Struggling to find your favourite recipe?

Keep your favourite recipes in a file organized into sections, suggest the house cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID.

The system may sound ridiculously simple, but it will save you hours of searching when you're looking for that all-time favourite cake recipe or need inspiration for a midweek meal menu.

Think about how recipe books present recipes in different sections. For example: appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, main courses, desserts, brunch, parties.

This idea also works brilliantly for recording dinners you have already served at previous dinner parties. Record the menu, the guest list and comments... so you avoid serving the same meal to the same people twice but you also keep track of recipes and dishes that your family and friends loved!

If you're interested in saving time and energy when cooking a large roast for family or friends, here's a tip from the maid service experts at MOLLY MAID:

1. Simply insert a metal skewer into the centre of the joint and leave it there while the roast cooks. The heat actually travels down the metal and more quickly spreads through the meat.
2. Be sure to check the cooking and temperature of your roast by using a thermometer too - because it will likely be done sooner than usual.
3. Enjoy!

Beautiful warm weather is a great reason to have a party with family and friends this summer... and the maid service experts at MOLLY MAID have discovered a delightful way to chill the drinks you serve - and give them a special look as well!

1. Fill ice cube trays ¾ with water
2. Sprinkle fresh or frozen berries into the water. Raspberries, red currants, blueberries and small strawberries all work deliciously well.
3. Freeze.

The berry ice cubes are a simple way to add glamour to drinks. When the berries defrost in the glass, your guests will have a refreshing fruity extra in their drinks too.

Yesterday we communicated three steps to get started and tackle those larger cleaning jobs to get Mom's house sparkling; today we'll discuss those little extras that Mom will appreciate, so  she can spend her time doing something she actually enjoys, instead of being stuck inside cleaning the house.

1. How to clean the toilet bowl - Mom will especially appreciate not having to do this dreaded chore!  Pour a cup of white vinegar in the toilet bowl. A few swishes with the brush is all it takes for a natural green clean.

2. How to use vacuum parts - Those extra accessory tools that come with your vacuum actually do have a purpose! Using the proper vacuum tool can help quickly clean those crevices and fabric folds.  The dusting brush tool can be used for lamp shades, hanging light fixtures and Venetian blinds, while the narrow furniture nozzle can be used to clean upholstered furniture, chairs and draperies.

3. How to leave a lasting impression - Once the house is glistening, give Mom some aroma therapy by lighting a scented candle or gathering some flowers from the garden.  Early blooms like daffodils or tulips add a beautiful scent and a great pop of colour to brighten the room.

Imagine Mom's sheer delight of coming home to a sparkling clean house.  It's the perfect gift for Mother's Day!

Mom does so much for you all year round.  Mother's Day offers one special day to celebrate Mom for all her love and support, so what better gift than the gift of time for her to relax and take a break while you clean the house!  Before you start with the simple cleaning tips below, it's important to declutter: put clothes away, clean off countertops, take out the garbage and recycling, etc. Once you've taken care of that first step, follow the easy tips below:

1. How to get started - To tackle the tasks ahead for a sparkling clean home, assemble a bucket of supplies to clean the entire home (include an all-purpose cleaner, tile/grout cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, different colour microfibre cloths, etc.).  Having all these cleaning supplies at your fingertips will help speed up the housework and eliminate the opportunity to get sidetracked.

2. How to clean windows/mirrors - Make your windows and mirrors shine as bright as Mom's smile.  Add a drop of dish soap to a natural cleaning solution of white vinegar and water.  Spray the window and/or mirror, then dry with a microfibre cloth.  Learn more about the benefits of microfibre cloths in our previous blog post titled " Throw Away the Kitchen Sponge".

3. How to damp dust:

a. with a microfibre cloth - Dusting can instantly give a room the facelift it needs to spring back into its polished, put together state.  Spritz the microfibre cloth with water (the cloth should be just damp, not soaking wet).  Use the MOLLY MAID cleaning technique of dusting top to bottom, left to right to ensure dust won't fall in an area you've already cleaned.

b. for webs on walls and corners   - Clean those hard to reach areas for Mom so she doesn't have to.  Attach a slightly damp microfibre cloth to the end of a broom to reach high corners and between tight spaces that your hand isn't able to reach.

Now that you have the more time consuming tasks completed, watch for some more great cleaning tips tomorrow…