Whit's Wit

Message left for me by Stephanie this morning:

This is Jake 

who apparently can read but NOT if the letters are separated by hyphens.

Whit's Wit

My corkscrew found out I was cheating on it with the bottle opener and cut me off.

I just hope the pour spout can hold its tongue better than it holds its liquor.

Whit's Wisdom

I've talked about this before, but my Daughter, Sammi, has had such success with this that she believes it needs to be repeated.  

COOKING SPRAY IS AWESOME!  I don't really know how I ever cooked before it was invented, but I know that no one in the house lets me run out of it now!  The obvious use is that it keeps your food from sticking when cooking.  It also has zero calories.  If we were to stop right there it would be considered a great product.  But the uses don't end there!  I'm beginning to wonder if they are going to change the phrase to: "It's the next best thing since COOKING SPRAY!"  mmmhmmm....

The two big things I use it for (besides cooking) is taking the squeaks out of hinges, just like WD40.  Not to take away from WD40 (which is a great product), but I don't always have it on hand.  If a door is squeaking, I can easily find the PAM  (or equivalent) in the cabinet, add a couple of quick squirts on the hinge and it gets quiet as a mouse.  My second favorite use is for keeping stains out of my plastic containers.  Spaghetti-like sauces will stain a plastic container immediately.  Lightly spray your plastic with PAM before pouring the sauce in and your container will stay nice and stain-free.

I also found a few more terrific uses for cooking spray in an article on DIYLife.com.  If I were you, I'd take a few minutes and read it.   There are some suggestions listed that I would have never thought of - but are so clever and practical!!  http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/13/cooking-spray-uses/

Whit's Wit

Society seems to accept promiscuous sex, teenage pregnancy, underage drinking, drugs, pornography...yet women still get chastised for wearing WHITE after Labor Day??  

Whit's Wisdom

What I Did Today

 It all started because I wanted this free purse. 

It was free with purchase (and free shipping I must add!) so I purchased this roll pillow for my bed.  It cost me $2.50 for my purse and pillow.  Trouble was - the color of the pillow looked horrible with my bedspread. 

But that was ok, because I knew sooner or later I would find something I could use to cover it.  And I did!

I found these lovely pillow shams at the Thrift Store for $1.50 each.  I'm going to use one to cover my stool in the bedroom, but this one I used to re-do my roll pillow.  (Also known as a Bolster Pillow - who knew??)

I've told you before, I don't sew.  But I do own a sewing machine, so I got up the nerve to just try it today and it actually turned out pretty awesome!  

And this is the finished product!!  I had a lot of hit and miss attempts, but I am quite pleased.

Here's my point.  For $5.50 I got a purse, a pillow, some material and a craft project.  I taught myself something new, I focused on something other than my problems, and I created something I think is quite beautiful. I stepped out of that proverbial box and found that I could actually do something I had been telling myself I was no good at.  And it didn't cost me a fortune either!  

So....what are YOU going to try now??

Whit's Wit

If gravity keeps working its magic, I'm going to need for Victoria Secret to offer Push-Up Knee Socks!!!

 

 

Whit's Wit

 FAMILY FRIDAY!!

When Little Stephi and Little Sammi used to head out for school each morning, their Daddy would stop them in the hallway or at the door and say "STOP - Gotta Pay the Toll!"  and he'd lean down for his goodbye kisses.  One night when Daddy got home he was walking down the hallway and Little Sammi stopped him from entering by saying "STOP - gotta Pay the TROLL!!" 

That 'Troll' was a huge family favorite for many, many years and received hundreds of hello and goodbye kisses until he went off to College.   Even after all these years he still drops in now and then to make us smile.

Whit's Wisdom

Repurposed anything lately?  I haven't.  I've been in a strange non-creative mode this week.  Not sure why this happens to me, but every once in a while I get blah and have no creative energy.  Oh well, it always comes back sooner or later.  I think I need to go on an adventure...or at least get out of the house once in a while.  Since I couldn't come up with anything original, I found this wonderful article from the magazine REAL SIMPLE to share with you.  ENJOY!!

About 100 years ago, a German housewife named Melitta Bentz punctured the bottom of a brass pot, lined it with blotting paper, and―voilà!―made the first coffee filter. Almost a century later, a perfected version of Bentz’s design is still used. “Coffee filters aren’t as likely to crumple or dissolve in water as typical paper because they have better ‘wet strength,’ thanks to longer fibers,” says Melinda McDonald, communications manager for Bunn, a beverage-equipment manufacturer. “Additionally, the fluted sides and cupcake shape allow substances to flow through the filter freely and prevent grains from flowing over the sides.”
   

Use Coffee Filters to:

1. Diffuse the flash on a camera. When you’re taking a close-up, soften the brightness by placing a coffee filter over the flash.
2. Strain wine from a bottle with a broken cork. Place the filter over a pitcher or a carafe and slowly pour the wine into it.
3. Serve popcorn or other snacks. The filters act as disposable bowls, so there’s no dishwashing.
4. Make yogurt dip. Use a rubber band to secure a paper coffee filter over the mouth of a deep cup or jar. Slowly pour 8 ounces of plain yogurt onto the filter. Let drain for one hour. In a bowl, mix the thickened yogurt with 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers.
5. Heat up leftovers in the microwave. Use a filter as the protective covering over a bowl or a plate.
6. Prevent soil from draining out of flowerpots. When repotting, place a filter at the bottom, over the drainage hole, then add the soil.
7. Prevent scuffs and scratches on fine china. Use flattened coffee filters as spacers when you stack your dishes.
8. Protect hands from Popsicle drippage. Slide the wooden stick of an ice pop through a coffee filter so your hands stay mess-free.
9. Serve pita sandwiches. A circular filter is the perfect size for carrying a sandwich on the go.
10. Clean windows and glass when you’re out of paper towels. Coffee filters leave no lint or other residue.

Whit's Wit

I used to think that I had to put on makeup, fix my hair and straighten up the house before my Daughter's boyfriends would come over.  I finally realized that I was doing these boys an injustice.  They had a right to know EXACTLY what they were getting themselves into.

As my Daddy always says "If you want to know what she will look like in the future, just look at her Mom." 

Whit's Wit

We were driving down the road yesterday and this Old Fart on a motorcycle passed us going in the opposite direction.  The conversation which ensued went something like this:   

Sammi:"Mom, he was checking you out!"  

Me:  "yeah, cuz he was 500 years old!"

Sammi: "Whatever, he was still checking you out."

Me:  "Because he thought I looked like the Crypt Keeper and he was afraid I was coming after him!!!"

Whit's Wisdom

For those of you who don't know me personally, let me explain my Family Dynamic.  I am a Wife and Stay at Home Mom to a 20 year old College Student and a 16 year old High School Junior.  Both are girls - both have boyfriends.  (Youngest was just allowed to start dating - I'm THAT kind of Mom.)  Since it is Summer Break, the youngest sleeps and watches tv or goes out.  The oldest babysits so she is gone at very random times during the week. My Husband is a Workaholic - to a point.  Basically, he likes to get up early in the morning, do whatever he wants to do for a couple of hours (unless there is work emergencies to handle) and then he leaves for work around 10-10:30 am. and works until 8, 9, 10.....11 pm each night.

Ok, now that you know that, let me tell you what I figured out just today.  I don't HAVE to have a normal schedule.  For the last six years I have assumed that I needed to do my housework, couponing, accounting, etc. from the time I woke up until 5 or so.  I'm not saying I actually did that - but I have actually felt guilty about it if I didn't.  I simply thought that's what REAL GOOD MOMS did.  Well, I know I'm a really good Mom, but I don't have babies anymore - and I don't have a Husband who comes home for lunch, or who expects dinner on the table at 6 pm.  I have a wonderful, dysfunctional Family that is growing up and doing their own thing now.

So it is time for ME to do MY own thing!  I laughingly told someone today that yesterday I worked the "2 to 10" schedule but today I seemed to be working the "?? to ??" shift!!  I have ALL DAY to get my work done.  Nightime seems to be my loneliest time so, like tonight, I waited to clean the bathrooms until 6.  Didn't hurt a soul - and the house will smell extra nice with the Hubby gets home.  Sure, some things will have to be done before sunset, but I've been doing this for years and as long as I get my work done, what does it really matter WHEN I do it? 

I feel like a rebel - a trendsetter - honestly, I feel like I have been set free!  I have said all along that as long as there are clean clothes, food, cokes and someone to tell their troubles to, my Family could care less whether the vacuuming gets done at 9 am or 8 pm!  And for some reason, today I have decided to believe it!

Take a look at your life - are you running your schedule based on what you want to do, or what you think OTHERS think you should do?  Perhaps you need to do a little bit of self-analysis yourself.  You might come up with a plan that works for YOU!

Good Luck and God Bless!

Whit's Wit

I don't know why I worry when I'm having a not-so-witty day.  I can always count on my family to pull me through.  Email conversation with my Husband today:

ME:  How would you feel if I bought a Steam Mop?  Like a Shark?  I've been checking them out online.  I can get one between 50-75 dollars.  I figure it would be better than not mopping at all. GARY: I don’t mind sweetie.  If it makes your life easier and improves your feeling about the house, then go for it.

ME:  How would you feel if I hired an ugly housekeeper then?  I'd feel a LOT better about the house AND It'd definitely make life easier. 

GARY:  I could be really mean, but you’re not ugly. Of course I could be really, really mean and say that you’re not a housekeeper either.

Sure am glad he's not mean.  I wonder which is the most expensive mop?

Whit's Wisdom

Read the Fine Print

I did a blog entry a couple of days ago about learning to read again - taking time to read the fine print, paying attention to the details, especially when money is involved.

For those of you who are visual learners, here is a perfect example.  I ordered a FREE PADLOCK from a website a couple of weeks ago.  I'm betting the dimensions were listed in the fine print, but back then I wasn't yet reading the fine print, remember?  Below is my free padlock:

and here is bit more descriptive picture:

Yes, in fact, that IS a contact case that the miniature padlock is sitting next to. 

Seeing as how it was free (no credit card information was provided - only my address) this is really no big deal - but what in the world am I going to use this for?  Maybe Barbie needs a padlock for her makeup case?

Whit's Wit

My best Girlfriend and I were meeting a co-worker for lunch one day.  She and he had flirted on the phone for months, but had never met since he lived out of state.  We had all agreed on dining our favorite Mexican restaurant. Before he arrived  I asked my friend what she was planning on having for lunch and she replied: "Well, if he is good looking I'm going to have a chicken quesadilla because those aren't very messy to eat.  I don't want to embarrass myself by getting food all over me!"

Well, our friend shows up and we chat for a few minutes and I turn to my friend and ask again:  "What you are having for lunch?"  Her reply?  "I'm having the NACHOS!!" 

Whit's Wisdom

Rehash your Trash!

Today we are going to talk drawers.  Not granny panties or boxers - I'm talking about dresser drawers.  When I, for lack of a better phrase, inherited my Grandparents home, I inherited a lot of their furnishings as well.  Trouble was, I had my own furniture and, well, my style and my Grandmother's style were a little bit different.  So a lot of furniture wound up in my basement.  Why didn't I sell it or give it away?  In my Family, inheriting means "never, ever, ever get rid of"...sigh.

After about 10 years I finally got smart.  If I can't get rid of it, I can use it.  I didn't need any furniture but I desperately needed some storage containers!  One dressing table became a VHS (hush now) and DVD storage area, as well as serving as a pseudo Media Table for all those game thingies that we own that I don't have any use for.  Drawers from a chest were removed and used as under the bed storage (this was one of my most brilliant ideas).  They fit very nicely under my bed and make it look a lot nicer than just throwing books and things under the bed.  

I was also using a dresser to store my linens, which worked out great - until my Parent's house was demolished by the flood and they actually had a real use for the dresser.  The linen storage area was nice, but it was much more rewarding to be able to give back a tiny bit to my Parents.  

As I have said a hundred (and one now) times - THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.  If you have things sitting around taking up space, see what you can do with it. 

Whit's Wit

FAMILY FRIDAY!!!

Little Stephi received a baby doll as a gift from her father.  He had been working a trade show in Florida and had purchased a life size infant doll from a CPR Training facility.  Little Stephi loved this doll very much and quickly named her Amy.  But whenever I mentioned Amy, Stephi would always correct me and say "Daddy's Amy"...not just Amy.  I would ask her if it was Stephi's Amy and she would say "No".....is it Mommy's Amy?  "No...Daddy's Amy!"

It was several days before we realized that, when giving Little Stephi the doll, her father had said "Here, Stephi - I brought this baby from Miami for you!!"...

MY-AMY....Daddy's Amy....

Whit's Wisdom

DARN IT!

Seriously, I mean it - darn it - or sew, or stitch, or whatever phrase you use for mending cloth items.  I don't sew.  Well...no, that's what I'm saying - I don't sew well.  I have been known to make some placemats and a really lopsided pillowcase, but that's about it.  But I do know how to sew on buttons and fix a hole in a pair of undies.

I know that we are a very 'throw away' society and I have to bet that a lot of people will see a hole in a sock and throw it away.  And I used to be like that ...until I realized how wasteful it truly was.  Not that I threw the sock away, I usually threw it in a rag bag and used it for dusting or such.  But I decided that, since we rarely have socks that match in this household, perhaps I should start saving the ones I could.  And I did.  And it makes me feel domestic - all "Little House on the Prairie-ish".  

Just this week I have fixed an apron (missing button), a blouse ('bling' was coming off), a shoe (clasp broke), a pair of undies (bought them like a month ago!) and my laundry bag.  And it was easy!  And I didn't have to go shopping for a replacement for any of them.  And it actually gave me something productive to do instead of just vegging in front of the tv...I darned will vegging instead!

Seriously, give it a try!  Most things don't require any skill - getting the needle threaded is the hardest part!

Whit's Wit

If an Atheist swears to "tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God" in Court, is that the same as saying "I have my fingers crossed"?

Whit's Wisdom

The last Harry Potter book came out in 2007.  I know this because I found a bookmark today in the copy I own.  So, since 2007 my Husband has hounded me about reading the final Harry Potter.  Why, you ask?  I have NO IDEA.  He hasn't read the first line of the first book.  For some reason he has taken it as a personal affront that I have not completed the series.

So yesterday he asked if I had anything pressing to do in the next 2-3 days.  I said "nothing out of the ordinary"...and he handed me the book and told me not to do anything for 2 days and read.

I'm not stupid.

So friends, I have been reading for the majority of the day.  I doubt I will finish in before Thursday, 11:59 pm, so I might just have to extend this 'do nothing' process well into the weekend.  This being said, my blogging might be a little sparse in the coming days.  I hope you learn a valuable lesson from this one, though:

When one is offered a free pass - don't be a moron - TAKE IT!!

Whit's Wit

I try to be original in all of my writings, but sometimes something just comes along that is so funny you just have to share.  I ran across this picture on my Daughter's, Stephanie, Facebook page this morning.  The picture says so much about her and Sammi's relationship - but the caption says it ALL.

bitch was tryna take my care bears

:)

Whit's Wisdom

Learn to Read

I'm a reader.  I love to read.  I love to flip through magazines, read tips on the internet, I subscribe to both Facebook and Twitter, and of course, read mystery novels!  (I will read other types of work - but murder mystery is my thing.)

I wouldn't say I am a speed reader, but I have learned to 'skim' over the years.  For example, if the author is going on about how "the sky was azure blue and the birds were singing a sonata as the sun came to a rest on top of the mountains of Montana, and the waters rippled...." I read "blue sky, sun shining, mountains" got it.  I mean seriously, at one time I had small children a full time job and a husband - If I was going to get to read at all I had to learn to cut corners!

Problem is I think I learned TOO WELL to leave out inconsequential words and lately that has come back to bite me in the wazoo!  (look it up).  I recently realized that I had no been credited for a return for a computer virus protector.  We're talking $90 - not something I'm willing to just write off.  So I found my confirmation email from the company, re-READ it and then replied to asking where my refund was.  And then I patiently waited five days - and they STILL haven't replied!  hmpf, right?  WRONG.  Somewhere hidden in all the legal mumbo jumbo there is a line that states:  Do not reply to this email.  Granted, that is STUPID, but it was pretty dumb of me - the Reader - not to have noticed that.  It wasn't hidden....I just skimmed over it.

My Mom honestly thought she was losing her memory because of her lack-of-reading habit recently.  She told me about a sale "next Monday".  She then said "you know, Memorial Day".  I told her that Memorial Day was the following Monday, so that's the day we went to the sale....but there was no sale...it had been the Monday before...just like she originally stated.  But because she didn't READ the entire flyer - she second guessed herself.  In this case it was really no big deal - except for the fact that she was clearly upset that her memory was bad.  Her memory is FINE - her READING is BAD.

I'm not going to change my hobby reading habits - but I am definitely going to start reading each and every word when it comes to the important things (like money!).  I just need to slow down and pay attention.  It might be profitable for us in the long run!!

Is this something YOU are guilty of?  Might want to slow down and see what you are missing.  

Whit's Wit

A Hispanic friend of mine recently told me that a person could make a good living in Mexico.  That wasn't the reason so many people want to leave  - it is a moral issue. It is very difficult to get away from the drinking and drugs and it's basically not a place you want to raise a family.

So what he's saying is Mexico = HOLLYWOOD, right?

Whit's Wisdom

I'm always telling you things to do....here's a few of my DON'T do's.....

DON'T wash a load of dog towels and sheets and then wash black sweaters the very next load.  Especially if it's shedding season.

DON'T leave a cutting board in the most trafficky area in the kitchen and tell your children not to get it dirty.  Just move it.

DON'T leave the blender element unscrewed so it can dry but put it back on the shelf, as if it was ready to be used.

DON'T buy white towels and washcloths thinking that "I can just bleach them to keep them clean and bright"... especially if you have females and makeup in your household.

DON'T bring food in the house that you can't say NO to if you are on a diet...unless you just can't say no to celery - in which case HUH?

DON'T get a credit card - even for emergencies - if you can't control your spending.  Your first emergency will be how to pay off that credit card!

DON'T let your Family EVER walk out that door without letting them know you love them....even if you are late, mad, sad, sick, distracted, busy, upset, watching tv, listening to the radio, reading a book... it takes two seconds that you might never have again.

Whit's Wit

A friend reminded me yesterday that we are ALL going to die sooner or later.  He said

"I hate to see a funeral because that means the line moved up one person closer to me & you."

I'm thinking I'm just going to ask him to save my place in line for me....good idea?

Whit's Wisdom

Can't find what you're looking for?  Use something else!!

I have a lot of sun glasses and reading enhancement goggles (a/k/a cheaters or reading glasses).  For a long time I kept them in a bag - not the best way to store glasses.  They tend to get really scratched up that way!  

I was at a store one day and they were selling some of their display fixtures.  I found this fantastic necklace holder that rotates so you can easily see all of the necklaces.  Problem was, I already have a wonderful jewelry cabinet.  But this was a really cool display - and it was $2!  How could I say no to that?  Well, I didn't have to!  Look what I did instead:

How cool is this?  

I know I keep telling you this, but you have to start looking at things not for what they are - but what they CAN BECOME!  You might find a simple solution for something you've been looking for!

Whit's Wit

Family Friday!!

I may have mentioned before that I was born on Easter Sunday.  Seeing as how my Brother was just three when I was born, I am sure my Parents had been talking to him about Easter and the Easter Bunny, so there was a little bit of logic in the fact that he wanted to name me Peter Cottontail.

 

My oldest daughter, Stephi, being 4 at the time of her baby sister Sammi's birth, wanted to name her "Discovery" and call her "Zone"!  Analyze THAT!

Whit's Wisdom

You know that commercial "Call before you dig?"  Well, I have a new spin on that for you....Look before you Trim!  Not hairstyle advice - I'm talking about your hedges and trees.

Every time I've pulled into my driveway lately I have thought "Oh my goodness, I have got to trim that holly bush!  It is awful!"  And honestly had all intentions of doing it this weekend.  Luckily, the bush is right outside our computer room window.  Today I was all alone and the house was unusually quiet, and I started hearing this little "peep....peep....peep" coming from outside.  I looked out the window and, sure enough, there was a birds nest in the holly bush - and it had babies in it!!  Granted, the babies were too big to still be making their Mommy find their food - but that's her business, right?  My business is that, had I not had a quiet house for a change, I would have completely destroyed their home!  I don't know about you, but that isn't something I want to live with!

So, before you start trimming those hedges and cutting those bushes and putting out brush killer - take a little time to see if someone has taken advantage of your lack of landscaping skills and are raising their new family in your tree.  You've waited this long to trim it - what's a few more weeks gonna hurt?  (You don't really want to do it anyway - admit it!)

Whit's Wit

I told my Husband this morning that once the kids moved out, I was going to be the Naked Housekeeper.  He was a bit sad to learn that it had nothing to do with him, and everything to do with not having to do as much laundry!

I'd feel sorry for him, but by the time the girls finally move out, he'll be thanking me for the warning.

Whit's Wisdom

MOTHER KNOWS BEST!

Just a quick bit of wisdom tonight because i am super tired from cleaning my carpets.  Here goes:  LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!  My Mother told me to (a) borrow her carpet cleaner today instead of trying to fix mine or (b) borrow her carpet cleaner, Resolve, that she swears is the greatest thing since....well, you fill in something really awesome here (told you I was tired).  

Instead, I spent an hour trying to fix my small-area carpet cleaner, thought I had it fixed, didn't and spent too much time and energy using a broken cleaner when all I had to do is drive 1 minute to my Mother's house - and admit I was wrong.  Yeah, well....

But that's not all.  We both purchased these AMAZING counter-top wooden chopping blocks from Ikea a few months ago.  She said that she "always wipes underneath the board every time I clean it, just to be sure it isn't wet underneath it."  Well, of course she does.  I did too....for about a month.  And guess what?  Hers is nice and neat and mine is WARPED.  Just like my head.

Get the picture?  It isn't that Mother is always right - but she's got the experience you don't have - even if you are 46 years old and think you know everything.  So, listen to her - and do what she says - because she probably learned it already by NOT LISTENING TO HER MOM!

Whit's Wit

Tell me I'm not the only one who ever considered becoming an alcoholic just so I could belong to a club....

Whit's Wisdom

Rehash Your Trash!

I was reading an article this morning about containers and how to use things like cardboard boxes and decorate them with contact paper or fabric.  It reminded me of a time in my life when money was, uhm, less than easy to come by.  I had some cardboard boxes stored in my bedroom because I needed somewhere to keep my linens and winter clothes.  I also needed bedside tables for my bedroom.  I think the saying is "One Man's Trash is another Man's Treasure", but in my case, it was my trash and my treasure!  I stacked up my cardboard boxes, covered them with a couple of table clothes my Mom had given me and magically had two new bedside tables!  They were so cute that I made a couple for my living room as well!  I honestly got more compliments on these tables than I probably ever have on any of my real furniture.  They were bright and a bit quirky and totally different than anyone else had - that's for sure!

My point here is before you go out to buy something (especially with money you don't have or can't spare) walk around your house and see if you have something that can be re-purposed and used for something else.  A bunch of cardboard boxes standing up in a corner look awful - but some cute-yet-functional eclectic end tables look awesome!  Be creative!!

Whit's Wit

Vacation is over, there are loads of laundry to be done, a house to clean, unpacking to do, beds to be made....and I've decided to just put on my Big Girl Panties and deal with it!

And after the way I ate this weekend, Big Girl Panties is NOT a metaphor.

Whit's Wit

What is it about packing for an overnight trip that makes you think you are truly going to regret not packing those goggles, the butterfly net and seventeen pairs of underwear?

 I am out of town celebrating my daughter's, Sammi, 16th Birthday!  I didn't want to leave you lost, though - so a good friend gave me permission to post this under Whit's Wisdom.  Not sure if he wrote it or not...if I asked him I'm not sure I'd ever get a straight answer anyway - he's a bit quirky like that.  Regardless, enjoy - this is wonderful!  (and Thanks, Greg!)

Old Farmer's Advice

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered…...not yelled.

Meanness don't just happen overnight.

Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You cannot unsay a cruel word.

Every path has a few puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about, ain't never gonna happen anyway.

Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin'.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.

Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

Whit's Wisdom

Celebrate Your Successes!

I was notorious at work for "tooting my own horn" so to speak.  Whenever I did something I found above and beyond (and downright impressive!) I let my boss know about it!  Heck, sometimes I let the entire office know it!  I would say "Wow, Whitney - that was brilliant!" ...but only when it was.

It's a great thing to show confidence, to give yourself a pat on the back....to celebrate your success.  There is a fine line between boasting and celebrating - so you have to be careful.  But allow yourself to be proud of your accomplishments and don't be afraid to share it.  I would have been sitting at the same desk, doing the same exact job for 20 years had I not been proud enough of myself to let people know I did a good job.

Don't forget that you also have to be willing to step up and say when you are WRONG as well.  These two go hand in hand. But feel comfortable in letting your Employer know when you have really taken the initiative and done a fantastic job - who knows if he/she would ever find out otherwise??

Whit's Wit

FAMILY FRIDAY!!!  And, it's an extra special one because my daughter, Samantha (Sammi) turns 16 on Sunday!!  So she is featured this week!  Happy Birthday Baby!!

In my home we learned very, very quickly that if you heard silence, followed by fast moving footsteps, you BEST go check on the CHILDREN.  One day when Little Sammi was about two years old, I heard a chair move, a rustling of plastic and then Little Sammi shot by me and Stephi like Dash from The Incredibles!  We had a very small house and it took no time to go from one end of it to the other - but SOMEHOW, Sammi managed to open, unwrapped and stuff TWO Reeses Peanut Butter cups in her mouth - all the while being chased by me and Steph!  I just let her have it - I figured she had worked hard for it!  Early signs of PMS?  perhaps....

For the record, she still runs through the house like that when she is up to no good...you'd think she'd have learned a new sneak attack by now.  

 I love this website called TIP HERO.  It looks like they have added a new feature called "Roundup:  Most Popular Tips of..." for the month.  I know I always learn something new and thought you might benefits from this too!  Enjoy!!

 (click on the link to go right to the tips) 
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_4465_?utm_source=Money-Saving+Tips+Newsletter+DL&utm_campaign=5492dea623-TH_NL_131a_06_02_2011&utm_medium=email

Whit's Wisdom

I LOVE Summer - I truly do - but I have to admit that it is SUPER HOT!  We have every fan on in the house, the A/C is churning like a butter factory, we are keeping unnecessary rooms closed off, and trying to keeps the lights turned off - and it is still in the 80's in my home.  

One thing I refuse to do is turn on the oven.   We might as well just climb in it and turn it on - that's how hot the house would feel!  When it gets this hot outside, you have to learn to be creative with dinner.  "Lazy Days of Summer", right?  Summer is for sandwiches, grilling outdoors, cold salads, microwaved dinners, or eating out!  I don't suggest the last one very much (because I'm frugal) but I also wonder if getting a few dollar menu meals might not be cheaper than trying to cool off your home after cooking a full course dinner in the oven.  Sometimes you have to ask yourself  "which is cheaper?"  

If you absolutely HAVE TO bake something and are afraid to try it on the grill, bake early in the morning when it's the coolest and do as many things as you can at once.  If you need to bake a cake for a party, go ahead and make some muffins and cupcakes along with the cake and simply freeze them for future use!  

Keep in mind you can cook just about anything on the grill....even pizza!  It's just an outdoor oven.  Grab you a soft drink (or ice cold beer!) and head outside to try out some creative cooking ideas!  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is!!

Who Knew?

 Bank of America offers a sweet reward for its cardholders (BOA or Merrill Lynch).  Each full weekend in the month they offer free entrance to over 150 different museums across the country.  All you need is your BOA card and a photo id.  Click on the link below to learn more and find a museum near you!

http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

Whit's Wit

My kitchen windowsill:

Can ants read?  hmmmmm......

Whit's Wisdom

I saw this great t-shirt the other day and knew I had to use the slogan for my recycle/reuse/repurpose articles.  So here we go:

REHASH YOUR TRASH!!

Yesterday I was cleaning out a box full of junk and ran across this old wooden key holder.  The kind that you hang on the wall.  It was just sitting there looking forlorn because it had nothing to do.  I easily remedied that problem!

Instant Ring Holder!!!

Now I have a quick and easy storage system for my rings.  Super simple - very handy!  (If anyone can tell me an easy way to get rid of that paint blob on the side I'd sure appreciate it.)

One item used - a not-as-full-box to go. 

Whit's Wit

I just read an article headline that states "Dress like a Real Housewife (For Less!)"

How much cheaper can you get a t-shirt and sweats?  THAT'S what REAL Housewives wear!!