Handy Tips with... Alka-Seltzer?

OK, I don't give much any thought to Alka-Seltzer. But after reading this article at Woman's Day I may have to get some.

1. Deep-Clean Vases Fill with warm water and drop in two of these baking soda–rich tablets. Let soak for an hour to remove the stains you can’t reach.

2. Speed-Scrub the Toilet Twice a week, drop two tablets into the bowl; 15 minutes later, do a once-around with the toilet brush.

3. Make an All-Purpose Cleaner Drop three tablets into 8 oz warm water. Once the fizzing stops, wipe down counters, tiles and tubs.

4. Safely Unclog a Drain Drop three tablets into the drain and run hot water for a few seconds (the hotter the water, the more fizzing). Let sit for 15 minutes.

5. Build Rockets Entertain little ones by heading outside with an empty film canister, filling it halfway with warm water and dropping in a half-tablet. Snap on the lid and place the canister lid down. Take a step back and watch it launch into the air. (Ahhh, here's the problem with digital cameras! No film canisters!)

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A Promise You Can Keep

There is a new community on Facebook that I would like to share with you. It's called "A Mother's Promise". It could easily be called "A Parent's Promise" or "A Promise to Your Child". The name really doesn't matter, the mission, however, does.

This community, supported by Evenflo, is focused on the safety of children while they are in the car. With fewer flights and the high cost of air travel more and more people are making the decision to travel farther distances by car. Let's do all we can to keep our babies (toddlers, elementary age children...) safe.



It only takes a moment to join the Facebook group. What's your promise?

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Who's Calling Now?

The nice thing about caller ID is that you can screen your calls to see who is calling and whether you want to talk to them. But what about those numbers that just keep popping up? Are you ever tempted to answer it, just to see who keeps calling? What if it's important?

There is a new website that lets people Report Phone Numbers that will let you see if anyone has reported that phone number as a telemarketer or other annoying caller. Kind of handy if you have a repeat number you don't recognize.

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When We're Away Where Does Toby Play?

When we travel we usually have family to fall back on for the pooch. But, once in a while, that doesn’t work out. And then I have to find someone to watch Toby. Which is what led me to this website of Dog Boarding Kennels today. It has listings for every state. I didn’t know there were so many boarding kennels in my small town!

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Thinking About Pest Control

With fall finding it’s way here I find myself thinking about those nasty little critters that invaded my house the last time it got cold. Since our infestation I’ve learned quite a bit about mice and pest management.

Apparently they only live about 4 months. But they begin breeding at 5 weeks of age (!) and their rapid reproduction makes pest control almost unmanageable.

Because the infestation seemed to come out of nowhere we hired an exterminating company. The first guy to come out went through my house from top to bottom, inside and out, figured out where the beasties were coming in and plugged those holes. Then he put traps through my storage room- where they seemed to hang out.

Because I have kids and a dog no poisons were put out; only traps. We rigged the traps with dog food (since that was what they were stealing and hiding throughout the basement {{shudder}}. I joked about using peanut butter and was told that, while that was good, the little disease carriers really liked canola oil!

Another little trick I learned is that cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or ammonia will repel mice! The peppermint oil is really nice- it keeps the room smelling good, too!

So now the exterminators come every three months or so- just to make sure the problem doesn’t resurface. I think we only had a “small” family. We killed 8 or 9 and haven’t seen any in a few months.

Thank goodness. I’ve never felt so dirty in my life.

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Expert Moving Advice

I know that at least one of my bloggy friends is packing up and moving soon (Hi Bob! Let me know which house you chose!) so when I found this blog that is chock full of moving advice from the experts at ABF I thought it might come in handy for someone else, as well.

ABF is a “you pack, we ship” company… Good for anal people like me who don’t trust strangers to pack my stuff the way I want it packed but who aren’t willing to drive a U-Haul (ever again) across state lines. Less expensive than a full service mover but easier on your posterior than a rental truck.

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Cookin' Up a Successful Site

When I started my recipe blog it was as an accompaniment to my “main” blog - this blog. You see, I did a weekly recipe feature here and my blog was getting so busy that I created a “spin off”.

That was at the beginning of this year. As I was looking through the stats on my web pages the other day I saw that my humble little recipe site has by-passed Iowa Geek in daily readers.

I guess recipes are the way to go…

Because of that I’m really glad that I took care of my website hosting when I first began that site, instead of changing to a web host when the site got popular. When that happens the search engines "lose" you and your page hits drop significantly until they "find" you again.

If you're interested in taking your humble blog (no matter what it's about) to the next level you'll want to check out these tips for choosing a domain. You want something catchy and easy to remember. Run the name through your head... Type it out... See if it sticks with you. And once you find it, get it registered. And cook up your own successful site.

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A "Toy" for Your Inner Organizer

I bought school supplies today. Of course they aren’t the basic back-to-school supplies. Since the girls are in pre-school their lists included a package of assorted pom-poms, a package of pipe cleaners, lots of glue sticks, crayons, washable markers, washable water paints and colored pencils. Of course I went looking for deals on everything. Well, everything except their “take home folders”. I let the girls pick out what they wanted. Brenna spotted Tinkerbell and Caelan followed suit.

Almost everything they need goes into a “community pool” of supplies, which is fine. But there are a few things they take that will be theirs- namely their backpacks, show and tell items, a change of clothes and coats when it gets colder. Last year Brenna walked outside in the wrong coat or without her show and tell item a couple of times. This year I am considering getting a DYMO label maker. You know- to keep track of stuff that may not make it home. Bonus: they have special iron on tape – no sewing in tags.

Of course if I had such a “toy” I would use it in my office to keep my scrapbooking and travel File folders organized, to label file cabinets and to remind my family where to put things back when they are finished with them.

Oh, yes, the organizer in me would have some fun with a “toy” like that…

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An Irish Christmas

I’m picking out the photos for our Christmas Cards this weekend.

Don’t freak out- your calendar isn’t wrong; it is still July. But it’s the end of July. In a week and a half it will be August. And just a couple short weeks after that school will begin. Then there will be tumbling and Spanish classes to get to, lots and lots of birthdays (4 in our family- ha! That’s all of us! And about 7 more in extended family), a couple of holidays, and BAM! It’s Thanksgiving and the Christmas cards aren’t ordered!

So, again, I’m picking out the photos for out Christmas Cards this weekend. We’ve got some really nice family shots from Ireland that I want to put on a photo card.

Yes, you read that right- I am not using “Christmas” photos on my cards. Who says you have to? In fact I was checking out the tips page at www.christmascardsdirect.com/tips and they have that little tidbit plus a lot of other photo taking tips you may not have thought of.

So the next time the kids are out playing snap some pictures. Who knows- they may end up on your Christmas cards!

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Why My Heart Isn't in San Francisco

A few years back Doug & I took a business trip to San Francisco. I hadn’t been pregnant with Brenna for long, in fact I think I had found out a few weeks before the trip, so it would have been late spring/early summer.

I was very excited as I hadn’t been to that part of California before and I spent a lot of time reading up on things to do in San Francisco. But, even though I spent a ot of time on my research, I wasn't really prepared. I wish I would have known about Trusted Tours & Attractions online travel guides then. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the city much more if I would have taken the Trolley Hop or amotorized cable car tour.

As it was we walked through the city and admired it. My most memorable experience was at a great restaurant on the Wharf. But it didn't leave me with a longing to return. Which is probably why we should... Someday.

But now I am too busy researching things to do in Orlando. I know there's more than the Mouse (like Kennedy Space Center and alligators) and I want to be sure we see everything we want to see.

Luckily Trusted Tours & Attractiosn has me covered there... They even have a newsletter that keeps me up to date. And if you sign up now you are entered to win a $150 iTunes gift card. That's a lot of music for the drive...

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When "Good as New" Isn't

I’m not sure that there is anything more frustrating than a car accident. One minute you’re driving along, following the rules, minding your own business, then…

BAM! Some moron runs a light and your car gets the worst of it.

But, you are able to get the vehicle fixed and you’re back to normal. Well, until you try to get rid of the vehicle. It’s then that you discover this little thing called “diminished value”. Because your vehicle has been in an accident it is worth thousands of dollars less than an identical vehicle that hasn’t been in an accident. Neat.

I do have some good news… You are due the diminished vale of your vehicle from the insurance company of the at fault individual. Advocate Auto Claims specializes in helping you get this “unknown” loss back on your vehicle. If you’ve been in a car accident in the last 4 years that wasn’t you fault use their free diminished vale estimate calculator to see if this is something you want to persue.

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A Flood of Cars & Trucks

Insurance is just one of those things you can’t be without. I can watch the news and see hundreds of cars and trucks damaged beyond repair in the floods we are having. In fact, my brother was out for over a week around Parkersburg (he’s a lineman) after the first batch of rains and storms came through. The parking lot his truck was parked in flooded. His truck has been declared “totaled”. That was before the news people began using the “Flood of ‘08” tag every time they spoke of the weather.

Helpful tip: Don’t buy any used cars or trucks from the Midwest!

Another tip: Make sure your vehicle is properly insured. Sure, you don’t really care if someone hits you (unless they don’t have insurance… or they don’t have enough insurance… OK, you care a lot if someone hits you…) but what if something else happens? You should have enough insurance to replace your vehicle- or enough coverage to pay off the loan if you get totaled.

Autonet insurance guarantees the lowest rates for car, truck and Van Insurance out there – with a 48 hour guarantee: if you find a lower price in 48 hours they will refund your money.

OK, after popping around their site I see that they also do pet insurance. Definitely something I’ll be getting on our next pet (especially I want another big dog. They can get spendy.)

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If You Gotta See It...

When I first moved to Iowa the most difficult thing for me was to give up my season tickets to the Wild. I cried when I sold the tickets. And, as they went to the Stanley Cup playoffs I watched every game from home and hated the person I saw in my seat.

As it turned out I soon had to return to Minnesota to finish the sale of my house and sign a few papers and, wouldn’t you know it, the Wild were playing at home. I HAD to go! And, since I sold the house I had some extra cash so I wanted to take my friend Sheri along.

I searched high and low for good seats. I was willing to pay for them. They were so hard to come by! And you just don’t really know if you’re going to get scammed… Luckily I didn't but until I got in the gate I worried.

Now there is SeatExchange.com, an easy and safe way to buy tickets for almost any event. Whether it’s concert tickets for that reunion tour going on this summer or sports tickets for that game you just can’t miss…

I could even get Celtic Football (that’s soccer to you, yank) tickets as SeatExchange is the official secondary ticket provider for them. Good to know as those tickets are hard to get and someday I would love to be swept up in that craziness. Almost as good as a hockey game in Minnesota.

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Another Day Another Political Sign

It’s political season. Every day more yard signs appear. Big ones, small ones… Ugh.

I look at them differently now, though, since Doug’s run a couple of years ago. Those things are freakin’ expensive. I don’t even want to remember what we spent out of our own pockets. Oh, wait, I can still see it every month on the credit card bill…

We used BuildASign.com for all of our signs and stickers. Their prices were lower than the competition, their website was easy to use and everything was great quality. If you’re considering a run for office –or something much smarter and less hassle like starting your own business- check them out for your signage needs.

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Our Family is Huge

I come from a family of 4, my mom comes from a family of 5, my dad from a family of 4. I have 12 cousins, and more second cousins than I can think of…

Doug comes from a family of 2, his mother is one of 5 and his dad has only a sister. Yet he has as many cousins as I do and I don’t think I’ve met all his second cousins.

Did I mention that our families are all relatively close knit? We easily celebrate 25 birthdays a year- and send out at least that many cards for birthdays we don’t celebrate.

And then add on all the friends, business acquaintances you want to keep in touch with and bloggy-friends that we don’t “really” know but probably, honestly, know better than we do our relatives…

That’s a lot of cards. So I’m considering purchasing birthday card packs so I can always have a card when I “almost” forget a birthday and need a card right away. Buying in bulk will cost me less and I figure if I find one design a year that I really like- like this one-

I won't repeat a card (it has been known to happen!) and I'll save money and time.

Now if we could just stop the gift exchanges...

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If Something Seems Wrong It Probably Is

I was booking a hotel for an upcoming trip and was given information that I was sure was not correct.

After a bit of research on my part and a couple of phone calls the issue was resolved and I got not only the discount I initially asked for but another $20 per night off the room rate.

A savings of about $50. You can read the entire story at Have Kid Will Travel.

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My Head Still Hurts

I had a nasty sinus headache this afternoon. I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t work… Brenna was in my room having quiet time and Caelan was napping so I laid down on the couch in the basement… And woke up two hours later. Still with the headache. I hate that.

Even worse, I had my contacts in. My hard, gas permeable contacts. I keep meaning to get an appointment with my sister’s eye doctor- she raves about him- and seeing if I can wear acuvue oasys. They are supposed to be so comfortable and keep your eyes moist.

If I can wear them I can order them from 1-800-GetLens. It would save me money and I could get them just as quickly as the doctor- and I wouldn’t have to drive back across town.

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Save the Cupcakes! No More Smoosh!

I’m a big fan of food carriers. If there is a way to transport edible items easily and without mess I am all over it.

So when I saw the Cup-a-Cake Cupcake Holder I had to do some further research. What I found was the individual holders (it comes in a set of 6) have plenty of room at the top for frosting and prongs in the lower part of the case to keep your cupcake from sliding around or falling on the frosting if you turn it upside down.

I ask you- why couldn’t I think of this? Hmmm? Brilliant. Now I can send baked goodies easily in Doug’s lunch.

You can find the Cup-a-Cake Cupcake Holder and other useful items at Vat19.com.

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Got Water?

My brother called me just the other day asking to borrow our dehumidifier. It seems that, in preparation for the new counter tops they were having installed, he unhooked the dishwasher from the drain in the sink.

Then he promptly forgot and started the dishwasher as he left for work. When he came home at noon he was greeted by quite the mess. Luckily he was able to get it cleaned up and avoid major Water damage (or I can guarantee his wife would have hurt him).

With the spring rainy season here (and it has been rainy in my part of the world) and lots of do-it-yourself home projects set to begin I know there are other people who may be having problems and will need some help with water damage restoration.

As a tip from me to you, let me direct you to DryOut.net. If you have a water damage emergency they have an emergency form and toll free number right on the front page of their website. If you are more of a do-it-yourselfer they have a very informative page of self help tools, a page about dehumidification (and a free mold test kit), and a close relationship with most insurance companies (just in case the job requires a professional).

Just a good resource to have bookmarked. You know... Just in case.

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Where Art Thou Sock?

I’ve been noticing quite a few posts around the blog-o-sphere about sock eating washing machines. Every time I read these I laugh and then I share this bit of info:

If you have a front load washing machine be sure to pull back the seal after removing each load. This is where the water drains out and small items (such as socks or loose change) can get caught there.

You can also do what I do and buy lingerie bags for the kids’ socks and underwear. This keeps everything together and I have yet to have a single sock who has lost it’s mate.

For more great tips on how to organize and declutter your home visit MyThings.com, a free online solution to keeping track of your stuff.

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