Dish Washing Tricks

Are you tired of washing the dishes?  There are some great tricks that will help you reduce the amount of time washing.  Apartment Therapy has seven different tips that will cut down the time it takes to finish the dishes after meals.   Keep reading below to learn more!


1) Start clean. Cleanliness begets cleanliness. Starting with a clean kitchen motivates you to keep it as clean as possible as you cook. For example, a clean counter makes your dribbles obvious and helps you wipe them right away. Also, prevent a backlog by making sure your dish rack and dishwasher have enough empty space to accommodate new dirty dishes.

2) Don't stack. Stacking dishes almost doubles the amount of surfaces you have to clean. Have everyone clear their own dishes and place them on the counter near the sink or in a soaking tub.

3) Clean as you go. The more you clean as you go, the less you have to clean at the end. Aim for no dirty cooking utensils by the time you begin eating your meal. You'll have enough to clean afterwards.

3) Prepare a soaking station. Although it's best to clean as you go, you can't always clean every single thing as it gets dirty. To corral dirty cooking utensils and keep messes from drying on them, prepare a soapy side of the sink or a tub placed in the sink. Do the same for dirty dishes after the meal. If possible, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away, but if you can't, keeping dishes submerged will also prevent caking on of food and save you lots of time scrubbing.

4) Fill pots and pans with water. Again, the idea is to keep food from crusting, which takes significantly more time to clean. While you're eating, fill dirty pots and pans with water so they can soak. Note: Don't put cold water into pots or pans until they've cooled. The sudden change in temperature can warp them.

5) Keep dishes to a minimum. Unless you're entertaining, don't dirty more dishes just for serving. One solution is to serve portions in the kitchen or bring pots and pans to the table. Another solution is to serve from containers that can double as storage for leftovers, such as glass tupperware.

6) Wipe it while it's wet. Swipe counters, appliances, the floor, and the stove when spills are fresh. This will keep your space clean and will keep the mess from spreading (like to the bottom of the spice jars that you place on the counter when you're cooking, for instance). Perhaps most importantly, wiping while it's wet will keep you from having to scrub dried-up messes.

7) Spray and wait. Inevitably, you'll have some spills to clean up. Spraying with your cleaner and giving it some time to soak in a bit before you wipe usually softens the mess and makes it much easier to wipe away.

Staying Organized During A Project

Do you like to craft or take on projects?  Cleaning and staying organized can be the worst part of starting a new craft or project.  We have some tips on how to keep your work station clean and organized while completing your latest creation. This can make the project less overwhelming and a more enjoyable experience.  You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Start with a clean surface.

Every project will have different requirements. You might need a small table for a quick paper project, or an enormous area to layout quilt pieces — either way it's a good idea to clear off your surface and wipe it down before getting out your supplies. It only takes a minute and ensures you won't set your materials down in a puddle from your water glass, breakfast crumbs, stray threads, or any of the dozens of household perils for craft supplies.

Gather all of your materials and tools before beginning your project.

This is a common cooking tip that applies to crafting as well. By gathering everything together you're checking to be sure you have all of the necessary supplies, and preventing mess-making mid-craft mad shuffles through the bins, baskets, closets and drawers that house your supplies. Now, I will not be so obnoxious as to say that having all of your supplies stored in an organized manner is a tip for staying organized while crafting, but I will say that if the ribbon you need is tucked in a drawer with other ribbons instead of tangled around eight half-wound skeins of yarn studded with hazardous fabric shears and knitting needles, it will be easier to get started on the right foot.

Corral small items.

Anything tiny that comes in multiples should be corralled into bowls or other small containers. Things like beads, sequins, scrapbook eyelets, and screws have a tendency to roll off everywhere and then be impossible to find. I occasionally realize I must have dropped some beads when I hear my vacuum struggling near my project table. Of course, I feel I have to mention glitter. By all means corral it in a container of some kind, but if you're working with glitter my best advice is to learn to love glitter, because you will be living with it until the end of time. I have been married three and a half years and I still find glitter from the place cards at my wedding, and I've moved twice since then!

Place a scrap receptacle right at your feet.

Any sort of basket or bin to drop scraps into as you go will help keep things tidy. I like to put all of my sewing or paper scraps into my bin while I'm crafting, then go through at the end to see if I have any scraps large enough to keep. If you're working with glue, paint, or other messy/sticky items, it's a good idea to have an actual trash can nearby to throw away anything that can't be salvaged.

Clean up immediately upon finishing your project.

This is where I get into trouble. It's important to immediately put away all of your leftover supplies and tools. That way everything is back where it belongs when you want to start your next project. It's amazing how cyclical organization is! Once everything is put away you can wipe down your surfaces again. If anything has spilled, or you've marked your surface, it will never be easier to clean than when it's fresh. You can even take care of a fair amount of the aforementioned glitter mess with a damp towel.

Following these tips should help you have a tidy crafting experience, and set you up to start your next fun project!

Avoid the Flu

Are you trying to avoid getting the flu?  There are certain items that are more susceptible to carrying germs than others.  This blog will explain five things that you absolutely must clean to help avoid the flu. You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Remember the 60 Minutes special from years ago which revealed that television remotes are the most germ infested item in a hotel room? Yeah, same goes for the home remote. With so many hands touching it, sitting on it and never cleaning it — the remote is one you absolutely can't miss.
Here are a few other items you've probably missed over the years that you might want to try giving a quick wipe down:

1. The computer mouse
2. Video game controllers
3. Smartphones
4. The computer keyboard
5. Tablet devices and eReaders

The best way to clean these sensitive items? A non-toxic, simple cleaning agent is probably best. I recommend mixing a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol, as it's known more commonly known) and dipping a paper towel in the mixture and using it as a wipe. Soak and repeat.

DIY V-day Gifts

 Are you looking for a gift for your special guy this Friday?   These are some great DIY gifts that will not break the bank.  Keep reading and you can learn more here.




1. DIY Sharpie Mug - For the always-working-late, coffee-obsessed guy
Want him to stay sharp in the morning? Make your own coffee mug by drawing or writing some personal messages on it with a Sharpie marker. It's an easy, tailored gift that he can actually use. You can buy your own mug and Sharpie or get a DIY mug gift package at Starbucks. Here's a YouTube tutorial:

2. DIY Skinny Tie - For the business-first, suit-up-like-Barney-Stinson guy

Suit up!

Ties are one of the top picks in terms of gifts for men, but instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a nice tie, why not make one for him? You can use any kind of fabric you want, just be creative. A guy can never have too many ties--just as girls can never have too many shoes. 
DIY MEN'S SKINNY TIE
3. DIY Meal - For the food-loving, on-a-budget guy
The first thing everyone thinks of when it comes to Valentine's Day is having a good meal at a nice restaurant, which is usually expensive. Instead, why not buy a couple of candles and placemats and cook him a meal instead? Dinner can be just as nice at home, especially if you cook his favorite dishes. Here's a link to some Valentine's Day recipes, but there are thousands of other ideas out there for making a special V-Day feast.
20 LOVEY DOVEY DINNERS

One for you and one for him.

4. DIY Laptop/iPad Case - For the tech-savy, slightly hipster guy
Many people have Macbooks and iPads these days, but you can make his stand out with a personalized laptop or iPad sleeve. Be creative by adding things that only you two would understand. From leather to tweed cases, here are 20 simple tutorials on making a laptop or iPad sleeve just for you and yours. 
20 DIY LAPTOP/IPAD SLEEV PROJECTS
5. DIY Kiss Flip book - For the romantic, photo-loving guy 

Time to go old-school this time

Whether he's a hopeless romantic or a down-to-earth practical kind of guy, he will definitely appreciate this cute little idea. Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine, you can easily find photos and videos of your other half, but this old-school method of stop-motion will create a more touching action sequence than any app could. Here's an easy tutorial on making a Kiss Flip book, which you can customize to your liking.

12 Things to Help Make an Apartment a Home

Are you trying to make your apartment your home?  There are a few things that will give you that home feeling you are missing.  Read the blog below and you can also come up with your own ideas!  You can learn more at apartment therapy.



Aluminum push pins: Push pins are super useful throughout the home and work well when trying to attach or hang anything from sheetrock, cork or wood. Aluminum ones are easier on the fingers and don't break (I actually use mine to hang all of the small art on my walls, as they are strong enough and don't require me getting out a hammer).

All-Natural Cleaning Products: At this point in the evolution of our planet, there is no reason why any cleaning product in a home - from dish soap to glass cleaner to tile scrub - shouldn't be natural and earth friendly. Even bleach whiteners for clothes and tubs can now be replaced. I like Seventh Generation and Caldrea.

One Set of Flannel sheets: You don't need them for most of the year, but when it gets this cold they become your best friend. I get mine at The Company Store.

A Landing Strip: I don't consider a home complete unless it has an area near the front door - it can be tiny - that acts as a "landing strip" where you can hang your coat and drop your keys and mail when you walk in. A full landing strip has a landing surface, mirror, pin board, wastepaper basket and coat hooks. Here's a video about it.

Real napkins: I switched to real cloth napkins at home years ago and wash them each week. They're softer on the face, less wasteful and add a really nice splash of style to your kitchen and dining room. Want to do make your own? I've been hemming fat quarters (fabric meant for quilting) to make my own and it's really cheap to do it this way. I get mine from Purl.

3 Lights in Every Room: I find that most homes I visit are underlit. They can be lovely to look at, but they're dark and filled with shadows. I'm convinced that most people don't notice this about their own home as they get used to it. The simple solution is to make sure that you have at least three points of light in EVERY room and that you turn them on when you're home.

Dimmers: This is a simple install whether you own or rent. Dimmers allow you to shift your light and dramatically transform your space with your existing light fixtures. Light control is crucial to making a beautiful space.

A Good Vacuum: Cleaning is essential to a comfortable home and being able to easily, and happily vacuum makes sure that it stays that way - particularly with pets. I love my Dyson vacuum, but others swear by Miele.

Art @ 57": Most people hang their art too high and do different heights in different rooms (or even the same room). When I see this it makes be deeply uncomfortable as it makes it hard to enjoy the art and the wall it's hanging on. The easy rule of thumb is to hang all of your art at 57" on center - meaning the center of every piece is at 57". Here are more instructions on this.

Candles at Meals: While certainly not necessary, I have found it a great and simple ritual to light a candle at meals (even breakfast). There is something very ceremonial and calming about accompanying the meals of the day with a wam and flickering flame. Children really like it and it helps them to stay focused at the table. I use beeswax candles as they burn a lot cleaner and smell like honey.

Mat Knife & Scissors: I find that I need this almost every day from opening packages to cutting off labels to prepping flowers. I like my Tajima utility knife and my Fiskars scissors.

A Plant & Fresh flowers: I've always advocated for having fresh flowers in your home as part of a weekly routine (it's also part of our January Cure) as I find they bring an indescribable liveliness and beauty to an interior, regardless of its chic-ness or fashionability.

Plants, whether indoor or outdoor, are a part of this as well. Right now I have a small lemon tree in my living room that I am taking care of and working on growing big. It's an easy way of keeping me in touch with nature, even with the temperature near zero.

Study Abroad Fair

 The University of Memphis will host its spring Study Abroad Fair Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

Students interested in international study will hear from past program participants and have a chance to ask faculty members questions about specific destinations. Information will be available on financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Those attending will have a chance to win one of three $1,000 scholarships toward a U of M study abroad trip.

The University offers more than 200 semester, academic year and summer programs in more than 50 countries to meet the diverse needs of U of M students.

For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office at 678-2814 or visit www.memphis.edu/abroad.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?  Do not let the opportunity come and go.  The University of Memphis will be having a study abroad fair on January 29th from 10am-2pm in the University Center Ballroom.  Students can ask questions and hear from people that have participated in the program.  You will also have a chance to win a scholarship for your study abroad trip.

Cut the Clutter

Does your apartment get cluttered throughout the week?  Here are some great tips on how to slowly eliminate the clutter that builds up throughout the week.  These tips will help your apartment stay cleaner, and it will help you feel less stressed when you come home.   You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Designated Outbox: Set up a permanent basket, box, or bag by your front door to toss things that need to go. Make it part of your decor so that it's part of your daily life and doesn't just look like a messy cardboard chore lurking in the corner, sending accusing looks at you. Try emptying it once a week or at least twice a month.
Clean As You Cook: Somehow a messy kitchen with a pile of dishes is always the first stop on the ride on the messy train. Never go to bed with a sink full of dishes. Waking up to dirty dishes just sets you starting your day off wrong. Also, try to clean up as you cook so that when dinner is done you don't turn around to more work and can end your night on a good note.
Sort Mail Immediately: I am guilty as charged when it comes to piles of mail in various places that "I'll get to later." My new workflow is: pick up mail; open it over the recycle bin; put bills in a designated bill cubby; and feel good while doing it.
Tidy Up 10 Minutes a Day: You can split this up into two five-minute chunks or a full ten. Quickly shuffle through your house (preferably at the end of the day) and put away all those little things that you took out, opened, or tossed on the couch throughout the day. This way you can reset your home each evening and start fresh each morning.
Refocus Your Energy: A long time ago I heard someone say, 'it takes just as much energy to be messy and it does to be clean" and it always stuck with me. It makes total sense: when you're messy you are just delaying the energy it will take to clean it up instead of doing it immediately. I find that, when I clean as I go, I'm much happier and rest so much better without 'to do's' weighing on my mind, or seeing guilt-ridden piles of stuff.