How to Clean Out Your Car

Isn’t it amazing how messy the car can get. The inside of your car can be a dirty little secret. I know that I am embarrassed more times than not about the state of my car. From errant Cherrios to empty drink cups, from printed directions to magazines, the stuff tends to pile up, doesn’t it? When it is time to clean it all, such as when you are going to carpool, here are some tips to help you clean out that car quickly and efficiently. The first thing you have to do is to get everything out and put … Continue reading

Stretch Out Your Kids Clothing

In the Home Blog, I’ve been discussing how I am in the middle of switching out sizes and seasons for my kids clothing during this weekend. But did you know that there are some items that you can actually stretch out or remake to get an extra year or two? And if you have too much of one kind of item, such as a zillion onsies, make them over into something you can use. Whether the clothing is too small, too worn or two stained, don’t throw it out. Instead, create a new wardrobe and save on the cost of … Continue reading

Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing 2

It is that time of year again. I’ve been talking about swapping out the seasonal clothing for my family. When do you do your swap? If you missed the first part of this series, click here: Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing. Now, let’s continue. Winter jacket and snowsuits are done separately from regular clothing. I usually make that a family affair, with everyone trying on different items to see what will work for them. Anything that is too small for the youngest or my only girl gets set aside to be donated. When I get back to the drawers, I sort … Continue reading

Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing

We are spending the entire weekend indoors. Partially this is because it has been raining nonstop since Friday, but mostly it is because we are all sick. Being indoors, it has been a good time, in between taking care of everyone, to go through my kids clothing to update sizes and seasons. This is a big job for me, especially when I have the energy of a sloth to go with the other ill symptoms. I keep a lot of hand me downs, especially for my youngest son (since he has an older brother). These clothes are stored away in … Continue reading

Unclogging a Toilet on the Spot

Have you ever been in a situation where you are over at someone else’s house and the toilet gets clogged? There is nothing worse than that moment of panic when you realize that the bowl is about to overflow. Embarrassing, right? Sometimes you can look around and find a plunger under the sink or in a closet, but most of the time, you would have to ask for one. If this is something you want to avoid, or if you want to avoid having a costly bill from the plumber for a clog, try this trick to help you unclog … Continue reading

So Many Ways to Get Free Stuff

Did you know that despite the economy, there are so many ways to get free stuff? It is unbelievable how many different opportunities there are to supply your home and your family with items that you need for free. Here are my favorite ways to get stuff absolutely for free. And don’t forget, when it comes to getting things for free, be sure to return the favor or pass it forward. People you know Your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers can be a great source of free items. Chances are pretty good that the people you already know have exactly … Continue reading

Avoiding the Paper Pile

When you have one piece of paper on a surface, you have at least ten or more pieces of paper on a surface. The darn things tend to multiply like rabbits. Here is how to get it all under control and preventing it from happening ever again. Identify the hot spots You can’t conquer your enemy if you don’t know him. Go around your home and identify the spots where paper tends to collect. In my household it is on a small antique desk in the front entry where mail tends to collect and on the main desk in the … Continue reading

How to Set Up a Home Office

Whether you want to work from home or just catch up on all of the bills, having a home office can really boost your productivity. How many times do we find ourselves conducting business at the kitchen counter or dining room table? Here are some tips about setting up a real home office. Identify the space Maybe you already have a space in mind for your home office. But before you get started, you’ll want to examine the possibilities in your home and determine where the best place might be to set up a home office. Pick out two or … Continue reading

How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Leaving your home alone for any length of time, whether it is a day or a month can be a nerve wracking experience. How do you know that thieves won’t break in to your home while you are gone? Here are some tips on how to protect your home while you’re away. The best way to protect your home while you are away is to make it appear as though it is occupied, even when it is not. If thieves think that you are home, then chances are pretty good that they will not break into your home. Contact a … Continue reading

Spring Home Safety Check List

Just like a person, your home needs regular check ups to ensure that it is healthy, or at least safe for you and your family. Here are some things around your home that you should check in the spring. If you have an air conditioning system, have a professional air conditioning specialist (contractor) inspect your system. This specialist should also be able to clean and maintain your system. You don’t want to have any issues with it when summer comes. Replace the filter in your furnace (if you have one). Inspect your driveway and walkway, and repair any cracks or … Continue reading