thursday tip

Dear Bounce Fabric Softener Makers,

I appreciate your attempt at making life easier for all of us busy moms out here, but I find it quite ironic that your dryer bar actually has the word "REPLACE" at the end of the 2 month old bar that was supposed to last 'up to 4 months.'

I will be replacing the Bounce dryer bar with my unassuming, always reliable dryer sheets. At least I know when it says 160 sheets, I will be able to dry 160 loads of laundry.

Not impressed, but thanks for trying.

Sincerely,

Amy

Thursday Tip

Getting a blood stain out of clothing is not an easy task, but I know a way that works every time if you catch it before the stain sets.

Run the blood stain under cold, cold water.

Scrub it with Safeguard bar soap.

Rub the clothing together vigorously.

Repeat if necessary.

I don't know if another brand of soap can be used; I just know that that's what I've used and works. This is a fail-proof method ~ great for cleaning up after your kids' scrapped knees or your unmentionables during [ahem] that time of the month.

Happy Scrubbing!

Thursday Tip

I don't know where I learned this one, but so far, it's worked for me.

When picking out a pineapple, reach your fingers into the stem to find the innermost leaves [they're a little prickly, so beware].

Find the one closest to the center of the stem and try to pull it out.

If the pineapple is ripe and sweet, it will come out easily.

If you have to really pull, find another pineapple.

YUM!

Thursday Tip

If you're planning a trip this summer to the beach, here are 2 of my "must-haves."

These must be packed even if it's at the expense of something else being left behind.

1. A fold-up drying rack ~ beach houses/hotels NEVER have enough hooks to hang wet beach towels, wet bathing suits, and wet bath towels, especially for a family of 5.....

2. A cheap bath mat ~ beach houses/hotels rarely have bath mats [and if they do, who knows the last time they were washed???] Less slipping on the wet floor might prevent a trip to the ER and we all know that's not where you want to spend your vacation.

:)

Thursday Tip

Many of you may already know this, but for those of you who don't....

Now that it's getting warmer, it's time for the kids to be out playing in the sandbox and if you're lucky enough, playing at the beach.

Here's a GREAT tip for getting all the sticky sand off your kids' hands and feet ~ use baby powder. You know, that big white container that you probably have never opened from your baby shower 6 years ago ~ oh, wait, that's just me :)

All you do is sprinkle some baby powder on your kids' hands and rub them together. It works like magic to remove the sand ~ even the stubborn pieces in between their fingers.

I keep some at my backdoor to clean up my boys before they come in the house. I also stick a sample size in my beach bag to take along to the park or the beach. Works like a charm!

Thursday Tip

With 3 boys in the house, I do a lot, make that a ton of laundry every week.

Especially when it starts getting warmer outside and they have to change their clothes each time they come in the house. Not because they are prima donnas, but because I'm trying to cut down on the dirt they track into the house.

My boys have a knack for getting grease spots on their shirts and I found a fantastic, easy way to get rid of them.

All you do is spray the spot with those scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner. Rub it in a little with a toothbrush and let it sit for a day or so. Then wash it as you normally would.

This will not bleach out the colors but it will remove your greasy spot. I've even used it on our Life is Good t-shirts that you can't use stain remover on for fear of bleaching out the color without any problems....