes to using your new site)

Not bad for a total of $79. Blogelina.com also has many free tips for those who just want info, including a Blogger Network to find likeminded ladies.

(I’m a Blogelina Affiliate.)

 

Do you blog, or want to start?

How To Stretch Chicken – A Step-by-Step Tutorial

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People tend to eat whatever is put in front of them. If whole pieces of chicken are served, most of us will eat that entire piece and often another. This has a high cost—both in cash and calories. I find that by cooking and then shredding, you get a much better value. A small amount of shreds looks like a lot when piled up—especially if mixed with another filler.

Start with whole, bone-in chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless breasts can also be used, however, they are more expensive and less juicy. Totally depends on personal preference; I like the bone-in. I bought a package that contained 5, but if you’re cooking for a crowd, just increase to suit your needs.

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Place chicken on a metal baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with Pam. Coat chicken with oil. (If you’re fancy, use a pastry brush. I’m not, so I just use a crumpled paper towel.) Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. The internal temp. must reach 165 degrees. A digital thermometer is handy and for extra assurance, I always cut into a piece.

Allow the chicken to cool until easy to handle. If you’re watching calories, discard the skin. If, like me, you consider that the best part, sneak a few bites. Shred the meat by hand. I toss the bones, but some folks save them to make soup.

3 pieces shredded fills half of a 4-quart mixing bowl. The uses for this chicken are truly endless. It can be used to top a salad, make soup, made into a casserole. It can be eaten plain, mixed with salad dressing, or BBQ sauce. It can even be mixed with  potatoes for a one-dish meal.

The amount of servings depends on what it’s made into. Tonight, I’m serving half of it with the roast potatoes. I will save the other half for tomorrow’s dinner. Check back to see what I’m making!

 

What are your favorite ways to save money on chicken?