Do you have a favorite cast iron pan that has started to rust? Did you burn a pot or pan while cooking and no matter what you do you can’t seem to get all the charred areas to come out? This is the ultimate guide on how to clean a cast iron pan and burnt stainless steel pots. This guide will go over the best methods to use, alternative methods, and how to keep those pots and pans looking brand new.

 NeedHere’s What You

Cleaning burned stainless steel pots and pans is a whole different ball game than cleaning a rusted cast iron skillet. You can’t clean cast iron, nonstick pans, and stainless steel pots and pans the same way.

The Basic Cleaning Items:

• Steel wool
• Sponge, scouring pad or scrubbing brush
• Vegetable oil
• Mild dish soap
• Aluminum foil
• Baking soda
• Water
• Vinegar

The Best Method to Cleaning Your Burned Pot/Pan

The best way to clean a burned stainless steel pot or pan is the old fashion way. Put water in the pot or pan, just enough to cover the charred area. Turn the stove on and bring the water to a boil and allow it to continue boiling for about 3 minutes. Let it cool down to room temperature and pour the water out. Grab some baking soda and sprinkle over the burned areas. Using a scouring pad, scrub the pot or pan. The burned residue in the pot should come out with ease.

For the heavy-duty jobs, follow the steps above, however instead of water use vinegar. Bring it to a boil and cool down to room temperature, and sprinkle baking soda over the area. Don’t pour out the liquid until the fizzing has stopped, then scrub your pot.

Cleaning A Rusted Cast Iron Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while the oven is preheating, use the steel wool to scrub the rust out of the pan. This will take a little elbow grease, but you want to scrub all the rust out of the pan. Once all the rust is gone, use warm water and mild dish soap to wash the pan, scrubbing with either a bristle brush or gentle scouring pad.

Dry the pan thoroughly then coat the entire pan with vegetable oil. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place in the oven on the bottom rack. Place the cast-iron skillet in the oven upside down on the top rack and heat for about an hour. Turn off the oven and wait for the pan to cool before removing from the oven. Voila! Your cast iron skillet is as good as new.

 

Alternative Methods to Try

Substitute With Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar can be used as a substitute for baking soda. In the scorched pan, mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with one cup of water and bring to a boil. Let it cool down and scrub the charred areas

Using Lemons

Slice 2 or 3 lemons and put in the burned pan, then fill the pan with water. Boil for about 5-10 minutes after bringing the water to a boil. Let the pan cool and then dump out the water and lemons. Use a scouring pad or tin foil to scrub the pan, lifting the leftover particles that did not dissipate when you boiled it.

Tin Foil

This method is very easy. Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water directly on the burned area of the pan. Grab some tin foil and crumple it in a ball. Using the tin foil ball scrub the pan clean. Wash the pan with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Dryer Sheet Hack

Dryer sheets are something that you should always have at your disposal. They are very versatile. You can soften clothes with them, scrub stains out of upholstery and carpets, clean your burned pan. Put soap and water in the pan, add the dryer sheet, and let it soak for about an hour, pour the water out and scrub the pan.

How to Keep Your Pots Looking Brand New

 As you can see there are many tricks that you can use to clean a burnt pot or for cleaning a rusted cast iron skillet. If you want to keep your pots looking brand new, here are a few tips to use:

• Prevent food burning to the pan by using a non-stick cooking spray or cooking oil.
• Avoid soaking your pans in water, especially cast iron skillets. As soon as you are done washing it dry it thoroughly. You can even place it on the stove on low heat to dry.
• If your pans start looking dull, clean with baking soda paste and aluminum foil.

  Follow these tips and your pots and pans will always shine and sparkle.

 

Birthdays are thousands of times more vivid when you’re a kid.  Maybe it’s because they’ve had so few, or because everyone around them gets so excited. But, kid’s birthday parties are a big deal.  This expectation can place a lot of pressure on you to get things right, which means you could be panicking trying to figure out how to put together a party. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect kid’s party. Take it slow, plan, and your child will have the best party ever.

Figure Out Guests

Talk to your child, and figure out how many other kids they want to invite.  A good rule of thumb is to plan for a classroom of kids, and then scale back based on how many parents respond to the invitations. Not all of the people invited will come. If you have family members or friends you know will also want to attend, count those in as well.  Make sure to be flexible so that your plans won’t fall through when a handful of people don’t show up.  If you want, you can send out the original invitation a month out, and then send a reminder note a week before the party.

 

Pick a Location

Think about where the party should get held.  Although a spacious backyard will do exceptionally well for a party, there are other options.  You could use a portion of a park, rent out an area, or even have the party at a business like a trampoline playground.  Consider what the theme of the party is, and which location would go better with it. Also, consider that if  you don’t have the party at your home, the cleanup will be done by someone else! If your budget is tight, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having the party at home.

 

Will there be live entertainment?

Having performers can kick any party up a notch.  Make sure the entertainment matches what your kid likes.  If the child is a little girl who likes mermaids, look into mermaid performers.  If they want superheroes, then look for party characters for hire.  Keep an eye out for performers who match the theme of the party, while staying within budget.

 

Decorations Ideas 

You can do whatever you want with decor- just keep the theme in mind!  A party garland could be fun, but consider decorations that suit the theme.  If it’s a paw patrol party, you could carry through a firefighting motif through the whole party with ease.  Just think outside of the box, from the door people walk in through to the napkins.

 

Saving and Sharing the Memories

Kids are going to want to remember this forever.  They’ll have fun with their friends, eat cake, and get to see a live show- let them show it off with pictures.  There are more than a few fun ways to do this, from having custom Snapchat filters for birthday parties to using throwback cheap film cameras that you can develop later and use as postcards to thank people for their gifts- there are a lot of options.

 

If you’re unsure about anything, the lucky thing is you can ask your child what they’d like for a party.  They might strike you with a great idea that makes the day just that much more fun.  Make sure they know the party is for and about them, and to celebrate with them, so they feel loved. Follow the tips and anyone can plan the perfect kid’s party.

Are you planning a wedding on a tight budget? Perhaps you’re getting hitched in the middle of a pandemic? In either of these scenarios, keeping your guest list to a minimum is recommended. The more people you invite to your big day, the more expensive it is. Not to mention, too many people at your ceremony or reception increase the chances of spreading the coronavirus. If deciding who to invite to your wedding drives you insane, these tips on how to successfully narrow down your guest list are sure to make things easier. 

 

Talk to the Venue

Before sending out your wedding invites, reach out to your wedding venue. Find out what the requirements are for guests. A representative should be able to tell you how many people you can safely invite. If your wedding is being held outdoors or in a large indoor space, you may request more people than if you’ve chosen an intimate venue indoors. 

 

Healthy and Safety

Above all else, the health and safety of your friends and relatives is a priority. As the coronavirus spreads quickly, you want to do what you can to safeguard everyone. The best way to do this is to avoid inviting people that are most vulnerable. If you know that someone has an existing health condition or is over 60, asking them to attend is risky. You can instead allow them to watch your wedding from home through digital communication platforms. 

 

Reviewing Your Budget Can Help Narrow Down Your Guest List

If finances are the issue for you, then review your budget to discern how many people you can afford to host. At this point, you likely have an estimate from the caterer and reception hall on how much it will cost per person. Based on the money you’ve set aside for food and drinks, you can make a more informed decision on how many to invite. 

 

No Kids Allowed

Except for any children you’ve asked to be in your bridal party, excluding children from the reception can help you save money. As there have been increased reports of kids contracting the coronavirus, it may be safer for them to remain at home. If you’re going to select this option, be sure you include it on your invitations so your guests can make arrangements. 

 

High-Risk States

Some states are worse off than others amid the pandemic. If you planned on inviting guests from out of town, it’s best to prevent asking those in high-risk areas to attend. The chances of them having the virus are higher, and there are also travel restrictions that could require them to quarantine for weeks. Again, there’s always the option to let them watch your wedding online. 

 

Immediate Family Only

Traditionally, you might invite extended family, friends, co-workers, and others to your wedding. If you’re trying to keep the guest list to a minimum, you may need to rethink this. Instead, only send invitations to your immediate family and closest friends. 

 

Bridal Party Only

Some couples have decided to eliminate the guest list altogether by merely asking the bridal party to attend. A few bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and the happy couple’s parents are enough to make the moment special. You can then stream your wedding for everyone else or share photos on a wedding website. 

 

Elopement

Believe it or not, some couples have become so overwhelmed by planning a wedding during the pandemic that they decided to elope. Doing so not only saves you a bunch of money, but it keeps everyone safe. You and your partner are then free to have your wedding wherever you’d like and then get right to the honeymoon. And, you don’t have to worry about narrowing down the guest list. 

 

From limited budgets to health and safety concerns, the national health crisis has made planning a wedding anything but easy. When it comes to inviting guests to your special occasion, the above advice will help you do so in a way that saves you money and keeps everyone safe. 

Organizing our kitchens, including the foods we have stored and the culinary possessions we use each day, is an essential task of ours. This is especially true if we have families to take care of, because things can usually get messy fast when there are kids in the house. Furthermore, not every family has an abundance of space to work with. So – how do you better organize your kitchen? What tips and tricks can last the span of time? And, more importantly, what advice can be geared to a range of kitchens, no matter where in the world you are, and what cuisine you are most versed in? Those are worthwhile questions. Let’s think about how to better organize your kitchen.

Creative Food Storage

 Creative food storage can be a fantastic idea if you’re notorious for purchasing and storing too many ingredients. A large pantry can help you hold them in an organized capacity, to your liking. Hooks to hang cloves of garlic from can be a great idea. An open netted basket for holding eggs can also be a great idea. If you find your freezer is continually filling up, you might purchase a second option and place it in your garage. You may wish to fix your fridge with the parts necessary to ensure the lower levels are once again open for salad storage. All of this helps in the long run.

 Economize Space

 Economizing space can also be a worthwhile use of your time. For instance, you might decide upon installing corner drawers that pull out and give you more storage space. For many, that can prevent them from having too many ‘odds and ends’ drawers that seem customary in most kitchens. You may decide to install a spice rack shelf so you don’t have to store them up against the wall. Little storage areas and places you can divide out space for will help you keep your surface area clean.

 Logical Mise-En-Place

 Mise-en-place is the term chefs use for how your station is prepared, where your little trimmings are, what ingredients you have access to, and where and how you cook. You can use this principle, too. Where do you reach for things in your kitchen? How easy is your surface to clean? How far do you have to walk to get to the oven, or to grab spices, or to add some garnish to your foods? If you’re bending over double to find a mold each and every time, it could be that moving this to a closer area can help you. Sure you’re only creating a few meals and not 250, but this approach can certainly help.

With this advice, we hope you can organize your kitchen in the best manner possible.

Do you find yourself wanting to exercise but unable to stick to a consistent routine? Whether you always blame a busy schedule or you simply can’t convince yourself to get off the couch, exercising is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle that you can’t ignore forever. Getting your body up and moving plays a key role in maintaining good physical as well as mental health. Lack of exercise, combined with unhealthy eating habits, will make you susceptible to a myriad of health issues. In addition to adversely impacting your quality of life, you need more life insurance to deal with the repercussions of not working out. Instead of giving up after a few attempts, implement these tips to get your health and fitness back on track.

 

Set a Goal

A generic goal of ‘getting fit’ is only going to take you so far. Set specific and measurable goals that you can work towards every day. It could be anything from improving flexibility and balance to boosting endurance.

 

 Start Slow

Whether you’ve not exercised a day in your life or you’re getting back into fitness after a hiatus, it’s crucial to take things at a steady pace. Instead of immersing yourself in a routine that’s far beyond your current capabilities, start slow, and build your strength day by day.

 

Find Something You Enjoy

Some people can sweat it out in a gym without a problem, but others may find it too boring. But going to the gym is not your only option. There are a variety of fitness classes available. You can explore options like spinning classes, aerial yoga, boxing classes, dancing, and so much more.

 

Find a Workout Buddy

If you can’t make yourself go to a workout class, you need a Monica Geller to your Chandler Bing. Ask your partner or friend to be your workout buddy. You both can encourage each other as well as hold each other accountable.

 

Get a Personal Trainer

Sometimes a well-intended nudge from a friend is not enough to get you on your feet. If that’s the case, you should consider hiring a personal trainer.  In addition to teaching you the correct work out techniques, a personal trainer is also responsible for pushing and motivating you.

 

Minor Setbacks Are Okay

Whether you had an exhausting day at work or you’re too busy to make it to the gym, it’s okay! Don’t let minor setbacks discourage you. Even if you weren’t able to give your best or workout at all one day, you could always pick it up the next day.

 

Workout Apparel

Appropriate activewear helps with your performance and ensures you’re comfortable. Additionally, new workout apparel can make you feel excited to get up early and workout. So buy workout clothes that make you feel and look good!

 

Let Music Inspire You

A well-curated playlist can get your spirits high and help you power through a workout. Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming apps offer great selections of music for working out. 

 

Join an Online Community

 

In the age of social media, you can easily find a supportive community for your fitness journey. Whether you’re running for the first time or starting weightlifting, joining a fitness community of like-minded people can help you work hard and achieve your goals.

 

Take Breaks

Hustling every day is great, but your mind and body need rest as well. Breaks are necessary to help your body recover from a rigorous training session. Continuing without any breaks can make you feel burned out and even lead to injuries.

 

Celebrate Small Achievements

Were you able to complete a set without taking any breaks? Are you finally able to touch your toes? No achievement is too small to celebrate. Sometimes just the act of working out is reason to celebrate.

Eat Healthily

If you never have the energy to work out, then your unhealthy eating habits might be the culprit. Along with a fitness routine, you should also incorporate a nutritious and well-balanced diet.

 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to working out, you can be your own biggest cheerleader. No one’s fitness journey is linear, and some hiccups are bound to happen. It’s okay to take your time to find what works best for you. But the most important thing is to try!