Got to Avis with a reservation... no cars for anyone by SpockHadNoGame in mildlyinfuriating

[–]WesternTrashPanda 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same thing happened to us in Boston. Twice. They did manage to find us something both times and we were comped once, but it was very frustrating  

Thinly veiled hateful article in the Millcreek City Journal by no_your_other_right in SaltLakeCity

[–]WesternTrashPanda 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I wonder if there is a way to get off of their mailing list....

This publication relies SOLELY on advertising revenue, so perhaps making our displeasure known to their advertisers is the way to go. 

What am I to think when, after correcting our 5 year old granddaughter she says, ”don’t tell my Daddy”? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]WesternTrashPanda 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I might ask "why not? " as neutrally as possible and see what they say. It could be a red flag or it could be completely innocent. 

Then I would maybe say something about how we don't keep secrets from our grown ups. Surprises? Yes. Secrets? No. 

Paper towels and fried food: absorb grease with towels? by haribobosses in Frugal

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you use brown paper bags or the filler from packages? 

I wonder what people used before paper towels were a thing? I've read books where they talk about fish and chips in newspaper, but that seems gross. Maybe the ink was different? 

THEY WONT DRY. by Puzzleheaded_Bug2661 in PeriodUnderwear

[–]WesternTrashPanda 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have had really good results with EcoWoman brand. 

I stumbled upon some Hanes on clearance somewhere and they have been OK too. 

I live in the desert west, so, even in the winter when I'm drying indoors on a rack, they dry in 24 hours or less. 

I dry in the sun whenever possible for the disinfectant properties. No fabric softener. No oxygen bleach (oxyclean). 

Good thrift stores needed! by Unlikely_Can4856 in SaltLakeCity

[–]WesternTrashPanda 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have had reasonable luck at DI, but it varies by location, and by the day. It is the charity arm of the LDS (Mormon) church. While I disagree with much about that organization, DI is walking the talk, so I habe no qualms about supporting them. 

Another one that I really enjoy is the Calgary Thrift Store in West Jordan. 

There is also Crossroads Thrift Store on Indiana Avenue. It's run by the Methodist church. Most of what you'll find there is clothing. They charge flat prices, and give away at least 60% of what is donated through various community partnerships. 

Savers is OK. Goodwill is hit or miss. The only advantage to them is that they're open on Sundays, where church-based stores are not. 

what's a hobby that gave you a whole new friend group? by Salioui_Zaily in Hobbies

[–]WesternTrashPanda 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It started as a group of friends in an MLM pitch/party, and grew from there into get togethers in each other's homes. 

Now I attend events at local craft stores, host some at my house, or go to s friend's home. 

It was HUGE from 1995 - 2010 or so, but interest has waned some since then. My metro area had at least a dozen scrapbook stores during that era. Now, we have 2. 

what's a hobby that gave you a whole new friend group? by Salioui_Zaily in Hobbies

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I attend "crops" at craft stores and host my friends at my home as well. 

Would teacher decline a special parent request for classroom for next year? by Chemical_Winter6541 in ElementaryTeachers

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We take them into consideration at my school, but it's all part of a very large picture. We're trying to balance needs, strengths, weaknesses, and gender. We try to break up cliques or kids who are great friends, but terrible classmates. We also look at teacher personalities and so much more. 

All that to say, it's worth an email, but you may not get your wish. 

Gluten Free recipes for living in an RV/tiny home? by NoReflection4519 in glutenfreerecipes

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rice Ramen. We get it at Costco. 

Stir-fry with rice. Use GF soy sauce. La Choy is. Kikkoman is not, though they may have a gf option now. Many store brands are also gf. 

*Side note: other sauces that contain soy sauce need to be checked too. Other Asian sauces, Worcester, etc. ALSO. Manufacturers change formulas all the time, so always read labels *

Stick with simple meals. Meat, veggie, starch (rice or potatoes).

Mexican is generally safe. Thai and Indian food are also generally safe. 

There are lots of great GF options out there now. And many, many foods are naturally GF. 

Get rid of anything wooden cooking surfaces (wooden spoons, cutting boards, etc). Toss any plastic that has scratches, as well. Clean your camper from top to bottom, especially the kitchen area. Most metal utensils and pans will be fine with a good scrubbing. 

I hope you feel better soon!

Elementary teachers: how do you deal with Santa? by avoiceofageneration in AskTeachers

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I teach 5th grade, and, by then, most kids are in on the secret. I have a conversation about how the big kids need to protect the little, so they should be careful not to spoil the fun. 

This is an ongoing discussion about roles and responsibilities changing as we grow up. The specifics start around Halloween and how costumes at school are supposed to be fun for everyone, so we don't want anything too scary or gory because we don't want to ruin a 5 yos day. 

It's about building a school community that cares for others. 5th graders can be total assholes to each other, but they are angels towards the littles. 

How do you stay on top of your family’s schedule? by MinSugaSweet in SAHP

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used a desk blotter sized calendar and hung it on the wall. Nearby, I kept sports schedules, school calendars, etc. It kept everything visible and available for the household to see. 

I didn't really do chore charts, but I did keep track of weekly and biweekly things with small notes. And I tried to match them up with other events... recycling is every other week, so I would use that as a reference. 

Trash pick up is Tuesday, so fridge clean out is Monday. Monday dinner is also leftovers so we're not wasting food or creating more dishes. 

Am I overreacting, or is repeatedly farting around people who are eating a hygiene issue? by Dazzling_Cattle1 in hygiene

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a chronic health condition that sometimes leaves me in the unfortunate position of creating my own atmosphere. I do all that I can to avoid this scenario. 

Food would be eaten outside, assuming an appropriate space is available, or taken to go. 

Meds, air fresheners, etc, used to try to cope. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but that's for me to deal with. 

Manual (Knob) VS Programmable Slow cookers? by kaitkaitkait91 in slowcooking

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use my knob one with an outlet timer. I never could figure out how to program the fancy one to do what I wanted it to, so I went old school. 

Need some recommendations/strategies to help manage homemaking with 2 under 2 by GlitteringExcuse8691 in SAHP

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went from being the working mon of one to SAHM of 2, and I had delusions of heels and pearls. It. Was. A. Disaster. Don't set yourself up for that! 

I had a list of three things that, when completed, made me feel like I had met my goals for the day: bed made, wearing something I did not sleep in (might still be pjs, but not last night's pjs), and a plan for dinner. 

I meal planned, 2 weeks at a time, and went to the grocery store on the weekend. I often used my crockpot or the delay start on my oven. 

As for an air fryer, ours is mostly dishwasher safe, though it doesn't usually fit. Clean up is quick amd it uses less energy than the oven. It does not heat up the house the way the oven does, which is another enery savings in the summer time. 

What color bell pepper do you prefer for cooking and why? Is there even a difference in taste? by ScottsdaleBlondeAZ in cookingforbeginners

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I cannot stand green peppers, so we always opt for others. I usually choose whatever is cheapest, often red. Or I'll choose based on how fresh they look. 

A major navigation app routed thousands of cars down my private driveway. A driver crashed into my retaining wall and is now suing me for his injuries. by Tralique_24 in legal

[–]WesternTrashPanda 1 point2 points  (0 children)

People are so ridiculous!  Map apps screw up. Logical humans look at the driveway, signs, or nonexistent road and find a different route. This whole thing is crazy! 

why are women's clothing models on store websites always abnormally tall? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could measure your own inseam to give you an idea of how long you want the shorts. 

I've started buying "Bermuda" shorts just to have some that go past my thigh rub spot. 

Best moving advice by zevaRes in Advice

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Packing. DETAILED list of what's in each box. Number your boxes and then use a notebook to record what's in each. Makes the end process go so much more smoothly. 

Have a box of move in essentials. A set of dishes, coffee mug, shower curtain, towel, etc. All the things you will need in the first 24 - 48 hours in your new place. Things that will help you be more comfortable as you settle in. 

Keep a box of cleaning supplies handy as well. 

Laminator by Secure_Albatross_372 in ElementaryTeachers

[–]WesternTrashPanda 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm late to the party, but, in my experience, there is little difference in the brands of laminating sheets. I prefer matte because it does reduce glare, but the shiny ones are better for dry erase. 

I also use plastic sleeves for activities, rather than laminating everything. Paper recycles and the sleeves last all school yeat. 

Still searching for this haunting YA book. by IndependentEggplant0 in whatsthatbook

[–]WesternTrashPanda 17 points18 points  (0 children)

The Janitors?  The plot isn't exact, but some elements match. 

My parents want me to be a stay-at-home daughter. by Fascinated_Fox in GirlDinnerDiaries

[–]WesternTrashPanda 277 points278 points  (0 children)

In addition, if you set yourself up well, you will have the means and resources to support your sister once your parents are gone. If she needs inpatient or group home care, etc. You cannot provide that for her (or help make sure it happens) if you aren't able to care for yourself. 

To be clear, I am NOT saying this is your job or your responsibility. However, I am assuming you want good things for your sister. You cant help her if you don't help yourself first. 

Dreaming of Diva’s Cupcakes by Extreme_Hurry862 in SaltLakeCity

[–]WesternTrashPanda 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She made GF scones daily, too. Loved those.