What's that smell?

All:

I have a rug that I purchased from Pottery Barn on May 14, 2007 for $294.24. It's fiber is 100 percent wool.

I noticed a smell coming from the rug a few months ago. It smelled like a dirty, hot vacuum cleaner. I took it outside on a hot, sunny day. I let the pile face the sun, and then I flipped it over. The smell remained.

I rolled it up and put it in the garage, trying to decide what to do next. After a few days, I loaded it into my car with the intention of having it cleaned professionally. I called a local carpet company, who indicated that nothing could be done to remove the odor. The latex in the backing had failed. Needless to say, the carpet in the car had become so smelly that it made me nauseous. I took it to the Goodwill for recycling.

I called Pottery Barn and spoke to an associate. I explained the problem. They offered a 15% discount on a new rug. I might take them up on it, maybe not. I'll keep you posted.

GP


PS Here is another piece of labeling. I am going to do a little research to find out what this really means. Stay tuned!

True confession: Underarm stain

True confession: I sometimes get underarm stains on my light colored shirts. I have found a solution that WORKS.

Take this J Crew oxford (95% cotton/5% spandex). It was languishing in my closet. 

Before

One (1) part blue Dawn was mixed with two (2) parts hydrogen peroxide. A sprinkle of baking soda was added as well. The area was scrubbed for approximately 3 minutes and allowed to rest while the other underarm was treated.

Supplies Used

The garment was rinsed and dried … and voila! No trace of stain remains. I went through the closet looking for other stains. This method also works like a charm on ring-around-the-collar.

After

The shirt is BACK in rotation! It's part of my 33 garment collection (see post from Friday, June 13 "join me on a journey: for more info).

Enjoy!

GP

Use an app to get rid of junk mail

All:

Are you swamped with junk mail? Do you get mail and wonder, "How in the world did this thing make it to my home?"

Ditch the junk mail through prevention! Check out the FREE app "Paper Karma." I found out about it in Oprah magazine, which I read for free at the Stillwater Public Library.

I have successfully diverted mail from 30 companies. It's so easy to do!

Won't you try it? If you do, please let me know.

GP

Join me on a journey ...

All:

I have been engaged in a personal project called "Project 333." From the website, "Project 333 is a minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months." For more info, visit http://theproject333.com/

I have taken the last month or so to clean out my closet. My daughter has helped me weed through the mire and reveal my best stuff. I am still learning! I took the old, worn, beyond repair garments to the Goodwill to be recycled.

I am still in the process of creating my list of 33 items. Here is what I learned about myself:

• I keep things even when I can no longer wear them

• I know better what I like and what I don't like

• I don't like pants (I can't find any that really fit)

• I love cardigan sweaters

Won't you join me on this journey? If you do, please let me know!

GP

PS Here is the web address again: http://theproject333.com/

3 resources for you!

Here are just three educational resources that I have for you. I'd like to circulate these around the state. If you send me a request, I'll send you the materials!

1. Green cleaning: Complete curriculum with a bucket of supplies
2. Lighting: Complete curriculum with a bag of light bulbs
3. Energy management: Kill-A-Watt electricity usage monitor

I also have lots of copies of "Help yourself to a healthy home."

Please let me know if you'd like any of these resources.

Have a great weekend... 

GP

Paper done!

All:

I have successfully cleaned the paper from my office. How long did it take? Not long at all! 

I scanned a few important documents. I recycled tons. I asked, "How did this get here in the first place?" For example, a retired faculty member gave me a floppy disk last modified in 1994.

I can breathe in my office and it feels great! What are your strategies for keeping clutter down?

NEXT challenge: Program materials!
Let's hunker down and look at the program materials that we keep in our offices. I'll keep you posted about what I find. Stay tuned until next week. You'll receive an inventory of fun things that you can use in your programming.

Until next week...

GP

Paper!

Impression formation & management: Clutter
Spring cleaning challenge: Week 1
May 12-16, 2014

PAPER!

Let's start with cleaning our files. Are your files bulging with stuff you no longer need? Consider not making or keeping paper copies if you can store it electronically or retrieve the information from the web. Some files must remain in hard copy.

When creating electronic files, consider using a standard naming convention so you can easily find your documents. For example, I name my electronic documents using the following: <type date title>. Here are three examples:

• Manuscript 05.09.14 GP DS
• Grant 05.09.14 GP USDA
• PPT 05.09.14 GP Healthy Housing 

I file my electronic documents in electronic folders using the same naming convention. That way, all of the important documents that are associated with the document "Grant 05.09.14 GP USDA" are in the same place. I don't waste any time/energy looking for things.

This works for me. Something else might work for you!

I am going to spend 30 minutes cleaning my paper files. I'll check back with you next Wednesday to see your progress!

Enjoy!