Weekend Quick Tip- Shelf life of Spices

Cleaning out your spice rack

The weather people are calling for some bad weather tonight and tomorrow in Northern Virginia! So, I will "TRY" to utilize some time tomorrow, while I am trapped inside the home, to do some spring cleaning! 

The spice rack is a great place to start! There is actually some debate on the shelf life of dried spices.  Lately,  I have been hearing that you should toss your dried spices out after 6 months.  But I just came across a post that tackled that question and McCormick actually chimed in with their advice!






Here are their recommendations:

• Ground spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric): 2 to 3 years
• Herbs (basil, oregano, parsley): 1 to 3 years
• Seasoning blends: 1 to 2 years
• Whole spices (cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks): 4 years
• Seeds: 4 years (except for poppy and sesame seeds, which should be discarded after 2 years)
• Extracts: 4 years (except for vanilla, which will last forever)



You Can read more advice over at:  Woman's Day

Do you throw out your spices or just use them until the bottle is empty??


As always, saving you time......one tip at a time!
Cheers,
Tatiana

Prep time saver - My Garbage Bowl

Do you use a garbage bowl when prepping your dinner? I do and it does saves time! I heard of this tip many years ago from Rachel Ray (she even sells designated garbage bowls at your local Target/Walmart.)  The concept is simple, yet genius at the same time. You have a bowl near by to dump any trash from prepping your meal; peeled skin off of carrots, wrapping off a meat package, anything! Then when you are finished, just dump it all in the trash.  This saves you time from going back and forth to the trash can.  I just recently added my little addition, inserting a recycled plastic trash bag as an insert, so I do not have to wash the bowl when I am finished!

Try the next time you are prepping any meal!

Do you have a kitchen time saver?  I would love to hear your tips!!


As always, saving you time.....one tip at a time!
Cheers,
Tatiana

Tip Tuesday- MAC Fix Plus

I admit in loving my makeup!  As the day wears on, so does my makeup.  I use primers and powders, that help keep my makeup in place. (I will share with you one day.)  But there is one product that I am in love with, and it is perfect for all woman, whether you like to wear makeup or not!!

The amazing product is Mac Fix Plus. I spray it on my face after I apply my makeup, and my makeup literally stays put all day!  If you are not a fan of makeup on a daily bases, I recommend spraying this product on your face to keep your skin looking hydrated and looking pristine!!   Spray a little in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up, and you will get that refreshed look back.  This product helps the busy person that just does not have time!!  I have tried so many "finishing" sprays, from high-end to bargain brands, and this one takes the cake.....not be confused with "cakey" makeup!!

I suggest you check out this product, and see for yourself!!!

As Always, saving you time, one tip at a time!
Cheers!
Tatiana

Save time and Make a List

Make a List

If you asked me 10 years ago, "would you make a list to do house chores?",  I would ABSOLUTELY say, "NO WAY!"  But that was me then and the me now is a WHOLE different story!  The  "LISTS" do help with keeping the tasks at hand and they ultimately save me time and money!

Keeping the house clean and manageable takes strategy and that is where my lists help!  I found one of my daily cleaning lists at,  A Bowl Full of Lemons.  Of course, making lists do not require  you to go online, just start with your pen and paper! Make lists of daily and monthly cleaning goals.  You will find that you will start a habit of routine.  The same theory applies to grocery shopping, goals for your finances, personal goals, etc...

Don't forget the list is only as good as you use it, so do not forget!


As always, saving you time, one tip at a time!
Tatiana

Tip Tuesday- Simple Organizing- Baking Needs

Picture from, A Bowl Full of Lemons

Kids are back in school, Christmas decorations are put away (or in the process of being put away,) it is the perfect time to assess your organization.

Check out A Bowl Full of Lemons Blog for their simple tips on organizing.  Today the blog is focusing on the baking portion of your pantry.  It is always a good idea to throw away items/food that have been in your pantry since 2000.  Also, it is a great time to see what you need to have in stock in case of an emergency!!

As always, saving you time, one tip at a time!

Cheers!

Tatiana

Stay Tuned.........

In the upcoming week, I will be posting pictures of my recently organized pantry.  I used the advice and tips from A Bowl Full of Lemons  

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REMEMBER:  if you book TODAY, you get 30% OFF!!!

Cheers and until next time......


Tatiana

Website:Taking Care of Business

Weekend Warrior - Do not forget to enjoy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy Thanksgiving!

picture from cookinglight.com

Thanksgiving is almost here!  Are you hosting the big feast this year??

Do not let this gracious dinner overwhelm you!  In the Thanksgiving addition (November 2013) of, Cooking Light magazine, author (a.k.a. kitchen ninja) Jennifer Drawbridge, wrote a cute piece on the importance of actually enjoying the company and  the food!  Sometime we get so involved with preparing the bird and making sure the guests are happy, that we forget to enjoy what is taking place around us.  The following are some tips from Jennifer, on how to actually enjoy the big day.  These tips are also great for any big feast you plan to prepare throughout the year.

1) De-stress the Prep

Do as much preparing as possible.  Make a complete list of everyone you need, and when you will prepare. Cut the veggies, set the table, do everything you can do the days before the big day!

2) Better Food, Less fuss

Keep the food simple but use quality ingredients. 

3) Use Champion Recipes

Do not try a new 3 page recipe on the big day!  Do what has been tried and loved!  Save the new, complicated recipes, when there is nothing on the ling!

Be sure to check out Cooking Light for more advice and recipes for the holidays!

Until next time.....

Cheers!

Tatiana