Helpful Hints Faves

Wow....now this week has seemed to drag for some reason!  

But I'm finding some fave moments.......it wasn't a tough week, just busy, yet peaceful.......there's a deep settled peace in my soul, that has nothing to do with my every day life, yet everything to do with the way I am CHOOSING to live.....to be at peace...in my soul....in my heart...in my mind......and trusting God to be there when I stumble!

My faves all seem to center around helpful hints I've discovered in recent years or months...and one even as recent as last Saturday!  

Do you have some faves from this week?  if Yes, then join in and link up at Susanne's over at Living to Tell the Story....it's a fun way to reflect back on our way and say "SEE WHAT GOD DID!"

image taken from quickgoodfortune website

• HONEY!  This is a hint I learned about several years ago......honey is great for all sorts of things (never give to a child under age 4 until you consult with her pediatrician).  The thing I used it for yesterday, was for a wicked sore throat I woke up with....actually I had a scratchy throat all day in the classrooms on Wednesday (2 of our special needs kids have had strep) so on Thursday I took a personal sick day.  I used the honey and the pain was soothed.  Love how this simple, inexpensive natural remedy works!

• WINDEX WIPES!  love these!! I keep a set in the upstairs bathroom because yes, I am too lazy efficient to run down to the small bathroom every time I wanna wipe down a mirror in either the bedrooms or bath.  They are GREAT for quick clean-ups of the faucet and handles too!!  I also keep one in the car.......I use the spray windex for thorough cleaning of the house windows though......but these wipes are so handy for those quick "in between heavy duty cleaning" jobs.  Try 'em!

 

• CARPET CLEANER!  I discovered that just mixing ammonia and hot water (half each) in a spray bottle gets out old stains from carpet.  This has been a cause of major grief for me....our family room has carpet. WHAT WERE WE THINKING 17 YEARS AGO???? Our Kirby vacuum does a great job...but even with the shampoo-er, the stains, so set in, are still there.    I have probably bought every kind of carpet treatment you can name.  And wasted much money.  I have had it steam cleaned twice a year by professionals and until the last year, that did take out the stains. One day soon we hope to put in Pergo laminate. There were three old stains....by old I mean from the last 5 years or more. I've tried everything! But now....the stain is GONE thanks to this hint:  take the ammonia and water and put in spray bottle. Spray liberally over the stain and immediately place a white towel over the wet spot. Watch the towel turn stained!  Then take a HOT iron and iron over the towel. Voila!! the stain is gone!  That stain of mud was on top of an old coffee and vomit stain. I kid you not. It is 50% better and I'm  gonna tackle the rest of the carpet tomorrow. This hint was found via this blog. 

•  FRESH MARKET PREPARED MEATS!  I don't normally purchase meats that have been previously prepared but I just wasn't as organized this past Monday as I usually am.  I decided to stop at The Fresh Market meat counter to pick up chicken for dinner.  And it was one of the best decisions I made all week!  I bought 3 large stuffed chicken breasts (stuffed with parmesan cheese and marinara sauce).  I popped them into the oven for 40 minutes and added a large tossed salad with some fresh produce, and cut up melon that was on sale there.  For my daughter, I added some fresh cooked orzo.  And the chicken breasts were so large we had enough for leftovers last evening!  I used the leftover chicken for a quick "on the stove-top" stew with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas and seasonings.  Quick and delish is always a fave for me.  I think I'll stop at the deli more often!

•  HAIR SERUM!  I just had my hair re-texturized and cut into a stacked bob.  I am trying to grow out short layers from the top (from a previous short, cropped bob, which I did NOT like).  My goal is to get back to a more classic, stacked bob but longer.....longer layers undernearth.....all the way around...with a few wispy bangs. BUT...growing out these shorter, choppy layers takes patience and work. And I don't have time to "fuss" with my hair before dashing off to work.  So...I had purchased this product a few months ago and loved it for smoothing down the short layers.  Now that my hair is growing out, I have one side that has trouble lying flat and smooth.  I just squirt a little bit (key word being LITTLE BIT!) on to my palms, rub together and slide thru the hair.....style with fingers and good to go!  It does cut down on frizz too but the Avon product works better for just frizz.  This product, shown above, is perfect for smoothing or straightening thick, short layers.  Try it!!

What helped make your week run smooth??

Do you have any things that stand out and can make you say "fave?"

Join in!!  If you leave me a comment, I"ll be by to visit your blog!!