Helpful household hints

Last week I received three books that I bought to help my middle son on his fundraiser. I really just purchased them because I wanted to help him with his sales, but didn't want to buy anymore cookie dough! I was pleasantly surprised when the three books had a lot of things in them that I didn't know. Each book has over 100 helpful household hints. One book is dealing with baking soda, the other-vinegar, and the last one-salt.
Today, I am going to give some of the tips dealing with baking soda. Once you discover the versatility of baking soda, you'll do away with all those cleaners under your sink, and you'll never use oven spray again!

*Remove stains on laminated countertops with a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water). Apply, let dry, then rub off and rinse.

*Cover burned-on stains on cookie sheets with baking soda, then with hot water, and let soak for 10 minutes. Next scour with baking soda and scrubber.

*Remove black heel marks on linoleum or vinyl fllors with a damp sponge or scrubber dipped in baking soda.

*To clean teapots and stovetop percolators, fill with water, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. After cooling, scrub and rinse thoroughly.

*To prevent clogs, periodically pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your kitchen sink, followed by hot water. You can use the old box from your refrigerator when you replace it.

Here is a homemade recipe for carpet freshener

1 cup crushed, dried herbs (rosemary, southernwood, lavender, etc.)
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

Combine ingredients, and sprinkle over carpet. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum.

Variation: Mix 1 small box of baking soda with your favorite potpourri oil, using just a few drops, and sprinkle on as a carpet freshener. Leave on carpet 10 to 20 minutes, then vacuum.

Use 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, and 15 drops essential oil fragrance. Leave on carpet 10 to 20 minutes, then vacuum. Store mixture in a glass jar or airtight container.

Homework for Mommy

Yesterday my eight year old son comes home and tells me that I was given a homework assignment from his teacher. I thought I was finished with school, how did I get a homework assignment? The assignment was to bring something to school for his class to eat, it could be anything. "Oh. No problem. I'll just go to Wal-Mart or some other grocery store bakery and pick something up." Then he informs me that it has to be homemade, it can not be bought. Can you imagine that? And it is due the next day! You have got to be kidding me!!! I have three other children that always seem to need something, a husband who also needs my help, a full time job, a business to run, and a basket full of laundry that needs to be washed! This is NOT what I signed up for when I became a Mother. But this is what being a Mother is all about. I decided that the perfect goodie for him to take to school was my famous Pumpkin Cookies. I got this recipe from a friend of mine named Maria. She is a co-worker who is a wonderful person as well as cook! These cookies turn out perfect everytime and they are very addictive when you eat them. I have made variations of the recipe (no raisins, no frosting, frosting no raisins, frosting and raisins, etc.) but no matter which variation you choose they are still delicious! This is the perfect time of year to make them, all though any time is perfect! So here's the recipe!! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin pie filling (half of can)
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (you can use more or less or none at all)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Mix shortening, sugar, pumpkin, and egg. Blend well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Put on ungreased cookie sheet by the teaspoonful. Cook in a 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.

Frosting *optional*
3 Tablespoons Milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

Melt brown sugar and milk in saucepan over medium heat. When melted, take off of heat. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well and spoon over cookies. Enjoy!!!!!

Featured Party- Pamper Me Spa Party!

Here at Mommy Mogul, all of our parties are no fuss, no mess, and no planning on your end. We take care of all of the details so that you can enjoy your child's party. This month our featured party is the Pamper Me Spa Party!

This is actually the first party that we designed in our party line and it is fabulous of course (like all of our parties are)! The girls will enjoy making natural facial masks that they will put on their faces, cucumbers to put over their eyes while they lay on our spa mats, mini pedicures (with river rocks in the foot tubs), mini manicures, facial steam machines, pedi slippers, assorted nail polishes, themed party favor bags, magazines to read while they are pampered, and of course spa music to set the mood!
We have thought of everything! This party is great for tweens! It's great for Moms too!!!! Whatever the reason, try our Pamper Me Spa Party today! Not in the San Angelo area? No problem! We offer do-it-yourself party kits. Everything is in the kit you only need to add a few ingredients to pull off the best party ever. All of the party instructions are included in a party itinerary so there is no guess work on your part!


Order today at http://www.mommymogul.etsy.com/