WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY OR OUR FAVOURITE BBQ SAUCE

12 June, 2012

"Take the first step in faith.  You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
                                                                           Martin Luther King Jr.

Can I just reappear with no other explanation other than I have been busy?  (I know.  We all are :)

  A couple of months ago I was preparing for Summer and came up with an idea/activity.
Thru the years we have periodically changed BBQ sauces as we have tried new ones.  (Not too often.)  We really like the bottled sauce we use now.  SO, I decided to try a  BBQ sauce experiment as part of our big Sunday dinner.  (We also had my Uncle and Aunt in town that night on their way to the MTC.)
  I started by buying 5 BBQ sauces.  They were ones that we had used before, or another family member had used before or I had good things about.  I bought bottles that were about the same size, and all were the original flavour.  Then I "brown bagged" each sauce with a lunch bag and jute, and numbered them from 1-5.
  The activity was a hit.  Everyone tried, commented and voted :)
  These were the 5 that I bought.  (I listed them on a card in alphabetical order.) 
#1 Bull's Eye
#2 Famous Dave's
#3 KC Masterpiece
#4 Open Pit
#5 Sweet Baby Ray's

There were about 20 people for dinner that day.  When all was said and done, I was surprised by the results.  The one we use was by far the winner.  Her are our results.
#1  SWEET BABY RAY'S - WINNER
#2  KC Masterpiece
#3  Bull's Eye (We used to use this.
#4  Open Pit
#5  Famous Dave's (My Aunt liked this one best, and this is what they use :)  We liked it the least.)

It was an easy and fun way to start the BIG BBQ season. 
We would love to hear which BBQ sauce you use.
Happy Grilling:)

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY (My grandsons' Christmas gift)

"Traditions are not for keeping.  They're for keeping us close."  A Hallmark print ad

Like everyone else I have been picking my Christmas projects and then trying to get them done.
I decided to make these fun fort kits for my grandsons for Christmas.  I found several different blogs that shared what they had done.
My favourite was Saltwater-Kids.  I started my search by finding great quality twin size flat sheets at a thrift store.  Each "Fort Kit" uses 2 sheets.  I did not want to worry about finding 2 sheets that match, so each boys kit has 1 blue and 1 red sheet.  (We are a blue team family.)  

I found 2 matching pillowcases for the fort contents.  I did not want to worry about drawstring dangers, so I just undid about 2 inches of stitching in the pillowcase side seam and sewed in ribbon ties.  (Remember to quickly burn the ribbon edges to keep the ribbon from unraveling.)

I really liked the idea of using jersey fabric strips for the fort/tent ties.  Cheap and easy.  One shirt made ties for 2 fort sets (6 ties on each of 4 sheets).  I liked Saltwater kids tutorial for the ties, but found it was easier to sew the ties on and then stretch and knot the ends.

Then came finding and collecting all the necessary accessories ;)
In each kit I used

2 sheets, 1 pillow case and 2 yards of ribbon - $6.00 @ thrift stores (Unloading the dishwasher for 1 week got all the ties sewn on for me :)

12 jumbo clothespins (clamps for hooking loops to chair legs.) $2.00 at $ Store (Took about 1 month for me to find them.)

12 wooden clothespins (great for closing gaps, or doors) - $.50 for 1/2 bag from $ Store

Pack of 3 bungee cords - $1.00 at $ Store

Flashlight w/ batteries - $3.00 at Walmart

50 feet of cord - $2.00 at Walmart

6 carabeaners (Is this spelled right?) - $5.00 at Walmart  (I think.)  I just like them.

1 roll of Duct tape - $1.00 at $ Store

1 tube of 50 glow sticks - $4.00 at Macey's grocery store

1 over the door metal hook - $1.00 at $ Store (Great for raising the height of the fort.)

1 shoebox size plastic container for storing the small supplies - $1.00 at Walmart

Fun funnel phone - $1.00 for funnels at $ store (Need to have 2 funnels the same size per fort kit.) + $8.00 for 20 ft. of tubing at Home Depot.  (Be sure to take your funnels to make sure you have a good tight fit.)

Total cost was about $35.00, but the total play value will be priceless.  I will make one for my house after the holidays.

This toy has many hazards and dangers.  It should be played with by appropriate aged children.  Use caution.

What I Buy Wednesday

This week for "What I Buy Wednesday" I am heading to the laundry room.  I thought I would share a few of my favourites/must haves.

The first one is TIDE STAIN RELEASE - In Wash Booster.  I bought this on accident when it first came out a few years ago.  (I had a coupon for $3.00 off and thought it was laundry SOAP with a booster.)
After I figured out what it was, and used it,  I was impressed with how bright my laundry was.  But lots of things can give me that.  Here is what won me over.  IT GOT MUSTARD OUT OF ONE OF MY BLOUSES.  (Mustard, to me is like a dye.)
I don't use it every load.  I use it most for my light loads (not towels).  I have kept buying it.  And I still look for coupons.

I also like TIDE TO GO stick.  (It is like a marker of spot remover that you use by going over the spot, to remove it, on the spot.  It sometimes dries with a faint ring around the missing spot.  That washes out.) It has been used often by my family.  (It worked on a sweet flower girl's dress when she got hurt, and bled on her dress.)

I keep SHOUT COLOR CATCHER around just in case.  I like it when an item is part dark and part light?  Which load do I wash it in?  (Usually dark - with a COLOR CATCHER.)
I use it when I am washing a new item and am unsure about color fastness.
I also use it case of an emergency.  The standard case of the white(ish) shirt that jumped in the dark load.  It has always pulled the color out, after the incident, for me.
My box is a 24 sheet size, and I have had it for several years. 

Last but not least is basic White Vinegar.  I use a gallon of vinegar about every other month.  It is great for removing odors.  (Pool/chlorine, pet accidents (if your cat is very old), dish cloths...) 
It is also helpful in cutting hard water.  Vinegar is a good basic cleaning tool.

I have a favourite laundry soap, stain remover, dryer sheet and fabric softener.  (Don't we all?)  These are just a few other helps I have found.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME OF YOUR FINDS :)  You can share your finds and experiences by leaving a comment.
Next Wednesday we will share some $$$ store finds and favourites.

All opinions (and actual products) are mine.  I was not compensated.  I do try to find coupons.
 

What I buy Wednesday

This was an impulse buy.  I had planned to post something different today.

This is my cat, Lightning.  We found her hiding outside (in the snow) on New Years' Day, 2007.  She was about 1 month old and terrified.  It took us hours to find and catch the little one.


(She kept squinting when I took her picture.)

Lightning will not venture outside, but will spend hours in the windows, looking outside.

Which means constant and time consuming fur removal from drapes.  To more than one window and in more than 1 room.  It can never be done often enough.

I have tried using dryer sheets and damp/dry cloths.  I have tried lint rollers.  I have the blue roller thing by PLEDGE.  The blue PLEDGE thing is what I have used until now.   (It does not work as well and it is hard to get the fur off of the rollers.  Plus you must open it to remove hair, and get replacement rollers.) 



I bought my "FURemover MITT" (on impulse) at Walmart for $2.98.  It works great and fast.  It works best with some pressure on the other side (like a wall or window.  OR MY OTHER HAND :)  I am getting another one so I can do both sides of the drapes at the same time.  (The one I have is right handed so I will look for a left handed one, but a right  turned over is roomy enough to work.)  

The fur "glob" lifts right off so it is easy clean.  It can be used dry or damp.  I thought dry worked best.  The teeth/bristles/whatever are like silicone.

I really recommend this for pet hair.  (We have cat hair, but it shows dogs on the header.)

Since the ones for drapes will be well used, I am also getting one for (the less furry) furniture, and one for clothes (especially my husbands suits).  (I will try the new curtain one for those surfaces first.)

 I have not been contacted or compensated for my opinion or recommendation.    

WHAT I BOUGHT... SATURDAY

I like magnets.

Every time I travel I am tempted by the state magnets.  I sometimes start picking out the states we have been to, and mentally total the price-and put them back.

While Lindsay and Logan saw "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" in West Yellowstone, Doug and I walked around town with Brooklyn.  (Over 7000 steps that night :)  At one of the stores I found a large, metal United States map (18" x 24") for the state magnets.  It was $20.00 (without any magnets-$90.00 with magnets).  We (I ;) bought it.

In May I saw the very good idea of putting magnets on the wooden state puzzle pieces.  (Idea from caThiE.  Thank you.)  I bought mine on ebay and glued my magnets on in May. 
I only put on the states that Doug and I have visited together.  Plus Iowa and Wisconsin because I lived there as a child.

MAKING THIS PROJECT CHEAPER!

Mark had the VERY GOOD IDEA of getting the U.S. cut out of vinyl, and making my own.  I did not know how long that would take, so I bought this one. 


If you visit yard sales/thrift stores/$ stores,  keep your eyes open for metal signs.  I like to use these because the edges are finishes and the metal is usually sealed - and they are cheap.  I just spray paint them.
No wooden U.S. puzzles?  Just use a cardboard one.  They won't be getting a lot of play. 
And for an inexpensive map, check out scrapbook papers, on line or with school supplies.  (Have it sized for your metal board at a copy shop if you need to.)
Mod Podge the map to the board.
Mine is large, so I will be making a smaller one in the fall with vinyl U.S. outline.  (When the craziness of summer is passed.)

Another completed  project.  I am hanging it up in the grandkids room.

I made another piece of framed art that I hung in that room, too.  I will share it sometime this month.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

 We gotta get everything in.  Summer is moving quickly.
My neighbor showed me this POPULAR fun toy.  (Thank you, Elaine).  She brought her few years old one over to my house.  I found it on Amazon, read all the reviews, and ordered one (and also a Christmas gift so I would get free shipping).



This has been a HUGE hit with Logan. 
But first, the reviews.  The rockets are junk.  Most of the reviews said that.  I agree.  I left mine in the shipping box.  (After all, one ALREADY had a broken broken fin :( 
It comes with a stand.  Kinda junk.  (Still in the box :(
I know.  It sounds like I paid for junk.  NO!
The thing you stomp on and the tube you put your rockets on are worth every penny (and nickle, dime, quarter and dollar).   Elaine showed me how to make great rockets with typing paper (500 sheets for under $3.00) and mailing tape (or masking tape, or any tape).

MAKING ROCKETS-

Doug cut 1 foot lengths of flexible tubing.  (Enough for 10 rocket makers.)
 Each rocket needs 1 piece of paper, decorated or not, and tape.

Roll the paper around the tube (same diameter as launching tube)
and tape shut.  It can be hand decorated on the tube now.

Fold one end to a point and tape it shut.

Now we have an unlimited supply of rockets to launch on our
 very fun rocket launcher that dear son in law, David, modified :)

My grandson, Logan, wants to play rockets with his cousins, and I want this to last many years, so my son in law, David, made a frame for me.  Thank you, David.  This looks great.  (If you want a supply list and measurements for the "frame" David made, let me know.

I joined the party at Nothing but Country and Spunky Junky .  Thank you for inviting us to share.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY and a GIVE AWAY

This was an accidental, impulse purchase. 
I saw it at the beauty supply place that I go to to get perms...  They had them on the counter and I looked at one.  The clerk told me all about it, so, I will tell you.

This is a glass nail file.  You use the clear end to file.  And, IT LASTS FOREVER! 
After a few times of filing my nails, you just wash it.  With water.  Then dry it and it is ready for the next time. 
I have had mine for about 4 years.  I have never broken mine.  I keep a cardboard emery board in my wallet and in my travel stuff.  Other than that, this is all I use.  I have not bought emery boards in years.
The price varies by size.  The tiny 3 in. one is $5.00.  Mine is 5 1/4 in. and is $8.00.  (They do have longer ones and other colours.)

And so is the one that I AM GIVING AWAY TODAY.
To celebrate my 200th post I am giving away something every day this week to a follower of my blog.

And the lucky winner is ...#33...Jay and Danielle!!!
Leave a comment telling me how to contact you BY SATURDAY, 7 May.

I am visiting The Thrifty Home's Party with my idea.  I appreciate her hosting.  Again :)

Tommorrow I will "random.org" a Princess Clippie (+) from BITS AND PIECES.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

HI LEIGH JANTAC.  WELCOME AS A NEW FOLLOWER!

Last week Leslie and I found something we really liked and came up with a recipe for Pizza Friday, our version of a PULL APART PIZZA.  I have seen several variations, (using cut up Rhodes dinner rolls, cut up Pillsbury biscuits...) but our idea is easier, and (probably) tastier.

Our local Super Target carries a "6 Count Mini Pull Apart" roll in the bakery dept. ($2.99)   It was great when we had it last week dipped in marinara sauce, so this week we made pizza.

PIZZA PULL APART
Michelle (me) and Leslie

The rolls have 3-4 sections.  Pull apart the sections and tear each section into 3 to 4 pieces.  Layer in a sprayed 9x13 pan.  (You can use a smaller pan and make the "pizza" thicker.) 
I drizzled a bit of marinara sauce sauce on it to keep it moist.  (O.K. Really it was Hunt's 4 Cheese ;0)
I could have put other pizza toppings on it now, but Doug wanted cheese.  So... I generously sprinkled it with (pre) grated mozzarella cheese.  Sprinkle the cheese in a way that it melts the pieces together.  (If you are building more than 1 layer, put cheese between the layers/pieces.) 
I baked it at 350* for about 15 mins., until the cheese was melted and the "crust" was hot. 
It took less than 5 minutes from start to oven.  And that included going downstairs for a can of sauce.  I served sauce on the side for dipping.  We had a salad and strawberries.
TA DA!

Almost everyone loved it.  (Total credit goes to the Garlic Rolls.)  Doug thought it was too garlicky.  Emily just did not like it.  Debbie thought it was a bit too bready.  (She's not a big bread eater.)  For everyone else, it was a HIT!
These Target rolls (located by the Naan bread at our store.)  are on my "What I buy" grocery list.  Perfect (easy) side for soups, stews, pastas, salads...

(I have not been paid or compensated for my opinion.  But I wish I was.)

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

I speak from experience.  Not mine.  One daughter (twice).  And my daughter and son (in law - a student) three times.  (The first daughter learned.  The 2nd daughter did not.)
Everyone suffers when this happens.

The problem? 
The charging cord on your computer quits/goes bad or breaks.  Whatever happens, (unless a family member has a matching one-that you can use) you are without that computer.  A new cord is easy to get, but the replacement cords start at about $50.00.

The solution?
When you order by mail (Amazon...) you can get the replacement cord starting at $3.00-with free shipping.
It is a pain to wait a week for delivery, but the savings is important.  After watching computers coming and going (and cords being left in plugs all over) I decided to have my daughter order a new cord for me when she ordered hers.  I paid $10.00 including shipping.  I wrote on the outside of the shipping envelope what computer the cord went to and put it in a zippered plastic bag, and then stored it with other extra chargers, headphones and cords. 

Your cords (and computer) will last longer if you don't let the box thing on your plug dangle.  (It puts weight on where the cord plugs into the computer.)  Allow the box thing and the computer to have ventilation so they do not over heat.  I read an idea in REAL SIMPLE magazine about using door stops under your computer to prop it up and allow ventilation.
Clean your screens (tvs and computers) with them turned off.

(I really hate it when the spring on the clamp of the curling iron goes, too.  So I am getting a curling iron to stick in the storage room.)

I am over at The Thrifty Home with this post.  Thank you for hosting.  I enjoy checking out the other ideas.

Next week I will show what I bought at IKEA, and what I did with it. I will have a Give a Way for most of the supplies so you can make it, too.

My sister is coming this week end for a visit.  She is staying for 2 weeks (fine, just over a week and a half) and we have lots planned.  We will spend some time visiting thrift stores. (read D.I.s :)
On Wednesday, 20 April,  I will tell you what I look for when I go thrift store/yard sale shopping.  Come back and see "What I buy Wednesday.

UPDATE + "SPRING" GIVE A WAY! + WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

I HAVE 60 FOLLOWERS!  YEA! 
I will "Random.org" a winner of some of my favourite things on Monday.  (I will welcome new followers with my posts next week :)

This week end is the last chance to enter Next 2 Nothing Crafts's Blog Give A way.  I have a link to her "SPRING" tutorial, and Give A Way at the end of this post.  Be sure and leave a comment on BOTH blogs. 

No, I don't do my shopping on Wednesday :0)

I had a different post planned until I realized what week it was.
The last week of March  (and September) I do a battery inventory. 
First I check the batteries IN flashlights, then the ones WITH the flashlights and radios (preparedness). 
Next I check the upstairs battery container and downstairs battery wall mounted rack. 

I know I will need to use 3 nine volt for the unwired smoke alarms that get changed the first week end of April and October.  (And I usually always need AA for Wii remotes.)
I buy my batteries at Sam's Club because  I like buying them in quantity.
(Batteries do lose power over time , so I also have wind flashlights.) 

(We also have rechargables and a car battery jump starter.  I make sure the rechargables are still with the chargers, and that the car jumper has been returned to it's box-AND IS WHERE IT GOES.)

This week I am packing an emergency backpack for my husband to have in his office.  It will have new batteries.  (As well as older canvas shoes, flashlight, solar blanket, a roll of quarters, snacks, water pouches, rain poncho...)

I am over at THE THRIFTY HOME for a link party today.  I appreciate that she hosts these.  Thank you.

Next Wednesday I am posting a major (in my opinion) preparedness purchase. (Mine was under $10.00)

On Monday, Next 2 Nothing Crafts guest posted on my blog.  She is doing a GIVE A WAY of her cute "SPRING" project.  And SHE HAS ONE FOR MY BLOG FOLLOWERS!  Read this post to find out how you can win.

Next week I will be back to my regular weekly schedule of blog posts.  Recipes, crafts, deals, organization and odds & ends. 

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

I got this simple and inexpensive idea about 3 years ago (several months after my grandson, Logan, was born).

My daughter commented that some of Logan's outfits had gotten too small before he had a chance to wear them.  We headed off to Wal-Mart and I bought bundles of the baby hanger in different colours.  Both Wal-Mart and Target sell a pack of 10 hangers for $1.00.
My idea was to hang each size outfit on a different colour handle.  (0-3 mos. - white, 3-6 - mos. - green, 6-9 mos. - blue, You get the idea.)
Put the hangers in the closet by colour, and you won't miss something.
Easy, huh?  And cheap.  And organized.
Simple, I know, but it is an inexpensive add on to a baby gift, or closet organizer project.

This idea is linked to the party at The Thrifty Home.  I appreciate her hostessing.

Next week I will share a major (in my opinion) preparedness purchase.  Under $10.00.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

I am ALWAYS thinking Christmas.  Year round.
What I buy for Christmas is something that Leslie started me on. 
While she was at Target one day, she saw a gift card she thought I would like.  (Don't they have the cutest gift cards?) 
She brought it home to me.  Thus started my collection of gift cards. If I am at Target or Wal-Mart and see a cute (Target) or generic (Wal-Mart or grocery stores0, we put $5.00 on it.  It is as easy as that.  By the time "Black Friday" comes, you may have enough to pay for all of your purchases.  Wouldn't that be great?

There are a few tips for success.

1 Keep each stores gift cards in there own zippered plastic bag.

2 Keep the receipt there, too.  This is really important.  It is proof that YOU bought this.  Not usually needed, but good to have.
3 Keep with your Christmas notebook/journal/lists, whatever you call it.  (You do have one don't you?)  This way you can always put the new one right where it goes, and you will not lose them.
4 Keep it up.  Have a little extra money?  Put more on it.
5 If you "borrow" it, pay it back (if you can).
6 After they (the fun Target ones-like Legos, Barbies that you dress, tape recorders...) are used, x the back with a marker and stick them in a purse or bag for the kids to play with :)
7 I never count what I have until near Thanksgiving.  I love the surprise.
Have fun collecting and getting a head start on the holidays with this easy and relatively painless way to save.  (Even if you use it for cooking/baking supplies.)

This post is linked up at "THE THRIFTY HOME" for a party.  Thank-you so much for hosting one.
Next Wednesday, a baby gift idea, or an idea for you if you have a new(ish) baby.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

This week I am explaining 3 different things I buy for my bathroom.

HAND LOTION - The hand lotion I buy costs between $15.00 and 25.00.  ( I am quite picky about my scents.)  I really love THYME'S Olive Leaf lotion.  I live in a very dry area and use hand cream.  A LOT. 

Another , less expensive, but good quality, hand lotion that I use is TRADER JOE'S A Midsummer Night's Cream (Moisturizing Cream Extra Dry Formula)  (They say unscented, but it has a faint scent.  It is under $4.00 and travels well if you need someone to bring one back from their travels because you do not have a TRADER JOE'S in your state/area :(

To help my favourite last longer (THYMES) I keep them side by side.  Each time I use hand lotion, I squirt out a pea size of EACH.  Works great.  Only three of those stupid hang naily things this winter.

SALT - Yea, weird, I know.  I grew up in California (our home base as I was an Air Force child.).  Whenever we would go to the beach my skin would clear up.  (I was about 12 at the time.)  My mom told me it was the salt.  Ever since then I have washed my face with soap - and salt.  (A very cheap exfoliate.  Yea, under $1.00 and it last (quite) awhile.)  (We are talking 41 years here.)  I keep a small Tupperware (midget) container with a lid, filled with salt.  (I prefer the coarseness of Morton.  Store brands are finer.)   Maybe it has not done anything, but I feel good about it and will do it forever.

DRYER SHEETS - Another weird one :)  It is dry here.  And I can not stand static electricity.  CAN NOT STAND!  I use a pick comb, and as needed, I put a dryer sheet (folded in thirds) on the base of my comb.  It works great.  If things are really dry, I spray a bit of STATIC GUARD on the dryer sheet.  Ah.  No flying hair.

This What I Buy Wednesday is linked up to THE THRIFTY HOME  party.  Thank-you for hosting.


Next Wednesday I will share what I buy to give me a head start on Christmas.  You may think it is too early, but I have converted many to this simple purchase.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

Last week we talked about cleaning garbage disposals.  There were comments and ideas and I decided
to re-post about a cleaner that I really like.

LEMI SHINE - A hard water remover sold at Walmart for under $4.oo. It really works great. It is made for dishwashers, and made mine look new.

I also tried the recipe for cleaning drains. Into my kitchen sink I poured (in order) 1/3 cup LEMI SHINE, 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 cups water. I don't know if it cleaned the drain, but the explosion was cool. After the foam goes away, rinse drain well.
I also tried the spray, which worked great! In a squirt bottle mix 1/8 cup LEMI SHINE and 8 oz. of water. Spray on surface. Let set if desired and rinse well. CAUTION - Test to see if spray will cause damage in a small area. Although this worked amazingly well on my bathroom granite, it seems to have left a whitiesh look. It worked super on shower doors.
(from my 7/17/10 post)

UPDATE-  Vinegar is supposed to be great for hard water deposits. 
Here is my horror(ible) story.  As I began to recover from my surgery, and wanted to take on house jobs, I tackled the hard water deposits that had accumulated around the faucet handles.  I put white vinegar on a damp rag and worked on the hard water spots.  It was working.  But then, I decided it would be easier if it pre-soaked.  I soaked the rag and set it around the handle.  Several hours later I found, to my horror, the vinegar had etched the pattern of the rag into my granite.  Thoroughly traumatized, I have still not finished the job.
There is a moral.  Don't let the deposits build up - even if you are not allowed to use your arms to clean. And, do not blame anyone else for this.  You should have tried it on a small (hidden) area.  All directions tell us that, and we should have read them.  (I am so sad (and embarrassed) about this that I can not even post a picture :(
(Vinegar still works great in laundry, dishwashers...)

Next week- How I extend the life of a product I use daily.    

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

I have a little obsession (Well, one among many.).  I like to (must) clean my garbage disposal.  (I used to get a rag, wet it and load it with cleanser, pull up the black rubber flap, put the rag over my hand - and shove my hand in the little space to twist and clean.  Yea, it works.
After I started losing my left hand/arm from the crushed nerve, I came up with a new idea :)

At a $ stores you can buy dish or pan scrubbers with a handle.  I have never liked them for dishes, but now I buy them for scrubbing out my garbage disposal.  I wet it and put on the cleanser and scrub.  (You could put a rag on the brush if you wanted to.)  This saves my hands.  Cheap, too.
The brushes last 2-3 weeks each (They get smashed.) and I just stick them in the (dirty) dishwasher.

And I never forget to throw my tangerine/orange/lemon rinds down the garbage disposal for a fresh scent.
As a side note, NEVER peel your potatoes in the sink and send the peels down the disposal.  More than once someone has major clogged/stalled our disposal.  (I open a grocery store plastic bag in the side of the sink to collect them.  Do you compost?  My son-in-law got his worms for his. (yuk!))

UPDATE  THANKS MISSY for your comments.  Egg shells are really bad.  And don't even think of feeding it celery (or banana peels).  Some bulk helps to sharpen the blades and clean the disposal (ah, citrus rinds).  Think moderation.  Also, I have read a lot of places that you should use cold water when putting anything greasy down the disposal.  Hot water melts the grease grease to the sides, all the way down.  Cold will solidify it and wash it away.  (Or so I've heard and read.)
Have more tips for disposals?  Share them with us.

Next week, my favourite disposal cleaner.
In two weeks, a way to extend a product that I use DAILY.