linguine in lemon cream sauce

*courtesy of vegetarian times

ingredients:
8 ounces dry linguine
1/2 cup light cream cheese
2 Tbsp. olive oil
approx. 1/2 lemon, juiced and 1 Tbsp. zest grated (i skipped the zest)
1/2 cup chopped parsley (i used 1/4c. instead & it was more than enough)

instructions:
1.  Cook linguine according to package directions in pot of boiling, salted water.
2.  Warm cream cheese, oil and 2 Tbsp. lemon juice in saucepan over low heat.
3.  Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.  Stir reserved cooking water into cream cheese mixture.  4. Add pasta, lemon zest, and parsley; toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

homemade multi-purpose cleaner

yea this isn't a *real* recipe but its my new favorite household cleaner. my husband is slightly obsessed with cleaners so we had about five different brand/types of cleaners in our cabinets. time to simplify. this cleaner will save you *a lot* of money. once  ingredients are purchased (should be under $10 for everything) you can make LOTS of bottles of this cleaner.

ingredients:
1 spray bottle (new or recycled)
2 tbsp. borax powder (found in your grocery store's laundry care aisle)
2 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tbsp. your favorite dishwashing soup (I used 'sevent generation')
2 cups warm water
optional: a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s)

add everything to  your bottle, shake well and get cleaning!!

side note: borax can be used for a lot of other household chores. 1/2c. can be added to the washer to boost your regular detergent. it can be mixed with water to make a paste for cleaning ceramic sinks, toilets, tubs, stainless steel sinks, etc.   there are lots of uses listed right on the back of the box :)