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How to Create a Home “Command Center”

February 3, 2015 by

There are likely days when it maintaining your—or your family's—day-to-day schedule can prove to be a daunting task. Why not consider creating a central home command center? You can rely on this single location to keeping things running smoothly in your abode. Here's how to do it:

  1. Choose the perfect space. Whether you pick an unused wall in the kitchen or a small nook in the living room, just about any centrally located space in your home will do.
  2. Post a bulletin board. This is essential for displaying notes, recording missed phone calls, or posting bills with near-approaching due dates.
  3. Add a calendar. Keep everyone’s sports schedules and work trips on file with a large calendar in your command center. Encourage your family members to write their upcoming appointments on the calendar so that there’s no missed communication as the date approaches.
  4. Take advantage of shelves. Whether you have a full bookcase or a simple hanging shelf, shelves are important for storing file folders, medical records, and bins for spare keys and other essentials.
  5. Cut the clutter. To avoid clutter in your command center, weed out the junk mail, magazines, smelly gym bags, and other unimportant items.

Do you have tips for staying organized? Please share them!

How to Organize the Family Command Center [Real Simple]
Family Command Center [Pinterest]
Done in a Day: Family Command Center [Southern Living]

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Sweater 911! How to Mend a Hole in That Favorite Sweater

January 6, 2015 by

Now that the weather is getting chilly, warm, cozy sweaters are an essential wardrobe staple. Unfortunately, months in storage or an accidental snag can inflict some major damage on the delicate weave of your favorite pullover. Instead of tossing it into the donation pile, mend that hole in your sweater with one of these simple tutorials.

Martha Stewart’s Easy Ways to Fix a Sweater
It’s safe to assume that Martha knows how to fix just about anything, and her sweater-mending tips are second to none. She’ll show you how to stock a knitwear first-aid kit and then use it to fix just about any type of sweater damage.

Darning or Felting a Hole in A Sweater
Whether you prefer stitching with a classic needle and thread or using wool roving and the more complex felting process, both of these options will make your sweater look good as new.

Fix a Hole in a Sweater With Thread
This tutorial from Black Spruce Hound will teach even those with little to no sewing skills how to mend a sweater using a needle and thread. With a few genius twists and turns of the needle, you can even avoid leaving behind those annoying bumps and bulges.

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Check Out These Interesting Facts About Chocolate

December 2, 2014 by

You know that you love the way that chocolate tastes, but aside from that there’s probably not much else that you know about this sweet treat. Here are two interesting chocolate facts that every chocolate lover should know.

  1. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate differ because of their amount of cacoa, or the beans that chocolate is made from. Dark chocolate also doesn’t have as much milk or sugar, which makes it much healthier but also gives its signature bitter bite.
  2. Some chocolate is actually good for you. Very dark chocolates contain a large number of antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and improve your entire cardiovascular system. They also widen your arteries, promote healthy blood flow, and prevent the buildup of plaque that can block the arteries.

11 Facts about Chocolate [Do Something]
10 Interesting Chocolate Facts You May Not Know [Lindt]
10 Fascinating Facts About the World of Chocolate [Listverse]

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Plan a Visit to These Must-See Parks Near Houston, Texas

November 4, 2014 by

There's more to Houston that just bright lights and a little Western flair. In fact, you'll find that many of Houston's attractions lie just outside the city. Case in point: These two must-visit parks near Houston. One park lies on the river, while the other is known for its vast biological diversity. Either way, both make for a memorable getaway.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is located about two hours outside of Houston. Here, you can find species from very different habitats living among each other in a relatively small area. Take a hike on a variety of different trails, ranging from a brisk boardwalk stroll to an extreme 15 mile trek. The preserve is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as approximately 185 migratory bird species make Big Thicket their home between March and early May. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts travel to Big Thicket year-round to cruise the Neches River and Village Creek.

Stephen F. Austin State Park
You'll find Stephen F. Austin State Park just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, so it makes a quick day trip for anyone looking to get outdoors. This scenic retreat offers traditional camping activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as the more modern geocaching. If you'd like to keep it simple, go fishing for catfish along the Brazos River. There are wide variety of campsites to accommodate your camping needs, whether they be a place to hook up your RV, a cabin for shelter, or just a little spot to put your tent.

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Transform Your Kitchen Into Your Favorite Cafe With These Coffee-Making Tips

October 7, 2014 by

Rather than shelling out $5 for that morning latte, wouldn’t you prefer to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee right from the comfort of your own home? If you don’t think it’s possible to make barista-quality coffee with your own tools, these informative tips will show you how.

Start with great coffee.
You can splurge on high-quality coffee beans and still save money by making it at home. Instead of choosing whichever medium roast is on sale at the supermarket, do a bit of research. Find a local roaster or a supermarket that sells freshly roasted beans. Once you find the perfect batch, purchase only a week’s worth at a time and store it in a sealed container to ensure its freshness.

Use a manual coffeemaker.
Rather than spending big bucks on a high-tech coffeemaker, use a manual French press or pour-over drip brew pot. Not only do these cost less than the fancy alternatives, they also allow you to brew your coffee with precision.

Grind your beans at home.
Instead of using the grocery store grinder, invest in a good burr coffee grinder, which crushes whole beans into uniformly sized pieces. This enables water to run evenly through the grounds and produce a more even cup.

Use a standardized scoop.
Most experts recommend using two tablespoons of coffee per eight-ounce cup, so start with this amount. You can always adjust the amount to fit your unique preferences.

How to Brew Coffee [National Coffee Association]
How to Make Really Good Coffee [Scientific American]
Coffee: The Basics [Coffee FAQ]

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4 Tips for Speed Cleaning the Bathroom

September 3, 2014 by

Let's face it: Cleaning the bathroom is a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it! These simple tips will help you to speed clean your bathroom quickly and effectively, even if you only have a few minutes.

  1. Invest in the right tools. Things like sponges and buckets are much more trouble than they’re worth when it comes to speed cleaning the bathroom. Stock up on pre-soaked cleaning wipes to clean surfaces, and then toss them out when you’re done. Microfiber cloths clean glass mirrors without forming streaks, and a sturdy toilet brush is always a great investment.
  2. Start with the toilet. The toilet is likely the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, so tackle it first. Pour one cup of bleach inside, brush the sides with a toilet brush, and then let it sit while you move on to the next task. At the conclusion of your cleaning routine, flush the bleach down the toilet and you’re good to go!
  3. Clean surfaces. Using a separate cleansing wipe, wipe your sink, faucets, and bathtub or shower. Separate wipes help to avoid cross-contamination between surfaces.
  4. Tidy up. If you don’t have time to wash all of your damp bath towels, simply straighten them on their racks. Be sure to replace the hand towel, however, as this is used much more frequently.

Speed Cleaning: Tips to De-Scum Your Bathroom [Good Housekeeping]
How to Speed Clean Your Bathroom [CNN]
Simplify the Season: Speed Clean Your Bathroom [Clean Mama]
Speed Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners [Organized Home]

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Where to Shop Quirky Gifts for All Occasions

August 5, 2014 by

Instead of doling out another restaurant gift certificate or boring sweater for a holiday or birthday, why not try a gift with a bit more personality? If you have a friend or family member with a great sense of humor, check out these fun websites for quirky gift ideas.

Omoi Zakka Shop
This online site of this Philadelphia-based retailer is filled with minimalist trinkets like cubed planters, brass bottle openers, and enamel kettles that make the perfect gifts for just about anyone in your life who appreciates quality knick knacks with a story to tell.

Paper Source
Whether you’re shopping for a child, father or significant other, Paper Source has gifts organized by recipient to make shopping easy. Here you’ll find customized notepads, candles, coffee mugs, and more.

ModCloth
The popular vintage clothing retailer has an equally adorable gift section for both men and women. Beer glasses, home goods, and wall art items in cute and quirky styles make the perfect fun presents at affordable prices.

Joy
This fun and feminine shop carries a wide array of quirky gifts for your sister, girlfriend, or best friend. Pineapple shaped jewelry holders mingle with markers shaped like lipstick and miniature sewing kits on this sweet site.

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Grow Your Own Indoor Herb Garden With These 3 Tips

July 8, 2014 by

Nothing can add flavor to a dish quite like fresh herbs, but constantly buying them from the market can become costly. One budget-friendly alternative is to grow your own herbs at home. It's relatively easy to do, even for those of us not exactly blessed with green thumbs! Here are a few pointers for growing an indoor herb garden:

1) Start with the right herbs.
Mint, chives, thyme, rosemary, and oregano are the best herbs for beginners. Not only are they easy to care for, they're diversified enough to add something unique to a range of dishes. If your garden will be perched upon a windowsill, then opt for herbs in four-inch pots.

2) Find a sunny spot.
Herbs need at least six hours of bright sunlight per day, which is why many herb gardeners choose a windowsill to host their garden. If your herbs become "leggy," a term that describes herbs with long stems and few leaves, then your plant needs more light. Be sure to rotate your plants every so often to expose all parts of the herb to sunlight.

3) Don't over-water.
Establishing a watering schedule will require a little bit of trial and error. One fool-proof way to see if your herbs need water is to stick your finger about 1 1/2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels damp, then your plant isn't in need of a drink just yet.

Tips on Starting an Indoor Herb Garden [Style Me Pretty Living]
Grow Herbs Indoors This Winter [Better Homes and Gardens]
How to Grow Your Own Indoor Culinary Herb Garden [Simple Bites]
Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors [The Herb Gardener]

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5 Feng Shui Decorating Tips for Beginners

June 3, 2014 by

If your home feels disorganized, cluttered, and just plain off, it could be your feng shui. Feng shui is an ancient Asian art of home organization that promotes good energy in your life, and it might help you feel more in tune with your home as well. Here are a few of the most basic feng shui decorating tips.

  1. Eliminate clutter throughout the household. Feng shui teaches people to eliminate unnecessary clutter that adds negative energy to a home. Toss out things that you don’t use, and even limit the amount of furniture to keep rooms open and airy.
  2. Balance your bedroom. If you add a lamp on one side of the bed, add one on the other side as well. Bedrooms should be equal and balance to promote a feeling of peace and calm.
  3. Face the desk toward the door in a home office. Doors are often thought of as portals for positive energy, so this adjustment encourages success in your career.
  4. Sharp, angular furniture is bad. People who practice feng shui should own furniture with rounded edges or completely circular shapes, because they promote flow and unity in your home.
  5. Add some plants. Greenery in the home has a calming influence, and it promotes a peaceful energy. Plants are also a natural way to clean the air.

Feng Shui Decorating Tips [Real Simple]
10 Feng Shui Rules You Should Follow [ChicTip.com]
10 Easy Feng Shui Rules You Should Follow [Kris Carr]
Feng Shui 101 for Your Living Space [Wonder How To]

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Houston Business Journal Article

May 29, 2014 by

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2014/05/houston-the-second-fastest-growing-city-in-the-u-s.html

Check out this article from Houston Business Journal. You won't believe the statistics that shows how fast our familiar city is growing! How lucky are we to be living in such a city that's constantly growing and making improvements for its' residents? In addition, you'll also see shocking numbers for neighboring cities on the list of Top 15 Fastest Growing Cities. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous
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