Monday Q&A | Bread Bags, Vacuums, Dough Hooks, and Skin Care
Every Monday, I answer a few of the questions that my readers send me. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, just leave me a comment here or email me (thefrugalgirl [at] gmail [dot] com) and put Q&A in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
I had a question on how you store your bread. I have been making more bread in an attempt to transition to 100% homemade bread, I am inspired by you! But I was wondering how you store your bread when you bake 2-3 loaves at a time. Do you freeze one or two, if you do, what type of bag or container do you freeze it in?
Kristen B.
Yep, that's exactly what I do...I bake three loaves at a time and freeze two.
Since most plastic storage bags aren't long enough for bread loaves, I typically reuse commercial bread bags for freezing. I just shake them out after I use them and stuff them in a drawer to be used again. They can last a long time that way. I also sometimes use old cereal bags...I just squeeeze the air out, roll the end up tight, and secure it with a chip clip or clothespin.
Cereal bags probably wouldn't be great for long term storage since it's harder to get all the air out of them, but my loaves of bread are usually only in the freezer for a few days, so it works fine for me.
I was wondering if you could share some experience of vacuum cleaners with me, I have had a cheap bagged one that my neighbor gave me when they emigrated for around 9 years and its started to smell and lose suction quite a lot.
Seeing as though you have children and such I was wondering what your vacuum of choice is?
- L.H.
I wish I had something really helpful to say, but I don't. I currently have a Kenmore vacuum, but I've owned probably at least 4 vacuums before this one (including a bagless type). I've had a hard time finding one that lasts for a long time, and that frustrates me.
I have had some success at making my vacuums live longer by cleaning the belt and filters, and by clearing clogs from the hoses (one time I found a glue stick in there, and boy, my vacuum worked a lot better after I pulled that out!) But I wouldn't say I've found a vacuum I would heartily recommend.
I was blessed to receive a KitchenAid mixer from my husband for Christmas (second hand - even better!), and have begun baking bread regularly. Early success, followed by a few failures, but I'm back on track. You seem to use your mixer to mix the dough, but then knead by hand. I've been using the dough hook to do the kneading for me - am I missing out on something great by not kneading by hand?
-S.S.
I do this mostly because my mom did it that way. 😉 She tried the dough hook a few times, decided she ended up adding too much flour that way, and switched to finishing up the kneading by hand.
So honestly, I've never really even tried using the dough hook! I'm so used to kneading this way (my mom taught me when I was in my early teens), I'm kind of stuck in my ways now.
I'd say if the dough hook is working well for you, then by all means stick with that method. Just be sure not to add too much flour (that's the most common error new bakers make.)
I have noticed your pictures of you and your skin looks so good and I was wondering if you use sunscreen. If so what kind? I was told to use sunscreen but they all break my face out.
-Julie
Oh, my skin is definitely not perfect...I've got moles, zits, and scars. 🙂
And I'm starting to get some wrinkles too. Fortunately, I do have somewhat oily skin, so hopefully the wrinkles won't take over too soon. 😉
The makeup I use has a built-in sunscreen, I believe. Maybe you could find a hypo-allergenic, unscented sort?
Hopefully my readers will have some good advice for you. My skin doesn't seem to be terribly sensitive, so I don't really have the voice of experience that you need.
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Ok, people. Share your vacuum-cleaner and sunscreen advice!
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My only tip for a vacuum is to stay away from the bagless kind. I used to have to buy a new vacuum about every other year....no matter how much I would clean the vacuum the filters would always make the unit lose suction! And since I wasn't about to buy a $$$$ vacuum I just kept having issues.
I bought a bagged vacuum about 4 years ago (paid a one month subscription for consumer reports and chose their best bet). Have had no problems since. I just clean the belt and underside every month (I have really long hair and it gets dirty quick).
I'm very allergic to things that are perfumed, but have had good success with Aveno's 50SPF sunscreen. My mom has to use a special one from Clinique that comes in a small tube. Hope that helps.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_302664-73823-EL6986A_0__?productId=1244197&Ntt=electrolux+vacuum+cleaner&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Delectrolux%2Bvacuum%2Bcleaner&facetInfo=
I have this bad boy and I LOVE it. I have 4,200 square feet of brick and old hardwood (think big cracks in between boards) and it hasn't stopped ticking. The bags are a little pricey but I buy the more expensive allergen bags. It sucks up EVERYTHING - sand, dirt, dog hair, crumbs of bird food that get thrown out of the cage...everything. I've never seen it anywhere but Lowes, though 🙁
I second the comment about consumer reports. Most libraries have subscriptions, and I find that librarians are very helpful when I ask for help with consumer reports to look up one specific product. I like the magazine so much, though... I have a paper and an online subscription. I think the buying decisions I have made as a result have more than saved me the cost of the subscriptions.
About vacuums... CR has some great information. From what I can tell, one must spend a little bit of money to get a decent vacuum cleaner. You don't have to buy a Miele or a Dyson, but you probably have to spend more than $100. But hey, if it lasts more than a year or two, perhaps you have actually saved money? and time? and heart-ache?
On the bread bags: I bake my own bread too, and use the store brand plastic bags ( non zipper) that are 10x14", which is bread- loaf size. There are typically 100 in a bag (Walmart brand)and are quite inexpensive. I find myself using them for other things as well, rather than the pricy zipper bags. They're just called"Twist Tie Bags." or food storage bags.
I also reuse them when we finish a loaf of bread.
Third the Consumer Reports recommendation.
I have a Miele canister that is 20 years old and still going strong. Since I dislike hauling out the vacuum but I have lots of rugs I also have a carpet sweeper - just like Grandma used to have! - that I use for lesser jobs.
I also have a Miele. Mine is 6 years old and still works like a charm, even on the copious amounts of dog hair. I've never had a problem with it. My parents also have a Miele that they've had for at LEAST 15 years. Miele are expensive but will last a lifetime.
I also have a Miele. The cost was painful.... but, it's been true love for me! It is easy to use, easy to clean, light weight and makes dog hair disappear. Definitely one of the best investments I have made.
I also make bread with my kitchen aid mixer using the hook to knead. Not adding to much flour and not over kneading (stop as soon as it cleans the bowl) are the biggest tricks I have found.
On Sunscreen -- Look for something labeled as "noncomedegenic." This means it won't clog your pores (in the most basic term). This is what most dermatologists will tell you to use.
I use Cetaphil brand , SPF 50, everyday. It's expensive but they do make just a regular moisturizer that does not contain SPF, for slightly cheaper.
This is one area I do not skimp on costs because the appearance of my face (for my profession) correlates directly with the amount of success I will have.
Sunscree: La Roche Posay.
We have a golden retriever, so we don't play when it comes to vacuums. We bought a Kirby about 15 years ago and it's still going strong. We spent $800 though, so I'm not sure if it has earned it's keep yet. My husband bought me a Bissell Lift Off about 5 yrs ago to suppliment & so I didn't have to keep hauling he heavy Kirby from floor to floor. It works great too. Clean yours out regularly and make sure you don't have any bobbipins, paperclips, legos, etc stuck way up in the hoses, or filters. I cleaned mine out (took it apart and everything) not too long ago and was shocked at all the junk I found in it. Worked like a champ after that! I heard the Dyson ball was neck & neck w/ the Kirby, and I believe those are around $300.
Only a Kirby for me. They last forever and anytime I use a different vacuum they pale in comparison. I've had one for 15 yrs and all I've done is replace a belt - which was provided as a spare part when I purchased it and that just happened 2 days ago.
I love kneading bread and think that the dough hook would take that great feel away from me. I tend to even avoid using my bread machine 🙂
I'm a clinique girl-I have rosacea and their products are the only ones that don't lead to a flare-up.
As an extremely pale person who needs to wear sunscreen all the time and also has skin issues, I swear by BareMinerals foundation (which now comes in SPF 30). My skin really has improved since I started wearing it, and so while it's not the most frugal choice, since makeup lasts a long time for me, it's worth it.
We have 2 kids and 2 dogs that shed A LOT! I wholeheartedly recommend Oreck. They are pretty pricey upfront (I think we paid around $400) but the one we have has a great warranty with annual tune-ups every year for 10 years. So we drop off our vacuum cleaner once a year and when we pick it up it is all cleaned out and has new parts - FOR FREE! It is like having a brand new vacuum every year. It is fabulous! It honestly pays for itself. 🙂
I use Paula's Choice products. She has sunscreen for all different types of skin. I'm over 40 and my skin have never looked this good in my life. Just google Paula's Choice to find her website.
I am a very fair-skinned person with very sensitive dry skin living in a subtropical area. I use the Mary Kay moisturizer with a built in SPF 15 with a CoverGirl foundation to protect my face, and in the entire time I have been here, I have not burned my face once. I've tried other products, and they all irritate my skin. The Mary Kay moisturizer runs at $20ish dollars, but it lasts me at least 6mths to a year, depending on how many times a day I need to use it. I think that Mary Kay also makes a sunscreen. I haven't tried that yet, but it might be worth a try.
Julie, I second the suggestion to use an Aveeno-brand sunscreen. Mine is an oil-free sunscreen moisturizer, I believe. It's been gentle enough on my skin that it hasn't made me break out. I layer it over toner and under my makeup.
Sunscreen: I use Neutrogena's face lotion with sunscreen in it and that works well for me. I have oily skin that also needs moisturizer, pushing 40 with acne issues. I've also had good luck with St Ives, but I don't have a sunscreen product from them.
I recommend Dyson vacuums to EVERYONE! I went through 3 or 4 others before I tried a Dyson and after 7 years it still works and I would never get another brand. It is great with pets and a friend with a husky got one and loves it! They have a washable filter and a canister you can dump out. Not cheap, but worth every penny!
I totally agree with CarrieLynn. I ended up buying a Dyson Animal Vac when my 1 -1/2 year old looked like he had a beard from playing around on the floor...we have a black newfie/lab mix. Even though I would vacuum, nothing would get the dog hair up. I like that all the extra parts are on the machine, so no lugging out extras when doing the ceilings, stairs, furniture, etc. I have it for 5 years, and am still amazed at the dirt it can still suck out of my carpets! I bought mine on sale, with a 10% discount and used bday, christmas, etc to get it! Best purchase ever!
We bought a Dyson vacuum last spring and I have loved it! I don't know how I got along without it before. Like everyone mentioned, they have a washable filter, and easy dump canister. They are going down in price a bit. I think we paid about $350 for ours on Ebay and love it!
I think a good vacuum is something you unfortunately just have to shell out for. I also recommend Dyson to everyone. We won't ever buy anything else! We got ours at Target during a sale, and it wasn't too expensive. We've had our carpets professionally cleaned and the technicians were amazed that we had pets and children and they weren't even able to pull anything out of the carpet. Awesome vacuums!
I recently bought a Dyson as well and I love it. My floors have never been so clean. It has some SERIOUS suction power. It almost ripped the toe kick off my kitchen cabinets. I did buy an extra accessory - the hard floor articulating tool so I get under my sofa which I also recommend.
Our Dyson has been worth every penny! While it is pricey, ours has lasted three years!
I second this recommendation! I've got 7 girls with long hair (and two sons, too) and this vacuum has worked great and lasted us for years, with zero maintenance and daily use!
I have had a Dyson vacuum for the past 7 years with zero issues. We take it apart once a year and clean it out and it runs the same as when it was new. We haven't had to replace any parts or put any money into it. Love that vacuum!
I'm with all of you Dyson lovers! I bought a Dyson about 7 years ago when I worked at Target. It was on sale and I had my employee discount at the time which helped on the cost a little, but it has certainly been an investment! When I first used it, I put it to the test. I vacuumed with my old bag style first, then went over the floor with the Dyson, and Oh My! Kind of scary what the old one was NOT picking up. Anyway, it still works like a charm as long as I clean the filter (which isn't hard to do.) On an extra note: I have a Husky/Chow mix and a black cat.
Very strong suction is not always a good thing. Too much suction can damage rugs. Modern machine-made rugs will survive but a strong vacuum will damage older, handmade, or delicate rugs over time.
With most vacuums you can adjust the suction, so it's not an issue.
William is 100% correct. Simply put: the suction is so strong it breaks the fibers. If you're lucky enough to have wool carpets, never use a Dyson. For some brands, it invalidates the warranty completely. Some Dyson models are not adjustable, so check before buying.
Sunscreen: I use CVS Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 or the Neutrogena equivalent (which I don't see on Neutrogena's site anymore, ack!). I like the stick factor.
About kneading bread - I started baking my own a couple of months ago. I don't have a stand mixer, so I start off with a hand mixer, then a wooden spoon. My first loaves weren't that great and I realized that I added too much flour. With each baking experience, I'm getting to "understand" the dough better. I enjoy the feeling of kneading, and I think of my late mother every time. Do what works for you! I also freeze my bread. Once it's frozen, I take it out and slice the whole loaf, and keep it in the freezer. That makes it very easy to get just one or two slices at a time.
About sunscreen - I'm in my early 60's now, and people my age are getting skin cancer. It's really scary, and much more serious than most people think. Wear sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, whatever you need to do, but keep that sun off your face as much as possible. My friends and I used to use baby oil and iodine to get as tan as we could, but my skin doesn't tan well, so I stopped doing that. I get compliments on my skin all the time, but really, I was just afraid of skin cancer. You're never too young to protect your skin. The affects of sun damage are cumulative over your lifetime, so what you do now will affect you in 30, 40, or 50 years down the road.
I think Elaine's response to the sunscreen inquiry is especially important --- "Wear sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, whatever you need to do, but keep that sun off your face as much as possible."
Only 27 myself, taking care of protecting my skin from sun damage has been very important to me thru my 20s, and fear I will watch my friends and family experience cancer diagnosis in record numbers in the future...
To Julie's question: I use Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer. It costs about $45, and lasts me about 3 months - not the most frugal of options. The reason I am sharing this recommendation is because it took me years to find one that worked under my makeup(prefer liquid foundation); started with less expensive drug store brands that were perfect by themselves, but would cause makeup to just drip off my face... not really a good solution. Even gave up on SPF moisturizers for a year or so, but I don't think it's best to completely rely on the SPF protection that is in the makeup alone. **Fortunately, and in my attempt to save money, I realized that spending M-F in a windowless office during Wisconsin winters meant I would have zero sun exposure, so I am saving a few months worth by not using it for now**
Sorry this is so long, but the message is that you need to find what works for you, and if it a slightly more expensive option is the only one that works for your skin-type and lifestyle, remember that you can't put a price on your health and those things are worth a few extra dollars.
Neutrogena 50 SPF -- an elementary school teacher in SoCal = outside a lot across the day. My 55 year old skin is happy --non-greasy and non-irritating to me (my skin is not too sensitive). Have also moisturized under this on DRY days. Good luck!
My moisturizer has a sunscreen, but I use ground up almonds and oatmeal as a face wash, and do a raw honey wash at night, and my skin has never looked better! I actually get compliments frequently, which is quite a change. I have normally oily and acne prone skin.
Oh! And I was looking at reusable bread storage bags on amazon, but they're, like, $10 a bag. Are those the type of bags you use, Kristen?
I think Kristen means she uses the bags that store-bought bread comes in.
I can't recommend any vacuums since I've had such bad luck with them recently. I really want an Dyson and am saving up for it. Currently I just clean out the filters,etc on the vacuum I have,it helps.
As far as products for the skin,sunscreen,etc I use clinique exclusively and have for a really long time. I have no break-outs or flare ups of any kind with the product and while it does lean to the more pricey side,to me it's worth it since it woul be more expensive to treat the issues than to just not have them at all.
I use and love Mary Kay TimeWise day solution 25 spf sunscreen. It goes on first and then I can just use a moisturizer and/or foundation. It's not thick & I never break out from it, like I do from all others. I also love how easy it is to apply to ears (mine and my kids'). I burn super easy, but with the MK, I do not. I use it on my neck & my chest (another break out area for me). They also sell a sunscreen/moisturizer/tone mix that I love in the summer. Lightweight and fast with no burn. And, no, I do not sell Mary Kay. 🙂 I should, though, because my skin loves their products. 🙂
I also recommend the mineral foundations, Bare Minerals or the Ulta brand. They provide a decent sunscreen effect and they are gentle to my oily, sensitive, aging, hypersensitive dead-pale skin. I stopped breaking out when I stopped using a liquid foundation.
at first glance, a dyson may not be frugal... but i braved black friday one year to get a deep discount on one that cost 2x what my hoover cost! but considering that we were in the market for a vacuum for the 4th time in 7 years, i felt good buying a machine that had a good reputation for performance and for longevity. If this machine lasts 4 years it will be the same cost per year as my hoovers were -- and half the landfill waste. worth standing in the rain at 3am!
Dear S.S. -
I use Kristen's recipe for bread, but knead with the mixer. I found that I did add too much flour at first because I was trying to make it into a cohesive ball in the mixer. But the last few times I've made it, I only added 2 1/2 cups white flour (that's total....including the 1 cup you add at the beginning). I knead in the mixer for 10 minutes. It still looks very sticky. But then I knead on my counter for a few turns (with extra flour on the counter) and I find it comes together very well with not much extra flour. The resulting bread was very moist =)
Good luck....Kristen has inspired me to exclusively make my own bread too and I love it. So tasty!
I have had my dyson for 6 years and it still "sucks" this is the best vaccum I have ever own by far.
We have an Oreck and love it. My husband had one for over 20 years. When it was time to replace it we traded it in for a discount on a new one. We've had the new Oreck for 5 years (we bought the floor model so it was less expensive. We take it to get serviced once a year, usually after Christmas tree clean up.
We also recently purcahsed a smaller Oreck to do the stairs and the car. We bought it refurbished at the Oreck store for about $40 I think. Much better than the sticker price that was well over $100.
Whatever vacuum you decide to get I'd go to that brands outlet and as about discounts. My husband and I both went in the Oreck store but the sales clerck gave my husband a much better price than she gave me. 😉
I use Bare Minerals powder foundation with an spf. I also have sensitive skin and don't like cream sun block.
I heartily recommend a Kirby! Not new, of course, as they are PRICEY! I was lucky enough to receive a 20 year old hand me down. It works great, and as long as you get it regular "check ups" it will last another 20. I have seen several for under $100 at estate sales.
It's funny you say that using the dough hook made your mom add more flour. I noticed that using it helps me avoid adding too much flour! (I over flour my dough because my "this is too messy" threshold is a little low)
I felt like a cheater using it until I started using the Cooks Illustrated (Christmas present, inspired by you. I am eternally grateful.) sandwich bread recipe. They advise using the dough hook for almost all the kneading, and then hand kneading it for less than a minute to get it into a smooth round ball for the first rising stage. But, as with most things in the kitchen, whatever works best for you!
I agree with Holly. The Oreck is by far the best vacuum. It's great for allergies. Oreck also has great service and warranties. The lightweight design makes cleaning easy and the bags ensure you don't create a giant dust cloud that bag-less vacuums often make.
I LOVE my Dyson!! I'm not the kind of person who likes to get "practical" things as gifts (I'm a little selfish that way...), but the Dyson was one of my FAVORITE Christmas gifts ever. The first time I ran it over my carpet (which was vacuumed weekly), it pulled up all sorts of dirt and dust. I am amazed at how much more dirt it pulls up that my previous Kenmore upright! I also love that I can transition from my carpet to my hardwood kitchen with the touch of one simple button. And yes, the ball at the base does make it pretty easy to maneuver around furniture.
Sarah @ http://www.swalkerparamedicranger.wordpress.com
We bought a shop vac to use for cleanup when we were adding on to our house and are still using it for regular vacuuming. It is big and heavy and noisy! But you can use it with bags or without and it has way more power than any regular vacuum I've ever used. Since we don't usually vacuum when company is over, no one knows about our odd habit!
I have a friend who has recently been researching sunscreen and lotions because she has been spending time in Hawaii where the reefs are dying and part of the problem is the sunscreen from thousands of swimmers. Here is what she has to say: Of the four most toxic ingredients, oxybenzone is the worst, for the reefs and for us. The other three problems are paraben, cinnamate, and benzophenone camphor. You might look for anything that begins with "oxy" or "hexa."
I also use Neutragena sunscreen. I would think twice about only using makeup foundation for sunscreen. Personally, I don't use foundation on my entire face and I have heard that you can't put it on as heavy as sunscreen is needed (or at least most people don't). So I always (every single day) use sunscreen on my entire face, and then use foundation powder over that, as needed. Now if I could just get my nieces to stay out of the sun, I know they would thank me one day...
Sunscreen - I have very sensitive skin (and oily on top of that) and through the years have tried a number of things. The mineral makeup is the best for sensisitive skin. I also use neutragena face lotion with sunscreen in it. Make sure that any sunscreen that you use is PABA free. I have found that PABA makes me break out everytime I use it.
I swear by my Dyson. Yes, they are expensive compared to others, but you know the saying..."You get what you pay for". I have had my Dyson for 15 years and it's still going strong with several dogs and cats mind you. I have had other, cheaper vacuums and they tend to loose suction and break quickly. The Dyson, no matter how long it has been between cleanings of the filters, etc, it still does not loose suction. And yes, you do have to clean the filters and such with ANY vacuum. The Dyson is sooooo worth it. My husband and I travel in a motorcoach various months out of the year and I bought a smaller Dyson just to keep in the motorcoach. I totally would not be without it, ever!
I also forgot to mention, we had a maid come to our home for a thorough cleaning. After she vacuumed I wasn't convinced that her vacuum was doing a good job. I said as much and showed her my Dyson. She didn't not believe me as she is a professional. I then vacuumed where she just vacuumed and I got so much more dirt out of the carpets. Needless to say, she was amazed and she said she was going to go out and buy a Dyson right away for her business.
I use my stand mixer dough hook for kneading, and LOVE it. It does need a wee bit of babysitting, because sometimes it creeps all the way up the hook and finds itself all up in the mechanics and that is a mess you do NOT want! If that happens, though, it's usually my own fault for tripling a recipe or adding too much flour. 🙂
Also, I use a Hamilton Beach Eclectrics stand mixer. It fit my budget at the time, and I've never been sorry. Maybe I just don't know what I'm missing since I've never had a KitchenAid, but I can whole-heartedly recommend it for anyone looking for a cheaper option!
I wanted to add a recommendation for Eucerin SPF 30 face lotion. I started using this recently, and have been very pleased with the results. It is not oily, but definitely provides plenty of moisture. Plus, it's inexpensive! 🙂
There's a lot to be said for a big-brimmed hat! They offer great protection, and are cute to boot. Kristen I think we are all harder on ourselves, and notice flaws that no one else does. You look beautiful in all your pictures! Your skin looks great. Sometimes a simple routine does the trick (less can be a whole lot more when it comes to beauty stuff.). My mom has the most amazing skin, and hardly does anything to it at all. No wrinkles that I can see, and she's in her 60's! I've been secretl hoping it might be genetic. 😉
I have fairly sensitive skin (I don't wear any make-up on a daily basis because it tends to make me break out!). It's "combination", which for me means dry in the winter and oily in the summer.
I use a face lotion with sunscreen built in - Eucerin "Everyday Protection SPF 30 Face Lotion"
One thing I love about this lotion (other than the fact that my skin tolerates it very well!) is that it has a little pump that dispenses the perfect amount to smooth on your face and neck in just one pump. One bottle of lotion lasts me months because it is pre-measured, so even though it's a bit pricey (probably "normal" for make-up-wearing types, but pricey compared to Suave body lotion!), it's totally worth it. Completely unscented, very clean and light feel, yet seems to hydrate my dry skin in the winter while not overdoing it to my summer oily skin.
Oh, and I found out about Eucerin and its calming effects through my son's pediatrician. He had (still a little has) eczema as a baby, and she recommended Eucerin lotion for daily use, plus Eucerin body wash followed by Aquafor on bath days (kids with eczema generally end up with only one bath per week to avoid flare-ups due to dry skin).
I use the Eucerin moisturizer as well, and a bottle lasts me about a year with daily application. I love it!
My parents purchased an Oreck XL years ago and it's still going strong--it's seriously been the best vacuum!
Dyson.
Paddle attachment instead of dough hook; finish kneading by hand.
Sunscreen every day.
I have super-sensitive skin (that is still acne-prone in my late-30s, ugh) and have been using Oil of Olay fragrance-free SPF 30 for years with no irritation. I just bought CeraVe with SPF 30 (also good for sensitive skin) but haven't tried it yet so can't report. I also use Bare Minerals makeup but I've been cautioned by dermatologists to be sure to use the lotion and then the makeup; SPF alone in makeup is not enough. I easily pass for 10 years younger (not trying to, but no one ever believes my age) so I'd say it's working!
Personally I do not wear sunscreen, I just monitor when I am out in the sun. I drink plenty of fluids and my skin stays really good. Have recently been told I look like my high school pic and am 51 years old now. Am a red head and have indeed burned a time or two, but got wise and now just be sure to watch how long I am in the sun. Sunscreen wears off fairly quickly anyway, so no patience for re applying to do any good.
Bread I have a machine that does what we need. I also like to knead it myself when I do it for the oven. Baking as we need it there is little left and if there is I use plenty of bread crumbs.
I know all about vacuum problems. hahaha. I once found the entire latch piece from a doorknob stuck in the hose of my vacuum. I laughed so hard when I saw what it was. No idea how it got there!
We have an upright Hoover (with bags) that we got for just over $100 when we got married more than 15 years ago, and it is still going strong. Maybe that's a sign that I need to vacuum more often! When we managed a house for students, the house vac was an Oreck, and we found that it clogged up really quickly and was a total pain to unclog since the hose hole was very awkwardly located. Perhaps the clogging issue was more of an issue because the students tried to vacuum up stuff that was really supposed to go in the trash can.
I use (and reuse) regular gallon ziploc-type bags for my bread. And I too have been inspired to make all my own bread these past few months. Everyone loves it--way better than the bread machine version, and I enjoy the process.
Vacuum cleaner - I have a Miele and love it. Not cheap, but worth it. This vacuum is up to the task of cleaning up after two shedding dogs. The optional dog hair attachment truly gets rid of the fuzz.
My last vacuum was a Kenmore that lasted about 30 years, between my grandmother and myself.
Well now I want a new vacuum! Mine never last long anyway do I may get my wish sooner than later. My dad swears by his Oreck though. 🙂
I live in Southern California so I can definitely weigh in on the sunscreen. I use Mary Kay Day Solution SPF 25 in the winter. I get mine on EBay so the price varies. During the summer I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70. Both of them go well under makeup. Like Kristen I have oily skin and am prone to breakouts. No issues with either as far as breakouts are concerned. I've been using the baby line Episencial's Soothing Cream as a moisturizer and I know they make a sunscreen too so I may try using that. Their Soithing Cream is such a great deal! $10 for 4 oz on Amazon. Anything gentle enough for baby is going to be great for adult skin too!
I got a Dyson vacuum about 4 years ago free with credit card points. It is amazing, easy to use. I am the world's cheapest person but if this vacuum breaks, I will shell out the $400 to get another one. I owned so many $70 vacuums that didn't pick up anything and broke after 9 months that I will never waste my time with a cheap vacuum again.
I love seeing how much junk my vacuum picks up (and we have no pets or shoes in the house so I am constantly amazed how much there is) in the clear collection area. Am I lame or what!?
I've been quietly lurking around this blog for a couple years now and have never commented before. However, the discussion of sunscreen made me come out of hiding. I have had issues with finding something that works for a while. I have sensitive combination skin and live in a tropical setting where sunscreen is always a must. For the beach I swear by Aveno. It's the only thing that doesn't irritate my skin. For daily use, I use Mary Kay's day solution with SPF. Its used before moisturizer but they also have a moisturizer with SPF. I used to use Bare Minerals which has an SPF in the product but I found it very irritating every time I sweat too much. Happy shopping!
Sunscreen: Hands down best for every day is Elta MD. Google it, or ask your derm.
A bit n the pricey side....but you get what you pay for. Try it!!
I have an Oreck vacuum - works really well and I'm pretty abusive(german shepherd, lab, and I'm a quilter so have thread,etc everywhere) I think it was a bit pricey for being a plain jane vacuum but it does the job for me.
no idea for sunscreen and haven't tried baking bread yet but I'm psyching msyelf up LOL!
Thank you Kristen, Heidi and everyone else for your stellar advice - I find this blog so inspiring!
Used the dough hook again but watched my flour input and took it out when it looked much stickier than normal (whatever 'normal' is for someone who's just started making bread) and it turned out perfectly!
I absolutely recommend a Dyson. We have always bought ours as they've come out with the next model because previous models usually are discounted due to new model roll out. We have a golden retriever, cats, I have long hair and we are a busy family who is in and out a lot. And we live in the desert so there is LOTS of dirt.
On sunscreen... I will agree with the posters the recommend the Aveeno, Neutragena and Eucerin prodcuts. I have sensitive skin and I'm a very pale redhead living in the desert. And my family has a serious history of melanoma so I am serious about my sunscreen. On your face SPF 30 is good. The problem with super high SPF is that people feel more protected than they actually are with them. Also, don't forget your neck, ears, and hands. Look for something with a physical block in it (titanium oxide, zinc oxide). Eucerin Sensitive Skin Everyday Skin Protection SPF 30 is very good. You have to rub it in a bit more but it's very effective. Eucerin also makes a body lotion with SPF in it that I highly recommend also. Make up usually does not contain enough skin SPF nor do you most people use enough for it to be the only skin protection they use (per my dermatologist).
And please wear a hat and sunglasses! (My brother is a melanoma survivor. He was 24 when they found it at stage 3. His oncologist called him a walking miracle. Please don't think this is something that happens only after a lifetime of sun exposure!)
I love the old Hoovers. When I got married almost 7 years ago I was given my great aunts Hoover Dial-a Matic, producted between 1963 and 1968 (it's a hideous green color and has a "shag" setting). It works very well and I love that it has metal parts instead of plastic parts that so many new vacuums have. I have no plans to replace it.
I have a Dyson. I bought it on sale at Kohls for $100 off. Still, I don't think I'd buy it again. I don't think it's as easy to move around as a canister vacuum. My next one will be a Kenmore canister.
I also have sensitive skin. I use Aveeno moisturizer with spf but I my favorite is by GiGi. It's an organic line I found at Sally Beauty. It's very moisturizing and has an spf of 15. It always soothes my skin, even more so than the Aveeno. It's great for winter. I'll probably look to see if GiGi has something with a little more spf for the summer.
Another idea- check out Marshalls. They often have higher end brand name skin care products for a fraction of the price. I bought some awesome stuff there for a song.