There are hundreds of laundry solutions online, but do they really work? I have researched and tested some of the more popular ones. Here are the results... Wash Vinegar-Adding one cup of vinegar at the beginning of the cycle will result in softer, fresher smelling laundry? TRUE Baking Soda-Adding one cup baking soda will whiten your whites? TRUE However adding 1/2 cup works just as well. Blood Stains-Your own saliva removes blood stains? FALSE The enzymes in your saliva do not break down the protein in your blood, however the water in your saliva does work to help remove the stain, so rather than spitting on your clothing, just use soap and water. Dry Fold Aluminum Foil-Using a small ball of aluminum foil in the dryer is a good substitute for dryer sheets? INCONCLUSIVE This I can tell you, my towels felt just as fluffy as if I were using a dryer sheet. The towels smelled clean, however there was no additional scent since the dryer sheet was not used. (This may be a good solution if you or your loved ones are sensitive to perfumes used in products.) Although I am skeptical, it is said that the foil ball can be reused for six months. I will have to wait and see on that one. Fluffy Towel-Using a towel in the dryer will make your wet clothes dry faster? FALSE While it is true that a fluffy towel will absorb much of the moisture during the first half of the drying process, it will take just as long, if not longer, for your entire load to dry. This is because the towel takes up surface area in the dryer, causing the entire load to dry at a slower pace. Sun Drying-Drying clothing in the sun brightens whites? TRUE Hanging your clothes in the sun brightens whites, gives your clothing a fresh scent, and helps to naturally press them. The sun will bleach anything that is left in its rays, so be careful not to leave colors in the sun too long. There are not many folding hacks or tips online that prove untrue, so here are some of my favorite tips and solutions for folding clothes with ease.
I am currently obsessed with the idea of tiny house living. I have several solutions in mind for my own tiny space, however before I or anyone else take the plunge and downsize to 800 square feet or less, here are some things to consider. 1) Priority counts Personally, I love to cook, so a full size kitchen will have to be included along with an outdoor one. I desire a full-size oven, stove and refrigerator along with a dishwasher and plenty of counter space. However if cooking is not your passion, you may want to use that square footage for what matters to you. 2) Quality counts In a tiny space, make every decision a quality one. Splurge on the light fixture you love, because chances are you are only buying one. Textiles and hardware should be chosen with long term usability in mind. 3) Color counts Whether you like light or dark colors, bold or neutrals, choose colors you can live with. I absolutely love the colors chosen in the above tiny house found on tinyhouseswoon.com. 4) Comfort counts No one can determine what you find comfortable but you. Are you most comfortable in a hammock or a bed? Do you love recliners or sofas you can sink into? Be practical in choosing where you and your family will spend your downtime together. Just because you will be in a tiny place, make sure everyone in your family has a place... including your pets. 5) Research counts Determine to be as informed as possible about the process to make your tiny living dreams come true. Be diligent, and do your homework. Research and compare companies who can build your home for you vs. the cost of building your own. Most importantly, tour tiny homes in your area and like myself, spend hours online looking for the best ideas and solutions. As I find them and come up with my own, I will be sure to share them.
Milk & Cookie BarSoft & Chewy Chocolate Chip CookiesINGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Chewy Sugar CookiesINGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
No Bake Chocolate Crunch CookieINGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Who wouldn't want a super hero birthday party? Here are a few ideas to make your birthday party a success! Dress Up Provide capes, shields, masks, and weapons of your child's favorite superheroes. Provide superhero themed food Use jello as kryptonite, fruit and marshmallows to make Captain America's shield, flag subs with phrases from the classic comic books, fill cones with "power pretzels," and thinly slice "veggies of virtue" for both children and adults to enjoy. Use frames and superhero themed scrapbook paper to make it easy to give these everyday foods superhero themed names. Let them eat cake! Whether professionally done, or homemade like the one above, add superhero catch phrases to give your cake that classic feel. BAM, BOOM, KAPOW!! Document your memories Use a photo booth to capture images of all of your guests. Use selfie sticks to get group shots and set up a superhero news cam for guests to report superhero sightings. Provide activities
Bounce houses are always a favorite and can give your superhero the feeling that they can "fly." Use Hulk fists and have a cone crushing contest. My personal favorite, give every child a can of "Spidey string" and tell them there is a villain on the loose. Once they find the villain, let them attack. This will be the highlight of the party, so save it for the end. |
|