- Have you ever noticed how designers/decorators “place things?” There is a basic rule that is used and kinda fun to know. That is the 1-3-5 (etc.) rule. Ie. if you are placing accessories on a table, place 3 (or 1 or 5) items of different heights preferably, instead of say 2 or 4. It is more pleasing to the eye. The same with hanging pictures. Hang odd numbers here also. Or hang, say, two pictures over a table lamp or 2 pictures over a floral arrangement. Try this as well as look at pictures of what decorators do.
- I discovered something recently purely by accident. Don’t know if this tidbit will help with all fresh floral arrangements or not but it certainly worked with my vase of fresh hydrangeas. I placed the cut flowers in a vase of water with some fresh cut ivy. Be sure there are no leaves in the water. The ivy started sprouting roots (LOL, ivy will grow anywhere) which in turn, evidently, kept the water clear and fresh! This also kept the hydrangeas looking fresh for weeks on end! I was amazed. I have always had to change the water and trim the stems to keep fresh flowers looking good. Try this and let me know.
- An easy recipe that gets rave reviews! Buy some “Candy Melts” like chocolate or caramel (I used dark chocolate) and smooth peanut butter and salt crackers (like Ritz). Put two crackers together with peanut butter. Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave and be sure you don’t burn it. Then coat the stuffed crackers in the chocolate. This is quite easy. Then set each aside to dry which happens very quickly. This is a wonderful recipe for kids to try with supervision of course if needed. Try this and let me know what you think. BTW, I found the chocolate at Michaels. Other stores may have it but just be sure it is the easy melt, fast drying stuff.
- To keep your berries fresh longer, try this. As soon as you bring them home if they are in a plastic container, cut the lid off (this is easy with a knife or scissors) and layer the berries in the bottom and then the lid so that the berries are not resting on top of each other.
- I just happened to read that “artificial sweeteners” such as Stevia can trigger an IBS episode. I was using up to eight packets a day and had an episode of irritable bowel syndrome. I had thought I was completely cured of this with the miracle “drug” my G.I. guy had put me on years ago. That is VSL#3. This is a probiotic not by prescription but should be advised by your Physician. I think I have a blog on this. Anyway, this is expensive and you will need to experiment as to how much you take daily. So I was shocked that I had an episode and had no idea why until I read that article. I have cut my intake of Stevia with great results.
- I came up with a couple of “acronymes” (is that the right word?) that I want to share. There have been people in my life that I call Big M.A.C.s. This stands for manipulative and controlling. Have you met people or persons like that? The other is B.M.W.s which stands for b—h, mega, witch! Unfortunately I think I have been guilty of being a BMW in my life. LOL.
- Have you ever had a “dry clean only” garment that had a stain on it such as 100% silk and you didn’t want to send it to the dry cleaners? Try this on an inconspicuous place and if that works then try it on the stain. Use club soda first and if needed use a tiny bit of “woolite.”
I find it fun to do blogs that are short and sweet and cover a lot of stuff that I hope is helpful. Would love your comments. Thanks for listening,
