Pinterest: where time goes to die.
I jest, although I certainly have spent a lot of time on Pinterest this week. In an effort to claim that the time spent was not wasted, today I decided to go to my pins, and see what I could try out.
1. BAKING SODA HAS MAGICAL POWERS!
I am currently using baking soda to de-oderise the bin and the kitty litter tray to great effect. I have used it to freshen the mattress (sprinkled on then vacuumed up), and the carpet. I have used it to clean walls - yes! I dipped a damp rag in some baking soda then attacked some of those pesky marks on the corridor walls: Blamo! It was very satisfying...
2. You can make your own jewellery cleaner!
Cover the bottom of a bowl with alfoil, and add about a cup of hot water. Then add 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbs salt and 1 tbs washing detergent. Mix, and add rings for about 10 minutes. Remove rings and rinse in cold water - pat dry and voila! Clean and shiny rings.
I've been told I could use this on my silver too... which I might have to do considering my silver is tending towards the black end of the colour spectrum.
3. Q-Tips + Vinegar = Clean tracks!
In our apartment we have rather large balcony doors made of glass. It makes for excellent views, as well as the possibility of "indoor-outdoor" living. But the tracks get so grimy, and I don't know how to clean them... well, I didn't.
Turns out you just dip a Q-Tip in some white vinegar and go to work! I mean, it isn't a quick task, but if I spend just 5 minutes a day doing it for a week the whole thing will look like new. Magic!
4. You can wash Pillows (!)
I don't want to overshare, but our pillows tend to get a little yellow after a while. In Mr.'s case, the pillow gets VERY yellow (he drools... cute, but devastating for the pillow). So imagine my suprise when I learned you can actually put the things in the washing machine and have them come out all happy and new looking?
I won't go through the whole process, but the directions are here: One Good Thing
5. You Can Regenerate Green Onions
Yes, just like Doctor Who, Green Onions regenerate. Ok - not quite like Doctor Who.
The tip was just: instead of throwing away the bulb end of the green onions, bind them together with a rubber band, and put them in a glass with an inch of water. Within a week they will grow - Hey presto! Free Spring Onions!
This is just the tip of the iceberg...
Follow me at http://pinterest.com/ladydars/pins/
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Procrastibaking: Scones
So here is is: the inevitable first edition of Procrastibaking.
Since I've rediscovered the fun of baking, scones have been a favourite. They are quick, they are easy, they are inexpensive, and you don't have interrupt your Television viewing to make them - by that I mean you don't need to use a Mixmaster which destroys all other sound in the (immediate) universe.
My basic scones consist of:
Since I've rediscovered the fun of baking, scones have been a favourite. They are quick, they are easy, they are inexpensive, and you don't have interrupt your Television viewing to make them - by that I mean you don't need to use a Mixmaster which destroys all other sound in the (immediate) universe.
My basic scones consist of:
- 3 cups of sifted self-raising flour
- 80grams of butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 and 1/4 cups milk
It is as easy as:
1. Take off all your rings and wash your hands. Plop the flour in a large mixing bowl with the cubed butter, and use your fingers to press the butter into the flour. Don't let your finger-tips touch when squishing the butter - you want to combine the butter with the flour, not melt it. It should look like nice soft sand when its ready.
1.1 Make a well in the sandy looking flour-butter. (Now you can wash your hands... so often I wash my hands then remember to make a well... rookie mistake!)
2. Pour 1 cup of the milk into the well, and combine this with the flour-butter mixture using a round edged butter knife.
The reason I don't say "Put all the milk in the well" is because some days flour doesn't take the milk as easily as others. It sounds odd and esoteric but its true. I've found that on humid days I rarely need the 1/4 cup. If you add it though, and it seems too sticky - panic not! Just add a little more flour until its workable (doesn't matter if it is a bit too sticky, it still works).
3. Lightly dust a clean smooth surface and turn out your scone dough. Now KNEAD! Well, I shouldn't capitalise it, because you should only knead until it seems well combined - you don't want to overwork it.
(*Fun Fact - knead with the heel of your hand as it is the warmest part. Kneading helps to activate something-something in the dough (yes I'm technical like that)).
Most often I don't take the dough out to knead it - I have a big enough bowl that I can get it done with one hand in the bowl itself - less cleaning!
4. Make the scones into little balls using your hands, or by cutting the dough with a cookie-cutter of your choice. They can be big or small but try and make them consistent (just for cooking time reasons... an unexpected undercooked scone is a bit blegh).
5. Pop them on a baking tray (I use non-stick, but feel free to use baking paper with a little flour) and cook them in a 180C oven for about 12-15 minutes. (Check them after 10 minutes - once they've got a little golden colouring on them they're good to go!)
All up it takes only 20 minutes to make these. While they're baking you can wash the three dishes you made (is that all??) and feel like a domestic goddess when you remove them from the oven to your sparkly clean kitchen!
This recipe is awfully budget friendly too:
3 cups of flour= .45c
1 cup-ish of milk= .45c
80gm butter = .65c
=$1.55 for about 10 scones. If my maths serves me, that's less than 20 cents a scone. Sell them to your friends for $1 and you've made a mighty profit! Or eat them all and drink tea (the option I choose).
Procrasticooking on a Budget: Tomato and Bacon Rice
Mr. Husband and I are on one income for the time-being, as I quit my job to do full-time study.
So we've had to change our outlook quite drastically. I am sad to say, we were those people who didn't even ask how much it cost: we just bought it if we wanted it. It was nice while it lasted! But felt a bit decadent.
Now I have to watch what we spend, and the easiest place to cut back is food.
So I am going to slowly blog some of my favourite budget meals.
Tomato and Bacon Rice
This recipe is easy peasy, and so very, very cheap.
- 2 OR 3 rashers of bacon, sliced
- 1 onion (or leek, or spring onions etc. - whatever is on hand), chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 400g tin of tomatoes
- 750ml of chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup of rice
- seasoning to taste
I make this in a fry pan with a lid, FYI.
1. Cook the onion, garlic and bacon together with a dash of oil in the pan until onions are soft and becoming golden and the bacon is starting to brown.
2. Add the tin of tomatoes with the cup of rice and stir for about a minute. Season to taste.
3. Add the stock and stir before covering and allowing to cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the stock.
How easy is that?! And the calorie content isn't so bad either: about 260 calories per serve, if you divide the above into 4. The biggest part of the caloric content comes from the rice.
The excellent thing is that there is room for error - if you accidentally get sidetracked by Facebook or Pinterest etc., and you let it cook for a tad too long, the rice at the bottom can turn into what looks like the base of a Paella. Which is actually delicious - you can't go wrong! (Well, you could ... but we will imagine that we are all domestic-goddesses and that we never would).
The best bit is the cost: Last time it cost me:
- .50c for a brown onion
- $1.75 for bacon
- Nothing for garlic (but say you use 1 tsp of crushed garlic from a jar = .20c)
- .69c for a tin of tomatoes (Homebrand)
- .40c for rice (worked out on the cost of a large bag of rice)
- .25c for chicken stock (made with Massel Chicken Stock Powder + water)
- Total = $3.80
Less that $1.00 per serve.
The downside? Sodium content is a little high (stock, tomatoes, bacon), so I wouldn't make it every night - but if I make it once a week - well, that's a bargain. Effectively makes 2 dinners and 2 lunches for less than $4.00.
Its also a good recipe for getting rid of those veges at the bottom of the tray that seem a bit sad - the couple of spring onions left wilting next to that lone carrot. Grate the carrot and add with the tomatoes, and snip the spring onion in at the beginning for extra onion flavour and flash of green.
Organising Myself
I have half an hour until my personal-trainer arrives, and yes - I could be using this time to read up on something-or-other. But you may be aware that I'm a procrastinator.
So I shall procrastinate by blogging about the things that keep me on track (despite my procrasti-activities).
What are the key elements of keeping me on track, study wise?
1. My Calendar
Every week I plan everything I need to do on my calendar. The whole iCloud thing is marvellous because my detailed planning process (which in itself feels like procrastinating, because it feels productive but doesn't actually achieve any of those big "end goals") is magically available on my phone and ipad so my schedule is suddenly accessible anywhere I go.
I like the idea of a planner - having everything written down in one place with appointments and post-its and a cute little pen. But the fact of the matter is I use it for 2 weeks then lose it, or forget about it, or spill something on it. So I am just honest with myself and use my e-Planners religiously.
That doesn't mean I don't get to write lists or use post-its though...
2. My Notebook(s)
Part of my planning process is to use lists. The best way to do lists is in a lovely notebook. I get notebooks for Christmas and Birthdays, so there is never a shortage of pretty, Manda-like notebooks to keep me happy and interested.
I like to break down tasks into 'To Do' lists. Easy example: An essay I'm about to start about the Berlin Blockade/Airlift. I broke down the question into points I needed to cover. I wrote a list of article topics I should find. I wrote a list of "mini-deadlines" for reading, drafting, editing, and final versions, then I put it on my calendar.
I used to do this on scrap paper and preserve my notebooks for some "special" purpose. Like I was going to write an amazing novel if just the write GSM notebook came along... Now I realise the value of a notebook - not just in keeping things together, but to look back on and see what you should have done, perhaps where you may have gone wrong, but importantly, to see how far you've come.
3. Inspiring People, or "Pretending to be just as cool as that girl"
I have a clear memory of when I was probably about 5 or 6 years old. I had started watching an Australian TV show that featured a group of friends who did the usual kid stuff - went to school, had adventures etc. There was one girl who was very studious and smart - and I decided: I want to be like her.
So I did my hair like her. I set up a desk so I could "do projects". And I walked around pretending that I was her.
I am convinced that this is a big part of who I have become. I decided early on that this good role-model was who I wanted to be. I am under no illusion that I am smarter than anyone else - I just wanted to be that girl: who looked smart, in control, cool, calm, collected. So I did what she did.
Fast-forward and this has actually been a pretty good guide for me. I'm not naturally that intelligent - but I am intelligent enough to model myself and my actions on successful people. I have two incredibly genius-level smart cousins who I always used to copy. Yes, they are both younger than me, but I guess they inspired me none-the-less. They collected coins or spoons - so did I. They learned about Heiroglyphs? So did I. You get the drift.
At school/uni I would see people write their notes and organise their binders in a way that seemed smart and efficient - I would try that. They would talk about books they'd read that gave them tips on how to succeed in a certain subject, and so I read them too.
BLOGS - I have found so very many blogs with such great ideas on how to study efficiently and organise yourself! So I model myself on their ideas.
You get the drift? Sure, for a while I felt like a fraud - like I was trying to be this smart, kept together person but really I was just copying everyone else. But the truth is, if you ask me: its the smart thing to do. There is no point reinventing the wheel!
Do what others have found works.
Avoid what others have found fails.
And I guess this all gives me a clear concept of who I am as a student - I am organised. All my ducks are in a row. I am like these people. I am in control of my work and my time. And when I have this clear, calm and happy idea in my head - I am SO much more productive!
So I shall procrastinate by blogging about the things that keep me on track (despite my procrasti-activities).
What are the key elements of keeping me on track, study wise?
1. My Calendar
Every week I plan everything I need to do on my calendar. The whole iCloud thing is marvellous because my detailed planning process (which in itself feels like procrastinating, because it feels productive but doesn't actually achieve any of those big "end goals") is magically available on my phone and ipad so my schedule is suddenly accessible anywhere I go.
I like the idea of a planner - having everything written down in one place with appointments and post-its and a cute little pen. But the fact of the matter is I use it for 2 weeks then lose it, or forget about it, or spill something on it. So I am just honest with myself and use my e-Planners religiously.
That doesn't mean I don't get to write lists or use post-its though...
2. My Notebook(s)
Part of my planning process is to use lists. The best way to do lists is in a lovely notebook. I get notebooks for Christmas and Birthdays, so there is never a shortage of pretty, Manda-like notebooks to keep me happy and interested.
I like to break down tasks into 'To Do' lists. Easy example: An essay I'm about to start about the Berlin Blockade/Airlift. I broke down the question into points I needed to cover. I wrote a list of article topics I should find. I wrote a list of "mini-deadlines" for reading, drafting, editing, and final versions, then I put it on my calendar.
I used to do this on scrap paper and preserve my notebooks for some "special" purpose. Like I was going to write an amazing novel if just the write GSM notebook came along... Now I realise the value of a notebook - not just in keeping things together, but to look back on and see what you should have done, perhaps where you may have gone wrong, but importantly, to see how far you've come.
3. Inspiring People, or "Pretending to be just as cool as that girl"
I have a clear memory of when I was probably about 5 or 6 years old. I had started watching an Australian TV show that featured a group of friends who did the usual kid stuff - went to school, had adventures etc. There was one girl who was very studious and smart - and I decided: I want to be like her.
So I did my hair like her. I set up a desk so I could "do projects". And I walked around pretending that I was her.
I am convinced that this is a big part of who I have become. I decided early on that this good role-model was who I wanted to be. I am under no illusion that I am smarter than anyone else - I just wanted to be that girl: who looked smart, in control, cool, calm, collected. So I did what she did.
Fast-forward and this has actually been a pretty good guide for me. I'm not naturally that intelligent - but I am intelligent enough to model myself and my actions on successful people. I have two incredibly genius-level smart cousins who I always used to copy. Yes, they are both younger than me, but I guess they inspired me none-the-less. They collected coins or spoons - so did I. They learned about Heiroglyphs? So did I. You get the drift.
At school/uni I would see people write their notes and organise their binders in a way that seemed smart and efficient - I would try that. They would talk about books they'd read that gave them tips on how to succeed in a certain subject, and so I read them too.
BLOGS - I have found so very many blogs with such great ideas on how to study efficiently and organise yourself! So I model myself on their ideas.
You get the drift? Sure, for a while I felt like a fraud - like I was trying to be this smart, kept together person but really I was just copying everyone else. But the truth is, if you ask me: its the smart thing to do. There is no point reinventing the wheel!
Do what others have found works.
Avoid what others have found fails.
And I guess this all gives me a clear concept of who I am as a student - I am organised. All my ducks are in a row. I am like these people. I am in control of my work and my time. And when I have this clear, calm and happy idea in my head - I am SO much more productive!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Procrastibloggin' We Go
This year I am embarking on (yet another) year of study.
If my previous 5 years of tertiary education have taught me anything, it's that I do love to procrastinate. But also that occassionally this procrastination turns into an odd form of productivity. Sure, I may not get what I should get done, but I get something done. Often many things, in fact.
So I'm starting another blog.
I'm inspired presently by the fabulous/dangerous invention of Pinterest. I absolutely love the amazing things you can find on there - I have had so many moments of "HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT?!" it is astounding.
So part of my vague plan for "Procrastiblogging" is to do some of the things I find on Pinterest. For me, that is mostly crafty things (Procrasticrafting), cooking things (Procrasticooking, or more commonly Procrastibaking), and organising things (Procrastinising - may need to work on this verb).
A bit of background though:
I am a 26 year old Amanda (I use this as a noun, as there are so many Amanda's out there we basically count as a noun of our own). I live with my Husband (he also gets a capital, because I like him), and our Cat - Winston (fully: Winston Churchmiao, or more fully: Winston Jasper Wells-Woidt Churchmiao).
I like the colour red very much. I like to knit (I'm a pro at scarves and blankets, but nervous to try anything more complicated - cue Procrasticrafting), bake, learn about curious things, watch murder shows (there will be no Procrasticrime) and research family history.
This year I am doing a one year Postgraduate Diploma in Humanities, studying History (for the most part) in order to get a second teaching area to do a Post Grad Diploma in Education next year (fingers crossed). Apparently I did too many social science subjects in my previous degrees, so here I am again! I could pretend that this bothers me, but I will let you in on a not-so-well-hidden secret: I love to study. I'm a study freak.
So that sums it up. I'm hopeful that this blog will help - what's the word? - channel or guide my procrastinating to more productive pursuits.
Hope + procrastination + pinterest = what could go wrong?
xo
Manda
If my previous 5 years of tertiary education have taught me anything, it's that I do love to procrastinate. But also that occassionally this procrastination turns into an odd form of productivity. Sure, I may not get what I should get done, but I get something done. Often many things, in fact.
So I'm starting another blog.
I'm inspired presently by the fabulous/dangerous invention of Pinterest. I absolutely love the amazing things you can find on there - I have had so many moments of "HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT?!" it is astounding.
So part of my vague plan for "Procrastiblogging" is to do some of the things I find on Pinterest. For me, that is mostly crafty things (Procrasticrafting), cooking things (Procrasticooking, or more commonly Procrastibaking), and organising things (Procrastinising - may need to work on this verb).
A bit of background though:
I am a 26 year old Amanda (I use this as a noun, as there are so many Amanda's out there we basically count as a noun of our own). I live with my Husband (he also gets a capital, because I like him), and our Cat - Winston (fully: Winston Churchmiao, or more fully: Winston Jasper Wells-Woidt Churchmiao).
I like the colour red very much. I like to knit (I'm a pro at scarves and blankets, but nervous to try anything more complicated - cue Procrasticrafting), bake, learn about curious things, watch murder shows (there will be no Procrasticrime) and research family history.
This year I am doing a one year Postgraduate Diploma in Humanities, studying History (for the most part) in order to get a second teaching area to do a Post Grad Diploma in Education next year (fingers crossed). Apparently I did too many social science subjects in my previous degrees, so here I am again! I could pretend that this bothers me, but I will let you in on a not-so-well-hidden secret: I love to study. I'm a study freak.
So that sums it up. I'm hopeful that this blog will help - what's the word? - channel or guide my procrastinating to more productive pursuits.
Hope + procrastination + pinterest = what could go wrong?
xo
Manda
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