How do you clean the inside of your dishwasher?
How do you clean the inside of your washing machine?
Does liquid fabric softener actually do anything? Do you use it in addition to dryer sheets? Or instead of them?
What do you make for dinner if it is 4:45 and you have nothing thawed?
Which Wii game should we purchase next?
If I'm feeling sad, like panicky sad, and the reason behind it is really embarrassing, should I tell people and risk getting laughed at or just put on a happy face and know that things will get better soon?
If you get your days mixed up, do you deserve a public flogging? I thought the meet & greet was Friday, not Saturday. I'm still going to try to go, but it may be a bit more difficult.
Please help me with these life-altering questions!
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I so missed a party at Christmas. I thought the invitation said it started at 5pm...it ended at 5 so I got there when everyone was leaving!
Just don't miss your Paris flight!!!!
If you think you can laugh with them, then go ahead and tell them the reason. If not, then a faking it is always a good idea.
We don't have dryers so liquid fabric softener is a MUST.
If nothing is thawed or we have no meat I make either this or this.
And of course you blog about the embarrassing thing and find that everyone understands you and you feel much, much better.
when I have nothing thawed at 4:45 I concoct some sort of soup out of many cans. Or we grab something.
I have no earthly idea how to clean the inside of your dishwasher- does it not get clean when it washes the dishes? Same train of thought applies to the washing machine.
I use both fabric softener and dryer sheets. I know... I'm exessive.
I would totally blog about whatever is bothering you. Your bloggy friends are just as messed up as you are. ;)
We love u anyway.
I generally don't support public flogging. You need to make it to the meeting.
As foir the Wii- I'm at a loss. We have an Xbox Elite. If you don't already have Rockband- you need it.
~I started using this great stuff that I found at Walmart called LEMI SHINE. You use it in addition to your detergent when you run the dishwasher, and it gets your dishes REALLY clean AND keeps your dishwasher clean at the same time. It's right there in the same section as the dishwasher detergent.
~I'm not sure about cleaning out the inside of the washing machine...
~I used to use liquid softener AND dryer sheets, but was told that too much of that stuff wreaks havoc on your dryer...so now I just use either/or, depending on what I have at the time. I do think fabric softener is more of a must if you air-dry anything.
~I have an Anne Taintor postcard on my refrigerator that says "Make your own d*&# dinner"...that should tell you how I handle the 4:45 dinner panic!
~I'm horrible at talking about my feelings...so I'm probably not one to give you guidance on whether you should share what's giving you the blues...but I DO think that bloggy friends are awesome and very supportive!
~I'm all for public flogging, but more for people who steal/rape/murder...stuff like that...
~No idea about the Wii...the only game I've ever played is bowling and that's a blast!
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Maintain-a-Dishwasher
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Washing-Machine
Liquid fabric softener ruins your machine and holds perspiration odors in your clothes.
Raving Rabbids TV Party or Animal Crossing.
Just spill it.
No public flogging required.
1. I've heard something about running it by itself with some concoction. I bet if you google it you'll find a great answer.
2. No idea.
3. I am addicted to liquid fabric softener. And I do notice a huge difference. I sometimes use both, but usually just the liquid. My fave is Downy Simple Pleasures in the Vanilla Lavender scent.
4. Spaghetti with no meat.
5. Definitely the Raving Rabbids game. We don't have it, but my brother does and it's a blast.
6. It's up to you, but find someone to talk to about it! We all have our moments of feeling stupid over our emotions, I'm sure everyone relates.
7. I constantly get my days mixed up and I can't live without a planner.
That's a lot of questions.....
1.I wipe down the door and racks with bleach then run it through a cycle empty.
2. I run it empty on HOT with a little bleach added to the cycle.
3. I don't use liquid softener..I was once told that it is hard on your clothes, and machine...supposedly so are the dryer sheets. I use the sheets though.
4. Quesadillas
5. The new Guitar Hero
6. I think you should find someone you trust and just talk to them. We all have moments and sometimes just talking about it can bring things into perspective and make us feel better.
7. No public floggings..they aren't nice or fair! If it makes you feel any better, I was convinced yesterday was Sunday (because I was home from work)
There ya have...lifes questions answered by (Me)! You're Welcome ;)
Wii Game: Endless Ocean. The first time you play it might seem boring, but then you realize that it is incredibly relaxing, unlike any other game you've ever played.
It is one that I put my kids too when I need a few minutes of quiet and need them to calm down. It has very quiet kind of new-age-y music, and water sounds. The most exciting thing that happens is you encounter sharks, or you might find a polar bear on your ship. But there is never anything wild making your kids jump around like maniacs. If you like zombies for a few minutes a day, this is the one to get.
*I clean my dishwasher by running a short cycle with bleach in it.
*I clean my clothes washer by running an empty load with vinegar in it. There are probably better ways.
*I big huge puffy heart love liquid fabric softener. However the heap stuff does not work and will add to the static. I use liquid instead of dryer sheets. My mom uses sheets and is happy with it. It is a personal opinion. Try the liquid, you will like it.
*When it is 4:45 and nothing is defrosted, I quick defrost ground turkey (in the microwave) and make tacos.
*MARIO KARTS!!!
*Spill what is bothering you with the people you know will not judge you. If that is not possible you blog it and hope for the best.
*I mix up my days all the time.
I get the days mixed up constantly...so I'll be standing next in line for flogging!!!
I don't generally clean my dishwasher unless there's gunk along the edges that I can grab with a rag.
My washer I clean once a month by doing a cycle with nothing but bleach in it.
I never use fabric softener. I have this thing against intentionally coating my clothing with gunk.
Tacos. (A pound of meat can thaw in the microwave pretty fast.)
Do you have Wii Fit?
I'm sorry you're feeling sad. Share what's bothering you only if you feel like it.
I get my days mixed up all the time. (I'm planning on being there Saturday! Woot!)
-I also uses the stuff called Lemi-Shine that you can find at the grocery store to clean out the dishwasher. I don't use it very often, maybe once every couple months.
-We have a game for the Wii called Carnival Games (I think that is what it is called). It is fun because you do all these carnival like games. Like popping the ballon, filling the clowns mouth up with water to blow up the balloon, ring toss, strong man hammer throw, dunk tank...stuff like that. It has been a fun one for me to play with my kid!
-As for the days that I don't have anything thawed, it usually comes down to grilled cheese sandwiches and soup or the good old tuna casserole (which my kids absolutely love!).
I'm going to try and answer a few of your questions. I'm not sure if I really know the answers, but these are my best suggestions/things I've done.
#1. The inside of the dishwasher: I know that there are cleaners that you can add to loads, or use seperately. They're supposed to work. I use vinegar in every load. It's cheap and cheerful. It makes your dishsoap more effective and helps to rinse and clean the dishwasher itself. Try using just vinegar in your pre-wash and detergent slots and then run the dishwasher empty on a high heat setting. I'm sure it will loosen up goo enough to get it off. Another cheap, cheerful and natural solution: make a paste of baking soda and salt. Think of something a little thicker consistancy than Soft Scrub. Use a slightly abrasive sponge, then scrub the stubborn deposits. You might want to do this first, then run the washer with the vinegar. My final suggestions is Lime Away. I know that it can get off almost anything. I would use it in place of soap and run the dishwasher empty.
#2. Cleaning the inside of the dishwasher: Again, Lime Away and or vinegar. I would do the vinegar myself. It really is just as effective at removing scaly deposits. You can also use it in your whites. Just add it to the load. It helsp to brighten them up.
#3. Liquid fabric softener: Yes. It absolutely does make a difference. Especially in towels and jeans. I use it in conjunction with dryer sheets.
#5. Wii game: Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the Rayman Raving Rabbids games. They're kind of gross, but also funny and hillarious at the same time. The "TV" one can be used with the Wii Fit board. In fact, it says on the cover it's the "first video game you play with your butt." It's a lot of fun.
#6. Feeling panicky: Talking about things always makes you feel better.
I think I've said enough for today.
Everyone else has some really great answers. I have cleaned my washing machine by just wiping down the inside with a disinfecting wipe. I like everyone else's ideas better.
When there's nothing thawed for dinner, I make Pancakes. I don't have the luxury of a dishwasher. :(
You should get Mario Kart next for your wii. I've heard but don't know for a fact that fabric softener AND dryer sheets are a bit too much together and that you shouldn't use fabric softener on your towels because it will wear them out more quickly. I think you can use softener in place of sheets though.
As for cleaning your washing machine, I looked this answer up online:
Run a cycle of hot water along with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener receptacle and soak it in hot water and detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. Don't forget to clean the top rim of the wash bucket as it is up and under where it can't usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run the washer empty on a hot cycle one more time.
You should definitely get Guitar Hero for the wii! It is a must!
Looks like you have gotten some good answers for the rest!
I'm SUPPOSED to clean the inside of my dishwasher? If you mean particles of ick, I clean it when the 'ick' starts finding it's way to my dishes.
I can only use liquid fabric softener because of the type of dryer I have. Do not use both. The do more or less the same thing and you don't want the film in them building up in your clothes. I only use fabric softener on sheets or towels (though I hear you shouldn't use it on towels either).
As for the panicky thing- it depends on who the other person is. Unless people feel it themselves sometimes (in which case they'd understand completely), they don't really 'get' what it is to feel the anxiety and therefore don't think of it the same way you might. They are unlikely to think it weird or be judging because they don't understand the depth which you may feel it- they just think it's the same kind they might experience from time to time even if it's a lot more than that (my perspective as a wife of a guy with panic and anxiety issues).
Is it necessary to clean the inside of the washer? Doesn't it get cleaned everytime you wash the clothes? Hmmm.
I had to clean the inside of my dishwasher when we first moved in - someone had left standing water in there and it smelled like rotting flesh - it was so so gross! I was afraid we were going to have to replace it. So, I ran a cycle without anything in there (so the water could all drain) and then I ran a load with a cup of bleach in the bottom. Did the trick. No more stinky dishwasher!
I use liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets. That way even the clothes that I have to hang dry or lay flat to dry are still oh so soft.
When I make BBQ pulled pork or green chile burros, or even some stew and soups, I make a TON so that I can freeze the leftovers in 2-3 servings increments in ziploc bags and freeze them. That way, when one evening, it's 4:45 and I don't have anything to eat, I can grab one of those, throw them in a giant pot of boiling water, and viola! I have dinner in less than 30 minutes - most of the time, in less than 15! Also, at Sam's club, in the frozen foods, they sell a package of 4 loaves of artisan bread that only requires 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven. One of those combined with anything makes it look like a real meal. Another fall back is just spaghetti and Prego marinara sauce with cheese.
And I say share your sadness - I bet you'll find that someone else has felt the same thing.
I never clean the inside of my dishwasher, but I hear vinegar works.
I run my washing machine with hot water and bleach to clean it.
I think liquid fabric softener works, but I'd only use it in place of dryer sheets.
I do all of my thawing in the microwave. But a quick dinner for me is usually mac & cheese with tuna, or tuna casserole (tuna noodles mushroom soup cheese.)
Panicky sad question-- you just have to find the right person to talk to about it. But if blogging has taught me anything it's that knowing peoples secret fears and insecurities makes me love them more and feel more normal myself.
Since everyone is giving you such fab answers, my question was - are you suppose to clean the inside of those things :)
Love your questions Erin. I always love coming over here.
White vinegar... I got hooked on it throught he Queen of Clean... it is great for dishwashers and washing machines.
I use both liquid softener and dryer sheets, I like how soft everything feels.
My favorite easy meal is Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder...
http://realmomreallife.blogspot.com/2008/12/comfort-food-at-its-finest.html
I don't use liquid fabric softener for the same reason, I don't really get it.
I don't clean the things you asked about because I'm too scattered and lazy to keep up with anything past regular cleaning.
I always share the embarrassing stuff cause it's usually only really embarrassing to me.
4:45, nothing thawed? Pizza, bean and cheese tacos/burritos, sandwiches, breakfast for dinner...that's all I can think of.
I'm with others on the vinegar thing. I used it for the first time after we moved and loved the way it cleaned my washing machine. Dinner at 4:45...usually breakfast of some sort. waffles, breakfast burritos etc. For the Wii...I got Family Game Night and we love playing it (connect 4, battleship, yahtzee, boggle, sorry). Guitar hero, and Mario Kart. I bought High School Musical Sing It (got a great deal) and my boys (and Aunt Laura) love it! SO the karaoke ones are fun.
Hi... don't know how I happened upon your blog, but I'm here so thought I'd say hi.
I run my washing machine empty with nothing but bleach... that's what the instructions say to do.
I don't ever clean my dishwasher. Should I?
Dinner when nothing is thawed... I'm all about pancakes and scrambled eggs.. OR we have spaghetti, with frozen meatballs tossed in... they warm up in ten minutes. Not gourmet by any means, but still yummy.
I get my days mixed up all the time. Like, take my kid to school on saturday mixed up. I know. Horrible.
And... it's not the answer to one of your questions... but my husband and I were engaged after eight days too. Ten days after he got home from his mission, eight days after we met. :)
I love the questions~we use fabric softner because I love the way it makes our clothes smell. Way better than those dryer sheets. HOw fun to have the Wii fit. Hope you are not as sore anymore!!
I have answers to 1, 2 and 4.
1 and 2: You're already putting soap in them---do you really need to do more than that?
4: Breakfast. Seriously, pancakes, eggs, waffles...whatever. They don't take much time and it can be fun. And even healthy if you throw in some fruit:)
We just got Wii Block Party. It's pretty fun!
I have to say the outdoor Adventure game for the Wii. It is so fun, and my kids love it!
i love liquid fabric softner.
and these games:
http://www.amazon.com/Active-Life-Outdoor-Challenge-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B0013LTP5Q
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Of-All-Games-34184/dp/B000QD7BBM?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1195933765&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Crossing-City-Folk-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B001CM0PR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1234895813&sr=1-1
I use my sink hose to spray the dish washer down and hit drain on the washer.
If you set the washer on a cycle and add soap without clothes and let it run it should clean out your washer.
Fabric softener ruins clothes and your dryer. Dryer sheets create a film on your lint trap and you have to clean it other wise you are supposed to use them as one or the other.
You make veggies spaghetti with bread and butter (just noodles and can sauce and bread and butter)
UM I don't know what games you have but an exercise one sounds fun.
Hope that helps
1. Are you supposed to? I thought it was clean anyway. I guess if it starts to smell then you have to do something. I would say run a rinse load with vinegar.
2. Ditto
3. Love fabric softener, but don't you have to put it in during the cycle? Who sits around waiting for the right time to add it?
4. You don't. You have hubby stop at Little Cesars on the way home for the 5 dollar pizza.
5. Stumped. We got a Wii for Christmas, I have yet to play it.
6. Go for the laugh.
7. No flogging, just BE THERE SATURDAY!!!
Your.Welcome
I always throw on potatoes if nothing is thawed and we just have potato bars. Also the panicky thing, I TOTALLY GET, so share if you need to. I have found the happy face thing only gets me so far. I am trying to gather up enough courage to go to the meet and greet and I have to say if you went, it would be a HUGE incentive for me :)
It never dawned on me to wash the inside of the washing machine!! If you have nothing for dinner, a good option is Salmon patties, or loaf.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Dang it! who cleans those thing?
lol
I wish I was going to meet the famous Kristina, but my daughter has a gymnastics meet that day..
Another time..
I am so glad you have a WII.. Try the sonic and mario olympics.. IT cracks me right up..
Cleaning inside the dishwasher. I found little bomb things you let off in there that clean it . Works wonders
Softener, No idea if it has a purpose but it has a smell so I over used it. Have you tried the simple pleasures. SO DIVINE>
1&2: I'm supposed to clean them? Err...
3: We have sensitive skin 'round here and can't use either.
4: Omelettes, pancakes, canned soup and grilled cheese sandwiches...
5: Mario Cart if you don't have already.
6: Definitely. People will like you better for being more human.
7: I think it's part of being a mom. Seriously.
So many questions. I like to think I have ALL the answers, but as for the dishwasher I am clueless. Depending on your washing machine, you can run some CLR through an empty load.
I think liquid softener works but I usually only use it on loads that I want extra soft (like towels, sheets, and the kids' clothing) or on loads that aren't going to go through the dryer.
At 4:45 I usually start contemplating pizza or Wendy's. Or do breakfast for dinner. French toast or scrambled eggs are pretty easy to pull off.
Wii games - if you love the mario games, Paper Mario and Super Mario Galaxy are excellent. I also love Mario Kart. For the kiddos you could look into the WarioWare games or Raving Rabids. Their newest game works with your balance board and you play sitting down on it. (By the way, James surprised me and got me Fit for Valentine's! So much fun!)
You know I always want to know what's going on with you, but if putting it on the blog will cause more problems than it will solve, you're entitled to your privacy.
I get my days mixed up FREQUENTLY! So I hope public flogging does not become the standard punishment.
You make me laugh. I always love your blog Erin! If I have nothing at 4:45 for dinner, then we have breakfast. Other than that, I'm clueless:). Except normally I don't tell people if I'm panicky sad because I want to sort it out myself and not have them think about that one time I was sad about that certain thing. Depending on the friend, of course.
I hate it when I get days mixed up, or forget where I am going. Good luck with that and all of those questions that NEED answering.
I don't know how to clean the inside of anything. Except when we moved I ran my washing machine with no clothes in it and put clorox in, hoping that would do the trick!
I REALLY hope you can come on Saturday. I'd love to meet you!
p.s. How do you get 41 comments?
I can't even get that many when I do a giveaway!! you are so popular!
So many helpful answers... my questions is.. which will you choose?
Oooohhh... how's THAT!
I use dryer sheets to rub my little girls hair when it gets to staticy.
1. I don't
2. I don't
3. I only use dryer sheets
4. Pancakes or Waffles
5. No clue. Don't own a Wii
6. I'd probably just put on a :) face
7. I get days mixed up all the time so I'd say no to a public flogging. I sure hope you can still make it on Saturday though.
I've never cleaned my dishwasher...eeew, maybe that's too gross to admit!
For my washer, I just pour in some bleach and run a regular wash cycle with no clothes in it. It leaves the washer smelling really clean and fresh.
As for the Wii game, I got the Fitness Coach a couple weeks ago and it kicks butt when you need a good work-out!!
Liquid fabric softener makes everything super fluffy! I swear by it!
Wii game--Guitar Hero or We Ski--totally fun...all your other questions, well, um, I wouldn't want to be an answer hog so I'll let some other commenters have a shot at it. I'm giving that way...
Blessings!
I just cleaned my dishwasher with dishwasher cleaner. We have hard water. I have heard the orange drink you can get at the cannery will clean your dishwasher too.
I like to beach a load of clothes every once in a while to freshen up my washing machine.
I can't stand liquid fabric softener. It makes bath towels not absorb water.
For a quick meal, we like to make Jimmy Dean breakfast skillets, just add eggs.
I don't have a Wii, sorry.
I tend to keep things to myself.
I always get my days messed up.
Hope I helped.
E how has all the answers. I find answers to all my questions there. Nightowlmama come look me up Great blog..and wow your going to PARIS. I'm so jealous. Hope ya post pic's on your blog when you get back. Have a safe and great time.
oKAY, so I love this. I too wonder so much. ANd I have been sad, so sad, and so not able to sleep, hence my blogging all night. so ...i will come back to answer your questions, and thanks for the FUN read.
Wow, you hit the comment jackpot with this one. :)
I do not have a wii and would be a total hypocrite if I gave any cleaning advice, but I'm an expert at 4:45 (or 6:00!) dinner planning.
Breakfast is a great idea. Kids love it. Use refrigerator biscuits, top them with spaghetti sauce and cheese and make mini pizzas. Veggies on the side. Also, boil pasta, mix with Ragu or some pasta sauce, put in a baking pan, top with cheese and stick in oven until melted... fake baked ziti-ish dinner that kids eat up. One more: If you have any canned chicken or cubed ham, mix it with cream of chicken soup, some sour cream, and mixed veggies on the stove, and then serve it over rice or noodles. Kind of a chicken-y stroganoff thing. Can you see why I don't have a cookbook publishing contract? :)
GOSH! I need to get me a Wii! I wipe out my washer, but only because the fabric softener leaves a film. Martha said once that you only need to use fabric softener once every four or so loads because it makes your clothes dingy otherwise. I do use dryer sheets every time. I just like the way fabric softener makes my clothes smell. I had no idea people cleaned their dishwashers, I guess I need to take care of that. I love the vinegar for everything solution. Glad I could lend a listening ear yesterday. Hope it helped. We always do breakfast for dinner. You know me. I always get my days mixed up.
-I use a non-toxic "dishwasher cleaner" from the grocery store. They actually make dishwasher cleansers, easy huh?
- I clean my washing machine by doing a load with 1/2 cup of vinegar
- I use fabric softener, and then 1/2 of a dryer sheet as well. Vinegar is a great fabric softener, so I use 1 TB of vinegar instead of the toxic chemicals from fabric softeners. It softens just as well (and I have SUPER sensitive skin, so I would know).
-4:45pm and just starting dinner. To me that means: pasta or quesadillas or french bread pizzas or leftovers (but we rarely have leftovers in our fridge, as I don't make huge dinners, and I don't really enjoy leftovers).
-As for sharing your sad thing - how should I know? I mean, is it hilarious sad? If so, do share.
Have a good day!
Um, on the 2nd one, that an empty load in the washing machine with vinegar - NOT with clothes in it.
Eggs Over Easy and Toast
My kids eat it fast and it only takes a few minutes to make. I usually combine it with either a fruit or a veggie. Sometimes a yogurt as well.
We have to clean our dishwasher in AZ because of the hard water. Found out the hard way as it didn't work and the spray arm was full of deposits and almost broke my dishwasher motor. We have to use the lemonshine and powdered dishwasher detergent every cycle or else buy a new dishwasher every year - yuck!! I love liquid softner for the smell. We have so many Wii games I will have to ask my kids and get back with ya:)
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