chrisi's coffee for the soul

You can do WHAT with baking soda?

2008-09-05T19:43:00.002-04:00

I found this very interesting - I will be trying several of these

1. To make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.
2. Be sure to keep an extra box of baking soda by your stove in case of grease or electrical fire. Scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.
3. Keep a container of baking soda in your garage as well as in your car to put out a fire. It won't damage anything it touches.
4. Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.
5. Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.
6. Wash garbage cans with baking soda.
7. Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.
8. Oil and grease - stained clothing washes out better with soda added to the washing water.
9. Clean your fridge and freezer with dry soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. rinse with clear water.
10. Deodorize your fridge and freezer by putting in an open container of baking soda to absorb odors. Stir and turn over the soda from time to time. Replace every 2 months.
11. Soda absorbs kitty litter odors. Cover the bottom of the kitty box with 1 part soda; then add a layer of 3 parts kitty litter on top.
12. Always add 1/2 cup soda to your washing machine load.
13. Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.
14. Wash food and drink containers with soda and water.
15. Wash marble-topped furniture with a solution of 3 tablespoons of soda in 1 quart of warm water. Let stand awhile, then rinse.
16. Clean formica counter tops with baking soda on a damp sponge.
17. Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.
18. To remove stubborn stains from marble, formica or plastic surfaces, scour with a paste of soda and water.
19. Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots (but not aluminum) in a soda solution ( 3 tbsp. soda to 1 quart water).
20. Run you coffee maker through its cycle with a soda solution. Rinse.
21. Give baby bottles a good cleaning with soda and hot water.
22. Sprinkle soda on barbecue grills, let soak, then rinse off.
23. Sprinkle soda on greasy garage floor. Let stand, scrub and rinse.
24. Polish silverware with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry.
25. For silver pieces without raised patterns or cemented-on handles: place the silver on aluminum foil in an enamel pot. Add boiling water and 4 tbsp. baking soda. Let stand, rinse and dry.
26. Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some soda on the bottom.
27. Run your dishwasher through its cycle with soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.
28. To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.
29. For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight, then scrub it clean next day.
30. Rub stainless steel and chrome with a moist cloth and dry baking soda to shine it up. Rinse and dry. On stainless steel, scrub in the direction of the grain.
31. Clean plastic, porcelain and glass with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rinse and dry.
32. Remove that bad smell from ashtrays with soda and water.
33. Sprinkle a bit of dry soda in your ashtrays to prevent smoldering and reduce odor.
34. Clean your bathroom with dry soda on a moist sponge - sink, tub, tiles, shower stall, etc.
35. Keep your drains clean and free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.
36. Soak your shower curtains in water and soda to clean them.
37. To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse.
38. Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.
39. Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.
40. Add 1/2 cups or more of baking soda to your bath water to soften your skin.
41. Putting 2 tbsp. of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.
42. Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.
43. Take a soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.
44. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.
45. Gargle with 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.
46. Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.
47. To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.
48. Bug bites: use a poultice of baking soda and vinegar.
49. Bee sting: use a poultice of baking soda and water.
50. Windburns: moisten some baking soda and apply directly.
51. Making Play Clay with baking soda: combine 1 1/4 cups water, 2 cups soda, 1 cup cornstarch.
52. Use soda as an underarm deodorant.
53. If your baby spits up on his shirt after feeding, moisten a cloth, dip it in baking soda and dab at the dribbled shirt. The odor will go away.
54. When scalding a chicken, add 1 tsp. of soda to the boiling water. The feathers will come off easier and flesh will be clean and white.
55. Repel rain from windshield. Put gobs of baking soda on a dampened cloth and wipe windows inside and out.
56. Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.
57. Add to water to remove the "gamey" taste from wild game.
58. Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.
59. Use dry with a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.
60. Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster. Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda.

It's the weekend!!!!

2008-09-05T19:25:00.003-04:00

Is it crazy that I'm excited for class tomorrow? I really enjoy going to class on campus. It is so interesting and I learn so much! Tomorrow is Microbiology- this class is pretty interesting. After class- I'm heading to my sister's baby shower. After the shower, a cook out at the in laws and visiting with some family from out of town. :) I'm really looking forward to the day of visiting my family :)

This week has went by so quick and I have yet to get done everything I want to get done... Where does time go??? I get sidetracked so easy it is ridiculous. Next week I will stay on task- or so I hope! LOL I still am looking for a better work at home job. I decided to not take the job with the company that requires training mon- fri 10-3pm that does not work for me. I'm going to apply at a few other places. I just need something really flexible. My schedule can be pretty screwy. If anyone has any ideas- let me know :)

I also need to start preparing for my pampered chef open house- and get catalogs out to the gals having catalog parties. I will post my website when I get it up and running. I'll have my own pampered chef website! I'm so excited about that! I'm such an internet junkie.

Speaking of internet - I really like this one site that puts me in contact with other bloggers. It has been really interesting reading others blogs. There are some really creative people out there!!! So all the fellow bloggers you should check it out : it is called entrecard
http://entrecard.com/

Ok I'm outta here for now- I need to catch up on emails and such.

Til Next Time
~chrisi

What I have on ebay...

2008-09-04T23:00:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd post a quick blog with a link to the items I have on ebay for sale. I have spent most of the day uploading stuff to ebay. None of the stuff is even mine LOL I'm trying to help my sister and sister in law make a little money. I will be listing some of my items tomorrow. Take a look if you get a chance.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZchrisiwestQQfrppZ50QQfsopZ32QQfsooZ2QQrdZ0

Later gators :)Chrisi

My grand kitties

2008-09-02T22:58:00.004-04:00

This was taken tonight- These are my grand kitties. They are really sweet! I will try to post more pictures soon.

115 Days

2008-09-02T00:05:00.004-04:00

Do you want to know what is happening in 114 days? Once I tell you- please try not to run away from your computer screaming in complete panic mode.....

In 115 days- it will be

C H R I S T M A S D A Y

Ok- now it is time to freak out a bit! Isn't it still technically summer time???? We are moving into the month of September & I'm beginning to panic because all I can think about is the approaching Christmas holiday. What should I buy my parents? my in laws? my nieces & nephews? my husband? my kidlets? Ugh- I think I'm giving myself a headache.

Over the labor day weekend we ended the tractor pull season. There were 4 tractor pulls this weekend! The kids & I went to 2 of the pulls. I enjoy going to the tractor pulls & so do the kidlets- but 4 in one weekend is a little much for all of us.

As many of you know, my son started kindergarten this year. I was the bad mean mommy on friday and took him to get the booster shots. Thank goodness we were the last appointment of the day and almost everyone had cleared out of the doctor's office. Mason absolutely FREAKED when it was time for the shots. I have heard many people say they hate to take their babies in for their shots/check ups - they feel so bad etc. etc. After friday's episode with Mason- I think I'd rather take babies in for shots/check ups any day- rather a 5 year old. 5 year old kids- know what is coming and the go temporarily crazy! Mason was yelling- NO NO NO NO ... PLEASE NO SHOTS PLEASE NO SHOTS. At first I felt bad- then when I could not get him to calm down- I became frustrated. He was carrying on like a maniac - all before he even received the first shot! He had himself so psyched out - there was no reasoning with him. It took 2 nurses and myself to keep him still enough to receive the 3 shots. Mason is such a tough, macho, show boat little boy- I did not expect him to act this way at all. I'm so glad that is done and over with!

Madison & Meredith are doing well. All three kids & I are dealing with allergies right now. BLAH On top of getting shots on friday- Mason has an ear infection- so he is on an antibiotic.

School is going well for the kidlets. Mason seems to really enjoy kindergarten. Madison likes school for the most part- but thinks her teacher gives too much homework. I think Madison is still trying to get back in the mode of school because the teacher only gives about 15 minutes of homework a night- If Madison did the homework correctly or neatly the first time- it would only take her 15 minutes to do it. I'm enjoying school too. I really really really like taking classes on campus. It is SOOOOOOOO much easier than the online classes.

Well I should go for now. it is 12:30 am and I should head to bed. Tomorrow my goal is to try to find a solid work from home job. I've found tons and tons of companies to apply to- I need to start sending in resumes and filling out applications. Joy!

Til Next Time

~Chrisi

This is absolutely the funniest thing I've heard in a while!

2008-08-28T22:23:00.003-04:00

I think I replayed this video 3 times- because it made me laugh so hard. TOO FUNNY!!

What is your plan?!?

2008-08-26T10:11:00.005-04:00

I've worked in an office environment for 9 1/2 years. Mind you- I'm 27 years old - so basically I've been working since high school. It is amazing what paths you go down in your life. My plan was to graduate from high school, go to college, get married, have kids, live happily ever after. HA! My plan did not go in that order- I graduated from high school, went to college one semester, got married earlier than planned because my step mom had terminal cancer and I needed her to be at my wedding, got pregnant on my honeymoon, had Madison in June of 2000 , my step mom passed away in October of 2000, my two young sisters lived with me off and on for a few years, I went into premature labor and lost a baby girl in 2002, I got pregnant again had Mason in July of 2003, We got in a car accident on Thanksgiving day in 2006, I had Meredith April 2007, and now- finally after all this - I quit my job and I am going to college- to finally become a nurse. Things have not gone smooth since I left my job- I quit the middle of May 2008, my husband became ill at the end of May and landed himself in the hospital for 10 days in June - He had a perforated appendix. He had a really rough road to recovery and still is not feeling 100% - Rod returned back to work the middle of July. So now it is August- things are starting to fall together. I'm going to school monday nights and saturdays. I'm working from home doing a few things to bring in a little bit of money. I thought I'd list a few sites in case anyone is looking for a work at home job.

www.ratracrebellion.com is by far the best website to find work at home jobs. I highly highly recommend this site.

www.workplacelikehome.com is a wonderful community. I love this site and all the people there are so helpful when you are looking for a work at home job.

www.wahm.com I visit this site a few times a week. They have a pampered chef folder and a blogger folder that is really interesting.

www.ebay.com I've been listing a few things here and there that I find around the house.

www.mypoints.com you register to receive emails that present various offers- you receive points for viewing the offers- the points then can be redeemed for gift cards of $. It takes a while to add up, but it is definitely one of the best sites when it comes to accumulating points.

I also just signed on to be a pampered chef consultant. It was a deal that I could not pass up- 155.00 for the starter kit- if you host 4 parties in the first 30 days- you get 1/2 the money back & the director I signed up under gives all her consultants a 50.00 rebate when they host 4 shows in the first 30 days. Awesome! So if anyone is up for hosting a catalog party- let me know- I also will swap parties with someone who sells something different. The holidays are quickly approaching! :-) :-O

Ok I'm outta here - Meredith is crabby- time to go play!

Til Next Time
~Chrisi

Need help with debt?

2008-08-25T16:19:00.004-04:00

I found this really interesting website. I have been looking for various ways to lower our debt, control our debt, and eliminate it. This is a really great website and has a lot of great information.
http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/forums/

Tonight I have Anatomy & Physiology II lab- which means dissecting a cat. BLAH. Then the rest of this week will be pretty low key as I do not have class Saturday or next Monday because of the holiday. I am looking forward to class tonight- to get a break from the kids. Mason actually has been pretty good today- but lately I'm getting attitude from Madison. I'm not looking forward to the teenage years. She is SO worried about what the neighbor girls are doing and going to play with them, she is already rushing through homework. One thing that is VERY important to me is education. I absolutely will not tolerate the kids slacking off through school. Has anyone heard the commercials they are playing on the tv and radio about the education of our children? The U.S is not ranked very well. It is distrubing to hear the commercial. I think we as parents need to enforce education just as much as the teachers - and I think ALL teachers deserve a HUGE raise.

I'll get off my soapbox and get back to work. I need to get dinner started - yah! leftover sloppy joes!

Til Next Time
~Chrisi

Free samples

2008-08-24T10:26:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite place to get free samples is from the walmart.com site. I like to try out new products before I actually purchase them. I've been burnt so many times in the past - where something looked like it worked great- bought it - and it worked terrible! check out walmart's site and you'll see all the freebies. This does change a lot too- so go back and check it out often.

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples-And-Trials.aspx

I saved a kitten and I gave a hamster mouth to mouth

2008-08-23T23:08:00.000-04:00

Maybe nursing is not the career field I should be going into?.? (jk) My new name is Chrisi Doolittle. LOL Tonight I was leaving my mother in law's house and I heard what I thought was a bird- then discovered it was a kitten. This sweet kitty was by the liliac bushes- which are near the busy road. I called for the kitten and she came running. Now, mind you my mother in law has tons of cats outside- they are all wild and will not come within 20 feet of you. This poor sweet kitten was dropped off I'm affraid. She is the sweetest kitty. I took her home with me and gave her to the neighbor - who has been looking for a solid grey kitten. I think this was god's divine intervention- or he knows I have a huge heart and even though cats make my eyes itchy and my nose stuffy- I just can't get enough of them. So hopefully this kitten has a nice home- I did tell them if things did not work out-give her back to me.
I headed home to settle in for the night- when the neighbor girl asked if Madison could stay the night. She was having a sleepover with 3 girls - including Madison. I figured one less kid for the night would be a nice break for me and for Madison. I was talking to the neighbor girls mom and getting some board games out of the closet for the girls to play, when Madison came home and told us the hamster is dying. "what?" "why?" Well you see- the girls were giving the hamsters baths. Madison and the neighbor girl had given the hamsters baths in the past- but the other 2 girls staying the night- had not. One of the other girls put too much water in the little bucket/sink and the hamster drowned... I then could hear the neighbor girl wailing. She was so upset. She has had this hamster for 4 years! I went over and picked the hamster up- I tried blowing in his face - I didn't actually touch the hamster mouth to mouth (incase he was alive, I really did not need a pierced lip) He definately drowned- poor guy. The kids all were crying. It was pretty sad :( I helped them burry the hamster and we picked flowers to put with him. The neighbor girls dad took them all shopping so she could get a new hamster- so I think all in all, the girls have all calmed down. I explained to the girls that a baby can drown in a small bucket of water- what do you think could happen to a little biddy hamster in water? I told them they can give the dogs baths outside- but no more hamster baths. I hope they are now enjoying some board games and popcorn.

Well I'm outta here for now. It's bed time. I'm so freakin tired. It was a busy busy day! I'll post more about my class I had today- later.

Til next time!
Chrisi

What's your favorite commercial?

2008-08-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

I have to say this is by far my most favorite commercial right now. This will come on the television and I will bust out laughing!

Go to church much?

2008-08-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

this video cracks me up. This little guy - acts just like a preacher- too bad you can't understand what he is saying! I think he has found his profession early

She keeps talking and talking and talking

2008-08-21T13:56:00.000-04:00

Mason had kindergarten orientation today. That went well and thankfully the teacher did not hear Mason say "mom - she keeps talking and talking and talking" LOL Mason did really well through orientation, but he did start to get bored towards the end- She did talk a lot, going over all the guidelines- it was more of a parent orientation, not a student orientation. Mason's first day of school will be tomorrow. Rod planned on working 1/2 of a day friday, but he decided to take the day off so he can see Mason get on the bus in the morning. He also wants to go to the school to see him get off the bus- I think that is pushing it - but hard telling what Rod will do - Mason is his buddy.

My allergies have been driving me crazy lately. I know it is the cats. As soon as the kittens are old enough- they are gone! I'm also going to find a home for Pearl (the stray cat who had the kittens) I currently have 2 of my own cats, I really do not need anymore- especially b/c I'm pretty allergic.

School is going ok for Madison. She does not have any of her good friends in her class- but she will adjust. She will see her friends in girl scouts, recess, and eventually softball. There is a little girl in Mason's class - that he knows. Her dad and Rod tractor pull together. She has a twin brother - who Mason also knows- but he is in the other kindergarten class. He was excited to see them today when we went to orientation-- someone familiar.

I'm looking forward to class on Saturday. I applied yesterday to get on the waiting list for clinicals. I'm so freakin GEEKED! I can't wait. I sure hope I dont have to wait too long.

Well I'm outta here for now. I need to work on the house. I'm going to list a few things on ebay too.

Til Next Time
~chrisi

Life is starting to look up...

2008-08-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

Thursday night we took the kids up to the fair grounds for the puller/fan meet and greet. It was fun to hang out and the Danger Brother concert was pretty good. We ditched the concert around 10 because it was thundering and lightening. Friday afternoon, I took the kids to my sisters house - she then kept them Friday and Saturday night.

The tractor pulls were fun- but definitely not what I was expecting. I was planning on rockin' out all weekend long. Friday night we were out late, but didn't really see or do much. I did watch some guy get taken away in an ambulance. I missed the guy actually fall off his camper, but I did see him laying on the ground and be hauled off in the ambulance. There were rumors flying amongst all the drunk people - they all had a different story lol their stories went as following:

1. he fell off looking at the girl on the stripper pole - yes I said stripper pole.

* there was a stripper pole set up right next to where the guy fell off the camper. *

2. he jumped off to body slam some guy who was talking crap about the girl who was strippin'

3. He jumped off because all the guys on the ground started throwing beer cans at the girl stripping because she did not take all her clothes off

4. He fell off and landed on a tent stake *there was a tent set up on the other side of his camper*

I still don't know the actually "truth" to the whole story. I heard they thought he broke his neck - but I don't know if that is 100% true?

So the verdict is in : DON'T DRINK AND STAND ON TOP OF A CAMPER- YOU MIGHT FALL OFF TRYING TO GET A LOOK AT SOME LADIES GOODS...

Saturday was boring!

Sunday I picked the kids up from my sister's house- and took them back to the track. They had a good time watching the pulls and playing with their cousins.

Monday: Madison got to meet her teacher and drop off school supplies around 5pm. Her teacher seems nice and is new to the BG district. I then had my first class last night at 8pm.

I walked into the room and I thought the professor was a student. He is probably my age or maybe even a tad younger- not sure... He is SUPER nice. The class I take on Monday nights is Anatomy & Physiology II lab. Our first day of class we jumped right in and started dissecting a cat. It was pretty interesting. Next day of class will be Saturday. I've heard from the other people in my AP class- that the professor I have saturday is a real prick... GREAT... He can be a prick - as long as he is not boring- I'm happy :)

Today - I took Mason to the kindergarten screening. He surprised me and did pretty well. He needs to work a bit on a few things, but I already knew that would be the case. I asked if they thought he would do ok in kindergarten and they said yes- he will learn what he is a little behind on - in school . No biggie. (he can't recognize lower case letters very well- and he can only write his name in all caps) So- on that note, I have to set an appointment to get his booster shots. I think I'll aim for Thursday afternoon. Thursday morning he has orientation with his teacher- whom I love to pieces. I coached her daughters in baseball a few years ago. She is super nice and I love her girls. Friday is his first day of school! WOW!!! He will be going in the mornings, which I think is better for him - for sure!

Ok - I'm outta here for now. I really need to get cleaning. This house is a disaster!!!

Til Next Time

~Chrisi

I can't wait until September 24th!

2008-08-13T11:22:00.000-04:00

The new season of Criminal Minds starts Sept 24th!

Then September 25th it is the start of Grey's Anatomy!!!!

Last but not least October 1st is the new season of Private Practice!

I'm so EXCITED!!!

What shows are you looking forward to watching???

Ready to host?

2008-08-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce I am in the process of becoming a pampered chef consultant. I LOVE their products and what better way to earn the products, make a little extra money and promote something so awesome!!! I'm booking catalog parties right now. Until I get a good grasp on my school schedule- I think I'll stick with catalog parties. So- if you are interested in hosting a catalog party- let me know! I can hook you up!

Speaking of school schedule- I still have to go to Findlay to pick up my books for school. DOH I'm really slacking. I will probably go today to pick them up so I do not have to worry about it this weekend when we go to the national tractor pulls!

Im SOOOOOO excited to go to the tractor pulls. For everyone who has never heard of or seen the tractor pulls - check out http://www.pulltown.com/ I think the biggest reason I'm so excited is because my wonderful sister is watching my kidlets Friday and Saturday night! I'm so ready for a break!

This summer has really taken a toll on me. I quit my job in May - because of the cost of daycare and so I could focus more on school. Rod gets sick in June - with a perferated appendix. He spent 10 days in the hospital - went through 2 surgeries - I was bouncing between the hospital, softball and tee ball games. It was crazy. I had a job lined up - which I got fired from when I was with Rod at the hospital. Rod was able to return to work the second week in July. I'm still having a hard time getting things caught up from when he was sick. I'm definately ready for a break - before I head back to school.

Well I'm outta here for now- going to work on cleaning the house - packing more stuff for this weekend- and head to Findlay to get my books and parking pass.

Til Next Time

~Chrisi

how do you pick it?

2008-08-12T22:11:00.000-04:00

How do you pick the name of your blog? It took me forever to come up with a name. The origin of the name :

Chrisi = that's ME

Coffee = I LOVE coffee - can't function without it

For the SOUL = I will show my soul ( there will be times- you might want to cover your eyes jk)

I tossed around other ideas- chrisi's cup of soul, chrisi's crunk, chrisi's cup of crunk.... Nothing really stood out besides - chrisi's coffee for the soul.

So- this is my blog - look around - make yourself comfy- post comments and leave me some love!!!!

~Til Next time