Thought I'd share....

*Disclaimer: this is a very non-exciting post, but helpful to anyone that has had problems with getting clean dishes as of late. End Disclaimer.*

A couple of months ago, my dishes started coming out of the dishwasher absolutely disgusting. I had just bought a new box of Cascade, so I figured that was it (the box did look different after all). I went and bought another box at a different store. Same results.

I searched online remedies which included vinegar and/or baking soda. Still nothing. Then one night there was a news report saying that it was a widespread problem due to the fact that phosphate was no longer put into the dishwashing detergent, so dishes were coming out with a white film on them, especially if hard water was present. (My black serving utensils were embarrassing).

Okay, so it wasn't just me. They also suggested home remedies of baking soda and/or vinegar. No results.

I got on the news channel's website to find the story and see what I was doing wrong. There was an update to the story with someone swearing by the product, LemiShine, to help with the problem. The lady had tried all other remedies and nothing had worked for either, until this. I found that Target was selling it and went straight there. (Like I need much convincing to go to Target)

I was eager to try this product, so I washed a load of dishes immediately. It was like there was a halo descending down on my dishwasher with the words hallelujah singing out!! My dishes were beautiful. Beautiful. I pulled out previously washed dishes from the cupboard to compare the results....Night and day difference. Finally a solution.

So, if you are one of the people suffering from the white film problem, I highly suggest this product to you. Like I said, for us, none of the other solutions worked. We don't follow the directions exactly for our dishwasher situation (we would go through it way too quick). We put half detergent and half LemiShine in the main soap compartment (versus putting all Lemi Shine in, like it calls for) and all detergent in the pre-wash.

I saw a huge display of this stuff at Wal-Mart and Target also carries it.

Just thought I'd share.

It's an obsession really....

Like I need something new (internet related) to soak up all of my time. I spend enough time searching for student related websites and fun lesson plans for my Smart Board. Then there is the personal side of it including looking at blogs, blogs, and yes, more blogs. I love finding new craft ideas (which there are way too many of).

I have however, felt as though my organizing and keeping track of all of these great and marvelous things, has been very lack luster. I have a favorites list that is three point seven miles long. Then there is the problem of saving a great blog site (with the purpose of remembering a super fabulous idea), only to have to go back and search the entire site again to find that exact post.

Problem Solved. A few months ago, I stumbled onto what I have decided is one of the single most, internet related, greatest inventions ever! The website is called Pinterest.com. It is a brilliant way to keep track of all of those wonderful things you find on the web-an amazing way to organize your favorites, in categories (chosen by you). I could try and explain it all, but it's just better to check it out yourself. One bummer, you do have to receive an invite before you can start using. It took me awhile to get one, but I've been an addict ever since.

Happy Pinning! (consider yourself warned of the addiction that will soon follow)

(In a nut shell):

-You find something you like on the internet.

-You click on the pin-it tab that you add to your toolbar. (or if searching on the pinterestwebsite, you may choose to repin what someone else has already pinned...yes, you let others do the work)

-choose a picture within that post or site to help you remember why you liked it in the first place. one super fabulous thing about this, when you click on that picture later, if set up correctly, it will link you back to the original post

-type in a quick description of why you love it

-choose a category in which you would like it to fit under (all that you have cleverly named yourself)

-click pin it

-repeat for another item

let me know if you have questions or want to see my page