AbbieS's Profile

My mom used to have clothes hangers that someone had crocheted...very cute, and kept the clothes from slipping. There are lots of tutorials that don't look to difficult if you know how to crochet. These are really pretty: http://lillehottentott.blogspot.ie/2011/02/heklet-henger-en-liten-og-meget-simpel.html

I shake mine up in a paper bag to mix it all together, then stick the paper bag right in the microwave and cook it until crunchy, shaking it every minute or so. If you have a lot of popcorn, divide it into two paper bags. A lot faster than the oven, and a lot less cleanup.

I have used oven cleaner on stainless steel. I don't know how it could possibly scratch the stainless steel--it is a non-gritty liquid. However, I probably wouldn't use it inside a pot, since who knows how toxic the chemicals are. It works like a dream to clean the outside of my teakettle that sits on the stove, though. Just let it set for an hour or so, and you can wipe off the residue with a cloth, rinse it, and it's as shiny as new.

This grater from Microplane is great It is much less bulky than a box grater, and is super sharp and sturdy.

http://www.amazon.com/Microplane-Professional-Extra-Coarse-Grater/dp/B0000CFFRO/ref=pd_sim_k_1

I'm going to try to make this felt star topper...doesn't look too difficult. http://www.purlbee.com/felt-star-pendant-and-tree-top/

A quicker, though less awesome, alternative to applique would be to get map sections printed on fabric at Spoonflower.

I make steamed buns using a dough mix you can find at any Asian market...it's much faster than doing the dough from scratch, and tastes pretty similar. I also use leftover pork from ribs, pork roast, or whatever I have handy...here's my recipe: http://crumbcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/chinese-steamed-buns-char-siu-bao.html