Rocks In My Dryer

What DOESN'T Work For Me

Several people sent in e-mails requesting this particular themed edition of WFMW.  Evidently a good number of you have experience with things that don't work out well?  Surely not.

Anyway, this week is your chance to share with the internet your lessons-learned-the-hard-way.  Here is my own random assortment of non-working things:

Waxing.  Technically speaking, this did work for me in the sense that the hair in question was indeed removed, but not before I screamed in pain and nearly threw the waxing-girl across the room.  Never again.  Never, ever again. 

Putting a baby younger than six months old on anything resembling a schedule.  My hat is off to those of you who managed to do it, but I always found it a little like balancing an octopus on your fingertips.  Survival is the name of the game, and if that little creature wants you to feed him at 3 am while hanging upside down wearing polka dot leggings, then by George, you do it.

Yelling at my child that he should stop yelling so much.  Ahem.

Thinking my purse is safe if it's locked in my car.  Just in case I haven't mentioned it enough.  DON'T DO IT!

Magic Erasers.  I know some people swear by these, but I don't like how they get all slimy and soapy right in your hand.  Give me a washcloth and some 409 any day.

Going to the grocery store without meals planned and an organized list.  I still do this sometimes, unfortunately, but it never works out well, and entirely too many Little Debbies (and not enough green beans) seem to end up in my cart.

Garage sales.  I've never found that they make as much money as the tax deduction you'd receive from just donating (and itemizing) the same stuff.  And a charity gets some benefit as well.

So...what doesn't work for you?  (Leave your link below.  First-timers, please read through the guidelines here.)

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1. We are THAT family (Distraction turned Disaster) 2. The Pumkin Patch 3. Mrs. Fussypants (How not to get all frumpy as a mommy) 4. Mammarino (Contact Lens Care) 5. MG (Don\'t Share A Camera) 6. Jenni (how to not waste money at the grocery store) 7. Daily Mish Mash (PMS) 8. Michelle at Scribbit (child activitites) 9. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Please Pass the Butter) 10. Blue Castle (pasta cooker) 11. Cindy (backward face car seats) 12. Capturing Today (Our Lifestyle Don\'ts) 13. The Diaper Diaries (Chinese food) 14. Cara (tips for improving the soil for your garden) 15. The Apron Queen (What Not to Serve for Dinner: Chocolate!) 16. jen @ Land of Lovings -budgeting woes 17. beautifulcraziness (Nursery bedding) 18. Carrissa (new uses for dish detergent, don\'t waste your money!) 19. Lady Why (self-checkout horror stories!) 20. Domestic Spaz (Fly Lady) 21. The Happy Housewife - Credit Cards 22. NotTryingForABoy (felt stickers for chairs) 23. Marcy-The Glamorous Life 24. Green Baby Guide (Resist Cheerios!) 25. karla ~ LTH (****TWITTER TOOLS YOU:VE NEVER HEARD OF***) 26. Need A Nap2 (frugal ideas) 27. Fiddledeedee (Gift Wrapping - for less!) 28. Such The Spot 29. BRC Banter (Crockpot Oatmeal) 30. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts 31. Joy @ FiveJs (Flowers from Hubby? NO THANKS!) 32. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts 33. Corrie (great giveaway) 34. Smockity Frocks(Baby Socks) 35. Mammarino (Choosing a Phone Number) 36. Owlhaven (my Walgreens fiasco) 37. Andrea (slow cooker) 38. Phyllis (washing tie-dye) 39. Jen @ JenuineJen (Giraffe Licking) 40. aunt mommy (the presents that never give) 41. Nicol @ Classy & Sophisticated (Diapers) 42. Koala Bear Writer (disposable diapers) 43. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places 44. Tamara (Counting) 45. LifeatTheCircus(traveling light) 46. Liza\'s Eyeview (Ezzo Parenting) 47. Many Little Blessings (budgeting, clothing, kitchen gadgets, etc.) 48. Little Home (baking vs Wal-Mart) 49. Staci at Writing and Living (Even in Buggarville) 50. Texastanya (Juniper Trees) 51. abrianna-Play Doh 52. Muddy(grocery lists and white water rafting) 53. DomesticallyBlissed - No such thing as Work Life Balance 54. Happy Geek (40 Clove Chicken) 55. Chaotic Joy (Weed killing) 56. Shari Ellen (homeschool related) 57. OW (de-cluttering my house, HELP!) 58. Beanish & Other Languages I\'m Learning - Early Mornings 59. boysmum2 (Time) 60. Thrifty Jinxy (recipe substitutions) 61. Kate @ A Simple Walk (Talking) 62. Dot (Go Duster) 63. margalit (IEP meetings) 64. Annette@MoreLucyThanJune (Weddings and Small Children) 65. Amanda (OMG! Is that your hair?) 66. Summer (bribing kids) 67. Julie Stiles Mills (scrapbooking alternative for tech lovers) 68. Franticallysimple (my mom did my hair) 69. col @ gigablonde (emotions as GPS system) 70. Kristin @ The Goat (Water) 71. Amy Halleran (How To Get Free Stuff) 72. Tara@Not So Perfect (Free Money) 73. Jane @ What About Mom? (Gift-Giving & A GIVEAWAY) 74. Teresa @ A Life At Home (Making my own dishwasher detergent) 75. Thrifty Karen - the grocery store 76. Dawn- Sweet Pea Cakes, Etc. Blog (laundry) 77. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (the phone) 78. Tina in Thailand (breakfast food) 79. Rachel (Wrist Watches!) 80. Fashion Paramedic (A compilation of "doesn\'ts") 81. Jessica (Don\'t forget the dry ice!) 82. Stephanie 83. Robin (washing bathroom rug) 84. Smellyann (rug stick) 85. Runningamuck (coloring your hair at home) 86. Duckabush Blog (Photography Lessons) 87. LeeAnn (AKA FrazzMom) No! Stop! 88. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting Kids to Eat Veggies #3) 89. Amy@Experience Imagination (budgeting with gift cards) 90. Jen M (working it out before bed) 91. pam (insurance, etc.) 92. Elizabeth (couponing) 93. alexsandra (GLUTEN) 94. citystreams (Hubs\' schedule) 95. Mommy-fied (screaming, pacifier, carry baby to sleep) 96. KiddieBlanket (No bedtime stories) 97. Abbey (Antibacterial Handsoap) 98. Mommy Bee/Brightonwoman 99. Becky P (Multiple Blogs) 100. Organising Queen (paper clutter) 101. Stephanie (Dry Beans) 102. Wallet organization 103. Sarah (Cooking in General) 104. Jennifer, Snapshot (The GYM) 105. Liisa (Doing Too Much) 106. JennyV 107. Mommin\' It Up! (baby care timer) 108. Judy (gas prices!!! EW!!!) 109. Suzanne (cheap shoes) 110. Linds (Cleaning the Toilet) 111. Debbie J. (Menu Planning) 112. Activities Coordinator (Food Prices) 113. Luanne at iwantmk (couponing) 114. Megret (MSG and other things!) 115. Edi (Rigid Schedule) 116. Shanda (Parenting Alone) 117. Alana (natural deodorant) 118. Missy (Looking out for #1) 119. TongguMomma (China\'s Great Wall trauma) 120. Heather (2nd Hand Pajamas) 121. Wade\'s World (Campbell\'s Cheesy Chicken and Rice) 122. Jendeis(remembering to comment) 123. Hadley ~ Entertaining 124. Janelle (picky eating, etc) 125. Sister Sassy (FORCEFUL CONVERSIONS) 126. Julie 127. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(baby items/things to avoid) 128. Shalee - Participation 129. Sonshine (afternoon appts) 130. Ames (cheap tools)

131. Untraditional home (budgeeting, scheduling, and American lifestyle) 132. Momala (Laundry) 133. Loral (couponing) 134. Elisa (unschooling/homeschooling) 135. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (groceries) 136. sara l (grocery deals) 137. Momof11 ~ 100 Things We Learned the Hard Way #61-70) 138. Handmade Daily (Once a Month Cooking) 139. Melanie (list of don\'ts) 140. Lavonne @ Economic Endeavors (very cheap hosting!) 141. Kim (Many) 142. Free 2 Be Frugal (line drying) 143. Life with Three (Summer Plan for Kids) 144. Llama Momma (fancy company food) 145. NewYorkChica (Kids & Kitchen Tips) 146. Kaye (No-Nos with Fabric Softener) 147. Victoria (My 1st WFMW) 148. Tania @My Everyday Joys (A Nursing Mother\'s Nightmare) 149. candace (nursing in public) 150. Adena (DON\'T throw away that stained outfit until you read this!) 151. Cammie (computer time) 152. Peggie (Just won\'t work) 153. Frances@Loving and Serving (towel tags GONE) 154. Richelle(Getting rid of rabbits) 155. Kristenkj(church/food/kids) 156. Ann\'Re @ Home (Groceries) 157. Rhen @ YESTHEYAREALLMINE 158. Mother Hen (you must inspect) 159. Amy (television) 160. Abbi (Magic Erasers) 161. Knittinchick (skin care products!) 162. Tanya (thrift stores) 163. The Apron Queen (Not Spay Your Cat) 164. Kristen ( Impulses) 165. Peggie (Don\'t try this) 166. Amanda (Sock Storage) 167. Karen (Trial and Error) 168. Seasonal Learner- Colicky Baby 169. LaLaGirl (lame parenting moves) 170. myRUFlife (Teflon doesn\'t work here) 171. DimpleQueen(Silver Foam Cleaner) 172. Brea in Texas (please help me with my budget!!) 173. Brittany 174. The Thrifty Blogger (No sleep) 175. Fuschia (poorly motivating kids) 176. GP in Montana 177. De\'Etta @Choosing Joy 178. laurieofthesevenstories 179. Bahama Shores Mama (attire, and a few others) 180. SortaCrunchy (Facial Cleansers) 181. Heather (Baby Gates w/Pics) 182. Sarah (Movie group finding etiquette!) 183. GettysburgMom- cribs 184. Sarah (PLAY it forward) 185. Mo (coupons & menu plans) 186. Christine (sucks for me wednesday) 187. Kristine (a few toddler/kid/family things) 188. LinesFromTheVine(Our Digital Camera) 189. Nicole@The Simple Cajun Life(ADHD home remedies) 190. Storytellin\' Mama (Green Paint) 191. sandwiched (Doing Dishes) 192. Franticallysimple (oops, original post got deleted) 193. Christine No Watch Me (stranger danger) 194. Sandy S Zoo (K.I.S.S.) 195. Kisses of Sunshine-Making Homemade Bread (OH MY WORD!!) 196. Jeanette (Always Been Different) 197. Audie (a couple do NOT\'s) 198. Ahorros (CVS brand diapers) 199. Kari @ Just Another Day in Paradise (Assorted Issues) 200. Christine @ Serenity How? (GREEN TEA FRAPP) 201. Heather (pool water in your garden) 202. Crystal @ Biblical Womanhood (infant potty training) 203. chickadee 204. iwantmk (coupons?) 205. Heather (pool water in your garden) 206. Michelle (Appliance Death) 207. mzzterry SOCKS with SANDALS 208. Money Saving Mom (rebates, shopping often, and Walgreens) 209. Alyssa @ Keeping the Kingdom First (random thoughts) 210. Janelle @ Now Play Happy (the phone) 211. amyb 212. Emily (Mother\'s Day) 213. 3cookieday (working too hard) 214. iwantmk (coupons?) 215. ellen stevens (i am a stalker) 216. Heather (pool water in your garden) 217. Tyler (laundry) 218. Amanda (schedules) 219. Mamacita 220. Mamacita (ordering things off infomericals!) 221. lizzykristine (house plants) 222. Abby (Math) 223. Daiquiri (bird nest HELP!) 224. Jenna (Multi-Tasking) 225. Amy (Television!) 226. All Things Cherished 227. Katie (BABY!) 228. sara m. (Homeschooling) 229. Jenna (Multi-Tasking) 230. Elizabeth Sue (Too Much Phone Time) 231. Char (My daughter,the shopper) 232. Veggiemomof2 233. Christine@Lily of the Valley 234. Heidi (Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner) 235. callmetravis (potty training pic) 236. jodi @ backporch reflections (crockpot & coupons) 237. April(domestic doesn\'t agree with me) 238. Ann Kroeker (multi-tasking doesn\'t work 4 me) 239. Kimi@blessed beyond belief (mornings!) 240. Multitasking Mama 241. Tami @ Muddlin Thru Motherhood 242. Everyday Blessings 243. Charity (cooking spray) 244. Everyday Blessing (rollerblades,gardening,swimsuits) 245. Laane (official drop/link systems) 246. Becky (Wedding Ring Woes- Rash, please help!) 247. Sabrina @ Raising Oaks of Righteousness (oh, i have a list!) 248. The Nourishing Gourmet-Make your own veggie sandwich 249. Amber (buying produce from Wal-Mart 250. Betsy (immaculate house) 251. Dana (Flylady, clothing) 252. Kristin (personal peeves) 253. Jen\'s List 254. Kim (my list: WalMart, husbands, dogs, reality tv, etc.) 255. Motherhood and Potatoes (Diaper Changing) 256. Kimberly (overpaying for computer stuff) 257. Sarah (Claritin and Comparison) 258. KrustyTheCat\'s List-coupons, canning, dieting 259. Claire (Not Eating Before a Run)

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Works For Me: Audio Books

I love reading picture books aloud to my kids.  But I'm terrible at reading aloud for long stretches (such as chapter books)--I start to sound way too much like Ellie Mae Clampett.  I don't like to hear myself talk that much (my husband might beg to differ, but let's go with it.)

That's why something that's really working for me is audio books with the kids.  I enjoy it more, and they certainly do.  You can get them at your library for free, of course, or you can find a great selection at AudibleKids.  (Let's see...I could spend $20 on a 2-hour DVD starring, oh my word, chipmunks, or I could spend $20 on a 12-hour audio book starring, um, not chipmunks.  Easy choice.)

I just downloaded this, and I can't wait to listen with the kids.  I've heard great things about it, and I'm very sure that Lynn Redgrave sounds a lot better than Ellie Mae Clampett.

* * * * * * * * * *

Have a helpful tip or two you'd like to share with the internet?  Leave your Works-For-Me Wednesday link below.  Please read through the guidelines first! 

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1. Lady Why (Lemon Juice Anyone?) 2. The Building Brows (Anti-identity-theft tips) 3. Capturing Today (gentle tooth removal) 4. Christa @ No End in Site (healthy summer snack) 5. Mammarino (Glass Cleanup, cheap rolling cart) 6. The Diaper Diaries (Never wake a sleeping baby!) 7. Karla {Decorating with Everyday Things} 8. marriagehacks (how to stop negative behavior patterns with your husband) 9. We are THAT family (Don\'t Forget to Flush) 10. Michelle at Scribbit (Kid Summer Activities) 11. Daily Mish Mash (Frugal Mother\'s Day Gifts) 12. The Pumkin Patch(Clean Kids Room) 13. MG (Removing Stains) 14. Allison (5 easy ways to organize your kitchen) 15. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (It\'s NOT a Casserole!) 16. Blissfully Domestic {decorating with ribbon} 17. Motherhood for Dummies 18. Blue Castle (Headache-less Scrambled Eggs) 19. Laura in KY (highchair alternative) 20. Mrs. Fussypants (How to choose a great pair of Capris, Fight the Frump) 21. OW (craft gift box) 22. Joy @ Five J\'s (Recipe Binder) 23. Mamabug (sheet organization) 24. Activities Coordinator (Drawer Organizer) 25. The Gentle Arts (How to learn how we show security in our marriage) 26. Beth (More audio book links) 27. Memory Lane (Cream Puffs) 28. Motherhood for Dummies (cookbook) 29. Carrissa (how to clean with your kids!) 30. Beth (Organic gardening) 31. karla ~ Handy Diaper Wipes 32. Leslie (Prayer Journal) 33. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Free Photobook- Great Mother\'s Day Gift! ) 34. Sashwhy (Mother\'s Day Gift Ideas Under $10) 35. Staci at Writing and Living (Motivated Moms Planner) 36. aunt mommy (cooking with dregs) 37. Suzanne :: Adventures in Daily Living :: 4 Amusing Podcasts 38. Beth @ The Natural Mommy (Spice Organization) 39. Kate @ A Simple Walk (Buying a new car to save $) 40. Franticallysimple (sunless tanning application tips) 41. jen @ Land of Lovings -sharing Compassion with kids 42. Susan (cleaning ceiling fan with secret weapon) 43. LifeatTheCircus(entertaining kids at doctor office) 44. HeresTheDiehl(Lite Brite & Toddlers) 45. Daiquiri (tidy spice cabinet) 46. GreenBaby(Recycling Bath Water) 47. LeeAnn (BEST STAIN REMOVER EVER!!!) 48. Melanie @ build wisely (sanity savers with kids) 49. Jen @ JenuineJen (Twitter for Dummies) 50. Fiddledeedee (Timesaving Salad Tip!) 51. TongguMomma (Catalogue Books Easily) 52. Smockity Frocks (Reusing Worksheets) 53. Owlhaven (taming the savage tent) 54. Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home (Photoshop Watermark) 55. Many Little Blessings (Make Your Own Matching Game) 56. Crystal (kid swap) 57. Runningamuck (DIY Small Space Laundry Sorter) 58. Stephanie @ KCBryans (Fun Link) 59. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (going no \'poo) 60. Kelli @LivinginGrace (Make Razors Last Forever) 61. Shanda(poor mama\'s massage) 62. Dawn (Filling Your Tank) 63. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (mowing lawn) 64. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting Kids To Eat Veggies # 2) 65. Thinkingchair (Library reminder website) 66. a dash of sassitude (natural remedies) 67. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Free Photobook- Great Mother\'s Day Gift! ) 68. Totallyscrappy (Teacher Appreciation) 69. abrianna 70. Every Good and Perfect GIft 71. Amy (Wonderful Wedding Gift) 72. Liza\'s Eyeview (Orchids Care & Mothers Day) 73. Tara@Not So Perfect (Monitor) 74. LaDonna 75. Jenni@Our Life w/ 3 Girls (400 free photos!) 76. Abel (What to Do When Your Child Says, "I Don\'t Want to Go to School!") 77. Corrie (no more kitchen hands) 78. Amy @ By His Grace (Helping New Parents) 79. RainyPM - Don\'t throw out your old veggies 80. Mommy Menagerie (I Flunked Frugal 101) 81. Smellyann (Wrap-n-mats) 82. Simply A Musing Blog (cool tips for foil use) 83. Creatvie Cupcakes 84. MamaMay (Advertising via plugboards) 85. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (going no \'poo) 86. Simply Sweet Home (quick tasty snack) 87. Adena (easy & fun way to clean bathtub...really) 88. Susan(CinnamonforColdDiabetes) 89. Ellen (Getting Involved at Church) 90. Robin (canker sore relief) 91. Thrifty Jinxy (Organize Your Closet) 92. Kristine (Tips to Keep Cool) 93. Organising Queen (junk drawers!) 94. 5 Minutes for Mom (finding free shipping) 95. Jennifer (toys on rugs) 96. Duckabush Blog (Planning a Women\'s Retreat) 97. Simple Mom (Home Management Notebook ideas) 98. Domestic Spaz (Lice) 99. boysmum2 (duck feeding) 100. Sarah (Spring Cleaning for CAR FLOOR MATS!) 101. Sarah ("to" stop sign- object lesson) 102. Creative organizing tip 103. Happy Mommy (clean base boards) 104. Chatty Kelly (Cooking Co-op) 105. Kelly @ TravelsInCognition (simplify your day) 106. Beth (Jalapeno Popper Dip - Yum!) 107. Sonshine (lunch ideas & planning) 108. The Happy Housewife ~ Crayons in my Dryer 109. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (outside activities) 110. Shalee (Free Meals) 111. Laura (understand your six-year-old!) 112. Life with Three (ending sibling arguments) 113. Heather (natural crud fighting remedies) 114. SARAH@ Real Life (Brushing a Tender Head) 115. AMusingMom (Birthday Party Games) 116. Monica (decorating with what you have) 117. Christine@Lily of the Valley (Prayer Jar) 118. Gina (Pinching Pennies) 119. Jes @ Beauty From Chaos (Dirty Dishes) 120. Debbie J. (Small Space Organizing Ideas) 121. Shelley (Sibling Fights) 122. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(FREE Playtex Bottles-BPA Free also!) 123. candace (organizing DVDs and CDs) 124. Katie (Little is Much) 125. Suzanne (cheaper/free magazines) 126. Katie @ Endless Day (coupons you\'ll actually use) 127. The Apron Queen (Surfing Lessons) 128. Mommin\' It Up! (alternative to booster seat) 129. Lynn (organizing recipes) 130. Little Home (baby food maker) 131. Stop the Ride! (detangle hair) 132. Sandwiched (Sidewalk Paint) 133. Heather L. (Free Yogurt)

134. Kristin (Masterbedroom Haven) 135. Sandwiched (Kids Favorite Smoothie) 136. Monica (decorating with what you have) 137. Linds@This Abode (Tablecloth Crumbs) 138. Liisa (Rolling Out Pie Crusts) 139. jodi - smooth start to your morning 140. Britni (Organizing Drawers) 141. Frances@Loving and Serving (saving vegetable nutrients) 142. The Family CEO (Master Menu List) 143. Clappy Shoes-31 cent/scoop ice cream tonight 144. NewYorkChica (Beauty Tips) 145. GettysburgMom- Urban Legends 146. beautifulcraziness 147. Judy (paid recycling) 148. Kathy (kid-friendly veggie) 149. Broom Huggers (easy cleaning tip) 150. Julie Stiles Mills (freakish junk drawer - and monthly giveaway) 151. Jeni (toddler chores) 152. Kim (Nighttime Prep) 153. Kaye (Walgreen\'s Rebates Online) 154. Passionatehomemaking (microwave vs toaster oven) 155. Erin 156. Kara (curb the munchies) 157. Nichole (using the library) 158. Techie Tutor (Better Pictures Using Your Flash) 159. Ames (stretching coffee grounds) 160. Ames (stretching coffee grounds) 161. Emily (Crayon Cookies) 162. Veronica (Brushing Kids\' teeth) 163. Tafy Sills (baksets) 164. Ginny {Zoo} 165. Stacey (Suggestions for Schedule?) 166. Suburban Saga (alternative applesauce usage) 167. Michele J. (burn remedy) 168. LaRee @ Broad Horizons 169. Veggiemomof2 (exercise) 170. Susanne-rave inducing mac/cheese 171. Elisa - Organization 172. Megret (decadent chocolate dessert) 173. Rhen @ YESTHEYAREALLMINE 174. Teresa (laundry) 175. Amy (garbage disposals) 176. Lavonne @ Economic Endeavors (ways to make money online) 177. Becky P (FREE & NEW Christian books) 178. Catherine at Frugal Homemaker Plus (making food healthier while coping with high food prices) 179. Mother Hen (Reading Program) 180. 3cookieday (web picture albums) 181. Passionatehomemaking (microwave vs toaster oven) 182. Rookie Mom (Sisterhood) 183. Kirstin: Free Rosetta Stone 184. Peggie (shopping) 185. Proverbs 31 Living (less stress at mealtimes) 186. Linda/Lindabelle 187. Jolanthe (Everyday to-do Lists) 188. Annie @ Ramblings of a scrappin\' SAHM (home management) 189. Tanya (stranger danger) 190. Brea in Texas (easy and cheap spray bottle cleaner) 191. April (a new use for gift cards) 192. Jennifer (15 Minutes!!) 193. Samy (save $$$ on gas!) 194. Mommastantrum (using what you\'ve got) 195. Angela @ Hook, Line & Sinker (ADLI\'s) 196. Kristine (toddler save the day) 197. Keely Scott (Art:21) 198. Amy Halleran (Eliminate Twitter Spam) 199. Aimee (Basket of Table Toys) 200. GP 201. Christine (just throw your crap in a pile) 202. Teresa (protecting our marriage) 203. Richelle(to-do list/focused cleaning) 204. Babychaser (Dealing with runny noses!!) 205. Braun Family Circus (sock sorting) 206. Annette (my coupon notebook) 207. Stop and Smell the Chocolates (EASY microwave cleaning) 208. Mummymac (Slow Cooker HELP!!) 209. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts (Recipes and a slice of history too!) 210. Free 2 Be Frugal (weeds) 211. Nikke (packing and moving tips) 212. Texastanya (Backwards-Need Advice!) 213. Kimi @ blessed beyond belief (getting out slivers) 214. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Java Punch!) 215. Reynie@SouthernGirlRambling 216. Heather (getting kids to obey) 217. Tamara (Healthy YUMMY Snacks & Dessert) 218. Jasmine31(.31 baskin robbins icecream) 219. Katrine - Lost Shoes 220. Elizabeth Sue@Wife Happens (Housekeeping Help Link) 221. Tanna (Finding Time) 222. The Thrifty Blogger (yummy mac-n-cheese) 223. Ann\'Re @ Home (Inspiration to Pray - Tomorrows National Day of Prayer) 224. Amazing Cupcakes For The Family 225. Praiseworthythings (refrigerator muffins) 226. My Trendy Tykes (Mini May day baskets) 227. Christine @ Serenity How? (green tea fast, cheap & easy) 228. Tips & Treasures (Dishwasher Tip) 229. Kisses of Sunshine: Raspy-Grater-Zester 230. The Nourishing Gourmet-Asian noodle salad with cooking tip 231. mzzterry(KID recipes for FUN 232. Kristin (scrapbooking with no time and littles underfoot) 233. Christine (cheap slushies to go) 234. Janelle @ Now Play Happy (bill paying system) 235. Amber - (Sub for Shaving Gel) 236. Brandi (Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressing 237. Christine (Flawless home manicure) 238. Jennifer (Making a green home) 239. Such The Spot (toilet ring removal) 240. Kim Priestap (Reduced calorie cake mix) 241. Kim - great kid\'s CD 242. Amy (make boring tasks interesting!) 243. Motherhood and Potatoes 244. 3 P\'s in a Pod - Pharmacy Helps 245. a suburban housewife (bathrooms) 246. Penny Raine- free money for yackin 247. Kristine (Mother\'s Day Gift Ideas) 248. Plastic Daffodils (Packing Light) 249. Girl Fisher (Frozen Juice in Recipes Trick) 250. Lee (reading) 251. With An Angel On My Shoulder (cooking rice) 252. The Fat Bottomed Girl (No More Brown Fruit!) 253. Debbie (Teacher Gifts) 254. Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt (hands-free; baby slings!) 255. All Things Cherished (appliance cords) 256. Sarah (The Talk Tent) 257. Lizzie (Save Energy & Money) 258. Sandy S Zoo (Learn to Read Tips) 259. Amanda (kids assigned cups) 260. What About Mom? (Best Bars in SLC) 261. Rebekah--Frugal Meat 262. Phentermine Online 263. abrianna-Play Doh(Right Link) 264. mzzterry SOCKS with SANDALS 265. Sara (toilet cleaning cheap and easy)

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Works For Me: Purse Safety

As you might imagine, I have purse issues on the brain.  My purse was stolen a week ago, and my husband and I have spent untold hours working on all the credit card/ checking  account/driver's license issues.

(And also?  I have gone purse shopping, and I have a very cute one to show for my efforts.  My grandmother called me as soon as she heard about the theft, her voice full of sympathy and righeous indignation.  "Honey, I want to buy you a new purse.  Even if it's not on sale."  Those are fightin' words for the women shoppers in my family.  We even went out for a Sonic Diet Coke afterwards, so my weary soul is feeling soothed.)

Now that I've had my purse stolen TWICE in eight months, I've learned a few tips I'd like to share with those of you who have not yet had my encounter with criminal dark side of humanity:

1.  For the frickin'-frackin' love of Pete, do not EVER leave your purse in your car.  EVER.  Even if it's daylight, even if it's a good part of town, even if you're just running inside, even if your car is in your garage.

2.  If you are ever tempted to leave your purse in your car, smack yourself in the head with it and read #1 again.

3.  We've always had one credit card and one checking account.  Not anymore, as a result of this little adventure.  Now we have two of each.  One credit card and checking account is for actually keeping with us in my purse and/or Hubs' wallet.  It's only for daily purchases.  We are setting up separate credit card/checking accounts for all our automatic fund withdrawls, and [*insert flashing lights*] WE ARE NOT CARRYING THOSE ACCOUNTS WITH US.  THEY WILL BE LOCKED IN A DRAWER AT HOME.  That way if this happens to us again, we won't have to cancel those "locked-up" accounts, and we won't lose a week of our lives moving all the automatic transfers over. 

4.  Photocopy everything in your purse, and keep it in a safe place.  Driver's license, credit cards (front and back), health insurance cards, everything should be copied!.  This may sound high maintenance, but I promise, if your purse is ever taken, you will weep with gratitude that you did this.

5.  Did I mention you should never leave your purse in your car?

Have a helpful tip or two you'd like to share with the internet?  Leave your Works-For-Me Wednesday link below.  Please read through the guidelines first! 

PLEASE NOTE:  There has been a bit of "misinterpreting" the use of WFMW lately.  If you participate, you must actually be including a HELPFUL TIP in your post.   I'm trying to keep WFMW strong for all of us, so this may mean using my own discretion to delete posts that aren't in the spirit of the carnival.  (And I'm only talking about a handful of incidents, so don't everyone get all paranoid!)

Was your link deleted?  CLICK HERE.

1. The Diaper Diaries (transition to milk) 2. Capturing Today (Strawberry Tips) 3. Nicole @ Life in Progress(Fun, Easy Kids Thank You Notes) 4. Mammarino (Chocolate Recipes!!!) 5. Lady Why (Movie Rental Magic!) 6. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Huh? What\'d You Say?) 7. Candace (Growing Gardeners) 8. Activities Coordinator (Library Fines) 9. Blissfully Domestic (Gorgeous Uses For Xtra Ribbon 10. Amy (inexpensive family fun!) 11. MG (Keep Bees Away) 12. Mamabug (K\'NEX & LEGO storage) 13. Alison (Preschool Option) 14. Domestic Spaz (Maintenance) 15. kristine- Make Shift Camera Tripod 16. LeeAnn (AKA Frazzmom) How NOT to do a potluck! 17. Fiddledeedee (You\'ve got mail...lots of it!) 18. Memarielane (5 things) 19. Sashwhy (Baby Shower Gifts Under $10) 20. Kristin (toys) 21. Teble (Eyebrow Maintenance) 22. aunt mommy (clean dishes in the fridge) 23. Shirley (Allergen Labels) 24. Blue Castle (pain-free dishwashing) 25. A Juggling Mum (Cleaning Game) 26. Phyllis (matzah) 27. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts (FREEBIES!!!!) 28. Megan\'s Bargains - Saving Money & Being Green 29. We are THAT family (Taming the Toddler) 30. The Building Brows (Green Living Tips, Earth Day Humor) 31. HeresTheDiehl (Date Night, Revised) 32. TongguMomma (Finding Multicultural Books) 33. Infinity Goods (Earth Day -- Junk Mail) 34. Carlie (forgetting things) 35. LifeatTheCircus (Stain Removal) 36. Melanie @ NotebookLearning (Gmail as brain dump) 37. Joy @Five J\'s (Diapers & Duct Tape) 38. Staci at Writing and Living (How to cook without heating up the house) 39. Pamela - Feeding your friends 40. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Keepin the Kitchen Clean) 41. Kristen McLane (reading books online) 42. Julie Stiles Mills (5 minute onions and flash freezing - with book giveaway) 43. Life with Three (best baby product) 44. Jane @ What About Mom? (Earth Day Tips) 45. Wani (cheap jewelry) 46. Andrea (toddlers and ice cream) 47. Laura (guaranteed FUN!) 48. Smockity Frocks (Freezer Paper for Crafts) 49. Katie @ Endless Day (keeping your car tidy) 50. Owlhaven (helping little ones with addition) 51. Valerie at Home (ESSENTIAL Cleaning Tool) 52. jen @ Land of Lovings - take a family time-out! 53. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving (improving writing) 54. Kate @ A Simple Walk (Upping grocery budget to save $) 55. Stephanie @ KCBryans (Netflix...for books!)) 56. Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven (LEARN TO KNIT) 57. Motherhood for Dummies 58. Little Home (NO cvs) 59. Kristin (Awesome eMail program) 60. The Bargain Shopper Lady (Travel Deals for Family Vacations) 61. Amy@sonshinecottage(more bread tips) 62. Nicole@The Simple Cajun Life (Tea for health remedies) 63. Kristin (Awesome eMail program) 64. Daiquiri (Vacuuming Made Easier) 65. Mamacita (VERY easy bread crumbs!) 66. Michelle at Scribbit (Organization) 67. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (crunchy way to weed) 68. Melanie @ build wisely (keep recipe cards clean) 69. Mrs. Mordecai (make your own custom laundry soap) 70. Our Side (diaper cover) 71. Miche@Coordinated Chaos(rewarding good behavior easily) 72. momrn2 (Traveling & Toiletries) 73. GreenBaby(Finding Safe Baby Bottles) 74. Sandwiched (Sidewalk Paint) 75. Julie (Sibling apologies) 76. Amy@Experience Imagination (résumé red flags) 77. His Life For Mine (Onion Odor Tamer) 78. Julesie (Offbeat Bride) 79. Amy loves Bud (menu planning made EASY!) 80. Simply A Musing Blog (kids and money) 81. Jinxy (Easily Peel Boiled Eggs) 82. Thinkingchair (rotating fridge veges) 83. chickadee - pets 84. Mommy Menagerie (Best use for pantyhose) 85. Smellyann (organizing foyer chaos) 86. Christine @ Serenity How? (Make your own blended frapp) 87. Amanda (diaper changing) 88. gigablonde (see the gift in "bad" emotions) 89. Stretch Mark Mama (Getting kids to eat veggies # 1) 90. Lee(diaper bag necessities) 91. Healthy Eating Tricks 92. Janelle @ Now Play Happy (Dad\'s Breakfast @ 5am) 93. Christine (No, Watch me)...be true to yourself! 94. Christine (No, Watch me)...be true to yourself! (Sorry, last link won\'t work) 95. Organising Queen (reducing clutter) 96. Lavonne @ Economic Endeavors (more free money!) 97. Every Good and Perfect GIft - Frugal gifts and packaging 98. Duckabush Blog (Love Languages in Children> 99. Amy @ By His Grace (Ordering Online Savings) 100. Kelli@Living In Grace (Must Read!) 101. Niki (bagged dinners) 102. Niki (correct link to bagged dinners) 103. Mrs. Who (Great Meat Loaf!) 104. warillever (decorate kid\'s birthday cake) 105. Jack\'s Mommy (Cute, Easy Vinegar Storage) 106. Shalee (New Wardrobe for $150!) 107. Stop the Ride! (make your own scrubber) 108. Handmade Daily (healthy snacks) 109. GettysburgMom- impt SPF note 110. Happy Mommy (weight loss tip) 111. VerrySherry (Gift Box) 112. Becky P (DVD\'s and Library Day) 113. Heather L. (Snack tip & GIVEAWAY) 114. Mommin\' It Up! (coupon organization) 115. Jolanthe (Muffin Tin Cleanup) 116. Suzanne (morning sickness help) 117. Mothers Precious Gems (Safeguarding your personal information, passwords, usernames on your computer 118. Hadias (Stress Releiver) 119. Jennifer, Snapshot (Furniture Scratches) 120. The Fat Bottomed Girl (Egg Tip) 121. pam (levels of shaving) 122. Gina (Dinner for $1) 123. MC (shopping) 124. The Happy Housewife- Green Cleaners 125. Carrie (Pot Scrapers) 126. Martie\'s House (Train Up A Child) 127. Lynley 128. Amy (Blogger click-able pictures) 129. Lynley (Getting a toddler to eat) 130. Braun Family Circus (paper recycling) 131. Lori (Organize with Accordion files)

132. jennifer (jennwa) 133. Sister HB (NEW CLOTHES) 134. Jennifer (Rainy Day Kid craft ideas) 135. NewYorkChica (Potty Tips) 136. De\'Etta (wheat sock) 137. Kristin (In-Shower Body Lotion) 138. Kim (Scheduling Posts) 139. Mill Musings (Bake Your Pancakes) 140. BeCentsAble (Sarting Seeds) 141. Katie (saving time in the kitchen) 142. Debbie J. (Let the plants do the work) 143. The Thrifty Blogger (Natural remedies) 144. The Family CEO (Free Money: $60 in 5 Minutes) 145. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (Easy Summer Meals) 146. Many Little Blessings (Super Effective and Inexpensive Cleaner) 147. Alison(Free babysitting) 148. Melanie (quick salsa) 149. Linds (DIY Curtain Rod) 150. Linds (DIY Curtain Rod) 151. Amy (Mattress as AWESOME toddler toy!) 152. Auburn Gal Always (cleaning marker out of clothes) 153. Kaye (Clean Pet-and Other-Stains) 154. Judy (getting my kids to eat) 155. Liza\'s Eyeview (Prayer and Part time work) 156. Lizzie (Self Tanner Application Tips) 157. I Throw Like a Girl ~ Organizing receipts 158. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (clothing allowances) 159. lifeasamama (prepping house for sale) 160. Em (Cleaning Schedule) 161. Christine (healthier cinnamon toast) 162. Ames (being green and saving green) 163. Carrie (Pot Scrapers) 164. Elena fit and fab at 50 165. Tanya (teacher gift) 166. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent (Decorating With Fish) 167. Kristenkj(Keeping squirrels at bay) 168. Milehimama (Cheap School Supplies) 169. Mother Hen (Somethin\' From Nuthin\') 170. Angela (bounty vs kleenex) 171. Jamie/penguinsandladybugs (magazine organizational tip) 172. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (green smoothies) 173. Sonshine (out of season clothes storage) 174. Fuschia (Lots of Laundry) 175. Clappy Shoes-3 inexpensive home projects 176. Keely Scott ( Idol Fantasy League) 177. Emily (rust-free shave cream) 178. Kara(Itty Bitty Book light solution) 179. BRC Banter (Almost as Good) 180. Britni (Packing Tip) 181. Rhen @ YESTHEYAREALLMINE 182. Donielle (my coupon system) 183. Teresa (teens and good grades) 184.