Lotions, Shampoos and other Cleaning Gadgets

I have made a pledge to not buy any more soaps, lotions, conditioners, chap sticks, shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, shaving cremes, make-up, lipsticks, eye liners, hand cremes etc. until the last drop and bitty bit is used up. We are probably looking at the year 2020...

Stand-By Electricity Usage

All electric appliances that have a remote control or have a digital display are on stand-by of some sort and still draw up to one third of their electric supply while in "hibernation" mode. This refers to TVs, DVD players, microwaves, laundry machines, etc. It is a good idea to plug appliances into a power switch and to turn it off completely when not in use.

The Day The 18 Month Old Dryer Went on Strike

Well, this is new. A dryer that heats but refuses to blow air and turn. Hence a heater, not a dryer. A Whirlpool that was. I had to say it. Repairs and parts nowadays easily cost more than buying an entirely new dryer. What to do, repair or buy another new electric dryer? While debating I chose the 3rd option. I invested a few bucks in a laundry line and started air drying our clothes in the basement. I guess that's what basements and attics were for in the old days. Never have to worry about a dryer going on strike again. Good for the environment, good for the electricity bill, nice exercise. I think we have a winner.

Along that line I can only recommend the Whitney Design 5147 Indoor Folding Drying Rack, Chrome for $25.30. It is sturdy and can be used inside as well as outside.
Or just get an old-fashioned Lehigh RC20 20-Foot Retractable Clothesline ($10.42)





My mom always used the Crawford-Lehigh LA84P-1 Large Capacity Deluxe Parallel Clothes Dryer and loved it ($47.99). This model is probably more for outside usage.

Roasted Flour Soup or Dinner for Less than a Buck

5 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion sliced in rings
4 coups bouillon (chicken, vegetable or beef)

Optional (but then the soup will cost a bit more... but taste much better):
croutons-32 oz bag
grated cheese

Brown flour in pot while continuously stirring, then when nicely browned, let it cool off slightly. Add the butter or olive oil and stir with the flour. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes. Pour in the bouillon and bring to a boil while stirring. Lower the heat and let cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Season with pepper if necessary.
Serve in pre-warmed plates with croutons and grated cheese. Enjoy!