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May 2018...
I saw this sign in a garden shop and it caught my eye... Hopefully, the April showers have come and gone offering a new season full of flowers and harmony.
Welcome to the May
Better Brighter Easier
newsletter!
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Around The House...
With Mother's Day on the way, and many other events that occur in the spring, fresh-cut flowers are plentiful. Here are a few tips to make them last longer:
1. If you can't get them into water right away, put them in the refrigerator.
2. When you buy them at the store, carry the bunch of flowers upside down, or at an inverted angle. This keeps the water from draining out of the stems during transport.
3. Peel off or cut away any leaves or foliage that would be submersed under the water line. These will rot and create bacteria when soaking in the vase.
4. If you have a preservative packet, use it. Add it first to the vase, and then add the water so it mixes well. Keep the water at room temperature.
5. No preservative packet in sight? Then add sugar, use a teaspoon or two depending on the size of the vase. The sugar gives them some nourishment.
6. Add a few pennies to the vase to slow bacteria growth.
7. Change the water every few days, and trim the ends a bit. This will open the stems again for the flowers to continuing absorbing the fresh water.
Enjoy Blooms Aplenty!
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Binge Watching...
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a marvelous addition to television production at its finest... Not only is it well-written, the acting is outstanding by the entire cast, especially its star, Rachel Brosnahan. If you are looking for a different experience from the rough and tumble, crime specific series that populate most of our viewing choices, then this show is for you.
The first season is wonderfully detailed in every way. From the architecture, wardrobe, language nuances, technology (or lack thereof), to the social mores that dictate behavior, AND more often than not, destiny. Mrs. Maisel takes us on her personal journey to find her true self. As we watch, you can't help but root for her at every obstacle along the way.
This is one of the roles that make an actor iconic. Rachel Brosnahan as Mrs. Maisel offers the rare, seamless integration of actor and character. Her performance in this series is akin to memorable other characters like Don Draper (Jon Hamm in "Mad Men"), Sonny Crocket (Don Johnson in "Miami Vice"), Carrie Mathison (Clare Danes in "Homeland"), and Jeannie (Barbara Eden in "I Dream Of Jeannie") in that you can't imagine anyone else ever playing these roles.
You will smile, laugh, cry, and then laugh some more! This series is only available to members of Amazon Prime. If you don't yet have it, you can test it out with a free 30 day trial. Warning: Once you see all that Amazon Prime has to offer beyond the 2 day shipping, including TV shows, movies, music, books, magazines, discount offers, pantry delivery, and more, you'll want to sign up if you haven't already!
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In The Library...
Oh my gosh, if you are looking for a summer read and couldn't find The Women In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware at your library last year, now is the time to get a copy for your beach bag.
I won't say much about the story because I wouldn't want to spoil anything, but I will say, give this book a chance. It starts off a bit slow but once the ship sets sail it gets to be a bumpy, mysterious ride that will keep you on the edge of your beach chair. You'll be glad you are on shore with your feet in the sand as you read this thriller! Enjoy.
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Seasonal Tip: Keep Those Pesky Ants Away...
There are many ways to use salt besides flavoring food. A while back, I wrote the article, 11 Easy Ways To Use Salt In The Kitchen.
Now I'm adding another usage... Sprinkle salt at your doorways, inside and out to keep the ants away. Also, use it at your window sills, under your sink, along your garage door opening, and anywhere else you've seen the culprits. Evidently, they don't like to walk on salt so they will turn around if they can't get beyond the grains. TIP: It doesn't have to be a mountain of salt, just enough for little ant feet to know it's there.
This is a chemical-free, non-toxic, inexpensive solution to a spring time problem. I have woods behind my house, and I've used it on my deck, and the back door... It works!
More TIPS: (1) If you have pets, only use it in areas where they don't have access or prevent them from walking in the salt; it's not good for their paws, and they eat it when they lick it off. (2) For us humans, remember to step OVER the salted areas so you don't track it onto your carpets or wood floors.
A little extra-care when using this pest solution is better than spraying chemicals all over!
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Who Knew?
Obviously, I like to share information. The following tidbit was surprising to many people when I asked them if they knew that anti-perspirants have an expiration date.
Most people didn't know it and neither did I. I only discovered this tidbit of info earlier this spring when I kept sweating a lot. When I checked my anti-perspirant packaging - not sure what I was looking for - I discovered that it was out of date by over a year and a half (see picture). Oops!
It seems that the active ingredient worked past its printed expiration date for about a year. In the last six months its effectiveness was definitely conking out. This took me a while to notice it because it was winter and I'm always freezing.
TO DO: With the summer months coming up, be sure to check your product's expiration date so you don't get caught with your pants down... I mean with your pits wet. Which is almost as bad! (Ahhhhhh, hope I made you laugh!)
TIP: On a site called CheckFresh, you can search the batch code on personal products to see how old they are. This site is handy because it is often hard to find the expiration date if the original packaging got thrown away. I found some surprises among my personal care items, so a number of out-of-date ones got tossed.
BONUS: Decluttering is always a good thing!
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All Things Better Brighter Easier...
In the April newsletter I told you about my e-commerce site, Better Brighter Easier, Helpful Things For A Happy Life. I also promised a surprise for being part of this newsletter.
This month, as a THANK YOU, I'd like to offer you a pocket size ROOMIGATOR™ The Natural Neutralizer so that you can try it for yourself. With summer coming, it's the perfect time to carry this on your travels. Keep it in your car, or in your purse for a handy freshener wherever you find yourself... Shake and spray, shake and spray ROOMIGATOR™.
This thank you is for those who are signed up to receive this newsletter as of May 6, 2018. If you would like to receive a pocket ROOMIGATOR™ ➡️ please respond to this newsletter by midnight May 31, 2018 Pacific time with your name and mailing address. This offer is only available in the USA. All packages will be mailed out the first week of June. NOTE: Your information will NOT be kept, shared, or sold.
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About This Newsletter...
Hello Here We Are readers, listeners, video viewers, and
Better Brighter Easier ROOMIGATOR™ fans:
1. Thank you for receiving this newsletter. Please know that your info is never shared or sold, and there is no obligation to buy anything. Do not mark this as spam, you can always unsubscribe.
2. The affiliate links included here or on my sites do not cost you anything extra if you shop through them.
3. Referral codes work to save you money, but be sure to check for expiration dates.
4. Feel free to share this email for some else to subscribe, and email me with your suggestions, results, or ideas!
~ As Always, I am grateful for you, Luci |
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