Sarah Cooks: Springtime Meal Ideas

Vegetarian Hungarian Goulash

Turkey Stroganoff

Turkey Cabbage Rolls

Arancini di Riso

Sloppy Turkey Joe’s

Pasta Primavera

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Leftover Fruit Salad Smoothies (on left with frozen raspberries, right with blueberries

Jeff’s Tacos (soft shell and homemade hard shell)

Herbed Artichoke Tortellini

Gourmet Burger from our local grocer

Fettuccine Alfredo, Lemon-Dijon Asparagus, Lemon Garlic Brined Shrimp

Falafel Chicken and Hummus Coleslaw

Creamy Basil Chicken

Corn Leek Chowder

Cinnamon Swirl Grilled Cheese

Jeremy’s Chicken Marsala

Chicken Caesar Pasta

Chicken Asparagus Crepes

Breakfast Bistro Panini

Apple Rhubarb Crumble

How to do the Dishes: It's Less Daunting Than You Think

"Tomorrow, I'm going to do the dishes."

My kitchen sink, post-Finals Week last quarter

 Living with my brother has been great. With past roommates, I had unrealistic expectations. I thought that chores should be perfectly divided and perfection was possible. I've since learned that, because everyone has a different threshold of what constitutes messy, chore distribution will never be even. Of course there are ways to make living together more fair, such as the less-clean person is responsible for getting the mail. Or going to pick up the salads and whole grain sandwiches (JK--it's pizza, obviously). So, dear past roommates, my sincerest apologies for being snarky and resentful. I was young.

I've been cleaning up after my brothers since I was old enough to pick up a toy and put it in a box, so basically since they were born. I was pleasantly surprised when Jeff suggested we have a chore day, and even more pleased when he meant it. I make a list and we check things of with our designated-color pens and everything. I mean, this has been going on for seven months, people. This is not a drill.

Jeff cleaning the bathtub

(This became something of a

 caption contest on Facebook.)

I think because he's an open-minded person, except when he's a butthead...sorry, childhood flashbacks... Anyway, he genuinely wants to learn how to be cleaner and more organized.

"I like taking out the trash because it's quick and you can see when it's done," he said.

So I asked him how he would feel if I made a list breaking doing the dishes into separate, manageable chores, and he said that would be great!

How to Do the Dishes in Separate, Manageable Chores

Start at the top and see how much you can get done in x minutes or just do one, be proud, and go on with your day.

1. Empty the dishwasher

2. Empty the drying rack

3. Put dishwasher-safe items in dishwasher: bowls on top, plates on bottom

If full, put in detergent and run it.

4. Hand wash cooking utensils, knives, and small objects

5. Hand wash pots and pans

6. Wipe down sink and counters

If you need a breakdown of the steps, let me know and I'll happily share my technique. If your kitchen is different from mine and some of the steps don't apply to you, that's okay. The most important thing I want to convey in this post is that no chore should be daunting. A big chore is just a bunch of little chores. Remember to clean as you cook to keep the dishes from piling up, and the little chores will be really little!

Gift Idea: Fabric Clipboards

"Tomorrow, I'm going to give a pretty and practical gift."

I did this project last year as a gift for my brother. I wanted to give budget-friendly, homemade gifts that weren't too "crafty." Originally, I was going to get him wall hooks to hang the clipboards up by his computer, but he said he liked having them on the desk.

Here's what you need:

Clip board(s)

Fabric(s)

Scissors

Mod Podge

Foam brush

Something flat to smooth out potential bubbles

Step 1: Cut the fabric an inch or so bigger than the clipboard.

Step 2: Use the foam brush to apply a liberal, even layer of Mod Podge. 

Step 3: Slowly press down the fabric from the top, then smooth gently with a flat object. The Mod Podge will likely soak through the fabric. It shouldn't be puddle-y but a little dew-y is fine because it hardens to make a surface that you can write on.

Step 4: Once the front is dry, flip the clipboard over. Cut off the bottom corners of the fabric so the fold is less bunchy (not pictured, sorry). Apply Mod Podge to the edges. Fold fabric. 

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge all over to create a hard surface. Hang to dry.

Step 6: Rejoice! Consider including screw hooks or Command hooks with your gift. 

Step 7: Make some for yourself!

Aunt Jan's House: Making a Headboard

"Tomorrow, I'm going to build a headboard."

Reading in the most peaceful setting, ever.

This summer I went to visit my family in Chicago for my Great Uncle Ron's 80th birthday, and had the great honor of staying with him and my Aunt Jan. Jan has done a beautiful job decorating her home, and has an incredible garden.

Aunt Jan and I were having lunch and looking at decorating magazines, when she told me about an unfinished project she had to build a headboard. I said, "Let's do it!"

The reason Aunt Jan hadn't finished the project was that she thought she would need a second set of hands to carry a large piece of beadboard from the home improvement store. Luckily, when we got to the store, we noticed they sold a piece of beadboard that was already the perfect size!

The frame is two old window frames nailed together, and a decorative moulding nailed to the top. (Aunt Jan had already assembled the headboard that far.) When we lined the beadboard up and realized it was the EXACT RIGHT SIZE, there was much rejoicing. We put the frame on the ground and nailed the beadboard into the back of the frame.

All that was left was to screw the finished project into the wall and voila.

Aunt Jan says the only thing that matters about decorating is that the end result makes you smile. I think that makes this project a huge success!

Responsible Renter: Felt Pads

"Tomorrow, I'm going to  apply protective felt pads to my chairs."

 This is one of those things that's easy to overlook until it's too late. When I first set up my table and chairs, the slight drag on the floor made me cringe a little every time I moved a chair to sit down or clean under it. I bought some felt pads and they were easy to stick on--just had to clean the chair feet first.

When my brother/roommate came into the kitchen, I pulled out a chair and said, "Do you hear that?"

He said, "What?"

I said, "Exactly."

So here's a happy reminder. Whether you own or rent, protect your floors!