Homemade,Gazpacho,Soup,In,Bowl,Over,Light,Stone,Background.,Cold

Roasted Tomato soup

by Soups

My go-to roasted tomato soup recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and comes together effortlessly with just a few simple ingredients. This will make 4 to 6 servings and I use a soup maker to make this one.

Ingredients

1kg of mixes size tomatos

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large white onion

3 garlic cloves

Sprinkle of smoked paprika

800ml of veg stock

fresh basil leaves

Method

Cut the tomatoes into quarters (or halves if they’re smaller) and place them cut-side-up on a baking tray. Drizzle evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until softened, then remove and await to cool.

Once cooled, transfer the roasted tomatoes and the rest of the chopped ingredients into your soup maker. Select the smooth setting and let the machine work its magic, cooking everything down for 20 minutes.

Adjust the seasoning. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
Serve. Pour the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm!

Assorted,Delicious,Grilled,Meat,With,Vegetables,On,Barbecue,Grill,With

How to clean your BBQ with an onion

by Uncategorized

Using onions to clean your BBQ grill is an effective and natural method for several reasons:

  1. Natural Degreaser:
    • Onions contain natural oils and acids that help break down and loosen grease and grime on the grill grates, making it easier to clean.
  2. Antibacterial Properties:
    • Onions have antibacterial properties that can help sanitise the grill, reducing the presence of harmful bacteria.
  3. Non-Toxic:
    • Unlike chemical cleaners, onions are non-toxic and safe to use around food, eliminating concerns about harmful residues.
  4. Deodorizing Effect:
    • Onions can help neutralise odours left on the grill from previous cooking sessions, leaving your grill smelling fresher.
  5. Easy to Use:
    • Simply cut an onion in half and use it to scrub the hot grill grates. The heat from the grill helps release the onion’s natural oils and acids, enhancing the cleaning effect.
  6. Cost-Effective:
    • Onions are inexpensive and readily available, making them a budget-friendly option for cleaning your BBQ.

But to save waste use either an onion that is going off or what is left over from your BBQ and follow these simple steps:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to a high temperature to loosen any stuck-on food and grime.
  2. Prepare the Onion: Cut an onion in half. You can leave the skin on or off, depending on your preference.
  3. Scrub the Grates: Using a long-handled fork or tongs, rub the cut side of the onion back and forth over the hot grill grates. The onion’s natural juices will help break down the residue.
  4. Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn spots, you might need to scrub a little harder or use a second onion half.
  5. Wipe Down: After scrubbing with the onion, you can use a grill brush or a damp cloth to wipe down the grates and remove any remaining residue.

By using an onion to clean up your BBQ, you can keep your grill in great shape without resorting to harsh chemicals, ensuring a cleaner and safer cooking surface.

Watch the onion do its magic!

Close,Up,Hands,Women,Wearing,Protect,Glove,Blue,Using,Liquid

How to clean a toilet using citric acid

by Bathroom TipsCleaning Tips

Using citric acid to clean your toilet is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial cleaners.

Get your supplies together you are going to need citric acid powder, rubber gloves and a toilet brush or scrubber.

Use the citric acid as it is and pour directly into the toilet pan 100/200g. If the limescale build up is quite bad use more.

Pop the lid down and allow the citric acid to sit in the toilet bowl for at least 1 hour, for best results leave over night. This gives the acid time to break down stains, mineral deposits, and bacteria.

After the citric acid has had time to work its magic, scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly using a toilet brush or scrubber. Pay special attention to areas with stubborn stains or buildup.

Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the toilet bowl, flush the toilet to rinse away the citric acid solution and any loosened grime.

For particularly tough stains or buildup, you may need to repeat the process one or more times until the toilet bowl is clean and sparkling.

Using citric acid to clean your toilet is not only effective but also safe for the environment and your family.

Step,By,Step,Instruction,Of,Non,Toxic,Home,Cleaning,Detergent

Sustainable spring cleaning tips

by Cleaning Tips

As we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, it is the perfect time to refresh our homes. As more and more of us are choosing more eco friendly ways of looking after our homes let me share with you a few sustainable spring clean tips where every scrub and sweep contributes to a healthier environment.

Swap Out Single-Use: Replace disposable cleaning wipes with reusable cloths or microfiber towels. They’re washable and more eco-friendly.

DIY Cleaners: Make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and lemon juice. They’re effective, non-toxic, and reduce plastic waste.

Opt for Refills: Choose cleaning products that offer refill options to minimise packaging waste. Many companies now offer bulk refill stations or concentrate refills.

Donate or Upcycle: Instead of throwing away unwanted items, donate them to local charities or upcycle them into something new. It’s a great way to reduce waste and give items a new life.

Energy-Efficient Cleaning: Use cold water when using the washing machine, clothes will still wash well at just 20 degrees and air dry clothes on the washing line or on an airer in a well aired room instead of using the dryer to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Declutter Mindfully: Before tossing items, consider if they can be repurposed, repaired, or recycled. Decluttering responsibly helps reduce landfill waste and don’t forget to donate, local facebook selling groups are great for gifting on and charity shops don’t just take clothes they will also take good quality kitchen items such as bread makers and coffee machines.

Plant-Based Brushes: Choose cleaning tools made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. They’re durable and better for the environment. Bamboo dusters can last years and are easy to keep clean.

Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Look for cleaning products from companies committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. One of my favourite eco brand is Miniml they have a great range of products in refillable packaging.

Compost Food Scraps: Instead of throwing food scraps in the trash, compost them to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Share and Borrow: Borrow cleaning tools or equipment from neighbour’s or friends instead of buying new ones. Sharing resources helps minimise consumption and waste. For example carpet cleaning machines are items we probably only use 3 or 4 times a year and not everyone has the storage for one.

Let’s embrace a greener approach to spring cleaning for a healthier planet! 🌍

Tablets,For,Cleaning,Of,Dental,Prostheses,Isolated,On,White

Amazing ways to clean with Denture tablets

by Cleaning Tips

Not many of us keep a supply of denture tablets in our home, but we should all keep them in our cleaning caddies because these little tablets are magic!

The best news is that denture tablets are super cheap you just need to know where to find them.

Stained Food Containers

Everyone has at least one plastic food container that has never been the same since you stored spaghetti in it that one time. But you can use denture tablets to help remove those tomato sauce stains! Just fill the container with warm water and add 1-2 denture cleaning tablets. Wait for about an hour, then rinse and dry.

Unclog a plug hole

Drop a few tablets into a slow-running drain and run the water until the problem clears. For a more stubborn clog, drop three tablets down the sink, follow that with one cup of white vinegar, and wait a few minutes. Now run hot water down the drain until the clog is gone.

Narrow Vases & Bottles

Denture tablets are great for cleaning out containers with narrow openings. Just fill the vase or bottle with warm water and add 1-2 denture tablets, depending on the size of the item. Wait an hour or two then rinse well.

Toilets and Sinks

Toilet bowls and bathroom sinks respond well to the cleaning agent in denture tablets. Drop a denture tablet into the toilet bowl. Allow it to fizz away for about 30 minutes or even overnight. Flush, and enjoy that sparkle!

Mugs With Coffee Or Tea Stains

Fill a stained mug with warm water and add one denture tablet. Wait until the fizzing stops, then rinse the mug. This also works really well on stained tea pots and tea spoons.

Hairbrushes

Fill the sink with warm water and one denture tablet, pull the hair out of your brushes and pop them in the water. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. Swish them around a bit to make sure they come clean. Air dry them flat on a towel.

Coffee Machines

Descale your coffee machine with denture tablets. Fill the tank with water and add two denture tablets. Wait for the fizzing to stop, then run the coffee maker through a full brew cycle. Rinse out the tank, then run one or two more brew cycles to remove any remaining residue inside the machine.

Kettles

3/4 fill your kettle with water add 2 denture tablets, leave for 15 minutes. Boil and rinse away. Fill again boil and rinse for a sparkling result.

Laundry

Denture tablets can brighten dingy whites add a few denture tablets directly to the drum or fill the sink with warm water, add in one to three tablets let them dissolve then add the white items and soak for at least an hour, then wash as normal.

Baked-On Messes

Baked-on messes in your cookware can be really tricky to remove!You can use denture tablets to loosen up the gunk without all the elbow grease! Just fill the dish with warm water and add one denture tablet. Let the dish soak for 20 minutes, then wash normally.

Shower head

Hard water can easily build up in the tiny holes that the water comes out of. You can get rid of that build up so easily with denture tablets! You’ll need a zip-type plastic bag or a bucket Pour a cup or two of warm water into the back along with one or two denture tablets. Leave a few hours. Then scrub with a sponge to fully clean.

Christmas,And,New,Year,Decorate,The,Interior,Of,The,Kitchen

Get your kitchen organised for Christmas

by Christmas

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party this year, or the big day is being held at your house, or you just need to create some order during this busy season, getting your kitchen organised will provide you with a real sense of calm.

I have popped together 5 simple steps that will help you prepare for Christmas so you can use your kitchen more efficiently and feel much more in control!

CLEAR THE COUNTER

There is nothing more frustrating than having clutter on your countertops, and having to constantly clear things out the way in order to prepare food or lay out dishes. One of the best ways to prepare for Christmas (and get your kitchen more organised) is to find a home for ‘all the things’ on your kitchen countertops.

If you have appliances such as bread makers and slow cookers out and you are not using often now is the time to get them out of the way, if you don’t have the cupboard space, considering storing in the garage or shed over the festive season.

The other most common items that clutter up these flat surfaces are everyday essentials such as wallets, keys, glasses, bags, pen, kids homework, paperwork and daily mail etc.

Find a temporary home elsewhere for these items – in a decorative basket, box, or in-tray – to provide yourself with more kitchen prep space. This will come in very handy when you’re preparing dishes, baking treats, wrapping presents, or writing cards.

PREPARE YOUR ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIES

During the festive season, you’re going to need quick access to your entertainment supplies, rather than having to search through cupboards and cabinets at the last minute! You’ll want to have platters, large bowls, crockery, cutlery, tablecloths, napkins and decorative table items within easy reach.

This is why having those clear kitchen surfaces can come in handy! If you’ve got the space, get these entertainment supplies out on your countertops before your guests arrive, so they’re ready on to go and you’re not rushing around looking for things in the middle of festivities.

I always like to set the table the night before, as this can be a time-consuming step, and it’s nice to be able to take your time with it and make it as pretty as you can.

ORGANISE YOUR FRIDGE

You’re going to need some clear space in your fridge to hold all the items for Christmas lunch or dinner, or all that party food. Whether you’re pre-preparing the dishes, or family members are bringing something that will need to be stored in the fridge, you’ll need some extra room.

In the lead-up to a party or Christmas Day, try and use up as many of the fridge supplies as possible to create extra storage space.

Remove what still remains, and give the shelves a good wipe-down, use warm soapy water with a splash of white vinegar for best results and create a space by transferring food items out of containers and putting them in zip-lock bags or stackable tubs.

ORGANISE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

It’s likely there’s going to be leftover food from your party/lunch/dinner, so it pays to get your food storage containers organised now so they’re ready to be used. If you’re going to give guests leftovers to take home, stock up on some reusable take-way tubs or pop to the pound shop then you won’t need them back.

With your own storage container collection, do a big declutter and get rid of any containers that are missing their lids, chipped or cracked, misshapen, an inconvenient size or ones that you rarely use. Be as ruthless as you can with this decluttering, as food storage containers can often be taking up more space in your kitchen than you realise!

With the keepers, stack them by shape and/or size in a drawer or cabinet, and keep the lids separate in a labelled box or basket so you can easily find a matching set when you’re packing up leftovers. 

MAKE CLEANING UP A BREEZE

There’s no doubt that celebrations of any kind create a mess, and here’s where having an organised kitchen can make clean-up quicker and less painful! 

Have a stack of clean tea-towels ready to go, and stock up on your cleaning supplies – dishwasher tablets/powder, multipurpose spray, washing-up gloves, sponges and bin bags.

Make sure the dishwasher has been emptied before guests arrive. Clear those countertops so you can stack dirty dishes near the sink, and also lay down a tea-towel to hold extra dishes that you’ve hand-washed.

Playlist

Create the perfect mood by creating a fun Christmas playlist. Handpick a selection of your favourite festive tunes to bring joy and nostalgia to your day.

Go for classics like Jingle Bell Rock and add contemporary hits like All I want for Christmas is you.

Just a few simple adjustments in your kitchen can really make the whole day run more smoothly and minimise your stress so you can actually enjoy the celebrations!

Clean,Clothes,Hanging,On,White,Radiator,In,Room

Stop drying your clothes on your radiators

by Laundry

Radiators will dry your clothing quickly, but you’ll be storing up potential problems in your home.

The moisture from the wet clothing has to go somewhere; it doesn’t just magically vanish. 

The two primary reason against drying clothes on a radiator is the cost and mould.

Radiators are not designed for drying clothes, and using them for this purpose can be inefficient. It may lead to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills.

Cost


Your radiator, even without a thermostatic valve is trying to reach a certain temperature. Yet you’re plugging the upstream heat of your whole system. Your boiler then has to struggle to heat the room using a radiator whose cycle is blocked by your washing. Your radiator is rendered completely inefficient and it’s costing you money.

The central heating hates it and your bank account isn’t any better off either.

Mould

Mould loves it when you’re drying clothes on a radiator. Modern homes are especially vulnerable to condensation and mould because double glazing and better insulation means that there’s no air escaping. 

Drying clothes indoors releases a surprising amount of moisture into the air. This is because the water in the clothes needs to evaporate, and that moisture is then released into the surrounding environment.

The moisture released during the drying process can lead to an increase in indoor humidity. When this moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows, walls, or the radiator itself, it can condense into water droplets.

The moisture that condenses on these cold surfaces can create favourable conditions for mould growth. Mould thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments. If not properly ventilated or dehumidified, the moisture from drying clothes on a radiator can contribute to mould problems in a room.

Stick to a well ventilated area

Here are some tips for effective clothes drying in a well-ventilated area:

  • If possible, use a designated laundry room with good airflow and ventilation. If you don’t have a dedicated laundry area, choose a room with windows and good airflow.
  • Consider using a clothesline or drying rack near an open window or outside, if weather permits.
  • Use fans or open windows to improve air circulation during the drying process.
  • Ensure that the room is not overly humid to prevent moisture-related issues.
  • Use a dehumidifier which will cost you an average of 14p to run.

By following these tips and drying your clothes in a well-ventilated area, you can help maintain a healthy indoor environment and ensure your clothes dry efficiently.

Bed,Bug,Infestation,And,Treatment,Service.,Bugs,Extermination

Bed Bugs

by Bedroom Tips

How to prevent bed bugs coming into your home after travelling.

When staying away

When you arrive have a check around for any bugs in the carpet and in the bed before unpacking, look for reddish brown bugs, white eggs and dark spots with is normally their faeces. If you feel there are bugs consult the staff asap.

Keep your luggage of the ground, use the luggage rack which is normally provided to keep your bags off the floor, bed bugs do live in carpets and keep your bags and cases off the bed or chairs.

When you return home

When you return from a stay away from home, do not take your suitcase upstairs and unpack it on your bed, this is literally the worst thing you can do, if a few bed bugs have found their way into your case they will jump straight into your bed and start to multiply.

Instead unpack your bag on a hard floor in a well lite area, this way you can see any bugs that may have come along on the ride with you.

Pop your clothes straight into the washing machine, add a laundry cleanser or white vinegar and use the hottest cycle you can, if you do notice bugs when unpacking keep the clothes you aren’t washing in the case or a sealed bag and pop in the garage or shed until you are ready to wash them.

Once your clothes have been taken care of, use a torch to thoroughly check your luggage, check the pockets and seams for bugs and eggs.

Vacuum inside your luggage and spray the inside with a disinfectant spray.  Be sure to empty the cannister into an outdoor bin to prevent captured bed bugs from re-infesting your home.

 If you have a hard-shell case, you can wash this over with hot soapy water and if you have a soft case break out the steam cleaner and give it a blast with hot steam.

How to prevent them in your bed

Keep your bedroom clutter free, these bugs love dark cluttered spaces and can easily hide in clutter.

If you keep your laundry hamper in your bedroom ensure you give it a regular clean, they love the smell of dirty clothes and have been known to lay eggs in laundry hampers.  Fabric hampers normally come apart and can be washed and plastic ones can be washed over with hot soapy water.

Regularly wash your bed sheets and use a high temperature 60 degrees plus.

When you change your sheets, vacuum the mattress and surrounding frame.

Keep your mattress clean deal with any stains as and when they occur, hydrogen peroxide is the best mattress stain remover as it is a natural bleach. Then a few times a year deep clean your mattress using an upholstery cleaning tool or a steam cleaner.

Try not to use the underneath or your bed unless you have an ottoman bed as a storage solution, this will create clutter for them to live in.

Avoid wearing shoes in your bedroom.

Vacuum your carpet and rugs regularly at least once a week.

If you suspect you have got bed bugs, it’s crucial to address the infestation promptly. You may need to consult with a pest control professional to properly eliminate the problem. Early detection and action are key to preventing a full-blown bed bug infestation.

Common,House,Spider,On,A,Smooth,Tile,Floor,Seen,From

Spider season

by Cleaning Tips

Autumn tends to mark the start of spider mating season, which means you are likely to spot these creepy crawlies popping up all over your home.

Getting rid of spiders in your home for good can be challenging, but it is possible with a combination of prevention and control methods.

Like all species, spiders need water and moisture to survive so you are more likely to find them in the kitchen and bathroom.

And be warned they can easily get in our home coming up through our plug holes so regularly flush with boiling water and keep them covered or keep the plug in.

My tips how you can naturally deter spiders below…

Keep Your Home Clean – Check for spider webs and pay special attention to corners. Regularly clean and vacuum your home to remove dust and debris. Focus on hidden areas where spiders may hide such as under furniture and in hidden areas.

Keep clutter to a minimum – Spiders like cluttered areas where they can hide, so declutter your home to make it less appealing to them, giving them less places to hide away.

Seal Entry Points – Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, doors, and windows. Seal these entry points to prevent spiders from getting in.

Peppermint Oil – Spiders hate the strong smell of peppermint, so it’s the perfect weapon to naturally ward them off, use the oil in a diffuser, light a peppermint candle or add peppermint essential oil, 20 drops into a spray bottle and spray in spider prone areas. s in a diffuser or mix them with water and spray them in spider-prone areas.

Cinnamon – Use cinnamon sticks in areas where you’ve noticed spider activity, such as corners or entry points. You can also try placing them in cabinets, closets, or other areas where spiders tend to hide, use cinnamon candles or Sprinkle cinnamon powder around the perimeter of your home, especially near doors and windows.

Catch and Release – If you’re not comfortable picking spiders up , you can capture them using a glass and a piece of paper and release them outdoors or use a spider catcher.

Table,Dishware,Decor,Dinner,Concept

Tired of pesky flies ruining your outdoor dining experience?

by Cleaning Tips

Try this simple and effective hack: Fill up a few clear glasses with water. Then, place some pennies at the bottom of the glasses. Place these glasses of water around your table and even among the plates of food strategically. You will notice fewer flies buzzing around your food and your head!

Being honest I was sceptical with this one but after two goes, for us this worked no flies and no wasps, could be pure conincidence but worth a try!

How the it works:

The concept behind the pennies-in-water hack is based on the idea that the sunlight refracting through the water and pennies creates a visually confusing pattern for flies. Flies have compound eyes that are sensitive to light and motion. The theory is that the light refraction caused by the water and pennies may mimic the movement of predators, scaring the flies away.

Other solutions to try:

  1. Keep the Area Clean: While this tip may offer some temporary relief, it’s essential to keep your outside space clean. Clear away any food scraps, spills, and rubbish to promptly to discourage flies.
  2. Fly Fans: Flies are less likely to land in areas with a breeze. Consider placing fans strategically around your dining area to create airflow and discourage flies from settling.
  3. Citronella and Essential Oils: Some people find that using citronella candles, essential oil diffusers, or natural fly repellent sprays can help deter flies from gathering.
  4. Cover Food: Use food covers or mesh screens to protect your food from flies. This not only prevents flies from landing on your food but also helps maintain its freshness.
  5. Eliminate Breeding Sites: Flies are attracted to areas with decaying organic matter, like compost piles or outside dust bins. Make sure these areas are well-contained and regularly cleaned to prevent fly breeding.
  6. Consider Professional Solutions: In cases where fly infestations are persistent and disruptive, you might consider seeking professional pest control services.

Limitations:

It’s important to manage expectations when trying home remedies like the penny-in-water hack. While some individuals may report success, others might not experience the same results. Flies are attracted to various factors, including odours, heat, and food, so no single method can guarantee complete fly prevention.

In summary, the penny-in-water hack is a low-cost and non-toxic method that you could try as part of a comprehensive approach to managing flies during outdoor activities.