Mold and Vinegar

I have a major mold problem this year. I am going to try to use vinegar rather than bleach as I have a cat named Lovey and bleach feels just as toxic as the mold does to me. Lately, Lovey and I have been choking our ways through the days, coughing, runny eyes, probably allergies? Nope, Mold. Going through my fancier items the other day, which I hardly ever use, I found the two perfect black dresses for black dress occasions. What I did not anticipate, in the back of my closet was a white and green coating of mold, everywhere! (photos to follow) I will go through the mold process slowly, but surely with you all. The areas of my home that I use often don't seem to have the same problem of course. I have been battling in the bathroom and the refrigerator more so this summer, but that was to be expected. If any of you have any advice on how to remove this vile substance from my shoes, handbags, sweaters, clothing, please let me know! As stated earlier, I will be trying to vinegar wash everything for now. I'll keep y'all posted through the weekend!

From Megan Crossman-Great tip for parents!

Ikea is an amazingly cheap outing for me & the kids (my husband is staunchly anti-Ikea). I drop the older kids off at the FREE 1 hour of childcare which includes a ballpit, coloring, movies and giant clogs (?). Then the youngest one and I shop for cheap straws, herring and meatballs. Then we enjoy 50 cent hotdogs for lunch. This must only be done during the week, weekends are too crowded.

Great babysitting co-op idea!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2009/08/21/feyerick.sitter.swap.cnn

Yay Onions!

If you grow or buy onions, here is how to keep them fresh for 6+months:

Take and old pair of pantyhose or tights, cut the legs off and put in the first onion. Tie a knot and then place the next onion...repeat this. Keep them in a cool, dry, airy place. Broom closet, utility room or even a dark corner of the kitchen. You are simply mimicking a root cellar. When people had dirt basements (and if you do, lucky you!) We are going to try this with a potato. Also,if you cut the eye off a potato, plant it! The stem will grow!

Thanks Bettye, great Southern tip!

Gifts, re-gifting and hostess gifts

First things first, get rid of everything that does not serve you or your loved ones. If your home is full of clutter, it clutters the mind. Everyone receives gifts that are not what we would keep in our homes or have nothing to do with anything we would be a part of or do. These gifts should be either re-gifted to someone who would use them or appreciate them. If you can’t think of anyone in your life who would like the Hummel doll your Aunt Sally gave you for Christmas, give it to charity. There is always someone who would benefit or appreciate what you have no need for. In the end, it is an act of kindness and not a slap in the face to the person in which the gift originated. Keep a wish list of things that you would really like and when asked by Aunt Sally what you’d like for your birthday, tell her! I once celebrated a birthday with a party and knew that there would be those who would be bringing gifts, even though I didn’t want them too. I asked for gift certificates to a prominent kitchen store so that I could buy the expensive cappuccino machine I wanted. I was given a machine and able to use the money for the very pretty cups and saucers. It was perfect and practical. If you have the room, a gift closet, or shelf, or bin, or cabinet is a great thing to have. You can put the things you receive and don’t want right in there. Also, if you see something that you know someone else may like, even if it’s not close to the holidays or their birthday, and you can get a good price, but it and store it. When an event like a party or holiday does roll around, make a list and consult your gift space first. It can save you so much money and time.
Hostess gifts are coming back as well. As we begin to gather together in each other’s homes more we can share something that we have found to be helpful with each other. Whether it’s a bottle of wine, a corn butterer, or a great cookbook, a hostess gift is a showing of gratitude for your friend or acquaintance for the meal and party. The gratitude feels good and is appreciated.

Waxing

Well ladies, we have found the way to wax at home to stave off MRSA and other nasty infections you risk from going to a salon. SurgiWax has a Brazilian waxing kit that you simply microwave (or heat carefully in boiling water). There are no strips and it is not messy! Serena and I both swear by this. She has no microwave so developed the heat in hot water method. The cost is about $5.00 for 3+ waxes! Run, don't walk to your local pharmacy now!

Fruit Flies

Here's a great tip from Serena (and her local farm stand)

Fruit flies are a nuisance. Put a small cup of cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap and mix it up. Leave overnight and the flies will be attracted to it and die...all of them!

These flies come in on your fruit, so wash when you get home first...this may kill the larvae.