Sierra Solutions: Clean and Simple

The other night I had a gentleman come to my door selling a cleaning solution. I actually let my husband open the door because I don't turn people away as easily and quickly as he does. I went about my own business while my husband listened to the sales pitch. I was waiting to hear him turn him away but he didn't he kept on listening and watching the demonstration and then next thing I knew he had invited the man into our home to test the product on some spots in the carpet. I was a little shocked that my husband had let this go on for as long as he had and my curiosity was peaked. I stopped what I was working on and went to watch what was going on. The man sprayed this cleaner on a dark spot on our carpet, let it sit for 30 seconds while he explained a few things and then he took a white towel and blotted up the mess. Right there, right before my eyes, with no scrubbing the spot was gone. Now I was really interested. He proceeded to explain the product and showed a few more things it could do. 15 minutes after the doorbell rang we were purchasing a gallon of Clean and Simple, a product of Sierra Solutions. Here is what the company website has to say about Clean and Simple.

clean & simple™is an all-purpose, all-surface, super cleaner concentrate,
specially blended from the finest ingredients available, that when diluted with
water, will clean virtually any water washable surface.
clean &
simple™can be used easily, economically, and effectively, at two different
strengths, for literally hundreds of difficult cleaning jobs. With the consumer
in mind, clean & simple™is designed to cost-effectively replace 95% of the
typical cleaning products that a home, small business, or industry might use.
Unlike many other cleaning concentrates on the market, clean &
simple™has to be mixed at only two different dilution's for all your cleaning
needs. It is cost-effective and will save you money! In its diluted form, clean
& simple™costs 64 cents per quart to use as a general purpose cleaner and
only 8 cents per quart as a glass and mirror cleaner. By mixing and using clean
& simple™for all your cleaning needs, you will save literally hundreds of
dollars a year in money that you would normally spend on conventional
store-bought products!
clean & simple™can also be added to carpet
cleaning machines and pressure washers for various other cleaning
applications.

So, does Clean & Simple live up to what it claims? I've been trying it out today on several different surfaces and here is what I can tell you.

I have been impressed with it as a carpet spot remover. I've been having fun going around my house and cleaning up the spots that 4 kids will leave behind. I just spray the solution on rub it in a bit and then wait for about 30 seconds and then wipe/blot. It works every time. It even got some blue ink out of my carpet.


I next tried it on my windows, glass top coffee table, and TV screen which are top places for fingerprints. The sales guy claims it will "repel" fingerprints for up to 7 days. I tried to leave my fingerprints where I had cleaned and I couldn't. Perfect for 40 little fingers I have roaming around my house. It is also good at cleaning pet nose prints and slobber.

The final test for me for today was my oven. I haven't cleaned it in over a year. I warmed the oven up so it was warm but I could still touch it. I sprayed the cleaner on and then waited for a bit then began to wipe. Most of the stuff wiped clean pretty quick but I did have a big spot that was really baked on. I had to scrub and scrub to get it to come clean. After 30-45 minutes of scrubbing I decided my oven was good enough for now and I stopped. I've decided it works good for cleaning the spills that aren't completely baked on but the self clean cycle works much better. However, this product is completely green and doesn't release harsh chemicals into the air or require a lot of energy use.

My only complaint about this product is it is not a disinfectant. I don't think it has any antibacterial properties so it is not good for cleaning the kitchen or bathroom. But, I do believe it will replace all of the other cleaning products in your house. Think of the money and space you can save.
You can find out more information by visiting the Sierra Solutions website. If you decide to order I'm sure my distributor would be happy if you used his distributor number to make your purchase. His number is 7770369.

It even removes rust from your driveway.

Yummy Mud Trifle

I made this for Easter dessert this past year. It's easy to do and very yummy. Just layer pudding and crushed Oreos and strategically place gummy worms throughout. It would have looked great with green shredded coconut on top but by the time I figured out what I was making the store was completely out of shredded coconut. In case you are wondering, I used 1 whole package of Oreo's (you can never have too many in my opinion) and 2 big boxes of the instant chocolate pudding.

Cloud Pie

This is an easy recipe which my husband loves and requests. It's a perfect meal for meat and potato guys and gals.

Cloud Pie
1 lb hamburger
1 can cream of Mushroom soup divided
1 1/2 C. bread crumbs
1 egg
2 tsp. onion flakes
1/2 tsp minced garlic
4 servings instant mashed potatoes
1/2 C. grated cheddar cheese

Mix hamburger, bread crumbs, onion flakes, minced garlic, egg and 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup. Press into a pie pan in a shell shape and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. While meat is cooking, prepare mashed potatoes. When meat is done fill the shell with the mashed potatoes. Mix 2 T. water with the remaining cream of mushroom soup. Cover pie with soup. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Stop Insect Bites from Stinging and Itching

The next time you get an insect bite, try making a paste out of meat tenderizer and water and then placing it on the bite. My dad swears by this. Lately he's been getting quite a few bites (he's been working outside) and he has found that if he puts the paste on not only does the bite stop itching but it heals faster. I believe it will work with any meat tenderizer but, the name of the tenderizer he uses is Adolph's.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Free Give Away!

If you don't like free things then don't bother reading this post.
I came across a website today called Give Away Today where every business day they hold a drawing for a free item. From what I can gather most of these items are custom/handmade items. I gave it a look over and there are some very creative women out there who have many talents. To enter to win all you need to do is follow the instructions on the post that day. Usually it requires just a comment be left. If you need detailed instructions you can click here.
If you have an item or know of a business you would like to see a giveaway from they have a link where you can submit those requests.
I know I'll be entering some giveaways and I think you should too.

Homemade Handlotion

If you have sensitive skin you might find it hard to find lotion that will work with out causing you to break out. Here is a mixture that you can create yourself using mild ingredients that will leave your hands soft. Try it on your dry elbows and feet too. I prefer to put it on just after washing the dishes or at night before I go to bed because it can feel a bit greasy. You will need:

• 15oz. baby lotion (original scent. If it is gentle enough to use on babies it should be fine for you too.)
• 2-4 oz containers of Vitamin E cream (sold in 2 pack at Walmart)
• 4 oz of Vaseline (Walmart carries a Baby Fresh Scent in the equate brand)
• 1 Gallon size ziploc baggie
  

Pour the baby lotion into the ziploc bag. Cut the bottle open and scrape out the remander of the lotion. Pour both containers of Vitamin E cream into the bag. Scoop out 4 oz of Vaseline and put it in the bag.

Now, seal the bag shut tight and squish to mix contents.

Once it is mixed well, snip one corner of the bag.


You will want to scrape the lotion away from the corner first so it doesn't start coming out.

Now squeeze the contents out into a separate container. You can reuse the vitamin E containers or purchase little jars for it. The glass jar in the picture was 25 cents at a thrift store. Decorate the containers anyway you choose.

Special thanks to my cousin Grace for sharing this recipe with me.

Preparing for a Global Pandemic

This past year the outbreak of the H1N1 (swine) Flu has sparked awareness around the world once again of the possibilities of a global pandemic. I have heard it said that it is not a matter of if, but when a global pandemic will occur. This recent event has made me realize how unprepared I am for such and event to occur. I tried to find out what would happen if a pandemic hit WHO's level 6 and couldn't find anything that specifically mentioned the protocol. One thing I'm fairly certain will happen is a quarantine would take place. Those who are sick will be quarantined as well as the healthy. I'm not sure how long the quarantine would be but let's say 3 months. 3 months would be a pretty reasonable amount of time to find those who are sick and help them. What do you think would happen if word got out that a mandatory quarantine was going to occur?

The stores would be filled with panicked people stocking up on food and water. Chaos will reign. We have seen in natural disasters of the past that the Government isn't always the fastest to respond with food for those with out. I suggest already having a 3 months supply of food on hand. That way you will not have to stress and run to the store and deal with all of the pandemonium.

It would be hard to store a 3 month supply of water but 2 weeks worth is manageable. Plan on storing 1 gallon per day per family member for drinking and cooking.

I was out shopping 2 weeks ago and decided to purchase some more Lysol disinfecting spray and hand sanitizer. I had some for my current needs but not enough for a months worth. Well, everyone had the same idea. The shelves were wiped clean. Plan ahead and have some on hand.

Don't forget first aid and toiletries. If you have medications have extra on hand. Contact solution and feminine supplies might be hard to just go out and get as needed. Plan ahead as much as possible.

For more information on emergency preparedness I recommend visiting Providentliving.org

Remember, "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

Stopping Tantrums Before they Start

It starts around the time your child hits two years old. It can be known as the "terrible twos". I prefer to call it the "Terrific Two's." It can be frustrating while you are there but take another look. Look at everything your child is discovering on there own. They learn that if they stack this on that they can get way up there to get the candy/cookies. They learn that if lotion feels really good on their hands then it must feel good all over their body and the dogs too. They can also learn to cry and scream in the right manner to get exactly what they want. This age is where they train mom and dad to giving in by throwing a tantrum. You know you have seen it, crying, whaling, gnashing of teeth, and sometimes there is kicking and flailing on the ground. If you see this on a regular basis they have trained you well. If you never see this behavior then you do not need to keep reading. The trick to dealing with tantrums is stopping them before they begin.

You need to understand what the triggers are for your child. If it is sweets and cookies, make sure they are out of sight. Out of sight out of mind definitely plays a big part in the early years. Kids usually want everything they see (except the vegetables on their dinner plate). The biggest things children want is autonomy. They want to do everything them self and be in control of everything around them. When they hear "no" they are not getting to control and that little word is enough of a trigger to get them in full tantrums. So, the key is making your child feel like they are in control even though you really are. Give your child lots of acceptable choices. Here is an example:

(you're at the park with your child)
Mom: It's time to go. Let's
go.
Child: No. I don't want to go.
Mom: We need to go now. We've been here
long enough.
Child: (now crying) I don't want to go.
Mom: (chasing child
around the playground) Come here now so we can leave. If you don't.......
(finally catch child)
Child: (full an tantrum ensues,and everyone at the park
is staring)

Here is an example of using choices

Mom: (15 minutes before it is time to go) It's getting time to go,
would you like to leave now or in 15 minutes?
Child: 15 minutes!
Mom: (15
minutes later) Okay, it's time to go.
Child: But I want to stay
longer.
Mom: I know but remember I gave you the choice to leave or stay 15
minutes? The 15 minutes is up and now it is time to go.
Child: okay
Mom:
Would you like to hop like a bunny to the car or gallop like a horse?
Child:
hop!
And they happily hop to the car.

All your child really wants is control so give choices as much as possible. There will come times when there are no choices. Just remind your child you give them choices all day long and this time it is your turn to make the choice. Early childhood is for learning boundaries and they will test you all the time. Remain firm and you will be tested less and less. Give in and they will continue to test you.

Homemade Oreo Cookies

Oreo cookies are my absolute favorite cookie. There is the perfect balance between the dark chocolate flavor and cream. I stumbled across this recipe for homemade Oreos and it is definitely a little gem.

Oreo Cookies
1 box devils food cake mix
4 oz. cream cheese
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. powdered sugar
2 eggs
Vanilla to taste

Mix and roll into small penny size balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 375 for 10 minutes.

Filling:
4 oz Cream cheese
vanilla to taste
3/4 C. powdered sugar

mix and spread between 2 baked cookies

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

While the sun has many wonderful benefits it also has some negative ones as well. When exposed to the sun for extended lengths of time without protection you are exposed to harmful UV rays. Sunburns are a painful sign that you got too much but did you know tanning whether you burn or not is harmful to skin as well. A change of color to your skin is a sign of damage. The UV radiation also causes premature aging of the skin. According to the EPA, 90% of wrinkles and brown spots found on our faces are not due to aging but due to sun exposure. So, as the summer approaches here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the Sun.

• Avoid being in the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM. This is when the most damaging rays are present.
  


• Cover up as much as possible with long sleeves, sunglasses, and hats.
  Avoid fake baking (tanning salons) If you want a glow then paint it on.
  


• Wear Sunscreen
  

Think of the painful and lengthy cosmetic procedures that can be avoided if you just remember to put sunscreen on before you hit the pool/beach. There are so many brands of sunscreen on the market today so how do you know which one to choose? You want a minimum of SPF 15. The sunscreen should block both UVA (aging and cancer) and UVB (burns and cancer) rays. Always get lotion that is waterproof so you know it will protect even through perspiration. Waterproof can be worn for up to 80 minutes before reapplying and water resistant can be worn for 40 minutes. Make sure you put it on 20 minutes before sun exposure to give your skin a chance to absorb the lotion.

A Review of Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen

At the beginning of summer every year I buy sunscreen for my family. I usually buy whatever is cheapest or on sale. Well, this will not be happening any more. I found a brand that I'm gong to stick with and it is safe to use on everyone in the family. It is Coppertone Waterbabies. You may know it by the famous picture of a baby getting is bathing suit pulled on by a dog.

A couple of weeks ago my husband and brother in law installed a sprinkler system in our yard. Before my husband went out I applied Coppertone Waterbabies all over his shoulders and the spread it down his back. I made sure to get it all over his shoulders because that is the part of his body that usually burns but I wasn't as careful with the rest of his back. He was out sweating in the sun for 8 hours and when he came in it was obvious where the sunscreen was applied.
His shoulders were completely protected even through all of the sweat. Unfortunately where the sunscreen was not applied got burned bad. It even blistered in some areas. Because of this experience I now know that Coppertone Waterbabies does what it promises and it is safe to use on the entire family.

A New Beginning

I have a website, homemakeretc.com, but have not been happy with the host so I'm going to be moving those posts here to Spice and all that's Nice. I like blogger and can personalize it better to meet my needs.
Hopefully this new beginning will be a start to a beautiful relationship between me, my blog, and you my readers. Although few in numbers now, I hope we can all grow together. As always, I love to have comments, new tips, and advice. Please feel free to share.