Maria,

In response to your February 20 'It's fun to see how money can be saved this way' newsletter issue...

I, too, collect my change in a jar. Just wanted to let people know that their dimes and quarters 1964 and before have more silver in them than 1965 forward. I have a coin collection and can get 10x worth for the 1964 and before, $1.00 for a dime and $2.50 for each quarter. Check your change, you may have more than you realize.

Thanks for keeping us so well informed with great ideas.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Glenna Peterson, Lynnwood, WA

In response to my February 19 'Questions About Self-Cleaning My Oven' newsletter issue, I received responses from some of our readers that I wanted to share.

Leda Evans wrote, 'I know my oven's manual advises against oven cleaners and using foil.'

Note from Maria Gracia: Leda...good reminder. Since there are so many different manufacturers and types of ovens on the market, it's always prudent to check your manual first, no matter what you are doing. I'm pretty sure the warning about oven cleaners is the fumes they create...which can be dangerous to animals, people, and even to your oven over time...as well as the fact that using these types of harsh cleaners too much can be damaging to the oven. My first line of defense is cleaning any oven spills and debris immediately...as soon as the oven is cool enough after the meal. This way, natural cleaners will be effective in getting the mess cleaned up.

Pam wrote, 'I have found my self-cleaning mode on my new oven is just not great. I use baking soda and spray white vinegar on the spots. I then close the door, wait two hours, and wipe away. The chemical reaction cleans my oven. Just be careful not to add too much. This is environmentally friendly.

Note from Maria Gracia: Hi Pam! If you can clean with baking soda and white vinegar, your oven manufacturer approves of it, and it's doing the trick, by all means go for that natural option.

Janet Redeford wrote, 'I use a large tray under pans that might drip. On another note, here's what my oven manual states.:

1) Do not line the oven walls, racks, bottom, or any other part of the oven with aluminum foil or any other material. Doing so will disrupt heat distribution, produce poor baking results and cause permanent damage to the oven interior (aluminum foil will melt to the interior surface of the oven)

2) Never attempt to dry a pet in the oven.

On point number two, REALLY?

Note from Maria Gracia: Janet, Using a large tray under pans that might drip is a good idea, as long as the food in the pan is cooking evenly. I've never had foil melt in my oven, but I use a very high quality foil, never put it too close to the heating element, and do so for a single use and only when absolutely needed. That being said, definitely heed oven manufacturer warnings. Again, all ovens differ.

As far as rule number two in your manual, you wouldn't think a company would have to state such a warning (wow!), but I'm guessing someone, somewhere made the manufacturer feel it was important enough to state. It's super-scary that someone might think drying their pet in the oven would be a good thing to do. My goodness...sigh.

Sharon wrote, 'I hope you don't mind, but recent research shows that commercial oven cleaners, like Easy Off, come out in your food after you use it! It's carcinogenic, and shouldn't be used..natural methods are recommended.'

Note from Maria Gracia: Sharon...thanks for writing in. I too don't like using chemicals and avoid as much as possible, except in extreme circumstances where natural methods won't work. For sure...try all natural methods to start. The less chemicals we are exposed to, the better.

Debbie Anderson wrote, 'Great tips on the self cleaning oven feature. I have two additional questions.'

1. Can you tell us a good method to clean the oven racks? If possible, a 'no scrub method?'

2. My oven has dual pane glass windows. How in the heck do you clean in between the glass? They are not sealed and drips have gotten between the glass.

Note from Maria Gracia: Debbie, thanks so much for asking. To clean my oven racks (and there is unfortunately a bit of scrubbing involved if they haven't been cleaned in awhile...which is why I recommend you do this fairly often), I use the 'bathtub method' from Bob Vila:

1. Fill the bathtub with very hot water, just enough to cover the oven racks. Add up to 1/2 cup of dishwashing soap (I use Dawn). Let sit overnight.

2. In the morning, scrub the racks with an old dish towel to remove grease and grime, and use an old toothbrush to dislodge any baked-on sludge. For really stubborn bits, add salt to the toothbrush to make the scrubbing more abrasive. Afterwards, rinse the racks thoroughly before returning them to the oven.

As far as cleaning between the glass, here's a video that GE posted:

Cleaning Between the Oven Door Glass from GE

That being said, it may not apply to all oven models AND, personally, I would never go to the trouble of doing this. In my mind, it's safer, less time-consuming, and more effective to just have the unit serviced by a professional.

Thanks SO MUCH to everyone for writing in! I love getting notes from my GON readers!

Maria

To fast forward to The Cat Language Bible, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

Yes, meow means something

What does it mean, you ask?

Good question. It's about the same as aloha in Hawaiian.

The meaning changes.

Context matters hugely. Is it a mean meow, or a friendly one?

What about the cat's body action? Is he facing towards you, or away? Is the tail curled, or lying flat against the floor?

Depending on these points, 'meow' could mean 'let's watch a movie together' or 'boy am I thirsty right now.'

So getting the tone and body language right is critical.

Finally, there's a quick guide on the essentials of cat communication to open your ears (and your heart) into the fascinating world of feline communication, both verbal and nonverbal.

This guide, written by a PhD animal communications expert Dr Jonas Jurgella, is the missing link that allows you to bond with your own feline friend as if he was a human child.

That's the power of true and honest communication, vs the primitive 'animal baby talk' that so many pet owners unfortunately relegate themselves to.

Learn more about 'The Cat Language Bible' here:

getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

P.S. Your cat will be most appreciative...and you'll feel great knowing that you truly understand your cat's needs and wants.

P.P.S. Don't miss out: When you obtain your copy of 'The Cat Language Bible' BEFORE February 28th, you'll also get 4 COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES:

* The Cat Care Guide
* Training Your Cat
* A to Z Feline Nutrition
* Lifetime Updates

Access EVERYTHING BELOW (and more!) on my NEWLY DESIGNED Home Page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

GON Statistics What are your chances of a lost wallet being returned? AND If your wallet does go missing, here are some steps you can take...

GON Web Poll If you had to live without a cell phone or TV for a month, which would you choose? Please vote in our new web poll. Note: We're using a new web poll service now called Survey Planet. We like it because, in the future, we'll be able to add more than one question to our polls...as well as a number of other great features. The results of each poll are no longer instantly visible, BUT WILL be included in our newsletters. Thank you!

GON Go Green! Simplify clothes washing with this simple tip



Access EVERYTHING ABOVE (and more!) on my Home Page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'There's always two sides to the coin if you have the patience to see.' --Kathryn Budig

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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