Panties in a Wad!

I used to work at Victoria's Secret (as an underwear model of course) in my college days. Well, really, back then, I probably could've, but after Little Hauss, no one wants or needs to see all this in a push up bra and some lacy thong! I'm not Heidi for goodness sakes! I mean, she must be a super natural being bouncing back to the runway weeks after a baby! And speaking of bouncing, no one needs to see that either!!!! I might hurt someone!

Ok, so VS is a good company and I always have had great experiences there.....working and as a customer. Notsomuch today. My friend had some cotton panties that were from there that are defective - elastic ripping away from the material and a hole! One pair was a gift for Christmas, but the other was purchased less than 2 months ago! So, she takes them back on Saturday and was treated so rudely by a store ASS-ociate and even the manager! They told her she didn't wash them properly! What the what? I'm not sure how they wash properly, but where I come from, you put em' in that white looking box with a lid, add some water and some there detergent and turn it on....simple as that! Or so I thought...but what do we know....we're just some poor ol' country folk who can't wash their undies properly! They told her that they couldn't take them back and that was all there was to it! Nada, end of story! Well, needless to say she was all smiles and rainbows when she left there - Not, she was pissier than an old woman having a hot flash!

She totally forgot to mention all this to me yesterday, but when she told me today, I was hotter than a jalepeneo pepper! Well, you know I couldn't just let that be it, so I called the store and spoke with another ASS-ociate, who pretty much told me that there was nothing she could do. So, I asked her why I should even buy the product. I mean, why even bother spending 3 times as much for their panties instead of going to the local Wal-mart to buy a 6 pack of Hanes Her Way? She really didn't have an answer (and yes, I really brought up Hanes Her Wa). She tried to tell me that they were NOT defective and if I still had issues I could call the Corporate Customer Relations number. Well, hell yeah, now we are getting somewhere! Then she did say that they might be able to help me with the pair that was purchased less than 2 months ago, but that the older pair was just past its prime...that even if washed properly, they usually don't last more than 6 months? I don't know what she does with her undies, but I have had some of mine for years!

Well, wouldn't ya know that I didn't even get more than a few words out to the Customer Relations lady and she started getting all kinds of info from me (pretending to be my friend of course) and now she has 2 coupons for free panties being mailed to her within 10-14 days! That's what I'm talking about...maybe we should still write a letter to the company. I mean, if they can't accept used, worn, washed or whatever panties in the stores (b/c that is there new policy no matter if you have the receipt), then they should at least train them on how to handle the situation when it does arise by giving out the number to call. There is a polite and not so polite way to do things, and they obviously need a refresher course in Miss Manners! Hmmmm, maybe I could send them a copy of some with the letter! Just a thought!

Detergent

The detergent works. I, myself, haven't had the time or resources (got the soap, but not the other stuff) to make it yet, but my friend did and she is enjoying the fruits of her labor! She said that it works like any other store bought detergent! Still, I would emphasize to use a stain pre treater for those tough spots, but other than that, should be fine!

So, here is the recipe, since I never posted it before!

Liquid Laundry Detergent:

1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated (usually found in hardware stores or super market - and online)
3/4 cup Borax
3/4 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (not to be confused with baking soda - in laundry aisle)
10 cups hot water, divided
16 cups cold water
Large container (preferably an old laundry detergent container)

In large saucepan, combine the grated soap and 6 cups hot water. Heat over medium heat and stir until soap melts. Stir in borax and washing soda until everything is dissolved. Pour soapy mixture in large container and add 4 cups hot water. Stir (or shake). Add 16 cups cold water and stir (or shake). Allow to sit uncovered for 24 hours to gel.

Use 1/2 cup per large load.

She said it was easy and cheap! Fun times. This is also the friend that made fabric softener, but she isn't as satisfied with that, so I will not be posting anything on it until we've found a recipe worth sharing.

Enjoy saving lots of money!!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Ok, so it was yesterday, but still, had to give a shout out!

Happy birthday to the best husband, father, and friend I know! I love you!

I know, I know!

I've been a horrible blogger this past week...sorry! Lots going on and just exhausted. My allergies, which just appeared about a year ago (thanks for that!) are wearing me out and I've been in bed by 10 every night!



Not very good excuses,I know....the best excuse I have is that I've actually had tons of work to do! I have barely been able to change my status on FB, let alone post something on here! I mean really, they expect me to WORK at work? Ridiculous I know!



So, I found the last ingredient for my detergent, but you guessed it, haven't had time to make it yet!!! Promise, next week! A friend did make it though and even fabric softener! I'll post the recipes to both on here soon!



The other day, I asked Little Hauss how school was going and he said "I made a jewelry box and necklace for you, but shhhhhhh, it's a secret!" I had to control my stints of laughter but it was the cutest thing ever!



We are heading to Richmond tomorrow for a reception of Hubby's college buddies. The wedding was in TX about a month or so ago and now they are having a party for all the East coast people that couldn't attend! We are riding with another family and they have a little girl about Little Hauss's age, so I'm thankful for that! The ride alone could either be bliss or crazy as all get out if those two aren't happy! But, don't feel sorry for us, we're used to it. Feel sorry for the other college buddy who's riding with us all!!!! So with all that has been going on, I haven't done anything for the trip....I know it's only a night, but I'm usally packed and ready to go by now! Hell, I almost forgot about the dogs! Really, I'm losing it!



I ran around all day and feel like I've accomplised absolutely nothing. I didn't have a list! That was the first mistake....I was too tired to write one last night. So, I ran back and forth all over town running errands that could have been easily reduced to a measely hour or so if I had just given a little thought into where I was going. I had to come back to the house twice for things I forgot!

Off the deep end.....

Ok, I know you think I'm a nut, and I'm ok with that, because I just figured out a way to save bunches on my car insuarnce....not, but that was starting to sound like a Geiko commercial in my head! So, I did find a way to save some money - lots of money actually! On laundry detergent - by making my own!!!!!

I'm on mission to find one ingredient then it's all about some homemade "tide". It is a liquid detergent, which I prefer and is made from Borax, Washing soda and something called fels naptha soap, which is turning into a pain to find locally. They do sell it at Ace Hardware stores, but in cases of 24!!! I only need about 1/3 of the bar per batch of detergent! I have found some online retailers for cheap, but not sure its worth the shipping. I am going to see if any of my thrifty friends want to split a case, because it ends up being about $0.77/bar, AND they will ship the order to your local store for FREE!

I've heard the detergent works great and can be used in hot and cold cycles, but probably need to pre treat stains just like you normally would. The friend that turned me onto this said her friend has spent about $14 in TWO years by making her own detergent! That's less than ONE big container of the brands you buy in the store!

I'll post the recipe later....for now, I need to retrieve my child and whip up something for dinner before I head out with some friends for the evening!

And, I'll just say what you all are thinking - I've turned into one of "those" people....ya know, the tree hugger hippy types - but I'm totally ok with it!

Pressure Washing

We are having a cookout today (which may turn into a cook"in" depending on the weather) to celebrate Hubby's birthday (next week), so we've been cleaning the outdoor furniture, decks, and patio. Little Hauss wanted to help daddy pressure wash, but I guess he didn't want to get all of his clothes wet!

Might be a future career? Pressure washing in skivies? Might make a lot of money!

Blessed

I feel so blessed - I am blessed and I recognize that not everyone is!

I have recently joined a small fellowship group (bible study) through my church and I love it. It is exactly what I have been looking for! It is an all women's group and a mixture of ages, but such a wonderful bunch!

I am on a journey right now to learn more and gain a closer relationship with God and this group is working its magic. We are reading "The Shack" right now and have a lesson/discussion along with it. We know it's fiction and aren't necessarily taking the words to heart, but we are reflecting on it with trials and relationships in everyday life mixed with our faith and love for God. It is a thought provoking book and just an interesting read.

Last night some topics were discussed along the lines of poverty and discrimination and the like, and we reflected on our personal feelings and prejudices that the world has. Some of the stories that were told were heart wrenching and really give you a sense of appreciation for what we DO have. In addition to tangible things that most of us take for granted, like homes, clothes, food, and jobs, we also have our faith. I can't begin to understand feeling no connection to God - How lost a person is without that.

I help around the church, give to Goodwill and other organizations, try to volunteer for things and just do my part, but there is so much we can do and should do. After hearing some of these stories and testimonies of others, it makes me want to do more and I realized that even doing what I already do, it's so small in the scheme of things.

Are you doing your part?