Dollar Tree Really Does Sell One Dollar Items!

With all the hoopla about trade deals and America being cheated out of her just due in global markets, it's hard to imagine an American discount-variety-store chain, selling items for a dollar or less for a long period of time--without raising prices. Shopping at Dollar Tree disproves that theory, at least for now. The Dollar Tree really does sell one-dollar items!

Since coming to the retail rescue of many economically-drained families, Dollar Tree has been true to its one-dollar appeal. Though quality of more popular what-nots, kitchen items, and candle burners

Speaking of price disparities, the average dollar-store shopper wouldn't believe that their neighborhood Family Dollar store is a subsidiary of Dollar Tree. Who knew?

There's no need to stress price difference. In fact, price is no indication of their association. Items costing a dollar at Dollar Tree costs at least two at Family Dollar.

The Art of Cleaning in Layers

Referring to cleaning as an "art" probably caused an impromptu snicker to escape your otherwise serious expression. If you're like me, and if you're honest--it would be accurate to say you classify housecleaning as an uninteresting hobby. However, if you're conscientious about homemaking, no doubt you already have a cleaning routine. I would like to add something I ran across that describes what most of us do (when we DO clean) which is called "cleaning in layers".

It sounds like something complex and hard to do. However, the art of cleaning in layers is quite simple, adding one or two additional jobs to your regular cleaning routine. Here. Let's look at a process and help you better understand the cleaning-in-layers concept.

Preparing for Guests

Have you ever noticed how much cleaning you can do in the hour before company comes? Pressure has a way of moving us into acceleration when preparing for guests.

You can save time by concentrating on high-payoff cleaning. In other words, work on the most conspicuous areas, such as entrance halls and living-room rugs.

Another last-minute house-fix when things aren't quite up to standard, is to dim the lights, and bring out the candles. No normal person will seek out soil and disorder, as long as they aren't obvious.

Once you've attended to basics, such as cleaning the bathroom, concentrate on what shows the most. Any home will pass muster if the clutter is contained, the surfaces are clean, and your best possessions are polished.

Motivating Kids to Help With Household Duties

Small children are interested in "helping" mama and daddy do things around the house. They want to help when they see mama baking cookies, washing dishes, or dusting furniture. Likewise, they want to help daddy with the plumbing. However, motivating kids to help with household duties--as a rule, can be difficult.

In some instances we discourage kids and cause them to lose interest by telling them "No. Wait until you're bigger."

Include your youngest child in the housework; it may slow progress but it's an essential first step in showing the child he's as important as the rest of the family and can participate in family duties.

Start your young child out by letting him dust and sweep along with you. He'll feel important and all grown up; and you'll get more work done.

Uses For Distilled Vinegar

If you have ever had a delicacy called 'chow chow', then you already know the spicy tartness distilled vinegar adds to food. Most people love distilled vinegar; and aside from adding a wonderfully unique taste to foods, there are many other ways to use it. In fact, it is hard to believe distilled vinegar is made from a process of fermenting distilled alcohol. Perhaps the alcohol accounts for the medicinal uses for distilled vinegar that many grandparents brag about. Nevertheless, it's good to know the different uses for distilled vinegar.

Of course, all the household uses for vinegar aren't listed in this post. I simply realized the money I could save on medical visits for minor things by knowing the medicinal value of basic staples in my kitchen cabinet.

How many of your cleaning agents are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and oh, edible? On that subject, how many other food products do you use to descale a coffee pot? In case you hadn't noticed, distilled vinegar is amazing.

Your Child's Room

Growing children keep messy rooms. Your child's room is probably no different.

Both boys and girls are equally messy, but (when they reach a certain age) boys are--by far--the "smelliest". Testosterone and sports are a lethal mix, in terms of "aroma".

Keeping your kids' rooms neat is more than a notion. That's why we (mothers) welcome hints and suggestions that will help us inspire our kids to "love" keeping their space clean.