Archives for February 2015

Simple Tips for Cleaning your Wheelie Bin …

February 28, 2015

  A smelly or dirty wheelie bin is one of those jobs that often gets overlooked and it’s a job most of us will try to ignore for as long as possible … but it can’t be ignored forever … eventually you’re going to have to clean it! Apart from horrible smells and odours, a dirty bin will be responsible for a plague of flies, maggots, other bugs, germs and bacteria, so it’s important to keep it clean.   The day your rubbish is collected is the perfect day to clean the bin as it will be empty. If you own a pressure cleaner, that will allow you to clean the bin … read more

Vanilla Cupcakes … Easter Bunny Cupcakes …

February 26, 2015

Easter is hopping closer (pardon the pun) so it’s the perfect time to do some baking and get in the spirit. This is my family’s Vanilla Cupcake recipe that’s been floating around for years … and for good reason! It’s light, it’s fluffy, it’s absolutely delicious and it’s also a simple recipe that can be made and decorated for any occasion. I found these cute little Malteser Bunnies at the supermarket and with a little bit of icing and some pink sprinkles, they were just perfect to create a little Easter treat for the kids. Vanilla Cupcakes … Easter … read more

Pre-Travel “To Do” Checklist … Free to Download …

February 24, 2015

  Previously I’ve shared with you all a fantastic Travel and Packing Checklist to help you when packing to go on holidays in the hope that you don’t leave home with some really important item. Just in case you missed it, you can download a copy here.         But as well as thinking about what to pack in your suitcases, there are lots of other things and small tasks to think about before leaving home.   Whether your trip is for one week or three months, things you will need to organise might include some of the … read more

Easy Chicken and Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry …

February 22, 2015

This is a quick and easy recipe that I cook for my family all the time. The kids gobble it up in next to no time and usually come back for seconds. This recipe will feed a family of 4 – 5 but if you want it to stretch a little further just add more noodles, vegetables and chicken. This is also a favourite in lunch boxes as my kids will happily eat it cold, so I usually cook enough for dinner and lunches the next day. Easy Chicken and Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry …   Print Author: Mrs Organised Serves: 4 – 5 Ingredients … 4 tbspns oyster sauce 1 ½ … read more

Study Snacks for Kids …

February 20, 2015

  School and Uni is a time of tests, exams, homework and assignments that can see kids preparing and studying for hours at a time and it’s very easy for them to not look after themselves properly by getting enough sleep and eating the right things. Miss 16 is in High School, Miss 22 is in her second year at Uni and Miss 25, although she has finished her Degree, is now studying for her CPA (Certified Practicing Accountant). So when they bury their heads in books, I like to help keep their energy levels up with healthy snacks and drinks.   I usually put … read more

Date and Banana Muffins …

February 18, 2015

Today I found some rather sad looking bananas in my fruit bowl, and rather than throw them out, I decided to whip up some Date and Banana Muffins. Perfect to freeze and pop in the kid’s lunch boxes. Date and Banana Muffins …   Print Author: Mrs Organised Serves: 20 Ingredients … 1 ½ cups fresh dates (approx. 13 large dates), pitted and chopped into small pieces ½ cup butter 1 tspn Bicarb Soda 1 ¼ cups water 2 cups self-raising flour ½ cup brown sugar 1 tspn cinnamon 2 eggs lightly beaten 1 ½ tspns vanilla 3 medium bananas, peeled and … read more

Simple Tips for Cleaning the Window Tracks …

February 16, 2015

  Of all the jobs I need to do around the house, this would definitely be one of my least favourite and I’m sure a lot of you will feel the same way. It’s a frustrating, fiddly job because most window tracks are very narrow spaces and very difficult to get into. It’s also a job that often gets overlooked because it’s not part of our regular cleaning routine, until one day, you open the window, look down and then die of embarrassment from the state of the tracks … sound familiar!   So here are a few simple tips that I use which will hopefully make the … read more

Apple, Peach and Date Pudding …

February 14, 2015

Nothing beats a beautiful pudding and it really is one of the ultimate comfort foods. However, for many years I avoided making one. They scared me a little as I was under the impression that they were hard to make. In reality, however, nothing could be further from the truth. This is such an easy recipe because all the ingredients are simply mixed together in a single bowl and then boiled on the stove top. For me, the real secret to most puddings is to soak the fruit for as long as possible. This recipe does suggest soaking the fruit overnight and that’s … read more

White Dinnerware … Why I Love Mine and 9 Reasons Why it’s a Practical Choice …

February 12, 2015

  Choosing a dinner set is a very personal choice and with so many beautiful designs available it’s understandable why it can sometimes be difficult. Over the years I’ve fallen in love with, and wanted, some gorgeous dinner sets featuring beautiful patterns and designs. But many years ago, when it was time to replace my dinner set because it was chipped and had missing pieces, I decided to go all white … and I’ve never looked back.   So whether you’re buying a dinner set for the first time, replacing one that’s seen better days or simply splashing out … read more

Mexican Beef Tacos …

February 10, 2015

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that will keep the kids happy … look no further because these Mexican Beef Tacos are sure to be a hit. I love making tacos because: they’re super quick and easy, so there’s no excuse for ordering takeaway they’re reasonably healthy if made from scratch and loaded with lots of yummy salad everyone can make there own … just lay out all the ingredients “buffet style” and stand back most preparation like chopping and grating can be done earlier in the day they are an … read more

How I Clean my TV Screen and Remote Controls …

February 8, 2015

    I’m not sure why, but my TV screen always ends up covered in fingerprints. It surprises me a little now that my girls are teenagers and young adults as I would expect it more with smaller children or toddlers but it seems to happen anyway and it drives me crazy. It’s not too bad when you’re watching TV but the second it’s turned off, those fingerprints jump straight out at me!   So, once a week I clean the screen as part of my regular household routine. A gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth is usually all I need to do to clean the frame and … read more

Pork and Vegetable Sausage Rolls … Homemade …

February 6, 2015

I love making my own sausage rolls because I get to create using beautiful fresh ingredients without any nasty preservatives. They’re also a versatile snack because you can add whatever vegetable you have in the fridge and add or take away whatever your family doesn’t like. I often make these for lunch or dinner on a Sunday as they are a quick and easy meal and I also get enough for the kids lunches on a Monday. I’m lucky that they will eat these cold and they are a perfect alternative to their traditional sandwiches and wraps. My kids love these and I have to say, … read more

How I Put the Shine in my Kitchen Sink …

February 4, 2015

  If you stop to think about it, the kitchen sink is one of the hardest workhorses in your home because it’s used multiple times every day. I love walking into my kitchen and seeing a clean, sparkling sink, and it needs to be kept clean to:   prevent odours and smells   remove food stains, splashes and spills   prevent soap deposits from building up   prevent rust   reduce germs and bacteria   keep your kitchen looking organised and less cluttered   And the good news is, once you’ve … read more

Lemon and Coconut Muffins …

February 2, 2015

Life has been pretty crazy the last week or so and as a result, my little blog has suffered from lack of attention! But I’m back on track again and have a lovely muffin recipe to share with you. These sweet little treats are guaranteed to be a hit with the kids and are perfect for school lunches. Whip up a batch, toss them in the freezer and you’re good to go! Lemon and Coconut Muffins …   Print Prep time 15 mins Cook time 18 mins Total time 33 mins   Author: Mrs Organised Serves: 15 Ingredients … 2 ½ cups self-raising ¾ … read more