pastelhombre

[pastelhombre]

No Churn Watermelon Icecream (Non-Sour!)

Simplified and derived from Food Network, because every time I use their website I see the ingredient and I just throw them together cause that's how recipes work, right? Well apparently to them that's wrong because even though it says to juice the whole melon, you only need 1 and a half cups of the juice.

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Ingredients:

One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups heavy cream, chilled

 1 1/2 cups of real watermelon juice

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Steps:

Depending on what you have, you can either juice the melon by cutting a hole on top and inserting an immersion blender or cutting up the melon into slices and adding to a standing blender till you get as much juice as you need with fruit still leftover. Prepare 1 and 1/2 cups of watermelon juice for the next step.

Whisk together condensed milk and watermelon juice in a large bowl and set aside.

Whip the heavy cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer between medium and high speed until firm peaks form when you lift the mixer.

Fold about one-half of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture at a time with a rubber spatula until fully combined and well blended.

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid. Could take anywhere from 3 hours, up to overnight.

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BOOM. Delicious, creamy watermelon ice-cream that doesn't have that sour watermelon flavor, just that good old natural sweetness.

[pastelhombre]

Necessary Home Products, Kitchen Edition

There are quite a few products that would greatly improve our day to day lives. But, as we currently live in a small house with my parents, it's impossible to store and keep track of these things when they are... you know, how they are... So when we get a place of our own and organize how we want and need, I definitely want to make space for these. In no particular order, here are products that will make our kitchen experience better.

Glam Gloves/ Reusable Gloves

I only say glam gloves in particular, because they are the most easily recognizable of this variation of product. A separate pair for dishwashing and then cleaning, because it is unbearable to wash dishes barehanded. Touching wet soggy food? No thank you. And we shouldn't be cleaning things hand directly to chemical cleanser.

Currently $2.97 on Walmart.com

Bottle Scrubber

This product, already in our arsenal has been a savior when washing. First, better reach and clean for cups and bottles, and also great to scrub plates and bowls with! Also creates another barrier when putting in some gloveless hand-washing.

Currently $1.25 at Dollar Tree

Coconut Oil (Butcher Boy)

This coconut oil is not only coconut oil, a beautiful, versatile product that I mostly use for skin and hair care, but is affordable too. Places like walmart and other stores have larger containers, but they start at around $6. These smaller, can-sized bottles last me a very long time at only $1.25.

Currently $1.25 at Dollar Tree

Basic Seasonings: Morton's Season All Salt, Garlic Powder/Jar-lic, Onion Powder

Nothing more to say, these are the basics that need to be incorporated when cooking.

Onion Powder 3.25 oz - $1.12 Morton's Season All Salt 16 oz - $3.54 Garlic Powder 3.4 oz - $1.12 Jar-lic 8 oz - $2.16 (All Available at Walmart)

Dale's Steak Seasoning

Phenomenal product for beef. Love to use this when making pot roast. I've also tried making oven jerky with this and ground beef before and it wasn't perfect jerky, but it was close and it was AMAZING. We've never made steaks before, but if we did get into steak-ing, this probably would be used too.

Currently $3.77 at Walmart

Mini Moonpies (Dollar Tree)

Nice snack that comes with 6 for $1.25. I love the taste, the chewy marshmallow, the multitude, and the price. Also the banana ones are yummy as well.

Currently $1.25 at Dollar Tree

Bees Wrap/ Plastic Wrap Replacement

Wonderful products that hold and preserve better than plastic wrap, is reusable and better for the environment. When I stored things such as chicken or rice, I noticed they are actually sealing better and they don't get dried out after a few days like when using cheapo plastic. It could possibly be because it is easier to accidentally move the plastic wrap than the wax wrap because the plastic warps and stretches when hot, while the wax hardens when cold. Either way, lest pfas touching your food, the better.

A cute, pink floral 3-pack is available on Amazon for $7.99

Kitchen Thermometer

Something that would be super useful for a novice chef like me who is expanding my palate. My boyfriend likes seafood and softer cooked meats, while I am from an immigrant mother who is used to cooking meat till it is a bit charred or slow cooking overnight. I'm not even confident cooking sunny side up or soft-boiled eggs. There was also that time where I was trying to fry oreos and used a stick in meat thermometer to measure the heat and instantly burned the outside of the batter while the inside was still gooey.

Currently available on Amazon for $13.88

Reusable Paper Towels/Rags

Another product that is good for the environment and cost effective. Instead of barreling through paper towels and filling up trashcans, spending more and more on something that could just be washed and reused, BOOM. These bad boys.

Temu has some really cool Wood-Pulp based cloths that dry hard, but soften when wet starting at $3.98

Kitchen Scissors

Having devoted scissors that aren't contaminated by craft materials is a necessity. Also not contaminating crafting supplies with meat juice or saucy scissors is a necessity as well. Available at Walmart for $0.97

Strainer

I've made pasta and homemade apple cider this past week and a trainer/colander is a big must have. Having to search for the one in my mom's kitchen was an atrocious process and I will have a dedicated hook or corner for mine in my home. Available at Dollar Tree for $1.25

[pastelhombre]

How to Write a Check

Current Date. This is where you right the date of when the check is made. You can postdate the check, but it seems to not be worthwhile.

Pay to the Order of. This line is used to name the person or organization you are paying.

Amount in Numeric Form. Using only numbers, write the amount you are paying. The numbers should be right up against the left side of the box to prevent fraud.

Amount in Written Form. Write out the exact amount in written form as another step to avoid fraud and confusion. If that amount is different from the numeric form that you entered, the amount you wrote with words will legally be the amount of your check. Using all caps helps prevent letters from being altered.

Signature. Sign the check with your signature, otherwise the check will be void.

Memo. This step isn't necessary, but can help with organization purposes. You can note why you are writing the check or even leave your account number for things like utility payments.

Additional notes:

A Record of the check should be kept. Check Registers are made exactly for this purpose. The check number, date the check was written, description of why it was written, and the amount should be noted.

Signature should not be filled out before 1-4, otherwise if the check is misplaced you're funds are susceptible to whoever finds it.

[pastelhombre]

How to Deposit a Check

When cashing or depositing a check, there are a few different steps that need to be taken that depend on your method of procuring those funds. Here are 3 ways to deposit a check.

In person:

When depositing a check in person, you will need to:

Have a valid ID (Driver's license or passport) or your account number. This ensures the money is going to the right person/account.

Endorse the Check. The back of the check has a few lines for the receiver of the check to sign their name. This is another way of ensuring the person who is supposed to receive the check is using it. If the check is made out to more than one person, the other signs their name on the line below the other's.

Present the Check to the Banker. Here you can cash or deposit, cash some and deposit the other, whatever you need.

By ATM:

When depositing a check by ATM, you will need to:

Endorse the Check. The back of the check has a few lines for the receiver of the check to sign their name. This is another way of ensuring the person who is supposed to receive the check is using it. If the check is made out to more than one person, the other signs their name on the line below the other's.

Begin the Deposit Process. Insert your card and pink to access your account. Then progress through the Deposit menus. You will be asked to insert the check in a certain position, then confirm the amount you are depositing.

Keep your Receipt. You will receive a receipt with an image of the check deposited. Keep it until the deposit is confirmed incase any issues arise.

Mobile Deposit:

When making a mobile deposit, you will need to:

Log into your banking app and navigate to the deposit screen. After following your personal bank's deposit prompts, you will select where you want to deposit the check.

Endorse the Check. The back of the check has a few lines for the receiver of the check to sign their name. This is another way of ensuring the person who is supposed to receive the check is using it. If the check is made out to more than one person, the other signs their name on the line below the other's.

Take a Picture of the Front and Back of your Check. Be sure to have good enough lighting for the check to be legible. Some apps will let you know if the picture needs to be retaken.

Keep your Check. Keep the check until the deposit is confirmed incase any issues arise.

Other notes:

Personal checks do not expire, but the bank can refuse payment with a check older than 6 months.

[pastelhombre]

Dashboard Lights Meanings

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[pastelhombre]

What-You-Have Hash

image source

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Ingredients:

Ground Beef or Turkey

Any Rice

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Season All Salt

1-2 Eggs

Grated Cheese

Optional: Salsa

Optional: Onions

Optional: Peppers of any kind

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This recipe utilizes your leftover ingredients and staples most people usually have. An interesting dish my boyfriend showed me, that has fed us well in our down bad days.

Steps:

Prepare your rice and set up the rice cooker. Of course, stove top rice can be used, it's just way easier in the Cooking rice takes the longest and is susceptible to sticking to the pot, making clean up a hassle. I always clean my rice with 2-3 scrub. If not the starch will bubble out the pot's steam hole. It takes around 15min for the rice to cook this way.

Optional: Chop any veggies you would like to add. Sometimes we dress ours up with chopped green onions or mini sweet peppers.

Prepare your meat of choice. Every meat we cook, we use powdered onion, powdered garlic, and season all salt. Mix your seasonings and meat together and pan fry it. I usually keep the knob around 7 and 8 or between high and med. You'll know when the meat is done because it will go from red/pink to a rich brown. If you're not sure, smash a chunk open and see if there is pink still inside. This can be done while the rice is cooking and will be finished by the time the rice is.

Add your eggs. Turn the heat down to about a 5 or between low and medium, you don't need too much heat for the eggs and the future cheese. I usually just add the eggs directly into the pan with the meat after draining the fat. I then mix well enough that the egg yolk breaks. Once they're cooked you can add the other ingredients.

Add optional: veggies. If you are adding veggies, let them cook a little with the meat and eggs to get softer and spread their flavor.

Add Rice and Cheese. Mix everything together in the pan. When everything is evenly mixed you're ready to serve.

Optional: Top with salsa. To give a little more flavor and some spice, salsa is a great addition to mix in when eating.

[pastelhombre]

Car Maintenance Masterpost

I woke up and a 2013 Hyundai Sonata was outside of my window! Not the car we looked at the day before, but it's a car! That works!

I was initially worried because my parents picked this car without consulting me before, but this car seems really cost effective, which is my main want for my car. Average annual repair/maintenance is only $486.

Here's a list of common repairs and their costs.

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Maintenance Notes:

Statefarm, my parent's auto insurance, and most likely, now my insurance suggests that these should be checked/maintained along their corresponding time frames.

Once a month:

❤ Tire Pressure should be checked and adjusted if necessary.

❤ Windshield Washer Fluid should be replenished. NOT WITH WATER A gallon can be anywhere from $1.25(Dollar Tree) to $5-ish from retailers like Walmart and AutoZone.

❤ Engine Oil Level should be checked every 1,000 - 1,500 miles. 1 Quart is around $8 while 5 Quarts are around $25.

❤ Car should be washed.

Every 3 months:

❤ Automatic Transmission and Steering Fluid should be checked and replenished as needed. You can get 32 oz. for under $6 at Walmart.

❤ Tire Condition should be checked and replaced in case of wear or damage.

Every 6 months:

❤ Windshield Wipers are said to last 6 months, but I know I can replace them when their ineffectiveness become unbearable. Replacement blades are priced from $15 and $26. Advance Auto Parts will replace your windshield wipers for free if you purchase new blades there, otherwise, they provide an excellent video demonstrating how to replace them under a minute.

❤ Engine Oil should be changed every 7,500 miles. This site states it should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles.

As per this site:

❤Every year, Cabin Air Filters should be replaced. (15,000-

20,000 miles)

❤Every 2 years, Fuel Air Filters, Engine Air Filters, Oil Filters should be replaced. (30,000 miles)

❤!!Brakes!! If you hear grinding when you stop that’s a telltale sign you’ve burned through your brake pads and are wearing down your rotors, which, depending upon the make and model of your car can be quadruple the cost of brake pads alone.

❤A Funnel is needed for the various oils and liquids poured into the car. They are around $1 at Walmart and Dollar Tree.

The car also comes with it's own jack, located with the spare tire. A lug wrench would be needed to change the tire myself, but my Statefarm will replace it for free if you have the spare with you.