Silent Sunday

Aren't they awesome?!?

I love to read the Young House Love Blog.  This couple is amazing!  And Clara is pretty cute too :)

TGIF In The Pink

This is the best Watermelon Martini that you'll ever have. And BTW I'm a girl who was known for her Watermelon Martinis even before I had this amazing, clean, delicious, healthier version.

In The Pink
Serves 2-4 depending on who is pouring

1/4 seedless watermelon (approximately 1 to 2 pounds)
4 shots Vodka (I recommend Smirnoff Watermelon flavor but any plain vodka will do)

Cut watermelon into small cubes and place into the freezer until at least partially frozen.

These aren't cubes yet but by the time I got to cube stage my hands were all sticky and I didn't want to touch the camera.  You wouldn't either...

Combine the frozen watermelon chunks and vodka into the bowl of your blender (is it called a bowl?) then blend until smooth.  If the watermelon is completely frozen solid it might take some time for them to defrost a bit.  Or, you could add more vodka.  Just an idea...

Once fully combined pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!  Brings you right back to summer!

 

How to not sever an artery

I hate the new nuclear holocaust strength plastic packaging that is used so widely today.

Ok, I'll admit that the plastic works in the case of a chef's knife but do we need to hermetically seal kids toys?

Firstly because on many occasions it has made me feel stupid but also because it's dangerous. Seriously. My neighbor was once opening a toy in front of her 3 young sons when the packaging ripped and sliced into her arm severing an artery. I kid you not! Imagine THOSE therapy bills.
Well I no longer worry because now I know a simple trick. You can open even the toughest of those buggers with a simple, standard, kitchen can opener.

Just clamp the can opener on the seam and twist as if you were opening some baked beans (mmmm baked beans!).

And voila! She's open. You're welcome.

Hana Mugs

Today I broke a mug. Was I upset? Surprisingly not! Want to know why? Because a year or two ago I switched over to the Hana Mugs from Crate and barrel. Not only are they good looking, but they're also affordable which means easily replaced. Yay! 

These guys wont be lonely long. 6 more friends are in the mail!

 

Hana Mugs from Crate and Barrel.  Set of six for $11.70 but right now they are on sale for $9.95 with $4.95 shipping

Bar keepers friend

Ok, so you've probably had a couple of people over or at the very least done a little cooking over the holiday weekend.  Now it's time to be honest, how's your kitchen looking?  Well my cleaning lady doesn't come until later today so you can imagine where mine stands.  I'm no fan of cleaning but there is one time that I take it seriously and that's when we are talking about my cooking utensils, pots, pans and gadgets.  This is what one of my pans looked like this weekend after a lovingly made batch of scrambled eggs:

 

yuck.

But no fear folks!  I introduce to you my little helper the Bar Keepers Friend.  

 

 

Not only is this stuff great at cleaning, but it's easy to find.  Check your local supermarket.  I'll bet its there.  You can also get it online: Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser & Polish: 12 OZ So to begin, you get your pan slightly wet then shake on the powder. 

 

 

Then just scrub the pan with a wet paper towel.

 

 

And voila!  Good as new!  Great result, little effort.  Now that's my bag baby!