Laundry may be the most boring thing that happens in your home.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most important unless, of course, you have the resources to buy a new wardrobe each week.  Caring for your clothes is critical to making them last and the tags have gotten more complicated over the years.

Today we offer up a comprehensive chart of common (and some not so common) clothing care symbols.  Print this off and keep it in your laundry room along with our cleaning checklist and stain removal checklist.

savour... understanding symbolism

As a boy, I spent the entire summer outdoors.  My days were filled with baseball, walking to the lake, riding bikes, and kool-aid stands.  Summer meant taking advantage of three months of the longest days of the year.  We packed every single day with fun… right up until the street lights came on which indicated it was time to be home.

Even when I was required to stay close to home, there was plenty of fun to be had.  All that was really necessary was some chalk and a ball for four square.  Of course, some of the kids would draw or make hearts around the name of their latest crush.  The crushes never lasted long, but neither did the chalk.  One quick summer rain would erase any evidence.

savour... sunny days

Today we are giving you a flashback at one of our very early posts.  I feel so strongly about this one that I knew it would have to be shared again.  Many years before I did this post or even started this blog, I created the grocery list that is attached.  I still use it today. 

Grocery lists keep us in check.  We still stray down the aisles and pick up things we probably don’t need (such as a mammoth size box of Cheez-its) but overall we go in with a purpose and a budget in mind.  Not only does the list help us maintain some control, but it also guides us down the aisles in an organized fashion.  Enjoy Sensible Shopping: Grocery Lists.

Read on...

When the dog bites, when the bee stings… and a dozen other things that aren’t your favorite… that’s what summer brings along with all the fun and sun.  There’s little chance that you will be able to avoid all of the medical mishaps that come with summer.  Some are more severe than others, but with some patience and a little know-how you can treat most of the issues on the spot effectively.

The key to success here is to know ahead of time what to do and to have a 1^st aid kit prepared with all that you might need.  We have compiled a list of some (but not ALL) summertime 1^st aid situations and the quick remedy.  We have also included a checklist for your first aid kit.  Buy one and beef it up or just assemble the supplies you need in a handy plastic tote or used cookie tin.

savour... preparedness

Spring brings on many new home improvement projects.  Folks all over will be throwing open the windows and putting a fresh coat on a room, a table, or maybe even a dresser.  But after you've chosen the right stain or paint, how do you choose the right tools for the job... and does it even matter?  You bet it does.  Check out this post we wrote for The Daily Basics.  Everything you need to know about paintbrushes is right here. 

P.S. When you get a second look around at some of the other wonderful articles at The Daily Basics.  You'll be amazed at how much good stuff is there.

Spring has just begun.  For many that means time to throw open the windows and blow the funk off of the place a little.  Typically this includes some deep cleaning.  No matter how neat and tidy you are, things can use some extra attention occasionally.  In the kitchen, particularly, food finds its way into places that might not be part of your daily cleaning routine.

Here we have compiled a list of cleaning activities for the kitchen/pantry to aid in your Spring Cleaning mission.

What to use:

• Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Small bucket with handle
• Sponges
• Vacuum with attachment
• All-purpose cleanser, dishsoap, or mild cleanser of choice
• Oven Cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
• Broom and mop or towel
• Baking soda solution for fridge/freezer
• A broom stick with an old sock for under the stove and fridge

Finally, don't let yourself become overwhelmed.  Only take on what you can manage and plan according to the time you have.  Be sure to factor in your REAL level of commitment.  Don't be ashamed to hire someone for the really tough stuff or tasks you just don't want to do.

We're taking it easy this week.  The boys are on spring break and we're trying to spend some time together and get caught up in between.  But we didn't want to let you down with no posts to inspire... plus it's so close to St Patrick's Day!  We thought this might brighten things up for you just a bit.

Like so many, we were sucked in several years ago by tabletop fountains.  They were everywhere, and despite their ubiquity, we caved and bought one.  We got it mostly for the soothing sounds but soon realized a CD would have done the same thing.  The fascination with the fountain quickly faded and left us with another space sucker.

Because I am in incurable DIY'er, I tossed the cheap pump and stacked stone insert and kept the granite looking resin base for another project.  I didn't know what the project would be, but I knew it would come in handy one day.  That day, my friends, was today.

savour... saving