Feed on
Posts
Comments

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Feb 6th, 2010 by jamie

Sorry for the constant theme switching! I am trying to be happy with the freebies, but none of them offers everything I want. Anyone without LOTS of coding knowledge try Thesis? Is it easy for a DIYer?–Now, on to my Cozy Book of the Week:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Long title. Charming book. The authors, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (aunt and niece), tell the story of  writer who travels to Guernsey, an English Channel island, immediately after its German occupation in WWII ends.

While there to research for an article, she falls in love with some quirky lovable characters, and they, with her. The authors tell the story through the use of letters, all written by different characters. Some are amusing, some brutally honest, but all are entirely real in giving us glimpses into people and what makes them tick.

Juliet, the main character and writer, is a delight. She has intelligence and wit that draw the reader in and just will not let go. I’ve never been enthralled with the 40s, but after reading TGLAPPPS, I find that I would love to have lived in those simpler, yet modern, times–for a few days, at least.

Mary Ann Shaffer wrote the book’s first draft but then became ill and could not do the important rewrites. She asked her niece, fellow author Annie Barrows, to complete the work. Sadly, Shaffer did not live to see the final, published book–and its #1 status.

An insightful, quick read! Hope you enjoy.

Tags: ,

Posted in Cozy Up With a Good Book | 4 Comments »

Caulk Talk

Feb 5th, 2010 by jamie

Good morning! I have a riveting post :) about caulk but my award-winning (I need the new sarcasm mark) photos were too bad to post…Hope your Friday is fabulous and your coffee robust! (www.homesanctuary.typepad.com)
Jamie

Coffee Mug

Who cares about caulk? you ask. Everyone should care about caulk. We should more than care. Without caulk, our windows would be even draftier, our back splashes would have unsightly gaps, and we would constantly be yelling at our teenagers to get out of the shower because the water is pouring into the family room. Epiphany:  Caulk is ultimately responsible for family harmony.

Caulk can also protect you from the evil mold, born when moisture seeps into places where it ought not to go.

I have tried many different kinds of caulk, usually from a squeeze tube. I thought a tube would be easier. It isn’t. This go-round, I used a two dollar caulk gun. It is not complicated, and there is no clean-up. Go for the gun. Also, I used a caulk recommended by Gary Sullivan, home improvement guru. Polyseamseal. It is awesome. Easy to use and looks great!

Caulking is not difficult, but it does take a bit of time and patience. Here’s how:

  1. Remove old caulk. I used a putty knife and plastic tool that looks like a citrus peeler. Since the old caulk had crumbled and was pulling away from the tub anyway, it was fairly easy to remove.
  2. Clean area thoroughly. I used a mildew removing spray. A bleach and water mix would also work. Be sure there is no mold or mildew in the crevice you will be caulking. And be careful with the fumes. All of the mildew removers seem to be pretty nasty stuff.
  3. Let area dry thoroughly.
  4. Cut off the tip of the caulk. Start small; you can always cut more off, but you cannot put more back on. (Profound…I know.) My $2 gun came with a secret cutter in the handle. What will they think of next?
  5. Practice squeezing the trigger, pushing caulk onto a paper towel. Make opening larger, if needed.
  6. Apply caulk to the gap between tub and tile walls (in my case). Use even trigger pressure, holding the gun at about a 45 degree angle.
  7. Most tubs will have three sides that require caulking. Do a short side first, applying caulk end to end. Release caulk pressure so caulk doesn’t continue to ooze out while you lay the gun down (on paper towels, please!)
  8. Get a couple of wet, but not dripping, paper towels. Using a damp finger (long pretty nails are a bad thing–:) ), run your finger along the bead of caulk. This forces it into the gap and gives a smooth, finished look. Carefully, clean up any leftover caulk from the tub or tile with a damp paper towel. It must be cleaned off immediately.
  9. Continue the same steps for the other two sides.
  10. Read the directions on the caulk you chose about how many hours or days should pass before showering. Follow those directions. I speak from experience…This isn’t the first time I’ve caulked this tub.

***TIP: Start in a corner. I am not sure why, but it is easier. Somewhere I read to fill the tub about 1/2 full of water, to weigh it down…I tried this once and found it to be a pain. And a mess. And I hurt my back since I wasn’t able to be inside the tub while I caulked. Please excuse my whining.

***Another TIP:  When you are finished, put a heavy duty nail in the end of the caulk (if it didn’t come with a cap), kind of like a bottle stopper.

***Last TIP (I promise):  After you wash your hands, be sure to put on a good quality lotion…Why is it that home repair products are so hard on your skin? I have it! Caulk with Moisturizing Lotion! I am sure it would sell. :)
Check out your corners. Look for signs of overworked, ineffective caulk and fix it today. Your family harmony might just depend on it!

Tags: ,

Posted in Easy Fixes, Toolbox | 11 Comments »

Parents–Guilty of Distracted Driving

Jan 29th, 2010 by jamie

Good morning, Company Girls and others (I hope!) This post sounds a bit on the grumpy side. Sorry about that! It is something I feel strongly about–missing opportunities with our children. Since my blog is about making a home cozy, I thought it would be fitting to occasionally talk about family issues, particularly parenting. I am constantly making mistakes and trying to correct them when it comes to being a mom…Maybe you are, too?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artotemsco/2857720047/

Distracted Dining--What are we doing? *photo from flickr.com/photos/artotemsco

There has been a lot in the news lately about distracted driving–particularly the kind involving cell phone use. Statistics show that a driver on a cell phone is four times more likely to be involved in an accident; new studies indicate that laws are not making much of a difference.

This isn’t my battle, though. Every driver makes his or her own decisions and then lives with the consequences. My topic today is for parents, particularly moms, though I see dads doing this, too.

All parents spend some time in parking lots, waiting for children. Sports practices do not end on time, or we arrive a few minutes early just to be on the safe side. Then, instead of wasting time, we decide to catch up with a friend or conduct some business on the cell phone. It’s OK; we are parked.

What I observe many times, though, is the child getting into the car and the parent continuing the conversation on the phone, many times not even glancing at the child. Talk about missing the boat! This is prime time for parent-child communication–from the little guys up through teens.

I have two teenagers, and there are times when they get in the car and do not want to talk. I get that. But if they want to unload about basketball or tell me about their French class or who is going out with whom, I want them to know that I am available to listen. If I am on my telephone, that moment disappears quickly. I miss out; they miss out. The connectedness of our family suffers.

I hear parents complain often that their children quit talking to them as they get older. Is that the case, or do we just stop listening? Maybe the time gets more limited. That’s natural. But when we let unimportant things cut into that time, we are letting a huge opportunity pass to maintain a relationship with our kids.

Don’t pass up a chance to get to know your children better. They change constantly, and if we don’t listen to them, converse with them, we run the risk of waking up one day (when they are 16) and not recognizing who they have become. That’s a risk I do not want to take.

Tags: , , ,

Posted in Parenting and Family | 26 Comments »

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Jan 26th, 2010 by jamie

Part of my cozy home includes many books. It’s a condition I think I inherited from my Daddy. It’s not such a bad thing. In fact, I see signs of it in my daughter.

I love to read, and I get recommendations of good reads from my family and friends. I like to share some of my favorites, as well. With that in mind, I would like to periodically push recommend a favorite book to you! It’s not a full-scale review…Just like friends discussing books at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee (or something with a kick!)–only not really.

If you’ve read my suggestion, what did you think? Feel free to comment. Here’s to great literature! So many books, so little time.

Read it. You'll be glad you did!

Historic fiction? Definitely my favorite. Scotland in the mid-1700s? Even better. But throw in some time travel? You’ve got to be kidding me!

Diana Gabaldon, however, does it and does it well. This is no quick read. The first, Outlander, is 620+ pages long, and that is one of the shorter books! I recently finished her most recent, An Echo in the Bone, number 7, coming in at 814 pages. Yet, she kept my attention through them all. Actually, more than kept my attention. An amazing side note:  She wrote this book as a “practice” novel.

Outlander is a love story, a history lesson, an action-adventure, and a Gaelic guide. It tells the story of Claire Beauchamp Randall and the unlikely meeting of her Jamie Fraser. The interesting twist is that Claire is a British nurse during WWII. Jamie is a Scottish redhead with a complex personality and past. They are thrust together–as they should be.

The times are gritty, the characters real, and the story captivating.

I am not doing any of this book or the characters justice. Just read it, and try not to get sucked in. I dare you.

Tags: , ,

Posted in Cozy Up With a Good Book | 2 Comments »

Counter Tops: What NOT to Choose

Jan 25th, 2010 by jamie

The following images might be shocking…At the very least, they are gross. Consider yourself warned!

White Laminate...with Coffee Stain

Crumbs by Toaster...on White Laminate

All I Can Say Is Thank You, Clorox Clean-up!

Do these pictures help you decide?

Just say NO to the white laminate.

You’ll be glad you did.

Tags: , ,

Posted in Big Stuff, Oops! | 1 Comment »

Adding Character

Jan 23rd, 2010 by jamie

I am so bummed I missed Friday morning coffee, hosted by Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary…Maybe next week!

My House--Always a Work in Progress--The outside needs some character-building, too, but our focus right now is inside.

Our house was built in 1992–nice neighborhood and great yard–but fairly nondescript. Like many houses built in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the goal for builders seemed to be to give buyers as much square footage as was affordable, but no panache. Panache must cost more.

If you have a house (like ours) that needs a little jazzing up, first take a good look around with as much objectivity as you can muster. Do this:

  • See your home’s potential. Sit in one room for a while but move to all different sides of the room. What do you love? What would you change tomorrow, if you could? Keep your ideas in a small notebook. Sketch your ideas.
  • Know your style and that of your house. Just like with hair, trying to work against nature is always more challenging and costly. Trying to take an urban loft and turn it into a farmhouse might be frustrating and expensive; but adding some chic country elements are a possibility. Turning a country cottage into a contemporary space…well, that’s just wrong.
  • Try to focus on one aspect so that you are not overwhelmed. Sometimes it isn’t knowing so much where to start, but merely to start. (Note:  Do take time to consider so that you do not rush and end up having to un-do or re-do something later.)
  • Recognize that changes you make will impact potential future sale of the home–for better or worse. If you plan on living there for years, go for it. But still be smart. Plans change, and if you have to sell, you will not want to have to re-do everything you did. It is hard enough to make yourself repaint!

For almost 10 years, my husband and I have slowly been trying to add some character (or hire it out!) We chose to start (for the most part) with trimming windows. (My own hunky carpenter has done all of the windows. I think he’s pretty good!) We like a more traditional style than our home offers, but the traditional elements we are adding feel like they fit (at least, to us!) We have moved on to columns, flooring, and built-ins. We have more planned, when the budget allows, but for now, here are some ways we have added some panache.

Window with Retro-Fitted Trim

Heightened Door Frame, Added Column and Trim

Added Columns and Beadboard, Laminate Flooring and Carpet

Beadboard with Small Cap

Column One of Two

Basement Corner Built-In (sump pump hidden below)--Pay no attention to the messy shelves...

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who bought a house that is already a home. If so, good for you! I will try hard not to be jealous. If you have to do it yourself, however, how would you add that character?

Tags: , ,

Posted in Toolbox | No Comments »

Linen Closet Progress Report

Jan 15th, 2010 by jamie

Happy Friday, Company Girl Coffee Drinkers and anyone else who passes this way! Thanks, Rachel Anne, for hosting.

The linen closet is on its way–though not complete. I have not had time to shop for bins, and I need them. (I know this from personal experience. :) ) Here are some accountability pictures–you know, to keep me honest!

Linen Closet--Starting from Scratch

All the Sorted (also, Sordid) Goods

I vow that these items will not be returned to the shelves until they are properly placed in labeled bins.

[sigh] EVERY project ends up taking a wee bit more time than I expected. This is a running joke with my husband. I tend to say to him, on his vacation days, of course, “This will only take us a couple of hours.” Now, after 21 years, he just sort of looks at me and smiles a sideways smile…Nothing has ever taken only a couple of hours.

p.s. No visitors until my mission is accomplished. Just kidding. There is always a couch or two available!

What is your current project, and what is the status?

Tags: , ,

Posted in Organization | 16 Comments »

Linen Mayhem and How To Fix It

Jan 12th, 2010 by jamie

True confession:  Sometimes I leave clean, folded sheets and blankets on the chair in my bedroom because I do not want to deal with the linen closet.

Linen Closet Mayhem

See what I mean?

Trying to find a spot in there can take a LONG time and can cause my version of a temper tantrum:  Searching, pushing, shoving, scowling, eventual cursing because I have scraped my knuckles on the lovely wire shelves, smashing, and dashing in a huff. (In case you don’t do sarcasm, I am not a fan of the wire shelf!)

Today, I found these motivational photos. I might not end up with a replica, but whatever I end up with has to be better than what I started with! Scroll down for my suggestions on organizing a linen closet.

Notice the neat bins with labels--photo by Mo' Belle

Love the solid shelving--photo by orgjunkie

Neat as a pin--photo by Spice_Diva

Notice the efficient use of the door--photo by happylittlehouse

Completely functional--photo by Dazed81

Motivated? I thought so…

Steps to organizing a linen closet:

  1. Clear the guest bed (or any large, flat surface. You can use the floor if you vacuum first!)
  2. Get a pad of paper, pen, and tape measure.
  3. Begin clearing out the closet. Completely. But sort as you go. For example, group full sized linens together, twin, king, whatever.
  4. If you keep medicines or first aid supplies in your linen closet, check expiration dates and pitch as indicated. Note items that need replacement on the pad of paper.
  5. If something got shoved in that does not belong, put it in a separate pile to be correctly distributed later.
  6. Include a Donation pile, but check first with charities to see if they accept used bedding. As always, if something is in bad shape, use it for a dropcloth or rag. Do not donate trash.
  7. Inventory what you have, and decide on a location in the closet. Keep frequently used items where they are handiest.
  8. If you have a little extra cash, you might consider buying some canvas (or plastic) bins to keep items neat. Be sure to measure shelf dimensions first–width, depth, and distance between. Note this on your pad and take with you to shop. Try a Big Lots, Old Time Pottery, or other discount stores for bins. You might be pleasantly surprised at the deal you find!
  9. Be sure to label locations or bins. It is not easy to tell by looking which are twin and which are full sheets. Labels do not have to be cute (although that would be fun), just functional. Do not skip this step!
  10. Make a vow to yourself to use your linen closet to its fullest potential–not as a messy catch-all–and encourage insist other family members do the same!

One last note, check out Carmen Coker’s blog here. She offers many ideas and tips for organizing, as well as some free printable labels! Take some time to look around. You will be glad you did!

Tags: , , ,

Posted in Organization | 7 Comments »

Tossing My Crackers

Jan 8th, 2010 by jamie

Who knew? That little expiration date on the saltine cracker box really does mean something! I opened prepared my delicious cream of tomato soup and reached for the saltines (which, in my defense, I rarely eat). I took one out, expecting the really predictable, salty crunch. Instead, I tasted almost-rancid cardboard. It was all very disturbing.

Turning the box around and upside down, I saw this date:  April 2008. Ew! I tend to be a little on the suggestive side [read:  hypochondriac] and immediately began wondering what ptomaine poisoning is and if it can be contracted by eating old, icky saltine crackers.

If only I had actually done  Rachel’s Little Things post (www.homesanctuary.typepad.com) about cleaning out the pantry (actually, her post was about removing trash from anywhere, but she talked about her own pantry and fridge)…

The moral of my story is:  Read Rachel Anne Ridge’s Small Thing and then just do it!

Happy Friday. Happy Snow Day #2 for some. Happy home. May your coffee be hot and your crackers be fresh!

Excuse me while I go get something to get this cardboard taste out of my mouth. I’m thinking dark chocolate…

Posted in Just Thinking... | 16 Comments »

Snow Day Activity

Jan 7th, 2010 by jamie

Christmas Cards--What to do with them?

We are out of school here…The threat of snow, combined with a litigious society (sorry for the commentary) and the memory of several children stranded on school buses in a surprise 2009 snow storm, has compelled most superintendents in the Cincinnati area to call it a day–before it even started!

Ah, well. I will make the most of it, I hope. Christina Katz posted this idea on her Facebook. I am very intrigued, and if I can pull myself away from this computer and an exponentially-growing pile of laundry, I am going to do this! Every year, I bundle up my Christmas cards in January and stick them in a drawer. I just cannot bring myself to toss them. Friends and family have taken time to wish us joy and happiness and keep us updated on their lives. They seem too personal to pitch.

The idea from Ali Edwards is terrific! Whether you are a scrapbooker or not, it might be fun to try. It could make a wonderful art piece to bring out at Christmas or to leave framed all year!

More Cards

I’ll let you know if I get this accomplished. Between the laundry, the writing goals, and the teenager who wants to practice driving in the snow (yikes), I might need an art project like this. Be sure to click here for a total description and wonderful pictures!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin

Tags: ,

Posted in Crafty Stuff | No Comments »

Older Posts »

Installed by SimpleScripts