Today's post is the first in this new category called "useful information". Because I want to be helpful. So, when I learn something that is life changing, or may be of some slight assistance in your everyday life, you will be able to easily locate it on the blog.
My first tip today is in the category of slight assistance. Many years ago I received a copper watering pot from a dear friend. It remains one of the best gifts ever. It doesn't leak and get water all over the rug and table when I am watering my houseplants. I like it so much that I decided I needed another one for the plants upstairs. The place it came from is long gone, but Chris located one on ebay for me and it arrived this week. It needed to be cleaned.
A thorough investigation of copper cleaning methods ensued and while I was debating using lemon or vinegar someone said "why don't you just use the Bar Keepers Friend?" I decided to do a cleaning comparison to save you the trouble.
I started with the Bar Keepers Friend and it was so easy I never got to the lemon/salt method. Which leads to useful information tip #1 - Save your lemons for garnishing drinks. Use Bar Keepers Friend to clean copper.
Tip #2 is in the life changing category. I am so very sorry it has taken me this long to appreciate the sheer pleasure that are flannel lined jeans. In case you are like me and have never tried them before, and you live in a cold climate, GET SOME. I ordered 1 pair and liked them so much I ordered another pair so I would have something to wear when pair number 1 was in the washer.
In exchange for those two tips I am hoping one of you can give me some help on a matter of great importance. What is the best way to remove these stems intact so I can use them next year when I attempt to make velvet pumpkins with dried stems? Thank you in advance.
No clue here, but I will watch for smarter replies Carol! ;o)
Posted by: jacki long | 12/06/2015 at 10:59 PM
Oooh, flanell jeans! I had a pair a couple of years ago. Loved them. Wore them out. Now I can't find them here to buy a new pair...
Posted by: Sabrina | 12/07/2015 at 03:30 AM
I heard ketchup was good to clean copper bottom pats and pans? I always have that on hand. Also... Heard Bar Keepers Friend will remove scratches from vintage dinnerware. I've yet to try that too! I like the theme of this post!
Posted by: Emie | 12/07/2015 at 05:39 AM
About the stems--I haven't tried this but why don't you just use a good sharp knife-- cut around them and remove them-then maybe after the excess has dried up you could remove it? Where do you order flannel lined pants?
Posted by: Janet | 12/07/2015 at 05:59 AM
I have a set of copper cookware that I clean with Wright's Copper Cleaner. It's non-abrasive so doesn't scratch the surface, works in minutes, easy peasy. I find it in the cleaning products section of my supermarket. Lasts for a long time, comes with applicator sponge inside. I've used this product since the 60's.
As for the punkin stems: I would cut them as close to the flared part of the stem as possible to a depth of at least 1.5 inches, pull out like a plug, cut any vegetable matter from the inside stuck on the stem, set out to dry naturally on a grate or screen to allow air flow around the stem. Just my .02 cents worth.
Posted by: Joan | 12/07/2015 at 12:29 PM
Truly, I felt obligated to help with your stems since you have done me the great favor of saving my lemons for a much better use. But I know nothing about the matter....I would have suggested letting the rest of the pumpkin rot around the stems (yech!) but I had the impulse to google for an answer and, lo and behold, :
http://celebrate-creativity.com/my_weblog/2013/11/how-to-dry-pumpkin-stems.html
Happy stemming!
Posted by: jeanette, mistress of longears | 12/07/2015 at 07:13 PM
Jeanette!!!!! YOU are the BEST :-) Oh and the process for how to make the velvet pumpkins too???? you are an excellent researcher and I am in your debt.
Posted by: Carol | 12/07/2015 at 09:01 PM