Common Household Items

I've heard from many people that vinegar and baking soda are fantastic items to use for cleaning. I've never used them for cleaning, but countless people say they really work. Why then do we spend so much money on common household brands? My only response is for the convenience. Check out this site for recipes

I've also used vinegar to clean my hair. I know it sounds gross, but it really helps. I know what you are thinking, what about the smell. What I've found is after two shampoos the smell dissipates. I usually wet my hair then, pour on the vinegar and finish with shampoo and conditioner. Over the summer I noticed build up on my scalp. I attribute this to the terrible water pressure and hard or soft water. I looked on the internet for solutions to getting rid of the build up and found that baking soda was proven to help. I decided to try it. I was amazed that it actually worked. My scalp felt so much better, my hair felt stripped, but clean. Last night I decided it was time for another deep cleaning. All you need to do is add a dime sized amount of baking soda to your shampoo. Lather up and massage the scalp. Rinse and follow up with conditioner.

Enjoy!

Coupon Whore

Those of you who know me, know I love a great deal. I usually only buy clothes/shoes/accessories that are on sale. I love saving money.

When I first got married, my mother in law used to send me coupons in the mail. Sometimes I used them, sometimes I wouldn't. Last weekend when I was back in KC I went through the paper and scored useable coupons. This past weekend I redeemed about half of them and saved about $6. I also downloaded several Michaels coupons and saved about $20 of my craft purchases.

I've gotten into the habit of looking online for coupons before I shop. I don't generally look for grocery coupons, but coupons to other places (clothing stores, shoe stores, and craft stores). One of the sites I regularly check is www.slickdeals.net. You should check it out.

Fall TV Schedule

The WB and FOX have both released several of their new fall shows. I was really excited for the prospect of new fall shows - GLEE, SYTYCD, and Melrose Place. The only one I've gotten to watch is GLEE and I'm undecided. I totally love Mr. Schuester and the sexual tension between him and Ms. Pillsbury, but I'm not sold on the rest of the cast. I'll start watching SYTYCD once they start competing. Those are my favorite episodes.

I haven't seen Melrose Place yet. I missed the first episode and started to DVR it this week. Our HD WB channel doesn't always work, so I missed the season premiere of Gossip Girl and 90210. I'll be catching them on the web this weekend.

The most anticipated shows for me are the Amazing Race, Brothers and Sisters, and Desperate Housewives. I'm sure there are other shows too. I've started watching Mad Men, but I'm not hooked. The star John Hamm graduated from MIZZOU so I have to give it a shot.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Liz's Baby Shower

The first couple in our small group is expecting their first child this October. The ladies along with Liz's sister and mom threw her a shower this past weekend. We had brunch food, games, and fellowship. I was responsible for the Strawberry/Spinach Salad with home made Popy Seed dressing, recipe below compliments of Megan.





Poppy Seed Dressing and Spinach Salad

1 pound fresh spinach, torn into bite sized pieces (I used baby spinach, it tastes better to me and it doesn't need to be torn up)
1 pint fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruit
1/2 cu each - walnuts and blue cheese or gorgonzola
Toss together and add poppy seed dressing just before serving

Dressing

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon mustard (like dijon)
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 onion - finely chopped
2 cups salad oil ( I use canola)
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Mix together sugar, mustard, salt and vinegar and onion in blender. Process until onion is super small (almost liquified) With blender running, slowly add oil and continue blending until thinck. Add poppy seeds and whirl a few seconds.

Makes 3 cups.