I SELL AVON
http://blowry.avonrepresentative.com/
Thursday, March 10, 2011
4:14 PM | Posted by
Tina
What do these words have in common?
special
especially
annual
perennial
cordial
Cordially
character
separate
serious
furious
eruption
destruction
direction
comfortable
apparently
microscopic
allergic
scientific
activity
forgetful
They all words that my 5th grader is having trouble spelling. Give him a math problem and he can do it with his eyes shut. Give him the word algebra and he can't spell it after practicing all week. Why do our brains work that way? I'm just the opposite. I absolutely can't stand math, but I see a word and how to spell it is stuck in my head the rest of my life. His spelling problems are frustrating for both of us. I don't understand why he has such trouble spelling and he practices really hard and still can't spell the words. If you have any suggestions to help those words stick in his brain, I would be grateful.
special
especially
annual
perennial
cordial
Cordially
character
separate
serious
furious
eruption
destruction
direction
comfortable
apparently
microscopic
allergic
scientific
activity
forgetful
They all words that my 5th grader is having trouble spelling. Give him a math problem and he can do it with his eyes shut. Give him the word algebra and he can't spell it after practicing all week. Why do our brains work that way? I'm just the opposite. I absolutely can't stand math, but I see a word and how to spell it is stuck in my head the rest of my life. His spelling problems are frustrating for both of us. I don't understand why he has such trouble spelling and he practices really hard and still can't spell the words. If you have any suggestions to help those words stick in his brain, I would be grateful.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I got up yesterday morning to the question of "Trash driving?" That was from my youngest son wanting to know if we were going to drive around part of our neighborhood looking for items that people were throwing away and that we couldn't live without.
Disclaimer:
I have to admit that many times I pick up things that I can't use, but that I can sell in our next garage sale, like baby strollers, which was the case yesterday. It's truly amazing the good "stuff" people throw away that others can use. Even if I didn't have plans to sell it, I would pick it up to at least give to a charity to they could sell it and make a little money.
Disclaimer:
I have to admit that many times I pick up things that I can't use, but that I can sell in our next garage sale, like baby strollers, which was the case yesterday. It's truly amazing the good "stuff" people throw away that others can use. Even if I didn't have plans to sell it, I would pick it up to at least give to a charity to they could sell it and make a little money.
Okay, back to my Monster. As we were cruising around, with the back of the pickup loaded down with other people's trash, but our treasure, we spotted these:
Now, mind you, if I hadn't had a 10-year-old boy with me, I would have NEVER stopped to pick these up. Most of the time, people are throwing these things away because they don't work and Christmas lights and I just don't get along real well. In fact, my Christmas spirit goes out the window when I'm trying to put lights on our tree, but I digress.
Since I DID have a 10-year-old boy with me, we stopped to pick them up, me thinking the whole time "I'm just going to end up putting them by OUR trash can when we get home, plug them in and see that they don't work". I bet the man who lived there, who, by the way was sitting there watching my son the whole time he was putting them in the back of the truck, thought we were completely nuts or desperate to find things to sell. He is definitely right about us being nuts. I REALLY need to find a different neighborhood to trash drive in besides our own.
We got home, plugged them in, and lo and behold, they actually work Granted, a few of the white lights on the body of the one of the deer don't work, so we might have to replace those (don't be surprised if you hear that particular deer met an untimely death because of my Christmas light "problem"), but the motors that make the heads move up and down WORK. You can just imagine my surprise.
Now the big question is "Where in the world do I store them until Christmas?"
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Do you remember the table I found in the trash? If not, here is the picture I originally posted.
Now this is what is looks like:
It doesn't even look like the same table, does it? I was able to sand the top down and didn't have to use any paint stripper (not my favorite stuff to work with). Then I restained it and painted the checkerboard. The top of the upper tier is black to match the checkerboard color because the previous owner had put something on it that has left a black stain that I couldn't sand out.
The really amazing part of the table refurbishing story is the legs. I actually found three spindles that were originally made for an outdoor deck rail. Somebody had thrown them in the trash several months ago and I just happened to pick them up. Can you believe I would do something like that? Anyway, my husband had used them as legs on a work table/storage shelf in the garage. We had purchased some other inexpensive wood at Lowe's to replace the legs on the table, but I just wasn't happy with it. It didn't "feel" right, so a couple of nights ago I was out in the garage and happened to look over and see those legs. They were PERFECT. I told my husband he was going to have to disassemble the garage table because I needed those legs. I was even nice and cut the Lowe's wood into 3 ft. lengths so he could have replacement legs. They are longer than the original legs, but that's okay. It really works better in the gameroom at that height. Now the boys have a "permanent" checkers/chess board to play on if they can find it under all of the "stuff" they are probably going to put on it (video games, cell phones, playing cards, etc.).
All in all I spent about $2.25 for the project and that was for the piece of Lowe's wood that actually ended up being used in the garage. I already had the stain, paint and varnish.
The lamp base in the "before" picture has also been painted black, but I'm trying to find the perfect (by that I mean really cheap or, preferably, free) lampshade to put on it. I'll let you know when that happens.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I went to the high school yesterday to help fit approximately 12, 572 about 35 band members for their concert uniforms. Let's just say that teenage boys + trying on formal wear = a very interesting afternoon.
Conversation between us moms and the boys:
What size pants do you wear. "I don't know" was the common reply. What size shirt do you wear? "I don't know." What size sport coat do you wear? "I don't know. I've never worn a sport coat." "Okay, then take this pair of pants, shirt, jacket and vest, put it on and come back out of the bathroom. DO NOT take anything off without us actually seeing it first unless it is way too small to even button. Some did exactly what we said to do. Some did exactly what we said not to do. Some were just completely clueless about any of it. One went into the bathroom with his "gear" and came out a few minutes later with his school uniform on (not the dress uniform, mind you) and said "It all fits, except the pants are waaay too long." We said "Okay, then you are going to have to go back in the bathroom and put the pants back on so we can pin them to be hemmed." Lord, give me strength.
Ya gotta love'em.
It was all worth it in the end, because this is how they look (except for the length. We didn't have time to hem before I took the picture).
The tie and vest are a silver print and look really nice with the black tux.
The girls are wearing solid black, long dresses that are very flattering for every figure.
They have a competition tomorrow, so I'm headed up to the school again today to help finish hemming. Ah, the joys of motherhood.
Conversation between us moms and the boys:
What size pants do you wear. "I don't know" was the common reply. What size shirt do you wear? "I don't know." What size sport coat do you wear? "I don't know. I've never worn a sport coat." "Okay, then take this pair of pants, shirt, jacket and vest, put it on and come back out of the bathroom. DO NOT take anything off without us actually seeing it first unless it is way too small to even button. Some did exactly what we said to do. Some did exactly what we said not to do. Some were just completely clueless about any of it. One went into the bathroom with his "gear" and came out a few minutes later with his school uniform on (not the dress uniform, mind you) and said "It all fits, except the pants are waaay too long." We said "Okay, then you are going to have to go back in the bathroom and put the pants back on so we can pin them to be hemmed." Lord, give me strength.
Ya gotta love'em.
It was all worth it in the end, because this is how they look (except for the length. We didn't have time to hem before I took the picture).
The tie and vest are a silver print and look really nice with the black tux.
The girls are wearing solid black, long dresses that are very flattering for every figure.
They have a competition tomorrow, so I'm headed up to the school again today to help finish hemming. Ah, the joys of motherhood.
Friday, March 5, 2010
It's been a pretty good week for freecyling, curbsaling, embarrassing yourself because people are watching you pick through other people's trash, etc.
My first find was this table.
My first find was this table.
I was cruising along through our neighborhood (I wonder how many people recognize me now as the "trash lady" and whisper things about me when I drive by?), when I spotted this table sitting by the curb IN THE RAIN. Can you believe someone would just put this beautiful table outside IN THE RAIN? What were they thinking? I opened up the hatch on my minivan and threw it (okay, well, I didn't actually THROW it because it's kind of heavy, but you get my meaning). I headed home and put it in my garage. The middle of the top on one side is a little sunken is which I think can be fixed very easily and it needs a little work on the top there the finish was rubbed off, but it's gorgeous. Those are wrought iron legs. Not sure where I'm going to put it yet, but I couldn't just let it sit there and get ruined.
The next day I was cruising along again, this time on purpose since it was trash day in one part of our neighborhood. Apparently someone had moved out of a rental and the owners had cleaned out whatever the renters left. I love it when that happens. I always get some good stuff that way.
I found these
The table is currently being sanded down to paint and put in our gameroom, along with the lamp. Now if I can find a lampshade I will be in good shape. It also needs a couple of new legs because it looks like some critter chewed on them.
I also found a cute Uncle Sam wooden stand-up "thingie" for my front porch for the 4th of July. He's gonna need a little cleaning and I'm going to put a flag in his hand.
I can't wait to show you how it all turned out. I'm also repainting the furniture in my youngest son's bedroom. He's decided he wants the University of Oklahoma colors in his room, so bring on the crimson and cream.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Unfortunately, I do A LOT of laundry at my house. I'm always looking for ways to make it fast, easier and cheaper. I found this recipe for homemade laundry soap on the Duggar's website (you know, the people with 19 kids).
I can only imagine how much laundry THEY do. Fortunately, they have several washers and dryers in their house. I have one of each and some days wish I had two or three of each. My washer is front loading and I absolutely love it. It doesn't use as much water as a top loader and the clothes seem to be a lot dryer when they come out.
I couldn't find the Super Washing Soda at any of my local stores so I ordered it from Alice.com. Alice.com always has free shipping and they apply coupons when they have them. I have found that they are fairly competitive on prices.
I save about $75 when I make a "batch" of laundry detergent. Since I've got a kid going to college in 3 years that sure helps my budget to be able to save a little more. When he leaves, I might just make him his own "batch" to take with him.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!
I couldn't find the Super Washing Soda at any of my local stores so I ordered it from Alice.com. Alice.com always has free shipping and they apply coupons when they have them. I have found that they are fairly competitive on prices.
I save about $75 when I make a "batch" of laundry detergent. Since I've got a kid going to college in 3 years that sure helps my budget to be able to save a little more. When he leaves, I might just make him his own "batch" to take with him.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Before I begin, I would like to say that I found a really cute picture of the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, but my computer was acting up and my frustration level was just too high to put it on this post. I figured if I got so frustrated that I threw my computer out the window, that would negate any bargains I found today and in the near future.
Do you sometimes feel like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz? I definitely had an Oz moment today. I was doing all of my errands today, determined I was going to get EVERY SINGLE ONE done. (I have a tendency to procrastinate, especially when I need to go to the bank.)
I went by Target and got a great deal on some paper towels. I was cruising down the paper products aisle, against the outer wall. Did you know that the end caps closest to the outer wall is where the clearance products are? Anyway, I was standing there looking at some clearance items, hoping I could find something cheap AND that I had a coupon for. I picked up some Suave shampoo (the large bottles in a double-pack for $1.75) when a lady came over, reached down and picked up a 12-pack of large rolls of paper towels. She said they were marked $11.99, but were ringing up $6.79. She had already bought one package and she was grabbing another one. Needless to say I grabbed two packages (averaging about 40 cents per roll, if bought regular rolls). Whoo hoo!! What a deal!! There was a man standing there and he grabbed the last two packages. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Next time you are at Target, make sure you go by the clearance items. You never know what you might happen upon.
Next I went to Kroger. I got a few sale items, but nothing much worth mentioning, except a free bottle of Frank's hot sauce (50 cent coupon doubled and the bottle was originally $1).
I went by to deliver an Avon order to a customer that is absolutely my best customer. I start to get worried when I don't hear from her every campaign. She orders A LOT of Avon and is a really sweet person to boot.
I went by and paid for my van tag. I don't want to see a policeman in my rearview mirror with his lights flashing because I didn't get my new sticker that costs over $54. It's probably cheaper than a ticket, though.
I went by Jack-in-the-Box for lunch. While I was there, I looked through my coupon book because I had a CVS extra-care buck I needed to use no later than Saturday. As luck would have it, there was a deal for Colgate toothpaste, on sale for $2.99 and you get a $2 ECB. Perfect. I could use my $1 ECB plus my $1 coupon and actually make money on the deal. I also bought two Snicker's bars because I had a coupon for 50 cents off 2 and they were on sale for 2/$1. That's when my Oz moment happened. I guess I got too excited about the Snickers. I paid for my purchase, walked away from the counter and realized I hadn't used my ECB. That was the WHOLE PURPOSE of going to CVS to begin with. I guess now I have to go back and use my ECB. Ughhhhh!! Oh, well, at least we always need toothpaste.
Do you sometimes feel like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz? I definitely had an Oz moment today. I was doing all of my errands today, determined I was going to get EVERY SINGLE ONE done. (I have a tendency to procrastinate, especially when I need to go to the bank.)
I went by Target and got a great deal on some paper towels. I was cruising down the paper products aisle, against the outer wall. Did you know that the end caps closest to the outer wall is where the clearance products are? Anyway, I was standing there looking at some clearance items, hoping I could find something cheap AND that I had a coupon for. I picked up some Suave shampoo (the large bottles in a double-pack for $1.75) when a lady came over, reached down and picked up a 12-pack of large rolls of paper towels. She said they were marked $11.99, but were ringing up $6.79. She had already bought one package and she was grabbing another one. Needless to say I grabbed two packages (averaging about 40 cents per roll, if bought regular rolls). Whoo hoo!! What a deal!! There was a man standing there and he grabbed the last two packages. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Next time you are at Target, make sure you go by the clearance items. You never know what you might happen upon.
Next I went to Kroger. I got a few sale items, but nothing much worth mentioning, except a free bottle of Frank's hot sauce (50 cent coupon doubled and the bottle was originally $1).
I went by to deliver an Avon order to a customer that is absolutely my best customer. I start to get worried when I don't hear from her every campaign. She orders A LOT of Avon and is a really sweet person to boot.
I went by and paid for my van tag. I don't want to see a policeman in my rearview mirror with his lights flashing because I didn't get my new sticker that costs over $54. It's probably cheaper than a ticket, though.
I went by Jack-in-the-Box for lunch. While I was there, I looked through my coupon book because I had a CVS extra-care buck I needed to use no later than Saturday. As luck would have it, there was a deal for Colgate toothpaste, on sale for $2.99 and you get a $2 ECB. Perfect. I could use my $1 ECB plus my $1 coupon and actually make money on the deal. I also bought two Snicker's bars because I had a coupon for 50 cents off 2 and they were on sale for 2/$1. That's when my Oz moment happened. I guess I got too excited about the Snickers. I paid for my purchase, walked away from the counter and realized I hadn't used my ECB. That was the WHOLE PURPOSE of going to CVS to begin with. I guess now I have to go back and use my ECB. Ughhhhh!! Oh, well, at least we always need toothpaste.
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