Thursday, February 25, 2010

Another reason I love vinegar.


A month ago I ran out of Jet Dry and the dishes were starting to come out filmy... you know. I missed the shiny glasses and went online to see if I could find a coupon. Then it came to me, there must be a homemade/natural alternative. I googled it and found some great news; You can use Vinegar as a rinse agent in your dishwasher! So much cheaper!



I already use vinegar as a sort of all-purpose cleaner(windows, counters, walls, spots on the carpet, etc). In a spray bottle mix 1 part water, 1 part vinegar. You can use it in your steam cleaner and it is better on the carpet because it doesn't leave a film behind like many of the soaps. You can soak your shower head to remove build up. You can mix it with baking soda to clean or deodorize drains, get stains out of your carpet, and more. Plus, if you shop at Costco you get two gallon bottles for a little over $2. While you are there grab the $5.99 monster bag of Baking Soda.  I use baking soda for laundry (booster and stain removal), drains, cleaning the shower, etc. Many recipes for natural cleaning involves one or both of these. Ammonia is another option for cleaning, but I don't buy it very often. I am a cheapskate, or maybe just trying to be frugal. Like the old saying goes,
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

There are so many ideas for less expensive and better for the environment cleaning supplies out there. You can make your own wood polish out of  olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar and essential oils. My mom (in-law) even made her own laundry soap. I need to ask her how she is liking it. Anyone else have homemade/natural cleaners that they like?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

My easiest trip to Costco . . . ever!


I carried her in, transferred her to the cart. She NEVER stays asleep after a transfer, especially into something like a shopping cart. She slept sitting up the whole time. She woke up when I got to the car, fell back to sleep. When I got home I carried her to bed and she slept another half hour. Great afternoon!

navel gazing at its finest: $150 Valentines Day Giveaway (How's That For An Original Title? I'M A GENIUS!) to Dippidee, Wild Grape Bistro, & Sego Lily

I love Sue. I have never met her in person, but I enjoy her blog. She is funny.

navel gazing at its finest: $150 Valentines Day Giveaway (How's That For An Original Title? I'M A GENIUS!) to Dippidee, Wild Grape Bistro, & Sego Lily

Trying to Stay Calm

There are some chaotic times in life. I am trying to learn to be the calm in the storm for my family.... but then the kids do something and I turn into a dragon for a few minutes. After the crying and time out, I dry my cheeks and come out of my room to ask the kids why they cut off all their sister's hair, or put glue all over the carpet, or broke every egg in the carton and wiped it all over the kitchen floor. The self given time-out is much better behavoir for the dragon than in times past.

I find that usually I am the one who needs a few minutes to be sure I am calm and then I can address many situations logically and rationally and decide how much yelling or screaming needs to be done, which is usually none. Most of the time there is a quiet and peaceful way to work things out. Sometimes if I have gotten up upset, I stop myself, tell the kids I am sorry, and that we should say a prayer to help mommy calm down. Now that is super embarrassing to admit that I get short tempered with my kids, but it is the truth and I know I am not the only parent out there that gets angry too quick.

Parenting is harder than I ever imagined. I love it. I would never trade it for anything. Sometimes it makes me crazy. My main goal is to never let emotions explode. It is a learning experience with much trial and error, but I am making progress. Reading my scriptures and prayer seem to make the largest difference in my behavior. Also getting a break once in a while helps. This is a wonderful talk about motherhood. It is interesting how you can freak out over something then later wonder why you thought it was such a big deal. Baby steps, right? Sometimes I like to imagine there is someone in the other room, you are always a better parent when you are around other people. And think about how easy it is to change your voice when you are getting angry and then the phone rings and you answer the phone with a friendly hello..... Try to change attitude about the situation and you won't have to feel bad about your behavior.
My mom advises that when the kids are driving you crazy pretend they are someone else's, you will be nicer.


Our kids learn how to handle things in life by our example. Just something to think about.
What are the things that help you to be a better parent? What tactics do you use to keep your cool?

I am loving this blog. Tons of great ideas and info. Check it out.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Does this make me a mooch?

I like free stuff.
Any good giveaways out there?

Misspelling

A friend of a friend posted this link on facebook and I find it very useful and entertaining.
Please read it, then share with everyone you know.
Bye.