Wand refill!

I don't know how many of you have a Scotch-Brite dishwand but I do and I think they're amazing. At first I thought they were yet another silly kitchen gadget, until I used one. A roommate introduced me to them my first year of college, and I have always had one in my kitchen ever since. A few reasons why I like them are: they hold the dish soap in them so you don't have to keep dispensing it as you clean, it keeps you from having to touch unpleasant food residues, their wide base makes each stroke of your hand cover a large area than other scrubbers, and they get into things (like cups) effectively. I've tried other scrubbers but this one I have found to be the least hassle of any I have used.

The only down side to the dish wand is replacing the sponge heads. My grocery store carries the replacement heads but they cost around $4 for two. Only two! So instead of having to pay $2 a piece I decided to recycle the old pads to make new ones. Now I don't have to pay as much to keep using the dishwand I love so much.

To get started we will the following:

A sponge of 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" or larger, with your choice of thickness
Scissors
One old used sponge head
Hot glue gun with non-toxic, food safe glue
A marker (if desired)

Moisten the sponge so that it is just moist enough that you can feel it. Have your glue gun get up to heat in the meantime. If desired use a marker to outline the old sponge head on he moist sponge. I just free-handed it but do what ever you feel comfortable with.

This next part is fun. Separate the old sponge from it's plastic base. Get as much of the old sponge off as you can and discard it.

Once your hot glue gun is ready with your non-toxic glue, apply the glue to the plastic base there the old sponge was attach. be careful to not put glue on anywhere it is not necessary, or where it might impede the wands dish washing capabilities. Press the plastic base on the sponge in the center of your outline or roughly half a centimeter away from all edges. Press down for 30 seconds.

Make certain the bond around the perimeter of the base is absolute by trying to peal it back. Apply more glue where needed, and allow it to cool.

Cut free-hand half a centimeter around the base or along the line you traced earlier.

Attach the base to the wand. Enjoy!

For price comparison I got a pack of six sponges for $3.00 at the store, making the cost of a single replacement head $0.50. A savings of $1.50 for each replacement.

Enjoy friends.

Life thus far...

Howdy All!

It has been a while since my last post, so I thought I would catch you up on what I've been up to lately. First and foremost I am graduated! I now have a bachelors of Science in Rangeland Ecology! Eek! I am very proud of myself for finishing what I started 6 years ago.
College is a wild ride of events and the last semester was no. Early in the semester I got senior-idice very bad, so the last few week I had to kick myself into gear to pass all of my classes. But you know what, I did it! (Warning: Small helpful soap box moment ahead)
It's important when going to school to figure out how you learn.  It took a while for me to figure out how I learn, I didn't even know it in high school! I took a course from Student Support Service at my college which used the text 'Becoming a Master Student'. The class and especially the text taught me how to read a text book, practical study habits that work, and among other things it included a quiz that helped me discover how I learned. I learn by both audio and visual (which explains why I only need to see a movie twice to have it committed to memory). To further ingrain my learning I need repetition on a daily basis, careful contemplation also helps. I would highly recommend 'Becoming a Master Student' to anyone that is considering attending a college or trade school. I was blessed to have that course at the beginning of my college education otherwise I don't know if I would have been so successful at it. I am very proud of all that I've accomplished. I would not trade my experience for anything. I am so happy to be done with school (at least for now) and start working to put my husband through the rest of his schooling. (He applied just this past week. Keep your figures crossed that he gets in) Which brings me to my next point I started a new job.

In my new job I work for the university that I graduated from as a GIS (Geographic Information System) Technician. My commute is only a ten minuet walk--nice or what? I didn't imagine myself working where I am, but I know I am gaining skills that will be useful for future occupations. I am not sure what the future holds for me career-wise but I want to gain as much experience as possible. in as many opportunities that are made available to me.

Since graduating I have started a number of new hobbies and revived a few old favorites. The newest of these are soap making, gardening and listening to audiobooks. I been toying with the idea of making and selling soap for a secondary income. I use to sell hair things, but since they're on the way out I thought I might try something that is more constant, like soap making. So far I have only used melt and pour to make a few gifts and I like it so far. I have spent so much time looking into soap making: reading blogs and books, finding calculators for the correct amount of lye to use, which oils are best for different ends, etc. ... I am excited to start doing this. I hope it goes well. Since I am not reading text book anymore I am listening to novel of all types while I work. Any suggestion are most welcome. Currently I am listening to Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' which I am loving. As for the old hobbies I am reviving I have a quilt I started a year ago to finish, another one to start, and a few clothing and household items to try to create. I am excited to do those as well. Keep an eye out for the future posts about these :)

As you can see life is in full swing in this 300 square feet apartment and that's just how I like it.