Product Review – Household Wipes
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Saving Money
For several years now, I’ve been using household wipes.
I’ve tried several brands of household wipes, and found they all do a great job.
Household wipes are especially great to use, during the cold and flu season.
I prefer to buy the household wipes that are anti-bacterial.
Household wipes are great for wiping, cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing many surfaces, including, but not limited to:
Counter tops
Handles & knobs of the kitchen appliances
Faucets
Tables, chairs and stools
Door knobs
Telephones
Computer mouse
Computer keyboard
Other office equipment, including copy machines, calculators, etc..
Steering wheel of car
Spot cleaning in bathroom, between weekly cleanings
Toilet seats
Children’s toys, including bikes and tricycle handes
Garbage cans
Exercise equipment*
Changing tables*
Shopping carts*
*Take a small package (or bag a few in a ziploc), and sanitize exercise equipment at the local gym, public changing tables, or the handle of a shopping cart, prior to use.
Germs are everywhere, but by taking a few precautions, you can avoid the spread of germs, with the use of household wipes.
If you’re interested in saving money, there are several sites online, which offer “recipes” for making your own household wipes.
No tags for this post.Hungry Children, In The United States?
There once was a little girl (she was 7), who would come home from school hungry, everyday. This was a mystery to her mother, as the mother dutifully packed a lunch for her every morning.
After noticing this pattern of behavior for several days, the mother asked her daughter, “Why are you so hungry when you come home from school? Don’t you eat your lunch?”
The little girl replied, “No, I give it to some children, who come to school, with no food at all.”
Although she was touched by her daughter’s generosity, this raised a red flag with the mother. She decided to pursue the issue.
What she found was, many children were coming to her daughter’s school, without lunch, and without money to buy lunch. She also found out, that these children came from homeless families, poor families, single parent families, families on a low fixed income, or sometimes, food was withheld from children, as a form of abuse.
The mother became very concerned about these hungry children, and decided something had to be done. She had known of hungry children in third world countries. She had seen the ads on TV, for “Feed The Children”. But, to have hungry children in the United States? This issue hadn’t been on the news. Something was wrong.
The mother declared: “No child should go hungry”.
Everyday, the mother would send extra food with her daughter, to help feed these hungry children. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. Soon, the little girl was coming home with all of the food the mother has packed. Confused, the mother asked her daughter, why she was bringing all of the food back home.
The little girl stated that she was getting in trouble at school for sharing food.
When the mother approached the school about this matter, the school stated that it is their policy to not let children share food (allergy issues). The school also said that if a child came to school with no lunch, or money to buy food, the school would give them a pint of milk, and a small container of apple sauce. (Hardly enough nourishment for a growing child) *
The mother became more frustrated. She was bound and determined to feed these innocent, hungry children. She had friends in high places, so she enlisted their support, and took action.
It’s because of that sweet and kind, seven year old girl, who willingly gave her lunch to hungry children, and the determination of her mother, that a non-profit organization, named Dare to Care – Alaska, was created. Their slogan is, “No Child Goes Hungry”.
Dare to Care – Alaska is now helping to feed hundreds of children in 16 schools. During the summer months, Dare to Care – Alaska, also feeds dozens of children at a local “”food bank”, which they’ve set up. Food, paper plates, utensils, the distribution center, and the time worked, by volunteers, is donated.
Dare to Care – Alaska, holds fund raisers, galas, fashion shows, and also relies on donations (monetary, or food and food related items), from generous and caring individuals.
On July 12, 2007, Nordstrom (Anchorage), partnered with Kayne Gillaspie (Project Runway designer) and Dare to Care – Alaska, and sponsored a fashion show, called “Fashions For Food”, to help raise money for hungry children. The fashion show was a success and all proceeds went to Dare to Care – Alaska.
According to Dare to Care – Alaska,
Teachers, nurses, counselors, principals and cafeteria managers identify students based on their chronic hunger, their lack of a bag lunch, or their inability to charge a meal due to an already existing excessive charge balance.
School staff members notify Dare to Care of the need in their school, and Dare (to Care) provides the school with funds for food accounts to be set up in the names of those students identified. The accounts are monitored and replenished as needed. Some students may need help for a week – others may need help for months or even the whole school year
Participating, or donating to Dare to Care – Alaska’s program, is easy. Just visit their website. Donations can be made either through a secure PayPal section of their website, or by mail. If you’re in the area of the Dare to Care – Alaska’s headquarters, and would like to volunteer, contact information can be found on their website.
This is just one story of how a mother and daughter have taken it on themselves to make a difference in the world. No matter where you live, I’m certain there are plenty of children who have “fallen through the cracks”. Children who aren’t being fed in school. Children who may be malnourished because their care givers are withholding food as a form of punishment.
If this is an issue that tugs at your heartstrings, find a way to help the hungry and malnourished children in your community.
If a seven year old girl, is willing to sacrifice her own lunch, so that children who have no food, can have at least one meal for the day, don’t you think we, as adults, should do a lot more?
Don’t let another child go hungry.
FYI: Dare to Care – Alaska, is not affiliated with any other Dare to Care program.
* Although there are Federal “free” and “reduced-fee” meal programs, many families don’t qualify, due to conditions that are not considered on the application form, i.e.out of pocket medical expenses, tragedies such as a house fire, deployment of a parent who’s in the military, etc.
I love the story of how this non-profit organization was founded. Children are often the ones who open our eyes to problems in the world, and the story of this little girl, sure opened mine.
BTW: This story is from 2006, which proves, the “system”, is not protecting our children.
No tags for this post.Great Source For Pet Products
1-800-PetMeds has established a great name for itself. They are the largest pet pharmacy in the United States.
1-800-PetMeds not only sells prescriptions for pets, but they also sell other pet medications, and nutritional supplements for dogs, cats and horses.
1-800-PetMeds , offers “price matching” plus, a 100% satisfaction, or your money back guarantee.
To review their inventory for products, or to check prices, just type the information into the following search box. Your search will take you to the 1-800-PetMeds website.
1-800-PetMeds – America’s Pet Health Resource , is a great way to not only save money on your pet supplies, but to save time, by having your pet supplied delivered to your door.
No tags for this post.Uses For Baking Soda
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Saving Money
While researching the uses for vinegar, I realized that baking soda has a lot of uses also. Both baking soda and vinegar are methods of “going green”, by not using chemicals in your home or office.
We all know baking soda is used in a lot of recipes. I’ve also used baking soda for removing stains from my counter top, by making a paste. (small amount of baking soda, mixed with water).
I’ve brushed my teeth with baking soda. I’ve used baking soda, mixed with water, for an upset stomach (1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda, mixed with 8 ounces of water). I’ve added baking soda to my clothes washer, to aid in removing stains.
I have also used baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain. (Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar after it (it will fizz). Let stand for five minutes (covered, if possible). Then, pour about a gallon of boiling water down the drain. (It works great).
As suggested, I also keep a box of baking soda in my refrigerator to absorb odors.
Associated Content lists 25 uses for baking soda. Among them are:
4. You can use baking soda just like a dry cleanser to clean sinks, bath tubs, and toilets. It works especially well on chrome fixtures! It rinses off easily and you don’t have to worry about scratches either.
5. Hairbrushes and combs pick up not only loose hair, but they also get oily.
Clean yours once a month by soaking them in a solution of warm water and a teaspoon or two of baking soda. Scrub them with a soft brush, if needed, then rinse them with clean water and let them air dry.6. Is your hair dull and dingy? Maybe you have a build up of shampoo, spray, mousse, and other products in your hair. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in with your shampoo the next time you wash your hair. The soda will remove any build up and leave your hair soft.
Another site, The Farm.org, lists 60 uses for baking soda. In their list, they include
4. Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.
5. Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.
6. Wash garbage cans with baking soda.
7. Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.
Finally, check out the official site for Arm & Hammer, the people who produce that yellow box of baking soda we’re all so familiar with.
Never underestimate the uses for common household products. A little bit of research will produce many ways to not only use common household products, but to save money on cleaning chemicals, as well.
Go green by using safe cleaning products like baking soda or white distilled vinegar.
Do you have other products you use to be green when cleaning? Share your green ideas in the comment section
40% Off Now on the Foodsaver 420 Vacuum Sealer. A Best buy at Only $39.99! Shop Now No tags for this post.
Product Review – Revlon Color Silk
Filed under: Archives, Beauty, Hair Products, Product Reviews
For years I’ve experimented with hair color. When I was younger, I just wanted to change my hair color, but as I grew older, gray hair became an issue. Finding a hair coloring kit that covers gray, is easy. Just buy any permanent coloring kit.
My goal was to find a brand of hair coloring kit, with lasing color.
I started with buying the expensive brands. My mentality was, if they’re more expensive, I’m sure they contain more color pigments. One by one, I was eliminating brands of hair coloring kits.
I came down to the cheapest one, Revlon Color Silk. Wouldn’t you know it. It has the most “staying power”, and the color doesn’t fade. Instead of coloring my hair every month, I can now go a lot longer. Revlon Color Silk stays. It is an ammonia free formula. I buy it at our local Walmart, for $2.97.
Prior to using Revlon Color Silk , I wash my hair with a clarifying shampoo (usually 48 hours before I color), to remove residue from hair stying products. After coloring my hair, I wash my hair with a shampoo formulated for “color treated” hair, and follow that up with a conditioner that’s also designed for color treated hair. Some shampoos can strip permanent hair color, quite quickly.
Last month I discovered John Frieda’s Color Glaze, and now add that to my hair washing routine twice a week. By finishing off my hair cleansing routine with the John Frieda Color Glaze, I can extend the time between coloring my hair even longer.
I have read some negative reviews online about Revlon Color Silk, however, I’ve had no negative results from using this product.
I use colors that are within a shade or two of my natural color, and my hair is in good condition.
No tags for this post.Take Your Idea & Make Millions
Filed under: Archives, Business Opportunity, Life, Making Money
I’m amazed at how average people are making millions with simple ideas.
Last week, I watched two episodes of “The Big Idea” with Donny Deutsch. One show was how entrepreneurs started a business with less than $500.00, and the second show were entrepreneurs, who wanted to take their existing businesses, to the next level. They all have the capability of making millions in a short period of time.
Take a look at Donny Deutsch, the renowned advertising guru. To quote his bio,
he implemented his “leaner, meaner, faster, smarter” philosophy to transform a small advertising shop into one of the nation’s top 10 agencies. The $2.8 billion full-service agency has provided clients with strategic marketing programs that are intrusive, effective and talked about. Prestigious clients include GM, Johnson & Johnson, DirecTV, Novartis Worldwide, and IKEA.
Reread that, his advertising agency is worth $2.8 billion.
On the show (7/19/07), Donny Deutsch, spent the hour promoting struggling entrepreneurs. These individuals have great ideas, have done their business plans, have done marketing and sales on a small scale, but now want to get national and worldwide recognition. He offered advice to each person, and gave them hints as to what to do next. How cool is that? Donny Deutsch, giving you free advice, plus letting you promote your product on national tv.
“The Bid Idea” concluded the show with Kim Lavine, President and Founder of Green Daisy Inc. She has been nicknamed, “the Mommy Millionaire”. Kim provided the audience with links to six websites that are paramount to up and coming entrepreneurs.
Included in the list are:
SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business”
The US Patent Office
Thomasnet.com, A resource for industrial information, etc.
PR Web Press Release Newswire- for press releases
TradeShowToday. Information on trade shows
.
It was suggested that you build a website. How ironic. I “technically” have a website, with this blog. If you don’t have a blog, it’s easy and inexpensive to set one up. If you want to follow how I learned how to set up a blog, go to my other blog, Blogging Without A Blog.com
To add to the above lists, other websites that have great resources, either printed, or online, are:
SBA Small Business Association-for funding options
IRS Internal Revenue Service
US Department of Labor
Business.gov
USA.gov
International Trade Association
FDA.gov Starting a food business
Womenbiz.govWomen selling to the Federal Government
Export.gov Helping US companies export
You’ll also need a great accounting software program. For that, I would recommend Quickbooks Pro. Click on the following link and Get 15 % Off QuickBooks Pro Small Business Accounting Software + Free Shipping
Remember to also check with your state and local governments, for required licenses and/or permits.
Most states require that you register your business name, and type of entity, i.e. sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, etc.
If you have a great idea, go for it. For starters, check out “The Big Idea” website. For motivation, read the stories of the entrepreneurs who have succeeded, as well as these new entrepreneurs, who are destined to be the next millionaires. Their stories are filled great tips. Learn from them. Take your idea to the next level.
If you’re blogging, you already have exposure. If you’re not blogging, get a blog/website. Get a business plan. Get a patent (if needed). Promote your product on your blog. Do what’s needed to get your product on the market. Do your homework. None of these individuals said it was easy. Most of them literally went door to door, or sold their product, out of the trunk of their car.
The show that aired on 7/19/07, highlighted six new ideas. They were:
Eve Alexander A manufacturer of maternity lingerie.
Chilly Jilly A shawl/sarong in a bag
iHearSafe earbuds To protect children’s ears from load music
Klip-Flops A “design your own” flip-flop
Send A Ball A gift and greeting all in one (a ball)
Vroom An “energy” candy
These are all great ideas. Each product has a large target market. These entrepreneurs will soon all be millionaires.
If you have an idea, and have the belief, persistence, and passion; you, too, can succeed.
My question to you is, “Are you ready to follow your dream?”
It’s all up to you.
Not sure what your passion is? Read another article of mine, titled How To Find Your Passion and Make Money.
Update: Could your business be illegible for a Federal government grant? Check out the article I wrote on that subject. It also provides a free link to the Federal government’s grant website. Just click on: Free Information For Government Grants
Tags: blogSave Money – 16 Ways
Most of us like to save money. Saving money can actually be done in very simple ways. Here’s a list of 16 ways, I’ve found to save a few dollars. Add them up, and the savings can be substantial.
1) Recycle used print cartridges, and get a store credit, of up to $3.00 each. Want more information?
(Read: Recycle Used Print Cartridges-Get An In-Store Credit)
When buying your printer cartridges, stores often offer a “set” of two or three cartridges in one package. By buying the cartridges in a “set”, you can often save a few dollars. (When I purchased mine last week, I saved $6.00, by buying them in a set, vs individually).
2) Use white vinegar to make your own window cleaner. Save even more on household chemicals, read: Uses For Vinegar.
3) If you use dryer sheets, it’s not necessary to use a whole sheet for each load. I’ve cut mine in half (or even smaller), and they work just as well.
4) Do you buy bottled water? Get a Britta pitcher, filter your own water, and use a “reusable” type bottle for “water to go”, If your refrigerator has an inline filter, just fill your “reusable” bottles, and keep them in the refrigerator until you need them. (There are also other great water filtering systems that you can connect to your faucet, that will filter your water.)If you don’t mind the taste of your tap water, just fill your “reusable” bottles, and refrigerate them.If you’re reusing “bottled water bottles”, make sure they’re sanitary. Wash them with hot soapy water and place them upside down to dry. I just read an interesting article about reusing water bottles. You can read it at : www.plasticsinfor.org
5) Use coupons whenever possible. Some stores offer a “doubler” coupon, and you can even save more. Check online for free coupons. Buy the “all you” magazine for less than $2.00-most issues are filled with over $35.00 worth of coupons. Save Money. Print Free Coupons Anytime.
6) Buy online. Save gas and time. Get your merchandise delivered right to your door. (Don’t forget to check the company’s return policy)
7) To save on stamps and envelopes, and the time it takes you to go to the post office, use your fax machine, or email, to send documents.
8.) Instead of using pre-printed (business) envelopes (with your return address), buy cheap plain envelopes (or window envelopes), and get an address stamp with your name and address. Stamp your own envelopes. Using window envelopes also saves time in addressing an envelope.
9) If you use business cards, make your own. Office supply stores sell the perforated paper in several colors. Be creative, (or not) and, design your own business card. Then, just print them off.
Get the Basics You Need in a CLICK at Office Depot!
10) Save money on car insurance. If your car is paid off, and the value of you vehicle is low, you may not need full coverage. Talk to your insurance representative about this option. Also, shop around for car insurance.
11) If you qualify, take advantage of “senior” discounts. Some stores have a “senior” day, with savings of 10%. Some movie theaters, hotels/motels, restaurants, and some airlines, also offer senior discounts. Using these discounts, could amount to a substantial savings.
12) Save on gas, by carpooling, biking, walking, or taking the bus.
13) To save on children’s clothes or toys, share “hand me downs”, with family and friends. Shop at second hand stores, on eBay, or at garage/yard sales. Have a garage sale of your own, and make some extra cash. (Read: How To Have A Successful Garage Sale)
14) If you buy something and it doesn’t fit, or match your decor, return it. (Read: Save Those Receipts, It’s Money In the Bank)
15) Instead of drinking brand named sodas, buy the store brand. In most cases, the difference in flavor is minimal.
16) To also save on gas, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Not sure? Most tire shops, provide this free service to customers who have purchased tires from them. Or, pick up a tire gauge (they’re cheap), and test your own. Need air? Find a gas stations that has air available.
Want more ways to save money? Read my previous aritcle 16 Great Ways To Save Money.Add all of these ideas together, and you’ll have 32 ways to save. How sweet is that?
Do you have more money saving tips you would like to share? Just drop me a comment, and others can read your ideas.
Tags: garage sale
Recycle Used Print Cartridges -Get An In-Store Credit
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Saving Money
Did you know you can recycle your used print cartridges, and get a store credit?
I found out about recycling used print cartridges, quite by accident. I was in Office Max, and a customer was turning in used print cartridges. She got a store credit, which, in turn, reduced her total purchase. I asked the cashier about their policy, and she said that they give a store credit of $3.00 per used print cartridge cartridge.
Last week, I was in Office Max, and the cashier let me turn in five used print cartridges, for a savings of $15.00
I have since called two other office supply stores, and here’s what I found:
Both Staples and Office Depot, offer a credit/coupon for $3.00 per cartridge and you can turn in up to three a day
Call your local office supply store, and see if your used brand of print cartridges, qualify for the in-store credit.
Recycling is always a good thing. And, by recycling your used print cartridges, you can “make money”. How sweet is that?
Want to make a few brownie points at work? Let the boss know about this money saving tip.
Remove Coffee & Tea Stains From Carafes, Pitchers, & Thermos Bottles
Removing coffee and tea stains off of your coffee pots, pitchers, cups, carafes, and even thermos bottles, can be a challenge.
I learned of an easy way to clean my pots, carafes, cups, pitchers, and thermos bottles, years ago. Since I hand wash my coffee pot, ice tea pitcher, and thermos bottles, I still use this method today.
Fill the carafe, pot, pitcher, cup, or thermos, with hot water. Add, 2 tablespoons of dry dishwasher detergent. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The coffee and/or tea stain, will lift right off.
If you have a stubborn stain, repeat this process.
Rinse the carafe, pot, pitcher, cup, or thermos thoroughly, and it’s ready for use.
I haven’t tried this with liquid dishwasher detergent, however, it seems like it may work. Nor have I tried putting the carafe or pitcher in the dishwasher.
I make daily batches of tea in my Mr. Coffee Ice Tea Maker (see my product review). Just today, I used this cleaning method to remove the tea stains from the ice tea pitcher, and it worked like a dream.
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Soy Candles vs Wax Candles
Just recently, I burned my first soy candle. I was amazed on how the soy candles don’t have any soot, and burn very evenly. The scent of the soy candle remains, as the candle burns.
Finding high quality, soy candles, is not always easy, however, I recently discovered them at my local Hallmark store.
If you like to burn candles, give soy candles
No tags for this post.Life Saving Tips
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