WFMW—Soft Butter

I like to use real butter. I do not like to try to spread it straight from the fridge. The cold butter always wins, the bread loses. My solution: I keep it out on the counter. Call me a rebel.

I first got this idea from my sister. Of course, I was slightly horrified when she told me about it. Butter spoils, right?

Well, in my experience (and hers), no. My stick of butter has never spoiled. Naturally, I do keep the unopened sticks in the fridge, but the one currently in use is in a covered butter dish on the counter.

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In the summer it can sometimes get extremely soft, almost to the point of melting. I usually only put out half a stick at a time, and if the weather is very hot, I may pop it in the fridge over night.

So, there you have it. I may be a rebel. I may take risks. But I always have soft, spreadable butter.

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WFMW—Washable Swiffer WetJet Cloths

A few months ago I did a WFMW post on do-it-yourself refills for the Swiffer WetJet solution.  At that time I mentioned that I’d like to figure out a reusable cleaning pad for it too.

Well, last week at Dollar Tree I had an aha moment when I saw these microfiber cleaning cloths.

I purchased two.  One of them I cut into thirds.

Then I set the WetJet on top of one piece.  The velcro-type fastener on the bottom of the mop grabbed on to the microfiber.

 

It worked quite well.  There was one minor issue:  because the cloth is thinner than the disposable pads and had no cushioning it sort of “scraped” across the floor.  I don’t think it would cause any damage, but I tried a different technique with the second cloth.

I did not cut it into thirds; instead, I folded it into thirds and put the mop on top, making sure cover the edge of the cloth with the mop head, so the cloth wouldn’t flop around as I pushed the mop back and forth.  That was more cushiony, I and liked it better.

It did not occur to me until just now that it would be very easy to sew around the edges of the folded cloth so I wouldn’t have to worry about flopping.  I think I’ll stack up the three pieces of the other one and sew them together too. 

I’ll be getting more of these cloths and making several pads for my WetJet.  A quick look online shows that to buy the disposable pads works out to approximately 50 cents each.  At a dollar each, these reusable ones will pay for themselves quickly and can be used over and over.  Works for Me!

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WFMW—Alcohol Removes Ink on Skin

I don’t know about your family, but my kids from time to time like to tattoo themselves with ballpoint ink. Short of scrubbing them raw with a rough washcloth, I found it nearly impossible to remove it, and it would take days and several baths for it to finally fade away.

One day I happened to observe Firstborn using some hand-sanitizer, and was surprised to see his current skin art disappear like magic. Aha! Hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol! I had heard of using rubbing alcohol to remove ballpoint ink on clothing, but never had much success with it (I use hairspray). I guess that’s why it never occurred to me to use it on skin.

I tested it out on one of the kids, and it worked like a charm. Just soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe the ink right off.

A few days later, coincidentally, I had an encounter with a broken ballpoint pen, and had Craig snap a picture in anticipation of this post.

This, admittedly, was tougher than a simple doodle. I washed off what I could; a lot of blue water went down the drain, but it didn't seem to have much effect on how much ink was left on my skin. Then I sat down in front of the TV with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. CSI kept me occupied while I worked at the ink. Not bad. You can still see some ink under my fingernails (and it just occurred to me that this may not be very convincing since it’s not the same view of my yikes! old lady hand). But I know that soap and water would not have done this well.

Earth shattering? No. But I hope it helps someone next time little Buford decides to decorate himself, on purpose or not.

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WFMW—Summer Recipes

For today’s WFMW, Kristen at We Are THAT Family has requested favorite summer recipes.

This idea for this recipe came from Southern Living magazine in the summer of 2000. I tweaked a few things, and we’ve been enjoying it every summer since.

photo from flikr

Summer Fruit Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

8 c. salad greens (for 4 servings); I like to use spinach

2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

1 c. fresh strawberries, halved

2 nectarines, sliced

Combine ingredients, drizzle with vinaigrette and sprinkle with 1/2 c. chopped pecans.

Vinaigrette: combine 1/4 c. blueberry all-fruit spread, 1/4 c. finely minced onion, 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar, 2/3 c. vegetable oil, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp ground ginger, dash cayenne (makes 1 1/2 c, keeps 2 wks in fridge)

Craig and I love to have this salad with grilled chicken on top. You can substitute other fruits you may have; it’s very good with mango and kiwi, too. If I’m just making it for the two of us, I half the vinaigrette recipe.

Enjoy!

WFMW--Quick Kid Project

                               
Saturday, Skippy was looking through a past issue of Boys’ Life magazine, and found a project he wanted to try. It used a two-liter bottle to make a self-watering planter. I don’t work well spur-of-the-moment, and started to put him off, as usual (“we don’t have an empty bottle, we’ll have to wait….”). Which usually means they keep asking me for three weeks, until I finally pull it together.

This time, however, Skippy was ready. He had a 16 oz water bottle, which he was sure would work just fine. I started to question whether or not we had any plants or seeds…until Craig said he had some grass seed. Which reminded me that I still had some wheat berries from back in the spring when I grew wheatgrass.
It was so quick and satisfying then, that I knew it would be perfect for a kid.



1. Cut the top off the bottle.

2. Have an adult drill a hole in the cap, and thread a string through it.

3. Fill the top with potting soil around the string.

4. Put water in the bottom half, and invert the top to sit inside of it, with the string in the water, working as a wick.

5. Cover the soil with wheat berries. At this point, I misted the top of the soil with water, but we haven't watered it since, except to refill the bottom once.

Sunday morning it had sprouted. That’s overnight, people! Yesterday we noticed that it was growing so fast that we decided to put in a little measuring stick.



Skippy took a craft stick and marked it with lines and numbers (not actual units of measurement). When we inserted the stick yesterday afternoon, the tallest blade was at 4. Last night it was at 7. This morning, it was at 9. Also, the white stringy things in the dirt are the roots; it’s kind of cool that you can see them.
This was easy to put together, and it grows so fast your child won’t have time to get impatient. Educational fun works for me!  Visit We Are That Family for more Works for Me Wednesday!

WFMW—Popsicle Recipes

This week’s Works for Me is the “Mom, I’m Bored” Summer Edition. Considering that this was the first day of summer vacation for us, and I’ve already heard that a couple times, I hope to find some great ideas from other moms!

I imagine that most of us have some of those popsicle molds. I know it’s easier, and pretty inexpensive, just to buy some frozen pops. But it’s also pretty easy, and perhaps a little more healthful, to make your own. If you get the kids to help, it’ll keep them occupied for a few minutes, anyway.

I have an old piece of notebook paper in my recipe file, on which I copied several popsicle recipes from a magazine when I was about twelve. I thought I’d share a few to get you going. (I’m sure I don’t really need to point this out, but after combining the ingredients, pour into popsicle molds and freeze.)

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Purple Cow (one of my favorites) Whisk 1 cup milk with 3/4 cup grape juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup lemon juice.

Quick Berry Puree in blender 3 1/4 cups fresh or unsweetened thawed frozen strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water.

Pop Banana Puree in blender 1 1/4 cups orange juice and 1 cut-up large banana.

Cafe au Lait Boil 1 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp instant coffee for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup half-and-half. (I actually have never made these, although I'm wondering why not. I'll definitely try them this summer. In case the half-and-half scares you, my notes say these are only 65 calories each, but I don't see why you couldn't just use milk to make it lighter.)

Creamy Peanut Boil 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter, then 1 cup milk.

Pineapple Yogurt Whisk smooth 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 cup pineapple juice, and 1 tsp sugar.

Enjoy, and keep cool!

WFMW—DIY Swiffer WetJet Refill

I’ve had my Swiffer Wet Jet for a long time (hence, the photo of the old model). It has not replaced my steam mop, but it’s great for spills or a quick once-over. They want you to believe that the solution bottle is not refillable and that you must buy a new one every time you run out. But we are not that gullible, are we? No, we are not. Just take a vise grip to the white cap and wrench it off (or have your hubby do it, which is how it works around here). Then fill it up with your choice of solution. I use Armstrong floor cleaner, which is what I used to use for mopping before I got my steam mop. I believe the ratio is about 1/8 cup of the cleaner and then fill the bottle up with water. Next time I run out of Armstrong, I’m going to try Dr Bronner’s Sal Suds.

Once the bottle is refilled, just screw the cap back on tightly and use as before. One precaution: I noticed that for some reason if you store the Wet Jet with the reused solution bottle in it, it tends to evaporate. I solved this problem by just taking the bottle out when I’m done Swiffering, and storing it upright.

Have you noticed that so many times thrifty is green(er)? Works For Me! Next, perhaps I'll try to figure out a reusable cleaning pad.

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WFMW—Crystal Deodorant

While I certainly have not totally switched over to all natural products in the home, I am making moves in that direction little by little. One of the products I use is Crystal Deodorant.

Crystal Deodorant is made of natural mineral salts, and while it is not an antiperspirant, it prevents, rather than masks, odor. I am not a heavy sweater, so I cannot say how this would work for someone that is, but it works great for me. (At least, no one tells me I stink!)

Regular deodorant/antiperspirants contain aluminum and other potentially harmful ingredients. From the Crystal website:

“Aluminum is a potentially hazardous material regulated by the FDA for its applications in body care products. Studies show that aluminum can accumulate in the brain over time and some health experts are concerned that it may increase the chance of Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. “

Personally, I’m not interested in increasing my chances of breast cancer or Alzheimer’s.

The initial outlay for this product is more than one would typically pay for deodorant, about $6-7. But, I have had the above stick for about 2 years, and there are still 2 inches of it left, which should last me many more months.

I use the stick, but it also comes in roll-on and spray. I like that it has no scent (as in, an absence of any scent at all, not “unperfumed” like regular products), but I noticed that it does come with some scent options now. You apply the stick when you get out of the shower and are still damp. It is not sticky, leaves no residue, and doesn’t make white marks on your clothes. For more info, check out the website, and read the reviews at Amazon.

More Works for Me Wednesday tips at We Are THAT Family.

WFMW-Green Drink Boxes

We have used Rubbermaid litterless juice boxes in the kids’ lunches for years. They are handy, don’t leak, and cheaper than repeatedly buying Capri Sun or the like. Also, I can fill them with my choice of beverage for the kids, which for the most part is water.

They come with a rigid plastic straw. The problem is, it inevitably gets lost somehow or another. You can order replacements from Rubbermaid, but I never did. I either purchased a new box, or just sent it without the straw, which worked as long as they tipped it up like a sippy cup. Not the greatest for “big” kids.

I recently discovered that I can replace the straw with a regular plastic drinking straw. We always have them in the house. Some are too wide and won’t work, but these, which I get at Walmart, have a good snug fit.

The lid of the juice box has a thing (didn’t know what to call it) where the original straw attached.

Just slide the disposable straw on, and trim the bottom of the straw at an angle to fit into the box. (You will actually trim off the bendy end, so technically you're trimming the top of the straw. But let's not get picky.)

But wait, this is the best part. Look what else I discovered. Disposable straws will survive in the dishwasher! I just slip the whole contraption over one of the prongs on the top shelf. I’ve done it numerous times with the same straw. Which means they are only eventually disposable* (again, a technicality). Which also means I can do the same thing with full-length straws that have been used in the regular way. I’m reusing, and reducing my consumption of an admittedly less-than-green a product.

* "eventually disposable" made me think of Miracle Max in The Princess Bride saying that Westley was only " mostly dead".

It’s frugal, it’s environmentally friendlier, and it Works for Me! Visit We Are THAT Family for more great ideas!

WFMW—Frugal Edition

Last week in my Thrift Store Thursday post, I mentioned that I had taken the kids birthday shopping for Craig. I thought I would expound on that for today’s themed Works For Me Wednesday over at We Are THAT Family.

So, the kids had a dollar or two each to shop for Daddy’s birthday. In the past, we have gone to Dollar Tree for such occasions. It’s not bad, but it’s not too original, either. A mug, a screwdriver, a flashlight; basically, the choices are pretty much the same.

This year I took them to my favorite thrift store. It happened to be a Wednesday, which is Everything 25% Off day. (It also may have helped that I said a little prayer before we went in that they would be able to find something decent for under $2!)

Firstborn found two hardcover books: Atlas of the Body, and a medical dictionary. Since Craig is a chiropractor and a human biology nut, these were a good choice, $.75 each.

Skippy chose a golf club (3 wood) for $1.50. He then found the beautiful golf coffee table book (cover price $49.99) for $2.60, which I paid for.

Pinkerbelle was flat broke, so I spotted her a buck for the t-shirt, which perfectly rounded out our unintentional golf theme.

Craig was pleasantly surprised with his gifts. Way better than your average dollar store fare! We will definitely do this again next time the kids need family gifts, and I will be more mindful of gift-giving possibilities when I make my thrift store rounds.

I plan to have Mr. Linky back up for this week’s Thrift Store Thursday. I’d love for you to join and show off your thrift store, flea market or garage sale finds!

WFMW—Castile Soap

This morning when I went to clean my very filthy bathroom, I was out of spray bathroom cleaner. I could have gone to another bathroom and got some there, but seeing a couple of bottles of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap under the sink, decided to give it a whirl. I did have an empty spray bottle, and squirted in some of the soap (maybe a couple tablespoons) and added water.

It worked fabulously on all the water spots and toothpaste drips. It wiped cleanly and left no residue. I used the lavender scent, so it smelled great too. In fact, every time I went into my bathroom today I could smell the subtle, clean scent.

I originally got these because I wanted to start using more natural products in general. I was using them to wash my face, and they left my skin clean without feeling dry. The peppermint scent also left a refreshing tingle. I did eventually decide that I needed to go back to my acne wash, though, to help prevent the occasional blemish. (Hello? I’m in my thirties. Shouldn’t I be done with that by now?) I set them aside and kind of forgot about them, until today.

So, what’s so great about castile soap? Dr. Bronner’s is all-natural, organic, Fair Trade, biodegradable, and contains no sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s also multi-purpose, from household cleaning, to personal hygiene, to laundry. In addition, they are very economical because they are concentrated and a little goes a long way.

I also have Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, and have been using that in the kitchen for wiping down counters and washing fruit and veggies, but there are dozens of other ways I could be using both products.

I’m going to get serious about this and really start expanding my use of these products. If you are interested, the Dr. Bronner website has tons of info. I got mine at a discounted price at Vitacost, where you can also read reviews, which often have helpful tips.

Visit We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas.

WFMW—Stain Removal Arsenal

I’ve been doing laundry for quite a few years, during which time I’ve found several tricks for removing various stains. I didn’t come up with any of these on my own, but these are the ones I have found work for me in most cases.

Remember not to put a stained article in the dryer until you are sure the stain is out. Some things go through several stain treatments and washes before the spot is removed satisfactorily.

Spray ‘n Wash Stainstick: this is my main go-to and it does a good job in most cases. You can treat stains even days before it goes through the wash, and the sooner you treat something, the better luck you will have getting it out.

Hairspray: use hairspray on ballpoint pen ink. Just spray the ink spot and throw the article in the wash as usual. I buy the cheapest hairspray I can find just to keep in the laundry room.

Dish Soap: you know those grease spots that inevitably show up on dark clothing? Dish soap usually does the trick for those. Just rub some into the stain and wash as usual.

OxiClean: when all else has failed, this will often take care of it. I usually save up items that need this treatment and do several at once. I mix up a paste of OxiClean and warm water and spread it on the spot. Then I let it sit, usually for a day or so, until it has totally dried out. Then wash as usual.

Check out We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday tips.

Backwards WFMW—Toothpaste Mess

This week Kristen at We Are THAT Family designated WFMW as Backwards. Meaning that we pose a dilemma, and our dear readers (hopefully) give us helpful suggestions. Be sure to stop by and glean the wisdom of others.

The first thing that popped into my head was the toothpaste situation in the kids’ bathroom. So if that’s my biggest dilemma, I’ve got it pretty good. Nevertheless, it’s a pet peeve of mine.

I would imagine that most of you moms can see where this is going. I ran upstairs to take these photos, and actually this is not the worst ever. I even staged the toothpaste tubes, but that’s because I’m the one who put the caps on earlier. Somehow, my three children, ages 11, 8, and 6 cannot brush their teeth without leaving globs of toothpaste everywhere.On the counter, in the sink, usually big globs hanging out of the tube and drying to a sticky, gelatinous mess. It’s even showed up on the mirror and floor.

I’ve tried the toothpaste with a flip-cap, and the ones in a pump. Makes no difference. Aside from telling them to clean up after themselves, I’m just wondering if there are any little secrets out there that I don’t know. Magic toothpaste that dispenses just the right pea-sized amount and lands on the toothbrush every time. Or something.

Okay, so this is pretty lame, but you never know what tricks other people might have up their sleeve. Help a girl out!

WFMW—Make Your Own Vinyl Decals

I love this so much that Craig should be jealous! Ever since I saw this on Rate My Space back in November, I have wanted to do it on my front door.

I was a little too afraid to paint it, just in case I made a mistake or ever decided to remove it. Then houses around the neighborhood started popping up with “Welcome” on the doors in vinyl lettering, so I looked into buying the numbers online. It wasn’t too expensive, but I never got around to ordering.

Then last night I stumbled on this. Brilliant! Contact paper! Today I printed out my numbers, using Times New Roman. I resized the ‘No.’ to 200 and the numbers to 375.

I then taped the printed paper to the front of white contact paper, which I already had. Using a Xacto knife, I carefully cut around the printouts. Technically, I used a box cutter because I couldn’t find my Xacto, so it was a little more difficult than it needed to be.

Then I positioned them on the door. It might have been helpful to measure and mark the spacing, but I didn’t. Fortunately, they were easily repositionable.

Now I need to check the HOA rules to see if I can remove the original numbers from the post, which the builder put on crooked anyway.

Since I had the contact paper, this was free for me. Free vinyl decals Works for Me! Visit We Are THAT Family for more tips.

I'd love for everybody to join my Thrift Store Thursday blog carnival tomorrow. Link up and show us your thrifty finds--big, small, exciting, mundane...doesn't matter. Get the code for the button here.

WFMW-Windows Live Writer

Who in the world came up with the format for adding photos on Blogger? And why haven’t they done something about it? It’s so frustrating. Every photo goes at the top of the post, and you have to drag it down frame by frame.

After a while I got pretty good at uploading all the photos first, and then typing out my text. But you have to know what photos you want, and load them in reverse order. And if you forget one, or think of another one to add, yep, it goes to the top and you have to drag it down. The longer the post, the more frustrating it is.

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Enter Windows Live Writer. It’s a free download, and I’m not computer savvy so I won’t use the right terms and all that, but you write your post using WLW and it uploads it to Blogger.

Best thing: it inserts the photo where the cursor is! No more dragging. Plus, you can choose photo size, rotation, border, and even effects after the photo is inserted! Oh, and add a watermark, which I did not do with this photo since it’s not mine. Awesome, and so much easier!

There was a bit of a learning curve for me, and I’m still new at it, so it’s not down cold yet. But if I can figure it out (for the most part) anybody can.

Easier blogging Works For Me! Visit We Are THAT Family for more tips.