Ask The Helpful Housewife

"Window" Shopping

I've been indulging in some eye candy this morning...  I found two emails in my inbox that I absolutely couldn't resist opening.  I'm going to put lots of pictures in this post as I just can't help myself!  I have to share these lovelies with all of you! 

First, I opened my email from a London-based shop called "Plumo".  I'm positive I've posted about them before.  It's where I got my sweet little lollie makers from!  Anyway, they are having a big summer sale, and I had to peek.  I fell in LOVE with so much!  Here are some items that I added to my wish list (and may even be ordering by this afternoon if I lose my willpower!)  As you click on each photo, it should then change the large image to the one you just selected....  I hope it works. 

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I can't decided which of these items I like the best!  I absolutely ADORE the retro doilies and the polka dot pots.  But the Lena Totebag is near and dear because my nickname all through highschool and college was "Lena".  There is so much more on their website than these goodies.  They have gorgeous clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, home items and gifts.  And once in a while I get an email from them that offers free shipping, which is always wonderful when it's coming from England!  Sign up for their newsletters.... you'll get those notifications, and will always know when the next yummy thing is coming!

I also happened to check out the April Cornell website.  In their email they showed some beautiful new summer prints for the kitchen.  The Blueberries print and the Strawberries print collections are so cute, and perfect for those picnic-like days of summer.  And then there was the  California Check print collection....  so reminiscent of the 1950's, and fresh and bright to really perk up your day!  Sigh.....  I want.  I want. I want.  (My husband would tell me to want in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up first. But I am so tempted to take advantage of their sale as well!)

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 I personally love the watering cans... how sweet! If you click here it will take you to the table linens section, by category/print.  If you click here, it will route you to the watering cans.  But also be sure to check out the exquisite clothing lines, too!  When Attie, my oldest, was not quite 2 years old (and still an only child for a few more months!), I went to the actual April Cornell store here in town and got her an absolutely amazing Christmas dress, and mother/daughter matching aprons in the same fabric collection.  We still wear those aprons every Christmas when we bake cookies together!  But I have to admit, I only purchase from this site once in a very great while, and only when on sale.  Kitchen linens, especially table cloths, are my weakness.  I have way too many already that I have found at antique sales, flea markets and such.  I love the vintage ones, but when I find a brand new one that is a replica of a retro design, I have a tendency to get it.  I don't feel as bad when I use it daily and wash it so frequently.  But I'm an addict.  I have an entire shelf in my linen closet devoted to kitchen linens, and two drawers in my dining room "buffet" that hold the rest of the collection.  And I can't squeeze another in either space.  That's the main thing stopping me from going nuts on these items today.  Especially the California Check pattern, as it's on sale!

Hope you all enjoy browsing these sites like I did!

Need some Housewife gear? Now available!!!

If interested, just check out The Housewife goods here....  I've got my Christmas list taken care of now!  lol

I am reading a wonderful

I am reading a wonderful book I picked up at the library yesterday- "The Wonder of Girls" by Michael Gurian. Perfect for moms...

Soap Slivers Get a New Life!

Are you sick of those little slivers of soap that are too tiny to use once the bar has been worn down?  Don't save them and melt them into a new bar!  It's time consuming and a hassle.  Here's an easier solution:

Get some inexpensive tulle from the craft store.  Cut about 4 10x10 inch squares.  Lay them all on top of each other.  Set the soap slivers in the middle and gather up the corners and sides.  Secure it all with a strong rubber band.  Ouila!  A shower pouf/scrubbie with the soap built right in!

Another option is to just purchase the little organza party favor bags that have drawstrings attached.  Just put the soap slivers in there and tie it shut, and you have another simple scrubbie to use!

Musty Linens Must Get Clean

I had the incredible fortune of buying several vintage quilts for only $10 each.  I don't think the seller knew their worth?!  Usually these quality of vintage quilts go for a couple hundred dollars or more. 

Anyway, they all had that old musty smell to them.  They smelled of dust and damp, like an old attic.  And I really wanted to keep them out with my collection of other vintage quilts.  But with the smell, I just wouldn't be able to!  So, I got to work.  And they are now smelling fresh and lovely!  This method can be used for just about any fabric that needs to be rid of unwanted "old" smells.  If it is dry clean only, then DON"T do this, take it to a professional.  But if it is a washable fabric, then by all means give it a whirl!  For especially stinky fabrics it may take 2 or 3 times through the process to really get the ick out.

Fill the bathtub with cool (not cold or warm) water. 

Add about an 1/8th of a cup of a mild detergent, such as Ivory or Dreft, and slowly swirl it into the water to disperse it well.

Add about 1/8th cup of Arm & Hammer washing soda and dissolve by stirring.

Add in 1 cup of vinegar.  (The smell will dissipate, I promise!)

Gently lay the quilt, blanket, etc. into the water.  Using your hands, softly press it into the water, pressing in different areas each time.  Slowly turn it over to the other side and repeat.  Let it sit for an hour or so.

Drain the water from the tub, and refill with cool plain water.  Then repeat the process above with the quilt, pressing the suds out of it into the plain water.    Repeat until the water is  clear, and no more suds come out of the fabric.

Roll the quilt tightly while still in the tub to squeeze out excess water.  Then take it outside into the sunshine and hang it to dry.  Over a railing will do if you don't have a clothesline. 

The combination of the vinegar, washing soda and the fresh air should remove the musty smell and leave it fresh and bright.  The soap and washing soda will remove any dirt or dust that is keeping the odor in.  And the washing soda will leave it nice and soft.