Ketchup Tray Tip

Where do you put the ketchup when you are at a fast food joint? Napkins sog and rip, the top of the nugget box works, unless you want to take anything home.

Try a big drink lid. Turn it upside down and squirt away. You can move it all around the table because it is sturdy. Pretty nifty.

Source: My own frustration

Great Cupcake Carrier

I purchased this cupcake carrier without a lot of expectations. I have had others and they have never worked that well.



This one was really great. I was able to carry 30 cupcakes in it (there are holes for 24). The holes hold the cupcakes very securely; no tipping over while carrying.



There are two tiers and they unclasp separately from each other. The trays also come out and there are handles for serving. It can carry decorated cookies without them getting smeared, as well.

I was even able to take the napkins under the handle and they stayed put, too. Will's kindergarten teacher had to comment about how much she liked it. So, this product has the seal of approval!

Cupcake Carrier Source: Martha Stewart Cupcake Carrier at Macy's
($24.99; I got it on sale for $19.99)

Cupcake Topper Source: Wholesale Sugar Flowers

Grocery Checkout Organization Tip

Key #1 of organization of any kind is grouping. Like items always go together! If you master that one tip, you will find yourself more organized.

The grouping principle also works to save you time. Try it in the grocery store when you are checking out. Group like items together on the conveyor belt for checkout. Group all things that go into the refrigerator on the belt together; yogurts together, cheese together, produce together. Then dry goods; cereal boxes together, drinks together. Same with paper products, hygiene products, canned goods etc.

Our brain automatically groups in clusters, so your friendly checker will automatically go along with your grouping plan without even knowing it! I can pretty well guarantee that most of your now grouped items will end up together in the take away bags.

You will be pleasantly surprised when you come home how much quicker and easier it is to put away your groceries. They are already grouped into the places that they need to go in your home. For me, my hygiene and medicine products are already bagged to go upstairs. When I bring in the groceries, I quickly check the bags and those go right by the stairs to go up. Everything cold quickly goes into the freezer and refrigerator without having to empty all of my bags first.

You won't find a Yoplait in with your Tylenol a day later any more!

Source: My brain

Food Organization Tip - "Fast Food"

This post is dedicated to our reader, Karen! Thanks so much for your kind comment. I will be sure to post more often if this is one of your favorite blogs, Karen! This has been one of my most popular posts on one of my past blogs, so I will post it here for you! Hope you enjoy the tip!

This is a really good day at my house when I can open my refrigerator and the top shelf looks like this. It is not all of the time, but when it is like this, it makes my life easier.



I had the idea impressed upon me to make my own "Fast Food", since we (like everyone else) are always so busy.

So, I try to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and get them all ready in clear, serving size containers. I usually try to buy things cut up and ready to go to save some time. Other things that I make ahead can be salads, rice, chicken etc. It makes packing lunches, getting snacks or making meals easier and healthier when I do it.

I bought the containers at Smart and Final. (On the corner of St. Rose Parkway and Eastern) To save you some time in the store; Isle 6 / 8 oz. are 6.29 for 50 dishes and 5.99 for 50 lids -- dishes and lids are sold separately. They are dishwasher safe, so I reuse them all the time. They have all different sizes, but I use the small ones the most. They are clear so everyone can see what is inside. I also make sure that everything goes on one shelf. That way everyone knows where to look for the snacks.

It was a thought that helped me a lot. My "Fast Food" shelf makes me a happy camper when it is stocked and ready to go. You can click on the picture to enlarge it, if you want to get some ideas for your own use.

Source: Divine Inspiration!