Monday, July 30, 2012

Making Beds and Dust Mites

Making a bed every day is something a lot of people do.  It does look better when you make your bed.  The room looks neater and all the blankets aren't thrown around and messed up.  When you go to bed it's nice to open the covers and crawl in a made bed.  Most of the time I make the bed.  My twin sons usually don't.  

Well, I've researched and found it's all right not to make your bed.  Why, you say?  I found out that dust mites thrive more in a made up bed because of the warmer moist conditions.  When you leave the bed unmade it gets more air and dries the mattress and sheets out which makes mites dehydrate and die.


I'm allergic to dust mites, dust, thee types of mold (there are four types altogether I found out), some types of weeds, grasses, and trees.  I get allergy shots every other week.  Both of my sons has had allergies also but one of them has kind of outgrown them.   One of them quit getting allergy shots and the other started getting them.  They are twins, like I mentioned above and kind of switched places with the allergies.  They are 21 years old.  


Back to the making of beds, I guess it's okay they don't make their beds.  Less dust mites is better than a lot!  Maybe I shouldn't make my bed...........

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Our Throw Away Society

Our society today definitely is a throw away society.  Why did this happen?  There used to be shoe repair shops, television repairmen and repairmen for just about everything in the home.  Now when something like a television breaks you throw it out.   Nothing is made to last these days.   Just about everything is cheaply made junk.


We throw away paper cups and plates, diapers, shavers, aerosol cans, batteries, glass bottles, clothes, newspapers, food, and so much more.  Landfills are overflowing!  When will we run out of space to dump?
If everyone would  recycle and use less throw away items we would be doing our part to help the environment.


Remember the days when there was a milkman?  I remember when I was little we had a milkman in our town and left the glass bottles of milk on the porch.  Now we go to the store and get a plastic jug of milk or carton.  My dad used to use an old fashioned razor to shave where you just replaced the blade.  Now everybody uses throw away razors.  Dad also used a shaving mug with soap in it instead of an aerosol can of shaving cream.  Can you imagine how many of razors there are in landfills? 

I'm so glad that there are a lot of green and organic companies lately.  Pesticides are also an easy fix for farmers to spray for weeds.  If pesticides kill weeds can you imagine what it can do to the human body.  I live in a rural area and have seen some organic farms which is great.  They have signs by the field which say "organic farm, please do not spray".  


If every one does a little to help the environment we can make it better for the future and for our children and grandchildren.



Thursday, July 26, 2012

Sharon Osbourne Not Returning to America's Got Talent

I just found out that Sharon Osbourne is not returning next year to America's Got Talent!   Sharon tweeted to Howard Stern that money was not the reason she was leaving.  Then she added it's because....and didn't say anything else.

Sharon has always been a favorite judge of mine and I really liked the addition of Howard Stern this year. I thought the three of them, Howard, Howie and Sharon made a great trio of judges.

It seems like every one is leaving my favorite shows.  Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are both leaving American Idol but another news flash is that Mariah Carey is joining the show as a replacement.  I don't know who else is joining the show as  yet though.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Immuno-Viva Renew Anti-Aging Serum Review/Giveaway

I was very excited when I received an awesome glass bottle of Immuno-Viva Renew Anti-Aging Serum for a review and giveaway.  I'm always looking for ways to help out my skin and be pampered.  The first thing I noticed on the bottle was that it is made with organic oils which was a big plus for me!  Renew is also Paraben, silicone, petrochemical and synthetic fragrance free. I love anything organic, especially when it's something I am going to put on my face and body.  The first thing I did was tried a few drops on my hands to test it.  I was so pleased at how the Immuno-Viva Renew Anti-Aging Serum made my hands immediately soft and smooth and was not greasy.

I started using  Immuno-Viva Renew Anti-Aging Serum on my face every morning and night instead of my usual moisturizer I normally use.  I put a few drops on my cheeks and smoothed it all over my face.  It really absorbed into my skin and felt so silky and smooth.  I've been using it for over a week now and feel my skin is better for it.  I believe it's helped with my uneven skin tone and definitely made it more supple and smooth.

Renew is made with a patent-pending blend of seed oils with antioxidant to combat the signs of aging and deliver extreme antioxidant activity.  Renew Anti-Aging Serum contains:  Organic Cranberry Seed Oil, Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, and Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil.  Doesn't that sound wonderful!  Renew is my new beauty staple I will be using from now on!

 All of the certified organic oils in  Renew Anti-Aging Serum are produced using Immuno-Viva's NatureFRESH Cold Press™ process, which ensures all of the healthy natural constituents in each oil are extracted and preserved.

If you would like to order a bottle of Renew on their website just click here.  I am very satisfied with this amazing product and grateful for the bottle I received to review.

GIVEAWAY:  One lucky winner is going to get a bottle of Renew Anti-Aging Serum.  Enter the Rafflecopter Form below!  Contest Ends August 16, 2012.  Winner has 48 hours to reply to my email.  Prize will be mailed by sponsor.

Disclosure:  I received a bottle of Renew Anti-Aging Serum to review this product and was not monetarily compensated. All opinions are honest and my own.  Gloria's Bits and Pieces is not responsible for the shipment of this prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway









Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Trying to Lose Weight is a Struggle

I'm just trying to lose five pounds.  Ten would be a lot better but I'll be satisfied with five.   I did lose three pounds according to the doctor's scale from the last time I was there.  That made me smile.  The only thing I want is to be able to fit comfortably in some of my shorts from last year.  There is one pair that I can't even zip up.  Then I have a few pairs that are a little too tight for my comfort.  Maybe some of you know what I mean.  They feel like you were poured into them, ha, ha.  One pair I can get zipped and buttoned but the zipper keeps popping down.  That's no good, especially if you go in public!  I bought some new pairs but I'm still not going to be satisfied till I get into those tighter shorts comfortably.  I've read that after menopause your weight shifts to the abdomen which has happened to me.  Now I know what they mean when they say the "middle age spread" !

Monday, July 23, 2012

Wearing Makeup At Home or Just When You Go Out

When my kids were young I was really busy with little ones (twin sons and a daughter which were two years apart).    I didn't have time to think about how I looked really.  When they got older I had more time for myself.  I realized I looked better wearing makeup after looking at pictures and just by looking in a mirror, ha, ha.  I don't wear a lot of makeup but a little foundation, cover stick (for under my eyes)  and blush every day.  It makes a big difference and nobody really knows I have makeup on.  It makes me feel better about myself when I look better too.  Without makeup I have a ruddy complexion I guess you would call it.  When I go out to a special occasion (which is rare) I will add eye shadow, mascara and a little lipstick.  

I'm curious if other women wear makeup every day or just for special occasions.  I know there are a lot of moms who are probably too busy like I was when the kids were little and don't even think about it.   Some women look good without makeup also.  What do you do?  Do you wear makeup daily, for special occasions, or none at all?

The Andy Griffith Show - One Of My Favorite Shows From Childhood

I'm sure every body has seen The Andy Griffith Show.  If not you should.  I used to watch it when I was little at home and it's still as funny now as it was then.  I think most people still want their home town to be like this.  It was simple and had ordinary people on it that you could find in any town.  In most shows there was a lesson learned.  There was always a lot of love and goodness that you could feel which made it so homey.  You could tell that the characters weren't fake acting and actually were having a good time and enjoyed each other's company. 

I loved each and every character in the show - Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee, Opie, Floyd, Helen, Thelma Lou, Goober, Gomer, Otis and so many more that appeared on their shows.   They all seemed like a great big family and had fun at what they were doing.  To me this show is real comedy, not like most of the stuff they have on today.  My kids are in their twenties and they think it's a funny show today.  This picture is of Andy Griffith with the bronze statue depicting Opie and Andy at his home town of Mt. Airy, North Carolina.  Andy Griffith passed away earlier this month at the age of 86.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

21 Favorites of Mine!

1.   Favorite Flavor - Grape
2.   Favorite Pet - Cat
3.   Favorite Flower - Daisy
4.   Favorite Color - Purple
5.   Favorite Pie - Apple
6.   Favorite Past Time - Blogging
7.   Favorite Candy - Chocolate
8.   Favorite Jewelry - Rings
9.   Favorite Clothes -  Jeans
10 .Favorite Restaurant - Red Lobster
11. Favorite Time Of Day - Night
12. Favorite TV Channel - TCM
13. Favorite Collection - Teapots
14. Favorite Drink - Iced Tea
15. Favorite Band - Beatles
16. Favorite Movie - Wuthering Heights
17. Favorite Scary Movie - Psycho
18. Favorite Comedy Team- Laurel and Hardy
19. Favorite Actor  - Jimmy Stewart
20. Favorite Christmas Movie - It's A Wonderful Life
21. Favorite Season - Spring


Friday, July 20, 2012

What I Found In A Barn.....Eek!

My sister, husband and I are working on an estate sale for some people.   It's a big farm house with a barn and shed.  We're about done with the house and have been in a barn sorting all kinds of things like tools, farm equipment, and you name it.  You would be surprised what people accumulate over a life time.  Women really aren't very excited about tools and farm stuff and my husband has to tell us what a lot of things are.  I know what a screwdriver is and maybe a wrench but that's about it.  He grew up on a farm so he knows a lot more about this stuff than we do. 

Anyways, we also found some old blankets and there were mouse nests in them!  I don't know how many dead mice we found (which was kind of gross, but didn't really bother me).  Not that I like mice but a dead mouse is better than a live mouse, hee, hee.  I really never saw a mouse nest before and wouldn't even know what it was.  They like to chew soft things like rags, pillows or the like to make their nests nice and soft.  No wonder they liked the blankets.

I found another mouse nest in a cabinet after that!  I think it was in a box with some other junk.  It was hard to tell what it was but my husband said it was a mouse nest.  Good thing it's summer or there would probably be mice trying to keep warm in it.  Luckily, we never saw a live one yet!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

My Little Binge Last Night.......

I've been doing pretty good on trying to lose five pounds.  I cut out eating chocolate and have been writing down what I eat.  You'd be surprised at how much a person eats when you see it on paper.  I've been trying to eat a light lunch and not much at supper.  Also fresh fruits every day.  My husband always has to have potato chips and peanuts in the house.  He lives on them and always has to have some available.  I stay away from potato chips but occasionally eat some peanuts.  

A couple of days ago I was checking out in a grocery store. They had those Tootsie Dots gumdrops on sale and I always have liked them.  They were only 99 cents for a large box.   Well, I grabbed two of them since I saw they had no fat.  Last night, as I lyed in bed I thought about those gumdrops and got up and quickly opened a box.  They were really good and I kept popping them in my mouth.  I nearly ate the whole box and now I feel bad about it.  I told my daughter she can have the other box if she wants them.  I have to cut this out.  Last year I lost five pounds and gained it back in the winter.  This spring and summer I've been trying to lose five pounds and it's definitely a challenge.  I think the older you get the harder it is to lose weight, but I am not giving up yet!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Piano Lessons........

When I went to school there were quite a few girls who took piano lessons.  It must have been the thing to do.  My sisters and I all took lessons for quite a few years.  I can read music but I wouldn't say that I'm real great.  When it gets to be the harder music it does get difficult for me.  I don't know if my mom and dad thought we were all going to be like Liberace or what.  The piano still is at my mom's house now just sitting there and out of tune.  My mom has it decorated with framed photos of all the family.  Once in a while when my sister goes to visit mom she plays a song she knows by heart.  I don't know the name of it but I know the tune and she plays it over and over.

When my daughter was young I thought she ought to take piano lessons like her mom and she wanted to try it also. We didn't have a piano or have any space for a piano, so we bought this electric piano.   She took lessons from the 5th to the 12th grade, then she didn't want to go any more.  Neither one of us got to be as good as Liberace, but I'm glad I had a chance to take lessons and I'm glad I gave my daughter a chance to take lessons also.  We learned how to read music and we can play some songs if we want to.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Hellmann's Real Tastes Better




There is exciting news going on at Hellmann's!  First of all Hellmann’s was a proud sponsor of one of the nation’s most celebrated food festivals – the 30th Annual FOOD & WINE CLASSIC which took place in Aspen in June. This awesome company has announced that it has commited to use 100% cage free eggs in all its products by the year 2020.  Chef Tim Love teamed up with Hellman's to show fans and food lovers a behind the scenes look from the Classic.



  Chef Love shared some secrets and essential ingredients of how to make some great American dishes.
Chef Tim Love whips up his Spicy Chicken with Creamy Avocado Sauce at FOOD & WINE Classic. His tip - add a little Hellmann’s® to blended avocado or guacamole to make it even creamier

Turkey, Avocado BLT recipehttp://www.hellmanns.com/recipes/detail/13356/1/turkey-avocado-blt

If you would like a chance to win some great prizes including a Grand Prize trip to next year’s FOOD & WINE Classic go to Hellmann's facebook which is shown below!  

 Hellmann's Real Matter Sweepstakes: https://www.facebook.com/hellmanns/app_362350270496549






Disclosure:  All opinions are my own and by posting this I am eligible to be in a drawing to win a gift card.



Monday, July 16, 2012

Every One Is Afraid To Kill A Bug In My House

Not that we have bugs crawling all over, but occasionally you do find a spider or bug in your house.  At least we do.  Whenever one of my adult kids see a bug they call me to get it.  You know, some of those spiders go real fast and if you don't get it immediately they crawl away and hide in a crack or whatever.

The other day my daughter saw a tiny bug and yelled for me (she's 23).  I just grabbed it with my fingers and squished it.  It was a little black bug that have been around outside this summer.  She was really grossed out that I could grab it bare handed and just squish it.  Sometimes I get a tissue to grab a spider or whatever it is if it's just sitting there and looks like it will be there a while.  My twin sons won't even get a bug and they are 21 years old.  My husband will kill bugs but it seems like I'm the one who always does the job because he's not around at the time. 

I asked my daughter what she's going to do when she gets a place of her own and sees a spider.  She said she'll probably spray it.  Who handles this fun job in your house?  Or do you catch them and let them go?

Sunday, July 15, 2012

They Don't Make Appliances Like They Used To!

Yesterday morning I had my usual cereal and coffee.  I thought the milk seemed not very cold but I didn't really think much about it.   I thought maybe the refrigerator was having a hard time keeping up with the hot weather.  Well, that wasn't it!  Later my husband said something about the frig not being very cold.  I then checked and it was getting less cool.  I checked the freezer and everything was solid but didn't think it was working as it should.  A package of blueberries I had frozen weren't that frozen anymore and the meat was a tad wet on top of the package.  Good thing I didn't really have a whole lot in the freezer.

Luckily we have an old refrigerator in the garage so I took every out of the house refrigerator and put it in the old one that works.  I had to throw away milk, cottage cheese, sour cream and a lot of odds and ends that were spoiled.  We keep the frig in the garage to put pop, beer and anything else we need it for.   It was our first frig and it's one of those that need defrosting but it still works.  As you can see it needs defrosting right now.

We only had the frig in the house for about three or four years so it isn't very old.  They sure don't make things like they used to.  So tomorrow we will have to get someone to see if it can be repaired.  I'm thinking not.  Usually it costs more to fix something than what it's worth!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Credit Card Debt Isn't Fun

I do have more than one credit cards in my wallet!  I must have a four or five of them but don't use all of them. I've gotten a lot of them when you go to a store and they want you to apply for a credit card and then you get a discount on your purchase.  After that I usually don't use them much.  We really only use one major credit card because you get cash back when you use it.  We always pay off the balance each month so we don't have to pay interest.

My kids are going to college and they get mail from credit card companies wanting them to get a card.  That would be a bad thing when they don't even have a job yet!  I can imagine the debt so many people have because of credit cards.  It is so easy to give that little card to get things rather than pay cash.  My parents never had a credit card.  They never got anything they couldn't afford to pay for.  I think that's a big  problem in this society today.  Instead of saving up for something like people did years ago, too many people use a credit card to get.  Then they get deep in debt and can't get out of it.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Steven Tyler and Now Jennifer Lopez Quitting American Idol

I found out yesterday that Steven Tyler is leaving American Idol and just found out that Jennifer Lopez is also leaving the show.  Steven wants to dedicate himself to his band Aerosmith and Jennifer want to do some other things she's had on hold.  That leaves Randy Jackson to be the only judge left (and the only original judge at that).  I am going to miss Steven Tyler a lot!  He was a great addition and I like his personality and originality.  Jennifer was okay too but Steven was my favorite.  

I wonder who they will get to replace these two?  I was just getting to like the show again with Steven.  Who else is disappointed in this announcement?

Striped Delight Dessert Is My Favorite Chocolate Dessert! What's Your Favorite Dessert?

35 Oreo cookies
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
 2 Tbsp. cold milk
1 tub (12 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed, divided
3 1/4 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) chocolate instant pudding & pie filling
Place cookies in food processor and process to form fine crumbs.  Transfer to medium bowl.  Add butter; mix well.  Press firmly onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish.  Refrigerate 10 min.  Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk in separate bowl with wire whisk until well blended (I use an electric mixer).  Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the whipped topping.  Spread over crust.
Pour 3 1/4 cups milk into large bowl.  Add dry pudding mixes.  Beat with wire whisk 2 min.  or until well blended.  Spoon evenly over cream cheese layer.  Let stand 5 min. or until thickened.  Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours.  Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

I'd Rather Be Not Tanned Than Laying In the Sun

I don't like laying in the sun or even being in the sun for a long amount of time.  My sister, on the other hand, likes to lay in the sun.  She likes to be tan all summer and also goes to a tanner on top of that.   I don't really get it.  My opinion is that it's not good for your skin.  I go with my son to the dermatologist and he has a sign in his office that says "If you want skin like leather keep tanning your hide".  Makes sense to me!  Also there's the risk of skin cancer.  When I was younger I was in the sun a lot but not now.

I know a woman who used to lay in the sun all the time and now her face is all full of wrinkles.  Very deep wrinkles I might add.  I do go for walks and get some sun and that's enough for me.  If you wear sunscreen I'm sure it helps some but I'd rather stay cool.  What do other women think of laying in the sun or going to tanners?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

One Man's (Or Woman's) Trash Is Another One's Treasure

I really don't like throwing stuff out.  I'm not a wealthy person so it's hard to throw things away that some people might just toss out.  I keep everything I don't want any more and put it in the garage in boxes and when it's summer we have an annual garage sale.  After it's over I donate what's left to the Salvation Army and to local thrift shops.  It's nice to get a little money and you would be surprised what people will buy.  One time I was driving to the city and it happened to be on trash day.  I found an antique wooden RC Cola soda pop container by someone's trash.   I picked that up.  Some one wanted to buy it at my sale but I think it's neat and don't want to part with it yet. 

There's a guy that drives around our town the night before trash day and looks for stuff by people's trash.  I think he looks for metal to sell or stuff like that.  Now I wouldn't go that far but I think a lot of people do it these days.  Can you imagine what some rich people throw out!  I would love to see what some movie stars throw out.  I'm sure that some are pack rats and some that throw a lot of good stuff out. 

My sister has estate sales for people and she said once some people had a dumpster and were throwing all sorts of antiques out before she started working on their sale.  They had told her they were throwing out old metal toys and who knows what else.  They didn't know that the old stuff was worth anything.  So one man's trash definitely is another man's treasure sometimes! 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I Shouldn't Have Bought Those Donut Holes!

I have been trying to lose at least five pounds for a while now for summer.  Last year I went through the same thing and did lose five pounds.  I practically starved myself by doing it but my shorts fit better.  Well, over the winter I gained it back plus a few more pounds.  I can't get into some shorts from last year.  I've been writing down what I eat and do good during the day.  But at night it's the same thing.  I can't get to sleep so I get up and get something to eat!  

I haven't bought donuts since I don't know when.  Last night I went to the store and saw a container of donut holes that I thought the kids would like for a treat since I haven't bought anything like this for months.  Well, I couldn't get to sleep and got up and opened the package.  I ate one.  Then another.  I think I ended up eating six of them but I told my husband I ate about five.  That really sounds a lot better doesn't it (ha, ha,).  He said he thought one of our sons ate them all.  Well, today I'm back to the old diet.  I am not giving up yet!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Ouch! My Sore Heels Have Spurs

I found out that I have heel spurs in both feet.  A heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus) and is associated with plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia is a thick, ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the ball of the foot.  Many of you probably heard of this before but now I know how painful they are.  I went to the podiatrist for one foot a year ago and she made me a "support" to put in my shoe every time I wear shoes.  She even told me to wear them with slippers in the house.  I've gotten cortisone shots in that foot and it's not bad now.  Well, this spring I found out I have a heel spur in the other foot now also.  It got so painful I had to go back to the podiatrist and get a support made for that foot (plus a shot in that foot).  They have you keep coming back till they get the support fitted comfortably for you. When I go for walks I'm supposed to do some stretching exercises before and after which I don't like doing.   After wearing sandals, flip flops, and going bare foot all these years I now can only wear special sandals that have support (which the podiatrist sells of course).  I can wear cheaper shoes as long as I put my support in them.  I sure do miss going bare foot and wearing any old sandal in the summer!

America's Got Talent (A Favorite of Mine This Summer)

I like watching America's Got Talent every summer.  It's neat to see so much talent and so little (by some).  This year the new judge Howard Stern adds a lot to the show I think.  I like him much better than Pier Morgan.  I never really knew much about Howard Stern before but I can see why he's so popular!  He's funny, has an outgoing personality and has a lot to say about the acts.  He even goes on stage occasionally (like when he went on with those muscle guys and was dancing).  That was so funny!  The three judges make a great trio.  Sharon, Howie and Howard really add a lot to the show with their great personalities and humor.  The host Nick Cannon does a wonderful job also and gets into the act a lot!  I hope they all stay with the show for a long time because I think they all gel together and make it a better show!  Who do you think will win this year?  The father/daughter singers, the stand up comic, and that man and wife that lift each other and do those amazing things with their bodies are some of my favorites acts. 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp. parsley
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg beaten

3/4 cup chopped onion
5 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
2- 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 bay leaf
1- 6 oz. can tomato paste
3/4 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. pepper
Combine the ingredients at the top list and form into 12 balls (She made extra for this picture).  Put in refrigerator for later.  Saute onion and garlic in medium to large cooking pot.  Add and stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf.  Cover and simmer on low heat for 90 minutes.  Stir in tomato paste and pepper and add meat balls.  Simmer for 30 minutes more.  Remove bay leaf.  While simmering make your spaghetti according to the directions on the box.


My daughter recently found this recipe on the internet and made it twice already!  We like it quite well. 

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Fun Time Cleaning A Bathroom (Not Really)

I washed our bathroom rugs last week and never washed the floor, cleaned the bath tub and sink till today so I could lay the rugs down.  I don't really enjoy cleaning and it was too darn hot anyways (like in the high 90's and even low 100's).  Like I've said before, I would rather cook or even wash  dishes than cleaning.  Once in a while I get in the mood though.  We have two bathrooms and now I am going to clean the other one.  I always wash the floor on my hands and knees because I think you get it cleaner and get in the corners better too.  It is nice right after you clean to look at the finished room!  If only it would stay that way. After I cleaned my husband came in to take a bath because he had mowed the lawn and got dusty.  I told him not to get the bathroom dirty because I just cleaned it.  After he got done I even went and checked it.  So far so good, although it won't stay clean for long!  Just wondering how often women wash/scrub their floors and what do you use?  Do you use a mop, Swiffer, or do you go on your hands and knees?

Friday, July 6, 2012

People Do Change In Looks Over The Years

Today I was in McDonald's with my mother, sister and her daughter.  My sister came to visit and we thought we'd stop there for a lunch.  We were sitting at a table when a guy I went to school with came in with another guy and sat at a table not far from us.  I said hi to "Tom" (not his real name) and he said hi.  I didn't know the guy he was with and never thought anything of it.   Later I went to the bathroom and when I came out I walked by their table.  The guy I didn't know said "Hi Gloria".  I stopped in my tracks and took a good look at him.  Then it dawned on me that it was another guy I went to school with.  My hands were wet from washing my hands and not using the hand dryer but I shook hands with him anyways.   He had changed quite a lot in looks since we were in high school (don't we all).  I asked him if he had recognized me and he said "Tom" had told him who I was.  We had a nice talk and he told me he had joined the service and lived in California till some years ago.  I went home and got out the high school yearbook and was looking through it and noticed how everyone I know has changed in looks.  Most of us has gotten a little heavier.  Anyways I have, hee, hee.

Does Anyone Hang Out Laundry To Dry These Days?

 I remember when my mom used to hang up clothes when I lived at home.  Every one in the neighborhood would hang their laundry out.  My mom still has a clothes line but doesn't hang clothes out anymore.  She's 83 now but I remember the days when all her laundry was hung on the clothesline.  She still has a clothes pin bag that hangs on the line and holds the clothes pins.  I remember hanging up clothes and taking down clothes that became stiff from hanging when it was cold outside.  The clothes always smelled fresh and clean though. My sister still hangs her sheets out on her clothesline.  I used to have a clothesline before I lived in my present home but don't have one now.  I have allergies also, along with two of my children and really shouldn't hang out laundry because of the pollen anyways.  It does remind me of the old days though.   My mom has a long wooden stick like on this picture so the clothes don't hang so low.  You just push the clothesline up with the stick to prop it up.  Her's has a notch in the stick to keep it steady. I'm wondering how many women still hang out their laundry?

Thursday, July 5, 2012

My Great Surprise in the Mail Today!

I was on the computer a few minutes ago when I heard the mail lady drive in our driveway.  When she stopped instead of leaving the motor running, I figured that she had a package to put in our breezeway entrance.  I was kind of excited and was wondering what I had won lately and couldn't think of anything.  My husband got the mail and brought it in the house and didn't say anything.  So I went in the kitchen and saw a box and quickly opened it.  My big surprise was a sample of Depends!  I don't remember asking for a sample or anything about it.  I don't really need a Depends yet, so I'll give it to my mom who uses them.  So that was my surprise package in the mail today! 

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Get Free Samples And Magazines At MySavings.com

My Savings.com is a great site where I've gotten a lot of free samples in the past few years.  They have daily new samples and different categories you can click on to see what they have.  A few of their categories to choose from are Beauty, Bath, & Makeup, Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, and Office Supplies.

My Savings.com sometimes has free subscriptions of magazines.  You click on the top where it says "Free Samples" then click on "Magazines" on the list and check out what they have.  You just have to fill out a survey and it takes a few minutes.  I've gotten lots of free magazines already in the past.  I've gotten Town and Country, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Living and more.  They also have grocery coupons that you can print off.  If you have never heard of this site it might be worth a look.

First Summer Squash In The Garden

Even though the garden is very dry from a lack of rain we picked some summer squash today.  My daughter went in the garden and found these which she peeled, sliced and I'm frying right now.  I just fry them in a little olive oil or butter and put salt and pepper on them.  I made potato salad and my husband is barbecuing some steaks for our Fourth of July dinner!

Have A Happy And Safe 4th of July!




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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

What Do You Eat When It's Hot?

When it's hot out like it's been (in the high 90's and even 100's) I don't really like to cook much, especially with the oven.  We eat a lot of salads and lately I've kind of run out of types of salads to make.  I make potato salad, pasta salad, and macaroni salad or tuna salad.  Sometimes you get tired of salads though.  I made chili a couple days ago because I had the ingredients and my family always likes it.  Also they like it leftover to warm up in the microwave.  I always make a double batch because I have a family of five and a regular batch doesn't last long. 

I asked my husband if he wanted to grill something but he didn't feel like grilling today because he was to the doctor for sinus infection last week and didn't feel very well today.  So we ended up using the oven anyways and hubby made two frozen pizzas (notice how the edges are rather brown).  He likes it that way.  I ate leftover macaroni salad.  Oh well, the oven wasn't on very long.  What do you eat when it's hot?  I could use some new recipes!

Monday, July 2, 2012

An Invasion of Ants

Ants are smart little creatures but are pests!  Lately I had them in the bathroom and got rid of them there.  They're just the regular little ants but are a nuisance.  Now they have decided they want to go on my kitchen counter.  I usually use Terro to get rid of ants but had used  up the container.  I went to the store and bought some other type of liquid ant poison.  I really didn't like it because it's so messy.  If you put it on a piece of cardboard it runs all over the place.  It got rid of most of the ants but I bought some of the Terro yesterday in the hardware store anyways because it always works best for me.  Those annoying little ants were like a marching army coming out of a tiny hole and going up the outside of the cupboard and onto the kitchen counter.  Thankfully they are gone today.  I did see one little lone ant though and got that bugger with my hand!  What do you use for ants?

Sunday, July 1, 2012

A Treasure My Daughter Found In An Old Book (1904 Calendar)

I bought a couple of old books at an estate sale recently to give to my daughter.  I didn't know if she would want them but got a box lot of stuff pretty cheap.  Anyways, my daughter was looking through one of the old books  and she discovered this beautiful old calendar.  It must have been put in the book so it wouldn't get ripped.  The book was from the 20's and this calendar is dated on the top 1904.  It is so amazing and has all the months in the little shamrocks and is in great shape.  Don't you just love the picture of the little girl!  I looked on eBay and a calendar just like this sold for over $100 recently.  I'm thinking of putting it in a frame and just admiring it.  From now on, I'm looking through books!