Rain, Rain, Go Away

 

My friend Paula and I did one of our usual Chico runs for lunch and shopping. And it was pouring buckets. I have mentioned before how much I hate shopping in the rain. I also hate driving in the rain. I tend to get very grumpy in the rain. However…

 

Even though I went into this trip with a terrible attitude, it ended up just fine. I love our shopping trips. We always have a nice lunch (The Habit, this time) and I do enjoy actually being in the stores.

 

First stop after lunch was Costco. Got some yummy food stuffs and some adult beverages.

Next stop was Bev Mo. Always a fun place to shop. Got some more adult beverages and continued on.

Last stop was Winco. More food stuffs and another adult beverage.

 

Then it was homeward bound. Still pouring like crazy through the whole thing. Absolutely miserable to go from car to store and back again. BUT…

 

We got GOOD PARKING at all 4 stops!! Yes, we had to slosh through the rainy parking lot, but didn’t have to walk all that far.

 

Got home safe and sound (thank you, Lord) and we were done!

 

One of the first things I did after unloading the car was fix me a nice hot tea toddy with some adult beverage in it and watched TV before getting dinner going.

 

BTW, the adult beverages I got will last a LONG time…really. I promise.

 

Random Thought:

Ice cream alone won’t fill the emptiness of my soul…I need cake, too.

 

 

Stick It In The Fridge

 

 

I read an article the other day about non-food items that should be stored in the refrigerator.

 

Nail polish

Keeping nail polish in the fridge can extend its life and prevent it from becoming thick and clumpy. Remember to let the polish warm up to room temperature before using it for the best application.

 

Batteries

Storing batteries in the refrigerator can help them retain their charge for longer. The cold environment slows down the chemical reactions that cause batteries to lose power over time. This is especially helpful for rechargeable batteries, which can hold their charge up to 90% longer when refrigerated. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before use to prevent condensation.

 

Makeup

Many cosmetic products, especially those with natural ingredients, can benefit from refrigeration. The cool temperature helps preserve the active ingredients and prevents bacteria growth.

 

Candles

Refrigerating candles can make them burn slower and more evenly. The cold hardens the wax, which helps the candle maintain its shape and prevents dripping. This trick works best for non-scented candles, as refrigeration can affect the fragrance of scented ones. Remember to remove the candle from the fridge a few hours before use to allow it to reach room temperature.

 

Sunscreen

Keeping sunscreen in the fridge can help maintain its effectiveness and extend its shelf life. The cool temperature prevents the active ingredients from breaking down, ensuring maximum sun protection. Chilled sunscreen also feels refreshing when applied on hot days. Just be sure to shake the bottle well before use, as some ingredients may separate when cold.

 

Perfume

Storing perfume in the refrigerator can help preserve its scent and prevent the fragrance from changing over time. Heat and light can alter the chemical composition of perfumes, but the cool, dark environment of a fridge slows this process. This is especially beneficial for natural and essential oil-based fragrances. Keep in mind that frequent temperature changes can affect the perfume, so choose a spot in your fridge where it can stay undisturbed.

 

Aloe Vera Gel

Refrigerating aloe vera gel can enhance its soothing properties, making it even more effective for treating sunburns and skin irritations. The cool temperature provides extra relief and can help reduce inflammation. Chilled aloe vera gel also feels great when applied to the skin on hot days. Just make sure to use a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination.

 

 

CATS

No, no, no!! Do NOT put your cat in the refrigerator!! He snuck in when I wasn’t looking! Honest!

 

 

 

Memory Food

 

I hate it when certain foods I love are discontinued. Sometimes they are replaced by other stuff that is acceptable, but just not the same. *sigh*

 

 

Fizzies

I wasn’t a big fan of Fizzies, it was mostly the novelty of making plain old water into something else. The only flavor I actually liked was root beer. The rest were meh. And biting into one was no fun at all!

 

 

Jello Whip N Chill

I made this SO MANY times when I was still living at home. It was such an easy and yummy dessert to make. Sometimes I would add food coloring to make some really “interesting” looking stuff. 

 

 

Pepperidge Farms microwave dessert cups

LOVED THESE. I would stock up on them whenever I went shopping. So many great flavors and just the right amount for a nice little dessert.

 

 

Pillsbury chocolate toaster strudels

Toaster strudels was a fun fad, but for me, it was chocolate all the way. When they stopped making that flavor I stopped buying them.

 

 

Pepperidge  Farms blueberry turnovers

Why does no one sell this flavor anymore? I don’t understand it. And I have never seen ready-made ones in the deli/bakery section of any store. Lots of recipes to make them yourself, but I don’t do that kind of baking.

 

 

Dryers spumoni ice cream

This was such a treat when I was growing up. Sometimes it was available as a dessert in a restaurant. When given the choice, I always asked for spumoni. Once in a great while we’d get a tub of it at the store. Can’t find it now. Again, there are tons of recipes to make this, but anything over 3-4 ingredients is on the nope list. 

 

 

Creamed chipped beef on toast the way my grandma made it

OK. I know this isn’t a purchased food that is no longer available, but I LOVED the way my grandma made this simple dish. And she didn’t use actual chipped beef, she used cheap lunchmeat. I recently found a recipe online that I will try out and let you know how it goes. I know for sure that Marv won’t eat it, but I am hopeful.