Sunday, July 27, 2008

Bloggy Giveaway #5 Happy Housewives




This is a pack of three books to help you become the "happiest housewife" you can be!



Happy Housewives by Darla Shine


Says former desperate housewife Darla Shine to stay-at-home moms everywhere: What have you got to complain about? A modern-day guide to keeping house, raising kids, and loving life.


Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld


As a mother of three, Jessica Seinfeld can speak for all parents who struggle to feed their kids right and deal nightly with dinnertime fiascos. As she wages a personal war against sugars, packaged foods, and other nutritional saboteurs, she offers appetizing alternatives for parents who find themselves succumbing to the fastest and easiest (and least healthy) choices available to them. Her modus operandi? Her book is filled with traditional recipes that kids love, except they're stealthily packed with veggies hidden in them so kids don't even know! With the help of a nutritionist and a professional chef, Seinfeld has developed a month's worth of meals for kids of all ages that includes, for example, pureed cauliflower in mac and cheese, and kale in spaghetti and meatballs. She also provides revealing and humorous personal anecdotes, tear–out shopping guides to help parents zoom through the supermarket, and tips on how to deal with the kid that "must have" the latest sugar bomb cereal.



The Joy of Cooking: All About Chicken


A fresh and original way to put the classic advice of Joy of Cooking to work -- illustrated and designed in a beautiful and easy-to-use new book.
Organized by techinique -- roasting, broiling, baking, braising, grilling, frying, and more
More than 100 of Joy's recipes, including the legendary Chicken Fricassee, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Turned Roasted Chicken
Invaluable techniques and tips for buying, storing, preparing, and carving chicken.


To enter:


1. Leave a comment and give me a homemaking tip. (I need all the help I can get!)


2. You must leave your e-mail address or your entry will be disqualified.


3. Deadline to enter is midnight on Friday, August 1. I will draw on Saturday using http://www.random.org/.


4. Winner has 48 hours to contact me or I'll move on to the next person. If you plan to be away, just let me know in your comment and I'll give you more time.

Edited to add: US and Canadian residents welcome to enter.

Check out more fantastic giveaways at http://www.bloggygiveaways.com/





204 comments:

1 – 200 of 204   Newer›   Newest»
Laura said...

Cool giveaway!! Yay!

Homemaking tip, huh? Hmmm...I'm not exactly an expert in that area either...I think the only thing that keeps my head above water with the housework is having a schedule. Monday, laundry. Tuesday, floors. Wednesday, kitchen. Thursday, bathrooms. Etc. If I try to just "wing it" for a week...well, forget it! LOL

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

Here's the best housekeeping tip I know:

Do the big stuff...that is, put away the toys, clean the dishes, wipe down the counters, put clothes in the drawers...and don't worry about the little stuff...that is, everything else!

Melissa said...

Count me in for this one. And now a housekeeping tip- um.... I always clean my sink and countertops before bed to start the day fresh!

Cherie J said...

Here's my housekeeping tip: When cleaning my refrigerator shelves I use a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Leaves the shelves sparkling and I don't have to worry about harmful chemical residue.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

polkadot said...

use a laundry basket with wheels and a handle to pick up clutter at the end of the day. spend a few minutes on the weekend putting it all away.

twitter me: thatgirlblogs
shuey6 at comcast dot net

Stacy said...

My sister has the deseptively delisious book and just loves it (it is the only way her husband will eat veggies).
The only tip that I can give you is that I have to do everything at the same time. (Maybe I'm Crazy?) If I have a schedule then I am 95% more likely to accomplish the housework.

Stacy said...

oops forgot to leave the way to contact me.
stacyguthrie (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Thanks for the giveaway.

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

One of my favorite homemaking tips involves cooking: I buy my celery, carrots and onions in bulk and I spend an hour chopping everything up. Then I put them in freezer bags, flatten them out, and put them in the freezer. When I need celery, carrots or onions for cooking (I use all three a lot, especially in soups), I just go to the freezer, break off a chunk of whatever I need and throw it in the pot.

A quick vacuum at the end of the day and a spray of Febreze (clean linen scent is best) makes it look like you spent a lot of time cleaning!

Awesome giveaway. Thanks!

je2kids(at)yahoo(dot)com

Martha A. said...

Neat giveaway!

Homemaking tip- have a set list of basic chores you do each day, vary them a bit so you do not get bored, like my husband and I trade off cleaning the kitchen in the morning and evening etc. I clean a different bathroom each day, so that every three days one of them is wiped down.

martha (at) lclink (dot) com

Lane Gunter said...

Learn lots of crock pot recipes. They are an absoulte timesaver!!

gunter6306 at comcast dot net

CrystalGB said...

Don't throw away socks with small holes. Use them to dust furniture. Just slip on hand and dust away.

Sincerely Iowa said...

Homemaking tip? Yikes!

My biggest tip has to do with the kids. Rather than telling them what chores to do, I let them choose for the week which chores they'd like to do. They have to pick a certain number of them. I find if they can pick the things they don't mind so much, THEY ACTUALLY GET DONE!

I almost bought the Jessica Seinfeld cookbook at Costco the other day. Maybe I'll just WIN it instead!

Anonymous said...

Great way to gt those bad smells out of a microwave (like bacon, or fish, etc) is to microwave a l=cup of baking soda and water for about 10 seconds, works wonders

jamieshalon(at)gmail(dot)com

Misty said...

hmmm... homemaking tip. Only go online AFTER the days tasks are done. (I never do that, but probably should! ha!)

Actually, i made a control journal and it's been WONDERFUL!!!!

rainydayinmay@gmail.com

www.mistywagner.blogspot.com for my own giveaway!

Anonymous said...

OK....here is my tip....NOT sure where I got this but it works for me!!!! Every morning and evening I spend 5 minutes in the messiest room of my home and just Pick up!!!! It is incredible what those 10 minutes in the morning and evening do for you!!!!!! So easy, such a short amount of time....
AndeM1@hotmail.com

Mrs. Sara said...

Yay! In November, I'm scheduled to become a stay at home mommy, so I could definitely use this pack! My favorite tip is to schedule two "pick up" times a day... one for ten minutes in the morning, and one for ten minutes in the evening. It keeps clutter from getting out of control!

saharagreen at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I have a bin of clorox wipes in every bathroom, in the kitchen and in the laundry room to wipe up countertops and spills immediately.
I also let my husband know there location so he can use them also :)

mariakara1(at)hotmail(dot)com

Dee said...

oh these books would be great! I'm still new at this stay at home mom thing( i have an almost one year old) so I dont have a lot of tips....BUT i have found that vinegar and baking soda have so many other uses than you thought..just google it and you'll find all sorts of stuff! for example To clean your coffee pot..put vinegar and water in and push start..after that any coffee stains come out soo easily! THEN of course do the same thing with JUST water a few times!

PS said...

Don't try to clean the whole house in a day. Do a room a day.
My best tip: Clean the bathroom while the kids take a bath!

Julie said...

My tip: heat up a coffemug of water in the microwave for a couple minutes, then wipe down the inside of microwave. All those stuck-on spots of food have softened and wipe right off! Saves alot of scrubbing.

julesaftermidnight@yahoo.com

Awesome Mom said...

Great prize package. My tip is to not let things pile up to much, do a little every day. Not that I listen to myself very often.

suzanne said...

Household tip- keep a container of lysol wipes under the sink. Train the boys to wipe up the toilet two to three times per week. keeps the bathroom looking nicer.

thanks!

pinkbeary said...

homemaking tip: buy the dyson dc18 vacuum. i just got it and it makes me want to vacuum all the time.

i also cut and freeze onions and green onions ahead of time.

have people over and your house will be clean all the time. i tend to keep my home cleaner when i know we're having company.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful giveaway! I've been really wanting to try that Deceptively Delicious book out on my very picky toddler!

My homemaking tip would be to use microfiber cloths on a swiffer. They pick up dust and dirt just as well as the disposable swiffer refills, but they are washable and reusable.

oucorcorans(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah said...

Homemaking tips?...Well I've only been a homemaker for 2 years. My only advice is to find a way to cut back on work time in the house. If you leave a room, take things that need to go in another room. I'm not an expert yet, so that's my best advice.
spondah[at]aol[dot]com

Beth said...

Homemaking tip: always start the pasta water boiling sooner than you think you need to. I've been married 21 years and my poor husband and family STILL end up waiting for supper to be done because I forget how long it really takes to boil water. :)

Great giveaway idea!

{amy k.} said...

Looks fun!

Not full of many tips... but the one that keeps me a little sane, is to make sure to go to bed with a clean kitchen sink!

amyandjeffmartine(at)yahoo(dot)com

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

My tip is to always plan out your meals for the week. This helps to avoid missing items for the meal and also the "What do you want" routine.

Thanks for the great giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I agree with making a schedule of what task to do on which day. Have a day free where you can rest or catch up on a task that was not completed because of daily life.

angela_mullins at hotmaildotcom

The Chatty Housewife said...

Thank you for the awesome giveaway. nw_wife(at)hotmail(dot)com

A couple of tips that I use around my house:

Use liquid dishwasher detergent and washing machine detergent- there is no possible spilling and clean up of granules! They always escape!

Use straws cut up and stuck into a sheet cake to hold the tin foil up for transferring or just covering. Toothpicks poke through the cover!

Stephanie said...

I too need some tips so I will be reading the comments.
I do know that I love including my kids with the housecleaning it makes it fun and i feel i am teaching them work ethic!

Jenny said...

This is not really a homemaking tip, but it's something nice you can do for you and your husband and it certainly makes us happy! It is cheap too and saves coffee. Basically you mix your leftover coffee with Irish Cream and freeze it, then take it out when you get home from work. It's so yummy! For full directions, see my post: http://babyfingers.blogspot.com/2008/07/because-youd-hate-to-waste-all-that.html

the_other_alice_ (at) yahoo.com

Katrina said...

hmm... a homemaking tip?

Always leave your sink clean when you go to bed. (ie. dishes done)
Then when you wake up, you wont have to worry about the dishes!

Unknown said...

Teach your kids to clean up after themselves. It will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. Also hang clothes up as soon as the dryer stops. I rarely have to iron since I've been doing this.

Rebecca said...

My tip: always leave a clean house when you go on holidays, nothing's worse than coming home to a mess and bringing laundry to add to it.

The Homemaker's Resource said...

My best tip is to make sure that you put all of the groceries in the fridge, freezer, and cupboard right away when you get home from the store. That way you make sure your food stays fresh and you aren't cluttering up your kitchen.

homemakersresource at gmail dot com

Deb said...

I'm not the best homemaker and I'd even say hardly adequate at housekeeping, but I do do a great job with weekly grocery shopping. I can feed a family of 4 well balanced and healthy meals for an average of $100 a week. I only go shopping once a week, go through the weekly flyer, clip coupons, and stock up when things are on sale and especially if I have coupons for them. If there is a good sale on meat or chicken, I buy enough to freeze to last a month because the trend seems to be that the market has the big sale about once every 4-5 weeks. This way, I never pay full price for meat.

Anonymous said...

Here's a tip: do a quick pickup and straightening before going to bed, so in the morning, everything is nice and neat. Hope I win! Thanks for the GREAT giveaway!! cdziuba@aol.com

Anonymous said...

A great way to get kids to try new things is to have them cook with you. My son loves to help in the kitchen. He's tried all sorts of fruits and veggies he wouldn't ordinarily have tried just because he was helping me cut them up.

amorsics@earthlink.net

Heather said...

While my kiddos are eating breakfast I unload the dishwasher and put in a load of laundry (and I make sure to hang it on the line as soon as I notice it is done). I hated having a laundry day and I hate having a sink full of dishes. This helps to keep me sane!

Unknown said...

Ooh, I need these books. My tip ... have your kids safety pin their socks together before they put them in the dirty clothes hamper. Saves major time in sorting.

Thanks for the chance to win.
daphne10171 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Mrs. Sprinkles said...

Hi--thanks for stopping by my blog. My housekeeping tip: fold the laundry ASAP--it doesn't wrinkle as much.

jen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liz said...

Mine is more a household tip but a bounce dryer sheet in your & the kids pocket to keep mosquitoes, flies, fleas & ticks away. I use a fresh one. But I rip used sheets in half and put 1/2 in each sock when I have to go to the woods. You can also wipe your window screens with them to keep bugs away

bethany said...

My housekeeping tip is buy a label maker!! I love mine!! I've been really wanting these books-I'd love to win!

torinem said...

Scheduling yourself is really helpful!

tornem (at) yahoo (dot) com

Surviving the Smiths said...

Baking soda is wonderful.  Sprinkle it over vinegar on a mattress in the morning after and accident.Barley wet towel with baking soda will get just about anything off of painted walls/trim, and painted dressers.nashvillemel@comcast.net

Kimberly said...

Do a little bit of cleaning each day so you don't have to do so much at one time.

While I am making dinner I'll clean off the counters. Or while I'm in the bathroom I'll clean off the mirrors. Even sitting at my desk I'll dust it off.

Also, a pretty smelling candle can really make a place seem cleaner too.

Thank you for the AWESOME giveaway!!!! These books are great and I would LOVE to win them. I'm keeping everything crossed!!!!! LOL!!!

HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

Betsy said...

Clean your microwave by loosening all the junk by place a bowl of water in the microwave and cook on high for about 5 min. The steam makes everything wipe off easier. Place some fresh lemon in the bowl for a great scent!

Mommyton said...

Ummm I would say hire a maid, LOL Boy I wish it was that simple. We make a game out of cleaning and turn the music WAY up. It is more fun when you are dancing and singing.

Christie said...

Great giveaway!
Homemaking tip? Hmm... best I've got is, Simplify! (and a relaxing cd and a candle make all the difference in the world when you're entertaining!) :)

Unknown said...

I use clothes pins to keep things organized, hang skirts on hangers, keep chip bags closed, that sort of thing.

Nathan, Sarah, Liam, Deacon, and Jude said...

Rom8vs28@aol.com

My home-making tip...hire a maid! LOL j/k (but I wish I could!) I would say not to buy more stuff tahn you have room for, it just clutters up and sits on shelves. Now, if I could take my own advice I would be doing well :o)

~Sarah

ali said...

a toy box is key for throwing all the lose toys in

"Deal"icious Mom said...

I need all the tips I can get. i am reading your tips. I should not be giving tips out - TRUST ME

3boyzmom said...

I need these books! My hubby does all of the cooking, but I've love to make him dinner for once (and only once, let's be honest here:) Here's a homemaking tip: If you have a dish or pot with yucky stuck on food gunk, soak in hot water and 1 unused laundry sheet. In the morning, you'll be surprised at how it works!

Ellen said...

these are really good tips - I think I need to take a few to heart :) My son always got into the dishwasher - so one day I decided to let him help me, ever since then he empties the dishwasher with me now :)
too_blue4u69 at hotmail dot com

Kristan said...

enlist husband help...and set a time limit on cleaning so that you don't get overwhelmed or feel like you don't get a chance to relax.
andrewandkristan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

A homemaking tip...well, I always fold my laundry as it comes out of the dryer, that way I'm more likely to put it away when I finally get all the laundry upstairs (our laundry is in the basement...so I have to take all the laundry down 2 full flights of stairs!)

Anonymous said...

Great books! I have found that having a daily routine helps me heaps with homemaking!

dbstout[at]juno[dot]com

Lisa said...

My tip is use vinegar and baking soda for most of your cleaning. Saves tons of money and way better on the earth and your health.

Fedora said...

Oy, a homemaking tip? That would presume that I had advice to share! I guess it echoes what some other commenters have suggested--get everyone, including the kids, involved! If everyone's involved in living at the house, then everyone can take a little responsibility for helping to keep it clean, whether it's putting their own laundry into their own drawers or learning to dust or put stuff back in the fridge...

Thanks for the contest!

f dot chen at comcast dot net

michelle said...

A homemaking tip??? Let's see...I always put my whites into the washer with a scoop of Oxy Clean in the evening and let them soak overnight. When I wake up, I just start the washer again and finish running the cycle. My whites always come out bright.

michelle at northofthe49 dot com

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I would love these books. My tip is more on the frugal side. We reuse Walmart or plastic grocery bags for our trash bags in our bathrooms or where ever you have small trash bins. Saves lots of money.
Blessings,
Kim

Amity said...

my best homemaking tip "just do the next thing" so many people sit around and say I don't where to start..what should I do?? The main key is just to get up and start doing something!!

EB said...

Great cookbooks! Would love to win! One good tip when cooking is to have a garbage bowl out to put all of the food scraps in. Saves lots of time.

Thanks for the giveaway!
emmarleed[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

My best tip:
Assign a chore to the man and make him do it!!

My second best tip:
Do 10 min at a time of decluttering(when you're on the phone, right before you head to work, while you're brushing your teeth) and it's much more manageable than trying to find a 2 hr block of time to set aside to declutter an entire area that has been getting out of hand for weeks!

mariettaseller(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kathleen W. said...

I'd love to win those books!

My tip is to keep a big jug of white vinegar in your pantry. I use it for tons of stuff from cleaning the floors (don't want my pets or baby touching toxic cleansers), to unclogging drains to using as a natural fabric softener in your washer.

Tara said...

2 words
Crock. Pot.

kristine said...

I would love to win these cookbooks!!! My tip - do the dishes as you go. If you have a dishwasher- same thing...load it as you go!

Hélène said...

When I make French toast, I prepare it the night before and just let the bread soak in the fridge. That way it is super quick to fix in the morning.
schola.athenarum at gmail dot come

CanCan said...

This is pretty good and I'm pretty sure it works:
when you make muffins or cup cakes, leave one of the muffin containers open and fill it 1/2 way with water. This keeps the others from burning.
I want these books!!!


onlycancan at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Can Canadians play? I am domestically challenged, but here is a tip. If you have a newborn get a GOOD baby carrier so you can do dishes with baby on board!

majellamom said...

Homemaking tip: (This is a do as I say, not as a do kinda tip)

When you do things right away they take less time and effort. Washing dishes right after a meal means no caked on food. Folding clothes straight out of the dryer means less time ironing later, etc.

Anonymous said...

A homemaking tip......
let me think cause I really dunno...
A messy home CAN BE a LOVING home.
Keep up clutter but things don't have to be perfectly put. Enjoy your family time.


palmersf(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Unknown said...

Homemaking tip... vinegar works just as well as glass cleaner, and baking soda is a great cleaner for sinks and tubs.
zoetrope2000 at gmail dot com

World's Greatest Mommy said...

A timer works wonders as a motivational tool to help kids get excited to clean. We keep track of "records" and the kids always want to beat their old ones.

Miss Spoken said...

My tip.... treat your day as if you were going to work outside of the home. Make a schedule and keep to it. I live by my Task List.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I'm not a very good homemaker, but I can give you a tip: don't wash and dry shoes in the middle of the night. They make a racket. I learned this the hard way. (really, I should have known,since they are shoes you know? I thought the walls of the machines would keep any noises in)
mitanari@yahoo.com

Kristofer said...

make your bed as soon as you get up! thanks, kristen

ryankristenwilson(at)msn(dot)com

Anonymous said...

great giveaway!

My tips: burn fragrant candles, potpourri or use plug-ins to make the house smell nice. It'll lift your spirits!

Also, cut flowers or buy fresh flowers and leave them in your kitchen (or another room where you spend a lot of time). They will brighten your mood and make the place look nice too!

Mommy Minded said...

Make that bed up! Please Please Please pick me for this one! lol

Liz said...

What a great assortment of books! I would love to win! My tip has to do with cooking. I like to buy a family pack of ground beef (its cheaper that way) and then I use a pound or two to make something like a meatloaf for dinner. I then fry up all of the remaining meat, drain, let it cool, and then I put it in one pound packages in freezer bags and it is very easy to pull out for chili, mexican, spaghetti, etc. It is so much faster this way. I also do this with extra onions too.

Kama said...

Cool giveaway! I am just learning to be a housewife as I have previously been teaching, but am taking some time off (hopefully many years) to raise our growing family--I'm due in September. My housekeeping tip--hire a maid. :)
mexicokama(at)hotmail.com

Amber said...

Not sure if I have many great homemaking tips! Lol. I guess the best one I have is to not let things pile up. Clean and take care of things as you go, that way you won't have a long list of things to do at once.
mommyof3inva(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sandra said...

My tip is to go and buy and Lady Bug Vapor Steam Cleaner...it cleans everything with Hot Steam and no chemicals...it makes tough jobs so much easier...and although it is sometimes difficult to lug around it is well worth it. It is expensive though.

owatz (AT) telus (dot) net

Maureen said...

Best homemaking tip:
Keep your cleaned and vacummed- It's amazing how much cleaner a room looks when you just do that!

kamewh said...

Homemaking tip-

Don't let things pile up, go through the mail right when you bring it in and throw out or recycle all of the junk mail.

Anonymous said...

A tip I'd give is to fold your clothes and put them away right after they're done in the dryer. It keeps the clothes from wrinkling and piling up elsewhere.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Teri said...

My best homemaking tip is to make homemade wrinkle release spray. Just mix a cap-ful of liquid fabric softener into a spray bottle with water (fill it almost the whole way up) and spray on your clothes as you iron (or instead of ironing & just stretch!). It's the exact same stuff that they will try to sell to you for $3 in the store!

Angie(quillysilly) said...

Vinegar will clean almost anything! Seriously...if you are out of something, just search vinegar cleaning tips on the internet and you are set!

ANgie

sweetsue said...

My homemaking tip is to pick up before you go to bed, so in the morning you start out with a relatively clean looking house.

Unknown said...

Great giveaway! My tip is do it as you go. Don't leave stuff around the house to 'get to later', you'll just end up with a big pile at the end of the week and a weekend wasted on housekeeping! Put whatever it is away right after you're done, in the end it'll take a lot less time!

designedbyrj [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I keep a spray bottle of water and bleach mixed, makes it easier and around here with this bunch something is always needing a little bleach.

actsm@hotmail.com

zeitersouth said...

As a SAHM I would say my best tip is to make sure you include your kids in your daily chores, if it is something that they cannot help with, try to save it for after bedtime.

Ginny said...

Spend 5 - 10 minutes a day putting away clutter so it doesn't get out of hand.

christene said...

My only tip is to clean as I go..pick up toys when done, clean up messes right away, leave wipe packs around to clean up spills or wipe stuff down while in the bathroom or kitchen.
cjinhb at msn dot com

Dani' said...

ugh I am horrid at housekeeping but here is a quick meal tip. Put hashbrowns (frozen kind) in microwave to cook a few minutes, just enough to get rid of any large ice chunks. Take out and add grated sharp cheddar cheese and picante sauce. Microwave again for at least 5min. My dds like this as a sidedish. You may want to experiment with how much cheese and picante you add.

diane d said...

If you spend a 1/2 hour "picking up" and straigtening up every day - the house never seems to get "out of control".

Thanks for such a great giveaway! :)

Just A Mom said...

I stopped buying and using rinse aid for my dishwasher and put in just white distilled vinegar and it works just as great. Also just love using white distilled vinegar for cleaning practically everything else in my home (1 cup water to 1 cup vinegar mixture). I clean the bathrooms, kitchen, kitchen floor and mirrors all with the vinegar. Super cheap and earthy friendly!

Anonymous said...

When you chop onion, celery or cheese, freeze an extra portion for the next time to save you when you're in a hurry.
Kathy
bigfamily8 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Lori said...

better then windex, use a mixture of vinegar and water to wash windows. Non-toxic great clean.

Kim said...

It looks like someone else has already said what I'm going to say but I just have to restate it as it's one of the best things I've ever done...Get a label maker! I have really enjoyed it in my craft room and now that my son is older I'm going to use it in his room soon.

Email addy is in my blog profile or just take out these spaces: misplaced at tx .rr. com

Trish said...

I would love to get these cookbooks! Great giveaway! I guess my tip would be to divide the chores! Give some to other members of the household so you don't feel like you have to do everything. My husband does the dishes, I put them away. Works great! trishblack(at)juno(dot)com

Jennifer said...

My tip would be to clean as you cook in the kitchen. If you are cooking, make sure you wash dirty dishes or load them into the dishwasher as you go. It is alot easier than just cleaning it all at once.

Richelle said...

Clean as you go--wipe out the sink when you wash your hands, clean the toilet when you use it, wipe up spills as soon as they happen...

My email is on my profile

Unknown said...

best tip i ever received was out of a magazine, used dryer sheets make great dusters, if you do a little bit at time it makes it easier

Re said...

My best tip is to stop buying products that add up and essentially waste money. You can do a lot with white vinegar and baking soda and bleach.

Great giveaway! I hope i'm the lucky winner :)

Anonymous said...

My best tip -
Get everyone involved. My children (and husband) all take part in cleaning the house, laundry, picking up, etc....even cooking.

It helps keep the stress level down for mom :o )

Thank you so much for the chance

Anonymous said...

opps - forgot to leave my email
hushmouth@verizon.net

Suzanne said...

homemaking tip: You can clean after the kids grow up and leave.

Rebecca said...

WOW!! You have some really nice giveaways going!! My favorite household tip is that I use Swiffer dusters and the Swiffer Sweeper. I LOVE them!! Thanks for another opportunity to win!!

Anonymous said...

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

Elizabeth F. said...

Buy wrinkle resistant clothes when you can. If you are like me...you hate to iron too!

efuson_2000@yahoo.com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Britni said...

Set a timer for 15 minutes and clean hard for those 15 minutes. When you're done, take a break for 15 (or 10) minutes. Repeat :)

Cmerie said...

My tip is to get into a routine and stick to it. Make sure you get dressed in the morning and make your bed. You will feel so much better and ready to tackle the world.

April said...

sort the mail as soon as you bring it in the door

Joy said...

My homemaking tip: use newspaper, instead of papertowels or cloths, to clean windows and glass (with your choice of window cleaner). Not only are you reusing newspaper, you'll get a streak-free no fuzz shine!!!

Sweetpeas said...

Do things in 15 min "blocks" you'd be amazed how much you can do in 15 minutes and it's not overwhelming to think "I'll just do this for 15 min.

Kyra said...

I'm hoping these books could help me out! :) I'm actually doing better now that I've come up with a schedule and a division of labor between my husband and myself.

Amber D. said...

Oh, I really want these books! We were just talking about the D. Delicious one. Lets see.... housekeeping tip....that is about as hard as asking me to cook for you.... I would say, I heard tonight that real Mayo takes crayon off the walls. Don't know if it works, but I had some friends talking about it.

Dawn M. said...

Mine's an organizing tip. We buy canned veggies at Sam's. They come in boxes of 12 and dispense one at a time. When we use all of the cans, we save the box and put other canned goods in them. It's really saved a lot of room in our small pantry.

librarygrinch at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Homemaking tip:

When you are measuring flour and or pouring it into a bowl, do the measuring and pouring in the sink. This way when flour spills, all you need to do is rinse the sink with water instead of having to get it off the countnetops and then spilling onto the floor, thus avoiding having to clean the counters and the floor.

Laura said...

I have made a few deceptively delicious recipes from the website, and would LOVE the book! Thanks for a great giveaway.

Homemaking tip: do the little things right away. Making the bed, putting something in the right place, etc. It only takes a couple seconds, and then you're done. It's a good mini-feeling of accomplishment and you dont have to worry about or remember it for the rest of the day!
laurachilton {at} hotmail {dot} com

Rockin' Mama said...

Hmmmm...when making a meal, make extra and freeze for days when it's chaotic and you don't want to cook
jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

Marcia said...

The best homemaking tip for me is throw your garbage away (empty wrappers, bottles, etc...) as soon as you're finished with them, put things away when you're finished (ketchup, syrup, whatever the case) and wipe up even the smallest spills as soon as they happen. I can't stand going home after work to see empty wrappers all over the place and things that have been left out that should've been put away. I spend the first 30 minutes after work just picking up after people (adults).

learningmama at yahoo dot com

Mommy 2 Monkeys said...

To get rid of tarnish, place your metal items in an aluminum pan with some baking soda, water, and another metal piece, like a fork. At least that's what I believe the formula was.

Anonymous said...

buy hamburger meat in bulk. I usually make up some hamburger patties and freeze them. I cook the rest of it and freeze in 1 pound bags. then you only have to cook it once!

the blubaughs said...

Great books!
My tip is to make daily lists of household tasks, even the small ones. You'll feel a great sense of accomplishment when you cross things off. And always try to do at least 15 minutes of "housework" per day to keep things under control.
theblubaughs[at]gmail{dot}com

frugallm said...

My best house keeping tip is to just throw on some music while you're cleaning. It gets me moving and it seems to go much faster!

elkmeese at yahoo dot com

LC said...

Home making tip........the best I have I learned from Rachal Ray - pre cut and wash your veggies. It really does save time when preparing dinner

leahrcole at yahoo dot com

Jen said...

A homemaking tip? In order to remember to keep toilets clean around here I put the clorox toilet cleaner in it at night before I go to sleep and it does its magic while we sleep....I also runt the dishwasher while we sleep....its so loud during the day.
I would love to have these books...they look great....

shaunjoy said...

Embarassing confession: I discovered that if I vacuum the carpet without picking up toys first it not only gets the floor clean but it also pushes the toys around into one neat pile ready to pick up.

shaunjoy(at)juno(dot)com

Lindsey said...

Flylady is the only thing that has kept my head afloat the last two years. I depend on her like no other!

Unknown said...

Well, being that I am supposed to be housecleaning right now, but I'm instead spending much too much time entering giveaways, I'm not sure if I'm the best giver of tips :) BUT, I do love the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It cleans my shower better than anything else I've tried!! Thanks so much!

myshadow28(at)aol(dot)com

Amanda said...

Hmmm...

When we first got married, I got two baskets and put them in the hallway near the door. One is his and one is mine. All mail, receipts, loose paper, etc gets put in there. That way whenever he's looking for something I can tell him to just look in his basket. This way nothing gets accidentally thrown away AND it keeps the house cleaner.

Please contact me on my blog if I win...thanks for the contest!

pam said...

I often don't have time to do the heavy cleaning, like baseboards, miniblinds, etc, on a regular basis, but I always keep things picked up and free of clutter. That way people think my house is clean. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Enlist help!! Husbands and kids can and should help! Thanks for a great giveaway!

Alaina said...

what a great giveaway!

My tips - try new recipes! It keeps cooking fun and exciting.

alainamj (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

Anonymous said...

A homemaking tip? Gasp! I need them myself.
Alright... So if a piece of gum is stuck to your clothes, put it in the fridge, after it freezes, it becomes easier to remove.

InternationalFreebies.net == internationalfreebies AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

Great giveaway, I can always use tips on cooking and cleaning!

My tip is to never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. Wash them or at least load them into the dishwasher. That way you can enjoy your morning coffee without looking at the work you need to do already.

Thanks!

jgbeads[at]gmail[dot]com

alex said...

TIP: Ican't keep following my little one around all day picking up after him so an hour before the hubby gets home I do a quick clean up so he doesn't come home to Lucian's tornado. It's just my little way of showing him I love him. :)

alexandra dot hancock a t gmail dot com

fivewinks said...

The thing that helps me out the most is before I go to bed, clean up all the toys, clutter and especially make sure all the dishes are clean or at least in the dishwasher. That way when I wake up, I'm not waking up already behind on chores.
fivewinks (at) cox (dot) net

Unknown said...

well I am a homemaker,however I dont have any tips I was hoping you would. ahdrad2932(at)msn(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to buy the Deceptively Delicious cookbook! One way I keep organized is to make a meal menu for the week so I don't have to stress about what to make for dinner!

ticole96(at)msn(dot)com

sunnymum said...

Fun prize! My tip: I keep a stack of cheap washcloths in the kitchen for wiping up kiddie hands or messes. They have a lot more pick-up power than even the most expensive paper towels....and they're reusable.
Hope you have a great week. cbeargie at yahoo dot com

Karen said...

I buy all of our meat in two week increments, break it down into what we need each day, then put it in freezer safe packages, and label them. Each night before bed, I put what we need for the next night into the fridge to unthaw. Nothing gets wasted, and I don't have to wonder what's for dinner;)

Anonymous said...

semtaylor(at)yahoo.com
Tip - I read once in a magazine a tip that works. Use unscented baby wipes to clean with. Works great to clean the inside of the refrigerator and also blinds.

Audra said...

Line cookie sheets with foil- It makes baking cleanup so much easier! Thanks so much for the great giveaway audrajjensen(at)msn(dot)com

Unknown said...

always use a nonstick pan to cook pancakes, i learnt the hard way when i used a stainless steel pan!

Molly C. said...

Do the dishes at night, it's so much nicer to wake up to a clean kitchen.

Kathleen said...

Those look like very cute books!

My tip is to never be empty-handed when you're walking around. There's always SOMETHING that needs to be put somewhere else. You don't necessarily have to get it all the way there, but dropping it closer to where it belongs will get it home more quickly.

martianlove a gmail d com

Erica said...

Woot Woot! Would love to have these, haha!

My home-making tip is to do your dishes as your cook or right after your meal. It's so simple, nothing gets dried on, plus you can go to bed and wake up to a clean kitchen!

Charlotte said...

Here's my tip about garbage disposals: Cut up a lemon into chunks and run it through the garbage disposal as a deodorizer. Lime or orange would work too, and it smells great! Also, if you run it with some ice cubes, that is supposed to help sharpen the blades.

charlotte(dot)evard(at)comcast(dot)net

Unknown said...

My tip would be to plan your menu around what is on sale when going shopping

"J" said...

Cool Housewife Giveaway!!! Fun Blog Title!!!!

My tip is when you get up pick up! Don't ever get up walking from one room to another and pass up a mess!!! If someone left a up on the table...pick it up on your way into the kitchen! I learned this when I was a waitress and I just added to my everyday life! I was told don't walk passed a table with an empty plate...pick it up...pre bus your table! Now I just use it! Sounds weird but it works! Don't walk passed a book out of place....put it back right then!

Thanks!
"J"

http://musingsfromleftfield.blogspot.com/

musingsfromleftfield (at) yahoo (dot) com

Neen said...

Activated charcoal works better than baking soda in the fridge to remove odors. (you can find it in the filter backs that go into aquariums)

Sarah Z said...

If I can't get to something - I don't let it bother me but I try to do a little cleaning everyday so it doesn't pile up too bad!!

believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Michelle M. said...

Keep a band-aid in your purse. They're great for a variety of uses!

wifeandmommy [dot] com @ gmail [dot] com

Geri said...

Thanks for the giveaway!! Please include me!

gerijones64@hotmail.com


Dust well,moving everything!!! It'll pay you back in the end

2nd tip-AVOID PETS!

Anonymous said...

Don't be afraid to use the crock pot. It's okay sometimes!

And a big time saver for me is to chop ahead all of the veggies for dinner during my kids' naptime -- less to do during crunch time.

Thanks!
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

Never turn the TV on while cleaning too easy to get distracted.Yes I am totally guilty.

Anonymous said...

Homemaking tip: I bought the zippered pencil holders (the ones that go in 3 rings binders) and use them to store game pieces, small K'Nex sets, etc. Works so well. I even have a small, plastic basket on my craft table with some of these in it to hold some of my craft stuff. :)

I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance! :)

adashofsassitude(at)gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I try to never walk out of a room empty handed. There is always something that needs to be put back or cleaned up!

Ilissa said...

My tip is doing everything in the morning as soon as you wake up. Once you've finished your required tasks for the day you will feel relaxed and able to enjoy the rest of your day. If you leave the chores until midday, you won't enjoy the day nearly as much because you will continuously be thinking about all that needs to be done.

Thanks for the chance.

Brittany K said...

Hmm..well, one thing that will definitely make your life a little more stress free when it comes to homemaking is to plan meals. That way you know what you're making throughout the week and it makes shopping so muhc easier.

bbkling(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Use a timer and set it for 15 min to clean. Take a short break and tackle something else for 15 min.
mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Lisa Garner said...

My tip is to have everyone set down and fold laundry together. It goes by so quickly while everyone is talking and enjoying time together.

Unknown said...

Hairspray takes ink out of clothing.

What a bevy of books!

Thank-you and please include me in the fun!

KJ - California
kjmt42 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net

Jinxy and Me said...

After cooking dinner, spray down your stove and counter and let it sit. After dinner it is a breeze to wipe up. Thanks for the giveaway!

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

Being the Psychotic Housewife, I can say that folding your laundry as it's coming out of the dryer is the easiest thing to do. We all may hate folding laundry, but if you do it load by load it's not quite as much, and it cuts down on ironing or steaming things that have been wrinkled from sitting in the dryer or in a laundry basket too long.

stormraven(at)gmail(dot)com

janetfaye said...

I like to organize using different size and type of baskets.

I have a basket for books, one on top of my fridge for cereal packets and other small items.

I have small baskets in my bathroom, stored under the sink.
One is for shampoo, one is for soap, and one if for makeup and nail polish.

I also use a large basket to keep toys in.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Lucinda H said...

Love the giveaway
My tip for housework is to set yourself a schedule, dont do it all in one day and always always keep your sink clean!

Brianna said...

My best homemaking tip is--do it right away! Or clean as you go. If you pick something up put it away instead of putting it down. Wash the kitchen as you make dinner. As soon as you have enough laundry to throw in a load, do it! If I followed my own advice consistently, I'd be set. :)

EG said...

I'm not an expert homemaker, but I know this is good advice even if I don't follow it! Plan plan plan. Plan meals a week ahead. Plan cleaning so you have a little to do every day and you're not overwhelmed one day.

AudreyO said...

My tip would be to do a little bit each day. For example, I'll vaccuum today. Tomorrow I'll clean the kitchen. I really try to do a little bit each day.

For cooking, my tip is to make double batches so you have leftovers and don't have to cook for another day :)

toohotforturtle said...

A drop of vanilla on your light bulb can make your room smell yummy and keep it free of chemicals in sprays.

holliberri said...

I don't have great tips..i'm new at this, but I love reading other people's tips. I do try to make a double batch of food when I can...it cuts down on dishwashing (I'm only mixing in one bowl) and saves me time later in the month.

hedwards25 @gmail.com

GoneGirl said...

Embrace the crockpot!

Unknown said...

Great giveaway, I love books of all kinds.
Hmm I guess one of my favorite tips is I keep my spices in a shoe bag on my pantry door so I can see them all at a glance and not keep buying pumpkin pie spice and poultry seasoning cuz I can't find them.

Anonymous said...

a handy tip: When cleaning mirrors, spray your cleaner onto your cloth first then wipe your mirror. If you spray the mirror directly, it usually seeps down to the edge of the mirror and the ammonia in cleaners is what causes the black blotchy marks on the edge of mirrors and ruins the silvering on the back of the mirror permanently.

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

Gee, i don't have a lot of tips...

I always keep trash bags at the bottom of the trash can. I keep cleaning supplies in the bathrooms.

That is it...other than that...teach your children to clean the house.

Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
tiffanyannrosson at yahoo dot com

Kristiem10 said...

Excellent giveaway. I like to flash freeze individual pieces of meat on a cookie sheet for an hour. When they are frozen I put them all into one freezer bag. That way I can take out only as many chicken breasts, pork chops, whatever that I need. kristiem10 a hotmail dot com.

Anonymous said...

Count me in! I always need dinner ideas!
twinzmama23(@)yahoo(.)com

Tamara B. said...

I make a schedule for my top to bottom house cleaning. Thay way you are not over whelmed with doing too much at once. My biggest tip is to cook ahead and freeze. When we grill out I always cook extra hamburgers, chicken breast, brats and put them into freezer bags and label them. Then when next week rolls around all I have to do is come up with a vegetable and starch and I have dinner in minutes. Thank-you so much for the contest.

msrodeobrat said...

on the days you just don't have time, spend 5 minutes working on a room before going to sleep

Anonymous said...

My tip is to mix 1/2 c. vinegar with 1/2 c. water. Boil it in the microwave and even the toughest boiled on food stains are easy to remove.
avonleajules@gmail.com

Happywife84 said...

WOO HOO! This is awesome!

Well the newest homemaking tip I have is that some grocery stores ( Meijer's for us) mark their deli meat down shortly before closing each night. They mark it down to $2 a lb..this is the meat they cut too much of for the day! Today was our 1st day to go check it out! We got a ton!

Lynn said...

My homemaking tip is this, be happy with your husband and the rest will all work out!

buttercuplynn@yahoo.com

tarable said...

Great giveaway, thanks! My homemaking tip is don't leave wet clothes in the washer for too long or you end up washing everything twice!

Dayna said...

Baking soda and vinegar are GODSENDS.

I'd love to win!

Unknown said...

Pic up clutter on a daily basis. ("Fight entropy!" as my husband would say.)

radiationchic(at)hotmail(dot)com

rlgrady said...

My best homemaking tip ---

Delagate, delagate, delagate!!! I also recommend flylady.net.

Thanks!

rlgrady [at] yahoo dot com

Vetstadium said...

I hope to win this for my wife, thanks for having the contest. Have the kids do chores very important for them to chip in and help.

Lindsey said...

Ummm... let's see, a homemaking tip... The only thing I can think of is to try to have everyone clean up after themselves as you go, that way you don't end up with a big mess on the weekends (like I do). lol

Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo dot com

Stacy said...

Tip...
make your own babyfood.
hetz-junk(at)hotmail(dot)com

Editor Cassandra said...

Holy moley, roly poly! This is amazing! the best thing I can thing of is to go around at the end of the day and clear off any flat surfaces. It makes your house look really put-together and clean, and the only person who knows that you've shoved everything in drawers is you! irrelevantheart (AT) gmail (DOT) com! Thank you!

FishingJan said...

A couple of my favorite tips are. I buy bread in bulk and freeze it. I put a folded piece of paper towel in next to the bread and then I double bag the bread. No more freezer burn. I also buy ground meat in bulk. I cook 10 pounds or so in a large stew pot. Drain the grease and package in one pound packages. Works great for skillet meals or tacos or spaghetti when I am in a hurry for dinner or have surprise company. fishingjan (at)aol(dot)com

noreen said...

when changing hand towel use them to wipe down the sink in the bathroom

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