Easing into autumn with Slatkin’s new Apple Crumble candle Today is the first day of high school for my foster daughter. It’s still summery here in Seattle; she will most likely wear a t-shirt to school, and not need a coat or umbrella. Just one of the trees along the road has turned orange. I …
Sandalwood & Ginger Candle, at The Body Shop August may be over soon, but that doesn’t mean summer is gone. Here in Seattle, it’s pleasant and sunny in the 70s. I’m dreading another long cold rainy, snowy winter. An Indian summer would be fine with me! Look back over your last three months. Have you …
Autumn Hurricane Candle, at Pier 1 Imports August 2011: Labor Day Weekend entertaining: reminders; links to recipes and party tips; staycation ideas More back-to-school reminders and projects End of summer reminders and summertime wrapup September 2011: Tips and resources for starting a book club or tasting club for your friends, neighbors, family, etc. “Back to …
Fire Lily and Amber Home Fragrance Oil, at The Body Shop Are you fully enjoying the smells you associate with summer? Are your windows open to let in fresh air and breezes – even if you have central air conditioning? Even if you have to dust extra long from leaving windows open? Do you have …
Matryoshka Lunch Bags, at Paper Source With September on the way, most kids in my area are back in school. I live right next to an elementary school, and every morning I hear their excited little voices as they are being dropped off. I’m so jealous. I want to go school supply shopping; take notes …
I’m so tempted by this lovely Juliette pillow that I absolutely don’t need We’re going to a family reunion this weekend. Portland is just a three hour drive away, but traffic can be bad on Friday afternoons in the summertime. We’ll leave as close to noon as possible. As with any road trip, there’s a …
QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Need to change or scoop cat litter? Made Labor Day weekend plans? Inviting people over, or going somewhere yourself? Inventory your paper supplies. How well are you stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels, Wet Wipes, Kleenex and Puffs for the upcoming cold season? I never want to be that …
“Summer,” by Alphonse Mucha Don’t just sit inside in front of the computer or TV (or both!) this weekend. Make the most of your summer. Go outside! If you don’t have the budget for a restaurant, movie, club, shopping or other treats, do something fun and free – visit a park, go to the library …
What I’m burning in my home lately: Fleur Cherie, from L’Occitane QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Owl Lunch Bag, at Paper-Source Refresh your home: Open doors and windows to let in sunshine and fresh air. If you have air conditioning or central air, do this later tonight when it’s cooler anyway. Even if you have …
A charming vintage copy of a British homemaking magazine, on eBay Sometimes I use creative little tricks to inspire myself to keep my home clean and well maintained. For example, I imagine I suddenly have to move and sell the house in a month. While this isn’t actually a very likely scenario (at least let’s …