Kitchen Tips to Save You Money
Posted by Sheela Cooper
We could all use a few extra pennies, right? And even if you already have frugal habits, it’s always worth taking a few moments to discover if you have any money “leaks.” One of the biggest ways many of us lose money is through food waste, or by purchasing convenience food items.
How many times have you opened your refrigerator to discover produce that could double as a science experiment? Yeah, that’s never fun! And then you take that spoiled produce and throw it in the trash. But really, it’s the same as taking the $2 that you spent on those cucumbers and just throwing that directly into the trash can. Can you imagine willingly taking money from your wallet and putting in the trash can? It pains me to have this type of waste, so here are a few things that I do to minimize it.
Fall Comfort Foods-Black and White Bean Soup with Cheddar Chive Biscuits
It’s official – fall is here! That means it’s time for sweaters, cozy fires in the fireplace, and SOUP! I love soup and eat it year-round. But fall and winter are prime soup seasons, and I want to share a new soup recipe that I created a while back with you. I call it Black and White Bean Soup because it uses both black and white beans, but you can get creative with the bean mix if you don’t have those on hand. But wait, there’s more!
Books in Bookcases--They're Back!!
Posted by Sheela Cooper
If you've read any design/décor magazines or blogs in the past five years or so, you will have noticed that bookcases seem to only hold tchotchkes or vases or decorative bowls. There are very few books to be seen in bookcases lately! But most of us still own books and would like to display them, so the question is how to do it in a way that is both functional and fashionable? I’ll show you some bookcases (with books!) that I have in my bedroom, and I’ll also feature some other bloggers’ bookshelves that hold books and still look stylish.
We originally had a large TV stand in our bedroom that was much too large for the space. We got rid of that a couple of years ago and found this art-deco buffet on Craigslist:
Finding Storage in Your Home
Posted by Sheela Cooper
Extra storage – it’s like the unicorn of home organization; so coveted, yet so elusive. But I’m here to tell you that there really is a way to find extra storage in your home. You just need to use a bit of creativity.
’m sure that many of you, like me, have tried in vain to find a good solution for storing your wrapping paper. I realize that this is, indeed, a first world problem, but hey, it’s there! I used to use a Rubbermaid gift wrap storage bin, and it did hold a lot of wrapping paper. But sometimes the rolls would get crunched and crumpled, and eventually the lid hinge broke so the lid kept falling off. The bin was also quite bulky and took up too much precious closet space. Wrapping accessories like bows and ribbon would also get smashed into the bottom of the bin, so they were not only lost but also ruined. Definitely not my idea of useful storage.
I thought about it for a while, and once again turned to my beloved 3M Command hooks. (I have no affiliation with 3M, but I definitely admire their genius!) The wire hook was the perfect solution.
Choosing Paint Colors and Making Your Own Paint Samples
While I absolutely believe that paint samples are an important part of finding the perfect color for walls, I have a hard time investing lots of dollars into paint samples that, for the most part, will never be “the one.” Even though big box stores offer paint sample pots for about $3 each, specialty paint stores may charge up to $8 for a sample! After a few samples, it really adds up. So what’s a paint obsessed gal to do to find the right wall color? How about creating your own paint samples in a very cost effective way? |
Eco-friendly Cleaning
Cleaning house isn’t fun for most of us, but it is absolutely necessary. And while I’m not about to tell you that using eco-friendly cleaning products makes cleaning more fun, I will say that it makes it, well, cleaner. After all, most commercial cleaning products have lots of ingredients in them that aren’t so good for us; they can be fumey, smelly, and definitely take their toll on the environment. Not to mention that they can be quite expensive over the long term.
So what’s a good alternative? I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but good old-fashioned vinegar and baking soda can do wonders in your home without any toxins or risk of harm to you or the environment. And even better? These two products are very inexpensive!
Decorating without Commitment
Many of us love the idea of frequently changing our décor, but sometimes this is easier said than done. Let’s say you have recently tiled a feature wall with a glass tile that is gorgeous and pricey. Let’s also say that one year later, you’re tired of the look and all of the maintenance involved. It’s unlikely that you or your spouse are going to love the idea of tearing out this expensive investment and dealing with all of the dust and debris that comes along with it. If you make a décor decision that involves something rather permanent, like tile, make sure to choose a material that is timeless and neutral (like white subway tile) so that you will not tire of it quickly.
Easy Homemade Gifts
Posted by Sheela Cooper
Christmas is almost here, and if you’re like me, there are still a few gifts you need for people on your list. Here are a few ideas that are easy, fairly low-cost, and homemade. The recipients of these gifts will love them and cherish the idea that you have made something just for them!
Baked goods – these are always a hit at the holidays. For years, I have made Cherry Almond Biscotti for my neighbors, and they look forward to it each year. The recipe I use is from Bon Appetit and is actually for Cherry Hazelnut Biscotti, but I prefer almonds. There is a bit of a time investment, but the recipe yields a lot and is a welcome, somewhat exotic change from sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies.
Holiday Sale!
The Power of Paint
Ah, paint. A humble magician in a can that can transform the ugly, the discarded, and the overlooked into pieces that anyone would be proud to own. If you read any DIY blogs, you have undoubtedly seen many pieces of furniture or numerous decorative items that have been plucked from the brink of death and resuscitated with paint. And not just typical latex or oil paint – the options now include chalk paint, clay paint, milk paint, and spray paint. And let’s not forget the magic of Rub ‘n Buff! (Not actually a paint, but a wax-based pigmented product that transforms anything from frames to vases with a lovely metallic patina.)
I’d like to share some before and afters to inspire you, and also give you a few tips to make your painting experience as smooth (pun intended!) as possible.