The hardest thing about grieving (for me) is finding the motivation to do anything. Seriously my bathroom had not been THOROUGHLY cleaned since Russ was still here. Since he has been gone more than 3 months now, I will let you do the math ... hehehe . But, on Saturday, my motivation and the MOOD to clean came together on the same day. I wish I had before and after pictures, because that was a lot of work. I only cleaned my vanity(<---scroll down), but that took about 3 hours. It was not just cleaning, though, it was also getting rid of some of Russ' stuff that won't be getting used here anymore.
As I tidied up, I decided to take a picture of a cheap thingamabob for my hair heat tools.
I bought an inexpensive silicone hot pad from the dollar store ! The newer tools get way hotter than they used to, and flat irons don't usually have a stand to keep them off the counter. So for $1 I never have to worry about my vanity becoming burnt. Also, it is really easy to clean, when it gets all covered in hairspray, just rinse under the tap. Well, off to ZUMBA® before I stamp, I teach my second class tomorrow!
joyce incase you didn't know to use silicone cookware you MUST have a metal tray underneath it for stability. They are also great for freezing iceblocks to put in punch bowls etc but once again but a tray or plate underneath.
Posted by: julie | February 01, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Rosemarie (what a lovely name! - reminds me of the song O Rosemarie I love you!!) anyhow yes, I don't need to cut the loaf pan up but perhaps it is a bit big to sit on my dressing table....and it is the most awful colour - somewhere between orange and red - augh! But yes, no need to cut it at all.
Kind regards from Northern Ireland.
(Forgive me Julie for comandeering your blog to contact Rosemarie).
Posted by: Joyce Stewart | February 01, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Thanks for the tip. You always have something to tell us about. Yes, times are difficult. I am alone now for 3 yrs. I've had the house cleaning problem and just keeping my house tidy a real issue. Worse, for me is cooking for myself. Not fun. You do keep occupied with the boys, Zumba, your blog - great to have other things besides house cleaning.
Your boys are sure growing -
Love your blog - take care.
Posted by: Joanne | February 01, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Tell Joyce Stewart NOT to cut up her silicone loaf pan! Just leave it as is and pop your hot tools right in there to store and save the counter at the same time!
Posted by: Rosemarie Menassas | January 31, 2011 at 04:28 PM
I can't believe I've never thought of that! I think I'll get one for my glue gun too. Thanks!
Posted by: Alicia | January 31, 2011 at 02:53 PM
creative idea, I can only imagine how hard it is to go through each hurdle, glad you were able to get in the mood, I bet it feels better to have it clean, it always lifts my spirits :)
Posted by: Conniecrafter | January 31, 2011 at 02:45 PM
That's a wonderful idea! TFS!
Hope you had fun at Zumba!!
Posted by: craftscar@hotmail.com | January 31, 2011 at 02:03 PM
Thanks for sharing - in fact I've not seen these little pads over here in the U.K...But....I, in my silliness, bought a silicone loaf pan - thought it would be super for non sticking qualities....it is the worst thing I ever bought as you can't use it as a tin, you can't hold it like a tin - you have to lift the whole loaf by the bottom out of the oven - and it's daft...so now I'll cut it up and use it for my hair things. Ta!!!!
Posted by: Joyce Stewart | January 31, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Great tip! I just got a herstyler flat iron for Christmas, and this is perfect. I actually already have a silicone pad just like this in the kitchen, just never thought of using it in the bathroom.
(I found mine either at Dollar Tree or the Target dollar spot)
Posted by: Laura D Albertson | January 31, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I was just asking my granddaughter what she uses for her flat iron the other day. We both need something besides a cotton cloth. Thanks for the tip. I will definitely be checking for one. Hugs.
Posted by: Kheila | January 31, 2011 at 11:54 AM
thanks Julie, I just love reading your posts. xoxo
Posted by: Rita Palanjian | January 31, 2011 at 10:18 AM
My dear,I do understand this part of grieving.I lost my husband two years ago today and there are still days when it takes a great effort to get going but as time passes every day life does get easier.
You are lucky to have two lovely boys who need your love and care and give you a good reason to motivate yourself. For me crafts keep me occupied and preparing for classes keeps me focused. I wish you strength and much love, God bless you. Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | January 31, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing...you give us the coolest tips!
Hugs and prayers,
Linda
Posted by: Linda L | January 31, 2011 at 09:57 AM
those would make great glue gun pads also. I just can't find them anywhere near me in the dollar stores.
Posted by: Lynn Smith | January 31, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Great hint, Julie! I never thought of using these little silicone pads, though I see them everywhere. God bless you as you move on in your life. It's not easy, but with His help you'll get there!
Posted by: Peggy Maier | January 31, 2011 at 07:56 AM