Bounce Sheets

The Many Uses of Bounce

Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees
away. Anyone allergic to bees might consider doing this!!!
And all this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!
It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.
It also repels mice.. spread them around foundation areas, or in
trailers or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering
your vehicle.
It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get
opened too often.
Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when
outdoors during mosquito season. Or rub on arms and legs.
Eliminates static electricity from your television (or computer)
screen.
Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your
television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from
resettling.
Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.
Freshen the air in your home. Place an individual sheet of Bounce
in a drawer or hang in the closet.
Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.
Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through sheet
of Bounce before beginning to sew.
Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside
empty luggage before storing.
Freshen the air in your car. Place a sheet of Bounce under the
front seat.
Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill
with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent
apparently weakens the bond between the food.
Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the
bottom of the wastebasket.
Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will
magnetically attract all the loose hairs.
Eliminate static electricity from venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds
with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.
Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of
Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.
Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of
Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.
Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes
or sneakers overnight.
Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and
storing them. Keeps them smelling fresh.

This week's challenge is recognize the elephant in your house and then get rid of it.
It could be a large piece of furniture, an unresolved issue with a family member, a large piece of exercise equipment that you don't use. Take a look around a find the elephant you can dispose of this week. The new space you gain will bring you greater peace and relaxation.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of April 12, 2010

If you keep your water heater temperature at 120 degrees you will save money and your water heater will last longer. Most water heaters are set at 120 degrees when you put the dial on "Normal." You can always test the water with a cooking thermastat after letting your water run to the point that it is hot.
Maintaining your home products saves you time and money.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of April 5th, 2010

This week's challenge is to think about what food you are wasting.
Is there spoiled food in your refigerator?
Do you spend too much money and time eating out?
The cost of time and money is both a consideration in this busy world.
We often think we need to eat out because we didn't have time to cook.
In reality...how much time are you wasting by going out and dining?
Meal planning is essential in you management of time and saving money.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Organize a few simple healthy meals and keep an inventory of what you need for these meals on hand at all times.
2. When cooking a meal, plan on making more so you can freeze some extra.
3. Eat leftovers. Too often food is left in the refigerator and spoils. Eating left overs is a great time and money savor.
4. When you are cleaning up from a meal, make the effort to put your leftovers in portions on a plate to reheat or in a container to take to work.
5. Choose one day a week to make a traditional meal. Our family always had pizza on Friday nights when the kids where growing up. Dad knew to pick it up on his way home from work. Sundays could be taco day. Use your imagination. It takes the work out of planning for one day at least.

Additional Tip: Share your simple recipes with friends. Make extra food for each other and swap for a variety.

Weekly clutter Challenge for the week of 3.22.10

This week's challenge is to think about dirt.
If you do dirt, then get your dirt tools organized.
Home Depot sells a great 10 gallon bucket for tools.
It has an apron around that fits over the bucket with pockets on the outside.
If you don't have the money, then use something you already have.
Put your clippers, gloves, hand rakes and weed diggers all in one bucket.
Bring on the sunshine and enjoy the dirt.
I know I will.................

Additional Tip:
If you don't do dirt, then think about either organizing a car cleaning bucket or picnic basket.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of 3.16.10

A fun a easy way to do some dejunking is to choose two drawers.
Simply take the challenge of two drawers this week and call it good.
Afterall, it is spring and we need to be enjoying it.

Weekely Clutter Challenge for the Week of Feb. 15th, 2010

Buying stamps is easy when you buy online.
https://shop.usps.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/pshead2_ef.jpg

Sending packages can be easier too.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2094220_print-postage-stampscom.html

Additional Tip: If you buy the Liberty Stamps they are always good....even if the price of stamps goes up.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of Feb 8 - 12, 2010

Get a Head Start with your scrapbooking ideas for this Spring and Summer.
With the Beavercreek house empty (and as long as we don't rent it) there are going to be two scrapbooking retreats.
The first one will be March 29th - April 11th.
The second one will be July 9th - 28th.

You will need to bring an air mattress and sleeping bag (the house has zero furniture). Bring your own towels.
I will have tables and chairs for scrapbooking.
We will be using ice chests for food.
Come one day or come for days on end................................
Start to organize your projects now.
Here are items I will have that I am willing to share:
Cricut machine and several cartridges
Paper cutter
Tables and chairs
Cooking utensils
Hot water
Washer and Dryer
Water chest for food

I am willing to share my paper and some stickers. My inventory is a little low at the moment.
I will also be doing some watercoloring, so if you prefer quilting or whatever...bring it.

If you bring Kiddos, keep in mind there is no TV. Hopefully the weather will be nice and there can be some activities available outside.

Clutter Challenge for the Week of Feb. 1, 2010

It's the beginning of a new year and a good reason to think about checking your 72 hour kits.
You can never be too prepared for emergencies.
Give yourself some peace of mind and do an inventory of what you have and update it.
Here is a list to follow:



• Update your kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure
that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal
documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.
• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and
entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.
(3 day supply of food & water per person when no refrigeration/cooking is available)

Protein/Granola Bars

Trail Mix/Dried Fruit

Crackers/Cereals (for munching)

Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna

Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)

Canned Juice

Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt & mint gum might “flavor” other items)

Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person)

Bedding and Clothing

Change of Clothing (short and long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)

Undergarments

Rain Coat /Poncho

Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets

Cloth Sheet

Plastic Sheet

Fuel & Light

Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)

Extra Batteries

Flares

Candles

Lighter

Water-Proof Matches

Miscellaneous

Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in (such as duffel bags or hiking back packs, which work great)

Infant Needs (if applicable)

Equipment

Can Opener

Dishes/Utensils

Shovel

Radio (with batteries!)

Pen and Paper

Axe

Pocket Knife

Rope

Duct Tape

Personal Supplies & Medication

First Aid Supplies

Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc)

Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might “flavor” food items.)

Immunizations Up-to Date

Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc.)

Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money

(Place these items in a water-proof container!)

Scriptures (miniature ones are lighter)

Genealogy Records

Patriarchal Blessing

Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)

Vaccination Papers

Insurance Policies

Cash

Credit Card

Pre-Paid Phone Cards
 
The task can seem overwhelming, but the peace is well worth it.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the Week of Jan.5, 2010

Shave Off Five.......That's this week's Challenge. Shave Off Five minutes to more precise.
Think of your morning routine...that is the most likely place you can shave off five minutes.
By doing this, you will save 35 minutes in one week. If you cut off five minutes every morning for a year, you will save 1.3 days. That may not sound like much, but what if you started shaving off 10 minutes here and there...you could end up saving days of time in one year.
Think about your day...what could you do to save a little time here or there?

Clutter Challenge for the week of Jan. 18th, 2010.

Take a look at the bright side....that is your candles.
The scent of candles can be both soothing and refreshing.
It can also be stressful if you have too many candles.
Do an inventory. How many candles do you have left from Christmas?
How many new candles do you have as gifts and what about the ususal clutter of collected candles?
Well, this week take the time to sort your candles.
Remember to keep a stash for emergencies. Place them in a specific spot with matches and a ceramic plate for the ones that are not protected.
Starat burning the ones that are almost gone, or simply discard them.
And most important...DO NOT buy any new candles until you have used the ones you have.

Happy burning....

Tip: There are many alternatives to actually burning candles....hot plates, wax discs, etc...and remember if you have allergies, the soy candles are much better.

Clutter Challeng for the Week of Jan. 10, 2010

Time to face the Refrigerator.
Most of you have probally already taken the challenge and cleaned out your refrigerator of all the Christmas extras. If you haven't done so....that is this week's challenge.

Extra Tip: If you have a lot of salad dressings nearly empty, you can make fun dips for vegetables by adding your dressings to sour cream. Some dressings go well on chicken and in meats. Give it a try. Add a little dressing to your meals and clean out the refrigerator shelves at the same time.

Clutter Challenge for the week of Jan. 4, 2010

Bag It!!!!

I get frustrated when I go places because I am constantly trying to organize my items to take.
I finally got wise and instead of having one or two bags that I would rotate for multiple purposes, I now have individual bags for individual activities.
In a nutshell:

One easy way to get organized is to designate bags for activities.
Here are a few suggestions:

Libray bag
Dog park fanny pack (or walking/jogging exercising fannypack) This is not the gym bag.
Church bag
Errand bag or bin
Gym bag
Snack bag for cars (I have low blood sugar and this snack bag has saved my bacon when I have been out and about).
Extra make up bag in car - just some of the basics. Comb, mascara, lip gloss.
Backpacks for school - both adults and kiddos.

Additional Tips:
Take a few extra minutes this week and put some baby wipes, tissues and unopened bottled water in you car. Believe me, they will come in handy. You can buy alcohol wipes at most check out counters in place of baby wipes.
Don't forget the hand sanitizer. A pump bottle of this in every car comes in handy.

Clutter challenge for the week of Dec. 27, 2009

Get ONE calendar or planner you really like and stick to it. It's that simple. Start and end each day looking at it to orient yourself to the day ahead and plan for tomorrow.
The Dollar Stores have several planners to choose from and they only cost $1.00.

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of Dec 14th '09

The Christmas rush is upon us. A simple tip for this week is to think of ways to simplify your gift giving. Homemade coupons are a great way to do this. Here are a few ideas: Car wash, do the dishes. massage, babysitting, breakfast in bed, Pizza night, Stay up late, Extra bedtime story, Clean your room Pass, waffles for dinner.....these are a few ideas.
Can you think of some as well?

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of Dec 7th 2009

Counting to Ten

Counting to ten is is one of the old and famous ways known to regain your composure when feeling frustrated and angry.
Well, did you know counting to ten also works when you are feeling overwhelmed and surrounded by clutter? However, there is one added component. As you are counting to ten you are picking up and putting away 10 items.
This short and easy fix is not the cure to clutter, but it is a sure and easy way to manage it during the Christmas Season or any season for that matter.
When my kiddos were small it was called, "123...speed" I would tell my kids how many items they needed to pick up and put away and we would all race to do it together. Yes, my husband was included. Five kids, one husband and me....thats 70 items put away in no time at all. And a reward at the end makes it fun.

One, two, three....speed...............................

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of Nov 30th 2009

It's that time of year when we start bringing more into our house than we take out.
This week's challenge is to remember the One item in Two items out rule.
For every new item you bring into the house, you must remove two.
BUT WAIT...(yes, I can read your mind)... .you are thinking...."This is impossible when it's Christmas time"
You are right, So, I am going to change the rule for the next 4 weeks.
ONE item in ONE item out.....(not 2)..................
You can accomplish this by a session of dejunking.
Predetermine a number of items you are going to remove in advance to leave room for the new items coming in. The math may be a little fuzzy, but, it will give you a chance at keeping clutter under control during and after the Holidays.
My goal is to get rid of 25 items this week. I won't be having Christmas here, but I will be bringing presents home and finding good deals over the Holidays. I actually made me a 25 items check list to mark off.
I know....I have too much time on my hands.............but it will be fun.
Let me know your determined removal number....my way of helping you along the path...

Extra Tip: Remember to put on that favaorite Christmas CD to do your dejunking. Mine will be Alabama.

Clutter Challenge for the week of Nov. 23rd 2009.

Take the time this week to enjoy family and friends.
If you want to maintain some sense of order...remember your 3 Focus Zones.
For those of you who are new to the blog...the 3 Focus Zones are three areas in your house that you chose to maintain on a daily basis...at least 10 minutes a day. It could be your entry way, kitchen counters, landing pad, living room. etc.. You choose three areas and give yourself permission to let them go during the day and then spend 10 minutes just before bedtime to straighten them up. That way you are not a slave to them all day long. (See Weekly Clutter Challenge for the week of Oct 3rd, 2009 for all the details)
I want to remind you to ask for help with doing dishes, setting the table, cooking etc....
I did my three focus areas last night after a day of cooking and church and I loved waking up to having them  done.
Now I am free to start my daily TO DO list....Hello Monday.................  :o)

Clutter Challenge for the week of Nov. 16th, 2009

Last week to get ready for company. If you get your cleaning done early you can let go of all your housework for the next week.
Just do the basics now. Don't go into too much detail. Time doesn't allow you to at this point. Clean the toilets, make sure the sheets are clean, linens and soap are available and extra blankets are excessable. Call it good and enjoy your guests.
Now, cooking is a different thing........try and get what you can done this weekend and plan out the menu in advance.
Advocate....advocate...advocate.....did I mention it's important to advocate so you don't get tooooo stressed.
If your lucky and are going as a quest this year to Thanksgiving...bring a gift for the hostess and offer your services.
Happy Gobble Day

Weekly Clutter Challenge for the Week of Nov. 9th 2009

Take time to go thru winter coats and jackets.
Donate the coats and jackets you want to discard to charity.
In the process, sort through your blankets as well and donate any you want to discard to charity.
It's the time of year many homeless and those unemployed need warm clothes and blankets.

Extra Tip: it's always wise to have a blanket in your car. Just in case............