We Know Stuff

Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things

Back in October, I was browsing through LinkedIn's New York Women in Communications group and I came across a post from "Betty Everything".

The name alone brought a wry smile to my face as I often feel like "Betty Everything" in my own home, and I needed to find out what the show was all about. Lo-and-behold, I met Suzanne and Lucia, two friends who met at a radio station in New Hampshire back in 2003 and became instant friends.

After watching all of their incredibly entertaining videos, I knew wanted to hang out with them some more. Luckily for We Know Stuff, Suzanne and Lucia found Daniele and I to be equally entertaining, so we decided to work together.

After tossing around some ideas, we decided to go with a discussion about "Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things". Daniele and I frequently use baking soda and vinegar in our homes and we thought that women everywhere would like to know that these dirt cheap products can clean a remarkable amount of things.

From crayon doodles on your walls, to ditching your Windex for vinegar and old newspapers, our "Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things" chat reminds us all that you don't have to spend a lot of money on household cleaners when so many common pantry items can do the same job.

To hear what Daniele and I sound like in real life, check out our laughter-filled radio interview with Suzanne and Lucia on "Betty Everything"!

 

Thanks for always supporting us,

Denine & Daniele

 

Winter Hat Giveaway: Ruby Webbs

Striped Hat in Bubblegum Pink & Lime Green

At least once a week, I engage in some of my favorite "time suck" pleasures; one of these happens to be adding other people's creations to my Etsy Favorites. I was browsing online for some adorable winter hats for my little ones and I came upon Ruby Webbs.

Like most Etsy Artisans, Joni, the mastermind behind Ruby Webbs, is incredibly talented. Her store carries all sorts of beautifully adorned hats - from girls' newsboy hats, to cloche hats, to beanies - Ruby Webbs has it all. If you haven't seen these incredibly gorgeous, crocheted hats, you need to stop what you're doing and visit Ruby Webbs - right now!

Funky Chunky Pansy Hat

Last Minute Fudge

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody!

Hopefully, you're better prepared than I am. You see, last week, both of my kids were home sick and in the hubbub of taking care of them, I forgot all about this festive little holiday. While Daniele was busy creating all sorts of Valentine's Day crafts, I was busy Lysoling the dickens out of every surface in my home!

 

So imagine my surprise, when I actually remembered that Valentine's Day was today! Usually, I give the kids a day full of (semi-healthy) chocolatey treats from morning till dusk, but this year, I'm not even going to be home.

 

Instead, I'll be in Albany for a Legislative Awareness Day where I will be speaking with our legislators about decisions that are being made that will determine what type of mental health services will be available to children, youth and families in New York state. So even though I'm sad to miss the day's activities with my family, I'm proud to know that I'm taking a stand with many other people today, and reminding our legislators that Mental Health Matters.

 

But, even though I know that Mental Health Matters, my little ones are way too young to understand. All they know is that Chocolate Treats On Valentine's Day Really Matters. Luckily, I have a super-fast Last Minute Fudge recipe up my sleeve and have made two batches of delicious fudge for my little gremlins.

 

If you're looking for a special treat, on Valentine's Day or any day for that matter, this fudge recipe will do the trick. It's fast, it's easy, and insanely versatile. Plus, it makes you look like a creative genius in the kitchen - even though it's not "real" fudge. Oh well...

 

OH MY GOD, I FORGOT IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY - LAST MINUTE FUDGE!
(Otherwise known as Carnation's Famous Fudge Recipe)

Ingredients:
* 2 Tablespoons butter
* 2/3 cup evaporated milk
* 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups (4 ounces) miniature marshmallows
* 1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, optional
* 1/2 cup toppings, optional (chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions:

Step 1: Combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. (If using toppings, and/or peanut butter, incorporate these items now.)

Step 3: Pour into a foiled-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Chill until firm.

Note: My kids are super-picky, so I never mix any nuts into my desserts, muffins, etc, unless it's for adults-only. Instead, I opt to press the nuts and other toppings directly into the top layer. This way, the kids get half, and the adults get half!

Thanks for reading,
Denine