tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42308251533541622852024-03-12T21:53:04.113-04:00a song for the birdssarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-55889721361354378182016-04-01T10:13:00.001-04:002016-04-07T06:06:21.931-04:00the end, my friendsWell...today marks the end of this blog. I've been thinking about it for a while, and for a number of reasons have decided that this space seems to have run its course. Although it was almost always fun and I've learned a lot, it's time to move on. Cue the fanfare or whatever. :)<br />
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That being said, I'm not deserting the blog-world entirely, just shifting focus a bit and starting fresh. Which is why I'm <u>delighted</u> to share the news that my shiny, <a href="http://teaspoonthimbletrowel.blogspot.com/">new blog</a> is making it's debut today!</div>
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I hope if you've enjoyed this blog over the last few years or have bookmarked it at some point intending to read it but have never actually done so, that you'll join me over at....</div>
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<a href="http://teaspoonthimbletrowel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScH7hnXgcZI/Vv6BWz4UO9I/AAAAAAAAAkg/1HIKhV5UMfArHYzelgC7rvAuQtTeW2QTg/s640/TTT_logo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm very excited about the new direction this blog will take and how it will be a better reflection of my life today.</div>
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I'll leave this space active for a couple months just in case, but after a while, I do plan on deleting it and thereby all the content as well. So if there was a particular post you were interested in, I'd suggest checking it out soon, or better yet, update your bookmarks and just join me over at the new space.</div>
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Happy Friday and happy blogging! I look forward to sharing more with you at <a href="http://teaspoonthimbletrowel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaspoon, Thimble & Trowel</a>.</div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-20921953992061263282016-03-10T08:46:00.000-05:002016-03-10T08:46:23.579-05:00no-sew ottoman upgrade<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in September when I was out of commission, a rather unwanted project presented itself. It was almost comical - two days after surgery on both hands which would put me out of crafting commission for a good long time, the fabric on the top of our ottoman gave out. It took less than a week for one small tear to extend the entire width of the surface. It looked awful and I hadn't even gotten my bandages off yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">True to form, we threw a blanket over the top and left it that way for a good long time, 5 months apparently!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I finally got tired of the cover up last week and decided to pull out my tools and to get crafting again. The framework was still very sturdy so I had a feeling I could revamp it pretty affordably. What I have to work with:</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7T7fzYomXk/VuF2SzLOMRI/AAAAAAAAAjA/dpqdr3YnCdY/s1600/ottoman1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7T7fzYomXk/VuF2SzLOMRI/AAAAAAAAAjA/dpqdr3YnCdY/s640/ottoman1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4dLHCM6xiQ/VuF2XDOC4iI/AAAAAAAAAjE/VHFFBCN_Upg/s1600/ottoman2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4dLHCM6xiQ/VuF2XDOC4iI/AAAAAAAAAjE/VHFFBCN_Upg/s640/ottoman2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naturally, I started by somewhat-wildly ripping the whole thing apart. It took a lot of elbow grease to get all the staples out, but all in all, it wasn't terrible.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB6n0DMTLjY/VuF2jWhxWzI/AAAAAAAAAjI/X_JPX3VLKXw/s1600/ottoman3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB6n0DMTLjY/VuF2jWhxWzI/AAAAAAAAAjI/X_JPX3VLKXw/s640/ottoman3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I stopped by JoAnn Fabrics to browse upholstery fabrics on sale. I found a nice, thick woven material with just enough texture and color variation to be a decent cover up for stains. I bought 2.5 yards at $7/yd. Back home, I draped it all over the top to see where the excesses were (<i>fabric looks much better in person, but a bit meh in pics</i>).</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWNhcVmM5-o/VuF3F6tGjKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/g3BSO-j0JlY/s1600/ottoman4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWNhcVmM5-o/VuF3F6tGjKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/g3BSO-j0JlY/s640/ottoman4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew it would be too complicated to try to make a separate cushion and upholstered base so I figured I'd just make it all one big piece and ditch the dust ruffle-y bit from the original. Using spare strips of fabric, I strapped the cushion back to the original frame. (<i>I got a good laugh thinking about the 5th Element. Multi-pass, anyone?</i>)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdlhLWoBptQ/VuF3jNcrJGI/AAAAAAAAAjY/i33SxLPbbsU/s1600/ottoman5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdlhLWoBptQ/VuF3jNcrJGI/AAAAAAAAAjY/i33SxLPbbsU/s640/ottoman5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I make triple-layer strips of quilt batting to cover the wooden portion and also to create more of a cushioned seam between the actual cushion and the frame base. I then used strips of extra cover fabric to secure the new batting.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0eugxg_0-o/VuF4HfwiDzI/AAAAAAAAAjc/zsGg8vVEMT8/s1600/ottoman6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0eugxg_0-o/VuF4HfwiDzI/AAAAAAAAAjc/zsGg8vVEMT8/s640/ottoman6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I flipped the cushion top-down onto the back side of my cover fabric and secured it underneath the framework. The corners were quite tricky but I went for a simple folded tuck. No picture because I forgot in trying to figure out the corners - oops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I used a 10" upholstery needle to tuft the top with 4 buttons. It took a bit of figuring out but I hadn't done that before. Following another blogger, I secured the stitches around small rolls of extra fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During this step, I also stained and did a coat of polyurethane on the new feet - $5 ea at Lowe's. We didn't love the rolling feature and since the corner wood had built-in hardware, I decided to just swap them out for something more sturdy. (<i>The straps and brown backing were left intact during the original deconstruction.</i>)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqtJiLASL4o/VuF5GLp4L1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/8mGQ7XRDNKM/s1600/ottoman7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqtJiLASL4o/VuF5GLp4L1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/8mGQ7XRDNKM/s640/ottoman7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, flip it over and prop up your feet!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hziHVaDB2Qs/VuF5lHntaWI/AAAAAAAAAj0/js8u0GVWD3o/s1600/ottoman8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hziHVaDB2Qs/VuF5lHntaWI/AAAAAAAAAj0/js8u0GVWD3o/s640/ottoman8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCeLXB4YNM/VuF5tYIX16I/AAAAAAAAAj8/TLPVNsPTLIc/s1600/ottoman9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCeLXB4YNM/VuF5tYIX16I/AAAAAAAAAj8/TLPVNsPTLIc/s640/ottoman9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's certainly not perfect - upholstery is not my calling - but Strider and I are both pleased with the upgrade and definitely with the price tag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cost of materials to upgrade = <b>$45</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cost of new, similar ottomans from the original manufacturer = <b>$350</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worth it, don't ya think?</span><br />
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<br />sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-27728374727031146662016-01-31T18:42:00.000-05:002016-01-31T18:42:21.761-05:00DIY Birth Ball Cover<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, I've had a blast using one of my Christmas presents from Strider -- a birth ball! In truth, it's just an exercise ball, but for doulas, it's a magic birth tool. They're fabulous for everyone, but especially pregnant mamas. The only problem is that they are tricky to transport -- I've heard from more than one doula about experiences chasing them across hospital parking lots or down maternity hallways. With my prenatal appointments well underway, I can easily agree. <a href="http://www.yourdoulabag.com/collections/labor-tools/products/birth-ball-cover" target="_blank">YourDoulaBag.com</a> makes a fabulous cover that can even be ordered with custom print fabric. However, as I am trying to keep my expenses to a minimum, I figured this was a great opportunity to use up some of my stash fabric. I found only one <a href="http://ajourneythroughloss.blogspot.com/2013/04/birth-ball-cover-tutorial.html" target="_blank">other tutorial</a> but I wanted a slightly different style. So, for anyone else looking to make their own, here's how I went about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To start, I pulled out large piece of a green batik print that I got on clearance a few years ago, measuring around 85" x 44". (<i>Note: the colors aren't as pretty in the pics as in person, it's actually a lovely deep green.</i>) I didn't use a pattern or have exact measurements before starting this -- I figured I'd go large and just cut off excess as I figured out how to build the cover around the ball.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGUEzQ4Ndww/Vq6TFiTnFiI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ltGMcfl9M6k/s1600/DSCN0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGUEzQ4Ndww/Vq6TFiTnFiI/AAAAAAAAAgI/ltGMcfl9M6k/s640/DSCN0669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I placed the ball in the center and pinned it at the top to see how much excess I could trim from the sides.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwa_dVyS5v8/Vq6ULkDURAI/AAAAAAAAAgU/hmCSIjdf7BA/s1600/DSCN0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwa_dVyS5v8/Vq6ULkDURAI/AAAAAAAAAgU/hmCSIjdf7BA/s640/DSCN0670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right-sides facing each other, I sewed the short sides with a sturdy seam (red and yellow together).</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-8P9YRyf8k/Vq6UXoo__VI/AAAAAAAAAgc/I0QfE5WNsPM/s1600/DSCN0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-8P9YRyf8k/Vq6UXoo__VI/AAAAAAAAAgc/I0QfE5WNsPM/s640/DSCN0672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, I folded one of the open ends up by an inch and sewed it to create the casing for the drawstrings.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gx212bm7Ml0/Vq6UkthpI7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/uxAhsd-DbLo/s1600/DSCN0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gx212bm7Ml0/Vq6UkthpI7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/uxAhsd-DbLo/s640/DSCN0674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To make the drawstrings, I used long strips of another stash fabric to create one long piece (<i>it ended up about 10' long but I could've probably done with 8.5' or so in the end</i>). I did a double-fold similar to a bias strip for quilting. It started around 3" wide but was 3/4" once the double fold was done.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x6wkge6-Do/Vq6U0K6SObI/AAAAAAAAAgs/ylG7mvuiNlQ/s1600/DSCN0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6x6wkge6-Do/Vq6U0K6SObI/AAAAAAAAAgs/ylG7mvuiNlQ/s640/DSCN0676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rx-5hBVt2uo/Vq6VXu7AWCI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xYE4kh6Eu38/s1600/DSCN0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rx-5hBVt2uo/Vq6VXu7AWCI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xYE4kh6Eu38/s640/DSCN0678.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished the edges by hand and then sunk the ends into the hem.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OitcEumdZPQ/Vq6VYSV2ZgI/AAAAAAAAAhA/svzgP9SUO68/s1600/DSCN0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OitcEumdZPQ/Vq6VYSV2ZgI/AAAAAAAAAhA/svzgP9SUO68/s640/DSCN0680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putting a safety pin through one end, I slowly fed the drawstring through the casing. Once done, Strider and I had a good laugh about how it basically looked like a skirt we could've both fit in.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlJcqe_ztTw/Vq6VkvyAh8I/AAAAAAAAAhM/Aqoc4bqacPk/s1600/DSCN0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlJcqe_ztTw/Vq6VkvyAh8I/AAAAAAAAAhM/Aqoc4bqacPk/s640/DSCN0681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I put the ball inside and gathered the string to see how much excess I could remove from the top. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>Many thanks to my handsome Vanna White</i>.)</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIo3fVfeR1s/Vq6WBv-X2cI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/wQsk_aB2oJ4/s1600/DSCN0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIo3fVfeR1s/Vq6WBv-X2cI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/wQsk_aB2oJ4/s640/DSCN0684.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ended up removing around 5.5" of extra before sewing across that edge. I placed the ball back inside and then tried to see how to finish the top. <i>Sidenote: I had a good laugh picturing it as a giant Yoda head - Strider didn't see it quite as humorously as I did</i>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8kJRtsP_kE/Vq6WeTcpGGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/6-oZJrM3Wjc/s1600/DSCN0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8kJRtsP_kE/Vq6WeTcpGGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/6-oZJrM3Wjc/s640/DSCN0687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I pinned the two corners to the center-top using a safety pin through all three layers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3KkDtchon8/Vq6XRqgOEkI/AAAAAAAAAho/9tJMr8dwPe4/s1600/DSCN0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3KkDtchon8/Vq6XRqgOEkI/AAAAAAAAAho/9tJMr8dwPe4/s640/DSCN0691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, I made the strap using the same stash fabric as the drawstring - it ended up around 3.5" x 36".</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7xZqz-WAVw/Vq6Xf6P7HqI/AAAAAAAAAhw/GLiKeW9EYXk/s1600/DSCN0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7xZqz-WAVw/Vq6Xf6P7HqI/AAAAAAAAAhw/GLiKeW9EYXk/s640/DSCN0693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To secure the strap to the cover, I doubled the ends over around 2" and stitched them down.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMD6liB-YWQ/Vq6X8tbs7LI/AAAAAAAAAh8/9zL46oX1IdU/s1600/DSCN0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMD6liB-YWQ/Vq6X8tbs7LI/AAAAAAAAAh8/9zL46oX1IdU/s640/DSCN0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a little trial & error modeling with Strider, I decided to attach the straps at 10" distance from the top center point. The teal circle is the safety pin holding Yoda's ears in place. The red dots are where I pinned down the strap...just in line with the pin after I took the picture.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuonxM60PYA/Vq6YJ_HyzZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/RtXBfQyO_r8/s1600/DSCN0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuonxM60PYA/Vq6YJ_HyzZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/RtXBfQyO_r8/s640/DSCN0695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sewed the edges of the straps on in a square and then x-shape to really secure them. I finished the cover by hand-sewing the center top point (the safety pin with Yoda's ears). I also sewed a decorative button over it to cover the gather-point. Then it was ready to go!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D95233BBnSk/Vq6YhCaxhRI/AAAAAAAAAiM/kfgDsNnkSbM/s1600/DSCN0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D95233BBnSk/Vq6YhCaxhRI/AAAAAAAAAiM/kfgDsNnkSbM/s640/DSCN0697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbK3GATJK7w/Vq6ZJD0bdvI/AAAAAAAAAiU/pX5gX4MK7So/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbK3GATJK7w/Vq6ZJD0bdvI/AAAAAAAAAiU/pX5gX4MK7So/s640/DSCN0698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, a thank you to my ever-patient and supportive husband! Note: I made the strap extra long so that I still have room to also carry my labor bag on the same arm.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2OnjbvmXkU/Vq6ZJcO0jvI/AAAAAAAAAig/_Vwzl4fGR_c/s1600/DSCN0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2OnjbvmXkU/Vq6ZJcO0jvI/AAAAAAAAAig/_Vwzl4fGR_c/s640/DSCN0701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out. It look about 3.5 hours, but if you wanted to cut that down, you could use a thin rope instead of making the drawstring by hand. The bag is also a little larger than necessary, but I think that is beneficial as it gives room for me to pump the ball up more or to even go up a size if needed in the future (<i>mine is a 65cm</i>). Total cost = $0.00 ...my favorite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has anyone else made a cover from scratch?</span><br />
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-44639594139801210922015-12-18T07:59:00.000-05:002015-12-18T07:59:15.674-05:00major life update<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi friends! It may surprise you to learn that I have not actually fallen into a well or been carried off by large birds...just been taking a bit of a blog break while busy working on other things. I don't have any projects to share today, but hoped I could share exciting life news otherwise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off, my hand(s) recovery is coming along very well. I've been released from PT and other than one slightly disgruntled thumb, I have almost all my normal function back. Absolutely no more numbness, tingling, or pain waking me up at night—surgery was a challenge but so worth it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Second news is that I have a new job! I started two weeks ago as an administrative assistant for the arts center of a prestigious school nearby. The people are super nice, it's much less stressful, and it's really fun to be surrounded by the arts again. God is an amazing provider! Plus...it will be much more conducive to my third piece of news:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I've finally figured out what I want to do! </b>While out for surgery, I told Strider I felt like I needed to spend the time at home praying about / figuring out what I really wanted to pursue. Through a series of beautiful events, the perfect answer revealed itself: I'm now pursuing the path to be a...</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0226/5367/t/3/assets/slideshow_1.jpg?14928367597125806646" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0226/5367/t/3/assets/slideshow_1.jpg?14928367597125806646" height="290" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yourdoulabag.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If, like many people, you've never heard of doulas, they are birth companions/coaches who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women & families before, during, and after birth. After much prayer and thought, I've realized that this is where my heart lies and a path which encompasses so many of my passions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the last few months I've been diligently researching, meeting with a variety of professionals, and moving forward with this pursuit. Though there are a number of great organizations out there, I decided to do my certification through <a href="http://childbirthinternational.com/" target="_blank">Childbirth International</a> and I am excited to say that I'm closing in on finishing my certification work. I already have a couple of my student-births lined up and a stack of business cards slowly making their way all over town. It is such an amazing community and I've been encouraged greatly by the response from family, friends, and other professionals I've met thus far. I finally feel confident that I am pursuing a path that God has been leading me towards for many years, I just didn't see it till now (<i>which is often how it goes, it seems!</i>). So if you know any pregnant mamas in the south-central PA area, please send them my way!</span><br />
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<a href="http://childbirthinternational.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1pkPsh_ZAzZX476VUS6UmZLwmB8xqc8IlcpHfHt9yQXSzVlUzjg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's all folks...all my big, exciting news! I hope you all are doing well and that you are excited about festivities with family and friends next week. See you in 2016, friends!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.tumblr.com/17726462f10d67152e575090861d1160/kbimxzs/RkDn6d1mx/tumblr_static_am71l3rayjcc88w0o8wcwkk88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.tumblr.com/17726462f10d67152e575090861d1160/kbimxzs/RkDn6d1mx/tumblr_static_am71l3rayjcc88w0o8wcwkk88.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=merry+christmas+tumblr&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiy_oassuXJAhVEyj4KHTOpDvIQ_AUIBygB&biw=1270&bih=679#imgrc=ho62BslF-FEAnM%3A" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-72768045884211322412015-10-06T12:19:00.000-04:002015-10-06T12:19:10.712-04:00diy vow embroidery<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday! So...as an update, my surgery went well and recovery is very slow but steady. I got to spend a whole week with both hands wrapped so big I could've given Rocky a run for his money. Thankfully, my mom and hubby are the two most patient, helpful, encouraging, and amazing people in the world!! Also, it's amazing how triumphant you can feel being able to brush your own teeth after two weeks of needing help. Big stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, I'm definitely in a no-project zone for a while so I thought I'd share a project I finished a few months ago. So here goes.... Have a great week, friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Possibly my longest-running project to-date, I've finally, finally finished embroidering our wedding vows! </span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows6_zps3xlhjc1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows6_zps3xlhjc1b.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got the idea from Megan over at </span><a href="http://www.lilacsaloon.com/runningstitch/2011/04/vow-embroidery-for-eric-audrey.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lilac Saloon</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, who graciously shared a few pro-tips with me before I got started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after we returned from our honeymoon, I went to Hobby Lobby and found a frame I liked for the project. I knew I wanted it to be blue and large enough to hang over our bed. Next, I blocked everything out in a design program and got it printed at Office Depot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using a makeshift homemade light box (<i>aka an under-bed tupperware with Christmas lights in it</i>), I transferred the text to a large piece of natural muslin with a thin-tip permanent marker.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows1_zps50ft3r7q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows1_zps50ft3r7q.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows2_zpseympgmam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows2_zpseympgmam.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add 7 months of putting it in a drawer and procrastination plus <b>22 and a half hours</b> of backstitch hoop embroidery and all the lettering was finally done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, I added a free-hand branches and leaves design at the bottom for a tiny bit of color.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows3_zpsmsjyifmj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows3_zpsmsjyifmj.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a lot of help from Strider, I wrapped the fabric around a custom-cut piece of acid-free foam board, pinned it, and laced it tight for framing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows4_zpsowohu67w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows4_zpsowohu67w.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again with loads of help from Strider, I put the frame together for a FINALLY finished project!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows5_zpsmixqhqvt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/vows5_zpsmixqhqvt.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We wrote our vows ourselves and feel very connected to the words we chose. Having them hung in our home, over our bed, is a great reminder for us to never forget what we promised that day. In case you can't read from the distance in the photo, it reads:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Today I make a covenant, blessed by God, affirmed by those present, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and one </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to which I will hold all the days of my life. I covenant to love you as Christ loved us. I will seek Christ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for myself and as a partner in our marriage. I will choose you and encourage you, support you and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be faithful to you. I covenant to pray for you and for our marriage. I promise to laugh with you and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to remember the joy of our love. I will trust you and listen to you, cherishing the gifts with which God </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has blessed you. I will embrace your family as my own, and work to build our family on God's truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, I promise to always remember that our treasure is stored elsewhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All these things I promise, from this day, until my last."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very long but worthwhile project finally complete!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-34899307424023941082015-09-17T16:26:00.000-04:002015-09-17T16:26:03.431-04:00shutter shelf<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi friends! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promise, I didn't fall down a well or anything, we've just been pretty busy lately. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two big, quick updates for you:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Strider started a new job! Which is super exciting and has been great so far. We're both very happy that he is in a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> more encouraging work environment. Plus, he gets home an hour earlier every day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I will have plenty of blogging time coming up here soon as I am having bilateral carpal tunnel surgery this time </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> next week. Eeek! Although I'm no fan of medical procedures, I can certainly say that I am definitely looking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> forward </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to the end of 2+ years of frustration and pain. Praise God! Doctors orders are 6 weeks off for recovery,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> so reruns-of-The-Office, here I come! (</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, my beautiful mama will be here.</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course, I wouldn't post without sharing a new project. This one took a while to come to fruition. My mom and I snagged a $2 pair of shutters at a thrift store last September and I've been waiting for the right project for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To start out, I measured the shutters and sketched up an idea to use them as the sides of a bookshelf. Naturally, I was a bit ambitious and had to start over when my lumber estimation at Lowe's was coming in around $60. No thank you. Back to the drawing board.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtjVoNM8NqU/VfsdK7GA5MI/AAAAAAAAAfA/fVNfVUwg6IE/s1600/shutters1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtjVoNM8NqU/VfsdK7GA5MI/AAAAAAAAAfA/fVNfVUwg6IE/s640/shutters1.JPG" width="522" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scaled down a bit and managed to get the costs around $25. As you can see, I am not exactly a master carpenter. Strider double checked the math for me. (<i>He's so great!</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After shamelessly convincing Strider's contractor uncle to lend me his keen eye and table saw, I was ready to paint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling more adventurous, I went for a deep plum color for the shutters. And with all those louvers (new vocab bonus!), painting by hand with a small craft brush was really the only way to go.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgYrGr113WE/VfseFs250TI/AAAAAAAAAfM/yDxdJjFjvJY/s1600/shutters2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgYrGr113WE/VfseFs250TI/AAAAAAAAAfM/yDxdJjFjvJY/s640/shutters2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the shutters were purpley and drying, I used some leftover Minwax Red Oak wood stain to give some color to the fresh cut lumber.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lynb6B3xeRs/VfsfBBGERZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/m3m5kPzNan8/s1600/shutters3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lynb6B3xeRs/VfsfBBGERZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/m3m5kPzNan8/s640/shutters3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naturally, I distressed the shutters up a little. I love the imperfections and hand-made authenticity of this look. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>Note: the top purple panel is a thin piece of plywood for the backer.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a bit of convincing, Strider helped me assemble the shelves. I looked at several tutorials that were more complicated and professional, but for my purposes, plain old nails were plenty good enough.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ1WmwClmfU/VfsfuwvLHeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_odBOpX5Dno/s1600/shutters4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ1WmwClmfU/VfsfuwvLHeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_odBOpX5Dno/s640/shutters4.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ta da!! Pretty great, huh?</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPXG0Hdkm4/Vfsf4vqQR9I/AAAAAAAAAfw/EfYiVMCQzWk/s1600/shutters5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDPXG0Hdkm4/Vfsf4vqQR9I/AAAAAAAAAfw/EfYiVMCQzWk/s640/shutters5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say, although the color combination of the green and purple is a little crazy up close, I actually like the funky contrast. This is also my first project using a combination of painted and stained pieces, which I also really liked in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's perfect for our second bedroom/craft area and holds loads of supplies in two nice fabric bins I snagged at Target. Another win for DIY. And thanks again to my mom, who refused to let me leave the store without those shutters, even though I had no use for them at the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back soon!</span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-63712015448241647282015-08-18T15:09:00.000-04:002015-08-18T15:09:38.286-04:00diy hankie curtain<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi friends! After wrapping up the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking series</a> a couple weeks ago, I decided to take a mini blog break to recharge. Although it was fun to do the series and certainly a challenge to stick to a posting schedule, I am glad to be back to the usual program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyways, today I'm coming back with a fun and easy sewing project to share...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Vintage Hankie Curtains!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started collecting vintage handkerchiefs a few years ago to use at my bridal shower tea, but I held on to them looking for just the right project. Purchasing this many hankies is not cost-effective at once but if you have the time to pick up one here or there at a good price, it's much more reasonable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To start out, I took our existing curtain sheer down and spread it out on the floor. I placed the hankies on top to get a feel for how many more I would need. I originally planned to do two full-length panels but it would've taken a TON more handkerchiefs and ultimately would've looked very busy on the walls.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf9YFKNsSy8/VdN8h-8zPPI/AAAAAAAAAeE/PNLjYvPYXxA/s1600/hankiecrtn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf9YFKNsSy8/VdN8h-8zPPI/AAAAAAAAAeE/PNLjYvPYXxA/s640/hankiecrtn1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, I decided to do a single, apron length panel that I could sweep the side. For suggestions on curtain length, check out the West Elm info below:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/i/201528/0002/images/resources/articles/window-guide/sum15/img-size-matters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/i/201528/0002/images/resources/articles/window-guide/sum15/img-size-matters.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apron length is option B - usually about 4" below the sill (<a href="http://www.westelm.com/shop/design-lab/choose-window-panels-design-lab/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After positioning all the hankies in a good arrangement, I pinned all pieces into rows and attached them with a quick pass through the sewing machine. (<i>This part was already done in the picture at the top.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I arranged the rows together and attached them together. It was a little tricky since all the hankies are different sizes (<i>and none were truly square</i>), but not too difficult. I also tried to line them up to make sure the best border styles showed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, I took a length of double-fold quilt binding, opened it all the way, and pinned it to the back top of the curtain about an inch from the top. Sew along both ends 1/8 inch—this will create the pocket for the curtain rail to pass through and create a cute ruching effect with the remaining top inch. (<i>I borrowed this casing idea from the hankie valences over at <a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2014/09/colorful-vintage-handkerchief-valances/" target="_blank">Flamingo Toes</a>.</i>)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jDTCi04XOA/VdN9bMxIFyI/AAAAAAAAAeM/sJbLQno1_P0/s1600/hankiecrtn2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jDTCi04XOA/VdN9bMxIFyI/AAAAAAAAAeM/sJbLQno1_P0/s640/hankiecrtn2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also decided to straight-line-cut the bottom of the curtain and add a piece of decorative lace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a little help from Strider hanging it up, it was good to go!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pwZaz0W-Uw/VdN-5QmoiVI/AAAAAAAAAec/UlvAsl70nu8/s1600/hankiecrtn3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pwZaz0W-Uw/VdN-5QmoiVI/AAAAAAAAAec/UlvAsl70nu8/s640/hankiecrtn3.JPG" width="578" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMlqCRtJZMM/VdN-61tOc5I/AAAAAAAAAek/J5oeTOMPLZ4/s1600/hankiecrtn4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMlqCRtJZMM/VdN-61tOc5I/AAAAAAAAAek/J5oeTOMPLZ4/s640/hankiecrtn4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I love the way the light comes in through all the colors!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0xQ6z-dsA/VdN-4Vl6fSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Jl-bz6vaZUI/s1600/hankiecrtn5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0xQ6z-dsA/VdN-4Vl6fSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Jl-bz6vaZUI/s640/hankiecrtn5.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tied it back with a simple bit of ribbon; I like the shape of the single panel side sweep. And it shows off the lace edging at the bottom too.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So there you have it, a nice repurpose project for your vintage hankies!<br /><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-80554741978210870432015-08-02T19:18:00.001-04:002015-09-17T15:56:00.127-04:00The Classics: Gift Giving & Caregiving<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR People Love Caring People)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry this post is a wee bit late...the weekend snuck up on me and has been pretty busy till now. We did family photos yesterday with Strider's side of the family, which was followed by an old-fashioned Mennonite hymn sing on the porch. Needless to say, it is a wonderful memory we will cherish forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...here we are...<b>the final post in the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking series</a>! </b>I can't believe it! It has been a really fun six months and I hope at least some of the info I've shared has been helpful. Of course, as I've been researching and reading all this time, I've learned a lot too (<i>though I don't imagine there is ever an "end" to learning about homemaking</i>). So thank you for reading and sharing along with me, everyone!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fastweb.com/uploads/article_photo/photo/1951662/crop380w_istock_000016975754xsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fastweb.com/uploads/article_photo/photo/1951662/crop380w_istock_000016975754xsmall.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fastweb.com/personal-finance/articles/the-student-gift-giving-guide" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I want to talk about <b>gift giving</b> and <b>caregiving</b>. I don't know about you, but I absolutely love to give gifts. I'm not so big on receiving them, but I love surprising people with a thoughtful (<i>often homemade</i>) surprise. My mom, on the other hand, is the true caregiver in my life. Sometimes in an indirect way and sometimes in a very literal sense, she is one of the most care-giving people I know. And as you might imagine, whether its a physical gift or the gift of caring, most people out there seem to love being cared for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's start off with gifts. Many people seem stumped when it comes time for special occasion purchases, however, this task (<i>as with almost every other in this series it seems</i>) can be made much easier with a bit of forethought and planning. So here are some quick tips to make gift giving less stressful and more thought-full:</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Think Gifty Year-Round</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Listen to friends and family and jot down gift ideas when they mention something of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> interest, no matter what time of year. I use this printable sheet in my <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/05/home-management-binder.html" target="_blank">Home Management Binder</a> to keep track of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ideas until the next giving occasion (<i>click for free download</i>):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Observe Little Opportunities:</b> If a friend mentions something missing in their home or an item that will soon need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> replacing, make note for the next holiday or surprise them with a "for-no-reason" gift. (<i>Ex: my cousin seems to be</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> perpetually in need of a new can opener</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Take Cues from Others' Clues:</b> Just because I think something is super cute, doesn't necessarily mean a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> friend will. Remember who you're purchasing/making the item for and look at their home decor, color schemes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> fashion sense, favorite scents, etc. for clues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Traditional Transitionals:</b> Giving gifts during transitional life moments (<i>new house, graduating, new baby</i>) is a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> standard for many people today. If you're feeling extra creative, take time to look in to some of the historical</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> symbolism or traditions on which you might create a new spin. For ex: I once gifted a <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/10-traditional-housewarming-gifts/" target="_blank">traditional housewarming </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/10-traditional-housewarming-gifts/" target="_blank">basket</a> with a tag detailing why each item was included...bread for plenty, salt for flavorful life, honey for </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sweetness, candle for happiness, etc.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://happygourmand.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/housewarming-basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://happygourmand.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/housewarming-basket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not mine, but the same idea (<a href="https://happygourmand.wordpress.com/tag/housewarming/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Hobbies Schmobbies:</b> Consider what they're in to. Wine enthusiast? Maybe some wine glass charms or a cute</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> bottle stopper. Gardeners? A unique planter never goes amiss. Home decor junkie? A HomeGoods gift card.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Time Is Not Overrated: </b>Especially for parents, a gift of your own time can be a huge blessing. Watching the kids</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> so they can take a date night has never been turned down as far as I know. Look for other ways your time might</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> be a gift to someone. A friend moving? Older family need some weeding done? Or help cleaning?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- The Age of Gift Cards:</b> Although they might have gotten a bad rap in the past, gift cards are not seen as the faux-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> pas they once were. Sometimes a well-chosen gift card can say much more about thoughtfulness than a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> last-minute gift. And who doesn't appreciate them, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but not least, don't forget that holidays and special occasions don't have to be the only reason for gifting to those you love. Sometimes the unexpected gifts or small gestures of friendship are the ones that have the biggest impact. Occasionally, I see something I know a friend will love, I'll snag it and just hang on to it until I sense that they're having a rough week or could just use a pick-me-up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As for caregiving</b>, I've found that just being present is often the biggest act of caring that we can give. The entire idea of homemaking is founded on the principle of care. <b>Caring for our family, our home, and our community</b>. So whether it's bringing a box of tea to a coworker with a cold or calling a new mom to see if you can hold her little one while she gets a shower and quick nap, taking the time to see opportunities for care is the biggest step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sometimes miss these opportunities, and of course, there are always ways for each of us to do more. But training myself to ask the question and seek those chances seems to make them appear all the more. So...what are <u>your</u> favorite ways to extend your homemaking care beyond the walls of your home?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again everyone, thank you so much for reading and being a part of this series with me. Links to all the posts are on my <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">House & Home page</a> and of course, I'll continue adding homey things as I get back to some of my regularly scheduled (<i>or not so scheduled</i>) blogging!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-84820927359402224662015-07-24T13:08:00.000-04:002015-07-24T13:18:37.276-04:00The Classics: Sewing (& A Tutorial)<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR Homemade Is Cool)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome back, friends! We're nearing the end of the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking</a> series, but there are still a few helpful subjects yet to discuss, and today is one of my favorites...sewing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are about a million ways learning to sew has practical applications today, and although some people see it as a outdated skill, I can't tell you how many people have said, "Oh! I didn't know you could sew. Could you help me with ______?" It's definitely a commodity...even if you're like me and not super great at it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">6 reasons that learning to sew is a super friendly thing to do:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Home-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sewing is especially helpful for simple household projects like throw pillows, pillow cases, curtains, table runners, napkins, aprons, kitchen towels, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For household sewing project inspiration, check out:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274381/sewing-projects-for-the-home/@center/326405/how-to-sew" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a> / <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-sewing-proje-156036" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a> / <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects" target="_blank">Sew4Home</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=home%20sewing%20projects" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wardrobe-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making clothes is a bit more difficult in my opinion, but it can definitely be helpful to know how to mend or alter clothing, even if you don't make it from scratch. So far, I've attempted: a couple skirts, pajama pants, <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/05/girls-dress-tutorial-aka-no-clue-what.html" target="_blank">a girl's dress</a>, and some Halloween costumes. When looking at making clothing, keep in mind that it takes much more time than simpler projects and may not always been cost-effective. Altering secondhand wearables, though, is another story!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: if you want to some serious clothes-altering inspiration, check out <a href="http://www.newdressaday.com/" target="_blank">New Dress A Day</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/RKdress5_zpsac73a3f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/RKdress5_zpsac73a3f4.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">for my niece who should feel loved because to me, sewing clothes is complicated</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Budget-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learning to make items yourself opens up a lot of opportunities to save money. Have you looked at the price of cute store-bought pillows?! It's insane, especially when using discounted fabric or repurposed fabric can create unique pillow covers for next to nothing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Earth-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sewing is a great green option, especially if you are creative with your fabric sources. Naturally, there are tons of new fabrics on the market, but <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=tshirt%20quilt" target="_blank">t-shirts</a>, old towels, sheets, and scraps from other projects can all be <b>re</b>cycled and <b>up</b>cycled into new items. Psst...many thrift stores have sections with bulk fabric at great prices too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friend-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I mentioned how awesome home-sewn gifts are? Whether it's repairing a friends work apron (<i>which I've done several times</i>), making custom quilted hot pads to match their kitchen colors, or giving a new mom a <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-boppy-pillow-cover.html" target="_blank">unique boppy cover</a>...I've yet to find someone who doesn't appreciate homemade fabric gifts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/boppy5_zps75ff2f3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/boppy5_zps75ff2f3b.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sense-of-Self-Friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing you possess such a practical skill is a great feeling to have. Even if you aren't a fantastic seamstress or competitive embroiderer, there is confidence that comes along with real-world skills. Plus, there is immense satisfaction in seeing something really cute and being able to say to yourself, "No way I'm paying <b>that</b> for <b>that</b>...I'll go home and make it myself!" **Cue taking phone photos in the aisle of your fav home goods store**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now you know that sewing is an awesome thing that everyone should be able to do at least a little bit. Where to go from here? I'm glad you asked!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find my favorite sewing blogs on my <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/sewing.html" target="_blank">Sewing page</a>. Also, check out these great beginner resources:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/learn-to-sew.html" target="_blank">Tilly & the Buttons</a> / <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/sewing/sewing-for-beginners" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> / <a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/learn-to-sew-with-crazy-little-projects.html" target="_blank">Crazy Little Projects</a> / <a href="http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/" target="_blank">Sarah's Hand Embroidery</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course, try your local craft or fabric stores to see if they offer classes. Better yet, ask some older women in your community or church...they probably know it all and would love the chance to share it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>AND NOW</b>...a quick, tutorial on <b>How to Make a Plastic Bag "Sock"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All you need is a spare bit of fabric, a short length of elastic, straight pins, and a safety pin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, grab a spare bit of fabric (<i>I repurposed a dollar store Valentine's napkin</i>) and estimate how long and wide you want the sock to be. I think this sock ended up around 6" x 22" so the original cut would've been 12" x 22".</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack1_zps1qlhlzit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack1_zps1qlhlzit.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set the main piece aside and use a length of clipping to form the handle. To do this, cut a piece a little longer than you'd like the handle and about 4" wide. Fold it in half and iron the crease the fold both of the outer edges to meet in the middle, iron again. Pin this together and the rough seams should be concealed inside (<i>fun fact - this is also the basic idea when making quilt binding</i>).</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack2_zpsxbexhugw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack2_zpsxbexhugw.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, go back to your main piece of fabric and fold up the end. This will enclose the elastic at the bottom of the sock. Make sure to make the fold deep enough for your piece of elastic to fit inside. Sew along the top edge to form a little tunnel. (<i>You can also do this on the opposite end to create a small top seam there but the napkin I used already had a seam on that end.</i>)</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack3_zpsrwxhozns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack3_zpsrwxhozns.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take your length of elastic and put the safety pin through the end. Holding one end, use the safety pin to push the other end through the "tunnel" of the seam you just created. Once it's through, trim any excess and safety pin both ends together so it doesn't snap back through.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack4_zpsobqokb1o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack4_zpsobqokb1o.jpg" height="288" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the printed side of the fabric on the inside, line up the long edges and pin them together. Also carefully remove the safety pin and instead put a straight pin through the elastic and the end of the long-edge-seam. On the opposite end, lay one end of the handle along the edge of the seam and pin that in place. Sew down the whole length (<i>twice for extra sturdiness</i>). </span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack5_zpsoworondg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack5_zpsoworondg.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last step is to line up the free end of the handle on the seam on the opposite side of the bag. Put a few stitches there to hold it in place, trim any extra length. Turn the whole thing inside out and start stuffing bags!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack6_zpslb3vujot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/bagsack6_zpslb3vujot.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ours (<i>the bigger, not as cute one</i>) hangs on a wall hook inside the laundry closet. We use reusable grocery bags so we don't end up with too many extras, but somehow they always seem to creep in in other ways. We use them mostly to line smaller trash cans around the house. If the sock gets too full, I take them to be recycled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost = $0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total time = 35 min</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is certainly not a "fancy" sewing project, but it's a great example of why basic sewing skills are still relevant and helpful today. This household sewing project is easy, practical, and made a great (<i>and free</i>) housewarming gift for a friend's new apartment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sidenote: during a recent market day downtown I saw two different stalls selling these exact same style bags, just more uniform looking. Avg price = $15-$20.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only a couple weeks left! Make sure to come by next week for another fun segment on homemaking made simple!</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-18108336825433004122015-07-20T11:37:00.000-04:002015-07-20T12:01:59.009-04:00our unintentionally toxic home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbI-rg7gSAI/VaaXvYqFSsI/AAAAAAAAAcI/YgswQTOME4U/s1600/toxichouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbI-rg7gSAI/VaaXvYqFSsI/AAAAAAAAAcI/YgswQTOME4U/s320/toxichouse.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many other women, household duties are generally my area of responsibility. From purchasing home products and divvying up tasks, to planning meals and preparing them, I manage the domestic stuff.* As you may expect, I try to make the very best possible choices for us. So, you'll understand my confusion and frustration when I recently came to realize that many of the "trusted" products I use are poisoning us. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Literally</u> poisoning us!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may be more up-and-up on the green scene, but I like many Americans, <u>never even knew I should be asking questions</u>. Over the last month, I've been tumbling down a steep learning curve—I started by looking in to one tiny thing and inadvertently, caused an avalanche.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Major problems to identify first:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- girls are going through puberty younger than ever (<a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/assets/pdfs/publications/falling-age-of-puberty.pdf" target="_blank">see report</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- babies are being born with up to 200 toxins </span><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">already in their bloodstreams</u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/health/babies-are-polluted-at-birth-new-report-says/625/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">read more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- several studies have linked cancer with environmental chemical exposure (</span><a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/media/publications/state-of-the-evidence/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">see report</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- asthma, allergies, and respiratory disorders are on on a significant rise (</span><a href="https://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=44" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">read more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, dyslexia, and ADD/ADHD are on the rise (</span><a href="http://www.ldworldwide.org/clinicians/disabilities-and-the-environment/360" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">read more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- researchers found that on average, women use 160+ chemicals on their bodies each day (</span><a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/senator-dianne-feinstein-on-beauty-product-safety" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">read more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Out of 84,000 chemicals on the market today, only around </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">1%</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>have even been tested for safety.</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2015/07/06/chemical-exposure/" target="_blank">read more</a>)(<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/26/senate.toxic.america.hearing/" target="_blank">and more</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now for some household cleaner and cosmetics considerations: </b>(<a href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health#accidents" target="_blank">learn more</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- sheer volume: </b>many companies get away with toxic ingredients because they are "safe" in nominal or trace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> amounts...until every cosmetic & cleaner in our home carries the same chemical. It adds up in a big way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- use of known allergens: </b>can lead to allergies, asthma, respiratory damage, and chronic dermatitis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- fragrances:</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">most artificial fragrances these days are derived from petrochemicals (<i>from </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>petroleum</i>), </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> also exempt from</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ingredient listing </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">regulations...almost anything can simply be listed as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"proprietary </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fragrance </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> blend" (</span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/five-mustknows-on-the-dan_b_4737654.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">read more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)(</span><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/27/toxic-perfume-chemicals.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">and more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">); the question is "what makes us believe that scent = clean?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- reactionary contaminants: </b>some chemicals may be deemed safe but carry high risks of becoming contaminated </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with toxic elements when they undergo certain chemical reactions (<i>which can be difficult to control with certainty</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- reproductive toxins & hormone disruptors: </b>certain <u>commonly used</u> chemicals<b> </b>can lead to infertility, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> miscarriage, and severe birth defects including neurological and developmental damage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- carcinogens: </b>cancer-causers, even formaldehyde and chloroform can frequently be found in our homes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- accidents:</b> spills, ingestion, or inhalation can cause burns or nerve and respiratory damage (<i>In 2010, US poison </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> control centers fielded 116,000+ cleaner accident phone calls involving children under the age of 5. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22165864" target="_blank">source</a></i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> *If just a few tbsp of a liquid is toxic to a child, does anything really justify having it in the house?*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- disposal:</b> when these chemicals are disposed of down the drain or through the trash into landfills, they pollute</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> our </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drinking water, aquatic life, and soil...which we then re-consume</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ2mM6N0e-8/Va0bRP3mU2I/AAAAAAAAAdA/TOYp1SZUmok/s1600/toxicclean.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ2mM6N0e-8/Va0bRP3mU2I/AAAAAAAAAdA/TOYp1SZUmok/s640/toxicclean.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite these concerns, our current regulations <b>do not</b> <b>require companies to even list these ingredients on the labels</b>, much less to disclose their health risks. (<a href="http://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Dirty-Secrets.pdf" target="_blank">read more</a>) Don't we have a right to know?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but if I want to make an unhealthy choice (<i>hello Cool Mint Oreos!</i>), I want to know that I'm doing it consciously. I don't want any one else making those choices for me and my family, especially when their reluctance to be transparent earns them billions of dollars in profits each year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could go on and on with the infuriating things I've uncovered, but for your sake, I'll get<span style="font-size: large;"> to the good news!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, with so many toxins and shady business practices, there is also a huge movement to expose these risks and to demand better regulations. <a href="http://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a> is a fantastic non-profit that is doggedly fighting this battle for us consumers and on behalf of the planet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For detailed info on home cleaners, check out their <a href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners" target="_blank">Healthy Cleaning database</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To do some sleuthing on your cosmetics, visit their <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Skin Deep database</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://phorcys-static.ewg.org/food/food_database_stylesheet/ewg_logo_2015_2-dadf45dd6dbd60d0d63940e62ee73465.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, organic/natural housekeeping is a vast and at times confusing universe. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A major contributor to the confusion is the FDA's refusal to set definite status restrictions on "natural" products (</span><a href="https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2014/01/fda-declines-to-define-natural/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">learn more</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). So any company with one semi-natural ingredient can claim whatever they like. Third-party certification and manufacturer transparency are the only guarantees. (<i>Which is to say nothing of the 62,000 chemicals were grandfathered in when the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976. (<a href="http://www.psr.org/environment-and-health/confronting-toxics/chemical-management/?referrer=https://www.google.com/" target="_blank">read more</a>)</i>) What a mess!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510NCok-IlL._SX352_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510NCok-IlL._SX352_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find out more information, I recommend just sitting down and doing some digging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best way to get a grasp on the issues is to <b>be aware</b>, <b>ask questions</b>, and <b>educate yourself</b>. In addition to EWG, here are some other awesome resources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Housekeeping-Non-Toxic-Avenger-Improve-ebook/dp/B001CKBAQU">Organic Housekeeping</a> by Ellen Sandbeck</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Free-Protect-Chemicals-ThatAre/dp/1585428701" target="_blank">Toxic Free</a> by Debra Dadd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Squeaky-Green-Method-Guide-Detoxing/dp/B0030ILWDI">Squeaky Green</a> by Method Clean</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-cosmetics/">The Story of Cosmetics</a> (short video)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://thehumanexperimentmovie.com/" target="_blank">The Human Experiment</a> (documentary)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/">I Read Labels For You</a> (blog)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://ecowatch.com/">EcoWatch</a>, <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/">Mother Earth News</a>, <a href="http://www.takepart.com/">TakePart</a> (activist/news sources)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So what can we do right now to start making our homes truly cleaner and healthier (and ourselves, too!)?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://static.ewg.org/files/2009/10/school-cleaners/home-tip-sheet.pdf?_ga=1.183067430.1223503220.1435070104" target="_blank">EWG has a great list of tips available in pdf here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Frank Lipman also shares <a href="http://www.drfranklipman.com/20-ways-to-detox-your-home/" target="_blank">20 Ways to Detox Your Home</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to break down some of the most available & popular green brands, here's my personal comparison chart:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zh8UV6_lQ8/VZ2I92tulrI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ANmy0Gi1P1E/s1600/GreenClean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zh8UV6_lQ8/VZ2I92tulrI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ANmy0Gi1P1E/s640/GreenClean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Cleaner scores are taken directly from EWG's Cleaner Database (<i>as of 7/8/15</i>), dark grey denotes no product available for that category</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Asterisked scores denote products not yet reviewed by EWG; estimates are based on my averaged scores of individual ingredients</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Hand soap is rated based on EWG's Skin Deep Database (<i>scores are 0-10, 0 being best</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Sustainability score is based on my research into the company as a whole: mission, standards, environmental impact, commitment to sustainability, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> sourcing, ethical practices, etc. (<i>these grades are based entirely on my opinion</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**Specifically to scrubbing, Bon Ami as well as a simple baking soda paste are two great options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me started on the ratings and ingredients from my previously favorite brands...glass cleaner = D, antibacterial wipes = D, dish liquid = D, "free & clear" laundry detergent = F. The list goes sadly on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">— <b>for every good product we bring into our home, it means one less bad one under the sink.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you want to eliminate "extra products" all together, here are some great resources for DIY home cleaner recipes. Though these sources are very reliable, there are others that are less so, so keep a cautious eye:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/category/diy-homemade-cleaners" target="_blank">Clean Mama</a> / </span><a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/greencleaning/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Living Well Spending Less</a> / <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/the-ultimate-green-cleaning-caddy.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the record, my intentions are not to slander any particular brand, nor perpetuate unbased fear-mongering. The information I have researched is all backed by science and not unearthed in haste. Admittedly, I still have a long way to go in transitioning our home and lifestyle to better options, but I believe consumers (<i>especially us wives and moms</i>) deserve to know the truth behind the companies we support and products we use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the risk of droning on, I'll just end things here and happily get back to my research. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have questions or would like to discuss any of this more at length, please just leave a comment below or <a href="mailto:asongforthebirds.blog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> and we can chat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Don't get me wrong, my husband is more than happy to purchase products and perform domestic tasks. I enjoy being responsible for this </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">aspect of our lives -- it's kinda my thing. I do, however, love that Strider makes our bed daily (<i>I'm terrible at remembering to do that</i>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">None of the above links are affiliates, they are simply good resources I like.</span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-38943963776673264912015-07-17T17:22:00.000-04:002015-07-17T17:22:42.690-04:00The Classics: Food Preservation<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR Making Bellies & Budgets Happy Since Forever)</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome back, friends! Here we are—the final segment of the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking series</a>: Classics-For-A-Reason. And what better way to start it off than with a true homemaking classic...food preservation!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lifeandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/canning-1-what-it-is-and-why--640x427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://lifeandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/canning-1-what-it-is-and-why--640x427.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all those beautiful colors! (<a href="http://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/what-is-canning-and-what-are-the-benefits/172324.html" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are so many wonderful benefits to preserving food, it really should be a no-brainer:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- no weird additives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- reduces intake of hidden & unnecessary sugar (<i>like in pasta sauce</i>)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- reusable containers lessen environmental waste</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- more diversity...make something tried-and-true or be creative and try something new</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- boosts local economy...farmers markets are a canner's best friend!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- makes for great gifts</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">- extremely cost effective!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are a few main methods of preserving:</b> freezing, canning, fermenting, pickling, curing, and drying. Although I'm all for drying fresh herbs, I have no experience with fermenting, pickling, or curing so we'll just look at the first two popular methods.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Freezing</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freezing food is one of the easiest methods of food preservation and almost all of us do it on a daily basis. I mean...how much stuff is in your freezer right now? Of course, the level of consciousness in preserving frozen food varies greatly, but whether you're stocked up on pizzas or have a deep freezer full of garden goodies, we all do it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Although perhaps the simplest of the preserving methods mentioned above, there are some considerations to be made. <b>First</b>, be careful to properly seal all your frozen goodies to ward off the dreaded freezer burn. <b>Second</b>, if you are doing some serious freezing, consider making an inventory list so that you don't forget about items tucked away; labeling both the package itself as well as an external inventory is helpful. <b>Lastly</b>, make sure your freezer (<i>either fridge-combo or chest freezer</i>) is holding temp at 0 degrees, otherwise you may lose valuable food. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">You may remember my <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/10/applepalooza-2014.html" target="_blank">Applepalooza post</a> last fall when Strider's mom and I froze a bit of homemade applesauce, as in 17 containers worth. Well, we've been enjoying delicious, <u>healthy</u> applesauce all winter long. The cost savings were huge and as predicted, it was too good to last a whole year...but it came close! Thankfully, his parents have a deep freezer so we've just taken a couple containers at a time home with us. Definitely on the list again this year. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/Applepalooza-12_zps8aee9431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/Applepalooza-12_zps8aee9431.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">In addition to the intended apples later in the year, I've already stocked our freezer with loads of whole frozen berries from local farms as well as two different varieties of freezer jam. Freezer jam is delicious and so handy when you want a taste of bright summer fruits mid-winter. The Ball com</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">pany</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> (<i>basically the biggest name in preserving</i>) has tons of <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/recipes?combine=&field_category_tid%5B%5D=862&field_preserving_method_tid%5B%5D=64&sort_bef_combine=field_title_override_value+ASC" target="_blank">freezer jam/jelly recipes</a> available online; <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/sure-jell/main.aspx" target="_blank">Sure Jell</a> brand by Kraft also has a wealth of recipe resources.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For a list of how to best freeze individual foods, </span><a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For some FAQs on freezing, </span><a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_freezing.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Canning</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Canning is another fabulous way to preserve food at home. Though a little more labor intensive, it has added bonuses too. <b>First</b>, properly canned food does not need to be refrigerated or frozen so it doesn't take up valuable space (<i>or require thaw time in prep</i>). <b>Second</b>, there is no fear of a power-outage ruining saved goods. <b>Lastly</b>, it is easy to transport and makes for wonderful gifts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn5S99SRaKc/ValqeIw3jMI/AAAAAAAAAck/us5c2-NyChE/s1600/strawrhujam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn5S99SRaKc/ValqeIw3jMI/AAAAAAAAAck/us5c2-NyChE/s640/strawrhujam.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to preserving plain fruits and veggies, preserved spreads are a delight to enjoy or share all year round and come in nearly unlimited varieties: jams, jellies, preserves, conserves, marmalades, fruit butters, and curd. You can also can salsas, soups, sauces, desserts (<i>like we did with <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/10/applepalooza-2014.html" target="_blank">apple pie filling</a></i>). So many </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">delicious </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">possibilities!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far this year I've made two freezer jams: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">black raspberry and strawberry, and two canned jams: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">strawberry-rhubarb, vanilla-rhubarb. All were surprisingly easy to do and very tasty! (<i>Don't worry, we've given over half away...far too much jam for Strider and I to eat alone, but a great way to get to know our neighbors!</i>) The learning/experimenting process is really fun and has great results. Plus, having a cute, homemade gift at the ready for dinner parties or thank-yous is handy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For information on how to best can individual foods, </span><a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_home.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For some FAQs on canning, </span><a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_canning.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Three Additional Important Notes:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>- Recipes</b>: When looking for preserving recipes (<i>especially for canning</i>), make sure to use a reputable source (<i>sorry</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i> </i><i>not Pinterest</i>). The cooking times, temperatures, and science has to be carefully tested to ensure that dangerous</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> bacteria are killed during processing. For this reason, "winging it" with canning is not a good idea.<br /><b>- FIFO</b>: Make sure to use First-In-First-Out food rotation when enjoying your home preserved goods. That way you </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> don't need to worry about things hanging around too long and getting funky.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">- Funkiness</b><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">: If your preserved treats ever look or smell suspicious (</span><i style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">discoloration, mold, etc.</i><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">) make sure to throw </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> them away (</span><i style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">this does not include separation since some sauces and veggies will do that naturally</i><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">). Home </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> preservation methods do not use the machines or chemicals that commercial manufacturers do (</span><i style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">which is a good </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> thing!</i><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">), there can be hiccups. If canned jars lose their seal, take a pass. Make sure to follow proper </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> recipes, procedures, and storage for home preserved goods and it shouldn't be much of a problem!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For tons more information, check out the <a href="http://nchfp.uga.edu/" target="_blank">National Center for Home Food Preservation</a> or <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/getting-started" target="_blank">Getting Started</a> through <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/" target="_blank">The Ball Company</a>. Those guys mean business (<i>tasty tasty business!</i>)</span> </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And come back next week for another post on homemaking classics with modern payoffs!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-84102984209300965722015-07-15T09:29:00.000-04:002015-07-15T09:29:38.078-04:00Circle Link-Up: Blogger Introductions<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.initstimeblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="THE CIRCLE LINK-UP" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/16607472691_e985da0771_z.jpg" style="border: none;" width="250" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So happy to be joining the fabulous Kiki from <a href="http://www.initstimeblog.com/" target="_blank">In Its Time</a> for another <a href="http://www.initstimeblog.com/p/the-circle-monthly-link-up.html" target="_blank">Circle Link-Up</a> today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month's topic is <b>Blogger Introductions</b> so here's a little about me:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Deets</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My name is Sarah and I am 27 years old. I'm originally from North Carolina but last September my husband Charlie (<i>or Strider as I affectionately call him on this blog</i>) relocated back to his hometown in Pennsylvania. Almost a year has passed and I still can't believe I live in a different state—but we love it here!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he so handsome!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Fams</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family is absolutely 100% the most important thing to me. I have a truly incredible and totally wild mom who loves with reckless abandon and literally never runs out of ideas for spontaneous fun. I also have a gorgeous sister who is my hand-me-down fashion benefactor and lifelong secret-keeper. I think my new brother-in-law is still adjusting to our crazy family but he's also great and the perfect source for all my html coding questions.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sis and I at an App State game.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlie's family is much more on the normal end of the spectrum but I could not have been more blessed to end up with them as my new family. His mom is smart, a great listener, and more patient than anyone I've ever met—especially when she's teaching me about gardening, quilting, and canning...to which I never reach the end of my questions. His dad, well, he's as goofy as they come. It's been an adjustment to call someone dad again, but I wouldn't want it to be for anyone else!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Job</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a barista (<i>the green aprony kind</i>) for now. I absolutely love coffee, though I don't actually drink very much of it. I've worked in the industry for over 10 years and I love everything about the artistry, passion, and connection of it all. But mostly I'm just waiting for the day when I get to be "mom"....not quite there yet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Doing Stuff</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the crafts. Basically if you can find it in a Hobby Lobby, it's probably something I enjoy (<i>other than model cars</i>). I love sewing, painting, refinishing furniture, and generally just making things. Mostly it's out of a desire to not spend money...if I see something I love, my first thought is always "I could do that myself for way less!" I also love reading, visiting antique stores, and cooking/baking. I keep myself very busy on my days off.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also hang out with this guy a lot!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Blogging</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really enjoy blogging. The community is <u>wonderful</u>, but there is a lot of pressure. Pressure to work on a schedule, to get sponsors, to make money off it, to do it "the right way". I fight feelings of needing to make my blog "something more" than just a thing I enjoy when I can. But there are others like me out there (<i>like Kiki</i>)! So, I have no great ambitions for this space; I just want it to be fun. I do love <b>love <u>love</u></b> meeting new friends here though, so say hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One Thing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than anything else about me, the most important thing is that I love Jesus. I try (<i>and most often fail</i>) to live my life like Him and for Him. Without getting too theological, I'll just say that Charlie and I believe that loving comes first. Bottom line. Love Jesus, love others. Everything else is secondary. So I'll just keep trying with the rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What, You Too?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some random things for fun: (</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">feel free to agree or not, that's okay!</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I'm extremely suspicious of cauliflower. Dunno why, but I don't trust it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I love order and organization, and applying logic to everyday things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I always always put grocery carts into their little corrals...I never knew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> people actually <u>didn't</u> do that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I think taking baths is kinda gross and very un-relaxing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Circus peanut candy is evil. Plain and simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Rhubarb is my new favorite! I never had it till I met Charlie and ever</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> since, I will eat it in almost anything!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- My celebrity crush will always be Cary Grant. I'm sad I missed out on </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the days of trilby-wearing gents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Your turn! Stop by <a href="http://initstimeblog.com/" target="_blank">Kiki's page</a> today and link up </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>with your own Blogger Introduction!</b></span><br />
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-65808195802861905012015-07-10T15:06:00.001-04:002015-07-10T15:06:28.041-04:00Creative Entertaining Ideas & A Giveaway<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR Finding Excuses to Enjoy Human Interaction)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birthday parties, housewarmings, Christmas dinner, Super Bowl Sunday, 4th of July...there are many many occasions each year when a hosted event is ordinary and the traditions are relatively predictable. And of course, everyone loves a good dinner party just about any time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But...what can you do when you want to host an event that is special or more exciting than just dinner, but doesn't coincide with any particular holiday? Enter, <b>Creative Entertaining</b>...or as I prefer to think of it "silly excuses to interact with other people." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may sound crazy, but in the Netflix age, it's easy to entirely avoid having a social life. (<i>I know because we're guilty!</i>) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Humans love routine and comfort and nothing is quite as nice as snuggling up on the couch in your pajams!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, today I hope to inspire your silly side with some fresh ideas. Find something fun (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>and preferably wacky</i>) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that you would enjoy, then consider ways that you could turn it in to a small group event. Like themed frat parties...but with less tetanus shots needed after.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Movie Night</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A classic get-together scenario, amp up the fun with themed invitations, decorations, and food with film tie-ins (ex: President Business' Tuesday Tacos </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from <i>The Lego Movie</i>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Being a Grown Up is Dumb Night</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my personal favorites, construct a giant fort in your living room and invite friends over to share favorite childhood snacks while swapping sleepover stories. Prank calling boys now optional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>DIY Beauty Night</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ladies of all ages love a good makeover. Why not invite some girls over for home pedicures and a create-your-own-body-scrub session (<i>which coincidentally is super easy and makes an awesome take-home gift</i>)?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We Love the 90s Night</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No need to wait for October to dress up, invite friends to join you in a salute to a beloved time for us all! Jamming to the Spice Girls and Lip Smackers required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wanderlust Party</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you've gotten to travel the world or it's still on your to-do list, adventurers will love this one. Exotic fare representing different countries, passport-style invites, and cultral music mixes will make for a fun night for all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Afternoon Tea</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether your friends are the frilly type or not, its hard to resist a delicious beverage and tiny treats. Borrow some teaware and indulge in a bit of afternoon elegance. Maybe even sneak in a Janenite flick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hugh Jackman Night</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired by my sister, her friends get together every so often and watch Jackman movies. I suggested that next time, everyone have to wear Wolverine-style mutton chops all night. (<i>We're not totally insane, I promise!</i>) Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings also make for great themes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, <b>did you know there are unofficial month and day celebrations <u>for almost every day of the year</u>?</b> For example, July is blueberry month, hot dog month, cell phone courtesy month, and ice cream month. Sounds like a great excuse for an ice cream social to me! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a huge list of silly dates, </span><a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">visit Holiday Insights</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main takeaway is that inviting friends over doesn't need to be formal or have to wait until there is a special reason. Any day can be a fun excuse to entertain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So, what the wackiest event/theme night you've been invited to? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND FOR TODAY'S GIVEAWAY...</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To inspire more creative hostessing, I'm doing another giveaway today! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply leave a comment below to enter for your chance to win a <b>Movie Night Hostess Set!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKjIw0nIsxg/VaAWQ3t7-rI/AAAAAAAAAbE/O84xlSkqQwo/s1600/giveaway3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKjIw0nIsxg/VaAWQ3t7-rI/AAAAAAAAAbE/O84xlSkqQwo/s640/giveaway3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Set includes</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heloise-Hints-All-Occasions/dp/0399518932" target="_blank">Heloise Hints for All Occasions</a> (<i>an oldie but goodie</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- a box of Orville Redenbacher's Naturals popcorn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- a pack of mini invites and a sheet of themed stickers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- green polka dot napkins, striped paper straws, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">chevron print popcorn bags, and k</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">raft paper food picks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- and a $5 Target gift card (<i>towards the movie of your choice, of course!</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just leave a comment below before Sunday, July 12 at 11 pm for your chance to win!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I'll see you next week to announce the winner and for our last segment in the MSH series!</span></div>
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<a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/Redesign/MSH_zps0fznbado.png" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-82543590911124066522015-07-04T15:40:00.000-04:002015-07-04T15:40:46.679-04:00Special Occasion Entertaining<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR Ignore TV Stereotypes—Holidays Are Fun!)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, let me take a second to appreciate the coincidence that today's post ended up falling on the 4th of July. Definitely not intentional, but humorous, nonetheless. Happy 4th, friends!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And moving on...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder how many hopeful homemakers have been undone through the years by a failed Thanksgiving lunch or disastrous Christmas dinner? Or how many haven't even tried because the mounting stress seemed ultimately doomed to failure?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know the scene...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggWMVYCZSS0/VZRCljQBYJI/AAAAAAAAAZM/j4pa6cZgZzo/s1600/thx.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggWMVYCZSS0/VZRCljQBYJI/AAAAAAAAAZM/j4pa6cZgZzo/s640/thx.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1039147/thanksgiving-wisdom" target="_blank">source</a> / <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2011/11/thanksgiving-horror-stories/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Not only do we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves during these events, but we also have the media to constantly bombard us with a reminder that we should be overwhelmed (<i>and if you aren't, you probably aren't prepared enough, right?</i>). From awkward local news anchors to celebrity chefs, every few months media personalities whip up a bowl of holiday horror stories and corner-cutting tricks, then</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> smother it with "the holidays will be terrible if you don't do it our way" gravy. Grab a spoon and enjoy the taste of ultimate failure, chaos, and family dissension. <u>W</u></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><u>hat a load of rubbish</u>!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Let's banish the holiday hosting fears and think about some <u>real</u> strategies for making holidays fun again!:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#1 - Remember why we celebrate! </b>Whether it's a Christmas dinner, July 4th BBQ, or an Arbor Day brunch, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> e</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">njoy </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">the time with the people you love. We are blessed to have so many reasons to celebrate!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#2 - </b></span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Plan ahead. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Think through what kind of event you want it to be...Elegant & formal? Super casual? Themed? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Potluck? Thinking big picture in advance helps reduce unnecessary stress and expectations from the get go. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Plus, now is the time to think outside the box for unexpected holiday themes, food, and traditions!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#3 - Build the menu.</b> Whether the food will be served on doily-lined china or spread out on a picnic blanket, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> knowing the menu is half the battle. What do you <u>really</u> want to serve? Note: Not the same question as "What </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> do I have to serve on (insert holiday)?" The secret is, there are no rules! (<i>My family has a longstanding </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i> tradition </i></span></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">of Red Lobster on Christmas Eve...random but we love it!</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#4 - Break it down.</b> Make notes of which food items can be made furthest in advance, the next to last, then last. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Keep last-minute work to a minimum so you can enjoy the party too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#5 - Simplify serving. </b>Buffets and self-serve table spreads are a great option (<i>will you need food tags?</i>), but many </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> people also enjoy the comfort and intimacy of eating family style. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#6 - Decorate & Tidy Up.</b> Whether you go traditional or boldly in the other direction, embrace simple decorations</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> to </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">reflect the style and tone of the event. In the past, people spent lots of effort making elaborate table settings,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> but today, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/categories/holidays_events/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> is full of simple ideas for using inexpensive and natural elements to decorate. And of </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> course, tidying up the house a bit is a good idea too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>#7 - No Matter What, Have Fun!</b> If dessert falls apart, take a deep breath and think of alternatives (<i>fresh fruit is a</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i> great after-dinner option</i>). Power goes out? An opportunity for a candlelit evening!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /><b>Hosting responsibility alternatives:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">If attempting a special occasion event still seems daunting (<i>which is totally okay</i>), think progressively. As in a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_dinner" target="_blank">progressive meal</a>...being one stop in a co-hosted evening helps reduce your responsibility and is a fun way for everyone to participate. Potlucks are great for the same reason and people <u>love</u> sharing their favorite dishes. If you're ready to own the evening yourself, still accept help when it's offered or ask for it when it's needed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>And lastly, but definitely most importantly: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">No "thing" matters more than people. It might be hard to keep this fresh in your mind when a child accidentally breaks your favorite vase or a friend spills wine on your new white tablecloth, but it's essential to remember for enjoying holiday events. No one item in our homes (<i>regardless of how fancy</i>) has more value than a person, or that person feeling loved. And certainly not guilt-ridden or ashamed because of an accident. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><u>People matter most</u>, which makes flawless table decor and a gourmet meal seem pretty secondary. When that's true, holiday hosting sounds pretty fun, right?!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Enjoy the fireworks and come by next week for fun ideas of how to make non-special-event hosting more special with a little creative thinking!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-52796732429840363602015-06-29T12:08:00.000-04:002015-06-29T12:08:36.185-04:00Marriage: The Conversation We Should Be Having<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like everyone else in the country this week, my social media networks have been blowing up with reactions, both positive and negative, to the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage equality. There have been more than enough opinions shared on the matter. However, I think in light of these conversations, we are also in danger of overlooking an extremely important aspect of the marriage dialogue...<b>the trivialization of marriage as a whole</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please understand me clearly, I am in <u>no way</u> stating that the SC's decision is contributing to this devaluing. Frankly, I think the ruling was long overdue in a country so determined on freedom and giving its citizens equal rights, and I am very happy for the numerous friends who have found love, support, and hope in the decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The real perpetrators? Society. And the church. (<i>Please, don't stop reading just yet.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addressing the first, it is clear that as a nation we have made marriage into a game of sport and entertainment. Whether from the perspective of reality tv shows or from the reinforced negative stereotypes of the institution in popular sitcoms, no matter where you look, <u>marriage is a joke</u>. By and large, the even louder message streaming across the airwaves is that <b>the marriage itself is secondary to the wedding</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A dizzying array of superficiality...all focused on the party, not the lifelong commitment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if that wasn't enough to make your head spin, how about the fact that the average couple in the US <a href="http://www.costofwedding.com/" target="_blank">spends</a> between $20,000 and $33,000 on the wedding day alone. What are we doing, people?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after you're back from that fabulous honeymoon, don't expect the media to suddenly encourage your new life. Women in particular will be assaulted by a barrage of useless television husbands, the wives typically portrayed as exhausted and defeated or as master manipulators tricking their husbands into getting what they want. Any media-based role models coming to mind yet?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SX4FFYRPq9M/VZFdKBngQuI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-sWnxGnR6uU/s1600/hubs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SX4FFYRPq9M/VZFdKBngQuI/AAAAAAAAAYw/-sWnxGnR6uU/s640/hubs.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When did we, as a society, decide to make the wedding day a collective orgy of expense and superficiality? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When did we decide to strip men of their intelligence and value in the home? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which leads me to the second purveyor of marriage devaluation...the church. Keep in mind that Strider and I are both Christians and believe firmly that Christ is the true foundation of our marriage covenant. Naturally, I recognize that there are many other couples, married or otherwise, who do not feel this way. But there is a huge issue of, dare I say, tolerance, in the church in regards to marriage. And I'm not talking about accepting our new legal equality. I'm talking about <b>inside the church itself</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Strider and I got engaged, we longed for spiritual support and challenges to us as we moved towards making our marriage covenant together. Honestly, we both felt like church fell short in its duties. During our 8 month engagement, I <u>couldn't tell you</u> the number of times someone asked us about our plans regarding the trivial details of the wedding day (flowers, dresses, colors, etc.). The number of times someone asked us about pre-marital counseling, even close friends/mentors in the church? I could count them on one hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does that say about us? That even inside the church, we would rather focus on the superficial than the spiritual? That we hesitate to challenge each other during one of the most fundamentally life-changing moments of our journey? And that later in our marriages, we are reticent to be honest about shortcomings and struggles? Even with our brothers and sisters in the church, transparency and authenticity can be difficult to display and hard to come by. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, something is off track.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if instead of expending energy to shout negative views about our country's new marriage laws, we looked inward and challenged our youth to consider their vows more seriously? Or if more of us took on the role of active mentors to our engaged couples?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if instead of turning up our noses at what our fallible human minds might perceive as right or wrong, we look at our own hearts and ask Christ to bless those couple pursuing Him together, regardless of gender?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if we stop focusing on others' choices and instead, delve into a celebration of our own spouse and a renewal of our own covenants? Or a renewal of authenticity with our church family?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if instead of continuing to push a huge population of our world even further from Christians who have persecuted them as assuredly as the Christians themselves were persecuted in the ancient world, we embraced them and shared in their joy? Or in the blessing that their children will now have the opportunity to grow in a home with two loving parents who both have rights? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if we take this historic opportunity to call ourselves out as not being the examples of Christ or of Christ-centered marriages that we should be, instead of as a chance to throw stones?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a lot of beauty and love pouring out from certain corners of the Christian church in response to this national shift, and for that, I am joyous. From other areas, my heart breaks to see us continue to widen the divisions inside the church as well as the chasm that sometimes exists between the church and the rest of the world. A world full of people, which we need not be reminded, were created by and bought with love by the same God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said...I am first in line. I want to be challenged to love my husband more each day, to set an example of marriage for younger believers, regardless of with whom they choose to spend their life. I want the church, as our family of faith, to keep tabs on our marriage, to call us out when we falter. And most of all, I would hope Christ continues to teach me how</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to love better, to encourage more, and to serve in new ways. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And those are the conversations really worth having.</span><br />
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<br />sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-29393814946217684902015-06-26T12:47:00.000-04:002015-06-26T12:47:10.213-04:00Weekend Visits<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OR Easier Than Not Dropping Your Hardboiled Egg Baby</b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/04/08/egg-babies_slide-7913d9782805b478d2ba987fe79f4c4be88313ee-s800-c85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/04/08/egg-babies_slide-7913d9782805b478d2ba987fe79f4c4be88313ee-s800-c85.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/04/09/398074310/the-egg-baby-project-a-lesson-in-sex-education" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did your school use eggs to teach adolescent responsibility? I mean, who <i>wouldn't</i> love to carry an egg around for weeks, fervently protecting it while knowing with horror that your grade depends on a crack-free shell? Riiiiigght.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As stressful and difficult as that experience may have been for some, and as silly as the whole project seems now from a more (<i>debatably</i>) grown-up perspective, do you ever feel a hint of the same panic when having guests to stay for the weekend, or longer? ---> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will I feed them? What is there fun to do? I'm so boring!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never fear! Just as <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/06/starting-small-with-home-entertaining.html" target="_blank">hosting dinner</a> was easier than imagined, the same is true of entended hostessing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, <b>the key is in the planning</b>. Start with an organizing helper like this free Overnight Visitors printable: (<i>click image to download</i>)</span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIMTh6MmhvUWhaaTQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2R1S2yZu0E/VYcBbN8fS9I/AAAAAAAAAWs/pRefxZgxL0c/s640/HMB-Visitors.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, whether you store these in a <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/05/home-management-binder.html" target="_blank">Home Management Binder</a> or just jot it down on scrap paper for a single visit, it's still be helpful. You may ask why bother writing it down if you know your friends well enough to know all this stuff...but what about a significant other or a child? Point is - it's helpful to have, just in case!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Date of Visit:</b> Obviously, to help you remember when and how long guests are staying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Allergies:</b> Though primarily important for food prep, other allergies such as pets or certain smells can also </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> be helpful to remember for future visits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Interests:</b> Keeping a few notes of guests interests can help you to have fun topics to discuss as well as local </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> activities </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to keep an ear out for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Dislikes: </b>Though not as essential to know as food allergies, dislikes can also be helpful to know in advance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Non-preferred </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pastimes are also a handy to know when thinking through pre-planned activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- U.N.C. Topics:</b> (<i>Under No Circumstances</i>) Speaks for itself - things that should just never be brought up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Special Notes: </b>Anything you think might be worth remembering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Visit ideas:</b> Now this is a fun one! Considering what you know about your guests, take some time to think </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> through </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">activities or places of interest with which to fill your visit.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk6JAihggzQ/VYcP4H1JxmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/PeegwKVoqF0/s1600/activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk6JAihggzQ/VYcP4H1JxmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/PeegwKVoqF0/s640/activities.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Note About Activities</b></u>: Although having at least one pre-planned activity is a good idea, it's no fun to have a schedule too full to just enjoy time relaxing together. I recommend signing up for your community newsletter so you have the resources to know what is going on. Consider making a short list of available activities and ask your guests which ones sound fun to them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have a timeline for the visit as well as your handy guest preference notes and list of possible attractions/activities, you're halfway done. Next, loosely sketch out each day, penciling in your food plan and approximate timetable (<i>including potential activities</i>). For example:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeM0JI_sAJs/VYccfuKaQvI/AAAAAAAAAXU/x9IkcYdihC0/s1600/weekend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeM0JI_sAJs/VYccfuKaQvI/AAAAAAAAAXU/x9IkcYdihC0/s640/weekend.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check to make sure your <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-guest-room-guesting-elsewhere.html" target="_blank">guest room is ready</a> for visitors, hit up the grocery store for your <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/04/easy-meal-planning.html" target="_blank">planned meals</a> as well as a few on-hand snacks, then sit back and enjoy time with the people you love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See, wasn't that waaayyy easier than keeping an egg from cracking in your backpack? And hopefully your loving guests will be a bit less delicate and more flexible than the egg too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the end, remember:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aU-nxbdbhM/VY2BvHLT0gI/AAAAAAAAAYI/mKWEBU9u6Qc/s1600/mains.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aU-nxbdbhM/VY2BvHLT0gI/AAAAAAAAAYI/mKWEBU9u6Qc/s400/mains.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling more confident with the idea of entertaining at home? I hope so!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends are one thing...now what about the big holidays where even the best hostesses' nerves are stretched to breaking point? Do they even need to be?...Check back next week for some fun holiday & special occasion entertaining tips!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-10954635870229089792015-06-19T11:51:00.000-04:002015-06-19T11:51:26.420-04:00The Guest Room & Guesting Elsewhere<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(OR Being Nice At Home & Other Places)</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know the scenario...you've enjoyed a wonderful meal with friends, maybe played a few games, shared a tasty dessert, and then realized it was time to turn it. You help your friends with their coats and stand in the doorway waving goodbye as they back out of the driveway. Usually the moment the door is closed something to the effect of "That was really fun, but I'm beat!" is uttered. So...what about when guests are there to stay?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It’s another thing entirely to say good-night as they settle in to the guest room.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During college, it was nothing for friends to crash on the couch without a second thought. However...those of us beyond our dorm days may feel compelled to provide a bit more during overnight visits. In addition to the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/06/starting-small-with-home-entertaining.html" target="_blank">general entertaining ideas</a> we looked at last week, setting up a welcoming guest room is a great way to make visitors feel comfortable when away from home, even for just one night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you have a fully dedicated “guest bedroom” or are more like us with a “guest-slash-craft-slash-multi-purpose” room, here are a few tips for making friends feel comfy:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Back to</b> <b>Basics:</b> Even the best couches aren't really for sleeping (<i>pull out models aside</i>). Providing an actual bed </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with sheets and a few different pillows is a good step. A trash can, extra blankets, mirror, and bedside lamp are </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> nice too. **<i><b>Tip</b></i>: have one firm and one soft pillow available to accommodate various sleeper preferences.**</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2b/9b/cb/2b9bcb1af9a41b3f1fa3229afb4e06c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2b/9b/cb/2b9bcb1af9a41b3f1fa3229afb4e06c8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous and so peaceful looking, plus it maximizes style in a minimal number of accents. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1125968628371923/" target="_blank">source</a> </td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Extras are Nice:</b> Though not essential, an alarm clock, luggage rack, chair, box of tissues, and nightlight are </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thoughtful additions. Another <b>huge</b> one for us both at home and elsewhere is a fan, either ceiling-mounted, floor, </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or tabletop. It seems lots of people share this nighttime need so it's good to always make it available.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Gettin' Fancy:</b> To go a step further, the following are <u>extra</u> special touches many guests will appreciate and are </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> often even surprised by: </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a few interesting books / bottled water or a carafe and clean glass / a few snacks / fresh flowers / </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a nice candle / a small basket of extra travel-size toiletries / a notecard with the wifi password</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s2"><i> <b>Note</b></i></span><span class="s1">: I also try to put out a set of fresh towels beforehand so they don’t have to look around or </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> ask when they’re ready to shower.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/84/ca/dc84ca95d8e1ef7cc19148ed94d819cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/84/ca/dc84ca95d8e1ef7cc19148ed94d819cb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To see an even more detailed list of guest room goodies, check out <a href="http://www.firsthomelovelife.com/2014/03/guest-room-essentials.html" target="_blank">this post</a> over at <a href="http://www.firsthomelovelife.com/" target="_blank">First Home Love Life</a>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The level of preparedness may depend on the length of your guests stay, but regardless, having a well-prepped guest room makes any visit much more enjoyable and guests feel welcome. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also found that keeping a guest room from being overly cluttered is usually appreciated. Though it is fun to display collections/collectibles, in more elaborately decorated homes, I'm always nervous about preserving the decor or accidentally bumping into a heavily laden surface. As usual, sweet and simple is best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**More tips on making guests comfortable without a guest room can be found in <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-space-sol-2-133158" target="_blank">at Apartment Therapy</a>.**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as you would want someone to enjoy their time in your home and be respectful of your household rules and routines, naturally, it should go without saying to show the same to friends when you are the guest. <b>Here are a</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> couple ideas to make for a nice houseguest when visiting elsewhere:</b></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Don’t leave belongings strewn all over the guest room or bathroom, especially on the floor.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Ask for what you need instead of hunting around for it; your host may feel uncomfortable having the closets or </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> cabinets seen by guests.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Make up the bed before you leave—it’s a classically nice gesture.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Offer to help with dinner, dishes, or errands. Even if you host declines, he/she will appreciate your willingness.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Thank your host in person and again later either by phone, email, or card. This may be a bit old school Miss </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Manners these days, but its rarity makes it all the more special. Personally, I like to bring a pretty, blank card </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with me when staying somewhere for the weekend or longer so that I can leave a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thoughtful note of appreciation </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on the (</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">made</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) bed or nightstand upon leaving.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBEDd8Sps2c/VYQ5rSTmJxI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/fpv7Bdjdt1A/s1600/guestrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBEDd8Sps2c/VYQ5rSTmJxI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/fpv7Bdjdt1A/s640/guestrm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255579347578687017/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now you've mastered the casual dinner party or movie night and the guest room is ready to receive travelers...so <b>how can you put it all together and manage a weekend visit (or longer!)? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check back next week for more fun ideas and homemaking tips!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/Redesign/MSH_zps0fznbado.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-942981168590257992015-06-12T17:55:00.000-04:002015-06-12T17:55:20.307-04:00Starting Small with Home Entertaining<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(OR Realizing Your Friends Aren’t So Scary After All)</span></b></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Today’s post starts off part four of the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking series</a>: <b>Hospitality & Entertaining</b>. *gulp* No biggie, right? It’s not like inviting people over and feeding/entertaining them is a multi-million dollar industry with poster-women so adept they would hardly be fazed by a surprise visit from international dignitaries? Oh wait....</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87dEVcImkNQ/VXn8sFqmVGI/AAAAAAAAAVE/hJ5xYFW6AQw/s1600/stewart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87dEVcImkNQ/VXn8sFqmVGI/AAAAAAAAAVE/hJ5xYFW6AQw/s640/stewart.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank">martha</a> / <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/" target="_blank">ina</a> / <a href="http://www.nigella.com/" target="_blank">nigella</a></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t get me wrong, throwing a fabulous turn-of-the-century garden party may flirt at the edges of my entertaining dreams (<i>during which Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and myself will become absolute besties, naturally</i>). <b>BUT THE TRUTH IS</b>...</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grandiose events whose main focus is on table decor and canapés, well, they miss the heart of what hospitality and entertaining are really all about, which, as with so many areas of our homes, <b>is really...</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may not have silver platters or cut-crystal vases, but I bet you have some chairs. Chairs and people are really all it takes to be a great entertainer. <u>Note</u>: Food certainly doesn’t hurt either!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, now that we’ve banished the tv-star-inferiority-complex, it’s time to have some fun! And maybe, you'll realize that inviting friends over isn't so scary or overwhelming after all!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>A few general tid-bits to remember</u>:</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Clean Up:</b> A tidy (<i>not spotless</i>) home is welcoming and helps you feel more confident when </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">opening your door.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Use Your Noggin:</b> Think through your “event” in advance and get a concept together, no matter how simple. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Special event? Is there a theme? V</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">egetarian friends coming? Food allergies?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Be Realistic: </b>Consider your space, time, and skills. Don’t plan food too elaborate to prepare or invite more </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> people than can fit in your living room. Even basic planning will save a lot of stress later.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Be Real:</b> Don’t <i>overly</i> apologize for clutter or not-quite-finished projects—it makes guests uncomfortable. Plus, it’s </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> not a secret that actual humans live in your home!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Be Relaxed: </b>The hostess sets the tone for the environment, not the state of the house. If you are comfortable, so </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> will your guests be.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellasalonandspa.biz/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Bella-Spa-Salon-Facial-Mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bellasalonandspa.biz/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Bella-Spa-Salon-Facial-Mask.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.google.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Golden Rule:</b> Welcome guests and treat them the way you’d want to be treated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>- Flex & Stretch:</b> Flexibility and adaptability are key. If things go awry or plans change at the last minute, take a </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> deep breath, and </span><span class="s3"><u>go with it</u></span><span class="s1">. Meals can fall apart, drinks can spill, guests bring unexpected friends. Remember...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> <u>it’s about love and friendship, not seating charts</u>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>- Keep It Simple:</b> Some of the most beautiful touches are the simplest ones.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tn9hDjmDdo/VXtPUWF5MMI/AAAAAAAAAVc/8Ru8dStq-Ao/s1600/table.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tn9hDjmDdo/VXtPUWF5MMI/AAAAAAAAAVc/8Ru8dStq-Ao/s640/table.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86201780343115082/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Accept Help:</b> Don’t shy away from letting your family chip in if they offer. If a guest wants to contribute, suggest </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> they light candles, toss the salad, or take drink orders. (<i>They love you too, ya know!</i>)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Lead Sensational Conversation: </b>No one likes awkward silence, so brush up on current events or jot down some </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ideas for interesting topics. Ideas include: geography, entertainment, nature, work, family, fun memories, or </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> even random, silly questions. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, don’t forget that the first people you usually invite (<i>family, friends, coworkers, etc.</i>) already know you (<i>at least a little bit</i>). These are <b>people</b> <b>who like you already</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they’ll be happy just to be asked to spend time in your home! Not so scary, really.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fun story time</b>: Not long ago, I invited a group of girls over for snacks and casual hanging out. Although I was a bit nervous, I was really looking forward to it. I set out cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and dip, pretzels, and a homemade chocolate pie (<i>my one hostessing splurge</i>). Strider and I also spent some time that day writing down silly questions to put in a bowl as conversation starters. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, everyone was relaxed and had no trouble snacking and talking the hours away, but a bit of planning made me feel more confident going into it. And the bowl questions? Well, the ladies said it was crazy but we answered them anyways and had a great time. Not fancy but definitely fun!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Starting to plan a simple event like this, ask yourself:</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- How many people/whom will I invite?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- What’s the purpose: </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a meal, conversation, a movie/sports game, board games, etc?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Based on those two questions, what food/drinks will I serve?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- What will I need to pull it all together? (<i>Groceries, movie rental, borrowing games, extra chairs</i>)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tip</b>: If you’re worried about cooking a whole meal, try doing a potluck or progressive meal instead!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a list and make it happen! Easy peasy, or at least maybe more so than you thought.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>Last personal note</b>: I once read an article about how the extra planning and detail put into a gathering can be a reflection of love for the guests, rather than a desire to impress or seek compliments. Not that a quickly thrown-together pizza night means dislike, but that when something special is planned, the extra mile details demonstrate that the host values guests enough to put forth the extra effort. This idea really resonates with me and is usually reflected in silly touches like handwritten food labels or coordinating napkins. So, the next time someone goes “above & beyond” in planning a meal or setting the table, consider that maybe they’re less interested in hostessing praise than wanting you to feel </span><span class="s3">really</span><span class="s1"> loved! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/Redesign/MSH_zps0fznbado.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-61083174126673546822015-06-08T13:15:00.000-04:002015-06-08T13:15:28.163-04:00Giveaway #2 Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations to the winner of the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">Modern Simple Homemaking</a> series Giveaway #2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://nestfuloflove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allison from Nestful of Love</a>!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't yet, definitely check out her blog asap </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">great posts plus tons of adorable pics of their little man</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And don't worry if you missed your chance to win, there are still more giveaways </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to come before the series wraps up. Thanks for reading, friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check back later this week for part four of the series: Hospitality & Entertaining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy blogging!</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-31757848337197095152015-06-05T16:00:00.001-04:002015-06-05T16:00:33.564-04:00MSH series: Giveaway #2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey there, friends, and happy Friday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In celebration of the weekend (<i>TGIF, right?</i>), completing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the housekeeping </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">portion </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank">MSH series</a>, and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because I just really really like </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">giving gifts </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to friends, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have another fun giveaway for you today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without additional dithering, on to the good stuff! <b>Today's giveaway includes:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Simple-Solutions-Tricks-Simplify/dp/1603208186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433533349&sr=8-1&keywords=Real+Simple+Solutions" target="_blank">Real Simple Solutions</a> by the editors of Real Simple Magazine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Sew-Button-Things-Grandmother/dp/0345518756/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433533565&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+sew+a+button" target="_blank">How To Sew A Button: And Other Handy Things Your Grandmother Knew</a> by Erin Bried</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Housekeeping-Secrets-Mother-Never-Taught/dp/0761528199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433533507&sr=8-1&keywords=housekeeping+secrets+my+mother+never+taught+me" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Housekeeping Secrets My Mother Never Taught Me</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Joni Hilton (</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">great tips!</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- An upcycled, hand-decorated "Clean & Tidy" cleaning apron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- A pack of cute sticky notes and pens, plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a fun set of notecards for inviting over friends </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>cough cough...and segue into our next segment on entertaining!</i>)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM4KWBdZLrw/VXH8MB4YwdI/AAAAAAAAAUo/pO1QHVHzbEM/s1600/giveaway2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BM4KWBdZLrw/VXH8MB4YwdI/AAAAAAAAAUo/pO1QHVHzbEM/s640/giveaway2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Simply leave a comment below before 11 pm </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>on Sunday, June 7, for your chance to win! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just my way to say thanks so much for reading!</span></div>
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<a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/p/house-home.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/Redesign/MSH_zps0fznbado.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
</div>
sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-46343037903800074892015-05-29T12:51:00.001-04:002015-05-29T12:51:03.406-04:00Home Management Binder<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/images/char_lg_hughes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/images/char_lg_hughes.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(OR Just Call Me Mrs. Hughes)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />First off, two announcements: Today is my b-day, which is fun though slightly less exciting as an adult! Also, this is the first post <u><b>ever</b></u> that I'm posting from my couch...that's right, Strider and I officially have home internet</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>so fancy!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, remember back when we built <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/04/family-file-folders.html">Family File Folders</a> for all of our important documents? Well, now that we've got those under control, the question is: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"What about the day-to-day info we need at our fingertips?"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any Downtown Abbey fans out there? 'Cause I imagine Mrs. Hughes has the answer to our daily organization needs. You'd absolutely <i>have</i> to be an expert to manage a house and staff that size! The answer: </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a Household Management Binder!</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are tons of different versions on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=household%20management%20binder" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, but most are<b> </b>too detailed<b> </b>for our simple, newlywedish life. Last year, I made a super-organized budget binder for us. Result? Two months of use and the realization that Strider will only use it if it's on the computer. As such, we moved to a <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/04/creating-simple-budget.html">digital budget spreadsheet</a> and my creation fell by the wayside. BUT...</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a Home Management Binder (HMB) for just me to use, well that's something!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After hours of online searching, I realized that our household needs are far simpler than some others. If you need something super-extra-detailed, links to my favorites are at the bottom of this post. If, however, you're like me and just looking for something simple, read on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First things first, let's think through all our info and needs, weeding out what we won't need to incorporate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This may</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> include:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Basic Household Info:</b> Essentially a family one-sheet, quick-glance info only, but </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">helpful </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for visitors too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Important Dates:</b> We keep these on our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forest-Friends-Perpetual-Calendar-Imamura/dp/0735336652/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1426013417&sr=8-5&keywords=perpetual+calendar" target="_blank">super cute perpetual calendar</a> hung in the kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- To-Do List: </b>I prefer a small purse notebook rather than printed sheets. <a href="http://www.google.com/keep/" target="_blank">This app</a> is awesome too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Menu Planning/Grocery List: </b>As seen in my <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/04/easy-meal-planning.html">post on meal planning</a>, this sheet is a <u>must</u> for my binder</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Cleaning Checklists:</b> I keep our daily & weekly tasks on the fridge, but seasonal tasks stay in the binder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Freezer/Fridge/Pantry Inventories:</b> Though helpful for larger families or homes with extensive food storage, we </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> don't have enough space </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">merit needing these just yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Password log:</b> We change these too often<b> </b>to print and I prefer to store them more privately than a binder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Important Receipts:</b> For items that may need to be returned within the next 30-60 days (<i>esp. clothes</i>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Favorite Take-Out Menus:</b> Rarely used but a nice binder addition for off-chance ordering-in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Entertaining Notes:</b> Special-occasion sheets, great for people who love to entertaining & organization.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Address Book:</b> Instead of handwritten sheets (<i>a waste of time these days</i>), I keep a printed copy of our wedding</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> guest list spreadsheet in my binder to have important addresses handy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Storage Inventory:</b> Keep track of the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/04/decluttering-organizing-101.html">contents of storage bins</a> the easiest way possible!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Paint Color Log:</b> For paint-allowed homes (<i>sadly, not us yet</i>), this is a central location to keep track.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Proverbs 31:</b> Personally, I like to keep a print of this passage handy for encouragement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that you know which pieces & parts of the above you may want to use, you could either make your own sheets or just download these 15 free printables to use instead!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnrjPs3DHOI/VWiXEpfvYAI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Schox6XJVd4/s1600/HMBpost.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnrjPs3DHOI/VWiXEpfvYAI/AAAAAAAAAUM/Schox6XJVd4/s640/HMBpost.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIcExxWXZkcngyOFk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HMB Cover Sheet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIN3h0UUpmWFF3Vnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HMB Section Tabs</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIMkxqN0d6eXhOOVU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Our Family One-Sheet</a></span><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIZ09zZG9oZEwtSDg/view?usp=sharing" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 Printable</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DECORATING</span></b><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIVHNOVGo0R2diWVE/view?usp=sharing" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Paint Color Log</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also keep a folder here for decor inspiration & swatches...basically, old school Pinterest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ORGANIZATION</b></span><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIRm5OSktqaWQyWlE/view?usp=sharing" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Storage Inventory</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love labels so I keep a pocket folder here as well to corral all my cute label stickers.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COOKING</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIb2toWHRBTmFGUU0/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Meal Planning & Grocery List</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIINTEwRm84SDdGR00/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Any-Night Meals List</a></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CLEANING</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7D45zRGJQIIYkxKbDh2WkYwQ0E&authuser=0" target="_blank">Daily & Weekly Cleaning</a> (suggested)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7D45zRGJQIIQUptMzRacWxWQ28&authuser=0" target="_blank">Daily & Weekly Cleaning</a> (blank)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIV3Fwbk5ueFBnVjg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Annual Cleaning</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIYWtCRDlDU1lUWjA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Room-By-Room Cleaning</a></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUDGETING</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though we use a digital budget, I keep a pocket folder here for receipts I need to keep during their exchange-return period (<i>usually 30-60 days</i>). I also may use it to keep long-term debt payoff and savings tracking documents here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SEWING</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep several printed <a href="http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/" target="_blank">hand embroidery tutorial</a> sheets here to refer to when I'm working on a project. I also have a few copies of projects I've seen in magazines that I want to save for later. This section may not be helpful for everyone, but it's a good reference for me. I also save measurements here when I do from-scratch projects like <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/09/fall-crafts-not-so-fall-crafts.html" target="_blank">aprons</a> or <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-boppy-pillow-cover.html" target="_blank">boppy covers</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CANNING</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use this section to stash canning temperature sheets and recipes I want to remember. This is a new practice for me so it's all trial-and-error at this point. (<i>Admittedly, I think I overwhelmed my mother-in-law with my optimism for how much I want to attempt this spring/summer.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>GIFT GIVING</b></span><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIMk1HWlpnZlZtMWc/view?usp=sharing" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Gift Giving Ideas</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HOSPITALITY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIR1g2Y3JRLUdLOEk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Entertaining Notes</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIMTh6MmhvUWhaaTQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Overnight Visitor Notes</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ADDRESSES</b> - I keep a copy of our wedding guest spreadsheet in the back of the binder for quick reference</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if you're thinking, WOW!...I'd love all of that in one complete file...well, here ya go, friend!:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7D45zRGJQIIVUxrUWplM2dIMDA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Complete Home Management Binder</a></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you want even more printables or help creating your own Home Management Binder, these are the best, most-detailed HMBs I've found:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2011/01/weekly-challenge-1-home-management.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.laurascraftylife.com/2013/09/31-days-of-homemaking-printables.html" target="_blank">Laura's Crafty Life</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-challenge-project-household_9757.html" target="_blank">I Heart Organizing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2013/07/ultimate-life-planning-system.html" target="_blank">DIY Home Sweet Home</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty exciting, huh?! Is there anything I missed that you think would be helpful for your day-to-day home?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>See you next week for another home management GIVEAWAY!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.<br />To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-17750502345565635652015-05-21T11:00:00.001-04:002015-05-21T12:02:56.368-04:00Random Household Tips & Advice <div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(OR Listen To Your Mama!)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, we tackled cleaning the major areas of the home. Today's post doesn't fit under just one room, but instead, is a random collection of all-over helpful advice from various moms and grandmas... they do know best!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Laundry Detergent:</b> Get an extra load’s worth of soap out of an “empty” bottle of detergent by filling with water, </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> shaking once or twice, and pouring it all into wash.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ironing: </b>Use </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">only</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> distilled water in iron to avoid mineral deposit buildup (<i>which drastically shortens iron life</i>). Keep </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a cheap spray bottle of distilled water nearby as well to use when spritzing items before ironing. To clean iron, fill </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with equal parts white vinegar and distilled water, steam up, let cool, then flush with fresh distilled water.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Don't-Dry Items:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Use a dry-erase marker to write on the washing machine lid to indicate which items need to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> be pulled from </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the load before it moves into the dryer.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s.yimg.com/cd/resizer/2.0/FIT_TO_WIDTH-w500/0b1b1abdd72115e020510c8ecedefeaa3c6ef8f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://s.yimg.com/cd/resizer/2.0/FIT_TO_WIDTH-w500/0b1b1abdd72115e020510c8ecedefeaa3c6ef8f1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://verifiedchoice.com/9-handy-laundry-hacks-that-can-save-you-money/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Greasy Stains/Spills:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb then vacuum.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Dusty Candles:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Wipe down with a cloth dipped in denatured alcohol.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Musty Linens:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Add a “fridge pack” of baking soda to linen closet or cupboard.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Air Filters:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Don’t forget to check filters every couple months and replace as needed!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Windows:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clean these on a not-too-hot, overcast day—otherwise, they'll dry too quickly and streak. U</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">se the time-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tested hint of wiping vertically on one side and horizontally on the other so you can tell which side </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">streaks are on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>-</b> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean Vases:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> To clean difficult-to-reach vase interiors, use a foaming denture cleaner tablet.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Nail Holes:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I’ve seen many suggestions online for filling small nail holes with white toothpaste</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—just </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">don’t. It takes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mere seconds to properly fill holes, come on, people.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Vents:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Be careful not to block wall air vents with furniture or appliance air vents with other items or by storing in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> too-small-spaces</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">both are damaging to belongings and possible fire hazards.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Fire Safety: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep an eye out for exposed wires and be wary of overloading electrical outlets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">__________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">__</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_________________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_______</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition to the tips above, some amazing women have graciously shared their “mom's top tips” with me! Recognize any that your mom has said over the years?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“No wet towels on the floor. Like, ever.” - Diana S.</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>nasty mildew and a comfy home for creepy crawlies</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"It's silly to worry, and a waste of good time." - Mamaw P.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s3"><b>“</b></span><span class="s1"><b>There's no reason you can't reuse towels—you’re drying off a clean body.” - Sue B.</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">(<i>when hung up, two or three uses is fine...no one likes extra laundry</i>)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“Be efficient; turn lights off as you leave a room. Also, get everyone to participate in chores</b></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">huge tasks become quick ones with help, plus, kids love taking pride in a job well done.” - Stina V.</b><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Get your cleaning done as early as you can." - <a href="http://mrsmonicatillery.blogspot.com/2012/12/top-5-tips-for-new-housewife.html" target="_blank">Monica T.</a></b></span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>sometimes challenging to do, but once it's done you can enjoy the day!</i>)</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="s1">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">There's no better way to welcome guests to your home than with a freshly baked dessert. </span><span class="s1">And f</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">or the love of all things dear, pick up your empty cups!." - <a href="http://www.adayofk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kaysie K.</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(<i>I've been eyeing <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155726099585093369/" target="_blank">this cup-corraling project</a> for a while now to help with strays</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>"Take your time with your laundry, sorting into delicates, whites, and colors" - <a href="http://www.vintagesimplylove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nelle M.</a></b></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>plus, close buttons and zippers</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it really does help clothes last longer</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><br /></span><span class="s1"><b>"Tidy the house before you leave for vacation, especially the kitchen, because no one wants to come back from a relaxing vacation to a dirty home."</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b> - <a href="http://www.theladyokieblog.com/" target="_blank">Amanda B.</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">(<i>this is a major practice of ours; coming back to clean sheets seems to make the vacation-end less awful!</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="s1">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Create a master list of maintenance that needs done around the house throughout the year. That way, seasonal items don't get forgotten and you've got a built-in reminder system." - <a href="http://www.mylifeasateacup.com/blog" target="_blank">Kristin A.</a> </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"Use color-free dishwashing liquid to soak out stains in clothing. And, it sounds crazy, but hydrogen peroxide works wonders on red wine carpet spills." - Jill</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">Last but not least, according to my friend Bond, his mom's advice is: <b>"Don't be a bum."</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">See you next week for a fun project to keep all your day-to-day routines in order!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.<br />To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-12740566114516019892015-05-15T10:05:00.000-04:002015-05-15T10:25:54.952-04:00Top to Bottom Clean: Bathrooms, Etc.<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often the smallest and simultaneously dirtiest room of them all, bathrooms are certainly a cleaning chore. However, as with other spaces, having a cleaning regime here contributes to overall home environment and family health.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Once again, working top to bottom:</b><br />
*<u>Tip</u>: start by coating toilet bowl with cleaner and allowing it to sit for a few minutes while you work on other areas.*</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ceiling & Walls:</b> Check corners for cobwebs or dust buildup.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Mirrors:</b> Use glass cleaner to get toothbrush splatters, especially on the lower portion.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Shower/Tub:</b> I’ve found the easiest way to clean the shower is when you’re actually in it—like literally in the</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> process of showering. The steam and running water make the job much easier! A dispenser-scrubbie </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">filled with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> dishwashing liquid works remarkably well. Whether you go this route or a shower-specific spray, make </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sure to get</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> walls, ledges, and especially the “ring area” which tends to form on the lower walls, between 3-5” from </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the tub</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> bottom. Use a squeegee on glass doors between cleanings and shower spray during heavier cleaning. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An old</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> toothbrush </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">does wonders on door tracks. For curtains liners, wipe these off to prevent mold/scum buildup.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/catalogimages/249485/PalmBrushSet10059660_2_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.containerstore.com/catalogimages/249485/PalmBrushSet10059660_2_x.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.oxo.com/p-297-good-grips-soap-dispensing-palm-brush.aspx">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>- Surfaces: </b>Use disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down any wall shelving, inside any cabinets,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> countertops, and the back ledge of the toilet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s2"> <u>Note</u></span><span class="s1">: Regardless of space, aim for minimal countertop toiletries. For health reasons, it's especially recommended</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> to </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">keep toothbrushes in a breathable but closed area.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jenniferdecorates.com/wp-content/uploads/bathroom-decorating-ideas-painted-vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://jenniferdecorates.com/wp-content/uploads/bathroom-decorating-ideas-painted-vanity.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous and clutter-free. (<a href="http://jenniferdecorates.com/bathroom-decorating-ideas.html">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Sink:</b> Disinfectant wipes are great for sink basins and faucets; old toothbrushes are handy for detail scrubbing. </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> For maximum shine on faucets, buff with a dry towel after cleaning.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Toilet:</b> Now that the cleaner has had a chance to sit, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl and rim, </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> then flush cleaner away. Use disinfectant wipes on seat cover, seat (<i>top and underside</i>), and upper rim of bowl.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And don’t forget to restock TP and periodically bleach the brush.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Towels:</b> Remove hand and bath towels and replace with freshly laundered ones.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Floors:</b> Empty wastebasket and sweep floor area, taking time to either shake out or launder floor mats </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> according to care instructions. Finally, use mop or Swiffer to finish off floors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">Not so bad, was it? I’ll be honest, bathrooms are my very least favorite area of the house to clean BUT there is also nothing I dislike quite so much as using a gross one. I guess its an unavoidable </span><span class="s3"><strike>evil</strike></span><span class="s1"> necessity.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that our major home areas are all “spick and span” (<i>what a strange expression though</i>), let’s not forget about a few other minor spaces to not overlook:</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Front Entry:</b> A simple doormat and cobweb-free front entrance are always welcoming. Keeping the path swept</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">junk-free is a great way to reflect your home’s inner order. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmBVT6ryeto/VVX-pSKHUOI/AAAAAAAAATI/naz2CZGjtgI/s1600/porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmBVT6ryeto/VVX-pSKHUOI/AAAAAAAAATI/naz2CZGjtgI/s400/porch.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple, clean, and oh-so-inviting! (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Laundry Area: </b>Have a designated home for cleaning supplies and laundry, no matter how simple</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even baskets </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on the floor look better than just a pile of clothes. Aim to keep shelves moderately organized but definitely free of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sticky detergent spills.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ironing: </b>We don’t yet have a designated “ironing area” but instead, just try to keep iron, board, and other </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> supplies </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">close together. Hanging the board behind a door for storage is also a great Pinterest tip!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/da/d7/b4/dad7b4505517a05aa5a3de72585e7b84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/da/d7/b4/dad7b4505517a05aa5a3de72585e7b84.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=ironing%20board%20storage">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Cleaning Supply Storage:</b> Maximize storage space under sinks by using plastic bins or even tension rods to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hang bottles. Inexpensive cleaning caddies are also an option as well as over-door shoe organizers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/2d/bf/f82dbf5536e9a8eedfb1cb2730b04d88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/2d/bf/f82dbf5536e9a8eedfb1cb2730b04d88.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/room-idea/picture/modern-utility-room-ideas-10-of-the-best-1/7">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For an even more in-depth look at each room with printable checklists, c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s4">heck out the <a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/bgtcleaning/">Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning Series</a></span><span class="s1"> on Living Well Spending Less. So detailed!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">And thank goodness, now all our major cleaning is done!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.<br />To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-11289836052022855312015-05-14T10:38:00.000-04:002015-05-14T10:38:28.159-04:00Top to Bottom Clean: Kitchen & Dining Area<div class="p1">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/fields/Rafe-Churchill-Profile-Page-Remodelista-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.remodelista.com/files/styles/733_0s/public/fields/Rafe-Churchill-Profile-Page-Remodelista-06.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically the same as our kitchen....haha...or not! (<a href="http://www.remodelista.com/architects-designers/firms/rafe-churchill">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full disclosure, deep cleaning the kitchen can be a real hassle. However, it is really important and thankfully, much easier to manage if you stay on top of it. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you missed the earlier posts on <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-to-bottom-clean-living-room.html">Living Rooms</a> and <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-to-bottom-clean-bedrooms.html">Bedrooms</a>, check those out for more tips too. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s dig in!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ceiling & Walls: </b>Check corners for cobwebs and dust buildup, as well as walls for splatter.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ceiling fan:</b> Reminder—use <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-cleaning/clean-ceiling-fans-pillowcases">this method</a> for quick, easy cleaning. If blades are especially grimy, consider taking </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> them off the fan entirely and scrubbing with disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaners.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Light fixtures:</b> Chandeliers and light fixtures can get pretty dusty. Use a lightly damp cloth or glass cleaner to </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> touch these up periodically.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Windows:</b> Kitchen windows are a wonderful thing, but don’t forget them and their treatments when </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">deep</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> cleaning. Splatter-free & sparkling glass is nice too!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Air Vents:</b> Be careful to keep vent covers free of grease buildup, which is easy to happen in the kitchen.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Upper Cabinets:</b> Don’t forget to clean up cabinet faces which can become grimy with grease, fingerprints, </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> splatter, etc. Murphy’s Oil is a good solution for wooden fixture cleaning.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Oven Hood:</b> Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean the vent if necessary, otherwise, use </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> disinfectant wipes to remove built up grime on the top and underside of the hood.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Fridge Top:</b> Don’t neglect this oven-overlooked surface; dust and grime love this hard-to-reach area.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://askannamoseley.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/How-to-clean-the-top-of-your-fridge-Ask-Anna-3-600x387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://askannamoseley.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/How-to-clean-the-top-of-your-fridge-Ask-Anna-3-600x387.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She recommends an Enviro cloth - I haven't used these but wipes seem to work just as well! (<a href="http://askannamoseley.com/2014/03/the-best-way-to-clean-the-top-of-the-refrigerator/">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Microwave & Toaster:</b> Whether you have a built-in or countertop model, cleaning the inside of the microwave is</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">must. Microwave a cup of water with a bit of vinegar in it until it steams up a bit. Let it sit a few minutes, remove, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> then use a damp cloth to wipe messes away. Empty toaster crumb trays too!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Stovetop & Drip Trays:</b> Clear up stovetop messes well depending on your cooking surface's needs</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—some need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> specific </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cleaners, others are fine with disinfectant wipes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for those of us still using drip trays, use Bar Keepers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Friend or a baking soda and vinegar solution to scrub </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trays till shiny and fresh. </span><a href="http://www.whatsupfagans.com/2014/03/how-to-clean-stove-drip-pans-pinterest-experiment" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full experiment here!</a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Dishes: </b>This is a great time to make sure all your dishes are clean and put away or loaded into the dishwasher. </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (<i>If you have a dishwasher, check manufacturer recommendations on deep cleaning that as well</i>.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Sink:</b> Wipe down sink walls and basin as well as faucet. To freshen drains: sprinkle with baking soda, rinse with </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> white vinegar, wait 15 minutes, then flush thoroughly with hot or boiling water. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.hometalk.com/media/2014/11/26/1647900/the-easy-way-to-unclog-your-drains-cleaning-tips-plumbing.jpg?size=1000x1000&nocrop=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.hometalk.com/media/2014/11/26/1647900/the-easy-way-to-unclog-your-drains-cleaning-tips-plumbing.jpg?size=1000x1000&nocrop=1" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.hometalk.com/5929110/the-easy-way-to-unclog-your-drains">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Countertops & Surfaces:</b> Personally, I love disinfectant wipes for general countertop cleaning, but an all-purpose</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> cleaner works well between food prep. If you have specialty counters such as marble, cork, or bamboo, be careful</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">treat them as needed. Depending on your dining table and chairs, special treatment may be required as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Don’t forget to launder tablecloths and runners periodically too!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Lower Cabinet Faces:</b> Ditto for the upper surfaces. Magic Erasers are great for shoe scuffs on lower faces.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Oven:</b> I’ve seen a number of cleaning suggestions for ovens online but most involve harsh cleaners or ammonia,</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which I don’t love. Frankly, my best suggestion is to be careful to prevent spills in the first place. When a mess </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> does occur, use your best judgment as to whether a deep clean is needed or simply letting it soak under a hot, wet</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> rag to be wiped out will do the trick.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Fridge: </b>Disinfectant wipes are a great tool here. Minimize spills and yuckiness by keeping the fridge nicely </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> organized to begin with. When spills do happen, spot clean them with a wipe. Consider using plastic bins or </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> baskets to contain like food items, which are easy to remove and clean. Deep cleaning the fridge annually is </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> still best to do with a secondary cooler and by just removing shelves one at a time.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TIP</b></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Clean under the fridge by using a tube sock over the end of a yardstick!</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TIP #2</b></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Use an old/cheap toothbrush to detail clean fridge parts, especially the rubber door seal gaskets.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/53/95/f85395863a8c8b6282977a85f630b3dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/53/95/f85395863a8c8b6282977a85f630b3dd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/251638697906502635/">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Trash:</b> Take out garbage and wipe down the interior/exterior of the trash can to help eliminate lingering odors.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Floors:</b> Finally, sweep up the floors, mop or Swiffer, shake out any rugs outside or vacuum mats if possible. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Done and done! The kitchen often feels like the most work because it has so many areas that require cleaning while also seeming to accumulate the most grime. However, a clean, fresh kitchen is both a great inspiration for cooking and a good reinforcement for healthy food handling and storage. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re especially ambitious, super deep kitchen cleaning can also include once-a-year washing of every dish/platter as well as wiping out the cabinets as you do so. Let’s not think about that too much though!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Up: Bathrooms & Misc.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.<br />To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4230825153354162285.post-30146489607204714042015-05-13T10:03:00.000-04:002015-05-13T10:14:43.671-04:00Top to Bottom Clean: Bedrooms<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Usually the coziest room in the house, bedrooms are like sanctuaries to many people. As such, keeping this area clean will not only create a more peaceful place of rest, but also a healthier respite. Many items here are the same as what we’ve already tackled in the <a href="http://asongforthebirds.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-to-bottom-clean-living-room.html">Living Room</a>, so check out that post for more detail on specific tips.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>- Strip the Bed: </b>Launder sheets and pillowcase, but don’t forget to periodically wash the mattress cover and pillow </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> covers as well. </span><span class="s2"><u>Note</u></span><span class="s1">: Pillow covers are pretty inexpensive, healthy, and extend the life of pillows—this wasn’t a </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> common practice for me growing up, but now, I definitely see the value in it!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ceiling & Walls:</b> Mostly just checking corners for cobwebs or dust buildup.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Ceiling Fan:</b> Reminder</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">use </span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-cleaning/clean-ceiling-fans-pillowcases" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this method</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for quick, easy cleaning.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Air Vents:</b> Bedroom air vents seem extra important to keep clean since they affect the air we breathe </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">during </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sleep, am I right? Light dusting or a remove-and-wash are both helpful!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Blinds & Curtains</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Wall Art & Lampshades</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Surfaces: </b>As with the Living Room, don’t cheat yourself with dusting surfaces by just going around items. Take </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> everything off, dust items then the surface, then replace photos and knick knacks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><b>- Make the Bed:</b> Who doesn’t love Fresh Sheet Night?! Though “the olden days” employed a more elaborate </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> layering method for making up the bed, I think a simpler setup works just as well: fitted sheet, flat sheet, and </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> comforter/quilt/duvet with extra blankets available on the side.<br /> <b>>></b> </span><span class="s2">Sheets</span><span class="s1">: Though I do use the “<a href="http://www.craneandcanopy.com/pages/101-how-to-make-hospital-corners">hospital corners</a>” method for the foot of the bed, I prefer to leave the sides </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> untucked as it makes it easier to get in. Strider, however, would prefer to sleep in a straightjacket</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weirdo!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> <b>>> </b></span><span class="s2">Pillows</span><span class="s1">: Though decorative pillows can be nice, they are usually more work than they’re worth. Keep pillow </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"> arrangements simple, finding one high-impact accent that can do the job with minimal fuss.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Floors: </b>Vacuum or sweep & wet-mop accordingly; don’t forget about area rugs. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonus Idea: Folding & Storing Sheets</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve seen tons of ideas for folding sheets online--some great, some a bit illogical. Regardless, well-folded sheets really do make storage much pleasanter. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up, my family put pillowcases in a separate stack from sheets and basically just dug around in the closet, grabbing whichever pieces we found first. I don’t recommend it</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">haha.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This method works beautifully for us with minimal fuss:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, grab a partner if possible because, as everyone knows, folding sheets is way easier with a buddy! Start with the flat sheet, making the first fold along the longest length (<i>a “hot dog fold” if you like</i>). This crease will also serve as your midline next time you’re making up the bed. Bring it together into a “hamburger fold” across the mid-line then again along the long length. This will make a long, thing flat surface. Set it aside (<i>trust me!</i>). </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, tackle the fitted sheet. Invert one corner and tuck it into its partner, then grabbing the now-corner-less side about 8” from the edge, which will create a straight line with the double-corner-pocket. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets1_zpszvusrb9n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets1_zpszvusrb9n.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets2_zps6sqvc2ai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets2_zps6sqvc2ai.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue to fold as normal until it is in a small rectangle about the same width as your folded flat sheet (<i>this can be easier or more difficult depending on the sheet style</i>). Set in onto the flat sheet about 10” from the edge.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets3_zpsvqzjo63x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets3_zpsvqzjo63x.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fold pillowcases into small rectangles and stack on top of the fitted sheet.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now the brilliant part! </b>Pull the edge of the flat sheet over the stack and continue to roll it all together until you have a tight little sheet pod. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets4_zpsjk1fb6wo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets4_zpsjk1fb6wo.jpg" height="224" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do these sheet sets store extremely well, you can also rest easy knowing that every pod has a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases inside. No more hunting down missing pieces! If you have an incomplete set, simply create a new “set” however you like.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets5_zps2ijsgkiq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee475/sesheffield06/recovery%20images/sheets5_zps2ijsgkiq.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also consider creating a Sheet Rotation Schedule. It may sound crazy, but to help create even wear across sets, make a list of which order sheets should be used in. This can be taped up inside the linen cupboard with seasonal sets listed in parenthesis to be skipped during off-season, as with our heavier grey set. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Up: The Kitchen!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">This post is part of the Modern Simple Homemaking series.<br />To learn more about this series and see other posts, click the button above.</span></div>
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sarah ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196366942986490818noreply@blogger.com0