6 Ways to Care for Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine needs some love. Think about what this machine does for you: It cleans a hamper's worth of dirty clothes in less than an hour and magically removes all kinds of stains without scrubbing - day in and day out. Like any appliance, you need to clean and care for your washing machine to keep it running smoothly. A little bit of upkeep goes a long way, so here are a few simple tricks to try.

1. Deep cleaning.
Do you feel like your clothes are not coming out as clean as they should? Or do you detect an odor inside your washing machine? Then it's time for a deep clean. I like to use The Laundress Machine Cleaner once a month to clean out my washer - and I've noticed it cleans better when I do. You'll want to run an empty cycle on hot wash with your machine cleaner - or simply laundry detergent.

You can make your own DIY washing-machine cleaner. If you feel like your washing machine needs sanitizing, make a solution of 3/4 cup of bleach and 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent. Let the solution run through a soak cycle of your machine, and then run a rinse cycle to remove the bleach and clear it out.

2. Keep the door open.
Here's a big one you may not know. You're supposed to leave the lid or door to the washing machine open after every load. Why? Keeping the door open allows the moisture inside the drum of the washing machine to evaporate.

3. Clean spills.
I've been guilty of this mistake. If you spill anything on your washer, you should wipe it away with a damp soft cloth right away - don't let the spill sit for long.

What's the problem (besides a dried spill being harder to clean)? Most washer tops are made of porcelain enamel or a synthetic enamel. This finish can be damaged by exposure to solutions like ammonia, chlorine bleach or any abrasive cleaners.

4. Protect the finish.
If you use the top of your washing machine as a work surface, lay a folded towel on top to protect its finish.This is especially helpful when you treat stains, since stain removers can make the top of the washing machine sticky. The baked enamel finish on washers can also scratch easily. Keep any sharp tools (such as scissors) safely away. Keep any liquids away from the control panel. Liquid detergents and stain removers can damage the finish.

5. Wipe it down - inside and out.
I've been rather neglectful of my washing machine and noticed that it's getting a sticky residue from small detergent spills. It's important to wipe down the outside of your washing machine about once a week, just as you would any other surface in your home.

The best solution is a mild dishwashing liquid (which can cut grease) and water. Don't forget the inside of your washer! You should periodically wipe down theinside drum of the machine with a damp cloth. It's easy for lint, dirt or soapy residue to build up inside.

6. Clean the fabric softener dispenser.
Follow the product manual instructions for cleaning the fabric softener dispenser. Avoid using detergent to clean the dispenser.

7. Keep an eye on the hoses connected to your washing machine.
You want to be sure they don't become bent. If your washing machine is older, it may be time to replace those hoses (which should be replaced every five years.) A leak in your washing machine hose can cause a flood in your home.

How to Garden Anywhere

On a driveway, atop a doghouse, up a wall -- here's how to garden in small and unusual spaces.

Garden in a driveway
Landscape architect Jeni Webber replaced this Palo Alto home's solid driveway with two strips of concrete, leaving space for a tiny garden in the middle.

In the parking strip
The parking strip that patch of ground between the sidewalk and the street is often a neglected no-man's-land. However, the right plants can turn an eyesore into a treasured extension of your garden.

In a posthole
This mini park in downtown Portland (planted in a spot meant for a lamppost) proves that there is no space too small for a garden.

On a vertical garden tower
No room to garden? A vertical garden tower will give you plenty of space for edibles, and takes up very little room.

Between pavers
Randi Herman wanted to plant something unique between the pavers in her Berkeley backyard; instead of using predictable groundcovers she went for a mix of lettuces and beets.

On a city roof
Plants that grow on city rooftops need to be able to stand up to constant sunlight and harsh winds. For this project, landscape designer Lauren Schneider mixed California natives that thrive in hot, dry conditions with plants that evolved in similar climates.

On the patio
Having fresh greens at your fingertips is one of the best parts of the growing season. And with a raised planter on the back patio, you can have a continual supply of salad greens nearly year-round. You can make one using a ready-made redwood window box from the nursery.

Atop a doghouse
Even Fido deserves a living roof. You can buy this stylish doghouse from prefab firm Modern Cabana. The roof is ready to plant.

On a table
Pasadena landscape architect Heather Lenkin came up with a simple way to make a tabletop garden. Follow her easy how-to for a living centerpiece of your own.

In the air
Looking for the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant? Tillandsias, also known as air plants, are native to tropical parts of the Americans, where they live without soil on trees and rocks.

In a tray
Irish moss and Scotch moss combine with lady's slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) to form the illusion of a garden. A copper tray catches drips from terra-cotta pots with soft earth-tone glazes.

In a frame
Instead of framing a picture, why not a whole garden? Here, cuttings of assorted succulents knit together to create colorful, textural living tapestries.

On a birdfeeder
This easy-to-assemble birdfeeder is the perfect place to plant a miniature green roof. Groundcovers like moss, ivy, thyme, and small sedums, will flourish in the shallow depth of the feeders' roof.

In a tiny spot
If you don't have a lot of square footage for your garden, experiment with plants that don't take up a lot of space. Colonnade apple trees grow upright and extremely narrow.

In 4 square feet
You can grow a lot in 4 square feet. This little patch of soil has been planted with tomatoes, basil, chives, and cucumbers.

7 Ways to Show Your Home Love This Valentine's Day

Decorating a home for Valentine's Day can be difficult; you want it to be tasteful without it looking like a bottle of Pepto Bismol exploded in your living room. I've assembled some of my favorite home decor projects that are tasteful and pretty and would make a perfect addition to your Valentine's Day decorating. Which one is your style?

1. Simple sign
I love the beauty of this simple sign that's painted, distressed, and personalized with decals. What a great gift idea for a couple's first Valentine's Day!

2. Polka dot heart pillow
A pretty polka dot pillow makes a cute accent and only requires intermediate sewing skills. This pillow makes the perfect V-Day gift for a mother, sister, or best friend.

3. String art
If you can hammer nails and wind string, then you can make this unique "Love" sign. It would be perfect to give to a friend with a flair for modern decor.

4. Embroidery hoops
Make fun V-Day wall decor with leftover fabric, felt, and embroidery hoops. You can also tie a smaller one onto a box of chocolates and give it as a gift.

5. Love tree
Use printable elements and personal pictures to create a beautiful love tree display. To turn this tree into the perfect teacher's gift, add handwritten notes from each student to the branches.

6. Subway art
This super-sized subway art features a stenciled background and vinyl letter messages. You could easily make one as a gift for your whole family, commemorating special times and places in your lives.

7. XO tealights
Cute V-Day table scatter hot glued to tealights makes a fun addition to any decor. These votives would also be a sweet gift to give to children. Put conversation hearts or chocolate inside!

Tips to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

The questions I'm asked the most is, "How do I make my flowers last longer?" Well, there are a variety of factors involved. Those super cheap roses that you bought may have been grown in really bad mass-produced conditions, which lead to a weaker flower.

When you buy organic, or flowers grown in a more sustainable way, they will probably last longer. Leaving those buds in front of a window on a hot summer day? Yep, those babies will start to droop. Here are my favorite tips that will allow you to enjoy those beauties longer:

Change the water everyday. Everyday?!
Well, at least every other day. By far, the best way to prolong flowers is to change the water, so that they can drink fresh water and rehydrate. Have an arrangement? Flush out the water by placing the whole vase under the faucet.

Cut the stems on a slant.
Before you place the flowers in water, cut the stems on an angle. This creates more surface space to allow for better water absorption. Ideally, you will re-cut the stem every time you change the water.

No leaves below the water.
This is equally as important! Probably the most important care tip of all. The leaves create bacteria, which cause the flowers to die faster (and smell).

Keep flowers cool.
Tropical flowers generally don't mind the heat. Wondering why your hydrangea died in a matter of hours? They really hate the heat. So do a lot of flowers, so keep them out of the direct sun. Place them in the fridge for an hour or two to cool off on a hot day.

Orchids.
Potted orchids are the most popular option for homes and offices. They last a couple of months and are easy to take care of. Less is more with these guys. Add only one cup of water every ten days, and keep out of direct sunlight. That's it!

The flower food myth.
Probably my least favorite myth of all. Change the water everyday and the buds will last just as long or longer than by adding flower food, or anything else like aspirin or bleach.

Forcing open buds.
Most flowers can be forced open. Simply use your thumb and forefinger to gently pry open the petals by lifting them back.

Pollen.
If you love those fragrant lilies, be sure to pick out the red pollen that will stain whatever it touches. Simply pull it off the stamen and dispose.

Freshness.
It's simple. If the flowers are soft, that means they are old. Place your palm on top of the heads to test for firmness.

Enjoy them.
This isn't a tip, but a reminder to enjoy your flowers! Take a moment to smell the roses.

Ty Pennington Shares 8 Mini Home Makeover Ideas

Toys, muddy boots, and jackets that simply never find their way to a hanger - kids are practically the arch nemeses of a clean, well-organized house ... but they don't have to be. Design guru and former Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington knows that even small tweaks to your living environment can transform your home.

In his new ABC daytime series, The Revolution, Pennington teams up with style icon Tim Gunn and a team of mental and physical health experts to transform the lives of viewers from the inside out. Fortunately, you don't need to appear on national TV to get Ty's tips. Here are 10 kid-friendly ways to revitalize your home.

1. Get Organized
Coming up with an organization strategy before you redo a room serves two purposes, says Pennington. It gives you an idea for the space you'll be designing and offers some fast-acting motivation for getting started. "Getting organized gives you a sense of satisfaction, because you can see the effect of your efforts right away," he says.

Pennington adds that families can start with holiday items: "Throw away any seasonal items you haven't put out in more than two years," he says. "Yes, I understand that you want to keep every single ornament that your child made since age 2, but do you really need that felt Santa hat with missing eyes and four specks of glitter that you've had in a box since 1985?"

You may need to invest, too. Clearly labeled bins, shelf organizers, and separated storage systems can turn clutter-filled rooms into well-oiled machines.

2. Cut Clutter
Now that you know how much space you've got to work with, it's time to make more of it. "One easy way to create an entirely new vibe in a room that doesn't cost a single cent is to remove a third or even half of the crap you've collected in there over time," Ty says.

"From the floor to the ceiling, on all the tables and shelves, and hanging on the walls - whatever you can't remember, remove. If you don't realize it's there, then it doesn't need to be." Removing the things you don't use or want creates more space for new accessories you're dying to have.

3. Personalize It
"If you're already pretty neat and organized, then I applaud you. But if you are so neat and organized that your house looks sterile and uninviting, then you need to back up a couple of steps and bring in some cool accessories that will give your space personality," Ty says.

Before tackling big projects like walls, ceilings, and floors, moms can start small by shopping for accessories that capture their personal aesthetic and can be easily replaced if Junior spills juice on a throw pillow or knocks over a knick-knack.

"The easiest place to start is with textiles," Ty says. "Throw pillows, a lap blanket, drapery panels, throw rugs, table cloths, runners - whether you buy them or sew them yourself, look for cool fabrics that have a little punch, but don't veer too far away from the clean colors you're already using in the room. But don't overdo it, or you'll be moving backwards," he cautions. To keep a clean look, less often means more.

4. Add Some Color
Cheap, easy, and perfect for moms on a budget, color can revive a room without a major time or money investment. Plus paint can be an inexpensive way to experiment with design without breaking the bank.

"Even if you only paint one wall - or a section of a wall - you'll be making a statement," Ty explains. "Don't forget the trim. Sometimes a room seems dull because the paint and trim are faded, marred, and dirty. A fresh coat of paint is the answer to that."

5. Get a Handle on Things
Ty means that literally. If selected and coordinated correctly, knobs, handles, and pulls on dresser drawers and doors can tie a room together and express individuality in a subtle way. An extra bonus is that, if installed correctly, fancy handles can withstand little hands in a way that most high-priced furniture can't.

"Antique door knobs have become such a huge decorator's find that there are now plenty of places you can find cheaper knockoffs," Pennington says. " ... Changing them out only requires a screwdriver. I recently saw someone use eight glass doorknobs above a window from which she hung a tab-topped drapery panel. Very cool."

6. Frame Someone
Of course you want a billion pictures of your little ones on display, but there's a neat, design-forward way to do it and one that's ... well ... not.

"Think outside the box about what might make a cool frame. Is your family into golf? How about gluing a bunch of tees around a plain wood frame? Really into music? Decoupage some concert tickets and frame them," Ty says. "Another cool idea for frames is to find a bunch of different frames at a flea market or in your basement and then spray paint all of them the same color, then do a big collection of frames on the wall with your favorite photos reprinted in black and white."

7. Find the Picasso in You (and Your Kids)
Of course you want to give your princess the Disney dream room she's always wanted or your son the living homage to dinosaurs he's been whining about for months. Instead of buying themed accessories your kid won't be interested in a year from now, Ty says to turn that obsession into a fun family project.

"Kids love theme rooms, but parents don't always have the skill to make the kind of murals or large art pieces that help bring a theme to life," he says. " ... Borrow an overhead projector from your local library or school to project a transparency image to the wall. Trace the image onto the wall using chalk or a watercolor pencil. Carefully mark what colors each part of the image should be painted, and then get to work. Your kids can do this with you - and might be better at it since they've probably spent more time tracing and drawing lately than you have!"

8. Get Graphic
To make a boring room a little more eye-catching, Ty suggests that parents (and kids, if they're old enough) create their own graphic images.

It's easy enough to tape off big squares and paint those, but circles are sometimes more fun," he says. "There are plenty of objects you can use, from a CD/DVD for small circles, a paint can for medium circles, and a trash can cover for big circles ... As you make the circle patterns, do some that overlap and others that are separate. Outline the circle first, then paint the interior ... For a more subtle effect or something less whimsical, paint the circles in a shade darker than what you painted the wall or in clear poly. That way they're not so bold, but the wall gains texture and visual interest."

8 Inventive Ways to Organize Your Bathroom

There are so many little items and the space gets used so much that it's imperative to have this room organized with a place for everything! Check out these 8 bathroom organization ideas and DIY projects.

1. Mounted mason jars
Store oft-used and little items like cotton balls, makeup sponges, cotton swabs, and so forth with this easy DIY and industrial-chic project.
Make mounted mason jars

2. Shelves inside cabinet doors
Make better use of bathroom or linen closet shelves with this great idea. It's a good way to get control of little items inside a large space.

3. Desk organizers in the bathroom
Use unexpected things to organize your bathroom essentials. These desk organizers make great bathroom under the sink and drawer organizers, too!

4. Matching labeled baskets under cabinets
Did you find a great (January) sale on storage baskets? Scoop them up, label them, and use them as attractive bathroom organizers you actually don't mind showing off!

5. Dollar store containers velcroed to a drawer
This is a simple, but incredibly effective, solution to keeping organizers from sliding around.

6. Vintage cups and saucers as jewelry holders
It's not easy to put those cute cups and saucers to use, but this great idea lets you show them off while organizing your jewelry!

7. Holding makeup tools in dollar store vases
Here's a cute way to organize everyday makeup implements using inexpensive dollar store materials.

8. Towel shelf above bathroom door
Tight on space? Use that unused space above the bathroom door to store extra towels, washcloths, and more.

12 Tips to Unblock a Toilet

Unblock a Toilet. Unblocking a toilet is not the most pleasant job in the world, but if the blockage is not that serious, it is a quick and easy household task. We show you how to unblock a toilet with three different methods.

1: You will need
2: Unblocking toilets
A blockage is usually caused by something of unusual shape - such as a nappy, a toy, or an air freshener, although often toilets can just get clogged with too much toilet paper. Unblocking a toilet is easy, but it is a dirty job. So make sure you put on a good pair of rubber gloves before you start.

3: Do not keep flushing
If you think your toilet's blocked don't keep flushing it. The chances are it will overflow and flood the room.

4: Place newspapers on the floor
Put some old newspapers or towels onto the floor around the toilet in case of spillage

5: Remove some of the water
If your toilet pan is already full of water you should remove some into a bucket. Use a bowl or a jug to scoop the water out and then pour it into the bucket
Green Living Tips for the Garden - Simple Ways to Save the Environment and Save Money

6: Begin plunging
Press down firmly, then pull upwards slowly. Keep doing this until you start to hear the water going down the pipes and feel the toilet unblock. You will probably need to do this about 10 times. Pushing down and pulling up will create suction inside the plunger head which will draw out the blockage and encourage it to go down the pipes.

7: Wash the plunger
You must wash the plunger after using it.

8: The coat hanger method
If you have not been able to clear the blockage by using the plunger alone you could try using a wire coat hanger. First of all, unravel the wire coat hanger. Move the wire in and out in a circular motion in order to loosen the blockage and encourage it to go down the drain.

9: The flexible cleaning tool method
If the blockage is being particularly stubborn and both the plunger and/or the wire have failed to dislodge it, you may need a flexible cleaning tool to reach further into the pipes. The flexible cleaning tool can be inserted straight into the toilet. Push the flexible cleaning tool down until you can feel the blockage. Move the tool around inside the bend to clear it.

10: Flush the toilet
Once you think the blockage has cleared, flush the toilet to test if your handy work has paid off.

11: Disinfect the toilet
Pour in a bit of household bleach or disinfectant to clear and disinfect the remaining residue in the bowl.

12: If unsuccessful
In the unlikely event that all these methods have failed to unblock your toilet, there is probably a problem further along the soil pipe or in the drain run itself, in which case you will need to call out an expert plumber to help with the problem.

7 Fun Ways to Get Organized Using Chalkboard Paint

When people think of chalkboard paint they usually think of children's projects - toy boxes, small easels to draw on, huge chalkboards from elementary school. But chalkboard paint has come a long way, baby! It's now used in high-end kitchens, on furniture, and for keeping your life organized. You can paint it on nearly any surface, and then once you do, you can write on it as quickly as you can erase!

So in homage to this nouveau decorating technique (and because it's National Organization Month), I've rounded up the best, most practical ways to get organized using chalkboard paint. (One that I need for myself is this chalkboard calendar. I LOVE that it uses both colored chalkboard paint and an old window! Genius.)

A few tips for using chalkboard paint:
- Don't feel like you're just stuck with black or green - you can make your own custom colors!
- Pick the right brush for a smooth finish. I prefer a foam roller or brush for application.
- Use at least three coats on a surface for the most complete coverage.
- Let chalkboard paint dry for 72 hours before writing on it.
- Once the paint dries, you have to "condition" the paint with chalk before using. This means you rub a piece of chalk back and forth all over the surface and then wipe it off before using.

1. Kitchen Wall
Keep this week's favorite recipes in a place where all can see. This chalkboard surface also acts as a grocery list!

2. Food Canisters
You don't always have to use paint; chalkboard labels make it easy and fast to get a writing surface on glass.

3. Laundry Room Bins
So many items go onto the shelves in the laundry room that it's hard to keep track. Never dig around again with these handy labeled bins.

4. Desk Organizer
Keep those small desk items organized and together - and when the contents of the drawers change, you can change the label.

5. What's for Dinner? Calendar
Keep the nightly questions about what's for dinner at bay - refer your family to the chalkboard menu on the side of a cabinet or on a cupboard door.

6. Party Table
This is such a cool way to organize party food so that everyone knows what they are sampling.
Make this party table

7. Wall Calendar
I couldn't resist showing you another calendar option - this oversized one is on the wall, and you get the color gradations of chalkboard paint by mixing various amounts of black and white.

5 Must-Know Appliance-Buying Tips

Think of it this way: Unlike a rug, lamp, or hat, you can't take it back-or at least not easily. That's why it's called a major appliance. Here's how to avoid major buyer's remorse. Find more tips on purchasing appliances at thisoldhouse.com.- Deborah Baldwin

1. Never Make an Impulse Buy
Admit it-you almost bought a car once because it had really great cup holders. You can avoid similar behavior in an appliance showroom by making a list of your priority features ("energy efficient," "lifetime warranty"). Staple it to a list of competing showrooms and Web retailers so you can comparison shop for the best model with the best combination of features at the best price. Wait for a sale if you can; they say fall is the best hunting season because showrooms are trying to clear space for next year's models. Whenever you go, ask a friend with a level head to come along.

2. Make Sure You Don't Destroy the Foyer
You'd be surprised by how many otherwise intelligent people place orders for appliances that won't fit in their allotted space-assuming their new fridge, washer, or whatever doesn't get wedged up against the ceiling of the foyer. Appliance salespeople are full of stories about savvy customers who fail to note that the only way to access the kitchen is up a set of steep stairs, through a narrow doorway, and down a hallway that takes a sharp turn before dead-ending in a spot too small for its hoped-for purpose. Bring a map to the showroom with every single angle and dimension. If the salesperson seems to be not paying attention, ask for her home phone number so you can call at midnight to go over the measurements one more time.

3. Listen Carefully
Never compare models without comparing decibel levels. One serious home cook I know just had to have a commercial-kitchen range hood. It's so noisy he can't bear to turn it on.

4. Measure Three Times, Buy Once
As long as you are taking down dimensions (see "Make sure you don't destroy the foyer," previously), stop to consider how your new appliance will interact with its surroundings. Measure that counter-depth fridge's proposed parking space, then measure the fridge-again; "counter depth" may mean "except for the thick door and its beefy handle." Look behind your existing gas range; if the gas pipe protrudes, your new range may protrude too. And watch out for a fridge or front-load washer whose door opens so wide it blocks traffic, causing frustrating delays while some family member contemplates the contents of the produce drawer or the loss of a dear sock.

5. Get Ready to Haggle
Many dealers will match the lowest price offered by the competition. If the price still seems high, see if you can negotiate a deal by buying more than one appliance at a time. When all else fails, ask for free delivery and installation or a free extended warranty. Incidentally, extended warranties are rarely worth paying for-but you probably already knew that.

14 Tried-and-True Organizing Tips

By: Woman's Day
Ever pop in on a friend unexpectedly and everything’s in its place? She had no time to clean up, yet her house is immaculate. How does she do that? We wanted to know, so we went to the neat and organized— readers whose homes always look great— to find out their best strategies.


1. Stop It Before It Starts
“We live minimally, so things look clean and organized without much effort on my part. When we go away we don’t buy souvenirs, I don’t save my kids’ report cards, and their art projects don’t even make it into the house. I know, I know, you’re thinking I don’t have a sentimental bone in my body. But really, in 10 years, are you ever going to look at your kids’ kindergarten report card?” Sheryl Balfan, 42, Boca Raton, FL

2. Faster Food
“We have a ‘fast food’ basket in our fridge that contains sandwich condiments, meats, cheese, tortillas, flatbread and other things that can be used to make a quick lunch. Everything is in one place and I don’t have to spend hours searching for the mustard.” Amy Bayliss, 34, Baton Rouge, LA

3. Kid Power
“With four kids, it’s tough to keep everything in order, but I use the children to my advantage. We play ‘Beat the Clock,’ which turns cleaning into a competition. I set the kitchen timer for 15 minutes and send the kids off to straighten up. They need to pick up everything from the common rooms and clean their own rooms. Whoever finishes and makes it to the family room couch first wins.” Nina Restieri, 41, Old Greenwich, CT

4. Bag It
“Our pantry used to be a huge mess—lots of forgotten, half-eaten bags of stale chips, pretzels and Goldfish sprinkled throughout the pantry shelves. Now when I get home from the grocery store, I portion snacks into ziptop bags and keep them in a pretty basket. It not only neatens up the pantry, it keeps bugs away, makes packing lunches easier, and gives us built-in portion control.” Alethea Elkins, 38, Newtown, CT

5. Use It or Lose It
“I have four kids and no room for clutter. The rule is, if you didn’t use it, wear it, play with it, eat it or know of it in the past six months, it goes out the door. They can do what they want in their own rooms, but the rest of the house is mine! So if you spill it, drop it or leave it lying around, chances are you won’t ever find it again since I’ll throw it out.” Ronit Rogoszinski, 43, New York City

6. Do a Sweep
“Every morning I walk around the house to open the shades and I take a basket with me. Anything that doesn’t belong in a room goes in the basket and gets returned to where it should be. By the time I get to the kitchen, most of the clutter has been organized.” Leanne Naidoo, 28, Fort Lauderdale, FL

7. Hide In Plain Sight
“I buy pretty boxes to hold all the things I like to save. Small boxes for tealight candle refills, makeup, photos that need to be scrapbooked, recipes I want to try. Larger boxes work well for magazines and storage for winter clothing. I use old cigar boxes, antique leather boxes and pretty paper boxes. This creates handy storage while adding a decorative touch to my house.” Elli Frank, 32, New York City

8. Neaten as You Go
“I use my mother’s mantra of organization: If you don’t make a mess, you won’t have a mess to clean up. I get undressed in front of the hamper, so there are no dirty clothes lying on the floor. I also get dressed in the closet so I can put the hangers right back. In the kitchen, I don’t wait around until the meal is over to clean, I do it during downtime while cooking. When I load the dishwasher, I put like items together so there’s no sorting when the dishes come out.” Karyn Beach, 40, Charlotte, NC

9. Make a Mudroom
“Our entry used to be a dumping ground for everything, but I fixed that by adding three simple things: Each person has his or her own color hook for bookbags and coats; basket for the things he or she wants by the door, like cameras and certain toys; and rug for shoes. I have two rules: Your stuff must be hanging, in the basket or on the rug, and baskets get emptied every week.” Chela O’Connor, 40, Madison, WI

10. File It
“To cut down on clutter on my kitchen counters, I hung a vertical file folder holder on one of the kitchen doors and put in folders labeled things like Sports, Camp, Church and Bills. As soon as we get paperwork, I stash it in the right folder so it doesn’t pile up. At the end of each season of activities I clean it out and start over again.” Wendy Hagerty, 42, Columbia, MD

11. A Spot for Your Spouse
“I have a honey-do basket where I put all of my husband’s miscellaneous stuff that spreads like mold around the house. That way he can’t ask where something is—he knows it’s in the basket.” Jill Pollack, 41, Los Angeles

12. Say No to Piles
“When I go to put something on top of something else, I stop myself and instead figure out where it goes. If it means a trip up or down the steps, so be it. It’s good exercise.” Diane Goldstein, 43, Cincinnati

13. Make a Package
“I could never find a full set of sheets, especially during late-night bed changes. Now when I fold them, I put the entire set inside a pillowcase, so they’re in a neat little package.” Jessemyn Libero, 38, North Haven, CT

14. Hang ’Em Up
“This may sound silly, but my simple solution for keeping my bedroom organized and neat has been to buy new, cheap hangers! There’s something really satisfying about having all of my clothes on the same type of hanger—it’s almost a work of art. I now find myself almost eager to hang up my clothes.” Lorrell Walter, 32, Chittenango, NY

10 Ways to Make Your Home COZY

By: Ramshackle Glam's Jordan Reid
It's cold outside, and my landlord has barely turned on the heat. But that's OK: there are plenty of ways to add a little warmth to your home without touching the thermostat.


1. Pile afghans everywhere: at the foot of your bed, over the arms of living room chairs, on the back of your couch.
2. Fill your home with warm, spicy scents: burn a seasonal candle or boil a cinnamon stick in a pot of water.

3. Swap out your sheer curtains for heavier ones to keep out chilly drafts. Adding fabric to the walls (for example, hanging a pretty quilt) also keeps things toasty.
4. Switch up your decor: put away whites in favor of richer colors, set candles and hurricane lamps anywhere and everywhere, and add throw rugs to hardwood floors.
5. Try creating a gorgeous table centerpiece from seasonal items like pinecones, apples, or chestnuts. Remember: if you're incorporating candles into your centerpiece, make sure they're safely tucked away inside glass sleeves.
6. Pile pillows everywhere, and if the pillows on your bed are not-so-comfy, consider investing in some delicious down ones.
7. Warm yourself from the inside out: fill a pretty decanter with some whiskey or try my recipe for mulled wine (which has the added bonus of making your house smell incredible).

8. There are some activities - board games, knitting, baking - that just scream cozy; now's the time to hunker down with that book you've been meaning to get to all summer.
9. Think low lighting: it's totally easy and affordable  to install a dimmer yourself. I did this in our bedroom last winter, and it made a huge difference.
10. Invest in a towel warmer. Sure, they can be expensive but really, is there anything better than a warm towel on a cold day? And if that's out of your price range, a really great robe is key.

7 Ways to Declutter After the Holidays Without Really Trying

My least favorite part of the holidays is taking everything down at the end of the season. It's so depressing and of course, no one helps. There is none of the enthusiasm and unbridled joy that accompanies putting the Christmas tree up.
No children are jumping around yelling "Mom! Can I please carry boxes to the garage and untangle lights and vacuum up pine needles?! Please?!"
No. There is none of that.

So I dutifully clean everything up and put everything away. And while I'm at it … I start to purge random crap that I come across. What is this box in the closet? GONE. Do we really need that old chair we moved to make room for the tree? No, we do not. And that big pile of mail/paperwork/ to be dealt with later … It's gonna get dealt with now.

While you're spending an unpleasant day stripping your home of festive holiday cheer, why not clean out a couple of closets or declutter the family room? That Saturday is going to suck anyway, right? At least now you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. Here are 7 tips for what to do with all the stuff you want to de-clutter and purge from your house during your post-holiday clean up!

1. Screw the environment
You could just throw it all out. It will make Al Gore cry but at least it would be out of your house.

2. Put it on Craigslist
If you do this, know you could possibly be murdered by some random Internet dude you made arrangements to meet up with. Also? It might actually be more work than just getting organized.

3. Befriend a cleptomaniac
Just hang around where they're likely to be and invite one over, dropping broad hints about how you no longer need all this festive holiday stuff.

4. Call the American Pickers
You could call the dudes from American Pickers and maybe get all your crap on the History Channel. That would make it less crappy and more historical. Win.

5. Fuel your Flux Capaciter
If you can find a DeLorean or a mad scientist, you can just use your unwanted stuff to fuel your time machine.

6. Have a bonfire
It's dangerous and bad for the environment and in some places you could even get arrested. But it's very effective ... and it also works when the house gets too messy.

7. FreeCycle it
It's like Craigslist except you don't have to sell anything to interact with random, creepy people on the internet. All the risk, none of the money!

10 Cheap Home Improvements to Save Energy

Being eco-conscious doesn't have to mean outfitting your home with pricey solar panels. Many key improvements can be made for cheap — or even free. Try these:


1. Monitor Your Energy Use
You can reduce your monthly electric expenses — typically by as much as 15 percent, according to a recent IBM study — by knowing how much power you’re actually using and where you can most effectively cut back. Add a plug load monitor ($25 and up) to any outlet where you plug in an appliance or device; the monitor will display how much energy the device is consuming and when, helping you decide which ones should be turned off and at what time. Some models are programmable, to cut power automatically.

2. Install Dimmer Switches
Not yet ready to say buh-bye to incandescent bulbs? Then consider that simply dimming a light by 10 percent more than doubles the bulb's life — and switches only cost about $10.

3. Add a Motion Sensor
Add motion sensor to your outdoor lighting fixtures. One of these little helpers (around $20 each) turns off the light when nobody's present. The gizmos are great for the seldom-used areas of your home, like the basement and guest room.

4. Set a Programmable Thermostat
This handy item — widely available for about $50 — can help you save almost $200 a year by turning down the heat at certain times of day or night. For every degree you lower your thermostat for an eight-hour period, you cut energy use by about 1 percent. So, if you set it back 10 degrees overnight, you can save 10 percent.

5. Buy an Insulating "Blanket"
Get your hot-water heater its own blankie! This $20 investment can lower your water-heating costs by 9 percent, says the U.S. Department of Energy.

6. Install an Energy Star-Rated Ceiling Fan
Prices start at just $30. In cooler months, run the fan in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, reducing HVAC load by as much as 10 percent. And in the summer, reverse the motion to circulate cool air — and make the temperature feel up to eight degrees cooler!

7. Dodge the Draft
Here's how: Install permanent weather stripping around your windows and doors to seal in heat and keep out chilly gusts. You can buy about 15 feet of weather stripping for less than $10 — saving you up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs.

8. Install Insulating Window Treatments
Cellular and honeycomb shades will help you reduce both heat loss (up to 86 percent) and gain (up to 80 percent) in one fell swoop. And they won't break the bank: These shades start at roughly $25 a window.

9. Replace the Aerator on Your Faucet
For just $5, an efficient aerator will reduce flow from the usual 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to a thrifty 1.5 gpm — a big return on a small investment and a good way to conserve an increasingly precious resource.

10. Keep Dirt and Toxins Out
A simple move to make: placing a mat ($10 and up) at the front and back doors of your home can cut the amount of pesticide residue tracked inside by 25 percent.

Rent Out Your Driveway & Other Ways to Make a Buck Without Leaving Home

In a lukewarm economy, some people have gotten creative when it comes to making a buck. Matches people who need parking spaces with people who own houses with driveways near the desired destination. It's a peer-to-peer operation,
like Craigslist, and it sounds like a win-win to me. As a car owner, I'd much rather pay a nice person $20 to park in their uncrowded, drama-free driveway than $20 to park in a lot that will take me 45 minutes to exit. And as someone who grew up in a house with a secret back entrance to a National Park in her backyard, my family could've made a killing if this site had existed back in the '90s.

Point is, there are plenty of ways to pimp out your house for some extra cash. No need to stop with the parking! Let's look beyond the driveway. Those bushes in your front yard? They look like they could use some watering.

If you live on a main thoroughfare in a highly foot-trafficked area that has parades, marathons, massive block parties, etc, you could charge people $5 to pee in your bushes. This is an easy way to make bank if you happen to live on Bourbon street or anywhere that sees a big crowd for Mardi Gras. There's never enough porta potties, and when nature calls, you'll be there collecting dollar bills from revellers ready to douse your plants.

Live in the country? Charge city folks $10 a person to come to your lovely abode and have a picnic in your scenic pasture. Up-sell them with some homemade cheese and/or maple syrup, and before you know it, your inbox will be full of city slickers looking for an inexpensive escape.

Or, you could always plow your crops, build a baseball field, and charge people $20 to watch a game played by legendary ghosts of the sport. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. The memories will be so thick, they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come, people will most definitely come.

8 tips to turn your guest room into a welcoming sanctuary

My mother is a fantastic hostess. Growing up we had a revolving door of guests in our home, all of whom would rave about her status as 'the hostess with the mostess'.
What really set her apart was not a slew of amenities or fancy presentation, but her thoughtful attention to detail that made each person feel valued and special.

The prospect of house guests can be a little daunting, especially during the holidays. On top of the feasts and festivities that come with the season, attending to the comfort and needs of guests can sometimes feel like just another thing on your long list of things to do. An easy tactic to combat last minute panic is to assemble a few thoughtful ingredients ahead of time to transform your guest room into a welcoming sanctuary, even if your 'guest room' is the pull-out sofa.

1. Towels: A fresh towel for each guest is a must. Go the extra step and pair that with a small set of little bathroom essentials (see 2.) or at the very least a new bar of soap.

2. Basic toiletries: It's easy to forget little essentials when you're preoccupied with all the details of holiday travel. I grab the mini shampoos and lotions whenever I stay at hotels for just this purpose. The toothbrush I receive with each trip to the dentist gets added to this collection as well. Store them in a container with your linens so that they're readily available to give out to guests if they need them.

3. Reading materials: Staying in an unfamiliar place can often throw off regular sleep patterns, so leave a book you've recently enjoyed or a favourite magazine (I hear the latest issue of Chatelaine is fantastic!) by their bedside.

4. A bottle of water: Leave a carafe, or at least a bottle of water if you don't have one, by their bedside. This way you'll save them a precarious walk in the dark through an unfamiliar house if they're thirsty in the middle of the night.

5. Blankets: Be sure to have at least one extra blanket in the room in case they're cold in the middle of the night. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place when everyone has already gone to bed.

6. Comfies: Along that line, leave an extra pair of slippers or cozy socks in the room. In a chilly moment, they will be so grateful for this thoughtful detail.

7. The list: Create a list of important numbers, and details that your guests may need. Be sure to include your home wireless internet key or any passwords or alarm keys they may need (if you don't mind sharing them).

Gather these things together ahead of time to ensure that by the time the guests arrive, you'll be calm, collected and ready to sit back and enjoy their company - or at least focus on the festivities at hand rather than fuss over details.

Celebrity Real Estate Woes

Some celebrities, like "Malcolm in the Middle" star Frankie Muniz and the cast of "Friends" seem to be constantly buying and selling properties. But famous or not, it's not so easy for everyone to sell. It could be the market and the economy. Maybe specific properties have specific reasons they aren't selling: staging issues, odd choice of décor, massive size or perhaps outrageous cost.


Or maybe there's a glut of luxury homes mostly in the L.A. area that are too similar-so many of them are Spanish, vaguely Mediterranean in style, in a gated community, decorated in neutrals, with pool, spa, home theater, fitness room, wine cellar, guest house and so forth. Other celebrity real estate headaches this year include a lawsuit-entangled property involving water damage.

Here's a look at 5 palaces on the market, with photos provided by Trulia.com.

1. Hilary Duff
Location: Toluca Lake, Calif.
Price: $6,250,000
Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6
Square Footage: 9,277

"Lizzie McGuire" star Hilary Duff and hockey-playing husband Mike Comrie are expanding the family, which is sometimes the catalyst for moving, although there seemed to be no shortage of space in this house . The Mediterranean-style property was first listed in 2010 for $7 million, and is still on the market at the reduced price of $6.25 million. It was built in 1951, but has recently been updated with some rather nontraditional décor. The kitchen has an almost Steampunk look, with steel mesh cabinetry, an abstract retro-modern light fixture over the riveted island and golden animal-leg sculptural accents.

2. Kate Walsh
Location: Los Angeles
Price: $3,995,000
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 6
Square Footage: 5,940

The star of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" bought this Spanish-style Los Feliz-area home in 2007 with her then-husband Alex Young for $4.295 million and has been trying to sell it this year for significantly less but has had no luck in the first few months. In addition to having fireplaces in the master bedroom, living room and den, the 1928 property has a three-room guesthouse with two offices, a Pilates studio and a gym.

3. Mary J. Blige
Location: Saddle River, N.J.
Price: $12,500,000
Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 8 full, 3 partial
Square Footage: 18,250

MJB's pad, which has been on the market for more than six months, is near Diddy's neighborhood, just over the George Washington Bridge from upper Manhattan. Why choose a location across the river from the big city? Maybe it's because she likes to spread out: Blige's Country French manor is the largest mansion in this slideshow, containing an indoor basketball court, a movie theater that seats 14, a wine tasting room, a fitness center. Its four-acre property also has a swimming pool and full- service cabana.

4. Britney Spears
Location: Calabasas, Calif.
Price: $4,499,000
Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 7
Square Footage: 10,300

There's always something going on with that Britney Spears, and recent rumors surround her possible new Thousand Oaks home . But she has another house in Calabasas that's been on the market in 2011. Despite the cachet of being owned by a troubled pop star and despite the gimmicky auction start time of 11:11 a.m. on 11/11/11 with the opening bid set drastically below the previous price of $10.8 million, it didn't sell.

5. Lauren Conrad
Location: Los Angeles
Price: $2,250,000
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
Square Footage: 3,009

Reality star Lauren Conrad of The Hills fame put her Spanish style home on the market several months back, and in this case, there are no clues as to why it hasn't sold. It was built in 1922 and has many of the charms of similar houses of that era-wrought iron, original moldings and Spanish tile floors-but has undergone major renovation on the electric, HVAC, pool, roof, foundation and windows.

5 Ways to Get the Most from Your Gift Cards

According to a study conducted by the Tower Group, every year over $5 billion in gift cards goes unused! While that may surprise you, think about how often you've tossed a card because there was only a dollar or two left on it-or maybe you've forgotten about a couple of those valuable pieces of plastic altogether.
Every unused card adds up, meaning big-and free-bucks for retailers. But, with these five tips, you'll be sure to get the most out of your gifted dollars this holiday season!

1. Do Some Online Research
Scope out retailers' Web sites to see what you might want to purchase ahead of time. You're more likely to get something you really want if you plan ahead. Scouting out after-Christmas sales will also help you to make the most of your "free" money.

2. Exchange Your Gift Cards
If you found a gift card from Forever 21 in your stocking when you're more likely to shop at J. Crew there's no need to waste time searching for something you don't really want to begin with. Instead, turn to an online service, like GiftCardRescue.com or PlasticJungle.com, that allows you to swap your gift card for one from another store-or even exchange it for cash!

3. Decide How Much of Your Own Money You Want to Spend
Retailers love selling gift cards because customers usually end up spending more money than is on their card. So, if you're on a budget, decide ahead of time how much you want to spend to make up the difference and be sure to bring cash so you're not tempted to shell out additional money.

4. Go for the Big Purchases
Chances are if you received a $50 gift card to a store like Coach or Saks or there's not much you can buy without going over. Instead, think of the gift card as your ticket to a discount. Have you had your eye on a killer watch or pair of shoes but thought it was too pricey? Suddenly a $100 purchase seems more manageable when you only have to fork over $50. Also, check if you can use your card at a brand's outlet store, which will also give you more bang for your buck.

5. Donate the Leftover Money
If you can't find a way to spend your last couple dollars at Walmart or Target, consider donating the money to a worthy charity like GiftCardGiver.com, which collects the smaller amounts from the donated cards and transfers them onto a single card they then provide to people in need.

8 Easy Ways to Throw a Holiday Party on a Budget!

Trying to cut back this holiday season, but don't want to turn into the Grinch? Holiday entertaining doesn't have to cost a fortune; you can scale down what you ordinarily do without cutting back on the holiday cheer. Read on for tips and tricks to entertain on a budget.


1. Downsize
You don't have to serve 10 different appetizers, five cocktails and three desserts, plus have a full bar at your holiday bash. Stick with just a handful of crowd-pleasing snacks, and round out the table with a big wedge of cheese and crackers. Serve just one signature cocktail (like mulled wine or champagne punch), or offer a couple of wines and beers.

2. Shop Wisely
Cut back on splurge ingredients and substitute cheaper options. For example, buy domestic prosciutto instead of imported (it can be a $10 per pound difference at some grocery stores), or domestic parmesan instead of parmigiano-reggiano (which can cost as much as $5 more per pound). If you're making mulled wine, pick up a budget (but still drinkable) bottle; it'll get doctored up with sugar and spices anyway, so there's no need to spend big bucks on something high-quality.

3. Buy in Bulk
If you're serving just a few things, you'll need greater quantities to make sure you feed your crowd — which means, happily, that you can buy ingredients in bulk, a great way to save some cash. Most liquor stores will give you a discount on a case of wine, so stock up — unopened bottles can always be served with dinner another time.

4. Go Potluck
If you're doing a casual get-together with a smaller group of friends or family, ask your guests to contribute a dish (or at least bring some booze or crackers if they don't cook). It's a great way to break the ice and get people mingling and involved in the party, and of course, it saves you a bundle.

5. Let Decorations do Double Duty
There's no need to buy fancy decorations for your shindig. Put lemons, limes or clementines in a glass bowl for a festive and functional centerpiece (you can cut up lemons and limes for cocktails, and guests can eat the clementines straight out of the bowl). Do the same with a bag of colorful foil-wrapped chocolates or candies, and get creative with your serving pieces: A pitcher, glass drinkware, or even a pretty mug can set off your snacks beautifully. If you or a neighbor have leftover branches from a trimmed Christmas tree, arrange them in a vase for a no-cost decoration that's perfect for the season.

6. Make a Post-Party Brunch
When the last guest has left and you're stuck cleaning up, don't toss out all the leftover snacks. If you've got some guacamole left over, serve it for breakfast the next day with salsa over scrambled eggs. Stale bread? Even better — dip slices into beaten eggs and saute on both sides for easy French Toast.

7. Make More Fab Leftovers
Crumble broken tortilla chips into soups or chili, or crush them and use as a topping for a Mexican casserole. Chop up leftover crudites and add sliced chicken, pork or beef for a quick stir-fry dinner. Extra cheese can turn into a grilled cheese sandwich, and leftover dip makes a tasty sandwich spread instead of your usual plain mayo or mustard.

8. Host a Themed Party
Whether it's a cookie swap, a tree-trimming party or a craft-inspired fete, these themes keep costs down and guests (especially children!) happily busy.