Dryer Sheets as Cleaners?

Use a dryer sheet to clean sticky dust off of trouble spots like blinds and baseboards!

Find great tips and tricks for a cleaner, fresher home with us on pinterest!

Great Use for Dish Drying Rack

What a great idea! Solves that age-old problem of lost tupperware tops!

Find what great tips we are pinning and re-pinning on pinterest!

Repurposed Veggies?

Replant green onion roots, new plants ready in a month! Worth a Try.

Join us for tips on achieving a great garden!

Upside Down Hook to Hold Wreaths

What a great idea! I think it would work for a lightweight wreath on the front door as well.

See all of the tips and tricks you can gather from others on pinterest? Fabulous!

Healthy Kitchen Makeover

Was one of your New Years resolutions to give your diet a healthy overhaul? Stay on track by replacing your usual meals with healthier versions or supplementing your diet with vitamin-rich snacks. Use these fun and functional kitchen gadgets to help you get started.

Whether you need to make exact measurements for baking or are looking to create healthy portions at dinnertime, a food scale can be a great way to keep things in check. This scale comes with an easy to use function that will subtract the weight of the container for an accurate count every time.
Read the rest of this post »

Basket Case

Don't get me wrong, I love baskets, but for some storage jobs, they simply don't fit right. Plus, sometimes a girl just wants a more updated look than a traditional woven basket can provide. Fabric storage bins provide the perfect alternative to baskets around the home. Fabric baskets have a more rectangular, streamlined design and therefore are just a tad bit more space-efficient.

Also more fun with an array of patterns to choose from!
Read the rest of this post »

Score 3 For Cast Iron Cookware

My mother cooks everything in cast iron. From pancakes in bare skillets to sauces in enamel coated dutch ovens, she's got cast-iron cooking down pat. I have just one piece of iron cookware, a traditional black large skillet. They are heavy and a bit fussy to clean, but boy do they make a great deep dish pizza, among other things! So 3 cheers for cast iron cookware! And, an article from healthy eating about the benefits of cast iron to further prove my point!

Weekender Tips for DIY Fix-Its

There is nothing as satisfying as fixing something in your home (or apartment) without having to call a professional and open up your wallet. I cleaned all of my bathroom sink traps last weekend. It took an hour to do three sinks. It is a very unpleasant job but it is oh-so-nice to have those drains working again! My clogs turned out to be not in the trap but rather above them in the sink. Removing the traps allowed me to shove a very long screwdriver up there to remove hair and what is best described as black sludge. Here is a great article from This Old House with a list of 47 things you can do yourself. So get on it, Weekenders!

Pretty Dipped Cans

Dip cans of any size in paint halfway for pretty desk organizing with an urban edge…

Join us on pinterest for tips on an organized office!

More Canning Jar Fun…

Honestly, What CAN'T you do with chalkboard paint?

See what we're pinning for an organized kitchen…

Olive Oil Candle - DIY

Love this simple project using olive oil, wick, paper clip and a jar. Add essential oils for eco-friendly scent.

Join us on pinterest for more DIY fun!

For those winter colds…

Easy way to clear the sinuses: Eucalyptus oil on a washcloth at the bottom of the shower while you bathe.

See what Tips we're pinning right now on pinterest.

Organizing Your New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! I sincerely hope that everyone is feeling happy and rested from the holidays, and optimistic about the new year which has finally arrived. I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions. I watched a lot of people make them and give up so quickly, it made me wonder why I would even bother. But this year is different! It can’t hurt to set some goals this year, and whether or not I follow through with them is entirely up to me.
Read the rest of this post »

Prep Ahead for Spring

I know it's just the beginning of winter, but a girl can dream, right? You could prep all but the water and plants now…

Find fun garden ideas with us on pinterest!

10 Minute Organizing

This is a great "starter" organizing job or something you can do if you have just a few minutes…

Find great ideas for organizing with Stacks on Pinterest!

Getting My Craft On…

It's Sunday, my favorite day to get my craft on. Especially during the holidays, and even more importantly, when it's simply too cold to be out in the garden, a little crafting goes a long way towards cheering me up. Here's what I've been working on for the past month: Crocheted Snowmen. I've done five out of the eight that I will need as gifts for the kids in the family. They are absolutely adorable, and would be a great crochet project for a child as well, as long as they have been introduced to crocheting in the round. Also don't miss out on the tutorial for the magic ring, it is true, as everyone says: once you have learned this technique, you will never start your round crochet projects the old way again! Happy Crafting!

This free Mini Snowman Crochet Pattern comes courtesy of the Dapper Toad - Thanks!

Washcloth Travel Roll - An Easy Homemade Gift

There’s nothing like giving away something that you made as a gift, whether it is for Christmas, Hanukkah or a birthday! The washcloth travel roll has to go down in history as one of the simplest homemade gifts ever. It only requires five seams, perfect for the beginning seamstress or tailor, or simply for us busy adults that have too much on our plates already. One great thing about it is that you can just throw it into the washing machine to sterilize it in between trips. Also, it’s free. Read on for instructions!
Read the rest of this post »

Gift Idea for That Person (you know the one)

Does someone on your gift-giving list have you stumped? I think we all experience this from time to time, right? That person who seems to have everything they need and everything they want? My parents are those people in my life. I really don't want to give them something for their house as it is already full of stuff. And they already are able to visit their favorite restaurants and see the newest plays, as they have the finances to do so. The next best thing I can do for them is something that fits right in with the spirit of the season as well: A Donation!

There are so many wonderful non-profit organizations out there, both locally and worldwide, that desperately need our help throughout the year and especially during this time. Look for local toys for tots organizations, food pantries or volunteer. Or donate a microloan through an organization such as Kiva to help someone abroad.

A donation on behalf of your loved one is a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Gift Spotlight: Picnic Baskets

Every year there are at least a few people on my list that already seem to have everything they need (I'm talkin' to you, Mom). So the challenge is always what to give to those people, and let's face it, it usually is the moms, dads and in-laws that are tripping us up each year. This year I have zeroed in on something that can be easily stored, so you don't feel like you are cluttering up the house, and is all about 100% pure fun: The Picnic Basket!

Not your grandma's picnic basket, these new designs have thought of everything, including a designated place for wine bottles.
Read the rest of this post »

DIY Ribbon Organizer

So clever, simply use a small plastic mesh basket, add rods and voila!

Collect great Christmas storage ideas with us on pinterest!

Dealing With those Extra Holiday Pounds

Now that you’re stuffed to the brim, maybe you are thinking about those 3 pounds you gained last holiday season. And the one before that, and so on… you get the picture. The day after Thanksgiving is a great day to get started on making a plan for avoiding (or at least minimizing the damage) from those holiday pounds. After all, it’s a long weekend for many of us, a great time to catch up on (or dust off) your exercising routine. My rule for holiday health is to keep it fun, though. Why drag something dull and over-the-top uncomfortable into a season that is supposed to be filled with cheer?
Read the rest of this post »

Cozying Up Your Home for Fall

Cozying up your home for fall is a great way to make the most of the great indoors.

Whether you’re up for an overhaul of your interior or just looking to add a few touches to warm up rooms around the house, there are lots of ways to change up décor for colder weather.

Window dressings are both a practical and decorative way to adapt your home for colder weather. Think about having seasonal curtains, such as lighter ones for warmer weather and heavier curtains that help block out cold air during the winter while giving the room a snug feel. If you’re only thinking of changing out the curtains in one room make it the living room, where you spend the most time relaxing.

Floor coverings are another way to warm up any space. From the kitchen to the bedroom think about adding rugs to warm up cold wood or tile floors. Even carpeted rooms can benefit from an added area rug. Laying multiple area rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting and an area rug is a great way to add texture to any space.

When it comes to more inexpensive ways to make your home feel ready for winter there are a variety of options. Add plush throw blankets and pillows to seating areas so it’s easy to bundle up while watching a movie. Candles in wintery scents are another great option and make a great addition to just about room of the house, from the bathroom to the bedroom to the dining room.
Of course nothing makes a home feel cozier than a hot drink and something baking in the oven. No kitchen is ready for winter without the required baking tools.

From cookie cutters to baking sheets, you’ll be glad you have the essentials on hand when winter weather comes!

Metallic Pumpkins!

Beautiful way to dress up that Thanksgiving table and use up old pumpkins, gourds and squash!

Check out our new Thanksgiving board on pinterest!

The Piles Stop Here!

Say it with me, no more piles! I get so burned out on those crazy piles of bills, letters, junk mail, kids school signup sheets, magazines and, well, you know the rest. Where do these papers pile up in your home? For me, somehow it is always on the kitchen counter, which drives me bananas.

There are many ways to deal with this issue, yet it always seems to come back to one simple home storage tool: the mail organizer. And there are so many out there to choose from. Where to start? First, figure out where you need it most.
Read the rest of this post »

Storage Furniture 101

If there is one thing I know about, it’s living in a shoebox and making the space more functional. I have been living in apartments and small homes for my entire adult life and troubleshooting space issues has become a passion of mine. Partially out of necessity in my own life and partially to help others. In today’s world of “everything must be oversized” it is easy to forget that we can make a small home not only work, but feel more spacious than it is. It has to do with furniture arrangement, the size of the pieces we own, being minimalistic, and most importantly having furniture that serves several purposes.
Read the rest of this post »

Holiday Entertaining with No Rules

I see a lot of cool things happening in party planning right now. The trend in fall party decorating seems to be rustic, cozy and casual with some antique influences and best of all – no rules! You no longer need to go with the traditional “pumpkins and leaves” theme when accessorizing your home for a holiday party.

And you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Go to the thrift store to mix and match antique dinnerware and glassware pieces. The in-cohesive look is in style and so charming. An old beat up dinner table suddenly has chic appeal, so forget the tablecloth and dress it up with a lace runner or simple linen placemats.
Read the rest of this post »

Vinyl's Made A Comeback! Tips For Storing Record Albums

As you may or may not know, one of the most popular formats for recorded music is once again the vinyl record. Though every time a new format made its debut as the “next big thing” - whether it was the cassette tape, compact disc, 8-track, or MP3- and the vinyl album would be written off as a thing of the past, they have actually held on quite well. In fact, many record labels that specialize in pressing vinyl records have bucked most music industry trends and actually seen increased sales and profits.

I will readily admit that I am certainly helping to contribute to these profits as I have been collecting vinyl records for the last 10 years or so.
Read the rest of this post »

Incorporating Fitness Into Everyday Life

When my wife and I moved to Southern California, we decided we would do everything we could to ensure we lived in a neighborhood where it was easy and convenient to do most errands and chores on foot. We had previously lived in Boston, Massachusetts for a couple of years while she finished graduate school, and as the city is famously known, is “America’s Walking City”. We actually lived completely carless for the time we lived out there, which most definitely had its inconveniences, but overall it was a very rewarding experience.
Read the rest of this post »

Gardening Indoors For Winter

Indoor veggie gardening - great for fall and winter! Who knew?

Fall Veggie Recipes on Pinterest

Here is a pin that will appeal to gardeners and foodies alike - a site with some fabulous looking recipes using colorful fall veggies.

Come Pin with us!!