I just came across this on the www.happyslob.com site and thought - "Wow, when I first wrote that, I'm not sure I ever really thought I'd get my book published. But look at how's it all worked out!" Using the internet to get the attention of big publishers is a great way to stand out. If you're curious, and/or are dreaming of publishing a book one day, check out the original press release I wrote in 2006 at http://www.happyslob.com/pressrelease.html

And keep writing! :)
Christina

I'm keeping it a secret...you have to see which common household cleaning ingredient can be used instead of traditional dishwasher detergent powder at: An Alternative to Dishwasher Detergent

PS. On the same page are also a few hints submitted by a reader about other ways to use dishwasher detergent...

Today is a seriously gloomy, rainy sky day. (In fact, I just read online that we're expecting up to 100 mm of rain here in Calgary!) So, it's time to grab my little cleaning kit and handy timer and get to it. Sometimes the gloom outside provides the perfect backdrop for a little extra cleaning...

I need your opinions, guys. How long do Dyson vacuum cleaners really last? For our next cleaner, I wouldn't mind saving up for one of these suckers, but I really need convincing that it's worth the extra cost. If you have a Dyson, how long have you had it? AND...is it really true that it doesn't lose its suction over time?

Vacuums - the one appliance you really WANT to suck. :)

Here's an easy way to remove one more toxic/chemical cleaner from your home. And yes, it's also painless! Simply stop using chemical scrubby cleaners and replace them with good old baking soda. You'll be surprised that baking soda works incredibly well - a sprinkle or two, and a good scrubby sponge for scrubbing action, and you're off!

More Cleaning With Cornstarch - Cleaning Windows Formula

See, cleaning with cornstarch isn't so crazy after all... Connie's mother has been using it to clean her windows with for years! Here's reader Connie's email, with the SECRET formula recipe:

"My mother's window cleaning (also mirrors etc) equal parts white vinegar, non-sudsy ammonia and water and add 1 or 2 tablespoons cornstarch."

I've also been doing some research into corn starch, and why it's such an incredible substance. For one thing, it's excellent for soaking up grease or oil spills. (Man, wish I'd known that about a week ago when I had a lovely HUGE bottle of olive oil fall down from a shelf and land in an oily puddle all across the kitchen floor. Ugh.)

And...corn starch is, obviously, a starch. So, if you (unlike most of us Happy Slobs) are an ironing fan, then corn starch is an excellent way to get a crisp, starchy finish to items like white shirts or cotton bed linens and sheets.

Start with about 1/2 tablespoon of corn starch in 1 cup of cold tap water. Add slowly to fully dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water. Use as you would any starch spray.

Who knew, right? Here we thought it was just a great gravy thickener - shows us.

Anyone have any other tips using cornstarch to clean? Post them in a comment or email them to me at christina@happyslob.com. Happy cleaning, all!