7 random facts about right now

1.

I.Heart.Pinterest. 

I’m happily ‘pinning’ all kinds of fun things.

Like this print…

that I decided to purchase for my bathroom.

2.

I’ve discovered the joys of cleaning with baking soda. 

It’s amazing.

Scrubs the tub even better than that smelly stuff in a green tube.

Takes random spray paint off a mirror that may or may not have been taped well.

Cleans the front of the fridge to a shiny white.

3.

I’ve started using CleanMomma’s Printables.

I’m hoping her checklists, forms and lists will help me get my act together. 

This is my household notebook (and blogging and etsy and kids’ school info…)

4.

Ashley and I’ve teamed up to do lots of freezer cooking. 

We are loving this book.

Basically, she makes two dishes and I make two dishes and we share!

5.

Canning. 

Why do things need to be preserved when it’s 212 99 degrees outside? 

I’ve put up tomatoes, pickles and grape jelly.

6.

I’m stalking her website.

Yep.  After 2 widely successful Lisette patterns, Lisel is my new hero!

I can’t wait until she tells us about her new fabrics and fall patterns.
(edited 1:20pm, July 13:  She just blogged about new fabrics.  They are awesome!)

7.

Christmas is 166 days away.

Seriously.

Adriane and I are going to try to tackle it in pieces this year with the help of Organized Christmas,

We’re doing Holiday Grand Plan that starts in August.  We’ll see how it goes.

That’s it.  That’s 7.

I’ll tell you about my garden next time.

Book Reivew: Sewing for Your Home

Better Homes and Gardens Sewing for Your Home

Published by Meredith Corp.

Published in 1974
ASIN: B00161VWBI

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children's Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You'd have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:

• Not really any. I suppose that's because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early '70s book.

Conclusion:
All that's old is new again--well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes.

And, for an added plus, if you're looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?
Probably not, but as I "inherited" it, I'm glad it's in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

Mini-facelift for the House--Part 2

My sweet hubby painted the front door today.

Look at that shiny kick plate. Lots and lots of elbow grease there.

Next up, the trim, carport and ugly metalwork columns in "Modest Silver".

Mini-facelift for the House--Part 1

Here are the newly panted shutters. I think I like the blue.

Now, I have to decided on the trim color. Here's the "Modest Silver" that I'm thinking about...