Happy Halloween!

Something spooky for your Halloween. I was rearranging furniture (as I am apt to do). I was moving this sofa and noticed THIS underneath a sofa.

I called entomology's Rick Grantham to see if I could get an identification. Good news! They eggs are likely from a common house spider. 

Remember the Healthy Housing principle 'keep it clean.' Please be sure to periodically check nooks and crannies for pests.

Until next time!

My beloved salad spinner ...

All:

My beloved salad spinner is broken. I dropped it on my brick floor and it cracked. I used it every week to make and store salad.

I thought I'd run right out and replace it. I haven't. Instead, I've been making other types of chopped salads, relying less on larger greens.

I have been simplifying. I have a note on my board that reads "less please."

Until next time...

GP

Ever make a mess in the kitchen?

All:

Have you ever made a mess in the kitchen? I know that I have!
Liz McBee asked me to create a lesson called "Baked on, burned on, remove it!" The lesson is about cleaning ovens, open cook tops, glass top cook tops, outdoor grills, and other small kitchen appliances. I'll release the lesson to all of you once Liz uses it and gives me feedback.

The lesson features a hands-on part at the end. Here is a teaser: Make a fragrant kitchen cleanser.

2 tbsp. white vinegar
2 pints water
4 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, lemongrass, or rosemary)

Combine ingredients in spray bottle and use as a final rinse after cleaning kitchen surfaces. Store in a cool, dark place.

10 second cleaning challenge

All:

Here is a 10 second cleaning challenge. Take a spray bottle. Fill it about a third of the way full with white vinegar. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Presto! You've got a great "green cleaner."

You'll notice that some premium brands of store-bought green cleaners have fancy labels. If you're feeling artsy, make a cute label for your new green cleaning bottle.

Happy cleaning!

GPeek

PS I adapted this from a blog that I follow: www.designsponge.com. To see their version, please visit:
http://www.designsponge.com/2014/01/10-second-how-to-making-your-own-green-cleaning-spray.html

Current obsession

All:

My current obsession? Achieving a higher level of austerity at home. What does this mean, you ask?

I have spent the summer reviewing the stuff in my home (closets, drawers, shelves, rooms, you name it)! I enlisted the help of my incredibly talented 12-year old daughter Jenkins to help purge, organize, and style our home. Truth be told ... my daughter did 90 percent of the work. We all have the same philosophy when it comes to stuff and design: Less is more.

The result? A very simple home and clarity enjoyed by the whole family. We are in GREAT shape to start school next week.

Our new family philosophy: If it's not incredible, then it it doesn't belong in our home.

Relaxation zone styled by Jenkins

What is the hotspot at your home? Please let me know your strategies for keeping organized!

GP

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