Paint Drop Cloths

Do you have old flanel-backed vinyl tablecloths that have seen better days? Do not throw them away! You can use them as paint drop cloths when you do any painting. Just place the vinyl side on the floor and that acts as a barrier with the flannel acting as an absorbent material for the paint that might spill from the brush or the can.

When you are done painting, just hang the tablecloths to dry and re-use for next time. :)

*

Are Our Plastic Containers Safe?

Are you someone who keeps take-out food containers and re-use (and re-use) them till they crack? Do you have lots of nest-in-each-other storage containers of all shapes and sizes which swear will make your refrigerator, pantry and kitchen life organized? Are you like me? Then this article is for us.

Environmental Journalist Lori Bongiorno talks about the Safest Plastics For Food and Beverage. A must-read for us moms who want our lives as toxin-free as possible.

Some plastics are safer to eat and drink from than others. Here's a quick guide to help you make informed choices. If you want to dig deeper, take a look at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Smart Plastics Guide (PDF).

It's worth avoiding the following plastics when you can. You can identify a plastic by looking at the recycling code number that appears inside a triangle at the bottom of many containers.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can leach phthalates, known male reproductive toxicants. It can be identified by code 3. One way to avoid it in the kitchen is by choosing plastic wrap made from polyethylene rather than PVC. If a box is not labeled, find a brand that is or call the manufacturer.

Polystyrene is used in Styrofoam products. It may leach styrene (a neurotoxin) when it comes into contact with hot, acidic, or fatty foods. It's marked with recycling code 6.

Polycarbonate can leach bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor associated with a long list of health concerns. Baby bottles, "sippy" cups, 5-gallon water jugs, and reusable beverage bottles are typically made out of this plastic. Products may be marked with recycling code 7 (also includes any plastic that doesn't fit into the 1 to 6 recycling code categories) and/or the letters "PC."

In response to the widespread concerns about BPA, baby bottles and other items made from alternative materials are springing up. Experts say stainless steel is your best bet for reusable water bottles right now. ThinkSport and Klean Kanteen are two widely available brands.

The following plastics are considered safest for food storage. Glass and stainless steel are also good options.

Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE), code 1.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), code 2.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), code 4.

Polypropylene (PP), code 5.

Here are some tips for using all plastics safely:

• Don't microwave food plastic containers. Chemicals are more likely to leach out when plastic is heated. "Microwaveable plastic" doesn't guarantee that chemicals won't leach. Cover foods in the microwave with wax paper or a plate. If you do use plastic wrap, then make sure it doesn't touch the food.

• Avoid putting hot foods in plastic containers. Let leftovers cool off before storing them in plastic.

• Take good care of plastics by not washing them with harsh chemicals, and dispose of scratched and worn containers. Research has shown that older, scratched items will leach more, says Kathleen Schuler at the Institute for Agricultural and Trade Policy. (Don't put them in the dishwasher if you want to be completely risk-averse, she suggests.)

Create Your Personal Recipe Book

Have you ever bought a recipe book wherein you loved all 100 or so recipes? Chances are---NOT!

So here is something that I have discovered that will surely tickle your culinary fancies. Introducing the TASTEBOOK!

Each TasteBook that you order is tailor-fit to include only those recipes you want....from the thousands of recipes on the website and can even include your very own family recipe! How cool is that?

TasteBooks start at only $19.95 ---- now that is a small price to pay for a chance to have your family treats finally come to print. So dear friends...give yourself a treat... go get your TasteBook now!

****

VOTE and get FREE coffee!

Yes it is true! Starbucks is encouraging all voters to go out and cast your vote.

After doing so...go to any branch and tell them that you voted and claim your tall cup of brewed coffee ON THE HOUSE!



Woohooo! Definitely a big treat!!!


------------ oops...only for Americans lol

************

David Cook's Nov 18 Release!

Cougars rejoice! David Cook is FINALLY releasing his self-titled first album. I will certainly buy one for myself. wooohooo!

These are the songs included in the album

1. Declaration
2. Heroes
3. Light On
4. Come Back to Me
5. Life on the Moon
6. Bar-ba-sol
7. Mr. Sensitive
8. Lie
9. I Did It for You
10. Avalanche
11. Permanent
12. A Daily AntheM
13. The Time Of My Life (Bonus Track)

Order yours now for almost half the price at Amazon.com.

This is definitely a TREAT! weeee!

*******