Labeled

I mentioned earlier of my quest to organize my home. I found all kinds of helpful tools and great ideas with the help of Pinterest (an addiction) and Google. One blog I came across was The House of Smiths Designs. This creator of this blog, Shelley Smith, shares her journey of designing a beautiful home. Along with the help of her husband, the Smiths have transformed their home into a very creative and organized family haven. One of the best elements of this blog is that many of the items (particularly labels ) are available for purchase. They are priced well and are so pretty. I really like that you can see what they will look like in a completed space. Check out Shelley's blog at www.thehouseofsmithsdesigns.com .
Below are just a few things on her blog.

Shelley's Pantry....I will have this pantry! 

Show Me the Money!

So, if you're like me you probably have tons of stuff tucked away in closets, drawers, cabinets and anywhere else you can stash a goodie. Between my husband and myself we could probably open a small resale business. I am, however, going to round out 2012 in a very organized and uncluttered home....I hope. As a result of my hopes and dreams of composing an 'orderly' space I began cleaning out those closets and such. It was about this time that I was invited to join a Facebook group called Midlothian, TX Closet Party.SCORE!

Here's the way it works: After you become a member of the group you can post items for sale you are wanting to purge. If you see something you are interested in you simply comment and the seller and you work out a way to connect and 'make the exchange'. It's like going on a treasure hunt every time you scroll trough the items and you'll never know what might pop up. I have seen everything from baby clothes/items to home decor, jewelry, purses and just now a vehicle. I have also been able to post some of my own things and have made a few bucks in the process. You know what they say...'One man's trash is another man's treasure." I can't emphasize how true this is as I had an old beat up trunk I posted and women were commenting left and right trying to be the new owner of this great piece. One unexpected surprise I have received is the opportunity I have had to meet and get acquainted with some wonderful ladies. A few of my friends (who are further along in their clean out quest) have made some serious cash, while others have been able to clothe their kiddies in great style for school for pennies on the dollar. Some have completely mastered these and are doing both. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better I was told by my 'bestie' of a spin off Facebook group, Midlothian, TX MAKES IT and Sells It!

This group is composed of gals who make custom items and sell them. Genius! I have already seen a few things I will be ordering as gifts and with the holidays right around the corner I know these girls will be in big demand.  Below are some pics of just a few of the items from the above named groups. My suggestion to some of you out there...take note from these innovative ladies and start a FB group in your area. The possibilities to make and save money are endless!

I wanted this but was too late :( ...what a steal! $50

                                  Who couldn't use these?
                                             $5

Great for upcoming holiday parties. Size 8 - $15

 I have seen awesome deals on designer handbags!Coach  - $40 obo

Too cute and a great price!$10

                                                                              Adorable!

Now....here are some of the creative( and yummy) pieces from the Makes It and Sells It group.

Visit http://www.noelleboutique.etsy.com/ to see adorable handmade headbands! Great for babies, toddlers, teens and even adult styles! Grand Opening/Labor Day sales ends tonight! 10% off entire purchase with coupon code "GRANDLABORDAY" at check out.

                                         A gal pal bought some of these tamales and said they were delish

My friend, Suzy, has gotten in on the action and has posted some of her custom creations in this group. She also makes the mums shown here. The best part...she will tailor these or just about anything else you can think of and will ship to anywhere in the U.S.



Love this hat!



Hello Again!

This is one more attempt at me blogging. I am amazed and impressed with the gals (and guys) who have shared their passion consistently over the past several years. While I took a break from writing and sharing I did use this time to do some research on other blogs and their writers. I found some incredible design and DIY blogs that I would like to share with you. These ladies and their very helpful hubbies, and at times along with a small army of family and friends, have successfully transformed their nests into a true haven. My favorite 'go to' blog is Southern Hospitality - Adventures in Decorating, Cooking, Thrifty and Gardening. The blogger, Rhoda, has been sharing  for years and has perfected blogging into an art. One of my favorite elements on her blog is 'Feature Friday'. She shares stories and photos of beautiful homes and their owners and it's just amazing to see all the different design styles represented in each article. I could go on all day about her blog but I'll let you check it out at www.southernhospitalityblog.com.
I want to invite you to stay tuned in as I will be sharing some makeovers of my own space in the days to come and I hope to inspire you as much as I have  been kindled to make my home into a haven. Check back tomorrow to learn about the latest creative way some north Texas moms are making extra cash and saving big money at the same time.

Here's a sneak peak at www.southernhospitalityblog.com

Tour My Home

Even though I don’t live in this beautiful house anymore, this house was a 5 year project of fixing up and making it better.  I’ve shared a lot of the projects here on my blog, so take a look around.  You can read Meet Rhoda to find out more about me and why I don’t live here any longer.
Since I upgraded to a new DSLR camera, I decided to do separate posts on most of the rooms in the house as an update. You’ve seen the rooms before, but these are new and improved pics, so enjoy the tour.  I’ll link back to original posts for more details and feel free to ask questions about any room.
The house was not cutting edge style, nor the latest trend, but it was comfortable and pretty.
Click on each pic to go to that room:

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen & Breakfast Nook

Master Bedroom and Bath

Blue Guestroom and Bath

Lime Green Laundry Room

Wallpapered Office Nook

Cottage Guestroom

Green and Brown guestbath

Porch on the Deck

source  - southernhospitality.com

100 Tips in !00 Days - Day 23

Most mornings I have a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon, ground flax seed and raw, unprocessed honey in it. (sometimes a few walnuts too). It is so yummy! As a child I was not a breakfast eater and it took every trick in the book for my mother to get me to eat something, anything, before I left for school. Throughout the years I have come to enjoy breakfast more and more. It is probably my favorite meal of the day. Well, you might be wondering what my breakfast preference has to do with today's tip. Have you guessed it yet? If you said honey, you are right! There are many different ways to work this wonder food into your diet and life. Several years ago I was suffering from severe allergies and was at my wits end when a friend finally convinced me to use local, raw, unprocessed honey. So I started taking 2 tbs a day for about a week then went down to 1. Before I knew it, nature had done for me what modern science couldn't. I am thankful God provided us with this awesome ingredient! Every time I have a 'tickle cough' I can't get rid of,  I just swallow a teaspoon of honey and ....ahhh....relief. In the article below found on lifehackery.com are some interesting, sweet uses for one of my favorite things...honey.

15 Unconventional Uses for Honey
by Paul - All Posts By This Author
photo from article on lifehackery.com

The bee, feared for its nasty sting, comes as an unwelcome visitor in our gardens. People often scamper away when they see the buzzing insect approach their direction. Scary as the bee is, it brings a product enjoyed for its sweet natural taste and its number of alternative uses - honey. As a practical soul, you can make your domestic life a bit more convenient with such a useful item. Purchase a jar of honey and discover all of its benefits.
Honey, aside from being a tasty snack, can be used for a variety of home and health-related applications. With its natural formulation, it is used as a treatment for some illnesses and a vitamin supplement. It is also known to moisturize and disinfect the skin, making it an unconventional moisturizer, antiseptic and antibacterial solution. For years, vegans have used honey to promote good health. Now it’s your turn to reap the rewards in using the bee’s healthy byproduct. Here are 15 unconventional uses for honey.

1. Skin Moisturizer - Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.
2. Antiseptic - Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.
3. Acne Remover - Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.
4. Energy Booster - Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.
5. Immune System Booster - Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. You can give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose anyway.
6. Enhances Vitamin A - Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better eyesight, especially when consumed in significant quantities. If you mix items that are rich in Vitamin A with honey, the effects are slightly increased.
7. Improves Blood Flow - Honey, being rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow through the fortification of blood’s formation. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.
8. Treatment for Sore Throat - Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds.
9. Colon Damage Prevention - Colitis, a disease that damages the colon, induces much discomfort for the afflicted. You can minimize the effects of the disease if you drink some honey daily. The antioxidants found in honey is said to strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. In addition, it is used in folk medicine as a means for curing colon-related conditions.
10. Parasite Remover - Honey, when mixed with vinegar and water, can remove worms and other parasites in your body. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and honey’s therapeutic components is more than enough to kill or expel bodily intruders. When you suspect that you have worms in your body, drink ample amounts of the solution regularly. The parasites might build a resistance if you don’t manage to get rid of them all as soon as possible. (More tips on how to get rid of parasites)
11. Remedy for Burns - A burn is not only painful, the marks also last for a good number of days before healing up. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Use honey as a dressing for maximum results.
12. Antibacterial Solution - Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, killing them off eventually. Apply honey on a wound, scratches or an inflamed region, in conjunction with an antiseptic. You’ll be astounded at how fast your injury heals after.
13. Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness - Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind. Once both conditions swarm your thoughts, your actions are tantamount to produce negative results. Free yourself from any of the two states of mind by eating porridge mixed with honey. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. No wonder some consider it a part of the breakfast of champions. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep.
14. Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention - Heart disease and cancer are diseases that have claimed the lives of millions of people. Both conditions have a multitude of causes, some of which are hard to identify. You must have some sort of protection from these diseases and that protection comes in the form of honey. Honey’s antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer cells and preserve the quality of the produced blood, preventing heart disease in the process. Though, engaging in acts that promote cancer, such as smoking and excessive drinking, will still trigger the diseases, so be watchful.
15. Diabetic Ulcer Remedy - Curing ulcer entirely is largely done by modern medical techniques. Though, you can speed up the healing process if you use honey as a topical solution. It’s ability to heal wounds will certainly come in handy when other ointments are not advised to use.

Honey is a medical resource used before modern medicine became established. It may not replace many of the technological methods currently practiced in hospitals, but it can certainly match some of the medicine prescribed by physicians. The bee fluid, as it turns out, is a miracle drug that cures quite a number of ailments and diseases. Use it and get good health for a fairly low price. After learning the many benefits you can get from honey, you should culture bees to get honey from it for free, learn how to keep bees.

100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 22

So, my last post was about unusual uses for salt and I 'm sure you have figured out what this post is regarding. You guessed it, pepper. I really wasn't sure what, if any, things I would find out about pepper but was I in for a surprise! It seemed as though everything I found included cayenne pepper with information about black pepper, so you will see a few tidbits about cayenne pepper as well in the following article on http://free.naplesplus.us/articles/view.php/51022/interesting-uses-for-black-pepper-and-cayenne-pepper.



image - bing images/
en.wikipedia.org

 Black Pepper: 1. If your old clunker is starting to get a slow leak in the radiator, pour some black pepper into it to plug up small holes. This will buy you time to get it fixed properly.

2. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to kill ants. All you need is about a half cup of black or cayenne pepper poured down the hole and voila, no more ant problem.

3. This also holds true for hungry ants looking for something sweet in your kitchen. You can put white pepper in their path and they will disappear thinking there are no meals here.

4. Here is a recipe that not only keeps insects away but also animals from your garden. - 2 tbsp cayenne pepper - 2 large cloves of garlic - 4 medium sized onions - 4 cups water - In a blender or food processor, blend until completely smooth. Then add about a gallon of water and you are ready to spray your plants.

5. A tsp of pepper in your wash will keep your colors bright a lot longer. It can also keep your colors from bleeding. There are not many products that can do that.

6. Do you have problems with your sinuses? Do you have a cold? Cayenne pepper in your favorite food can unclog you and get you cleared up in no time. Or, mix liquid pepper with eucalyptus and put it in your steamer to sooth and unclog your sinuses . (Your health food store should carry these drops. If they don’t, ask them to.)

7. Help your liver detoxify with this early morning drink; - 1 lemon squeezed, - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, - 1 cup filtered water, - 1 tsp maple syrup When you drink this every morning you begin to look forward to it.

8. For arthritis pain you can make your own homemade warming massage to sooth where it hurts. Recipe: Mix together cayenne pepper with hand lotion or moisture cream. Massage on the affected area. Wash hands immediately.

9. If you feel the beginning of a migraine headache coming on, you can use about a ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a half glass of water. Repeat after a half hour.

10. According to Dr. Richard Schulze, M.H., N.D., if someone is having a heart attack, you can revive them by putting 4 to 5 drops of a mixture of a tsp. of cayenne pepper and some water and continue to give it every five minutes until the person has recovered. They may sputter and choke a bit but that’s Okay.

11. Squirrels eating the feed in your bird feeder? Sprinkling Cayenne pepper in the feed does not affect the birds. They apparently have a high tolerance for the pepper.

12. If you have problems with rodents chewing on cables then you can rub pepper tincture on them and they won’t go anywhere near it.

A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentifrice. Their daily use prevents dental caries, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums and toothaches.

Medicinal Uses for Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper is a stimulating herb made from dried chili peppers. This popular spice is used widely as food enhancement, but it has been longer used for its medicinal properties. The capsaicin in the pepper is what gives it its potent flavor. This same capsaicin elevates it as a medicinal alternative. Cayenne pepper has been used effectively to treat and prevent a number of health ailments. Significance Cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, carotenoids and the whole of the B complexes. It is also a good source of organic calcium potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.


These do not take the place of a doctor's advice
Helps With Rheumatism and Arthritis The topical application of cayenne pepper creates an irritated effect on the applied area. This irritation is helpful to distract the nerves from joint pains due to arthritis. Its boost to the circulatory system helps relieve problems with rheumatism.

Relieves Stomach Pains Cayenne pepper operates as a local anesthetic to ulcerated tissue in the stomach and can even help to control bleeding. Cayenne pepper, in general is helpful in relieving stomach aches, gas and cramps.

Relieves Congestion The capsaicin in cayenne pepper gives the pepper its heating effect. This capsaicin helps with the elimination of mucus from the nose and lungs by clearing the sinuses and inducing sweating. Cayenne pepper added to tea is helpful in relieving the symptoms of cold and flu.

Clears Up Respiratory Problems The beta-carotene in cayenne pepper is helpful in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

Relieves Headaches As capsaicin can open the lungs and nasal passages, it can also (when inhaled or applied topically) clear the head, thus relieving headaches. Capsaicin can also deliver temporary relief from toothaches.

Lowers Blood Pressure and Stops Heart Attack Capsaicin stimulates circulation and blood flow. When combined with garlic & parsley, cayenne pepper will help lower blood pressure. Cayenne pepper

100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 21

It seems as though these days our doctors tell us to avoid consuming too much salt, so if you're like me you just don't make it available to sprinkle on your food. My husband isn't too fond of this practice but doesn't seem to mind when the doctor gives him a clean bill of health. A small amount of sodium is imperative to good health but can also be too much of a good thing, so what else is there to do with this favorite pantry item? I found the following article on ivillage.com and was surprised at some of the uses for salt. Can you guess what my next post will be about?



image from Bing Images/office-table.com

Mankind has been using salt for many centuries, in the course of which we've amassed many uses (some speculate thousands) for this amazing substance—uses that go far beyond mere seasoning. Here are a few of the more practical ones:

• Pick up a dropped egg. If an egg breaks on the kitchen floor, sprinkle salt on the mess and leave it there for 20 minutes. You'll be able to wipe it right up.
• Soothe a bee sting. Wet the sting right away, then cover it with salt.
• Eliminate a grease fire. Pour salt on top to smother it. (Never use water on a grease fire.)
• Clean up oven spills. If food boils over onto the oven floor, sprinkle salt on top to stop smoke and odor from forming. When the oven is cool, it'll be easy to brush away the spot.
• Set color. If a dye may run, soak the garment for an hour in 1/2 gallon of water to which you've added 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup salt. If rinse water shows color, repeat. This is good for a single-colored fabric or madras. If the item is multicolored, dry-clean it. (American-made fabrics are unlikely to run, but fabrics from abroad are sometimes risky.)
• Kill poison ivy. Add three pounds of salt to a gallon of soapy water. Spray it onto leaves and stems
• Make cream whip more easily and egg whites whip faster and higher. Add a pinch of salt.
• Test for rotten eggs. Put an egg in a cup of water to which you've added two teaspoons of salt. A fresh egg will sink, but one that's iffy will float.
• Clean the brown spots (from starch) off a nonstick soleplate (the bottom of your iron). Sprinkle salt on a sheet of waxed paper, slide the iron across it, then rub lightly with silver polishh
• Repel fleas. Wash the doghouse with it

• Kill grass growing in cracks in the cement or between patio stones. Sprinkle salt on the grass and pour very hot water over it. Or sprinkle coarse salt on the grass, let stand all day or overnight, then pour hot tap water over it.
• Clean a glass coffee pot. Fill it with 1/4 cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around, let it sit for half an hour, fill it with cold water and rinse.
• Halt the mountain of suds from an overflowing washing machine. Sprinkle salt on the top.
• Clean artificial flowers. Put them in a bag of salt and shake the bag. Take a look at the color of the salt and you'll see what you've accomplished.
• Keep windows frost-free. Dip a sponge into salt water and rub it on windows, and they won't frost up even when the mercury dips below 32 degrees; for the same effect on your cars windshield, put salt in a little bag made of cheesecloth, moisten it slightly and rub it on.
• Clean tarnished copper. Fill a 16-ounce spray bottle with hot white vinegar and three tablespoons of salt. Spray it onto the copper, let it sit briefly, then rub clean. (Don't do this to lacquered copper.)
• Keep radishes safe in the garden. Salt worms (cutworms) will be repelled if you sprinkle seeds with table salt, then cover with dirt.
• Clean coffee and tea stains from china cups. Rub them with salt.
• Keep potatoes and apples from turning brown once they're sliced. Put them in salted cold water
• Clean a cutting board. Cover it with bleach and salt, scrub it with a stiff brush, then rinse with very hot water and wipe with a clean cloth. Repeat with each use.

100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 20

HAIRSPRAY! No, not the musical. Hairspray comes in at # 20 on the 100 tips list. Almost everybody has at least one can of hairspray in their home. This common hair styling product isn't just for maintaining a coiffure, it can be used for everything from removing glue to preserving recipe cards. Check out these great uses for hairspray posted by Anna Sattler on diylife.com.



photo virginmedia.com/bing images

Uncommon uses for hairspray

by Anna Sattler

I have a bottle of hairspray somewhere in my linen closet, but for the life of me, I couldn't tell you where it is. I used hairspray all the time when I had a full time job and actually fixed my hair, but for the last 3 years I have worked at home, so fixing my hair when I had a toddler on one arm and a screaming baby on the other was the last thing on my mind. The lonely unused bottle of hairspray sadly migrated to the back of the closet, never to be heard from again.


I'll have to find that bottle, because Gomestic shares with us 16 extraordinary uses for hairspray. If you have an unused bottle of hairspray taking up space, and you don't ever plan on using it for your upswept hairdo again, please join me after the jump for a list of hairspray uses and links to past posts here on DIY Life.

• Preserve kiddies drawings and keep them from fading by coating with hairspray.
• Use hairspray to remove ink marks from walls.
• Use hairspray to remove ink stains from fabric by spraying the item before you wash it.
• Stop pantyhose from a continuous run by spraying with hairspray; if that doesn't work, and the pantyhose can't be worn anymore, here are some tips on reusing those pantyhose.
• The next time you have to wrap a present with newspaper, give the paper a nice sheen by spraying with hairspray.
• Preserve leaves in your flower arrangements and the color in autumn leaves with a spritz of hairspray.
• Spray over chalk artwork to keep the chalk from coming off.
• Spray polished metals like brass and copper so they keep their shine longer and are more resistant to fingerprints.
• Easily remove glue by spraying liberally with hairspray.
• Spray a zipper that wants to fall down with hairspray. It will stay in place. When it comes time to get the zipper down, use baby oil to get it unstuck.
• Pet hair removal is easily accomplished if you spray a tissue with hairspray and wipe the furniture. The pet hair sticks to the tissue.
• Kill flying insects with a shot of hairspray. I like to do this if a bee or wasp gets into the house, as it is less toxic than using bug spray.
• Save your recipe cards from food stains by spraying them with hairspray to keep them clean. Just wipe off when you are done using the recipe card.
• Straighten ruffled curtains by holding the folds in the curtain and spraying with hairspray to keep the folds in place.
• Remove lipstick stains by spraying the stain and letting sit for a few minutes before wiping away the lipstick.
• After you are done polishing your shoes with a banana, spray them with hairspray to keep them shiny.
• Maureen Carter has a great post about making rub-on transfers: one of the necessary items to make the transfers is hairspray.

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