Remove grease, make-up, etc. easily with a bar of Ivory soap. I've used it on garments, carpets, make-up bags, etc. Just wet the affected area with some cold water and rub the bar of Ivory over the area. Work into the stain with a brush in both directions, and wipe up or launder. May repeat steps a second time, but usually once does the trick. I now try this first on any hard to remove stain. Ivory is my new best friend and saves me on a multitude in stain removers.
I always thought you can get one free report per year. Didn't know it was actually 3. That's great to know. Thank you. Now if I can only remind myself to do this.
the danger there is black mold/mildew inside the dispenser. if you ever see any black specks in your ice or drink, show the manager and request that the machine be cleaned.
Once a year I do a spring cleaning of sorts with all my financial documents. I take out all my investment, credit card, and loan documents and review them carefully. I also do this with my credit report.
I think once a year review is enough. Three times a year might be overdoing it. But then again it is free so if you have a lot of financial things going on in your life I guess it makes sense. For retired people like me who don't have a lot of new activity once a year is good enough. Otherwise I agree with most things in this article.
I'm surprised four out of five people don't check their credit reports. This is why we need to teach personal finance in schools. Students need to learn these basic financial truths before we throw them out into the real world.
This is a mostly helpful list with some good advice, but I don't agree with everything on it.
-Getting a gym membership was the single best thing I've ever done for my health. Some people can motivate themselves to work out at home on their own, but many can't. Group fitness classes are FAR more fun and motivating for me. And spending the monthly membership fee was actually a motivator too.
-As others have pointed out, lip balm is a wonderful thing for those of us who live in cold, dry climates. My lips may be self-moisturizing in the balmy summer, but in Canada in February? Not so much.
-Specialized athletic clothing (wicking, breathable) is MUCH more comfortable for a long workout. It doesn't have to be an expensive brand-name though - there are plenty of generic brands that make perfectly decent athletic wear.
-I have tried the baking soda method in my ancient drains. Did nothing. Whereas Drano cleared it out in minutes.
For 15 years - for Valentine's Day my husband draws me a paper rose on white paper and gives it to me. I'm allergic to flowers and perfumes so this is the only way he can give me flowers. I have a frame which has all the flowers in it to make an anniversary bouquet. Sounds cheap (and it is) but to me it is also VERY thoughtful as he puts a lot of time and effort into his rose.
Most of your ideas I agree with. But, because of joint issues I swim laps for exercise. I *like* to swim, which is good because it keeps me exercising. I don't own a pool. The county fitness center does.
Great list ! Here's an addition to the Baby Stuff: Changing table. Don't need it. I've been through three kids and used the floor every time. It's the safest place to change diapers, when you think about it. The child can't fall if they are already on the floor !
Uh! Paul ... apparently you do not play sports, or participate in any real mannor. These 'wicking' clothes are essential. But, as a few other posters have pointed out, you do not need to spend a fortune. But 'moisture wicking' clothes should not be on this list. Just "Say No to Cotton."
We usually go out on a different night than the 14th -it isn't nearly as busy, no lines and we still have our romantic dinner for two. On the 14th we get a bonus - cooking something fun at home and Redbox movie. It's like getting an extra valentine day.
Thyme and/or citronella geranium will repel skeeters for varying periods of time. Thyme is a herb of a thousand culinary uses. New potatoes dressed with thyme butter will make your taste buds purr with delight.
The best of the repellents is fenugreek seed. Cook curries with plenty of fenugreek and garlic, and skeeters will travel miles to avoid you.
I agree with those who have already commented that moisture-wicking shirts are often worth it! I usually only run about three times a week for 30 minutes, tops, and for my purposes, plain cotton clothes work fine. But if you exercise a lot, or do things where you're sweaty for hours at a time (like skiing or snowboarding), the difference is huge. Moisture-wicking fabrics aren't just mumbo-jumbo, like some of the items you rightly mentioned- they do work!
The only other item I really took issue with is shower gel. I sometimes use plain bar soap, but it leaves my skin *incredibly* dry, and I end up regretting it all day. I have no such problems when using shower gel. I try to use products without too many artificial ingredients or scents. Otherwise, lots of great things on this list! I use either baking soda or vinegar (or both combined!) for so many household cleaning needs, and they work great.
I totally agree! I've gotten rid of a lot of these things and my life is just...easier. Less clutter, less money out, and more multipurposing.
One point of contention, though: Chapstick. I don't agree lips are self moisturizing - at least not to the extent that in certain climates they need a little extra help (having grown up during bone-dry winters in Minnesota myself.) Same with skin - you need lotion. But I do agree that lip balms can be addictive, though I've never heard the alcohol thing. I recommend trying an all natural or handmade lip balm - Etsy has a lot of seller that have lip balms made with lots of oils and butters and no alcohol or addictive ingredients. I make my own (I'm one of those Etsy sellers) and it's literally four different oils (jojoba, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and safflower) plus beeswax and cocoa butter. That's it, unless you want a flavor. :)
I take issue with a few of these recommendations. Lip Balm is essential when living in a very dry climate. I use an inexpensive body wash instead of shaving cream to shave my legs. Soap is too drying and a bottle of body wash lasts for months. Finally, never clean silver with toothpaste and baking soda! That combination will scratch the heck out of silver and make it look bad. Buy a cleaning cloth at the jewelers for $6.00, it will last a year or two.
I disagree with the analysis of moisture-wicking athletic clothing. Run a marathon in a cotton t-shirt and let me know how your nipples feel at the end. You don't, however, have to spend a fortune. Target has fantastic workout gear for cheap.
Yes! This! I'm pretty easy to please, but I think anything that clearly demonstrates "You are special to me and I want you to know that," would suffice for most women.
Good stuff. However, I have one disagreement, lip balm. There are those of us with sinus problems. At night we breathe through our mouth during sleep. The result is severely chapped, cracked and peeling lips. Lip balm at night, applied right before going to bed, works wonders. Pick a quality balm, bees wax if you can. On the other hand, during the day, generally I agree with you about lip balm being unnecessary.
Remove grease, make-up, etc. easily with a bar of Ivory soap. I've used it on garments, carpets, make-up bags, etc. Just wet the affected area with some cold water and rub the bar of Ivory over the area. Work into the stain with a brush in both directions, and wipe up or launder. May repeat steps a second time, but usually once does the trick. I now try this first on any hard to remove stain. Ivory is my new best friend and saves me on a multitude in stain removers.
I always thought you can get one free report per year. Didn't know it was actually 3. That's great to know. Thank you. Now if I can only remind myself to do this.
I don't worry about money on V-day
the danger there is black mold/mildew inside the dispenser. if you ever see any black specks in your ice or drink, show the manager and request that the machine be cleaned.
Once a year I do a spring cleaning of sorts with all my financial documents. I take out all my investment, credit card, and loan documents and review them carefully. I also do this with my credit report.
I think once a year review is enough. Three times a year might be overdoing it. But then again it is free so if you have a lot of financial things going on in your life I guess it makes sense. For retired people like me who don't have a lot of new activity once a year is good enough. Otherwise I agree with most things in this article.
I'm surprised four out of five people don't check their credit reports. This is why we need to teach personal finance in schools. Students need to learn these basic financial truths before we throw them out into the real world.
I save on valentines day by cooking dinner at home
This is the EXACT charge on my tmobile account. Same month as well. Ridiculous.
Homegrown flowers, homemade dinner, handwritten love letter :)
This is a mostly helpful list with some good advice, but I don't agree with everything on it.
-Getting a gym membership was the single best thing I've ever done for my health. Some people can motivate themselves to work out at home on their own, but many can't. Group fitness classes are FAR more fun and motivating for me. And spending the monthly membership fee was actually a motivator too.
-As others have pointed out, lip balm is a wonderful thing for those of us who live in cold, dry climates. My lips may be self-moisturizing in the balmy summer, but in Canada in February? Not so much.
-Specialized athletic clothing (wicking, breathable) is MUCH more comfortable for a long workout. It doesn't have to be an expensive brand-name though - there are plenty of generic brands that make perfectly decent athletic wear.
-I have tried the baking soda method in my ancient drains. Did nothing. Whereas Drano cleared it out in minutes.
For 15 years - for Valentine's Day my husband draws me a paper rose on white paper and gives it to me. I'm allergic to flowers and perfumes so this is the only way he can give me flowers. I have a frame which has all the flowers in it to make an anniversary bouquet. Sounds cheap (and it is) but to me it is also VERY thoughtful as he puts a lot of time and effort into his rose.
Most of your ideas I agree with. But, because of joint issues I swim laps for exercise. I *like* to swim, which is good because it keeps me exercising. I don't own a pool. The county fitness center does.
Great list ! Here's an addition to the Baby Stuff: Changing table. Don't need it. I've been through three kids and used the floor every time. It's the safest place to change diapers, when you think about it. The child can't fall if they are already on the floor !
RSVP-ing
Uh! Paul ... apparently you do not play sports, or participate in any real mannor. These 'wicking' clothes are essential. But, as a few other posters have pointed out, you do not need to spend a fortune. But 'moisture wicking' clothes should not be on this list. Just "Say No to Cotton."
We usually go out on a different night than the 14th -it isn't nearly as busy, no lines and we still have our romantic dinner for two. On the 14th we get a bonus - cooking something fun at home and Redbox movie. It's like getting an extra valentine day.
W C Fields once said.......
Thyme and/or citronella geranium will repel skeeters for varying periods of time. Thyme is a herb of a thousand culinary uses. New potatoes dressed with thyme butter will make your taste buds purr with delight.
The best of the repellents is fenugreek seed. Cook curries with plenty of fenugreek and garlic, and skeeters will travel miles to avoid you.
What a great list and most people do get sucked in with all the advertising. Diet meals are just convenience and a waste of money in my opinion.
I agree with those who have already commented that moisture-wicking shirts are often worth it! I usually only run about three times a week for 30 minutes, tops, and for my purposes, plain cotton clothes work fine. But if you exercise a lot, or do things where you're sweaty for hours at a time (like skiing or snowboarding), the difference is huge. Moisture-wicking fabrics aren't just mumbo-jumbo, like some of the items you rightly mentioned- they do work!
The only other item I really took issue with is shower gel. I sometimes use plain bar soap, but it leaves my skin *incredibly* dry, and I end up regretting it all day. I have no such problems when using shower gel. I try to use products without too many artificial ingredients or scents. Otherwise, lots of great things on this list! I use either baking soda or vinegar (or both combined!) for so many household cleaning needs, and they work great.
I totally agree! I've gotten rid of a lot of these things and my life is just...easier. Less clutter, less money out, and more multipurposing.
One point of contention, though: Chapstick. I don't agree lips are self moisturizing - at least not to the extent that in certain climates they need a little extra help (having grown up during bone-dry winters in Minnesota myself.) Same with skin - you need lotion. But I do agree that lip balms can be addictive, though I've never heard the alcohol thing. I recommend trying an all natural or handmade lip balm - Etsy has a lot of seller that have lip balms made with lots of oils and butters and no alcohol or addictive ingredients. I make my own (I'm one of those Etsy sellers) and it's literally four different oils (jojoba, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and safflower) plus beeswax and cocoa butter. That's it, unless you want a flavor. :)
I take issue with a few of these recommendations. Lip Balm is essential when living in a very dry climate. I use an inexpensive body wash instead of shaving cream to shave my legs. Soap is too drying and a bottle of body wash lasts for months. Finally, never clean silver with toothpaste and baking soda! That combination will scratch the heck out of silver and make it look bad. Buy a cleaning cloth at the jewelers for $6.00, it will last a year or two.
I disagree with the analysis of moisture-wicking athletic clothing. Run a marathon in a cotton t-shirt and let me know how your nipples feel at the end. You don't, however, have to spend a fortune. Target has fantastic workout gear for cheap.
Yes! This! I'm pretty easy to please, but I think anything that clearly demonstrates "You are special to me and I want you to know that," would suffice for most women.
Good stuff. However, I have one disagreement, lip balm. There are those of us with sinus problems. At night we breathe through our mouth during sleep. The result is severely chapped, cracked and peeling lips. Lip balm at night, applied right before going to bed, works wonders. Pick a quality balm, bees wax if you can. On the other hand, during the day, generally I agree with you about lip balm being unnecessary.