The Freshest Fridge

I hate my fridge- it's a terrible design. Freezer on top means you are always bending down, searching for food that gets lost in the back! For now, I can't change my fridge (hopefully soon!), but I can organize it better! With all the money and time spent, shopping and schlepping the groceries from store to car to home, we want our products to last as long as possible and in this month's Real Simple, a quick guide caught my eye- how to organize the fridge so that the food stays the freshest. Some of the tips surprised me - you may have to change your habits a little (no more milk on the door) but this plan will save you time, money and a little aggravation.

1. Eggs- place them on the middle shelf and store in the original carton!
2. Milk- although may land on the top shelf, but should be on the bottom- all the way in back where its coldest.
3. Yogurt, sour cream/cottage cheese-on the bottom again, here's a tip, place on a turntable to keep everything accessible.
4. Raw meat- if not in freezer, bottom shelf again where its coldest.
5. Vegetables- place in drawer labeled for veggies or highest humidity- keep in plastic bag loosely tied.
6. Fruit- belongs in low humidity or cisper drawer, leave unwashed and do not mix with the vegetables.
7. Deli meats-  belong in the shallow meat drawer- keeping meats slightly colder then rest of fridge.
8. Butter and soft cheese- can live on the door, which is the warmest part of fridge.
9. Condiments- ketchup, mayonnaise and salad dressing are fine on the door. So are pickles and salsa- olive and vegetable oils can remain in the pantry.
10. Orange juice- that can stay on the door too as long as it's pasteurized.

These will help keep all food fresh and organized!

It's App Easy!

It has begun! Get settled and buckle up! Whatever your fall involves, the lazy days of summer have faded fast and now we have turned our attention to organizing  schedules, homework, dinners, practices, activities etc Need some help keeping it all straight? Here are a few Apps, courtesy of the September issue of Parents magazine, that will help you navigate your family's year and the best part is they work on Apple and Android and are all free!

1. School A to Z- This will help you answer your student's homework questions and even gives project suggestions!
2. OverDrive Media Console- You will be able to "borrow" e- books from a selection of public and school libraries!
3. Need some new lunch ideas or a meal you can get to together fast? Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner can help with thousands of options!
4. RedLaser- Save time and money on shopping with this app. Scan the item's bar code and it compares online and in store prices to locate the best deals!!
5.Cozi Family Organizer- This app will keep everyone in the loop with reminders for homework, appointments and games sent out from the shared family calender.
6. TeamSnap- School starts in the fall but so do sports! This app will allow you to organize your game schedules, contacts for the players, stats and other info. It is free, but after a trial period, there is a fee.
7. Marble Jar- For the little ones- this app reinforces independence and responsibility. Break  down goals into small steps and every time they practice good behavior, they will add marbles into the jar!!

For a small fee, 2 more to think about! World Atlas by National Geographic-  put the best maps in the palm of your hand! Also Flashcards+, create digital flashcards easily and study almost anything! Tap into an database with over 8 million decks covering many topics.