If you are like me, and do a lot of laundry, you know how your washing machine can get a stinky smell after a lot of use (especially after you've forgotten a wet load overnight in the machine, oh yuk). I tried a lot of typical the remedies, like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, bleach, and while they all did their part in refreshing the washer, the smell returned after a few loads of wash. So I began researching products and found this washing machine cleaner by Oh Yuk. 

This cleaner works on top and front loaders, although I can only vouch for my top loader. People I know with the front loader machines complain of the smell even when the machines are new, so this product may be a helpful solution for that issue. 

I followed the company directions exactly, and while I did have to repeat the process about 4 months after the first cleansing, it's holding up well. The mildew smell is gone, yeah!

TIP: With or without using this product, get in the habit of leaving the washing machine lid or door open, this helps to keep air circulating and allows the basin to dry out in between washings. Happy Laundering!

Binge Watching...
 

I've got one word for my first impression upon finishing this series, WOW! I wasn't sure about the casting of John Krasinski as Jack Ryan, but he is the right actor for this role. His unassuming, caring, but traumatized approach works in every scenario, from the day-to-day scenes to the rough and tumble violent ones. 

And yes, there is violence, a lot more than I anticipated. Sadly, I don't feel that it is gratuitous under the guise of this sensitive, timely, political storyline. The surrounding cast is very good, some better than others, but the actual plot line will keep you bingeing through every episode. This original series is developed by and only available on Amazon Prime, if you haven't yet joined you can use this link for a free 30 day trial. 

In The Library...
 

We all talk about de-cluttering but for some people it is an overwhelming task. I practice feng shui in my home (so I thought I was doing a good job at this) BUT after reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, I realize I was kidding myself. 

This book will change your life... Or at least your outlook on how to manage, purge, and organize your home, office, garage, etc. At first I was doubtful that a whole book on "tidying up" would be interesting, but it is, and it is effective and eye-opening.

You will see all things that you have in your life in a new way. Be prepared to be motivated!

Here is a memory tip that I heard about this past spring and tested it all summer... I can confidently report that IT WORKS! 

If you ever wonder after you leave your house whether you locked the front door, turned off the AC, put on the outside lights, etc., learn to say it OUT LOUD AS YOU COMPLETE THE TASK. Example: "I am locking the door now." "I am turning off the AC now." 

We all know when we are trying to get out the door how we do these menial tasks out of habit, but later you doubt yourself. Use this tip and you'll see that you will stop asking yourself if you locked the front door!

This memory exercise works because stating the task out loud cements the act in your memory. It seems silly but when you are on the airplane, sitting on the beach, or driving away, you will no longer have to fret about whether you did it or not. Ahhh, easy enough and worth a try!

Speaking of laundry, did you know you can use ROOMIGATOR™ to freshen clothes, towels, and sheets in your dryer? It's a much more natural way than using drying sheets (which are loaded with chemicals and perfumes).

All you do is spray ROOMIGATOR™ on to a dry, clean wash cloth, then toss it into your dryer and set the dryer to "air dry" mode and let the items tumble for a bit. TIP: Use enough ROOMIGATOR™ to moisten the wash cloth, no need to saturate it.

NOTE: This recommendation is for fluffing and refreshing your dry items, not for when they are wet and going into a hot dryer. Currently, I am testing the ratio of ROOMIGATOR™ needed for this type of use. Stay tuned!