Our Popcorn Maker

In an effort to reduce the amount of packaged and processed foods my family consumes, we got rid of our microwave a year and a half ago.  It's been fun and interesting figuring out ways to do without it.  BUT it has also aided us in our goal.

One of the things that we used our microwave for most often was popcorn. My sweet MIL gave me this popcorn maker.from Williams-Sonoma.  And let me tell you, the popcorn it makes is so much better than that ol' microwave stuff! It's not really any harder to use either!  Cleaning it is a simple and easy process. 

My kids love it and IT WORKS FOR ME!

Works For Me Wednesday

Last summer I traveled, with my five little monkeys, the 1600 miles to Dallas, TX to visit their grandparents. Michael couldn't go for various reasons but we decided that I would take the kids and go anyway.

I was a little nervous but felt confident that we could make it. I wanted to be as frugal as possible and remain sane until I arrived at my in-laws.

I'm not sure I succeeded in the latter, but we made it anyway.

I did a lot of planning before I left. I knew where I would stop and how far it would be before I could stop again.

I did research to find out where the cheapest gas prices were and planned to stop there. I definitely didn't want to get caught in Ludlow, Ca in need of gas. I'm sure the owners of the two gas stations within 100 miles laugh heartily each time they sucker someone into paying a dollar more for a gallon of gasoline than they would pay anywhere else in the country.

The morning we were set to leave, I got up ridiculously early and went to the store. I purchased fruits and veggies that could easily be eaten and would make very little mess. I kept the ice chest and all the food in the passenger seat, next to me, so they could be easily accessed. We didn't eat out at all on the way there.

I kept a 'shoe bag'. Every time we got into the car, I had all of the kids hand me their shoes. I placed them in the bag until it was time to get out again. I didn't want to waste time looking for everyone's shoes every time we stopped. Especially since I was sure there would be a few bathroom emergencies and being delayed would cause obvious problems.

I traveled very little at night, as I knew it would be more difficult to get help in a timely manner and we could be abandoned in the middle of nowhere overnight.

Other than a blow out on dead man's curve, everything went smoothly. We made it safely and had a marvelous time.

Although I would always rather have my Dragon Slayer along, I would do this again if I needed to. I would definitely do all of these things again, as they definitely made the trip go more smoothly.

Works For Me Wednesday

I am always, always looking for an easier, and more efficient way of completing chores. Cleaning the bathtub is one! So when I discovered this method of getting my tub, white white I was so excited.

First, I fill the tub up with hot water, adding a little bleach. I then take my shower curtain down and add the liner to soak as well. I allow that to sit while I'm doing other chores. I then drain the bath tub and wipe it with a rag. And wha-la! It's a beauty!