DRY ERASE MARKERS are lifesavers!

By Tania Prociuk

• LEAVE A DRY ERASE MARKER IN YOUR CAR - When your boss, wife, husband etc calls and asks you to grab milk or something on the way home you will not forget.  Write MILK on your drivers side window.  Each time you look out your window it will remind you of what you need to do on route.  It is a dry erase, so once the task at hand has been completed wipe it off.  It will be written on the inside of your vehicle, so the rain will not wash it off.   Use the corner of the front windshield as a reminder for your next oil change.

• TURN ANY SURFACE INTO A NOTEPAD -  Dry Erase markers work on so many items....I use nearly every mirror/glass/metal surface in my home as a whiteboard.  Little personal reminders, use your bathroom mirror for items that need completion in the morning.  Leave instructions for the babysitter or house cleaner on that mirrored front closet door.  Instructions for your kids when they get home from school.   I have a glass desk, I use my entire desk as a note pad, I can only imagine the amounts of Post It's I have saved.   

• PLAYTIME WITH THE KID-LETS - Pick a mirror in the house and draw until the heart is content!  Kids are so vain, they love looking at themselves...especially little ones :) Have them look in the mirror and draw horns on them, elf ears, a mustache and watch them get a kick out of it.  Ensure they understand they must only draw on the mirror, hide permanent markers until they are old enough.   Get Crayola or another non-toxic brand for your kids to be safe.

• PERSONAL WHITEBOARD - My little guy works really with pictures and social stories, so I have a blank card wrapped in packing tape when a quick diagram or picture is necessary.  Adults can use the blank mini whiteboard as well the fly.  You can write on them first and create a template, then tape them up....like a phone message.

• WINE GLASS LABLES - self explanatory.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Each brand of dry erase markers are different, on a rare occasion a marker may not entirely erase. Test a small area first on each intended surface before you go Einstein all over it. 

Make a list....ESSENTIAL FOR BEING ORGANIZED

By Tania Prociuk

I live by the "notes" option on my iPhone, it syncs to all of my Apple devices and I have it where ever I go.   The key here is not to delete the list after use because chances are you are going to reuse it.  If there is no chance you will reuse the list.....then yes delete it.  Here are some suggestions:

1.    Prepare a category in your Notes called "SHOPPING" and have subtitles for each store you frequent with your shopping essentials. It is often you purchase the same products each time you return to the same store - so don't bother deleting the list.  Just copy and paste it under the original one and mend what you need.  It will act as a reminder in the event you forgot to add an item and you will know what you just bought the last time so you don't end up purchasing another bulk item like paper towel or toilet paper as this take up a lot of storage space (something I am always running short of).  Within the category "SHOPPING" have subtitles for the grocery store, hardware store, Costco, drug store....etc.  When you think of an item to add (even late at night when you are staring at the ceiling) your phone is always nearby.

2.    It is also handy to have other categories, like "MAC REPAIR" if you are an Apple user, copy and paste trouble shooting tips in a note for each action like resetting the PRAM, fsck, Disk Utility...etc.  If your computer conks out there is an alternative way to look up ways to repair your bunk computer efficiently.  I often forget these troubleshooting tasks since this isn't a frequent occurrence (hopefully).

3.    Make another note category for "HOLIDAYS" with subtitles Christmas/Hanukkah and Birthdays.  You tend to purchase gifts for the same people, type their names with a dash next to it under each of these subtitles.  Then take note when you think of the perfect thing to get them....or perhaps, you may hear them say "I really need ______" one day.  They will never know you just jotted it down in your phone and you will put a smile on their face because you listened to their needs when they open their gift.  Again, leave this information in your notes, don't delete it because the holiday is over.  That way you will know what you bought each person last year and will have a list of people already in place for the following year.

4.    Create a category "CELEBRATIONS" with subtitles for birthday parties and other annual parties.  List the items you need to have for these events....like the cake, balloons, forks, paper towel and other party favours.  When the day comes you won't forget a thing.  You will need the same items the following year....so just leave the list on your phone for the future.  Less planning, more fun will be had and you will not be kicking yourself that you forgot something when the time counts.

Don't let your laptop get hot and bothered....

By Tania Prociuk

Pretty simple technique, find a inexpensive tray (just a bit larger than the base of your laptop).

Flip the tray over, the two openings at the side can be used for mini hard-drives, phones that are syncing and other cables you want to keep clear of damage.

That's pretty much it, it acts as a table top, you can put the tray with the laptop on your lap without it heating up your body (especially those who live in warm climates).

If you are headed into the other room, or need to move supplies over....it is portable.  Just flip the tray over and place all the contents, even your laptop right inside.  Move to another location in the house and have your documents, stationary, phone, hard-drives, cables and computer with you without a fumble.


TIP**  Last thing you want is to loose all your data, so tuck it in the openings and it will act as a shield.  I do not store anything on my laptop, hard lesson learned....everything is on an external hard-drive or a cloud.  If the computer crashes, I don't loose a thing. I still take back-ups for the programs/applications installed, but essentially I don't use my memory on my computer.

Pringles Containers: Reduced, Reused & Recycled

By Tania Prociuk

Chicken soup to go - make a pot then freeze it in a Pringles container and put the lid on.

Freeze on its side to be sure noodles and the goodness is evenly spread through the container.

Cut with a serrated knife into portions and then place in a freezer bag.

Leave it in the freezer and take out portions for lunches or quick dinners in a pinch.

You can do this with soup stock, chilli, stews etc. also.

Spaghetti Holder

Perfect length.


Pillar Candle molds

1. Place wick

2. Pour wax

3. Let set

4. Remove Pringle container

Cord Organizer

Jet Pack

For Your Superhero :)


Personalized Storage Containers

1.  Use your printer to design a cover

2. Print and cut the design to fit the can

3. Use a glue strip to seal the deal

Tissue or Plastic Bag Dispenser

Cut a hole in the top and your off to the races.


Gift Box

1.  Decorate the container

2.  Make cookies or other goodies to place inside.

3.  Gift it

GROUND BEEF HACKED! Hamburgers and ground beef portioned out and other useful tips.

By Tania Prociuk

For 9 Homemade Hamburger Patties Mix:

2 pounds of fresh (not previously frozen) ground beef

1 egg beaten

3/4 cups dry bread crumbs

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/8 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 Chopped Onion 

2 Minced Garlic Cloves

Mix everything into a bowl and then empty the contents into a large freezer bag.  Place the bag on a cookie sheet and use a chopstick to separate the burgers.  Freeze.  You can go back and remove the cookie sheet once the burgers are entirely frozen. 

Or just use ground beef to create portions instead of thawing the entire package using the same concept. Place ground beef into a freezer bag and then onto a cookie sheet and use a chopstick to separate portions.  Freeze.  You can go back and remove the cookie sheet once the meat is entirely frozen. 

Another helpful thing with ground beef is to buy it in bulk, follow the tip above to freeze some fresh ground beef.  Then cook some on the stove top.  Drain and place the cooked ground beef in freezer bags once it has cooled.  ****This is great for last min bolognese, lasagna, tacos, chili, sloppy joes, shepherd's pie, enchiladas, mince meat pie... etc. 

INSTANTLY kill body odor...Here is a quick hack not to smell like a gorilla.

By Tania Prociuk

I am definitely not a fan of antiperspirant and cancer causing deodorants, check out how to solve the B/O problem instantly...

1.  Wash your body!  Plain and simple.  

2.  Use antibacterial soap, Dial works great or go completely natural with Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap.

3.  Once you are out of the shower, dry off well and apply a natural crystal deodorant.

4.  Wear clean clothing. Or all the steps above will backfire.

5.  Eat properly.  *Tip: Although super healthy, onion and garlic doesn't just linger on your breath it comes out your pores and sweat glands as well.

6.   Last and most important step in fighting body-odor.  Body Odor is caused by bacteria growth.  When you are at home or on the road and find that your not smelling exactly like roses....it is because of bacteria.  Rub on a little antibacterial hand sanitizer under the arms to rectify the problem.  Burt's Bees makes a great natural hand sanitizer or there is always Purell (which is in every office building, hospital or public location for the most part).

Velcro is great for organizing remotes, little bottles in your bathroom cabinets, dry erase markers and many other objects you use daily.

By Tania Prociuk

Step 1 - Get adhesive velcro.  Office supply, craft and textile stores all carry multiple colours and patterns.  

Step 2 - Place the Hook Side (rough side) to all free flowing items in your home...remote controls, nail polish, the countless little bottles cluttering your bathroom cabinets, scissors, lighters, dry erase markers...the list is endless. 

Why I suggest the hook side on objects, is because it acts as a reminder.  If your remote is scraping your leg, you will put is where it belongs.   When your friend asks for a lighter, the velcro will also act as a reminder to return it.  Simple.


Step 3 - Place the Loop Side (fuzzy side) to the back of your headboard, side of the end table (for remotes), on the inside of bathroom, office and kitchen cabinets....literally can be placed anywhere.  

                               

Never loose random objects again. Velcro comes in many different colours, so you can match the colour of the surface for concealment.  

*Place strips of the hook side in your child's bedroom walls, stuffed animals or puppets can easily be displayed and removed for playtime.

But not recommended on your child :)

And you might have a hard time finding a date with this getup. 

Upgrade your fan to FAN-TASTIC!

By Tania Prociuk

Been using this method for years!  Cheap, Easy and Natural

Very easy to do, you will need a sachet of lavender or you can simply use a dryer sheet!  

1. Tie the sachet of lavender to part of the fan to secure it. Be sure the fan is off.

2.  Squeeze the sachet any time you need a natural scent boost.

Or 

1. Turn the fan on.

2.  place a couple of new or re-used dryer sheets to the back of the fan.

3. Let the fan do the work.  

Get your kids to school on time...how to fold and stack dresser drawers and more....KIDS EDITION

By Tania Prociuk

Parenting TIP:  Kids love having a choice, if you give them and either/or situation they will choose one of them!

This is the reason, why I do the following to prepare for the week (school days are essential):

1.  Take the bottoms (shorts/ Pants/skirt), place two tops (shirt/blouse...this is where the choice comes into the morning routine) on top of the shorts, then undergarments and finally socks or stockings.  For socks, place your hand in one sock and stuff it into the other sock.  It saves the elasticity and takes up less space then the typical roll over method.

2.  Roll everything together.

3. Repeat 5-7 times, one for each day of the week.

4.  Sweater or jacket and shoes are by the door ready.

The key is when the child is sleepy and trying to negotiate going to school, you are able to say "Do you want to where your Ninja Turtles or your Lego shirt today?  They will make the choice and get dressed quickly without complaints and move onto the next morning task with ease.

Providing a choice will leave your child feeling empowered, the rest goes smoothly.  Take it from me, I am a single mom with a child on the Spectrum (Autistic).  This has been the only way I have found morning compliance.   It doesn't take more time, in fact it save oodles of time once you get the hang of it.

Also, prepare lunches the night before, it is helpful to do this while making dinner.  My kid is really picky, so breakfast is prepped and table is set before I go to bed.  The items that need to stay cold for breakfast are in the fridge ready to go and the packed lunch is right next to it. PS....use a sponge and freeze it.  Throw it into the lunch as an ice pack and a way for your child to wash up.  You can even add a bit of dish soap to the water before freezing.

Load up their school bag with library books, signed permission slips and school notes in the bag the night before so you don't forget while you are busy with other morning duties.

You're Welcome. :)

Folding PJ Sets (*bonus)