Things that make my life easier

I have been musing this week about all the things I have access to that make my life so much easier. I thought I'd list them for my own benefit, and just in case it's a new one for you!

1. Giant Eagle Cookie Card - I can't believe how much quieter the girls are when they are munching a cookie while shopping. So they look a mess when we get to the check-out...I don't feel as much of a mess! And it benefits a good cause!

2. Swiffer dusters - I used to take everything off of shelves, spray Pledge and wipe...every time! This product really saves me time, and no more spraying! Actually, I like several Swiffer products, including the Carpet Flick (although the handle keeps breaking) which I use in between hauling out the vacuum, and the Sweeper which I use instead of a mop and bucket since I have very little hard surface to clean.

3. Coffee Maker - since I am the only coffee drinker in the house, I finally put away the behemoth coffee/espresso maker and bought a tiny one that brews right into my mug. Less clean up, less messing around. It's great!

4. 2-in-1 shampoo for the kiddos - My girls have long, fine hair, that amasses tangles in great quantities during baths. We used to shampoo, then spray with a no-tangles solution, then continue to pick and pull their locks into submission. I tried several conditioning shampoos before settling on L'Oreal Kids...we've put away the spray, and comb right through wet hair without causing tears. The girls love the many great scents.

5. Plantskyyd - I've mentioned this before, but it bears mentioning again. I LOVE this stuff! It works for about 3 months to keep deer away from my plants, it's safe around the kids and dog, and completely chemical free. OK, so it's really nasty to mix and apply (it's made of bovine blood products...hope that doesn't offend you, N) but it's worth it for the results. I finally have been able to enjoy my azalea blooming for the first time in 4 Springs due to prudent spraying and wrapping in deer netting over the winter.

6. Flossers - I hate flossing, but once I learned that daily flossing can literally add years to your life, I thought I'd better start doing it. I use something like this which is much easier and less messy to use.

Well, I'm sure there are more. I'll post them when they come to me. Any time saving products or tips from the rest of the Elaines?

T