By
Emily Weigel
When it’s time for holiday planning, we tend to think only about preparation. Planning menus, sending parting invitations, shopping for gifts, and digging out the decorations. I find myself so overworked getting ready for holiday gatherings, I forget about the aftermath. Particularly when it comes to my extra dishes. I’ve never had a proper way of storing them, so they tend to just get thrown in a box that gets stacked with other boxes in the garage.
Bad planning like this leads inevitably to the catastrophe I encountered last week.
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By
Michaela Strathman
Don’t let those piles get you down! One of the most frequent requests we get are tips on mail organization. Rest assured, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce those piles of mail that seem to pop up everywhere around the house.
Mail organizers come in all styles these days, with every home decor theme taken into consideration. From door entry mail organizers to magnetic models that stick to the fridge, there is truly something for everyone.
Here are some different types of mail organizers to consider:
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By
Eva Wallace
It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.
~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Have a great weekend!!
By
Emily Weigel
Every time I go to my mom’s house, there is one thing that drives me crazy. No, not her infinite questioning, nor her ability to notice every minute thing that’s changed about me physically… she reuses plastic food bags. Which is not a bad thing, in fact it’s awesome! I too want to do all I can do be eco-conscious, but I haven’t evolved this far yet. In time I will. And it’s not the act of reusing plastic bags that bothers me; it’s what happens every time I go to the sink in her kitchen to wash my hands or rinse an apple.
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In the even partnership I have with my wife, I am the lucky one who gets to be in charge of checking the mail and sorting it out. Our mailbox only has one key, and I was the one that got to hold it. That means I get to see the new magazines first, steal all the good coupons for myself and read all the thank-you cards, wedding invitations and postcards we get from our family and friends first.
Unfortunately that also means I am in charge of sorting the mail, which is something I am not very good at.
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By
Michaela Strathman
Make it a wire cart! Folding wire carts are not just for little old ladies. They make life easier for everyone, myself included. Most, like this jumbo folding shopping cart, are very sturdy - carefully crafted of metal and designed to last for many years. I promise you will never run out of use for a folding shopping cart in your life.
Here are some tips on what to do with a rolling cart and where to keep it:
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I absolutely love the hardwood floors in the entryway to my home. The floor gives the area great charm and really adds an air of sophistication to my apartment. The hardwood floors are easy to maintain and keep clean, but there was one slight issue. And that issue was my dog. When she is coming home from a walk, she is always in a mad scurry to get back, and sprints through the front door without abandon. The only problem with her exuberance is that hardwood floors and doggy claws are not a good mix at all. I started to notice a few severe scratch marks on the otherwise pristine wood floors.
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By
Michaela Strathman
If your home is in desperate need of a decor-update, but the wallet just won’t allow for that costly remodel right now, never fear. We’ve got tips for decorating on any budget (yes, even if the budget is zero.) With a little creativity and a little elbow-grease, you can improve the look of any space in your home to meet your needs and brighten up your outlook instantly!
Here are some tips and rules to guide you on your affordable decorating journey:
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By
Eva Wallace
Mixing up dinnerware is a great and easy way to create an interesting table top. Try using dinner plates from one set of china paired with salad bowls from another to create layers of pattern or color. Have a set of basic white dishes? Switch out a few pieces with dinnerware in a bold pattern and instantly create a one of a kind look!
From fine china that has been passed down through the family for years to a flea market find with a fun pattern to brand new plates with a modern shape, by pulling different elements onto your table top you can create a look that suits your style.
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An inviting and comfortable guest room should bring relaxing hotel touches to your home. Create a casual yet stylish space for your guests by adding things they probably wouldn't have packed, like a robe or slippers. Scented candles or a cozy throw blanket are a good way to create a warm feel. Pick up some fresh flower at the store or grab some plush throw pillows from around the house to give the bed a decadent feel. These little touches are a great way to welcome your guest.
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By
Molly Kaye
I live in a house that has a lot of stairs, and it seems like I am constantly finding things that are supposed to be downstairs laying around upstairs, and things that should stay upstairs are always finding their way to the first floor - are you confused yet?
Imagine how confused I was when I discovered a set of measuring spoons, two weeks worth of mail, and seven and half pairs of shoes upstairs, and no less than four blankets and every Lego piece that's been manufactured since 1982 downstairs.
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By
Michaela Strathman
I don’t know about you, but I like searching through my dresser for matching socks about as much as I like going to the dentist! In this increasingly busy world, every minute counts, especially in the morning when I am shuffling kids, hairdryers and my own work clothes. Have you ever dreamed of opening up your drawers and immediately seeing exactly what you need, right where you need it? Sounds crazy, right?
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