Underwear in the Air

If you were walking down a city street, and a pair of panties dropped onto your head, what would you do?

Time to air out all the dirty laundry, people!

Photo Credit

Last summer, in my post, 21 Rays of Sunshine, I touched on one of my favorite warm weather chores...hanging laundry on the line.

Yes, I'm fully aware of how disgustingly domestic this sounds, but it's the plain truth. 

I really enjoy hanging our duds out there to sway in the breeze, and when I saw this post, "Monday, Laundry Day, New York City" on Buzzfeed.com, I suddenly had a lot more respect for the city dwellers who are hangin' their skivvies out to dry.

Photo Credit

That's a whole lotta underwear up there!

Kinda beautiful in a totally bizarre way, huh?

And MAN, how I wish I could photograph a scene like this for myself...

So wild!

Laundry, New York City, c. 1934 by Marjorie Content

I haven't had our laundry out yet this season, but I promise to dedicate a full post to celebrating line-drying clothes, country-style, soon. 

Riveting, I know. Try to contain yourselves from combusting in the intoxicating anticipation. 

Here's to hanging your underwear in the air, friends!

Have a sunny day!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Questioning the Shape of Snow

So, here we are in late March, getting snowed in again.
In like a lion—out like a...yeti?

Photo Credit- Electron and Confocal Microscopy Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture

Appropriate for this weather, my father-in-law emailed my husband this TwistedSifter article about microscopic snowflake images today.

Ummm...

I just can't even.
Can't.

Perspective, for sure.

All in a simple (?!?) snowflake.

As I've mentioned before, people who know me well will tell you that I ask a lot of questions.

Reading this article and seeing these astounding images reminds me that, sometimes, asking questions is the best way to uncover the rawest beauty.

Sometimes, taking the time and initiative to really look closer will expose the depth and intricacy that will change the way we view someTHING or someONE forever.

Because if we never ask, how can we ever expect to know?
And there's just so much to learn...

What a trip, huh?

Ask some questions today, and see if you can't get a little closer to observing the startling beauty that's hiding right beneath the surface.

I hope you learn something amazing.

Have the most wonderful week, friends!
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours


P.S. Congratulations to Rebecca, #22 in the comment list, our winner of the Damhorst step stool giveaway! We know that some lucky kiddo is going to fall in LOVE with his/her new treasure!

**Photo Credits- Electron and Confocal Microscopy Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture**

Three Steps to the Toilet- Living in a Tiny House

Dee Williams built herself an 84-sqaure-foot home.

I totally wanna be friends with Dee Williams, a seemingly AMAZING gal who just wants to focus on what's really important.

When my aunt posted a link to this video, I found myself in awe of how cool Dee seems. Such a noble concept, a simple idea, a showing of strength and confidence and an admirable respect for nature and resourcefulness.

Really, I'd love to hang out with her and (you know me) ask her three hundred questions.

Photo credit

Wanting to learn more about this AWESOME humble abode, I found more information and this pair of videos from Portland Alternative Dwellings, a great source for people who'd like to tackle a project like this.

Because, once I show my husband...I'm sure he'll start a Sketch-Up program immediately. You know.

And I found this post with more photos of Dee Williams' lil' crib on Cozy Little House, a sweet blog about living it up with a small budget.

Hats off to Dee and all the people who are inspiring others to take a step back to take it all in while we're here.

I'd like to watch the rain fall like that while I'm sinking into sleep each night. Mmmmm...
Super cool!

Photo Credit

Have a happy weekend, friends!

P.S. Don't forget to click here to enter to win a beautifully made Damhorst Name Stool before Sunday. Again, good people doin' good things. Good luck!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

P.S. "Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook here for news, updates and reader tips. 

Kiss a Handyman Today- Making Spare Keys from Coat Hangers

Here's why you should kiss a handyman/woman today.

Our daughters have been getting sass-saaaay, and these sistas are trying to lock us outta their biz already. Say whaaaa?!?

Can't be having that around here, no siree.

We have french handles on all of our doors, and we keep the standard "keys" to unlock them on top of the molding on each frame. 

To unlock, place spare "key" in the hole and turn.

But as doors have been slammed and time has passed, it seems that some of these "keys" have disappeared. 

My youngest peanut locked herself in her sister's room in a split second the other day and didn't know how to unlock the door from the inside. Immediately, I reached for the key above the door and found that it was GONE! 

I raced downstairs to grab the other spare key from the downstairs bedroom to get that locked door opened. Knowing that, in a situation like this, every second counts, I knew I couldn't let this happen again. Mama needs more keys!

What to do? MY immediate solution was to purchase more. I mean...what else was I gonna do? No sooner had I found these on Amazon, my fella came in and stopped me in my tracks.

He scolded me for not just asking him to go MAKE some in the basement. 

"Um...come again?"

Only my fella, right?

I challenged him.

"If you can seriously just go MAKE me new door keys right now, I'm blogging about it. Prove it."

So he did. 

And I got a lesson.

Or two.

*****

HOW IT'S DONE

1. Grab a wire coat hanger. Use bolt cutters to snip the hanger near the neck so that you can utilize the entire wire to make multiple keys.

Snip coat hanger

2. Ideally using a vice, hammer to flatten the end of the wire. Reference your sample key to determine appropriate width.

Flatten straight end

3. With needle-nose pliers, simply grab and bend hook at one end, as you'd see on a standard key. This will prevent it from rolling off your door frame and makes it easier to manipulate when in use.

Bend out your hooked end

4. With bolt cutters, snip wire at the end of your hook. Repeat process with remaining wire, if desired.

And there you have it. I had five new keys on the spot, made from that coat hanger. And yes, we tested each one—worked better than the original!

Geezoo.
Homeboy really pulled it off. Gotta hand it to him.

My favorite part was how he didn't want me to post this because he assumed EVERYONE would think to do this immediately.

Well, maybe now they will.
Ain't that the coolest?!?
No more problem. No more worries!

5 new keys made from coat hanger on the left, original key in gold, another spare on the end made from standard wire

This trick should work on most standard bedroom/bathroom locks, even if the knobs are round instead of french handles.

If you try it out and have success, comment or link back to this post. I know one dude who will really get a charge out of that.

Kiss your Mr./Ms. Fix-It today! Resourcefulness is sexy.
Have a happy SPRING day!
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

A GIVEAWAY That Takes Me Back to My Childhood- Damhorst Toys

Way back in the day, when I was the teensiest little pipsqueak, my parents got me two Damhorst step stools that doubled as PUZZLES. 

Absolute love at first sight. The colors- eye candy, the utility and plain old fun- a lil' bit of heaven to my kiddo heart. 

And this week, you get a shot at scoring one, too!

My first Damhorst Puzzle Stool- from way back in the day- still standin' strong!

Whether I was trying to reach the sink to wash my hands, grab a toy from a shelf in my closet, take a load off to sit and rest, or if I just wanted to challenge myself to a little puzzlin', these stools came in handy time and time again.

So much so...that I could never bear to get rid of them! 

Even when I was a teenager, when my bedroom walls were covered in Bob Marley posters and I'd long since tossed anything I thought was uncool, my friends can attest that my crafty stools were set up in my little make-up station, still kickin' it. 

And now, with wee ones of my own, these Damhorst Puzzle Stools are totally back in action. My girls are just as enamored as I was. And what's not to love? Having stood solid and strong for over THIRTY years of use... 

BaZANG!

As if the quality of craftsmanship and brilliant multifunctional concept isn't enough to applaud—Damhorst Toys has been family-owned for the last 42 years, and they make everything in their sweet little shop in Hermann, Missouri.

The story of how the Damhorst business began makes my heart so incredibly happy. Check it out here. Good people. Loving parents. Great, educational ideas. Incredible results. Right up my alley, friends!

I cannot rave enough...
But now you have a chance to see for yourselves!

Name stool with engraved underside

Kris Damhorst is graciously offering up a Small Name Puzzle Stool with a free engrave ($74.00) to one, lucky From My Hearth to Yours reader! Such a score—a total and complete treasure for any kind of rascal!

In over thirty years, my Damhorst stools have never broken, buckled or chipped. These babies are built to last, and I'm telling you...they're really made with love. I couldn't be more honored, or excited to be able to offer this enduring prize to one of you, friends! "To help you reach the stars..."

*****

So, how do you nab the prize?

Check out Damhorst Toys here then come back and comment on this blog post. A randomizer program will select one lucky winner from the comment list on this page to take home the goods! If you wish to be contacted in the event of a big WIN, leave your name and email address in your comment. Otherwise, be sure to check back next Monday to see if your name was selected. If the prize is unclaimed after 72 hours, the next number in the randomizer list will be declared the winner.  (1 entry)

Wanna increase your odds?

"Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook for one additional entry. Already on board? Comment separately below and, I do declare, you'll be swimming in that game pool twice! Always trying to increase the odds for regular readers here at the Hearth! (1 entry)

Or scroll down on the right side bar to join up with From My Hearth to Yours on Google Friend Connect for yet another entry. Comment to notify me on this page, stay in the Hearth's loop, and tack on one additional shot at the prize! (1 entry)

*Giveaway is open to ALL From My Hearth to Yours readers until Sunday, March 24th at 9p.m. EST. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 25th. Direct shipping is free of charge anywhere in the continental USA. 

***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

Good luck, people! Each entrant has up to three chances to win this incredible prize!
Have a happy week!

and P.S. I've been hearing that some readers are having trouble leaving comments. Please double check to ensure your entry was posted, and please contact me if you're having any troubles. I'm investigating, for sure. Wanna make sure that if you're in, you're in. 

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

P.S. "Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook here for news, updates and reader tips. 

What Do YOU Say? The Blue Pill or the Red?

My fella and I watched The Matrix again last night. It had been a long while...
It took me back to my days teaching 10th graders, when we'd write about and discuss the central question of this film.

If you discovered that your life was just a dream, would you choose to stay asleep or opt to wake up to fight in a far more stressful, horrifying reality?

Image credit

As we watched Neo struggle through the Matrix, we found ourselves frequently pausing the movie to yap, because that's how we roll—we debate, play devil's advocate, plead our cases to each other in hopes to land an inarguable point. You'd probably HATE watching movies with us. 

Overwhelming as the question is, my response is unwavering. There is NO WAY I'd choose to quit this life/dream to take on the terrible reality Neo faces. Not the slightest chance. 

Maybe that means I'm totally selfish—that to me, sometimes ignorance IS bliss. 

Maybe it means that I'd better focus on paying it forward, because I'm awfully lucky to have such a wonderful dream/life goin' on over here.

Or maybe it means that people who'd choose to "wake up" to fight in that world are wacky, a little arrogant, irrational and impulsive but packin' a LOT of courage, determination and strength.

But if humans ARE a virus, which choice makes the most sense for our planet?!? 

Such a head trip!

Personally, if some strange dude popped outta nowhere and offered me an array of colorful pills, I'd hightail it outta there pretty quickly, so there's always that to factor in as well, huh?

So how about you? What do YOU say? 

If you discovered that your life was just a dream, would you choose to stay asleep or opt to wake up to fight in a far more stressful, horrifying reality?

Write or link to a response below. We'd love to hear your take on the topic.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends—and have the sweetest dreams ever!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

P.S. Congratulations to Erica C. (#19), slb3334 (#4) and Laurie (#22) our THREE winners of the Neatorama giveaway this week! We hope you love your new t-shirts. Stay tuned for another AMAZING giveaway coming up on Monday!

Skintight Satin Pants and Male Bikini Bottoms?

I've never been a big Rod Stewart fan. Nothing against Rod or anything—just not feelin' him, you know? I think that "Maggie May" song just kind of sends me over the edge, strings me out, short-circuts my brain. :::shudder:::

One day, my fella and I were surfing the Internet while gabbing about my unreasonable Rod-aversion, when we stumbled upon this. And let me tell you—hysteria ensued.

I mean...Rod rocking chain jewelry, skintight satin pants (sans skivvies) and a bicep bracelet? Kind of YES! Suddenly, I saw Rod in a whole new light.

And then, when I opened my laptop the following day, I found that some sneaky devil had changed my screensaver to this (only the girl had been Photoshopped out—so I could focus more intently on Rod, of course). Where to focus? Ohhhhh...I dunno.

Wow, Rod. Wow. Wow. Wow.
I had no idea you were that funky and free.
Props, brutha.

And that is all for today, because who really needs more than these clearly amazing photos?
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win one of the THREE t-shirt prizes from the NeatoShop this week. Click here to enter! Can't wait to see which designs the winners select!

Neato TRIPLE GIVEAWAY with Neatorama!

Happy Monday, friends! 

Wanna check out something NEAT this week?

A few weeks ago, some family members turned us on to Neatorama, our new FAVORITE blog (really!) that has had our entire family giggling, gaping and Googling every day. 

Their quirky, often thought-provoking and unusual posts are absolutely fascinating—just what you need to spark a little bit of daily conversation with your crew. 

Our Leaves of Grass litograph is now hanging above the bed in our master bedroom.

Last week, in my post "An Amazing Fusion of Art and Literature," I swooned over these amazing litograph posters that my husband found in Neatorama's NeatoShop. As promised, we're so excited to report that our awesome literary posters arrived promptly and are already up on the walls! Lovin' them!

I know that all of you science geeks, teachers, parents and friends are going to go bonkers over all the unique posts and goodies at Neatorama. They're onto something great— and if you swing by to check out the scene over there and feel like doing a little WINNING as well this week...

Close-up of new Peter Pan poster.

the super cool team at the Neatoshop is offering up THREE "Funny T-Shirt" giveaways for THREE lucky From My Hearth to Yours readers. Neatorama, indeed my friends! Yeehaw!

Add a little happy to your week and get down with all the fun and whimsy Neatorama has to offer. You're gonna love it over there! Seriously cool.

******

So, how do you nab one of those THREE prizes?

Check out the designs from the Neatoshop's Funny T-Shirt selection here and comment on this blog post. A randomizer program will select THREE winners from the comment list on this page to take home the goods! (1 entry)

Wanna increase your odds?

"Like" From My Hearth to Yours on Facebook for one additional entry. Already on board? Comment separately below and, I do declare, you'll be swimming in that game pool twice! Always trying to increase the odds for regular readers here at the Hearth! (1 entry)

Or scroll down on the right side bar to join up with From My Hearth to Yours on Google Friend Connect for yet another entry. Comment to notify me on this page, stay in the Hearth's loop, and tack on one additional shot at the prize! (1 entry)

*Giveaway is open to ALL From My Hearth to Yours readers until Thursday, March 14th at 9p.m. EST. Winner will be announced on Friday, March 15th.

***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

Good luck, people! Each entrant has up to three chances to win! THREE winners this time! 
Have a NEATO week!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Wave Pendulum Wackadoo

Ever sit at a red light on a rainy day and observe the rhythm of your windshield wipers in contrast to that of the car in front of you?

You know how it goes.

For a few seconds, your wipers are perfectly in sync with those on the stranger's car—and then the rhythm falls out, still there but...changed. So you stare. And stare. And stare until suddenly, the rhythm catches again. On and on it goes...

If it weren't for green traffic lights, I might still be sitting there, staring in a hypnotic trance.

Today, I'm sending a little mind-blowing science your way.

My husband called me in to check out these wave effect pendulum experiments from Mental Floss, and MAN—talk about trippy. We SO wanna make one of these of our own.

Science is, clearly, freakin' amazing!

Which one of these videos blows your mind the most? I think the side angle shots, in the third clip, space me out the hardest. Cuh-raise-zee!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! Enjoy the science that is everywhere!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal by Betsy Franco

We got such a wonderful package in the mail this week!

The Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal is SUCH an amazing gift for our family!

***This is NOT a sponsored post. I just love this book enough that I have to rave about it!

Because our 4-year-old has been thriving with reading and writing lately (catch up by reading Raising Readers and Write On, Kiddo: Raising Writers) this lil' journal is a perfect way to observe her growth and development over the next three years. 

Plus, it's a great catalyst to sit down and gab with your kiddos! Every day, our daughter has been reading her question aloud, then we talk about her response before she consolidates her ideas and writes her reactions on each page. 

Best of all, we're looking forward to treasuring this book as a spectacular keepsake when our child gets older, so that we can all look back to remember the things that she loved/feared/refused to eat/felt/was inspired by during her peanut-hood. 

This charming journal was created by Betsy Franco, mama to (adorable) actor James Franco. Our book was purchased at Anthropologie, but you can also find it here on Amazon or here at Abe Books for a discounted price.

We absolutely love this journal, the concept behind it and all the happiness and conversation it has been bringing our family. Great idea, Betsy Franco! Now why didn't I think of that?!?

I know some cutie patooties who might be getting these journals for birthday presents soon, so those stinkers had better get ready for some daily homework assignments from these former teacher mamas.

Do you have any favorite books that help teach your kiddos? Tell us about them!

Have a sunny day, friends!
XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

Old Socks. New Tricks.

Feeling the urge for some spring cleaning last week, I went through all of my clothes to toss and donate anything that hasn't been in the main rotation lately. 

When I hit the sock drawer, I was sad to discover that my favorite, fun knee socks had just about had it. The heels were wearing thin and they'd just about met their end...until I had an idea!

Grabbing a pair of scissors, I simply sliced off the bottoms of these old socks, separating the foot from the calf portion of the fabric. 

Voila! I am now using the foot portions as hand dusters around the house and turned the calf portions into funky leg warmers for my daughter when she goes to her dance class!

Place your hand inside an old sock bottom to create a wonderful duster!

Such a simple way to repurpose those oldies but goodies!

Trying on new leg warmers immediately after I "made the cut" to transform them. 

Now our lil' ballerina has another unique option to keep her legs nice and toasty when she's heading out to her studio!

Leg warmers- in full action!

New leg warmers and dusters with NO sewing and NO problem! If you have a pair of fun knee socks that have hit their limit for you, do a little separating and give them another run!

What materials do you reuse around the house? Tell us about it!

Have a wonderful week, friends!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours