tips – And Then Home http://www.andthenhome.com/ Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:49:44 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.1 https://www.andthenhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cropped-Watermark-Logo-1-75x75.jpg tips – And Then Home http://www.andthenhome.com/ 32 32 Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids https://www.andthenhome.com/tipsandtricksforcampingwithkids/ https://www.andthenhome.com/tipsandtricksforcampingwithkids/#comments Sun, 13 May 2018 14:50:41 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=3186 We love camping!  With three kids now we go a little less then when we were younger, but we still try to go camping at least once or twice a summer at campsites local to us.  Here are a few Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids I’ve picked up along the way.  Camping with kids can a little intimidating but when planned right, it can be a rewarding family adventure!   TIPS Plan ahead –Campgrounds book fast, especially if you’re going to a National Park or Family Resort.  Be sure to book at least 4-6 months in advance, yes, that could mean planning your camping trips in January or February. Think “Glamping”– Or a least, don’t rough it.  Be sure you can drive your car to your site and if it’s your first time going with your young kids, consider renting a bunkie or yurt.  It doesn’t hurt to have the camp fire experience…and then sleep in a bed! Routine as normal– Try to adhere to your routine if you can.  This is especially true if you have very young kids.  When we went with our then one year old, we encouraged nap time at her regular time and I insisted on both girls having a shower and in their jam’s at the regular time.  Dry run– If you’re tenting it, do some practice runs in the backyard or even the living room for the first time.  Get them use to sleeping on fold out cots or air mattresses with ‘tent noises’, cooler nights and warmer mornings. Arrive early– Arrive as early as the grounds will allow, this will give you time to set up with daylight.  Don’t forget to have the kids help!  They can help with the tent, set their bed up and gather sticks for the fire. Pack for weather– Remember that the nights can be cool, so bring sweaters and warm pants.  Don’t forget rain gear too.   TRICKS Ziplock bags –Pack a variety of sizes and use them for dirty clothes, keeping items dry (matches and fire related items), bundling items together and keeping trinkets the kids find.  We have a rock collector in our home.  Be sure to bring at least one large freezer ziplock for all of your valuables, phones, wallets etc. which can be easier to keep track of and will keep sand out. Dollar Store Cloth Hamper– I pack one of these for all dirty clothes, this way I can just throw them in and deal with them at home, no confusion, dirty clothes are gone (for now). Freeze Your Water –Freeze bottles of water before hand and pack your food around them.  This serves a double purpose.   Wipes/Hand washing –It doesn’t really matter how old your kids are wipes are ALWAYS handy.  Camping is dirty and a quick clean can help during the day.  You could also have a hand washing station, using a gallon jug with spout, paper towel and soap set up on a picnic table. PACK   How is Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids finished without a list of what to pack?  I won’t mention the obvious, like the tent or camping chairs but get to some items that may be overlooked. Bring a mat for the entrance to your tent or cabin, it’s always nice to have a designated area for shoes and somewhere to wipe your feet! Batteries/bulbs (extra) Plastic grocery bags (on top of the ziplocks already mentioned) Duct tape Towels Toilet paper Sunscreen, bug spray and aloe vera First aid kit Hats (summer and winter incase it gets really cool) Flashlights, sparklers, kids rainbow lights, glow sticks…all things light-up and dark fun! Potty, depending on your kids age this could be a game changer! Stoller, I found this helped put both of my girls to sleep when they had trouble the first night. Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids PLAY Finally, entertainment.  You’d think camping would be enough to keep the kids entertained…think again.  Bring some toys and fun games (some reserved just for camping!).  Here’s some ideas… Buckets, shovels, sand items Water guns Bikes Lawn games like bocce ball or these fun DIY Lawn Dominoes Games like Jenga, Snakes and Ladders Art supplies in case you get rained in Design a scavenger hunt before you go with a list of items to find! Matchbox cars are great for playing in the dirt and grass, making hills and ramps Okay, one more list to help when camping with kids! EAT   What you’re going to eat is important!  Here are a few eats that are easy and tasty to help you feed your family without your kitchen.  I recommend making most of the meals or preparing everything you can before you go, this will save time and sanity on the campsite. Pita bread/bagels Rice crackers, crackers or other easy to eat snack food Spreads – peanut butter, hummus, cream cheese Fruits – apples, bananas, oranges  Veggies – pre-cut carrots, cucumber, peppers Cheese Pre boiled pasta with sauce (here’s a great recipe – Campfire Sausage and Rotini Pasta) Don’t forget baked goods and treats! Well, that concludes our Camping with Kids – tips, tricks, pack, do and eat.  Now I really feel like camping!  I hope it helps get you ready for camping with kids.  Do you have any tips to add??  Certainly let us know in the comments. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee!!  

The post Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> We love camping!  With three kids now we go a little less then when we were younger, but we still try to go camping at least once or twice a summer at campsites local to us.  Here are a few Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids I’ve picked up along the way.  Camping with kids can a little intimidating but when planned right, it can be a rewarding family adventure!  
Camping with Kids And Then Home

TIPS

Plan ahead –Campgrounds book fast, especially if you’re going to a National Park or Family Resort.  Be sure to book at least 4-6 months in advance, yes, that could mean planning your camping trips in January or February.
Think “Glamping”– Or a least, don’t rough it.  Be sure you can drive your car to your site and if it’s your first time going with your young kids, consider renting a bunkie or yurt.  It doesn’t hurt to have the camp fire experience…and then sleep in a bed!
Routine as normal– Try to adhere to your routine if you can.  This is especially true if you have very young kids.  When we went with our then one year old, we encouraged nap time at her regular time and I insisted on both girls having a shower and in their jam’s at the regular time. 
Dry run– If you’re tenting it, do some practice runs in the backyard or even the living room for the first time.  Get them use to sleeping on fold out cots or air mattresses with ‘tent noises’, cooler nights and warmer mornings.
Arrive early– Arrive as early as the grounds will allow, this will give you time to set up with daylight.  Don’t forget to have the kids help!  They can help with the tent, set their bed up and gather sticks for the fire.
Pack for weather– Remember that the nights can be cool, so bring sweaters and warm pants.  Don’t forget rain gear too.  
Camping with Kids And Then Home

TRICKS

Ziplock bags –Pack a variety of sizes and use them for dirty clothes, keeping items dry (matches and fire related items), bundling items together and keeping trinkets the kids find.  We have a rock collector in our home.  Be sure to bring at least one large freezer ziplock for all of your valuables, phones, wallets etc. which can be easier to keep track of and will keep sand out.
Dollar Store Cloth Hamper– I pack one of these for all dirty clothes, this way I can just throw them in and deal with them at home, no confusion, dirty clothes are gone (for now).
Freeze Your Water –Freeze bottles of water before hand and pack your food around them.  This serves a double purpose.  
Wipes/Hand washing –It doesn’t really matter how old your kids are wipes are ALWAYS handy.  Camping is dirty and a quick clean can help during the day.  You could also have a hand washing station, using a gallon jug with spout, paper towel and soap set up on a picnic table.

PACK

 
How is Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids finished without a list of what to pack?  I won’t mention the obvious, like the tent or camping chairs but get to some items that may be overlooked.
  • Bring a mat for the entrance to your tent or cabin, it’s always nice to have a designated area for shoes and somewhere to wipe your feet!
  • Batteries/bulbs (extra)
  • Plastic grocery bags (on top of the ziplocks already mentioned)
  • Duct tape
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen, bug spray and aloe vera
  • First aid kit
  • Hats (summer and winter incase it gets really cool)
  • Flashlights, sparklers, kids rainbow lights, glow sticks…all things light-up and dark fun!
  • Potty, depending on your kids age this could be a game changer!
  • Stoller, I found this helped put both of my girls to sleep when they had trouble the first night.

Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids

Camping with Kids And Then Home

PLAY

Finally, entertainment.  You’d think camping would be enough to keep the kids entertained…think again.  Bring some toys and fun games (some reserved just for camping!).  Here’s some ideas…
  • Buckets, shovels, sand items
  • Water guns
  • Bikes
  • Lawn games like bocce ball or these fun DIY Lawn Dominoes
  • Games like Jenga, Snakes and Ladders
  • Art supplies in case you get rained in
  • Design a scavenger hunt before you go with a list of items to find!
  • Matchbox cars are great for playing in the dirt and grass, making hills and ramps

Camping with Kids And Then Home

Okay, one more list to help when camping with kids!

EAT
 
What you’re going to eat is important!  Here are a few eats that are easy and tasty to help you feed your family without your kitchen.  I recommend making most of the meals or preparing everything you can before you go, this will save time and sanity on the campsite.
  • Pita bread/bagels
  • Rice crackers, crackers or other easy to eat snack food
  • Spreads – peanut butter, hummus, cream cheese
  • Fruits – apples, bananas, oranges 
  • Veggies – pre-cut carrots, cucumber, peppers
  • Cheese
  • Pre boiled pasta with sauce (here’s a great recipe – Campfire Sausage and Rotini Pasta)
  • Don’t forget baked goods and treats!
Camping with Kids And Then Home
Well, that concludes our Camping with Kids – tips, tricks, pack, do and eat.  Now I really feel like camping!  I hope it helps get you ready for camping with kids.  Do you have any tips to add??  Certainly let us know in the comments.
Oh, and don’t forget the coffee!!
 

The post Tips and Tricks for Camping with Kids appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> https://www.andthenhome.com/tipsandtricksforcampingwithkids/feed/ 2 5 Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home https://www.andthenhome.com/ways-to-spring/ Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:51:09 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=3036 The snow is melting, the sun is staying out longer, the birds are coming home… Spring is finally here. It may feel like forever sine the last time you saw anything but white roads and lawns but the gravel trucks are emerging and the grass is peaking through. Who else is excited to open the windows for the first time and let the fresh air flow through the house? Spring is all about freshness and new beginnings so we’ve put together a list of 5 Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home, to get a head start on chasing away the winter blues. Spring Cleaning This is one chore that no one looking forward to but it is a necessary evil. Open the windows on the next warm day and dig in. Consider really getting into the nitty gritty –  scrub the walls and baseboards, move the beds and couches, wash the windows to let the sun in, switch out the furnace filters and soak all the faucets with vinegar to clear away the buildup. Try breaking the tasks up into a couple days work to lighten the load. 2. Go Green The garden will have to be tended but first, let’s start indoors. Bring some green inside to liven things up. Real or silk plants are both great options (especially if your like me and don’t have the slightest green thumb). Try a terrarium for a modern take, ferns always look great, or fresh cut or potted flowers for colour. There’s Still More Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home 3. Outdoor Decor I don’t know whats on your porch looks like right now but mine has some almost dead, very wilty evergreen branches and a winter wreath that winter storms really didn’t take care of. Renewing this area of your house brightens up the thing. New arrangements with spring flowers will really freshen your entryway. Don’t forget the front door – try Christine’s Chevron Door Hanger for a personal, fun addition to your decor. 4. Switch up Your Bedding  Winter is ruled by dark shades and comfy, thick blankets to keep out the cold. Now it’s getting warmer, store all those dark sheets and welcome the new season with lighter, brighter shades of bedding. Try swapping out pillows for light colors and floral prints.  5. Delight your Sense of Smell Spring is a season associated with the aroma of nature. Let your home too, reflect the same.  Just get some citrus, rose, lavender or any other floral scented candles or essential oils to ensure that your home always welcomes others with warm, breezy aromas of the spring. We hope you liked this list of ways to welcome spring into your home!  If you’re looking for more spring projects certainly check out our Spring Forward Umbrella Art.

The post 5 Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> The snow is melting, the sun is staying out longer, the birds are coming home… Spring is finally here. It may feel like forever sine the last time you saw anything but white roads and lawns but the gravel trucks are emerging and the grass is peaking through. Who else is excited to open the windows for the first time and let the fresh air flow through the house? Spring is all about freshness and new beginnings so we’ve put together a list of 5 Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home, to get a head start on chasing away the winter blues.

  1. Spring Cleaning

This is one chore that no one looking forward to but it is a necessary evil. Open the windows on the next warm day and dig in. Consider really getting into the nitty gritty –  scrub the walls and baseboards, move the beds and couches, wash the windows to let the sun in, switch out the furnace filters and soak all the faucets with vinegar to clear away the buildup. Try breaking the tasks up into a couple days work to lighten the load.

2. Go Green

The garden will have to be tended but first, let’s start indoors. Bring some green inside to liven things up. Real or silk plants are both great options (especially if your like me and don’t have the slightest green thumb). Try a terrarium for a modern take, ferns always look great, or fresh cut or potted flowers for colour.

how to paint a chevron - spring door hanger

There’s Still More Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home

3. Outdoor Decor

I don’t know whats on your porch looks like right now but mine has some almost dead, very wilty evergreen branches and a winter wreath that winter storms really didn’t take care of. Renewing this area of your house brightens up the thing. New arrangements with spring flowers will really freshen your entryway. Don’t forget the front door – try Christine’s Chevron Door Hanger for a personal, fun addition to your decor.

4. Switch up Your Bedding 

Winter is ruled by dark shades and comfy, thick blankets to keep out the cold. Now it’s getting warmer, store all those dark sheets and welcome the new season with lighter, brighter shades of bedding. Try swapping out pillows for light colors and floral prints. 

5. Delight your Sense of Smell

Spring is a season associated with the aroma of nature. Let your home too, reflect the same.  Just get some citrus, rose, lavender or any other floral scented candles or essential oils to ensure that your home always welcomes others with warm, breezy aromas of the spring.

We hope you liked this list of ways to welcome spring into your home!  If you’re looking for more spring projects certainly check out our Spring Forward Umbrella Art.

The post 5 Ways to Welcome Spring into Your Home appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review https://www.andthenhome.com/best-sharpie-paint-pen-review/ https://www.andthenhome.com/best-sharpie-paint-pen-review/#comments Fri, 08 Sep 2017 14:47:44 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=2297 I have always loved using a fresh Sharpie marker.  There is one for every purpose.  They use to lay around my house all the time for an impromptu note that had to be taken but since having children they are up high and hidden.  Nothing is more frightening then silence, a toddler, and an open Sharpie let me tell you!  Anyhow, I still have a variety of Sharpies in the house to use.  My love for Sharpie’s has grown recently when Victoria (my sister and co-founder of AndThenHome) bought me a Sharpie Oil Based Paint Pen. From there I thought I’d share my Sharpie Paint Pen Review.     So, I’ll be honest Sharpie Paint Pen’s have been around since 2006 and I used one for the first time the other day.  Man, have I really missed out!  These pens are great to use on just about any surface.  My first project with them was on wood.  Before I had my third daughter I hand painted a bird picture on wood, two parent birds with two small/young birds, representing our family.  Then came Chellebelle, our youngest, and I needed to add a third bird…and with little time and no sleep, hand painting was not an option.  So, I used the Sharpie Paint Pen and I must say, I’m quite happy with the results.     With that said, let’s dive into the review!   1.  Card Stock Test – A crisp, strong piece of white card stock is a popular and common crafting medium so I had to use one for this review.  The Sharpie Paint Pens held up well to the card stock and did not loose colour intensity and did not bleed.   2.  Paper Test – Similar to the card stock test, the paint pens did a nice job on a plane piece of paper.  The colours didn’t bleed and the paper held up too.     3.  Chalk Board Test – I was very impressed by how easy these paint pens transferred onto the chalk board.  All of the colours look nice, with little thinning of the paint.  They were much brighter when first applied the pen to the board.  They also dried a little darker then cap would suggest, but overall I was pleased.  See how they looked on our DIY Back to School Memory Chalkboard   4.  Wood Test – When I drew lines on an untreated wood board I found the paint pens bled a little, but the colours really stood out and looked nice.  When I used the black paint pen on the previously painted board, it did not bleed at all.   Sharpie Paint Pen Review Many colours to choose from (15 in total), so a colour for light or dark surfaces Packages are sold in a couple of colour options such as assorted, fashion assorted (my favourite!) singles, and more Colour holds up nicely against a black background For use on pretty much ANY surface, not just the ones I’ve tested here It is quick to dry, which is nice for any crafter or DIY’er! Sold with a variety of tips Extra Fine, Fine, Medium and Bold   If you don’t shake the pens enough or often you can end up with an oil mark on your project.  Also, see the last point…don’t get impatient!  The colours can fade when drying, but do end up looking nice Although they do work on ceramic, they are NOT dishwasher safe (even after baking).  I wouldn’t recommend hand washing either.  Best to keep any dishes for show, not use. I did have one marker that took a longer time to remix and did make a big blob on my paper, however I was pressing hard.  Give them some patience and I don’t think you’ll have this issue.     …Drum roll please…  THUMBS UP!   I’m very happy with Sharpie’s Oil Paint Pens.  They are a little pricey, but well worth the money, especially if you are doing a lot of crafts that need a small amount of paint, or ANY type of writing, lines or drawing.  They will cut your project time in half and still produce an amazing piece.   I hope you found this review handy!  Need a project to try them with?  Try our DIY Back to School Memory Chalkboard. Amazon.ca Widgets   Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products mentioned or services on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.   We are not affiliated with Sharpie, we have not received product or compensation for this review.  All opinions are our own.

The post The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> I have always loved using a fresh Sharpie marker.  There is one for every purpose.  They use to lay around my house all the time for an impromptu note that had to be taken but since having children they are up high and hidden.  Nothing is more frightening then silence, a toddler, and an open Sharpie let me tell you!  Anyhow, I still have a variety of Sharpies in the house to use.  My love for Sharpie’s has grown recently when Victoria (my sister and co-founder of AndThenHome) bought me a Sharpie Oil Based Paint Pen. From there I thought I’d share my Sharpie Paint Pen Review.
 
The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review
Getting some help with my review…well monitored help haha
 
So, I’ll be honest Sharpie Paint Pen’s have been around since 2006 and I used one for the first time the other day.  Man, have I really missed out!  These pens are great to use on just about any surface.  My first project with them was on wood.  Before I had my third daughter I hand painted a bird picture on wood, two parent birds with two small/young birds, representing our family.  Then came Chellebelle, our youngest, and I needed to add a third bird…and with little time and no sleep, hand painting was not an option.  So, I used the Sharpie Paint Pen and I must say, I’m quite happy with the results.
 
The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review
The one on the right is made with a medium Sharpie paint pen
 
With that said, let’s dive into the review!
 
1.  Card Stock Test – A crisp, strong piece of white card stock is a popular and common crafting medium so I had to use one for this review.  The Sharpie Paint Pens held up well to the card stock and did not loose colour intensity and did not bleed.
The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review
 
2.  Paper Test – Similar to the card stock test, the paint pens did a nice job on a plane piece of paper.  The colours didn’t bleed and the paper held up too.  
 
3.  Chalk Board Test – I was very impressed by how easy these paint pens transferred onto the chalk board.  All of the colours look nice, with little thinning of the paint.  They were much brighter when first applied the pen to the board.  They also dried a little darker then cap would suggest, but overall I was pleased.  See how they looked on our DIY Back to School Memory Chalkboard
 
4.  Wood Test – When I drew lines on an untreated wood board I found the paint pens bled a little, but the colours really stood out and looked nice.  When I used the black paint pen on the previously painted board, it did not bleed at all.
the-best-sharpie-paint-pen-review-2
 

Sharpie Paint Pen Review

andthenhome-pros
  • Many colours to choose from (15 in total), so a colour for light or dark surfaces
  • Packages are sold in a couple of colour options such as assorted, fashion assorted (my favourite!) singles, and more
  • Colour holds up nicely against a black background
  • For use on pretty much ANY surface, not just the ones I’ve tested here
  • It is quick to dry, which is nice for any crafter or DIY’er!
  • Sold with a variety of tips Extra Fine, Fine, Medium and Bold
andthenhome-cons
 
  • If you don’t shake the pens enough or often you can end up with an oil mark on your project.  Also, see the last point…don’t get impatient! 
  • The colours can fade when drying, but do end up looking nice
  • Although they do work on ceramic, they are NOT dishwasher safe (even after baking).  I wouldn’t recommend hand washing either.  Best to keep any dishes for show, not use.
  • I did have one marker that took a longer time to remix and did make a big blob on my paper, however I was pressing hard.  Give them some patience and I don’t think you’ll have this issue.
andthenhome-verdict-2 
 
…Drum roll please…  THUMBS UP!
 
I’m very happy with Sharpie’s Oil Paint Pens.  They are a little pricey, but well worth the money, especially if you are doing a lot of crafts that need a small amount of paint, or ANY type of writing, lines or drawing.  They will cut your project time in half and still produce an amazing piece.
 
I hope you found this review handy!  Need a project to try them with?  Try our DIY Back to School Memory Chalkboard.


 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  There may be a small commission made by our recommendations, and/or link to products mentioned or services on this website.  Your purchase will help us continue to bring you amazing content, step-by-steps and product reviews.

 

We are not affiliated with Sharpie, we have not received product or compensation for this review.  All opinions are our own.

The post The Best Sharpie Paint Pen Review appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> https://www.andthenhome.com/best-sharpie-paint-pen-review/feed/ 2 How to Reduce a Recipe https://www.andthenhome.com/how-to-reduce-a-recipe/ Fri, 10 Feb 2017 12:30:07 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=702 Ever want to make a recipe but not necessarily the whole amount?  This happens to me often and for a couple different reasons.  Sometimes I just want a taste of the recipe, not knowing how it will taste or how the family will like it.  Other times I just don’t have time to make multiple batches or just want a portion for a special dinner or treat.  No matter what the reason, I always need to look up the new measurements for How to Reduce a Recipe.   Here are a couple easy to use tables showing how to half or third a recipe!  I also added a few tips to consider when reducing recipes.  Hope you like it! How to Reduce a Recipe       Some noteworthy tips to consider when reducing recipes… Sometimes it is easier to just make the whole recipe and freeze whatever portion you don’t use. If you need to half an egg for a recipe all you have to do it is break it, mix it together and then use 2 tablespoons of the mixture.   When reducing a recipe remember that you may need to use smaller pots or saucepans. Timing could also be wrong if reducing a recipe, so check on your recipe often when cooking/baking.   Also, here are a few conversions to help out!  Since I always need a quick go to chart for conversions, I thought this might be useful, especially when you need to reduce a recipe. Conversion Chart From cup – tablespoon – milliliters 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 240 mls ¾ cup = 12 tbsp = 180 mls 2/3 cup = 11 tbsp = 160 mls ½ cup = 8 tbsp = 120 mls 1/3 cup = 5 tbsp = 80 mls ¼ cup = 4 tbsp = 60 mls 1 tbsp = 15 mls 1 tsp = 5 mls I hope these tables, tips and conversions help the next time you need to reduce a recipe.  If your looking for a great recipe take a look at our Recipe’s page!

The post How to Reduce a Recipe appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> Ever want to make a recipe but not necessarily the whole amount?  This happens to me often and for a couple different reasons.  Sometimes I just want a taste of the recipe, not knowing how it will taste or how the family will like it.  Other times I just don’t have time to make multiple batches or just want a portion for a special dinner or treat.  No matter what the reason, I always need to look up the new measurements for How to Reduce a Recipe.  

Here are a couple easy to use tables showing how to half or third a recipe!  I also added a few tips to consider when reducing recipes.  Hope you like it!

How to Reduce a Recipe

 

How to Half a Recipe

 

How to Third a Recipe

 

Some noteworthy tips to consider when reducing recipes…

  1. Sometimes it is easier to just make the whole recipe and freeze whatever portion you don’t use.
  2. If you need to half an egg for a recipe all you have to do it is break it, mix it together and then use 2 tablespoons of the mixture.  
  3. When reducing a recipe remember that you may need to use smaller pots or saucepans. Timing could also be wrong if reducing a recipe, so check on your recipe often when cooking/baking.

How to Reduce a Recipe

 

Also, here are a few conversions to help out!  Since I always need a quick go to chart for conversions, I thought this might be useful, especially when you need to reduce a recipe.

Conversion Chart

From cup – tablespoon – milliliters

1 cup = 16 tbsp = 240 mls

¾ cup = 12 tbsp = 180 mls

2/3 cup = 11 tbsp = 160 mls

½ cup = 8 tbsp = 120 mls

1/3 cup = 5 tbsp = 80 mls

¼ cup = 4 tbsp = 60 mls

1 tbsp = 15 mls

1 tsp = 5 mls

I hope these tables, tips and conversions help the next time you need to reduce a recipe.  If your looking for a great recipe take a look at our Recipe’s page!

The post How to Reduce a Recipe appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> Help Fight the Winter Blues https://www.andthenhome.com/help-fight-the-winter-blues/ https://www.andthenhome.com/help-fight-the-winter-blues/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:30:49 +0000 https://www.andthenhome.com/?p=625 The last time we were out of power for more then 5 days was back when I was in high school.  A freak snowstorm whipped through our town leaving many families without power for several days.  Luckily we had spent the fall cutting wood for the fireplace in the basement of the house.  This wood stove provided warmth and a place to cook some canned food.  Being young at the time, it was pretty exciting (especially since there was no school for a week).   However, I still needed to Help Fight the Winter Blues. Fast forward to today, something like this would and could send me into a downward spiral.  That winter storm is an extreme example of how winters can be in this area.  This doesn’t happen every year, thank goodness but every winter has it’s challenges which can affect us all differently.  It can be hard to stay positive and happy during a cold spell or major storm.   With that in mind, here are a few things that can Help Fight the Winter Blues.  Even trying one or two a week will help the winter fly by! Tip #1. Get Outside.  This can be anything from taking a walk to going for a long hike.  When it’s sunny and mild take advantage and get some fresh air.  This can be intimidating if you have a crew of tiny humans to get ready, but it’s worth it!   Tip #2 See Family/Friends.  Be sure to fit in a visit with friends and family, they are always great to share a laugh with and warm up these winter months.  You could throw a party or two (is anyone else getting excited about possible winter themed party decor?).  Not in a party mood?  That’s okay, just get together for a cup of tea or a play date with the kids. Tip #3 Listen to Music.  This sounds so simple…and it is.  Listening to music is a great way to ignore the dull days we can be exposed to in the winter.  Create a new upbeat playlist and dance the day away, or listen to your favourites.  I like to play some great summer tunes during the winter especially when we hit February/March, spring is so close at that point you can feel it. Tip #4   Embrace a Sport.  Pick one or more, winter sports can definitely help fight the winter blues.  Try them all if you can and repeat the ones you really enjoy.  Personally, I haven’t skated since I was about 12 years old (we won’t mention how long ago that was!) but I will be sure to start again sometime soon.  I prefer cross country skiing, my husband is more of a downhill skier and the girls, well they are perfecting tobogganing right now. Tip #5 Tend to Plants.  This may not be on your list of fun things to do…but seeing some green and tending to some indoor plants can really help the winter blues.  We have a few plants in our house, some produce flowers over the winter which is an added bonus.  I wouldn’t call myself a green thumb, but I do like to see some green amongst all this white! Some other things to keep in mind is to stay productive – do some writing or reading.  You can also put a timer on a dim light in your bedroom that turns on an hour before you wake, this way it won’t be pitch black when you’re trying to get up for work.   Whatever you do to keep the winter blues away stay positive, winter WILL end and summer WILL come.  Make the most of everything! Help Fight the Winter Blues

The post Help Fight the Winter Blues appeared first on And Then Home.

]]> The last time we were out of power for more then 5 days was back when I was in high school.  A freak snowstorm whipped through our town leaving many families without power for several days.  Luckily we had spent the fall cutting wood for the fireplace in the basement of the house.  This wood stove provided warmth and a place to cook some canned food.  Being young at the time, it was pretty exciting (especially since there was no school for a week).   However, I still needed to Help Fight the Winter Blues.

Help Fight the Winter Blues

Fast forward to today, something like this would and could send me into a downward spiral.  That winter storm is an extreme example of how winters can be in this area.  This doesn’t happen every year, thank goodness but every winter has it’s challenges which can affect us all differently.  It can be hard to stay positive and happy during a cold spell or major storm.  

With that in mind, here are a few things that can Help Fight the Winter Blues.  Even trying one or two a week will help the winter fly by!

Tip #1.

Help Fight the Winter Blues

Get Outside.  This can be anything from taking a walk to going for a long hike.  When it’s sunny and mild take advantage and get some fresh air.  This can be intimidating if you have a crew of tiny humans to get ready, but it’s worth it!  

Tip #2

Help Fight the Winter Blues

See Family/Friends.  Be sure to fit in a visit with friends and family, they are always great to share a laugh with and warm up these winter months.  You could throw a party or two (is anyone else getting excited about possible winter themed party decor?).  Not in a party mood?  That’s okay, just get together for a cup of tea or a play date with the kids.

Tip #3

Help Fight the Winter Blues

Listen to Music.  This sounds so simple…and it is.  Listening to music is a great way to ignore the dull days we can be exposed to in the winter.  Create a new upbeat playlist and dance the day away, or listen to your favourites.  I like to play some great summer tunes during the winter especially when we hit February/March, spring is so close at that point you can feel it.

Tip #4

Help Fight Winter Blues 

Embrace a Sport.  Pick one or more, winter sports can definitely help fight the winter blues.  Try them all if you can and repeat the ones you really enjoy.  Personally, I haven’t skated since I was about 12 years old (we won’t mention how long ago that was!) but I will be sure to start again sometime soon.  I prefer cross country skiing, my husband is more of a downhill skier and the girls, well they are perfecting tobogganing right now.

Tip #5

Help Fight the Winter Blues

Tend to Plants.  This may not be on your list of fun things to do…but seeing some green and tending to some indoor plants can really help the winter blues.  We have a few plants in our house, some produce flowers over the winter which is an added bonus.  I wouldn’t call myself a green thumb, but I do like to see some green amongst all this white!

Help Fight Winter Blues

Some other things to keep in mind is to stay productive – do some writing or reading.  You can also put a timer on a dim light in your bedroom that turns on an hour before you wake, this way it won’t be pitch black when you’re trying to get up for work.  

Whatever you do to keep the winter blues away stay positive, winter WILL end and summer WILL come.  Make the most of everything!

Help Fight the Winter Blues

Help Fight the Winter Blues

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