works for me wed

techy/internet, works for me wed

WFMW – Redeeming your Surfing time


I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time on my computer — and anything I can do to speed up my productivity, well, as Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.” I recently discovered two new tricks to use when surfing or working on my pc and they have both saved me time, (albeit small – but hey, every little bit helps) so I thought I’d share them with you!

Surfing shortcut

Did you know that you do not need to type in www or the .com when entering a website’s URL. In the address section at the top of your web browser just enter the name of the website then hold down the CTRL key and press enter.

Open a new page without losing your place

To open a new page in your web browser without closing your current page, hold the Ctrl key and press N. (This is especially helpful when you have several screens open and need to google something without backtracking or minimizing your open windows so you can open another.)

Okay, now try them…you know you want to!

For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, head on over to Shannon’s at Rocks in My Dryer, or you can add your own!

As an ADDED BONUS!!! Did you know that if your dishwasher has stains inside, you can put some Tang where the detergent goes and the inside of your dishwasher will be as good as new? Kinda scary, huh? Wonder what it does to OUR insides? Hmm….

Technorati Tags: , ,

post signature

by | 4 Comments
children, works for me wed

Works for me – Almost Guilt-Free Parenting!


Ever notice how kids seem to do twice the bad things you do, but only half the good?

My mama used to tell me to “Do as I say, not as I do” and I now know what she meant by that. She wasn’t trying to be contradictory or even have a double standard, as some might think. She wasn’t attempting to live a lifestyle that was to her own liking, she was just trying to live right. But, being human, she would fail on occasion and show her true colors. Then, I would watch her get on her knees, pray and ask forgiveness and get back up a little stronger in her determination to do right.

I understand she was really just putting the waterfall theory into practice. She’d paddled the river of life and knew where the outcroppings of rocks in the water were…she knew where the low-lying branches could smack you in the face when you weren’t paying attention, she knew where the waterfall was. She was making sure I knew not to go those places, as she had done.

I think these days that saying has a very negative connotation. So I do not use it with my kids. Instead I say, “Do as I say, because I have been there and I know better”. I don’t believe we have to let our kids make the same mistakes we made…I believe doing so is poor stewardship. Ouch. I know. But I really think it is.

Which brings me to my point – Being a person of integrity (a person whose words and deeds match up) is what works for me. When I fail as a mother, wife, daughter, child of God…I let my kids know. I make sure they understand that my actions were unacceptable and I usually apologize. It’s not easy or fun. But no one ever told me that raising kids would be easy. Fun yes, easy, no.

Visit Shannon over at Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW: The Great Parenting Advice edition.

Technorati Tags: , ,

post signature

by | 2 Comments
works for me wed

Nest O’ Pests


Yes, it’s that time of year again, folks! The June Bugs are out (don’t you just love those stinky little things?) and pretty soon, the wasps and yellowjackets will be too.

Every summer here in Texas we fight yellow jackets under the eve of our house and barn. They are attracted to the color yellow and sweet aromas (namely, me). Kill one and it releases an attack scent attracting all the other yellow jackets to the dead one (and you). They can sting more than once (and it hurts, believe me). The only way to kill them is to kill the hive.

One way we do it is we go to Wal-mart and buy a large water gun. You fill it nearly full of water then add dish soap. Shake up and shoot. This kills them and soaks the nest so they will not return. It is best to do this when it’s dark or early in the morning, as the yellowjackets are not as active.

Another way we do it is we fill a large pail with soapy water (I have found that Dawn works best for me, I don’t know why) and just drench the hive and yellowjackets with it. They can’t even fly once the soapy water is on them and the hive dies out within 12-24 hours, and the yellowjackets go with it.

FYI – this also works with Wasps as well – I have used this method successfully for years.

For more WFMW tips, head on over to Shannon’s at Rocks in my Dryer. Well, what are you waiting for? Go!

UPDATED TO ADD: Be sure you use LOTS of soap in the water – it needs to be pretty soapy to work quickly…just thought I ought to mention that!

Technorati Tags: , , ,

post signature

by | 10 Comments
Uncategorized, works for me wed

It’s in my Jeans…

I have the hardest time finding jeans that fit. I hate the fact that my husband can walk into any store, tell someone he needs a “34-34” (yes, he’s square) and then walk out without ever trying them on. In, like, 5 minutes, people. It takes me an hour at least to find JUST. ONE. PAIR. So…here’s what I found that might help out.

I am so totally lifting this from Emma’s blog, but who cares? It fits the theme of “Works for Me Wednesday”.

“I finally found a place online called zafu.com. You fill out a little questionnaire on how you want jeans to fit, and how they usually fit you. No names or emails required. It then gives you your perfect jean(s) that include a wide range of prices. It really works.

And just in case it doesn’t? Oprah.com has a jean buying guide, too. Now go forth and sport denim.”

For more WFMW tips, head on over to Shannon’s.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

post signature

by | 5 Comments
Uncategorized, works for me wed

Environmentally Safe Household Cleaners

I am all about saving money – here are some things I do in my home that you may or may not want to try:

Vinegar – Vinegar naturally cleans like all those store-bought household cleaners I used to pay so much money for. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. (don’t stress about the smell – it disappears once it is dry)I use vinegar for cleaning our bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub that bowl and watch the rings disappear. Mop your bathroom floor with a vinegar/water solution. It will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile.

You can also use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. My son has sensitive skin and many detergents and softeners make him itchy. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

One of my favorite uses for the fruit is to put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. If you have pets, before you vacuum, you can sprinkle it on the carpet to absorb pet odors.

Head on over to Shannon’s for more Works for Me Wednesday tips!

Technorati Tags: , , ,

post signature

by | 3 Comments
children, Uncategorized, works for me wed

Cars and Kids – Works for Me!

I composed a very helpful entry with much witty repartee which was lost on the world wide web as soon as I hit “publish”, so for this one? I’ll just stick to the facts, ma’ams.

Two things that work for us in our mini-van:

*Exhibit A:

This is a terrific book for keeping the young ones entertained on the long drives to Gramma and Grampas. Even has a pinball game on the back! Seriously!

*Exhibit B:

We have an older model Dodge Caravan sans any cupholders where the sliding doors are. So we just use our handy dandy cup holders.

Additionally, when we travel, it is inevitable that one of the kids has to use the bathroom and if it’s not my son (we just pull over anywhere for him – with boys you can do that, you know), then we have to stop and find one. As a young girl, I was taught the practical way to do it was to “hover”. My girls are not quite as adroit as I was at practicing the craft, so I bring along those little portable toilet seat covers. I buy them at the Mart that Sam built for about 98 cents…works for us.

So head on over to Shannon’s for more WFMW Car Tips!
Technorati Tags: , ,

post signature

by | 2 Comments

1 … 4 5 6 7