Posted by russian mom on 2005-12-10 19:35:42
Post Subject: stampin up loads of love and accessories - a favor please
We are moving and I had planned to make a little announcement card with our new address to send in our Christmas cards. I planned to use the Stampin Up Loads of Love truck with the accessory kit that has all of the boxes and lamps and household stuff in the back. Darned if I can find the box with my stamps in it!!! Does anyone out there have this set that you could stamp it on a plain piece of paper and scan it to email to me? I can then Photoshop in the colors. I would be so appreciative. Happy holidays from amid the packing tape and boxes!!
Posted by ursonate on 2004-11-29 21:16:20
Post Subject: Austin - Gifted
I will be selling my felted jewelry this week and next at an event called Gifted and here are the details:
Get Gifted at the work*shop
A holiday shopping series featuring Austin-made handicrafts
December 2 (Part of First Thursday) 5pm - 10pm
December 9 5pm - 10pm
Just say no to generic gifts! Join us at the work*shop for Gifted - a shopping event offering truly unique handmade items. Jewelry, household items, clothing and accessories for children and adults are just a few of the items you'll see. Music and refreshments too!
the work*shop
1211 West 6th Street, Ste. 400
http://www.theworkshopaustin.com
Posted by stella on 2007-08-10 15:04:16
Post Subject:
well, don't quit now, or all the effort you put in to get more than half done will go to waste!
maybe you could talk to your husband about helping you more, or pay for child care when you need a break? maybe he could take over on running the household while you finish school.
does your school have support for re-entry students, or students with children? they may be able to offer help or advice.
Posted by MRSM103 on 2007-08-09 08:31:42
Post Subject: back to school
At 36 yo, I have gone back to school. I'm a little more than half way done, but my determination is faltering. I'm really having a hard time staying motivated because I'm so darn tired all the time. I still work 4 days a week, in addition to running a household with two kids and a husband who works all the time. (so he's not much help, although he could do a little more). Anyone else ever been here. How did you get through it? Im to close to quit now but I need a boost to sustain me. HeLp!!
Posted by JRGweb on 2004-10-11 16:16:32
Post Subject: vintage tees
Okay, I've searched, but I can't find the answer. Does anybody know of a process that you can do to make normal t-shirts all soft and strechy like vintage t-shirts?
Like can you soak them in some household chemicals that will deteriorate the threads but keep most of the color??
I've tried soaking in a bathtub with a very small dilute amount of bleach, but all I got was a super cool hippy shirt out of it... any suggestions?
Posted by coldsnap on 2005-11-06 18:26:04
Post Subject: cleaning gocco masters?
I'm having difficulty finding the Riso gocco cleaner on a shelf somewhere and I've gotta clean some masters asap. Any household/buyable solutions out there?
Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2005-12-21 12:12:57
Post Subject:
I have subscribed to FlyLady.net for some time now, and have been slowly decluttering and reorganizing my accumulation of stuff with her help. I don't want to spend half my waking hours dealing with my household's (and MY) clutter any more!!! The Fly Lady method really helps to keep me motivated. And I LOVE having the space instead of the STUFF.
Posted by nerf on 2005-05-26 20:09:36
Post Subject:
Here in Brisbane each household has a regular rubbish bin and a recycling bin. They collect the regular bin every week and the recycling every two weeks. It makes it much easier to remember to recycle, everything that can go in that bin, does (at least in our household). I would imagine it's included in the rates we pay to have the regular bins collected (we rent so I'm not even sure what that is).
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-08-31 10:21:23
Post Subject:
Nothing that works 100%, but for dried out baby wipe type things I sprinkle with water just prior to use.
For bug stuff, I'd bet alcohol would work better. That way any oils that need a carrier could be resurrected. But there have got to be volatile agents that are gone for good. Some essential oil recipes for bug repellent use witch hazel and tea tree oil.
The problem with remoistening the entire container is that you are introducing new stuff and changing the pH balance. Big potential for molds and bacteria.
There are a few DIY household cleaning sites that have instructions for make your own baby wipes. I've done that, but they really do have to be used up faster than I needed them. (No baby, just needed convenient cleaning wipes.) I'm pretty sure those were baby bath, baby oil, and distilled water combos. I don't know if any of those sites have bug repellents.
Posted by artgeek on 2006-12-13 08:11:32
Post Subject:
I have no real advice to offer, but I did once scare my teachers by suggesting that raising children could be made easier by small-scale communal living, that something like five adults agreeing to pool resources and make mutual decisions about the rules and expectations of their kids could definitely be better than the typical two-parent household.
I'd be interested in hearing what you find out and wish you luck, Joyosaurus.
Posted by neeka27 on 2005-09-20 18:11:40
Post Subject: join my MUSIC CLUB!
Here is what I'm invisioning-
We all know what a book club is all about... what if you followed that same format but with music??
Each month I will compile an 80 minute mix CD of songs. Each CD would have different genres of music so you would be bound to like something, LOVE something, expand your horizons, embrace new styles of tunes, OR find your new favorite band even!
I will set up a special message board for our club and we could chat about the songs... what you loved/didn't like...cool lyrics... who was included that you would like to see on another future CD or who not, etc.
I can then start to tailor what gets put on the CD's by your guys' feedback, so basically each month they could get more suited to us as a group...and i can also take recommendations.
WHY ME?
* I am obsessed with music. So is my husband. Quiz us. We'll probably know the answer. Sometimes down to even the dorky stuff like dates of release & the artist's full names.
* Our household has thousands of CD's and full time access to Napster & Yahoo! Music
* We constantly search reviews, recommendations, and Amazon lists to find new fabulous groups new AND old.
I pretty much like most types of music. Even if i really don't dig a genre i can always find good songs within it so i can listen "out of the box".
Genres You'll Hear- Electronic, World , Reggae, Gothic, Ambient, Dance, Downtempo, Alternative, Adult Alternative, New Wave, Pop, Industrial, Rock, Chant, Medievel Choral, Rap, New Age, Light Indie, Brit-pop, grrl ETC.
AKA Tunes TOOOOOOOOOOOO cool to hear on your radio!!!
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
People that love music. All kinds. You must get excited about music and therefore want to share your thoughts on each months' CD. I definitely want feedback so lurkers will need to chat! or else...ha ha.
Does this sound cool to anyone?? I'm just really excite about doing it if anyone wants to join!!
I have a page setup for the music club on my website. It's
http://www.tenika.com/MusicClub.html
Posted by spiderlady on 2006-03-15 17:45:43
Post Subject:
According to one of my household gods, Dictionary.com, in the ancient Roman calendar, the Ides is the 15th day of March, May, July and October, and the thirteenth day of the other months.
Obviously, it was not a good day for Julius Caesar, but I can't think of any other negative connotations, unless the triskaidekaphobic among us are freaked out by it sometimes being the thirteenth of the month.
Posted by jean on 2004-04-27 13:30:29
Post Subject:
ok. good to know. i will one day have a more effecient system and you won't get two of them. sorry about that. i'm a one-woman, technologically-challendged, semi-unprofessional, kookoo bird trying to run a little company, be a mama, organize a household and evolve as a writer. some days it's easier going than others! but i know most of you can relate to the whole multi-tasking thing!
Posted by Nani on 2005-03-02 14:53:50
Post Subject: Please help me!!
I apologize if this is already covered in another topic, but I am not familiar with this forum and couldn't find it when I did a search. I really want to take up sewing as a hobby, but I don't know the first thing about shopping for a sewing machine. Here is the link to the sewing machine I am planning on purchasing: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02015208000&subcat=Conventional+Sewing+Machines Please copy and paste. Is this a good choice? Is this the standard size for a sweing machine or is it a mini? I plan on sewing lots of things like clothes and household items. If you can give me any other helpful hints or suggestion, I would appreciate that also.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-12-04 07:04:12
Post Subject:
Oh yeah...keeping the little ones occupied is a challenge! My younger son (almost 4) goes to pre school 3 mornings/week. And both my boys are good at keeping themselves occupied. Although yesterday while I was taking a nap, apparently my husband took a mini snooze too. Woke to find the small boy with his legs and face decorated in marker!
Anyway, when my younger son is home, I need to keep him out of my older son's hair while he does his school work (he's home schooled). So...he loves to help me put clothes in the washer and dryer, or do simple kitchen tasks, like wash the potatoes for dinner. Otherwise, he can be found drawing monsters or practising his letters, play doh, water play (w/ lots of old towels on the bathroom floor!), coloring, "reading" books. The part I love most is to listen in while he creates little scenarios with his various toys, and the diologue he makes up for them.
Hmmmm...he likes to do dot-to-dot pictures, but he gets kind of lost after 19! Makes for some funky lookin' pictures!
Glue and various supplies like buttons, large sequins, feathers, squares of colored tissue paper, yarn and fabric scraps, pom-poms, pictures from magazines, etc. are always good for some wild collages.
Ahhh...but my kids are 7 years apart, so i never had to deal with quite the same challenge as you do trying to balance the attention b/t 2 young children. By the time #2 came along, his big bro was able to fix his own simple snacks and help me with stuff.
When your baby is old enough to support his/her body upright, you can put him/her in a backpack-style carrier while you do household chores with your older child helping you. both my boys LOVED being able to look over my shoulder while I did dishes, vacuuming, laundry, etc. and the older one liked to help. It made all those tedious chores more fun.
Posted by homuncula on 2005-08-20 14:56:07
Post Subject:
I would definitely haunt the thrift stores, garage sales, Freecycle, etc. for someone taking out an old wet bar from their house.
Some thrift stores have more household stuff than others... there's one by me that has huge chunks of kitchen counters and sinks and crazy stuff like that. Any parts of an old kitchen could easily be converted, I would think. Good luck!!
Posted by gingerandlulu on 2005-11-23 16:35:57
Post Subject: laundry detergent/household products rave...
Last year I bought Bi-O-Kleen laundry detergent to use specifically for the cloth diapers that I was going to use (not for me, for little Ginge....) but never fully embraced the cloth thing wholeheartedly, and the detergent has been sitting in the laundry room since. Decided to start using it for my "regular" laundry yesterday, and THAT STUFF ROCKS! You don't have to use very much and the clothes come out *clean* and really soft. I love this stuff!
Does anybody else have any household product that you use that you just love? (And feel ok about loving?? ;)
Posted by brdgt on 2007-07-02 07:30:06
Post Subject: What did you read in June 2007?
Non-Fiction:
Taking on the Big Boys: Why Feminism is Good for Families, Business and the Nation by Ellen Bravo - While Bravo does resort to a "boogeyman" argument (a vague notion of who these "big boys" are) she does an excellent job showing how businesses attempt to maintain the status quo (using arguments that pit groups with common interests against each other, making outlandish claims about the possibility of enacting equitable policies, and belittling problems). She then offers evidence to the contrary with real examples, followed by solutions that have actually worked. She covers everything from sexual harassment to household chores with a great sense of humor and respect for all kinds of work.
Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease by Dr. Sharon Moalem with Jonathan Prince - I liked about 50% of this book; when Moalem kept to his descriptions of diseases and how they may have developed for evolutionary purposes he is engaging and trustworthy, but he starts to speculate too widely, playing fast and loose with science and ignoring timelines and societal factors he becomes so untrustworthy that you question the other stuff. First of all, he argues for the evolutionary origin of some things that are only a few hundred years old. Then he puts forth radical theories without presenting critiques of them (such as a theory that we should let cholera run rampant so that its virulence decreases - yeah, because that worked for centuries beforehand?). He also ignored clearly relevant information, such as supporting an argument that early humans were actually aquatic by noting that women who have water births supposedly don't feel as much pain because they don't use epidurals as much as other women (totally ignoring the type of woman who is likely to choose a water birth and the choice of whether to have an epidural is not always about the amount of pain).
Comics:
100 Bullets Vol. 3: Hang Up on the Hang Low by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso - Adding a bit more information to overarching storyline and dishing up an interesting ending. The artwork was also much better in this volume than the first two.
Posted by xuli on 2004-10-26 10:45:52
Post Subject:
What a wonderful, wonderful story. It really makes me so happy to hear it.
And that kitty is just too precious. Those eyes!!
And BTW, you are not in Crazy Cat Person territory with four cats! What matters is the ratio of cats to people in your household, which in your case is only two to one, so you're fine :)
Posted by Joyosaurusrex on 2006-12-10 21:34:40
Post Subject: book club
Ok so my roommate and i want to start a book club within our household. this all came about yesterday when we were both reading in the living room and had alot of fun talking to the other about the books we were reading...we are trying to get some other friends who typically end up at our house by the end of the night to join and we are basically figuring we would decide on a book (we would take turns picking) and give a week or so to finnish and discuss it on a set date. ok now to the point of my post... has anyone ever tried this with friends before? i've talked and talked about it with people for what seems like ages but nothing has ever happened before...does anyone who has done it have any tips on what books to start out with? like a selection by one author for a few months or something? we were considering starting with 'the great gatsby' since some of us haven't read it at all and the rest haven't since high school....ok i know this was a long post but sereously i would appreciate any words of wisdom.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-07-25 19:46:48
Post Subject:
I wish my parents...or someone had taken the time to teach me how to manage my finances better.
But...they DID teach me how to work as a team. It has taken me years to get my husband to take the team approach as opposed to my doing EVERYTHING just because I'm a SAHM. He still needs a lot of work. : P
But at least I can get him to work with me in the garden now. I'm still working on him with household chores!
Anyway....my parents worked together to get things done, from household cleaning to painting the house, to gardening. Whatever needed doing.
They both also taught me to be a pretty competant do-it-yourselfer. I do just about any kind of household repair. I keep the plumbing and electrical to the pros, though!
Posted by tupelogrl on 2005-02-04 10:45:46
Post Subject:
all of your words have helped me out so much through this. i talked to him last night, and he seemed so alright with everything it was disconcerting. maybe it's just a defense mechanism, i don't know. maybe my ego is too big, thinking all these months that leaving him would send him spiraling into depression. maybe it's too soon to tell.
i can't imagine having to sort out joint accounts and household items and things. i guess i have it comparatively easy.
thank you, thank you, thank you again for all of your kind words.
Posted by for_esme on 2005-09-13 19:53:56
Post Subject: Back to School blahs
It seems like many of you are students... some of you probably also have children who are going back to school, or live with other people who are going to school. I for one am having my first week of school blahs - already feeling stressed out, overbooked, and my eyes are already straining from all of this art history reading!
How do you cope? If you're a student, what do you do to relax even when you know you have a pile of tiny-print textbooks waiting to be read? If you have a student in your household, I'm also interested in the advice you give to them - my boyfriend's in the same predicament as me at this point and I'm at a loss, I don't know how to help him organize and chill.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-10-15 07:38:42
Post Subject:
Personally, my weight wasn't a big problem until bouncing b/t hyper and hypo thyroid entered the picture.
My husband was very thin when his job required a great deal more activity AND he lived close to his job and walked to work. Now his job is strictly at a desk and he looks 7 mos pregnant!! LOL!
In general it's true that we don't have the same physical demands that was required of housework before modern conveniences. But we certainly don't do less. I actually sat down one time and made a list of all the things I do around this house and it was really amazing just how much there really is to do.
I have a very hard time getting my mind around how women were relegated to the status of "The weaker sex" in the old days. Even just going back to our grandparents' day, we all know how much work it was to keep a household running, particularly for those who had large families, which was very typical in those days.
I have great admiration for my maternal grandmother-9 kids (out of 12 pregnancies) within a span of 15 years!! Plus keeping her children fed, clothed, bathed, educated, AND well-grounded!! That's a pretty tall order for one tiny woman! PLUS she cared for 2 of her grandsons when their mother had to go into a mental institution.
Posted by slowgraffiti220 on 2005-11-17 10:49:34
Post Subject:
Maybe he just doesn't KNOW what to do.... It sounds silly, but is completely possible.
I don't think this sounds silly at all...I think it's probably pretty spot on. My husband and I haven't had our baby yet, but we have had the same problem with chores. I take a lot of issue with essentialist, biological explanations for this kind of stuff, like saying, "well, babies need their moms more" or "women carry the babies, so we feel more attached" or "moms just have that drive, but men don't." just do a little reading about the parenting styles of the pygmies of the congo to see the fallacy of that kind of reasoning.
in this culture, most women are socialized from an early age to be the taskmasters of the household. we are shown, both explicitly and subtly, what is expected fo a "good household" and a "good mother." we know what it looks like, we can look at a situation and see the inner workings of how it doesn't meet expectations. we feel like, "damn, how can you say you don't know how to clean a bathtub, isn't it obvious!?" but maybe don't realize that either 1) we were taught how to do that or 2) we were taught how to feel comfortable attacking those kinds of tasks anew. for example, i've met so many guys who, for whatever reason, think they can fix anything. but give them a broken sewing machine and their daunted. why? they don't know why usually...mostly they say they don't know about "that kind of stuff." i'm not saying that this socialization is universal or is universally absorbed in the same way by all people, but it's pretty common from my observation. guys may want to help, but often have no idea where to start and feel embarrased or uncomfortable asking.
i think what might work best is making a list of common things you have to do for the baby and asking him to take charge of a few of them to start with. do them with him for a day or two, so that he feels comfortable, and then let him be in charge by himself. it will take more work and it's annoying to have to add taching him to caring for the baby, but after a week or two, the effort will have probably paid off. and i would say, don't just do it for him if it's not done to your standards or often enough, even if that's your natural reaction. talk to him about it and be firm...with my husband, he's finally starting to realize that if he doesn't do his chores (of which he has a whopping ::2:: ) then they're not going to get done and i'm going to be cranky about it.
Posted by picapica on 2007-04-16 10:35:50
Post Subject:
The thing that we've found helpful is to think about cloth diapering as a system and not rely on any one type of diaper for every situation. That said, pimarily during the day we use wraps (I like super wisper wraps, but we've also used other brands with luck) and then instead of pre-folds we use contour diapers - they are just like cotton or hemp flats bit are sort of a modified t and hourglass shape. I e-bayed mine over a year ago. I also use a doubler (sort of like a cotton maxi thin to help soak up w/out the bulk. I think hey are less bulky than the pre-folds. At night I use terry cloth (thicker than the cotton) contours and wool wraps (we use wool summer and winter w/ no prob - in fact I LOVE wool). In the winter we use wool longies and a fitted diaper during the day or night becuase they are fun and cute and warm! In the diaper bag I have some kushies and bummies all in ones which are cute and fun as well as helpful when you've got a squirmer on one of those fold down koala changers in a sketchy bathroom. My guy is a pro dipaer changer with all of these, but I've heard other men complain that they can't get the hang of diapers that are not all in ones or pockets - but really I don't see what the big deal is with a wrap - throw in the cloth and velcro or snap it up. Super easy.
In the first couple of months her little legs were too thin and we had some problems with leakage - but my girl is LONG (consistantly the 90th percentile in length), but we went back to cloth after about 2-3 months and we're so happy we did. So if you have problems in the beginning, don't be afraid to come back to it after a month or two of getting the hang of things!
My other suggestion is to not feel like you need to buy everything at once - lots of online places offer sample packs and while we didn't do this I think its a great idea - give yourself a chance to try a couple of different types before commit to a big set - you'll have a better chance of finding out what works best for your household.
Lastly, I recommend looking at the reviews at diaper pin as well as the diaper review pages on mothering.com and the hyena cart (esp. for whams).
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-05-20 04:57:06
Post Subject:
I'm pretty dang old. When I was growing up in the 60's, girls were not allowed to do many things. Like it was a law or something... Anyhow, I was a 'difficult' child so if playing with a power drill kept me occupied, my parents were okay with it.
All these years later, I am still surprised to find young women who have never had experience in practical household repair. Not disappointed, but bewildered maybe.
Caulking is a good thing. It does take some skill but probably more patience. I know most of my caulk jobs show where I stuck in a fingernail to see if it cured yet...
Posted by bessiemae on 2004-12-26 19:28:50
Post Subject:
Any room for an Akronite, or Kent to be more specific? Don't knit or crochet, but maybe I could learn? Do lots of other wacky crafty stuff....quilted/beaded boxes, funky quilts, truly outrageous Halloween costumes for my kids( samuri this year with brocades and the Liberace cape 2yr ago.), and am totally into pillowcases/monogrammed household linens.
Posted by juna on 2004-06-24 14:09:05
Post Subject:
hmmm. I make yoga mat bags similar in shape to what you are describing. Making the pattern required me to dust off my geometry skills.
If the circumference (including the seam allowance) of the long tube is 17", then the diameter of the circle you need is 5.4" (or 5 and 2/5".. maybe round up to 5.5" to preserve your sanity?).
circumference = 2 * pi * radius
OR
circumference = pi * diameter
So,
17 = pi * radius
radius = 17/pi
=5.4
To make a pattern piece this size, you could use my method of measuring every circular household item to find something 5.4" in diameter (a salad plate or small saucepan?) or you could use a compass with the circle radius set 2.7" (half of the diameter) and draw a pattern piece that way.
Granted, I always seem to have to pin in a gather or two when sewing the tube to the circular base, no matter how carefully I measure.
Posted by Subhah on 2005-07-20 15:34:37
Post Subject:
I just introduced a new kitty into my household. My older cat will not get along with adult cats, so I was really careful. I kept them in seperate rooms and put their food dishes next to the door so they could smell each other while they ate. I then switched their rooms after a few days so that they could smell each other. They are now living in the same quarters, but my older cat is handling the new kitty well. They eat together and chase each other around. I don't think that my older cat loves the kitty, but it is tolerable.
Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-03-24 13:53:22
Post Subject:
plus, all this talk about household chemical-laden products reminded me of an article about toxins in household dust: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2005/2005-03
-22-05.asp
Holy smokes! This article could really scare the crap out of someone who's obsessed with germs, etc. I wonder, though, if we as a species are adapting to all these chemicals and pollutants in some way? Are our children physiologically any different than us? Anyone know anything about this?
Posted by honeybee on 2005-03-24 13:33:02
Post Subject:
the thing i don't understand about the toilet brush paranoia is: aren't they generally used with cleansers that pretty much keep the germs to a minimum? and also, it's not as though you're going to be washing your dishes with it next.
plus, all this talk about household chemical-laden products reminded me of an article about toxins in household dust: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2005/2005-03-22-05.asp
i just feel better knowing that, in my own home at least, i'm not exposing myself to scary stuff.
Posted by Karla on 2004-06-30 08:49:57
Post Subject:
Actually dish soap is a great deterant for ants! If you know where they are entering your home you can spray a trail across the area and they will stop coming in. Dilute it in a spray bottle with a little water. You can also fill a spray bottle half full and add about 2 tsps. of peppermint oil to spray areas where they get in or hang out. They will stay away as long as the yummy pepperminty smell lingers. There is a great book (where these ideas came from) by Karan Logan called Clean House, Clean Planet. It has a lot of safe non-toxic recipes for pest control and household cleaners. All of the ones I've tried have been wonderful!
Posted by Tomico Revilak on 2005-11-19 22:02:28
Post Subject:
"No-sew, Low-sew Interior Decor: Instant Style Using Easy Techniques: Gluing, Stapling, Fusing, Draping, Gathering" by Janis Bullis gives sizes and easy methods to make bed clothes as well as a variety of other household items. It may be over symplified for your skill level but I like the way the book gives a variety of ways to tackle problems. It gives sizes of standard american beds but will also give hint on how to measure.
I know this isn't exactly a websight to look at but it wasn't too expensive and you can probably find a used copy.
To help you out I will at least give you what measurements it gave.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2006-11-16 05:32:37
Post Subject:
Oh I love my Dremel!! Although I haven't used it a ton, it really does come in quite handy for crafts and odd household jobs.
My parents bought me one of the sets w/ oodles of attachments, and a storage case. One of these days I'll buy more attachments. I just keep forgetting about them until I realize I need the one that I don't have!
So I'd say that depending on your needs, check out the various sets and see which one fits your potential needs the best. If you're a do-it-yourselfer like I am, you might be happier with a bigger set.
Posted by artgeek on 2006-11-10 09:55:04
Post Subject: The Big Idea -or- What is the GetCrafty.com Community Book?
In late October 2006, GetCrafty member anthrogirl started a thread titled "Getting radically crafty" that asked, among other things, "How many of you are willing to help create what might be called the 'Get Crafty Ladies Volunteer Brigade' and put the radical idea of helping others while helping oneself into action?"
Community members chimed in with various craft-charity combinations, and we kept turning the idea over until we hit the jackpot: A community compilation of crafts, recipes, and ways to make a house a home. The book would reflect the DIY spirit of GetCrafty.com and be a great resource for people moving into the first place and trying to make ends meet.
Anthrogirl envisioned it as this generation's "definitive craft book - the book that shows what really matters," filled with "the classic stuff that modern women ought to know so they can take better care of themselves and their families, while taking pride in their handiwork and moving away from the consumerist mentality that makes people feel small and poor when they aren't buying things they don't want or need." Looking at my family's old community cookbooks, filled with recipes and household tips, I shared the idea of putting a craftista spin on all those things and including simple crafts to enliven your home and yourself (as well as take some stress out of giftgiving).
Many thought the book itself could be a charitable enterprise, with the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity or a similar organization that helps people get on their feet and have a home to call their own.
Right now, we're just getting a feel for the community's level of interest in this project and the type of submissions we receive, but as the project grows, we'll include more details and share previews of the book.
Do you have a tasty recipe or a fun craft to share? What advice you would give a new homeowner or someone setting up their first apartment? Got a tip for getting out grass stains or putting on a spectacular holiday meal? Then we want you to submit your ideas! We're really excited about this idea and hope you are, too. We're looking for all sorts of submissions and all sorts of ideas about what this book could be. If you would like to submit a craft project, a recipe, a household tip, whathaveyou, look for the appropriate thread and please contribute. Also, after you've contributed something, please list your bio/information in our contributors thread.
I look forward to hearing everyone's ideas and to holding a completed community book in my hands!
Posted by Leonie on 2007-01-10 09:46:37
Post Subject:
In holland nobody uses them as a table cloth because it is strange to put a teatowel on your table. hahaha. Sometimes they are made of beautiful colours and look like little tablecloths but in Holland everybody will immideately recognise them as a teatowel because of the texture and the fabric that is used for it. In Holland every household has a big pile of them. One of the first things you buy or get when you go live on yourself for the first time are teatowels and kitchenhandtowels. it is one of our household basics. I could not live without them.
Posted by cassie on 2008-06-25 14:19:42
Post Subject:
I recycle as much as possible. We have a collection for household waste that can be recycled and a recycling centre nearby to take our glass bottles. My son loves doing the glass 'cos he gets to drop them in and hear them smash :)
I recycle fabric too by making boring things into cool things. Envelopes and wrapping paper are re-used. I try to find a new use for everything. I even keep those bits of ribbon you get under the armpits of clothes when you buy them!
I don't drive, I use electric and gas carefully, that's about it I think.
I'm also becoming less and less of a "consumer" so I'm pretty green :)
Posted by cultureeclipse on 2008-08-05 14:54:52
Post Subject:
after coming to some of the same realizations of trying to be more green, i''m taking baby steps and doing the best i can. i completely cut out using paper towels, i use handmade household cleaners made from natural materials, i ride my bike as much as possible, i buy locally, organic, i never go to walmart anymore, etc. i don''t buy things that have a ton of unnecessary packaging. when i create art i try to use as many found objects, recycled and/or natural materials as possible. we are doing renovations right now to my gallery/studio/home and using all green materials. i''m glad that more people are getting into living green and hopefully everybody can see how detrimental our current consumerism culture is. but some people still laugh at me for not using paper towels!
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2006-01-27 12:01:02
Post Subject:
I am still committed to my exercise/weight loss goal. But of course, my whole household got slapped w/ a nasty cold virus, and I got an ear infection to boot! I felt so cruddy I didn't have the energy to exercise!
But, I'm back to it again since yesterday. It feels good to be back on track.
Posted by happyhats on 2008-09-30 18:38:58
Post Subject:
I save food scraps to be composted later. I don't have access to a good recycling center right now but I'm looking. In the meantime I recycle paper products (mail, etc.) and I reuse things that would otherwise be thrown out. I have moved to almost all cloth products-cleaning rags instead of paper towels, cloth menstrual pads, etc. I'll be using cloth diapers for my new baby and I'm also going to start using cloth toilet paper once she comes too (we'll use the same pail). I try to buy second hand as much as possible, and I use all natural cleaning products and pet care products (natural kitty litter, moving away from a lot of processed foods and learning to make my own). I've been trying to get better and better at cooking from scratch which is no easy feat when you grew up in a cans and boxes household, lol.
Posted by sjkmaurice on 2005-09-21 15:40:09
Post Subject:
I have two that made me happy.
1. For my 24th birthday, my husband and my uncle (more like a great friend) surprised me by acquiring free tickets through my uncle's girlfriend for a high school rendition of Little Women. It was the first time I'd gone out as an adult since my daughter was born 9 months prior to that and the play was just fantastic.
2. When we decided to move to Canada, we were wondering how to get our furniture up here and at the same time, a friend of my husband's was moving in with his long-time girlfriend and didn't know what to do with his household of furniture so we solved each other's problems. We moved up here, emptied his house and paid nothing for a stove, refridgerator, living room set, dining room set, several dressers and shelves, washer/dryer, lamps, tables, EVERYTHING.
Posted by artgeek on 2006-08-17 17:44:32
Post Subject:
I'm in the middle of a household move but am VERY interested in participating in an online bookclub. So, don't think y'all are alone. I'll be hoppin' in next month.
It might be good for someone to take the reins and post book club specific-threads, eg.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-08-14 09:27:13
Post Subject:
Hmmm..I have never been in a step-parent situation, but this certainly sounds frustrating. My take on this, however is that you and your husband should sit down and discuss these issues together and come to a resolution before sitting his kids down and discussin with them just how it's going to work in your household while they are there on weekends. For example, I think it's perfectly justifiable to have different rules in your own home, such as "You will pick up after yourselves." "You will treat your step-mother with respect." "There are consequences for not doing A, B, and C, and this is what they are." And stick to it as a team. Your husband needs to understand that it's not only difficult for his children, but difficult for you, and he needs to make it clear to his children that they are NOT to use you as their own personal housekeeper, and that you are part of the adult team responsible for their well-being and safety and that they must follow the rules that you both set up for your household. You don't say how long you've been married, and the kids may take a long while to at least "tolerate" you as an adult figure in their lives, but they need to know that the respect is non-negotiable. And I agree that you should apologize to them for your outburst. I don't think it is at all a sign of weakness to children to admit that you were angry at their father and lost it, but that you and he are working to make things better for all of you in the long run. How old are the kids now?
Posted by delqc on 2006-01-25 10:03:44
Post Subject:
Mrs_stroozi - I would say not treat ANY member of the household as their servant (including children, for example).
I would also maybe degree with the "bringing gifts" and "picking up the tab" suggestions, and just add "...depenging on the context."
For example, if I am staying with a relative and I am a poor graduate student, I don't think it is necessary or appropriate for me to bring gifts or offer to pick up the tab ...
However, if I am a young professional staying with other young professionals of similar (or even lesser) financial means I think it is certainly appropriate to help your hosts out financially - by covering the groceries for your visit, picking up the tab at the restaurant, or whatever.
Just wanted to note that this was really a context-based qualification. :)
Also, to be a good guest I think one should inquire about the host's usual schedule (esp. if they have children). In general, one should nquire as to "house rules", but the schedule is important - what time does the host generally get up in the morning, or go to bed? A guest should endeavour to minimize disruption to the normal flow of the house.
Posted by blumen on 2005-03-11 06:59:16
Post Subject:
I've had problems with my family, although thankfully they are different and not as bad as yours. A lot of my problems with my mom and I've been in councelling the last year and a half and it has helped so much! It sounds like you went to councelling for the abuse you suffered, but stopped going because you thought your family was going to protect you. I urge you as step one to go back to councelling if you aren't already in it. One of the biggest things I've learned in councelling is that most people will never change so that if they are hurting you now they will continue to do so in the future. You have to step back from the situation and realize that there's nothing you can do to to make your parents start acting like parents. It will never happen and it's going to get worse so you need to get your sister out of there now.
I also disagree that your sister should come live with you. You are right, you are not her mother. As selfish as it might sound, taking care of yourself is your number one priority. I realize that at 15, going into CPS is going to be a nightmare for her and she may resent you for calling, but you need to do it. The only other thing I can think of is if there were a trusted family member she could stay with, but with your family situation it doesn't sound like it.
Also, I don't know the statute of limitations on prosecuting this person who abused you and your mother, but if this person is hurting your sister now you MUST DO SOMETHING. As a teenager I was abused by the youth minister of my church and I was too terrified to tell my parents or anyone about it later. Now somedays I feel sick with worry that he might be out there hurting other girls and that I let it happen by not reporting him. The regret you will live with it not worth it, so if you can call the cops on this person please do it. I am very very sorry that your parents allowed the person who hurt you back in your family. I cannot imagine how that must have been for you and how betrayed you must have felt. For that reason, if nothing else, you have to realize that your parents are not going to protect your sister either and while it's not up to you to be her mom, you should do what you can to get her out of that household.
Posted by sjkmaurice on 2005-09-30 10:52:43
Post Subject:
I'll give you a positive spin on a situation.
My husband and I lived in Florida for five and a half years together; our daughter was nearly two when we left. Anyway, in that time, he never held a steady job, refused to watch our daughter because he had to "work" on his stuff and household tasks are "women's duty." I had to get a job when my daughter was 7 months old, even though we decided I'd stay at home for a year, because we weren't paying bills on time and overdraft charges at the bank were killing us. It was my responsibility to get her and I ready in the mornings, drop her off at daycare and travel the 30 minutes to work, pick her up in the afternoons, clean the house, make dinner, bathe her, etc. ALL BY MYSELF. He seldom woke up before 11 a.m. I wanted to divorce him so badly, but I made a promise and I'm stubborn and it seemed like failure.
So we had a long talk. We decided that in July 2003, he would move to his home country of Canada and join his father's business. After the winter, if he was doing well and being responsible, my daughter and I would join him. Otherwise, he was to stay there, I was to stay in Florida and the divorce proceeding would begin. Well, my daughter and I moved up in April of 2004, we had another baby in July 2005 and we're in the middle of building our own house.
It wasn't really an ultimatum. I stated the facts and told him it wasn't fair and he needed to start being a responsible partner in this family. He got a job he likes with steady income and potential growth. He watches our older daughter occasionally. And although he still sucks at helping around the house, I do stay home now so it's not that big an issue.
Posted by xuli on 2006-01-03 09:25:03
Post Subject:
I've divided them into two categories: Pattern books and reference books.
Pattern Books
I love Weekend Knitting and heartily second Brdgt's endorsement of it. It's a great, great book for innovative gift ideas -- lots of patterns for fun household items, slippers, etc. that make great gifts. I've given away lots of the flower washcloths, for instance.
For patterns for myself, I love Teva Durham's Loop-D-Loop. I've made 3 of the garments in that book since I got it in July and have been very happy with them. They're both fun to make and great to wear.
I also love Interweave Knits and get a lot of my patterns from their quarterly magazine.
Reference Books
I like Stitch N Bitch for looking up techniques and having ready diagrams that are easy to interpret, but I haven't been as happy with the patterns. I don't need it as much any more, but it served me well for a long time.
I also have another knitting reference book that I inherited from a friend's grandmother -- it's called something like A Knitter's Encyclopedia (I don't have the exact title b/c I'm not writing from home -- still traveling for the holidays) and it's very helpful for more advanced techniques that aren't covered in SnB, plus it has lots of lace and cable and intarsia patterns that are useful just for changing/spicing up patterns and scarves and hats and such.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-07-23 18:03:13
Post Subject:
You can find all kinds of string at flea markets or dollar stores often enough. String could be found in the automotive or household aisles of large drug stores. Hardware stores will have it in maybe a couple of places. Like deborahM says, by the gloves, or maybe in small spools near the paint aisles, or where masking tape is sold. It's kind of an all purpose thing.
In craft, fabric, and discount department stores, it will be in with trims like lace and stuff. Probably available by the yard. You might be able to find hemp twine by the spool available in the jewelry making aisles, too. The kind for drawstrings is going to be a braided or woven cord, probably cotton or poly-cotton. It will be near rattail or that silky looking cord sometimes used for jewelry.
Be open to using a flat braid for drawstrings. A twill tape or some similar trim might be suitable for your purpose and would likely be cheaper than the cord by the yard.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-03-27 19:19:25
Post Subject: forum for the domestic diva?
does anyone besides me think there should be a separate forum for household stuff? like those helpful household tips, decorating ideas, all that..... every once in a while i have an idea for a such a thread but it doesn't really fit anywhere and don't want it to get lost in freestyle..... and perhaps it could include mom stuff, too? we crafty freak moms are horribly under-represented.
Posted by amelia on 2004-07-10 16:42:44
Post Subject: Dayplanner shock!
Okay, ladies, I'm really surprised at all of us. New getcrafty for how long and no discussion of DIY day planners?!?!
Mine's not totally DIY - I use the gorgeous weekly planner pages from We'Moon, and monthly calendar pages from Franklin Covey (although I'm looking to kick F.C. out of my planner). I have a section on "food" where I keep my weekly menu plans, grocery lists, nutrition reminders (it's good to have something to remind you how many calories are in a McD's milkshake, ya know?). I also have sections on finances, where I keep track of what bills I've gotten and paid, and a household section where I keep track of work on my car, clothing measurements, gift ideas, etc. I also cut crosswords out of the paper, punch holes in them, and keep them in there for when i have yet another endless meeting to attend.
I spent this morning printer dividers on card stock. I stuck those little index tabs on them to keep everything in order. I used graphics from the web to give it some color and life.
Anyone else have ideas? Inspiration? Photos?
Also, does anyone know of a cheaper version of Outlook? I'd like to print out my monthly calendar pages, but all I have is Works and it really, really sucks. It has a calendar function but it's printing options are, well, stupid. I have Outlook on my computer at work, but a) there's no color printer, and b) i can't use my own papers as easily.
Posted by moonrat on 2006-11-13 16:34:12
Post Subject:
crafting runs in the family. My mom is an amazing seamstess, and she taught me to crochet (all i remember is the chain stitch), and to knit. I wish i had wanted to learn to sew more when i lived at home, but she does help me anytime i ask, and i was able to make new cushions for my couch with her tutoring.
My dad is a stellar gardener, they both are really. He will also tackle any household repair short of electrical.
Although i did not grow up around my extended family, my grandfather was a master carpenter, and i have uncles have been sculptors and paintors. Aunts who sew and crochet and knit and embroider. My grandmother made dolls and candy. And my little brother is a gifted painter. I almost didn't have a choice, it's in my blood to make things.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-01-24 23:11:32
Post Subject:
My sister's son could easily have said the same thing, only not in front of me or my sis. He can be very sexist and demeaning, insulting, not usually with words of violence, but ugly anyway.
He would tell his older sister he could smell her cunt, and that she'd better marry well because she was going to lose her looks and get a fat ass in a couple of years. He insists that Jessica Simpson is hot because she is stupid, that women ask for rape the way they dress, stuff like that. He's also adamant that smart women are rare because women are genetically inferior. Him saying this stuff was not prompted by any factual basis. He was just pushing to offend his sister and establish a false patriarchy in the household. His father does not talk like that, but he is a freaking Promise Keeper. I really believe that mindset allows young men to believe they are innately superior.
This stuff all gets told to me well after the fact. He is gracious and gentle around me, in part because he knows I would be all over him for this shit.
Now he's a young twenty two or so, and seems to have grown away from that awful behavior. He dates and has women as friends. Those relationships seem normal.
Your friend's brother may very well grow out of it, but that doesn't mean he should get away with that kind of talk. His male friends may talk that way, but I hope he doesn't talk like that around his girlfriends.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-12-16 15:41:29
Post Subject:
Different grades of steel wool and a few pencils or dowels of different thicknesses. These will be used to get finish out of curvy areas. Let's say you have a groove running around the edge of the table. A pencil wrapped in fine grit may work best at sanding that groove. Curves on a baluster? a shred of steel wool wrapped around fingers on both hands can be drawn back and forth and around the column.
Plastic or wooden spatulas or trowel or similar things, although I've used metal too. For scraping the residue off with a chemical stripper.
Chemical strippers come in many different strengths. Some will drip down the sides of the piece, some will dry too quickly if you spread it too thin. Read the containers carefully. You will want different chemical strippers for different finishes, depending on material, age, and thickness.
Magnet is important to tell real brass (non magnetic) from plated iron.
I have an electric triangle sander too. Brand escapes me... The triangular pad is about an inch and a half on a side. Very good for getting into corners, Belt sanders, pad sanders, disc sanders all have their uses, but there are times when it is best to just use the abrasive and your own strength. I've also used grinders and grinding and buffing disks on my drill set, too.
A wood burning tool makes some nice effects.
You can use a heat stripper gun, although I am always too hot to ever want to use one. Some pieces are better off dipped, like a very ornate old junky piece.
The info is very basic. You can find it in household repair books, used bookstores, libraries, and in pamphlets from hardware stores.
The very old art of decoupage, not the 'cut out a magazine piece and mod podge it on' type is useful for some types of finishing. You'll find as you go that certain types of damage are charming and certain effects can cover damage when it isn't charming.
If you wind up caning a seat or something, save some effort and buy premade caning you cut out and insert.
I strongly suggest wearing a mask and goggles. I never do and my lungs are as bad as if I were a life long smoker.
Posted by brdgt on 2005-07-25 14:50:40
Post Subject:
I learned a lot from my mother and grandmother but the real test was cohabitation. My husband grew up in a household where chores were split 50/50 and not along gender lines (his mom mowed the lawn, his dad did the dishes) and I learned a lot when I had someone else's opinions interjected into my domestic routine: "why do you use that brand? why don't we try this one and see if we like it?" and you know what, it was better. I realized that a lot of my routine was just blind repetition of what my mother did and not necessarily what worked for us. My husband learned the same thing. Now we do some things that we were brought up doing, but a lot of things we figured out on our own too. We are also both crafty people who like to be self sufficient, so we've learned a lot by trial and error and not wanting to bother the maintence man, who won't come for a week anyway...
I think I keep a pretty good home, especially when my mother in-law visited a few weeks ago and couldn't stop complimenting me on my decorating, most of it DIY :)
Posted by mentapiperina on 2005-03-21 21:12:56
Post Subject:
I used to be like these people, and now that I've moved out of my parents' house, I feel like SUCH an asshole. I really should have been giving them at least some money each month for rent and food and stuff. Now that I'm paying for it, I realize how quickly things add up.
I felt so bad that I called my parents to apologize for being such a worthless member of the household.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-11-03 11:41:47
Post Subject:
Do you feel comfortable enough to call a house meeting? It sounds like they never worked out with you what they expected your contribution to their household was to be, in terms of cleaning and such. You may have to force the issue. But if you're not comfortable even approaching them with that, then why even live with them??
Posted by aubrigail on 2005-03-22 18:36:57
Post Subject:
that sucks that your friends give you a hard time about that...living at home while you're in college makes lots of sense and saves money on not-so-nice-but-still-freakin-expensive student housing
(and just so everyone knows I wasn't talking about people in school or people with circumstances that force them to live at home...just people that are capable of living somewhere else/able to contribute to their household in some way but aren't)
Posted by brdgt on 2005-02-07 13:24:28
Post Subject:
Hmmm, my first apartment (and it was also with my boyfriend, and another friend)...
You both need your space, neutral areas that you can go to get away from the other person. In a small apartment that may not be possible, so try to find a local spot, like a coffeeshop or library that is all yours.
Is this his first apartment? While I like to think men are getting better do not be surprised if he has no idea how to do basic household chores like laundry or cooking. Even if he is good about these things it is really good to make a division of chores so that one person doesn't feel like they are doing too much. Try to match your schedules and interests - like if you are home more it might be easier for you to do the laundry, or if he likes to cook, then you can do the dishes. Some things, no one likes to do and you just have to split them up fairly.
I've moved five times in my life and every time it takes me longer and longer to really move in. Don't feel like you have to rush to buy everything that you think everyone else has. Once you are actually living in the place you can more easily see what your needs are.
Try to split the bills so that you each have at least one in your name so that you can establish credit.
Get a cookbook, living on your own is expensive, you can't eat out very much and still be able to afford rent.
When you do need stuff like chairs or kitchen supplies check out used furniture stores and thrift stores. Honestly - I'm 28 now and I think the only thing in my apartment now that I had in my first apartment is a bookcase (that I hate, but I need it for my books).
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-09-29 00:08:12
Post Subject:
I love the idea of having a couple of washer/dryers to hadle a household full of laundry! But what I'd REALLY love is a dumbwaiter that goes from my 2nd floor, down to my basement so I don't have to haul those stupid baskets up and down anymore.
And I want a dishwasher and a pantry.
Too bad I can't just build a house w/ all the amenties I want. Waaah.
Posted by xuli on 2005-05-08 17:08:19
Post Subject:
Agreed again. Don't cater to him. Picky eaters happen because they are catered to their whole lives.
I have a very dear friend who is a very picky eater and a very bad cook. When she and her girlfriend (who is a fabulous cook and an adventurous eater) moved in together, the girlfriend didn't substantially change her cooking habits and did all the cooking for the household. And -- lo and behold -- several years later, my friend has discovered she likes all these things she never knew she liked before.
If you really feel bad for him, make some food he likes once a week -- but no more than once a week -- and make sure it's something you like too.
Posted by delqc on 2005-05-31 08:20:38
Post Subject:
Between myself and my immediate family members, we have adopted 8 cats from the SPCA. They have ALL been beautiful, loving animals. A few tips we've learned:
1) don't be afraid to go hang out at the shelter for a while. When I adopted Sphinx, I first went to the shelter with a donation of newspapers, and hung around in the cat rooms for ~ hour. There were two kitties in particular that were friendly. Then I went back with a friend, to see how these two kitties reacted to someone else too.
Finally I decided I was going to get one - an orange tabby. I went back with a carrier to pick him up a day later, and another kitten (Sphinx) who had been new to the shelter when I had visited before and was so freaked out she stayed in her cage was finally let loose in the cat rooms. Sphinx adopted me. She came up to me, meowed until I picked her up, and then purred in my arms. If I put her down she sat on my feet and meowed until I picked her up again! Moral: go back often, especially if you don't have an instant bonding. Your pet will find you!
Another thing, you may want to have your cat tested for Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) at her first vet visit. FLV is transmitted through saliva, or kittens can get it from their mothers. Shelter cats are at higher risk of exposure. The animal will be healthy but then around 2-4 years old will become very sick and anemic, and will eventually die (or hopefully be humanely euthanized before they become too weak to eat or drink). There is no treatment. One of our shelter-adopted kitties suffered this fate. Luckily, the other kittens in the house had been vaccinated against FLV, and are fine. So, if you are adopting shelter cats, have all cats in the house vaccinated against FLV (additional to the "regular" vaccines) and test an animal for exposure before you introduce them into a household with other healthy animals. Normally a vet would only recommend that you vaccinate against FLV if your kitties will go outside.
Another point: adopting kittens is a gamble. Yes, they are incredibly adorable, but they are also major trouble and major high-maintance. Plus, its hard to tell how thier personalitites will turn out. Adopting an "adolescent" (6 months to one year old) will still allow you bonding time, but will also give you a better idea of the kind of cat you will get. I adopted Sphinx at 8 months, and she was already a lap cat (which I wanted). Wobble and Automne were adopted as kittens ~ 10 weeks old, and while they are both beautiful animals, they turned out very, very different from the way they acted as kittens! Older cats are also much calmer and less destructive in the house, and are cleaner with the litter box. Consider giving and older cat a chance, especially one from a house where someone is suddenly "allergic", where a new romantic interest hates animals, or when someone has had to move to a place where animals are not allowed. These are often well-trained, well cared-for, loving animals, who just need a "forever" home.
Be patient with new adoptees. We adopted Magic at 8 months. She was a stray who was captured in a barn with her mother and her mom's second litter of kittens. Wobble did not know what cat food was (she was used to eating bugs to survive), did not understand the litterbox (she used my mother's bedspread for a week), etcetera. However within a week or two she figured out the house, and then bonded with the entire family and defended our property with a vengenance!
if you're not 100% sure about the adoption, look into rescue shelters that will let you foster animals. Often, they will supplement food and veterinary expensises if you provide the care for the animal. This is a great way to help out a cat for a short time if you're circumstances are uncertain, and to let you get to know a kitty before making a lifetime commitment.
Good luck with your adoption! If anyone wants more info aboout FLV or the cats we've adopted, PM me.
Posted by smachel on 2005-11-28 18:43:51
Post Subject:
at my parents house, we hung them on the china cabinet/chiffarobe thing. my mom would stick pushpins in the wood on the sides and hang them that way. we were a four stocking household (including the dog), so it wasn't too crazy. if we didn't put them there, i can't imagine where they would go.
Posted by Chebang! on 2005-07-15 23:48:57
Post Subject: My reply
Since I started this topic, I'll be the first to answer:
Fanny Price from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
She's a loner, a romantic, a writer, and no one expects her to know anything, yet she is the most intelligent person in that household. (Not that I am super intelligent, but I wish I was as sharp as she is.) She secretly loves Edmund all her life and knows somehow that things will always work out best for her if she waits patiently and prudently. She sees through the materialism of the society around her and avoids it at all costs.
Posted by Chelsea on 2005-06-29 12:07:35
Post Subject:
I just take all of our bills - rent, electric, phone, hospital, etc.
From what's left I figure out a good number for the grocery store: Usually $200 or less.
After that I figure out a number for household needs - stuff you'd get at Target - shampoo, cleaning supplies, makeup, etc - This depends on how tight the month is going to be. I can live w/out eyeliner for a month if I have to. I can buy a cheaper shampoo.
What's left of this we are able to spend on entertainment/craft supplies/CDs or whatever my husband wants to get. All the extra stuff we don't need. If there's an extra bill - like closing costs on a house - this entire section gets put towards that - plus a little from the Target and Grocery store sections.
Posted by stella on 2006-04-27 21:35:08
Post Subject:
most bug sprays these days are pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide as a synergist, and they're not horribly toxic to mammals, but they are very toxic to insects (obviously) and can be fairly toxic to aquatic species. it's also likely that pyrethroids are endocrine disruptors, but that's neither here nor there at this point... pyrethroids are a hell of a lot safer than malathion, which they used to put in bug spray! as long as you follow the label on the can for disposal, household bug killer isn't a huge environmental problem.
in any case, my room is basically an enclosed airspace, so the perfume they add to bug spray really gets to me even if the active ingredient doesnt!
if the roaches in my room were any bigger than they are, i would have to move, so it's a good thing they aren't from the Carboniferous!
Posted by blabla on 2005-07-15 10:56:30
Post Subject:
Thanks for the reply DJules! It's true we either think we should not fall in gender roles, but I guess he grew up in a tradtional household, his mother didn't help much.
May be I'm too concerned about this and should try to talk about it with naturality. Its a big deal for me since in my parents home my mom always did everything and I felt angry for my dad not helping and always thought that wouldn't happen to me...
Posted by ti on 2005-02-14 07:50:03
Post Subject: new SnB - have you seen this?????
Hi y'all:
Not sure if you have seen this! from Debbie Stoller on another forum *blush* but this is my favorite forum ;) and wanted to share!
I thought it was pretty cool since I learned to crochet first ... then learned to knit.
Voulez Vous Crochet Avec Moi? Call for submissions for next SnB book
Hi there -
I'm writing to tell you about my latest Stitch 'n Bitch book project, and to invite you to contribute to it. The subject of this next book is going to be crochet. I know— blasphemy!!—but where I'm from, if you're a needleworker you're a needleworker, and there's no reason not to add more mad skillz to your repertoire. Besides, crochet has it's benefits: It's much easier to do on the beach (I always pick up a few crochet projects over the summer); if you're already a knitter, some of your skills can easily translate over to crochet (especially if you knit left-handed); and crocheting is just plain better at certain things than knitting is. This book will be the perfect crochet primer for both total newbies as well as those with developed knitting skills, and will include special "for knitters only" tips to help you get through the rough spots. Not only that, even if you've never felt the urge to get hooking before, the projects in this book will be so cool, they'll make you want to give it a try.
Speaking of cool projects, that's where you come in: I'm looking for contributions of the funnest, most awesome, hippest crochet projects, using any and all crochet methods (the book will cover it all), from the simple to the more challenging. The projects can range from clothing to accessories to household items to jewelry to baby things and pet items. Whether you're a closet or out-in-the-open crocheter, I'd love you to contribute to the book. Even first-time designers are invited to contribute. If you're familiar with my two knitting books, you know the kinds of things I'm looking for.
But get crackin', because the deadline is March 7th!
To contribute, please send the following:
1) If you have a completed project, please send a few good-quality photos of the item, along with a detailed description of it. Please email your photos and description to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your full name, email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. You can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine, 78 Fifth Ave, 5th floor, New York, NY 10011.
OR
2) If you have an idea for a project but have not yet completed it, that's okay too. Just send me a very clear, detailed sketch of your idea, along with a photo of a swatch made in the yarns and stitch pattern you plan to use. This swatch should be rather large: 10" x 10" would be the best, if it's possible (for some types of projects that might not be possible.) Email that to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your full name, email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. You can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine, 78 Fifth Ave, 5th floor, New York, NY 10011.
If your project is accepted, you will be provided with the yarn you need to produce a sample, which will be photographed for the book and kept by me (to take on tour, 'natch!). You will also be paid for your submission, and will receive a free copy of the book once it is completed.
If you have any questions about the process, feel free to email me. Thanks in advance, everyone!
xxxooo debbie stoller
Author, "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" and "Stitch 'n Bitch Nation"
http://www.knithappens.com
p.s. Knitters, don't fret. You haven't seen the last of my knitting books yet.
Posted by FauxChina on 2005-11-29 22:48:35
Post Subject:
Well, I solved all my roomie troubles on Saturday.. I moved out. Friday F spoke to me for the first time in two weeks, after nothing but slaming doors, stomping around the house and sighing loudly and giving me dirty looks. It went like this: F "Uh Sarah? did your boyfriend tell you what was supposed to go on when you moved in?" Me: "No." F "Well, he should have, the agreement was that he was to move in and pay $400 a month for just him, and then you moved in and he was supposed to give us extra money, but he only gave us an extra $100 once, and well it's just too much with all the extra food and stuff, so as of December first, you have to start paying rent. Also, it has been brought to my attention that you feel like you're um expected to clean the house, well not after my messes, but yes, you're living here without paying rent so yes, you are expected to clean the house." Me "Uh, ok..." But she was extremely rude and it was more of an attack than a friendly household meeting conversation. Plus what she told her husband was far different than how she spoke to me, so Friday night I told my boyfriend I was moving back to my mothers house, until we can save up enough for our own place, and on Saturday I left. Apparently she wanted me to pay an additional $200 a month on top of the $400 my boyfriend was paying her. $600 a month for a bedroom in a modular trailor home is effing ridiculous, especially because we ALWAYS bought our own food, out of the 5 months we lived there we ate their food less than 10 times, lots of times they were eatting our food, or throwing our food in the garbage... I'm so glad to be out of there now, but I miss my boyfriend as he still lives there for the time being, but we've switched our date nights so we'll still be able to see eachother... The only bad thing about moving back home, other than not seeing my boyfriend everyday anymore is that I had to drop out of my accounting class that I was making some cool friends in. So I'm looking to pick up a part time job or something now.
Posted by DJules on 2005-07-15 09:28:05
Post Subject:
If you are planning on eventually moving in together, I would definitely talk about this before it happens.
One thing to talk about is what the expectations were when you were both growing up. My husband and I struggle with this because while neither of us thinks we should fall in line with gender roles, we also grew up in very traditional households as far as gender roles were concerned, and tend to fall into them without really thinking about it - even though in theory we both want a fair division of household chores.
And doing things like helping with the dishes is just being a good guest - especially if you are a regular guest. Maybe talk about it before it happens, before he ever comes over - maybe that will help you stay calm.
Posted by tigrrrl on 2004-04-19 22:00:19
Post Subject:
jt,
You know that taking her out of your home is the right thing to do, and I'm sorry other people have been giving you a hard time. Your top priority has to be the safety of your household members, including Grommet. If your boyfriend is that attached, he can find another place to live where he can keep the new dog. Realistically, he's probably not going to do that. However, removing the new dog from your home is the only way to insure everyone's safety.
I know it's heartbreaking and it feels like you're letting her down. But someone else might have adopted her, found out she had the aggression problems and dumped her off at the same awful pound. You're seeking out the best situation possible for her. You may always feel terrible about how things played out, but you've got to take care of and keep a safe environment for Grommet.
Posted by cackalackie on 2005-10-20 15:45:20
Post Subject:
Interesting article in today's USA Today about anti-bacterial soap, which includes the following:
Tufts microbiologist Stuart Levy, who was invited by the FDA to speak about anti-microbial resistance at today's meeting, is blunt in his assessment. "There is no place for anti-bacterial chemical additives in the healthy household," Levy, president of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, said in an interview. The main additive is called triclosan in liquid soaps and triclocarban in hard soaps. Levy says he has no problem with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, because "they work and they're gone."
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-06-14 17:51:42
Post Subject:
Large amounts of household bleach down the drain into a leach bed or a septic tank will harm the biosystem. Small amounts are fine.
If you have city sewer, the bleach won't do any harm unless you are pouring gallons of it, and even then it will be localized. It won't harm the pipes, it won't explode, corrode, implode, melt or demolecularize any plumbing. It also won't do all that much to clean the pipes. It may make the noxious odors from the trap a little more tolerable for a short while.
You do have to be careful if you are using a lot of bleach when there may have been ammonia poured into the same system with similar abandon at the same time. So if you pour a gallon of bleach and the neighbor pours a gallon of ammonia, it's possible the off-gassing of chlorine will be harmful. With proper plumbing, those gases will be contained and will dissipate eventually.
Chlorine is very volatile. It is a gas in natural state, and if you leave a bottle of chlorine bleach open for days, it will lose all of the chlorine smell and effectiveness.
Why does he want to pour bleach down the drain? A lemon ground up in the disposal does a better job of neutralizing odors, and baking soda down other traps does the same.
Posted by brdgt on 2005-07-15 11:25:21
Post Subject:
May be I'm too concerned about this and should try to talk about it with naturality. Its a big deal for me since in my parents home my mom always did everything and I felt angry for my dad not helping and always thought that wouldn't happen to me...
Tell him all of that! I think it will help for him to know that it's not "just" that you want him to pick up after himself because it's your home and that's how you run it, but because chores have meaning beyond cleanliness to you.
Always err on the side of stating what you think is the obvious when it comes to household chores - it goes both ways. I always forget to empty the hair trap in the shower so my husband reminds me, he always forgets to rinse out cans when he is done, so I remind him. We just state the obvious right away so that one of us doesn't sit there simmering about why the other one can't remember to do a simple thing until we blow up and make a big deal out of something that doesn't have to be.
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2006-04-21 06:38:30
Post Subject:
1) furniture refinishing
2) take my boys to swim classes
3) gardening
4) various household repairs
5) get my crafty business going
6) plan next year's home school lessons
7) Lots of walking and biking
8) fix up my attic work space so I can actually do #5
9) organize my stuff (actually this is happening now in preparation for a June garage sale w/ a friend)
10) enjoy life and feeling well!!
Posted by Sewlittletime on 2005-07-23 09:42:12
Post Subject:
Ahhh...I understand now!
Well...how about this...why not sit down with your husband and write down a plan to budget your money for a larger, more kid-friendly flat. You can set a goal date of whatever you feel comfortable with, let's say 1-2 yrs from now, for example.
That will give you the time to form more bonds with some nice folks, and maybe even get some ideas from other people on babysitters who you would be able to rely on to watch your future wee one.
True, it IS difficult to be spontaneous with a small child. And it CAN be quite tiring in those first six mos. or so, depending on how easy your baby is. But children bring such joy into your life. If you have baby lust just seeing the wee ones in the park, just wait until you've got one of your own!!
We not only love our 2 boys, but we still have a sort of "lust" for them that I don't think will ever go away.
And seriously talk about what your expectations will be afterwards. Plan around your worst-case scenario, and I promise the reality won't turn out to be quite as bad as you thought. Talk about your sex life, your probable energy level in that 1st half year, your finances, your household duties, and of course, care of your baby. I'm sure I forgot something in there, but you get the picture! Maybe even write down your plan of action all the way through, so that if you have a conflict somewhere down the road you can sit down together and talk about either sticking to the plan of action, or revising it to fit into your "new" lifestyle.
P.S.~ I LOVE making Halloween costumes for my boys!
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2005-03-29 01:40:35
Post Subject:
i will personaly make certain that no one gets judgemental or too high on their own no-pain-relief horses. from my perspective, home birth or scheduled c-section -- whatever it's all hard and rewarding and good. with my first son, we supplemented breast milk with formula so i could get a much-needed break and i got slack for it. as my sister gigi says, opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.
Amen, Jean! Well put :-)
I'd love a home forum too, household tips, parenting, etc...
Posted by Em-crafty on 2005-06-09 21:51:32
Post Subject:
I think all moms in our culture eventually end up feeling like household appliances at one point or another.
I've tried striking too, and it always seems to make things worse for me in the end. I get lip service and promises of more help, but then I am the one who has to go back and clean all the stuff that piled up in the meantime. People say, oh don't worry about the house, take it easy for a bit, but if you don't stay on top of it, you have to "pay it back" eventually, with interest. Sigh, wish I had the solution.
Posted by jean on 2005-03-28 10:50:02
Post Subject:
moon lemming,
if we do do a crafty mama forum, i will personaly make certain that no one gets judgemental or too high on their own no-pain-relief horses. from my perspective, home birth or scheduled c-section -- whatever it's all hard and rewarding and good. with my first son, we supplemented breast milk with formula so i could get a much-needed break and i got slack for it. as my sister gigi says, opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one.
i'm going to think about adding the crafty mama and/or household forums. i like both ideas but am worried about keeping them active.
Posted by WildSnowflake on 2006-06-15 17:02:17
Post Subject:
I found this post http://www.bargainshare.com/index.php?showtopic=684
It's from 2003 so you probably would want to check it...
::::::::::
Marie Calenders: Free Dessert
Bobs Big Boy: Free Hot Fudge Ice Cream
Carrows: Free Birthday Cake
Home Town Buffet: Free Birthday Cake
Red Robin: Free cake or dessert sunday
Denny's: Free Meal + Free Desert ( Choose anything )
trick @ Denny's: Bring your kids on your Tuesday birthday = you eat free & kids eat free too!
Alfy's Pizza: Free mini pizza.
Captain Dizzy's Car Wash: Show ID and get a free car wash
Food Pavilion grocery store: FREE movie rental
Safeway: FREE movie rental
Baskin Robbins: FREE ice cream treat
Claim Jumper: Free Desert + sing
Bakers Square: Free Pie
Todai: Free birthday meal (same day) ID required
Chilis: Free Song for birthday + (depends on place)
Hollywood Videos: One Free Rental
If you have a Dave & Busters in your area, they offer fifty free game tokens for use on any games in their gameroom. You must register with them before your birthday, and they will mail you card with the offer for your up coming birthday.
taken from spoofee:
ALFY'S PIZZA - free mini pizza
ALL-AMERICAN CAFE - free dessert
APPLEBEES - free dessert
AUSTIN GRILL - Register First - free meal
AUTO ZONE - Free Oil Change
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BANDIDO'S - free entry
BANJARA INDIAN CUISINE - free meal
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
BEACHES RESTAURANT - free meal
BENIHANA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT - free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests
BENNIGANS - free dessert + song
BERN'S - free meal
BILL KNAPP'S - gives adults a % discount equal to age; plus a free bday cake (w/purchase of a meal) during the week of your B-day
BLACK BRISKEE - free meal
BOB'S BIG BOY - free hot fudge ice cream
BUFFALO WILD WINGS (BW3) - free dozen hot wings
BURGER KING - free kids meal to all kids club members
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Register First - free kids meal during the month of their birthday
CAPTAIN DIZZY'S CAR WASH - free car wash
CARROWS - free cake
CATTLEMEN'S - free dessert and cowboy hat
CHARLIE BROWNS RESTAURANTS - free meal for "Handshake Club" members
CHARLIE'S SEAFOOD - free meal
CHEVY'S - free dessert and sombrero
CHILI'S - free song
CHIPS N GIGGLES - free meal
CLAIM JUMPER - Free Dessert
CRAZY BUFFET - free meal
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
DENNY'S - free meal (said to be only kids under 10 now)
DESPARADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - free meal
DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - free meal
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE - b1g1 coupons (Register First)
EINSTEIN'S - free meal
EL CHICOS - free dessert
ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - free meal
FAMOUS DAVE'S BARBEQUE - free meal (w/advance signup)
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - free cake (party of 5 min.; 2 drink min.)
GOLDEN CORRAL - free meal to birthday Club members (not just kids!) during month of birthday
GRILLFISH - free meal
HANA JAPAN - free meal
HARD ROCK CAFE - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - one free video rental
HOOTERS - free song + tshirt
HOSS'S STEAK HOUSE AND RESTAURANT - free cake + song
IHOP- free meal
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
JT WHEATFIELDS - free coupon in phone book
KING BUFFET - free meal
KRISPY KREME - Register First - free dozen donuts + travel mug of coffee
LADONNA - free meal
LOMBARDI'S IN BALLARD - Register First - free meal w/another during month of birthday
LOTUS - free meal
LUTHERS BBQ - free stuff (varies) for "Great Rewards" members
MACARONI GRILL - free dessert + OPERA-style "Happy birthday" song
MAGGIANOS - $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance)
MARIE CALENDERS - free dessert
MAX AND ERMA - free $5 dessert
MEXICAN VILLAGE - free meal
MOONIES DINER - free meal
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO - free sushi dinner + player's club points
NEWICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS - free entry
NITTY GRITTY - free drink + souvenir glass
OKAYAMA RESTAURANT - free meal
OLD SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE - free meal
OLIVE GARDEN - cake (some say free, most say $$)
ONAMI - free dinner WITH 3 other people paying
OUTBACK - free dessert + song
PANCAKE HOUSE - free entry
PAPPA'S RESTAURANTS - free dessert
PARADISO'S - free meal
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
PIZZA EXPRESS - free meal
PONCHO'S - free meal, dessert & picture
PROVINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Radisson - free entree in their 12th floor restaurant
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY - free meal and dessert
RED LOBSTER - free slice of cake + song
RED ROBINS - Register First - free burger coupon / discount coupon
RICE & COMPANY - free meal for Robinson Rewards Club members
ROCK BOTTOM - free appetizer for Mug Club members
ROUND TABLE - free personal pizza
SCALINI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - up to 10.95 off pasta specialties
SHEPARD'S BUFFET - free dinner buffet w/3 other paid customers
STEAK AND ALE - free mini choco cake
STEAK-N-SHAKE - free dinner for "birthday club" kids
TACO BELL - free combo meal of your choice
TGI FRIDAYS - Free birthday Dessert
THE 99 - free meal
THE BARNSIDER'S/DEPOT RESTAURANTS - 1/2 off meal + cake & song
THE LOFT - free meal
THE PALM - 3lb lobster (must be a member/Register First)
THE PARADISO - free entry + sombrero & song
THE VINE TAVERN - free meal
TODAI SEAFOOD BUFFET - Free Meal or voucher for Meal Next Visit
TONY ROMA'S - free dessert
UP THE CREEK - free meal and dessert
VACCARO'S ITALIAN PASTRY SHOP - free dessert and drink
WENDY'S - free kids meal to all kids club members
Z' TEJAS - Register First - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday
ZIO'S - free dessert
Sign everyone in your household up for the Baskin Robbins birthday club!!
http://www.baskinrobbins.com/BDayClub/
You will receive an EMAIL with your free birthday scoop coupon and $3 off any ice cream cake (so use a real email address!! )
Posted by sarabell on 2005-03-29 12:18:14
Post Subject:
yeah, i really had no intention of including any sort of bodily functions in the forum - really don't think this is the place, and i have no intention of, or desire to take that direction. at least not on this site. i was thinking more household stuff, and in terms of mama stuff, ideas of things to do with and for the ankle-biters; craft ideas, projects, activities. but like i said, that would be more of a secondary aspect of the forum, definitely not an emphasis. i was really thinking of things like alternative cleaning methods, decorating ideas, reusing/recycling/repurposing, ideas to keep one from going crazy while stuck in the house all day.
Posted by happydaisydoo on 2005-09-16 15:22:41
Post Subject:
Three live in my household. I share space with my husband and his brother and our place tends to be clean, but lived in. Magazines and craft supplies are in every corner most of the time. My brother-in-law works two part-time jobs and is home a lot during the day. He keeps up with the dishes, some light dusting and some vacuuming. It is his contribution to our household. My husband and I pay for household expenses and only ask that he help with maintenance. I ask my husband to give two hours each week-end to cleaning. This usually means he scrubs the bathroom and the kitchen. I do most of the laundry through the week while crafting. I simply stop to fold and start the next load. I also have people over for dinner almost every Friday. This forces us to spend some time cleaning house. When we stay on top of it, cleaning doesn't take very long and my husband doesn't fight me on helping. It has taken us nearly 4 years to work out this system, but it seems to work. I am responsible for most of the housekeeping, but I care about it more. If I do a little each day, I definitely have more time for crafting. Good luck working it out.
Posted by moon_lemming on 2005-03-28 07:15:49
Post Subject:
I think we've floated the idea of a parenting forum shortly after getcrafty started up again, but it got nixed. I'm very iffy about it personally because when we had one on old glitter it seemed (to me, personally) clique-y. Like, I didn't feel like I would get much support if I tried to start a topic about recovering from (emergency) c-sections because everyone on the forum was so alternative medicine-y. (I'm not putting it that way to knock it, I just can't think of a good way to put it.)
I don't really have an opinion about the household forum idea, either way works for me. I usually look for that kind of stuff under either Consuming Pleasures or Share a Craft.
I am still paranoid about us getting all folder folder folder subfolder (Craftster-style), though.
Posted by Dawn on 2005-11-20 14:37:16
Post Subject:
I always love threads like these! Spiderlady, I have a copy of that documentary on VHS, and I actually watch it from time to time.
What's in my purse right now?
wallet
purple bandana (packs flat and has 1001 uses)
purple mini calculator from the Target One Spot section
set of mini colored pencils for coloring on the go (also from Target)
glue stick for pasting stuff in my notebook
two fountain pens, one for purple ink and one for black ink
several black ink cartridges (I use bottled purple ink)
Fisher space pen
purple pencil sharpener
mechanical eraser
several Atkinson's peanut butter bars (I "accidentally" bought too many of these for Halloween)
two binder clips
Ziploc baggie
business card case
Levenger letter opener
Levenger thing that cuts one layer of paper (handy for clipping stuff & safer than scissors to carry around )
mini pink highlighter
purple mini Sharpie
Powerpuff Girls baby fork (comes in handy more often than you'd think)
lip liner
key that I need to return to someone
black zippered bag that contains lipstick, gloss, comb, mirror, bobby pins, hair elastics, generic Ibuprofen, tiny thing of dental floss, and a tiny baggie that holds one cotton ball soaked in makeup remover (I hate putting new lipstick on over old lipstick)
household & car keys on a silver ladybug keychain
two individually wrapped straws (I hate it when you ask for one in a restaurant and they bring it to you in their bare hands)
lotion (I used to also carry liquid soap for washing my hands, but now I just keep the bathroom at work stocked with my preferred brand)
two neatly folded Kleenex
girl stuff
penlight
All of this sounds like a lot, but everything is tiny and the purse is not very big. You can see a picture here. I also found a picture from last year. It's funny to compare the two. Last year's purse was bigger, but I carried less stuff in it. The planner doesn't fit in the purse I carry now, so I carry that in my hand.
What does all of this say about me? That I am very, um, particular. :o) Hey, if I have to leave the comfort of my own home, I like to be ready for anything.
Ninja, if you like that website, you should check out the Flickr What's in Your Bag Pool.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-03-28 12:47:26
Post Subject:
i think my initial topic got lost in the whole mama business! i just figured that mom stuff could be a secondary aspect of a home-related forum since that is often a reason that we're home. at least why i am.... a homegirl in the literal sense. just figured it would be a good place to put it, so as not to clog other forums, or put off or bore the non-mamas or uninterested. my idea for the the home forum would be more related to sharing helpful household hints, ways to reuse & recycle, decorating ideas, etc.... you know, the home arts.
(and me, i'm a 2 c-section girl, went the formula route after about a month and a half of nursing with both - so no high horses here! i'm one of those people that read the complimentary copies of american baby, etc. and feel like the worst, most broke-ass parent in the world.....)
Posted by scarletgenesis on 2006-02-04 14:54:13
Post Subject: Dryer Sheets....
...where have you been all my life?
So I am catching up on laundry today and in the bottom of the laundry caddy , way in the back, I spied a box (unused) of Bounce dryer sheets (w/ fabric softner). I've never used dryer sheets before, but thought, what the heck? I have no idea where they came from...the laundry faerie maybe? Anyway I threw one in and OMG. I've never felt such soft laundry before!!! You can bet I'm a convert....I never thought they'd work or be worth the price, but I'll be buying these from now on!
What are some new household-type discoveries that you've made?
Posted by timeless treasures on 2006-02-20 08:38:30
Post Subject: Young at heart grandmother with teen
I am a grandmother raising my 17 year old granddaughter and have just found this site.
I have turned back to being crafty, after 21 years of teaching children from grade 1- grade 8. I like being able to immerse myself in projects that include decoupage and sewing. Generally, I use recycled or freecycled materials to keep costs down.
My 17 year old has turned into a wonderful girl whom I admire.
Posted by moon_lemming on 2005-04-04 07:26:28
Post Subject:
Sorry, sarabell, I think my c-section/parenting snobbery comment sort of threw the whole thread off course there. I was just replying to pudding's comment when I took that rabbit trail:
A parenting forum would be good too - I'd read it, even though I'm not a parent yet, just attempting to become one! :-)
I'm wondering if there are any drawbacks or considerations that might have to be thought about before deciding to create new forums?
I probly should have quoted that first.
Just wanted to apologize for any of the confusion that's due to my chattiness.
And re: the original proposal, the household forum, I'm still noncommital, mostly due to the fact that we had a "Craft Your Life" forum in the beginning, but dropped it because people weren't sure what the difference was between what went there, what went in Share a Craft and what went in the Freestyle forum and it got kind of redundant. (Or something along those lines, I know SOMEONE has to remember that and can correct any of that that is wrong due to my scatterbrainedness.) But then again, I think it might be a good idea if we have more people interested in the crafty domestic scene now. I'm like Switzerland over here.
Posted by Katrin on 2004-09-06 16:50:04
Post Subject: The Product Appreciation Thread
We haven't had one of these in a while, and it's about time for a new one. What products are you loving these days? Craft-making gadgets, household cleaning supplies, food, beverages, electronic toys, health and beauty aids...anything at all. Give a shout-out to the favorite things that are making your life better!
My latest fixation: Gloves in a Bottle hand lotion. Silly name, dull packaging, outrageous price...and worth every penny. It claims to bond with your outer layer of skin and never wash off until the skin's naturally exfoliated, thereby holding moisture in and keeping irritants out. And it claims that you can't even feel it once you put it on.
I was very skeptical - but IT'S TRUE. It really works the way it says it does! After only a few days of use, my coffee-shop-ravaged hands are softer than they've been in years, and the skin even feels stronger and healthier. My chronic hangnails are all but gone, and even little cuts and scratches on my hands seem to heal faster.
I drove clear across town to the fabric store where I got it, just to buy another bottle as a birthday present for my mom (she's a hand lotion conoisseur) and a little bottle to keep at work. My nay-saying coworkers are as doubtful about this stuff as I once was, but I'll make believers of them yet.
Posted by sarabell on 2005-04-02 11:55:57
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i have a 2 1/2 year old and an (almost) 11 month old. it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for me to craft. it always has been, since i was not much more than an ankle-biter myself. it's the only thing that really allows me to unleash my insanity creatively! i find the time to do this by not obsessing over household matters like dishes, laundry, etc. if i'm in craft mode (unless we have inlaws coming over.....) and i try to have a few projects going on at once, so that there are some that i can do while i hang with the ankle biters, others that i can do in the kitchen while they're playing amongst themselves, and others that need to be kept away from the little hands, which are reserved for the times that they are sleeping or out with papa.
i think that working on arts and crafts in front of your children has a very positive influence; the older of the two is frequently painting with watercolors or asking to work on a project and is becoming a little artist in his own right. the little one has an extreme fondness for hand knit or crocheted items, so i'm sure she'll have needles working a frenzy as soon as she has that whole hand/eye coordination thing down.
hope you manage to work things out and get working!
Posted by kittyroc on 2005-01-18 10:51:26
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Yeah, I thought the family from Tennesee was totally normal compared to the other family. Probably because I'm more used to a household where we were allowed to be silly and not perfect. My husband grew up in a very controlled and clean perfect household.=p Now that I've moved in, that all went out the window!
Posted by xuli on 2006-12-27 15:41:20
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And that quote is profoundly sexist as well, and serves to replicate stereotypes about a man setting up a household, as well as negative images of the wife / mother in law relationship.
Not to mention that it infantilizes women as well. Like boys "grow up" and stop being your kid, but girls are always going to need someone to "parent" them.
(I first heard that quote at a friend's wedding. Her father said it during the toast. He also proceeded to get really drunk and hit on all of the bride's (his daughter's) single friends ... so yeah, I can't help but think of icky sexism whenever I hear that quote.)
I've heard a lot of people say boys are better/easier to raise, and it always pisses me off too. Especially because the first person I ever heard it from was my own mother!
Posted by delqc on 2006-12-27 12:32:22
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all of the things that have been said about the differences between girls and boys are based on deeply ingrained cultural ideas of what it means to be female or male, and a lot of them deserve examination. it is profoundly sexist to assume that raising girls is any different from raising boys.
yes. And that quote is profoundly sexist as well, and serves to replicate stereotypes about a man setting up a household, as well as negative images of the wife / mother in law relationship.
Why is it that gender stereotypes always make women out to be bad, evil, harder, etc and men out to be good? Oh yes - that darn patriarchy! It creeps up everywhere!
And, even if girls were harder to raise, it would probably be related to the way they were treated. I imagine that a culture which discriminates against women begins by discriminating against girls, limiting their choices, undoubtedly leaving the girls to resist their circumstances. Perhaps this common knowledge should be restated: perhaps it's more difficult to indoctrinate girls than boys into a patriarchal society ... understandably so!
Posted by kittoness on 2005-09-03 15:39:47
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uproar, I've forwarded your letter to the White House, and to my Congressman, and Senator from my state. Although I am relieved that you are safe, I am so sorry for the nightmare you and everyone else is going through, still.
I am appalled at the mismanagement of emergency response to this disaster. This administration has proved itself heartless and incompetent yet again.
We are mobilizing in our shared household to respond in our own way to what has, and still is, happening.
Our thoughts are with you and everyone who is suffering.
Posted by kittoness on 2005-09-03 15:40:53
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uproar, I've forwarded your letter to the White House, and to my Congressman, and Senator from my state. Although I am relieved that you are safe, I am so sorry for the nightmare you and everyone else is going through, still.
I am appalled at the mismanagement of emergency response to this disaster. This administration has proved itself heartless and incompetent yet again.
We are mobilizing in our shared household to respond in our own way to what has, and still is, happening.
Our thoughts are with you and everyone who is suffering.
