Hello all,
I realize it has been months since my last post, but it's been quite a turbulent four months. I have been sick, exhausted and sluggish and suddenly 24 hours in a day now seems like a mere 10, yet I still need to accomplish everything I did before AND etch out more time to take care of myself. Well, not just myself - myself and my growing bump. Yes, I am 4 months pregnant with our second child. And it's been a doozy.
Just to preface, my first pregnancy was a dream. No sickness, fatigue that passed rapidly followed by an extra high energy level, no kicks to the ribs or severe back/joint pain. And the delivery was also fantastic (really, it was). But this go around has been the complete opposite. I was warned about this by several experienced mothers, medical books and websites. But man, I had no idea how lucky I was the first time or how extreme pregnancy could get.
As I'm shuffling around the house trying to cope with my inabilities by whining nonstop, my husband simply looks at me and says "Why don't you just take some Advil or something?" As politely as possible I explain that pregnant women can't take Advil, or many other over the counter medications that have made modern life so convenient to live with. Instead, I get to "experience pregnancy." Okay, so those aren't the exact words I used, but I'd like to think that's what I would have said if I wasn't under the influence of hormones.
Here comes a stunning truth, one I didn't realize with my first pregnancy as I didn't have to: there are no modern mechanisms in place to make pregnancy easier on women. All of the modern conveniences are off limits to us. Why? Because what worked 50 or 100 years ago still works today. The methods and advice has proven to be safe and effective. Pregnancy is forced to remain a natural experience because the minds of scientists simply can't compete with the beautiful design of mother nature.
Now don't get me wrong, there are a few things out there that can help pregnant women cope with certain symptoms. However, after a visit to my doctor regarding some crippling morning sickness, I found that these are the very last resort. Instead, I was given tips as if I was talking to my grandmother. And you know what - they worked! This is not to say that I haven't had some help from over the counter, but the effectiveness of these was far less than the natural methods - and I was wary of possible side effects. So, here are some of the symptoms I've experienced and what I did to cope with them.
Fatigue: This was huge for me and probably the second most prevalent symptom. There were times I was so tired that I couldn't even get out of bed. Couple that with morning sickness and back pain and I threw in the white towel. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the best remedy for fatigues is REST (I know, shocking...). I had to learn that if I was tired at 8 pm, then I needed to go to bed. This was particularly hard for me to deal with, as I'm used to being a super woman and running all day, taking care of things and other people and leaving myself a slim amount of time right before bed late at night to be by myself. I would eat at my desk, run from one meeting to another all day, then come home, feed the family, put them to bed and clean the house. Yeah, that all can't be done in one day while you're pregnant. It is impossible. So instead of cleaning the kitchen at night, I would lay down in bed and fall asleep. I had to reformat my schedule at work to account for frequent breaks. I had to push off deadlines so I could just walk away from my desk and take a time out. Mentally, this was hard. Physically, it was necessary.
Morning Sickness: Ah yes, the dreaded morning sickness. This has been a plague of mine from day one. Remember, with my first pregnancy I wasn't sick once. With this one, it was constant and oppressing. There were days where I would get so sick that I could feel it in every nerve in my body. I couldn't move, couldn't concentrate, couldn't exist. All I could do was curl up into a ball in bed and just lay there as if I was mortally wounded. This one was also hard because I would try something and find relief for a week, but then it would stop working and I'd be back to square one. I started with ginger and saltines, but then the ginger started tasting bitter and the saltines became concrete in my mouth, just making the sickness worse. I then tried sticking to carb-loaded foods and snacking throughout the day, but after a few days I became intolerant of all food and wasn't able to eat for about a week. This was probably the lowest point in my pregnancy as I was not someone you wanted to be around. I don't think I saw my husband for a whole two weeks - which was good, because I was not a nice person. Then I tried flat pop, but this too eventually made me sick. I tried eating certain foods, but they all turned on me, to the point that if I even looked at a box of Carnation Instant Breakfast that I would get the gag reflex and have to think of pretty wildflowers in a summer field just to keep me from upchucking in the middle of the grocery store. Honestly, there wasn't really anything I could do for this. I just had to let it pass. Slowly, I began getting cravings. First it was turkey sandwiches with mayo, lettuce and tomato. Then it was steak. Then it was tuna with mayo (bread was optional - I would eat it right out of a bowl). Then it was cereal. Now I'm craving BLT sandwiches and root beer. But the good news is that I can eat, and I think that's been the key. I have to eat right away in the morning - usually a bowl of cereal. I also have to eat right before bed or I don't sleep well. I also have to eat multiple times a day and often have 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks throughout the day. I've learned to always keep food around me and prepare for any type of craving I might have. The good news is that by eating so many meals a day, it forces me to take breaks as well so I can sit, eat slow, and digest my food. I also have to stay very hydrated, meaning I've been drinking a lot of water, tea (caffeine free) and orange juice.
Back/Joint pain: I was surprised when this hit me at only 4 months. I was well into my 6th or 7th month with the first one. But then again, I've also gotten a lot bigger a lot faster the second time around (this is normal - not flattering, but normal). I thought the solution again would be rest, to slow down and take it easy, but this actually only made it worse. The actual answer is movement. I have a desk job, and with my tainted energy level and extra weight, I found myself sitting even more. When I would stand, there would be nothing but pain from the middle of my back all the way down. Once I would move, it would feel better. Naturally then, I figured out that I can't sit in one spot for hours at a time. I have to move and use my joints and muscles. Stretching is also very important to keep your muscles from getting tight (which really really hurts). Sometimes at night, I'll sit with a heating pad on my lower back, but again, this is only for about an hour and then I immediately get up to move when my muscles are relaxed.
Colds and coughs: I was hit with a pretty harsh cold a few months ago and was coughing so bad I would get severe head aches. I've never been a fan of cough drops (they only seem to work while you have one in your mouth), and it got to the point where I just couldn't get over it. I broke down and bought some Robitussin, which is safe for pregnant women. However, it didn't seem to work. It helped the cough, sure, but only for a short period of time and it just seemed to delay the inevitable. And then a coworker reminded me of honey and lemon water. Of course! I switched it up a bit and put lemon slices in my ice water. I bought some good tea and put honey in it. Within a week, I was feeling better, still coughing but not nearly as bad as before. My cough was completely gone within two weeks.
Pregnancy Brain: People laugh when they hear this because they think it's an excuse that pregnant women use. But I'm telling you, it's true. I forget things all the time. I lose my train of thought while mid sentence, even more than usual. Someone will be talking to me and my mind will just flutter away to someplace else and I'll be staring at the person like a drooling fool. So what can be done about this? Write things down. Leave yourself notes. Tape them to the mirror if you have to. And if you do forget, well, it's just pregnancy brain and those things happen.
There are a few over the counter medicines that helped my through the early stages and are still necessary. The first is iron. My doctor informed me that I was low on iron, so I should start taking supplements. The correct answer would have been to follow a strict diet to ensure I'm getting enough iron, however, this has never been my style and would have been especially hard with all the food aversions I was dealing with. Once I started taking iron, my fatigue decreased quite a bit and I felt halfway normal again. Instead of taking a separate iron supplement, I tried a prenatal vitamin. I was hesitant, because I've never been able to take multivitamins, pregnant or not, because they've always made me sick. But in a twist of irony, taking a prenatal vitamin actually made me LESS sick. Strange, I know. (A note on this: not all prenatal vitamins are created equal, so read the labels. I was shocked to learn that some contain hardly any iron or vitamin B6, which really helps with morning sickness.) I also took Unisom during the early stages of my pregnancy to help me sleep. Again, this is safe for pregnant women, and I was having insomnia and nightmares causing me to loose valuable sleep. The good thing with Unisom is that it's safe, but also it didn't put me in a haze. If Jackson woke up in the middle of the night, I was still able to hear him right away, jump out of bed and take care of him. It just helped me sleep better when I was sleeping. However, the benefits were short lived and eventually it started causing me to feel sluggish, so I stopped taking it. I still have periods of insomnia and nightmares, but now I'm at the stage where I'm just uncomfortable and can't sleep anyway. This is my body's way of preparing me for taking care of a newborn, so a sleeping pill is out of the question at this point.
So this is kind of like my pregnancy survival guide. Rest, eat, drink fluids, keep moving and just relax. Seems pretty simple, but for a busy working mother like myself, it was a shock to my system, one I feel I am still adjusting to. Now that I'm in the second trimester, it is slowly getting better. Still, I've come to accept that my way of life has completely changed, for the best.
And in case your wondering, no, I didn't include anything related to hormones being out of control or emotional instability. Why? Because this can be used to an advantage. Yes, I cry while watching the Weather Channel, and if you call me out on it you better be prepared to pay the consequences. The simple fact is I'm pregnant. If I have to deal with it, so do you. Take me when I'm being sweet and stand back when I'm not, and you better be quick on your feet to see the difference.
In the end, it's all worth it and I can't wait to hold our new little creation. We find out in January if it's a boy or girl (yes, I want to know. I need to know. Plus, Derek and I have a bet) and the due date is May 31, so we're hoping to add another May baby to the family. We have names picked out, but I don't want to share them just yet. And how does Jackson feel about all this? He rests his head against my belly and says "baby in there. I be nice to baby." and when I ask him if he's going to be a good big brother he says "yeah, I good big brother."
It's a funny thing when you realize you're life is kind of perfect...
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
And the war continues....
I had a dream once. I had a dream that I found the perfect print fabric and that I made the most beautiful and luxurious curtains that the land has ever seen. And everyone marveled at my seamstress abilities and before long my entire domain was lavished in beautiful tapestries and everything was grand.
Alas, there is one evil being standing between me and this dream: the sewing machine (cue dramatic music - dun dun dun!). Yes, the sewing machine. It knows my two main weaknesses - technology prowess and patience. I have neither of these two qualities. I hear about women talking about their sewing machines and craft stations and the Halloween outfits they stichted together one afternoon or the sitting pillows they made out of spare fabric and my blood begins to turn green with envy. I want that.
My first interaction with a sewing machine occurred in 7th grade home-ec class. I refused to use pins because I would sew around them and was told to wear safety goggles from then on. I hold nothing against you, Mrs. K. You were a wonderful teacher - I was a not-so-wonderful student. I gave up my dreams of being a seamstress right then and there and settled on hand-sewing anything that needed to be fixed. After all, you don't need an instruction manual (or safety goggles) to darn a sock.
My second interaction came after we bought our house and I decided that making curtains was better than buying them. My mom found me this great Singer sewing machine for an excellent price at a thrift store. So one Saturday morning, I put my son down for a nap, cleared a space in the basement, and put my brand new shiny sewing machine on display. I followed the (picture) directions and had my test piece of fabric all set and ready to go. I pushed on the pedal every so gently and heard the purr of the machine and as the needle was getting ready to pierce the fabric with it's thread. With slow tender movement, I fed the fabric under the needle and slid it out the other side. I held up my sewn fabric with a gigantic smile of accomplishment. I'd done it! I had mastered the sewing machine and would be filling my house with curtains and pillows in no time!
And then the two pieces of fabric fell apart, pieces of thread drooping off the seams like wet noodles. A dark cloud drifted in over my head and my brow furrowed in frustration, then anger.
What had I done wrong? I had followed the instructions (almost) exactly! I looked down to discovered that the thread in the bobbin was not connected to the thread in the needle. But why! WHY?!
I went through the instructions again and again, retracing each and every step. But nothing worked. Finally, in frustration, I dumped it all back in the box and shoved it in a cupboard, hidden away and never to see daylight again.
The sewing machine sat for a long time in that dark cabinet, but my creative nature got the best of me. After all, it was only a sewing machine. I had mastered power tools and replaced an engine in a car. There was no way I was going to admit defeat to something like a sewing machine. So I dug it out, set it up, and did what any other sane woman would do in my situation - I called my mom for help. However, it's apparently a little difficult to teach someone how to use a sewing machine over the phone, so I didn't get anywhere. But I wasn't frustrated - I just needed to use my resources and have someone show me how to use the dang thing. So I packed it away again, this time with less shame and disappointment and with every intention of learning how to use it.
Since I threw out the directions in a fit of rage (they were useless anyway) and my mother wasn't able to help me, my husband suggested YouTube. "You can find out how to do anything on there, like biuld bombs and crap" he said. Brilliant.
So the battle continues. Next time I come head to head with the evil sewing machine, I will be armed with the knowledge of YouTube and a detailed instructional video. And I will learn how to thread the needle correctly in order to make a seam and it will say together! Because I am not a quitter and I refuse to be defeated by a household appliance!
Stay tuned as the battle wages on....
Alas, there is one evil being standing between me and this dream: the sewing machine (cue dramatic music - dun dun dun!). Yes, the sewing machine. It knows my two main weaknesses - technology prowess and patience. I have neither of these two qualities. I hear about women talking about their sewing machines and craft stations and the Halloween outfits they stichted together one afternoon or the sitting pillows they made out of spare fabric and my blood begins to turn green with envy. I want that.
My first interaction with a sewing machine occurred in 7th grade home-ec class. I refused to use pins because I would sew around them and was told to wear safety goggles from then on. I hold nothing against you, Mrs. K. You were a wonderful teacher - I was a not-so-wonderful student. I gave up my dreams of being a seamstress right then and there and settled on hand-sewing anything that needed to be fixed. After all, you don't need an instruction manual (or safety goggles) to darn a sock.
My second interaction came after we bought our house and I decided that making curtains was better than buying them. My mom found me this great Singer sewing machine for an excellent price at a thrift store. So one Saturday morning, I put my son down for a nap, cleared a space in the basement, and put my brand new shiny sewing machine on display. I followed the (picture) directions and had my test piece of fabric all set and ready to go. I pushed on the pedal every so gently and heard the purr of the machine and as the needle was getting ready to pierce the fabric with it's thread. With slow tender movement, I fed the fabric under the needle and slid it out the other side. I held up my sewn fabric with a gigantic smile of accomplishment. I'd done it! I had mastered the sewing machine and would be filling my house with curtains and pillows in no time!
And then the two pieces of fabric fell apart, pieces of thread drooping off the seams like wet noodles. A dark cloud drifted in over my head and my brow furrowed in frustration, then anger.
What had I done wrong? I had followed the instructions (almost) exactly! I looked down to discovered that the thread in the bobbin was not connected to the thread in the needle. But why! WHY?!
I went through the instructions again and again, retracing each and every step. But nothing worked. Finally, in frustration, I dumped it all back in the box and shoved it in a cupboard, hidden away and never to see daylight again.
The sewing machine sat for a long time in that dark cabinet, but my creative nature got the best of me. After all, it was only a sewing machine. I had mastered power tools and replaced an engine in a car. There was no way I was going to admit defeat to something like a sewing machine. So I dug it out, set it up, and did what any other sane woman would do in my situation - I called my mom for help. However, it's apparently a little difficult to teach someone how to use a sewing machine over the phone, so I didn't get anywhere. But I wasn't frustrated - I just needed to use my resources and have someone show me how to use the dang thing. So I packed it away again, this time with less shame and disappointment and with every intention of learning how to use it.
Since I threw out the directions in a fit of rage (they were useless anyway) and my mother wasn't able to help me, my husband suggested YouTube. "You can find out how to do anything on there, like biuld bombs and crap" he said. Brilliant.
So the battle continues. Next time I come head to head with the evil sewing machine, I will be armed with the knowledge of YouTube and a detailed instructional video. And I will learn how to thread the needle correctly in order to make a seam and it will say together! Because I am not a quitter and I refuse to be defeated by a household appliance!
Stay tuned as the battle wages on....
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thrifty Decor: The Fireplace
Above is the mantle in my upstairs living room. While playing around with my decor and making some changes, it occured to me that it actually looks pretty darn nice and that I paid hardly anything. I'm going to break down where I got things and what I paid (or didn't pay) to get this eclectic look.
I found this yellow vase at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for $4.99. I knew the creamy yellow would go perfect with the white birds. Those birds are actually salt and pepper shakers that I purchased for $3.99 from Pier 1. The yellow vase is also perfect for holding some deep fall colored mums so I purchased these fake ones from Michaels for around $4.00 on sale. The glass jar next to the vase is a basic jam jar filled with seashells my husband brought back from a trip to South Padre. The baseball was actually put there after my son threw it in the house, but the worn dirt-ridden leather gives a nice juxtaposition to the crisp white of the birds. And then there's the mirror - my favorite piece of the entire mantle. My grandmother bought it somwhere - Texas, maybe? - and I remember it hanging in the laundry room of their house. It always reminds me of my grandparents, which is why it's front and center.
The handprints were a gift from my son that he made at daycare one day. They are so precious, I couldn't help put them in a frame. I backed them against a white sheet of regular copy paper. The simple gold frame was a find from digging around my mom's house (she has treasures hidden everywhere). The wood piece is part of a set of tea candle holders that were a birthday present from my husband. They are hand-carved with pine tree stencils on the front.
The picture is a great piece that my mother found in a second hand store. It reminds me of the farmland around home. A bonus is that the frame is in excellent condition. The flowers are fresh from my garden and put in a long-necked glass bottle that once upon a time held wine. Next to the bottle is the other wooden tea candle holder.
The fireplace has a nice stone seat in the front, but since the upstairs fireplace isn't used, it's a perfect place for some plants. All of the plants are recent gifts. The white basket above came with them.
These plants also came in a very nice dark-wood basket, but they had to be replanted. The plant on the far left is in a green glass planter. This planter and the white one next to it were purchased at the Salvation Army Thrift store for $2.99 each. The plan on the far right is in a square clear glass candle holder that is now working as a plant holder. As these plants grow, the pots will become too small and they will need to be repotted, but that's the fun of owning plants. Then I can find a new fun use for these charming containers.
Added bonus: Technically, this isn't sitting on the bench of the fireplace but on a table right next to it. I still wanted to show it off. This was a glass fishbowl that was used as a table centerpiece at my wedding. It was sitting in the "to donate" pile because I hadn't found a practical use for it in almost 2 years. Then one day, we were picking up twigs from our weeping birch tree in the back yard. I loved the look and texture of the twigs and wanted to use them in decor. And just like in the comics, a lightbulb went off. I ran down to the basement, dug out the fishbowl and carefully wound handfulls of twigs inside the glass. I think the smooth glass and the texture of the wood is very sophisticated. For added flair, I may add a large white pillar candle, but it's just as pretty without anything added.
So that is my take on thrify decor for the fireplace that cost less than $20. Everything else is either found or a hand-me-down. I've got a lot more plans for finally personalizing our space and I find my best inspiration in the thrift stores. There are a lot of inexpensive and unique things that can be done now instead of waiting until the remodel is done - and judging by the progress in the basement, it could be quite a few years. Instead of planning and making lists and thinking in terms of "someday," I'm just gonna do it and make it fabulous. Stay tuned for more editions of Thrifty Decor. :)
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Kitchen In My Castle
To me, there is nothing more fulfilling, relaxing and satisfactory than coming home after a 9 hour day at the office and cooking a great meal for my family - one that is served at the table where we can sit down and enjoy it together. This is often the second best part of my day - the first being when my son runs up to me after daycare yelling "Mommy!" and gives me the biggest hug that such little arms could muster.
Anyway, back on the subject of dinner. I love to cook. I grew up with a family that cooked, a tradition that pre-dates my generation my several decades. My grandfather was an amazing cook and could make a feast out of anything. My mother is also a fabulous cook and everything she tosses into a pan comes out delicious. I have learned, however, through my years that this cooking skill comes with time, patience, practice, from courage to try new things, and from a lot of creativity.
I couldn't boil an egg when I was 21 (no really, I couldn't. And stop laughing). But I love to cook so I kept trying. And while my cooking prowess is still in the process of being developed, I have successfully cooked two entire Thanksgiving dinners, prepared several in-demand potluck dishes, and feed my family wonderful meals almost every night. I say almost every night because no mother - working out of the home or not - wants to cook a full meal every night. Sometimes, it's nice to throw together some grilled cheese, stuff a frozen pizza in the oven, or whip up a pan of Hamburger Helper.
Take tonight for example: I made spaghetti with pesto sauce, asparagus spears sauteed in lemon butter and dinner rolls. Sounds fancy, huh? Truth - the spaghetti was from a box (and I overcooked it) as were the dinner rolls (which were supposed to be crescent rolls but became more of just rolls) and the lemon butter was actually a tablespoon or two of butter and some lemon juice. Last night I made a chicken and rice fry with garden vegetable. In reality, it was cubed chicken, instant rice, frozen vegetables and some cheese.
It occurred to me while eating the meal tonight that while it was very easy to pour things from a box into some boiling water and stir, that it would be just as easy to make it myself from scratch. And it would have tasted better. When I was younger, hardly anything came from a box. My grandparents had an enormous garden and the basement shelves were stocked full of canned vegetables. If we didn't have it, the neighbors did. So why have I lowered myself to cooking out of boxes?
And here begins the challenge. I will cook more of my own food. I will buy more fresh vegetables and think of how I can make things from scratch. I will dare to make things that I have never tried before, even if I know my family may not eat it. I will find recipes, plan the meals, purchase the ingredients and creates delicious and healthy masterpieces for my family. I have the resources, I just haven't been using them, which is simply irresponsible on my part. So the next time I want to have spaghetti in pesto sauce, the spaghetti will be whole grain and the pesto sauce will be homemade.
Along my cooking transformation, I've learned to keep a few things on hand at all times. These things are good to have for when my husband likes to play the "what's for dinner game?" and rule out every single option I have, meaning I have to create something new. Here is my list of necessities:
Chicken stock
Cream of Mushroom soup (2 cans)
Cream of Chicken soup
Cream of Celery soup
Spaghetti sauce
A variety of pastas
Instant rice
Bag of potatoes
Instant potatoes (for those nights when the bag of potatoes is just too exhausting)
Barbecue sauce (you'd be surprised how versatile this condiment is)
Vinegar
Several varieties of cheese - sliced and shredded
Fresh vegetables
Tortillas
Butter (real butter. and lots of it.)
Vanilla Yogurt (I use it in place of syrup for breakfast, mix it with fruit, add it to granola for a snack, use as a dip for fresh fruit, need I go on?)
Crackers (not saltines, either. Have you read the labels on those things lately? Yuck.)
Fresh fruit
A wide variety of herbs and spices (I have all dried, but using fresh for a special recipe is always encouraged.)
Flour
White sugar
Brown sugar
Powdered sugar (the best garnish ever for deserts and it makes everything look pretty.)
Yeast (especially if you want to bake. Anything.)
Cornstarch
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Butter (oops, mentioned it twice. wink wink.)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Pepper
Poultry seasoning (try it on your steak sometime. I dare ya.)
Honey (it rivals baking soda for it's many uses)
Olive Oil
Canola Oil
Vegetable Oil
Chocolate (if not for baking, then for eating.)
Hamburger
Chicken
Fish (I came from Minnesota. Meaning there is always, always, always, always walleye in my freezer.)
Frozen vegetables (make sure to read the labels, but if they are prepared right, they have the nutritional equivalent to fresh vegetables and can be added to everything your little cooking heart desires. I don't buy canned vegetables anymore because there is so much sodium and yet they still don't have any crunch or flavor.)
Whew. I think that's it. I know - it's a lot. But you can make a lot of creative dishes with these necessities. I've found that when I look through a cookbook to make a grocery list, I often only need to buy one or two items (usually something that needs to be fresh) because I already have everything else.
So if I have the above already stocked in my kitchen, why am I eating pesto spaghetti from a box and making dinner rolls from an exploding can? Hmmm.....
Anyway, back on the subject of dinner. I love to cook. I grew up with a family that cooked, a tradition that pre-dates my generation my several decades. My grandfather was an amazing cook and could make a feast out of anything. My mother is also a fabulous cook and everything she tosses into a pan comes out delicious. I have learned, however, through my years that this cooking skill comes with time, patience, practice, from courage to try new things, and from a lot of creativity.
I couldn't boil an egg when I was 21 (no really, I couldn't. And stop laughing). But I love to cook so I kept trying. And while my cooking prowess is still in the process of being developed, I have successfully cooked two entire Thanksgiving dinners, prepared several in-demand potluck dishes, and feed my family wonderful meals almost every night. I say almost every night because no mother - working out of the home or not - wants to cook a full meal every night. Sometimes, it's nice to throw together some grilled cheese, stuff a frozen pizza in the oven, or whip up a pan of Hamburger Helper.
Take tonight for example: I made spaghetti with pesto sauce, asparagus spears sauteed in lemon butter and dinner rolls. Sounds fancy, huh? Truth - the spaghetti was from a box (and I overcooked it) as were the dinner rolls (which were supposed to be crescent rolls but became more of just rolls) and the lemon butter was actually a tablespoon or two of butter and some lemon juice. Last night I made a chicken and rice fry with garden vegetable. In reality, it was cubed chicken, instant rice, frozen vegetables and some cheese.
It occurred to me while eating the meal tonight that while it was very easy to pour things from a box into some boiling water and stir, that it would be just as easy to make it myself from scratch. And it would have tasted better. When I was younger, hardly anything came from a box. My grandparents had an enormous garden and the basement shelves were stocked full of canned vegetables. If we didn't have it, the neighbors did. So why have I lowered myself to cooking out of boxes?
And here begins the challenge. I will cook more of my own food. I will buy more fresh vegetables and think of how I can make things from scratch. I will dare to make things that I have never tried before, even if I know my family may not eat it. I will find recipes, plan the meals, purchase the ingredients and creates delicious and healthy masterpieces for my family. I have the resources, I just haven't been using them, which is simply irresponsible on my part. So the next time I want to have spaghetti in pesto sauce, the spaghetti will be whole grain and the pesto sauce will be homemade.
Along my cooking transformation, I've learned to keep a few things on hand at all times. These things are good to have for when my husband likes to play the "what's for dinner game?" and rule out every single option I have, meaning I have to create something new. Here is my list of necessities:
Chicken stock
Cream of Mushroom soup (2 cans)
Cream of Chicken soup
Cream of Celery soup
Spaghetti sauce
A variety of pastas
Instant rice
Bag of potatoes
Instant potatoes (for those nights when the bag of potatoes is just too exhausting)
Barbecue sauce (you'd be surprised how versatile this condiment is)
Vinegar
Several varieties of cheese - sliced and shredded
Fresh vegetables
Tortillas
Butter (real butter. and lots of it.)
Vanilla Yogurt (I use it in place of syrup for breakfast, mix it with fruit, add it to granola for a snack, use as a dip for fresh fruit, need I go on?)
Crackers (not saltines, either. Have you read the labels on those things lately? Yuck.)
Fresh fruit
A wide variety of herbs and spices (I have all dried, but using fresh for a special recipe is always encouraged.)
Flour
White sugar
Brown sugar
Powdered sugar (the best garnish ever for deserts and it makes everything look pretty.)
Yeast (especially if you want to bake. Anything.)
Cornstarch
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Butter (oops, mentioned it twice. wink wink.)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Pepper
Poultry seasoning (try it on your steak sometime. I dare ya.)
Honey (it rivals baking soda for it's many uses)
Olive Oil
Canola Oil
Vegetable Oil
Chocolate (if not for baking, then for eating.)
Hamburger
Chicken
Fish (I came from Minnesota. Meaning there is always, always, always, always walleye in my freezer.)
Frozen vegetables (make sure to read the labels, but if they are prepared right, they have the nutritional equivalent to fresh vegetables and can be added to everything your little cooking heart desires. I don't buy canned vegetables anymore because there is so much sodium and yet they still don't have any crunch or flavor.)
Whew. I think that's it. I know - it's a lot. But you can make a lot of creative dishes with these necessities. I've found that when I look through a cookbook to make a grocery list, I often only need to buy one or two items (usually something that needs to be fresh) because I already have everything else.
So if I have the above already stocked in my kitchen, why am I eating pesto spaghetti from a box and making dinner rolls from an exploding can? Hmmm.....
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Wonderful World of Baking Soda
Ah baking soda - that magical yellow box hiding behind years of freezer burnt mystery packages. You're able to sleep much better at night knowing that the odors in your fridge and freezer are being kept in check by that comforting little symbol of freshness.
But did you know that there is so much more that can be done with baking soda? So much more! Baking soda should be one of the main items in any home because of it's multiple uses and functions. Not only that, but it's very cheap and it won't expire. Here are just a few of the reasons that baking soda is so incredibly awesome:
Baking: This is a no brainer - hence the name "Baking" soda. But why do certain recipes require baking soda? If you've ever skipped even that one teaspoon in a recipe, you know how how essential it is. But why? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base. When mixed with a liquid that is more acidic (buttermilk, cream of tartar, etc) it releases carbon dioxide (in the form of bubbles) that helps raise or leaven baked goods. Essentially, baking soda is so wonderful because of it's basic properties and how it reacts with other acids and bases.
Unclogging drains: This same acid/base reaction will work to unclog drains in a chemical free and environmentally safe fashion. If you have a clogged or stinky drain, use a funnel to pour about 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with about 1/2 cup vinegar and cover the drain. Leave it covered for about 15 minutes, then rinse by pouring hot water down the drain. As soon as the vinegar touches the baking soda, you'll see and hear the reaction - it's actually very cool. This is the same premised behind those volcanoes we all made in elementary school for a science project - just add red food coloring for a fun experiment.
Odor Killer: To understand how baking soda neutralizes odors, we first need to understand what is causing the odor. The answer: strong acids and bases. When organic material decomposes or rots, chemical reactions release strong acids or bases that often have a smell attached to them (these smells are called esters, but I understand if you prefer not to know that much detail). Sodium bicarbonate, while a base itself, has the ability to neutralize these strong acids and bases and restore pH levels. It essentially eats the odors and restores all that is good in the world.
Carpets: But this isn't just true for odors in a fridge or freezer. It also works for fabrics like carpet and upholstry. Instead of paying extra for carpet fresheners that contain more chemicals and scents that only cover up odors, sprinkle baking soda on carpet and upholstry. The added bonus: it keeps working after it's in the vacuum.
Cleaner: Baking soda is also abrasive and doesn't readily dissolve in water, meaning it is an excellent scrubbing agent. It's basic nature also makes it very gentle. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub away on almost every surface (you should always test a small spot first to ensure no damage will be done, just in case). This can be used on everything from the microwave to the dishwasher to dishes. For extra scrubbing and cleaning power, add coarse salt and dishsoap. Add a 1/2 cup to your next load of laundry to help your laundry soap neutralize odors and boost it's cleaning power. It also soaks up spilled grease and oil. Sprinkle the mess with baking soda, let it sit to absorb the mess, then wipe up with a damp rag.
Health: As a base, baking soda naturally works to neutralize acid, as seen earlier with how it works to neutralize odors. But it can also be used for bodily acid such as heartburn and upset stomach. There is a caution here however, in that ingesting too much of anything is harmful, especially when it comes to something like a base. Always carefully read instructions on the package first.
It can also be used in place of toothpaste - dip your toothbrush into some baking soda and scrub away at those pearly whites. It works as a gargle to help get rid of bad breath as well. It can be mixed with water into a paste that works as a gentle facial scrub, but can be used on any part of the body. Add it to shampoo (squirt some shampoo in your hand and then sprinkle on some baking soda) to help get rid of residue from styling products or anything else that might be hiding in your mane. Sprinkle in the bath to soothe irritated skin (rashes, sunburn, bug bites, etc) or to help get rid of oily residues. It can even be used in place of deoderant by sprinkling some under your arms. This same premise can be used to relieve chafing skin as well.
Basically, anything smelly, oily or dirty can be deoderized or cleaned with baking soda. No other chemicals or cleaners necessary. And did I mention it's cheap (I did actually, second paragraph)? Next time you're in the store, go ahead and stock up. It will slowly replace all other cleaners you have, creating more pantry space and saving the environment.
It really is a wonderful world when baking soda is involved.
But did you know that there is so much more that can be done with baking soda? So much more! Baking soda should be one of the main items in any home because of it's multiple uses and functions. Not only that, but it's very cheap and it won't expire. Here are just a few of the reasons that baking soda is so incredibly awesome:
Baking: This is a no brainer - hence the name "Baking" soda. But why do certain recipes require baking soda? If you've ever skipped even that one teaspoon in a recipe, you know how how essential it is. But why? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base. When mixed with a liquid that is more acidic (buttermilk, cream of tartar, etc) it releases carbon dioxide (in the form of bubbles) that helps raise or leaven baked goods. Essentially, baking soda is so wonderful because of it's basic properties and how it reacts with other acids and bases.
Unclogging drains: This same acid/base reaction will work to unclog drains in a chemical free and environmentally safe fashion. If you have a clogged or stinky drain, use a funnel to pour about 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with about 1/2 cup vinegar and cover the drain. Leave it covered for about 15 minutes, then rinse by pouring hot water down the drain. As soon as the vinegar touches the baking soda, you'll see and hear the reaction - it's actually very cool. This is the same premised behind those volcanoes we all made in elementary school for a science project - just add red food coloring for a fun experiment.
Odor Killer: To understand how baking soda neutralizes odors, we first need to understand what is causing the odor. The answer: strong acids and bases. When organic material decomposes or rots, chemical reactions release strong acids or bases that often have a smell attached to them (these smells are called esters, but I understand if you prefer not to know that much detail). Sodium bicarbonate, while a base itself, has the ability to neutralize these strong acids and bases and restore pH levels. It essentially eats the odors and restores all that is good in the world.
Carpets: But this isn't just true for odors in a fridge or freezer. It also works for fabrics like carpet and upholstry. Instead of paying extra for carpet fresheners that contain more chemicals and scents that only cover up odors, sprinkle baking soda on carpet and upholstry. The added bonus: it keeps working after it's in the vacuum.
Cleaner: Baking soda is also abrasive and doesn't readily dissolve in water, meaning it is an excellent scrubbing agent. It's basic nature also makes it very gentle. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub away on almost every surface (you should always test a small spot first to ensure no damage will be done, just in case). This can be used on everything from the microwave to the dishwasher to dishes. For extra scrubbing and cleaning power, add coarse salt and dishsoap. Add a 1/2 cup to your next load of laundry to help your laundry soap neutralize odors and boost it's cleaning power. It also soaks up spilled grease and oil. Sprinkle the mess with baking soda, let it sit to absorb the mess, then wipe up with a damp rag.
Health: As a base, baking soda naturally works to neutralize acid, as seen earlier with how it works to neutralize odors. But it can also be used for bodily acid such as heartburn and upset stomach. There is a caution here however, in that ingesting too much of anything is harmful, especially when it comes to something like a base. Always carefully read instructions on the package first.
It can also be used in place of toothpaste - dip your toothbrush into some baking soda and scrub away at those pearly whites. It works as a gargle to help get rid of bad breath as well. It can be mixed with water into a paste that works as a gentle facial scrub, but can be used on any part of the body. Add it to shampoo (squirt some shampoo in your hand and then sprinkle on some baking soda) to help get rid of residue from styling products or anything else that might be hiding in your mane. Sprinkle in the bath to soothe irritated skin (rashes, sunburn, bug bites, etc) or to help get rid of oily residues. It can even be used in place of deoderant by sprinkling some under your arms. This same premise can be used to relieve chafing skin as well.
Basically, anything smelly, oily or dirty can be deoderized or cleaned with baking soda. No other chemicals or cleaners necessary. And did I mention it's cheap (I did actually, second paragraph)? Next time you're in the store, go ahead and stock up. It will slowly replace all other cleaners you have, creating more pantry space and saving the environment.
It really is a wonderful world when baking soda is involved.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Re-using as an Art: The Attraction of Second-Hand
I love telling the story of how we started remodeling our house. My husband was home alone one day and was bored. So he does what every other person does when they're home and bored: he tore out our basement bathroom. I came home to a completed gutted masterpiece, complete with a bathtub in my laundry room across the hall.
I wasn't upset - I was actually excited. We had bought the house partly because it needed updating, and we are very much DIYers. In fact, I'd already had the design and decorating all figured out. Unfortunately, so did my husband, and our two ideas were not the same.
He came to me with the laptop one day and said "Pick out a vanity." On the page was a list of vanities from a large home-improvement store.
"I already know what I want," I said, pushing the laptop aside.
"Oh. Which one is it?" he asked.
"I want to get a used dresser or table from an antique store or second-hand store and then fix it up. We can buy a sink and a countertop and cut a hole in the top of it. I saw it one a show once and it was so cute!"
He looked at me with horror, disgust and confusion.
"What?" I asked.
"Sounds expensive," he offered as a defense.
"No, actually, it would be much cheaper."
"I don't want to do that. I want all new things in my bathroom," he proclaimed.
(enter in sounds effects: dun dun dun....)
Thems were fightin' words.
"Everything new in your bathroom? Since when do you care about decorating?" I retaliated.
"I don't, but I do care about quality," he offered as rebuttel.
"And you think spending a fortune on a cheaply made piece of furniture produced in bulk is better quality than something that was hand made and has stood the test of time?"
"Yes."
He then proposed a challenge: I find the piece of furniture, the countertop and sink and price it out and see if I can change his mind.
Well, that never happened, for two reasons: 1) I am a busy women that works 50 hours a week, raises a toddler and keeps an entire household running. 2) I knew that no matter what I found or did, he wouldn't change his mind because he's stubborn like that (he later admitted that I was 100% correct about this).
We ended up purchasing an expensive mass-produced vanity from a large home-improvement store. But, I will eat my words - it is very nice and the quality is very good (because of the price, I suppose). And - I know in my heart of hearts that I will get that second-hand store vanity that I've been dreaming about. Afterall, we have two more bathrooms to remodel.
My point is simple: why spend a fortune on something brand new when you can save money and resources by purchasing it used. It's how I was raised. Because of this, there are certain things I will not do: like spend $50 on any article of clothing (except shoes and undergarments - those I buy new for obvious reasons). I hate buying brand new furniture - they just don't make it like they used to, meaning you get a lot more quality for your dollar if you buy used. Anything can be resuscitated using some sandpaper and paint or some new fabric. The best part - it's your style, all your own because you've created it. Whenever I read home decorating magazines, the best pieces are found and transformed into something unique and personalized.
The same goes for clothing. Some people may say that thrift stores are where clothing fads from past decades have gone to die - and that is true. However, if you allow yourself time and patience to sift through the masses, you can find some real gems. For example, I went shopping the other day and found a beautiful skirt from Anne Taylor Loft, brand new, for $2.50. Why? Because someone bought it and didn't like it anymore. Loss for them, huge win for me. I made sure to tell everyone where I procured the skirt and how much I paid for it at work when I graciously accepted compliments on it. This has happened more than once.
Maybe it's my upbringing. My mother is also an avid lover of thrift stores. I remember being a little girl and going on shopping trips to a neighboring town and the first place we would stop is the thrift store. When we were done, we would compare what we got and for how little. Then we would go to a clothing store and laugh at the prices. To this day, I still call my mother and brag when I score a deal at a second-hand store.
New doesn't necessarily mean better. There are standards when it comes to second-hand, however:
1. That couch your neighbors threw into the alley - it's probably there for a reason. That would not be considered second-hand. That would be considered gross.
2. Buy used - not dirty. This goes along with number 1. Almost all second-hand stores have high standards as to what they will and won't sell. Afterall, it's not a garbage dump. Still, it's pays to have a good eye and inspect what you buy. There could be stains and rips that weren't noticed or that can't be fixed.
3. Buy used - not broken. This also goes along with numbers 1 and 2. Make sure it works before you buy it. Getting a great deal on something you can't use is actually wasting money. A lot of times, the stores will put a disclaimer on the item and be very honest about any flaws. It would still be beneficial to test it out yourself. Never be afraid to ask to plug something in and test it - especially since most second-hand stores have a final sale and no returns policy.
4. Be realistic. I could easily spend hundreds of dollars at a thrift store and bring home a u-haul filled with stuff. That couch with the good frame that just needed to be reupholtered, the cute wooden shelf that needed some paint, or that nice basket that can be used somewhere. Don't buy it unless you have a plan for it. After all, it was brought to the thrift store because it was taking up space in someone else's house and they didn't know what else to do with it. Why repeat the trend?
5. Never donate where you shop. This is along the lines of "never eat where you defacate" to put it in PC terms. It really is embarassing having to explain to your husband why you purchased the exact same shirt twice, only to donate it again two months later.
6. Sometimes quality wins over price. Remember - everything in a second-hand store has been owned, meaning it was in someone else's house. Not everything donated to a second-hand store should be. This is the reason I won't buy shoes or undergarments from thrift stores. With some pieces, like kitchen cookware for example, it's better to purchase new and get the same quality for the same price. A used set of pans with scratches and dents would be perfect for a cash-strapped college kid living on their own. However, this might not be the case for a newlywed couple that is able to make an investment into cookware that will last the next 20 years. Think long-term: if you need something to get you through the next few years, perfect. If you're looking for something to pass onto your children, it might be beneficial to purchase new. It depends on the person and the item.
Happy shopping!
I wasn't upset - I was actually excited. We had bought the house partly because it needed updating, and we are very much DIYers. In fact, I'd already had the design and decorating all figured out. Unfortunately, so did my husband, and our two ideas were not the same.
He came to me with the laptop one day and said "Pick out a vanity." On the page was a list of vanities from a large home-improvement store.
"I already know what I want," I said, pushing the laptop aside.
"Oh. Which one is it?" he asked.
"I want to get a used dresser or table from an antique store or second-hand store and then fix it up. We can buy a sink and a countertop and cut a hole in the top of it. I saw it one a show once and it was so cute!"
He looked at me with horror, disgust and confusion.
"What?" I asked.
"Sounds expensive," he offered as a defense.
"No, actually, it would be much cheaper."
"I don't want to do that. I want all new things in my bathroom," he proclaimed.
(enter in sounds effects: dun dun dun....)
Thems were fightin' words.
"Everything new in your bathroom? Since when do you care about decorating?" I retaliated.
"I don't, but I do care about quality," he offered as rebuttel.
"And you think spending a fortune on a cheaply made piece of furniture produced in bulk is better quality than something that was hand made and has stood the test of time?"
"Yes."
He then proposed a challenge: I find the piece of furniture, the countertop and sink and price it out and see if I can change his mind.
Well, that never happened, for two reasons: 1) I am a busy women that works 50 hours a week, raises a toddler and keeps an entire household running. 2) I knew that no matter what I found or did, he wouldn't change his mind because he's stubborn like that (he later admitted that I was 100% correct about this).
We ended up purchasing an expensive mass-produced vanity from a large home-improvement store. But, I will eat my words - it is very nice and the quality is very good (because of the price, I suppose). And - I know in my heart of hearts that I will get that second-hand store vanity that I've been dreaming about. Afterall, we have two more bathrooms to remodel.
My point is simple: why spend a fortune on something brand new when you can save money and resources by purchasing it used. It's how I was raised. Because of this, there are certain things I will not do: like spend $50 on any article of clothing (except shoes and undergarments - those I buy new for obvious reasons). I hate buying brand new furniture - they just don't make it like they used to, meaning you get a lot more quality for your dollar if you buy used. Anything can be resuscitated using some sandpaper and paint or some new fabric. The best part - it's your style, all your own because you've created it. Whenever I read home decorating magazines, the best pieces are found and transformed into something unique and personalized.
The same goes for clothing. Some people may say that thrift stores are where clothing fads from past decades have gone to die - and that is true. However, if you allow yourself time and patience to sift through the masses, you can find some real gems. For example, I went shopping the other day and found a beautiful skirt from Anne Taylor Loft, brand new, for $2.50. Why? Because someone bought it and didn't like it anymore. Loss for them, huge win for me. I made sure to tell everyone where I procured the skirt and how much I paid for it at work when I graciously accepted compliments on it. This has happened more than once.
Maybe it's my upbringing. My mother is also an avid lover of thrift stores. I remember being a little girl and going on shopping trips to a neighboring town and the first place we would stop is the thrift store. When we were done, we would compare what we got and for how little. Then we would go to a clothing store and laugh at the prices. To this day, I still call my mother and brag when I score a deal at a second-hand store.
New doesn't necessarily mean better. There are standards when it comes to second-hand, however:
1. That couch your neighbors threw into the alley - it's probably there for a reason. That would not be considered second-hand. That would be considered gross.
2. Buy used - not dirty. This goes along with number 1. Almost all second-hand stores have high standards as to what they will and won't sell. Afterall, it's not a garbage dump. Still, it's pays to have a good eye and inspect what you buy. There could be stains and rips that weren't noticed or that can't be fixed.
3. Buy used - not broken. This also goes along with numbers 1 and 2. Make sure it works before you buy it. Getting a great deal on something you can't use is actually wasting money. A lot of times, the stores will put a disclaimer on the item and be very honest about any flaws. It would still be beneficial to test it out yourself. Never be afraid to ask to plug something in and test it - especially since most second-hand stores have a final sale and no returns policy.
4. Be realistic. I could easily spend hundreds of dollars at a thrift store and bring home a u-haul filled with stuff. That couch with the good frame that just needed to be reupholtered, the cute wooden shelf that needed some paint, or that nice basket that can be used somewhere. Don't buy it unless you have a plan for it. After all, it was brought to the thrift store because it was taking up space in someone else's house and they didn't know what else to do with it. Why repeat the trend?
5. Never donate where you shop. This is along the lines of "never eat where you defacate" to put it in PC terms. It really is embarassing having to explain to your husband why you purchased the exact same shirt twice, only to donate it again two months later.
6. Sometimes quality wins over price. Remember - everything in a second-hand store has been owned, meaning it was in someone else's house. Not everything donated to a second-hand store should be. This is the reason I won't buy shoes or undergarments from thrift stores. With some pieces, like kitchen cookware for example, it's better to purchase new and get the same quality for the same price. A used set of pans with scratches and dents would be perfect for a cash-strapped college kid living on their own. However, this might not be the case for a newlywed couple that is able to make an investment into cookware that will last the next 20 years. Think long-term: if you need something to get you through the next few years, perfect. If you're looking for something to pass onto your children, it might be beneficial to purchase new. It depends on the person and the item.
Happy shopping!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Laundry Chronicles
For some people, laundry is the bane of their existence. I, however, don't mind it. I've been doing my own laundry since I was in high school - not because I had that type of mother that made me do all my own chores, but rather because she always ruined my clothes. I could have a brand new shirt made of the most durable material, wear it once, have her wash it, and it would be ruined.
Since taking over, I have rarely washed anything in hot water and I have never sorted by color. Instead, I sort by area of the house. I wash my and my husbands clothes together, I wash my sons clothes in a separate load, I have a separate load for towels and rags, and another one for bedding and blankets. I always wash in cold water and am very proud to report that I have never ruined a piece of clothing. The reason isn't the cold water - that just saves energy and money. The reason is because I read labels. If there are any special type of care instructions, those items are put in a special pile and cleaned with a Dryel at-home dry cleaning kit. When I have enough garments for a load, I toss them in the fabric bag with a Dryel sheet and let the magic work. To help keep things extra clean, I also take these garments to the dry cleaner at least once a year or if they get really dirty. I usually keep a running pile for the dry cleaner as well so it's not a wasted trip.
My laundry room is in the basement, so I learned early on to never leave a load of wet clothes just hanging out in the washer. It only took one load of mildew-scented clothes and the multitude of extra washings needed to get rid of the smell to help me remember. The good news is that I always try get the best deal on laundry detergent. To me, soap is soap and the bottom line is that it should clean clothes. I do try to be conscious of what's in the detergent and will buy "free" detergent and earth-friendly detergent whenever possible, but I admit that my checking account sometimes wins out. I have looked into making my own laundry detergent, but with only a family of 3, it wouldn't be efficient enough. We'll see how I feel about that in about 15 years when my house is riddled with teenagers.
Unfortunately, there is no consequence to forgetting a load of clothes in the dryer. Even running down to a cold cement-floor basement at 6 a.m. in the middle of winter in nothing but a towel is sometimes easier than folding the laundry and putting it away. Because of this, I often find myself drying clothes twice - once to dry them and once to get the wrinkles out from letting them sit in the drying/laundry basket in a crumpled pile for a few days.
I am also a recovery dryer-sheet junkie. I would always buy the cheapest I could find, thinking that I was saving money. However, I would then use 2-3 sheets per load and still end up with so much static I would have to wear rubber soled shoes just to fold laundry. I then discovered the Bounce Dryer Bar. Amazing. No static, fantastic smell and nothing to remember or throw away (meaning no pulling a used dryer sheet out of your pant leg during that important meeting - been there, done that.) It is a little expensive, and I find that they never last as long as they say they will, but I think that's more due to my laundry habits. It's still well worth the money and I would never go back to the dreaded dryer sheets.
I grew up with a clothes line and have wanted one since leaving home. At our rental house in college, I managed to string up some clothing line from the house to a tree in the back yard. It was not pretty, and it never lasted long, but it worked for what I needed. Luckily, this spring, I invested in a Household Essentials Parallel-style clothes line from Amazon.com. It was very reasonably priced compared to others that I had looked at, but the real selling point was that it can be folded up and taken down for storage. It did require a permanent ground fixture, which included digging a hole and filling it with concrete. Luckily, we had some laying around (yes, I have that kind of husband) and it was actually very easy to set up. Now, I have laundry out every chance I can get. I will even save laundry and wash it on the weekend to ensure I can dry them on the clothes line. If you are able to purchase a clothes line, please do. It's better for your clothes, your energy bills and the planet. Even for the area that I live in where it's winter half the year, it's still a great investment. And my clothes and sheets smell and feel amazing. Sometimes clothes can sometimes feel stiff after hanging on the line. For towels, this is okay. For the shirt you'll be wearing on your skin for 10 hours, maybe not so okay. I always fluff my clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes, which seems to cure the stiffness
So here are my tips for laundry:
1. Wash/rinse in cold water: it saves money and you don't have to sort by color or worry about bleeding colors.
2. Read labels: special instructions are there for a reason. These clothes deserve extra care to last any amount of time. Likewise, undergarments should be given special care. I don't put my bras in the drying because the straps get twisted and the cups often get deformed. Instead, I hang dry them.
3. Sort by area, not color: this helps in the putting away department. You'll save time by going to one area of the house instead of hopping all over.
4. Don't leave wet laundry in the washer: it only takes once and you'll know why.
5. Invest in a clothes line: if the fresh air scent isn't enough of an incentive, the energy savings should be.
Products I love:
1. Dryel at home dry cleaning kit
2. Bounce dryer bar
Since taking over, I have rarely washed anything in hot water and I have never sorted by color. Instead, I sort by area of the house. I wash my and my husbands clothes together, I wash my sons clothes in a separate load, I have a separate load for towels and rags, and another one for bedding and blankets. I always wash in cold water and am very proud to report that I have never ruined a piece of clothing. The reason isn't the cold water - that just saves energy and money. The reason is because I read labels. If there are any special type of care instructions, those items are put in a special pile and cleaned with a Dryel at-home dry cleaning kit. When I have enough garments for a load, I toss them in the fabric bag with a Dryel sheet and let the magic work. To help keep things extra clean, I also take these garments to the dry cleaner at least once a year or if they get really dirty. I usually keep a running pile for the dry cleaner as well so it's not a wasted trip.
My laundry room is in the basement, so I learned early on to never leave a load of wet clothes just hanging out in the washer. It only took one load of mildew-scented clothes and the multitude of extra washings needed to get rid of the smell to help me remember. The good news is that I always try get the best deal on laundry detergent. To me, soap is soap and the bottom line is that it should clean clothes. I do try to be conscious of what's in the detergent and will buy "free" detergent and earth-friendly detergent whenever possible, but I admit that my checking account sometimes wins out. I have looked into making my own laundry detergent, but with only a family of 3, it wouldn't be efficient enough. We'll see how I feel about that in about 15 years when my house is riddled with teenagers.
Unfortunately, there is no consequence to forgetting a load of clothes in the dryer. Even running down to a cold cement-floor basement at 6 a.m. in the middle of winter in nothing but a towel is sometimes easier than folding the laundry and putting it away. Because of this, I often find myself drying clothes twice - once to dry them and once to get the wrinkles out from letting them sit in the drying/laundry basket in a crumpled pile for a few days.
I am also a recovery dryer-sheet junkie. I would always buy the cheapest I could find, thinking that I was saving money. However, I would then use 2-3 sheets per load and still end up with so much static I would have to wear rubber soled shoes just to fold laundry. I then discovered the Bounce Dryer Bar. Amazing. No static, fantastic smell and nothing to remember or throw away (meaning no pulling a used dryer sheet out of your pant leg during that important meeting - been there, done that.) It is a little expensive, and I find that they never last as long as they say they will, but I think that's more due to my laundry habits. It's still well worth the money and I would never go back to the dreaded dryer sheets.
I grew up with a clothes line and have wanted one since leaving home. At our rental house in college, I managed to string up some clothing line from the house to a tree in the back yard. It was not pretty, and it never lasted long, but it worked for what I needed. Luckily, this spring, I invested in a Household Essentials Parallel-style clothes line from Amazon.com. It was very reasonably priced compared to others that I had looked at, but the real selling point was that it can be folded up and taken down for storage. It did require a permanent ground fixture, which included digging a hole and filling it with concrete. Luckily, we had some laying around (yes, I have that kind of husband) and it was actually very easy to set up. Now, I have laundry out every chance I can get. I will even save laundry and wash it on the weekend to ensure I can dry them on the clothes line. If you are able to purchase a clothes line, please do. It's better for your clothes, your energy bills and the planet. Even for the area that I live in where it's winter half the year, it's still a great investment. And my clothes and sheets smell and feel amazing. Sometimes clothes can sometimes feel stiff after hanging on the line. For towels, this is okay. For the shirt you'll be wearing on your skin for 10 hours, maybe not so okay. I always fluff my clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting for about 20 minutes, which seems to cure the stiffness
So here are my tips for laundry:
1. Wash/rinse in cold water: it saves money and you don't have to sort by color or worry about bleeding colors.
2. Read labels: special instructions are there for a reason. These clothes deserve extra care to last any amount of time. Likewise, undergarments should be given special care. I don't put my bras in the drying because the straps get twisted and the cups often get deformed. Instead, I hang dry them.
3. Sort by area, not color: this helps in the putting away department. You'll save time by going to one area of the house instead of hopping all over.
4. Don't leave wet laundry in the washer: it only takes once and you'll know why.
5. Invest in a clothes line: if the fresh air scent isn't enough of an incentive, the energy savings should be.
Products I love:
1. Dryel at home dry cleaning kit
2. Bounce dryer bar
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