Laundry and Other Hot Topics

You know you are getting old when at dinner with girlfriends you end up talking about laundry and food expiration dates. Sadly, this has happened on more occasions than I’d like to admit to, but even more disturbing may be the fact that these conversations really got me thinking…. What do the experts think about washing whites in cool water?

Here are a few random housekeeping tidbits I thought I’d pass on to you. Armed with this knowledge, perhaps you and your girlfriends will be able to enjoy more racy conversations, like how to decorate a princess cake for your daughter’s next birthday…. 🙂

Can you wash whites in cold water?
The general consensus among fellow moms and the Internet is… Yes. Separate your colored clothes and whites, but wash them all in cold water. This saves on energy, but also should protect your clothes from shrinking and fading. The only exception – your workout clothes. The hot water will help prevent them from holding on to the stink. (Sources: fellow moms, Real Simple Magazine, About.com, and MrsCleanUSA.com)

How do you know if an egg is expired?
First, check the date on the egg carton (or egg). Now, I agree that sometimes the expiration dates will sometimes preempt the actual no-longer-safe-for-consumption date. So, if you want to be sure about it’s freshness, fill a deep bowl with water and gently drop in the egg. If it quickly sinks, it’s fresh. If it floats or slowly drops, it’s bad. As the egg ages, more air will get into the shell, which will cause it to float. (Sources: wikihow.com and helpwithcooking.com)

When is it safe to plant summer crops in Charlotte?
Yep, it’s warming up outside. But, if you’ve spent more than a few springs in the South, you know…. March can be unpredictable. As soon as those daffodils burst and trees bud, we are certain to get a frost or light snow on the ground. So, to be safe and ensure a thriving season for your summer crop (and to keep from having to go out and cover your entire garden every night), wait until April 15th. You’ll see the garden centers stock up before then, but hold back. Your summer salad will thank you. Got the garden itch? Now’s the perfect time for pruning and getting the soil ready! (Sources: Square Foot Gardening, ehow.com, Southern Living)