Archive for March, 2011

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March 30, 2011

“I’m Sorry. I didn’t catch that.”

No you’re not. “You” are not even real person!  Ahhhhh!

Why don’t companies let you opt out of voice response automated customer service? They should be asking if you want to use number prompts as soon as you select “1″ for English (or whichever language you choose).

I find it impossible to call any company using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) when my kids are in the room. Some of the phone systems are so sensitive that they pick-up radio and television noise. If my baby coos, I get the “I’m Sorry. I didn’t get that!” Why don’t they just give you the option to opt-out so you can actually go through the automated prompts?

So, there you have it… my first WTF Wednesday post.  And to top it off, I’m gonna name names:

If I had a choice, I would change coverage.  I find the IVR system at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield really awful.  Maybe they should take some time reviewing their phone system and customer satisfaction, instead of sending me audits to see if I have any other health coverage constantly (I don’t, for the record).

Just to prove that I’m not a total jerk, I’ll name a company that is doing it right.  Shockingly, it’s a company that is doing a lot of things wrong.  It’s almost hard to type this, because I am disappointed by their service in so many other ways, but. . . giving credit where credit is due. . .Bank of America.  They actually ask you if you want to use touch tone response.  Just push #33! Yay for BofA!

Now it’s your turn.  What company is getting it right with their phone system? And who is creating more chaos in your life by getting it really wrong? It’s time to vent. . . and yes, I want you to name names!

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March 29, 2011

Best Toilet Cleaning Tip Ever!

If you haven’t heard of The Fly Lady, you should really check out her website.  I use a lot of her ideas and tips – this is one that I’ve only slightly modified.

The issue I always had with cleaning the bathroom was keeping the chemicals in a place that was safe from my kids and didn’t take up valuable bathroom space. This meant cleaning the bathroom was a huge job, because I had to find the chemicals and bring them from room to room.  Translation: Bathrooms were not rarely clean.

Enter the “Swish & Swipe.”  My version of the Swish & Swipe goes something like this:

  1. Buy Glass Cleaning Wipes.
  2. Buy any toilet bowl brush and holder you like (you probably already have one)
  3. When you go into your bathroom first thing in the morning, grab a glass cleaning wipe and wipe down your mirror, counters, and sink.
  4. Grab the hand soap and squirt a few pumps of hand soap into the toilet.
  5. Scrub the toilet bowl (this should be more like a gently swish, since you do this regularly).
  6. Wipe the back of the toilet bowl, lid, and seat with the cleaning wipes you used in the first steps.

That’s it.  It’s really easy.  I clean my kid’s bathroom when they are in the bathtub using the same method.  Of course, this is not the same as a good old-fashioned bathroom cleaning, but it helps to do this every day or so in between cleanings.

To find out more about The Fly Lady, and to read the real version of the “Swish & Swipe,” visit her website.

Posted in Household Tip, Quick & Easy | Leave a Comment »

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March 23, 2011

Favorite Easy Meal

I would love to say that I make all of my meals from fresh vegetables. In fact, some day, I would love to be able to do that. Unfortunately, time is a huge factor for me with such young kids. I’m converting from a mostly vegan diet to a mostly Paleo diet, so vegetables are the main focus of my meals, with some added meat instead of rice or pasta like I used to add. Hard core Paleo diet enthusiasts may not like this recipe because it incorporates a very small amount of feta cheese. I’m trying to keep my meals about 80% Paleo, so this works for me. As for the vegetables, I realize the ingredients are not just vegetables, but again, it fits the 80% rule and is great for transition.

Easy Veggie & Steak Bowl:

-Two boxes “Green Giant Antioxidant Blend” frozen vegetables

-1/4 cup steak

-2 tbs finely crumbled feta

Garlic pepper to taste

Enjoy!

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March 21, 2011

What’s Wrong With Chaos, Anyway?

Some of you may be wondering why I’m fighting against chaos anyway.  After all, I have four young children.  Am I fighting an uphill battle? I guess so.  Will it be worth it? so. effing. worth. it.

Things I find Chaotic:

1.  Constant noise from a television (we don’t have one)

2.  Too much of any one thing (i.e. toys, clothes, etc)

3.  Trying to cook dinner at dinner-time (when I cook instead), then attempting to have “family dinner” (I think there is something wrong with that concept anyway)

4.  Unnecessary paper, including, but not limited to instruction manuals, bills, etc

5.  Businesses that make dumb decisions and have no idea how it impacts the end user

5.  Managing finances (actually, this is one that I’ve just about mastered)

(For an updated list, click here)

I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m really working on it.  This blog will record my struggles & triumphs, as well as any tips and tools I find useful.  Please visit and comment often!

Posted in Minimalism | 1 Comment »

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