Who knew...role reversal

Hi Bloggers,
Is there a good app for the iphone for blogger?  I just upgraded from my flip phone to an iphone and I'm looking to add blogging to my repertoire of neat things I can do from my phone.  Help a girl out!

Thanks,
PTHH
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Who Knew: Paint Colors

Via facebook, a friend requested info on selecting complimentary paint colors.  In the method of full disclosure, I'm certainly no interior decorator, but I have done my fair share of painting a home.  There are a few different factors when selecting paint colors, for one room, for adjacent rooms or for a whole house.  Many of the home decor magazines are talking about using a similar color palate for an entire home...blues accented with yellow and brown, for example.  When selecting paint for a kitchen, you'll want to consider the color of your cabinets and appliances, unless you plan to redesign your entire space based on your selection of bright teal paint for the walls.  In an open space, monochromatic colors tend to work best; if your rooms are more enclosed, brighter colors can work very well. 

I find a quick look at the color wheel pretty helpful when thinking about what looks good together.  Using complimentary colors, which are those that are on opposite sides of the color wheel (like yellow and violet) is the most bold approach for selecting colors.  Pairing colors next to each other on the color wheel is known as selecting analogous colors...manageable and perfect for an amateur decorator, like me!  And monochromatic paint schemes are usually easy to pull off because they utilize similar colors, with varying tints and textures throughout multiple rooms or spaces.  I tend to be a bit conservative when picking paint...even if you go with a muted tone for your living room, you can always add bright accessories to add some pop to the room without committing to bright orange walls, or something similar. 

One neat tool I found while working on this post is Sherwin Williams's Discover Color tool, which allows you to pick a room and a layout and select a paint color to get a visual of the outcome.  It also shows you complimentary paint colors and allows you to lighten, darken, brighten or increase/decrease the amount of color in the paint (for example, increase/decrease violet in a pink/red paint). 

Related Post: Paint Perfection.

*Photo courtesy of Whittier International Art Program.

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Who Knew: Cell phone etiquette

I didn't receive an official who knew email on this topic, but it came up in conversation the other day so I thought I would pay omage to it via a blog post.  I'm a bit of a fanatic about etiquette and with the dawn of cell phones, Emily Post's famed book needed some additional information.  So, here are a few tried and true "rules" for your cell phone.

Privacy - If you're on your cell phone in pubic, this simply doesn't exist.  If you're having a private business or personal conversation, head to a secluded, quiet place in a restaurant, airplane, mall or other venue to carry on.  Or, I suggest you just wait until you're in the comfort of your own home.  You don't want people hearing about your latest business venture and others don't want to hear you argue with your boyfriend.

Volume - No need to yell on your phone when you're out in public.  Again, back to privacy, you'll probably have virtually zero when you're out and about so ratchet down your tone and volume...everyone around you will thank you!

In a group setting - If you are on a date with friends, family or your hot ticket, there is really no reason to chat on the phone.  If you must, graciously excuse yourself for a moment and return promptly.  If you are in a restaurant, there is nothing that irks me more than a dining companion on their phone either talking or texting.  Put it away.  You don't need it on the table, just put it away.  Being on the other end, it feels like your companion would rather be with or in another place.  Unless you're awaiting a companion in your date, wait until you are through with your companions to chat or text.

*Photo courtesy of Sprint.
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Who Knew: Unclogging your drain

I received a call from a friend this morning and she was wondering if I had any tips on unclogging a bathroom or kitchen drain. Besides dousing toxic chemicals down your drain, there are a few simple remedies you may try to alleviate a clog down your drain. And it's best to try to alleviate a slowly draining pipe before it stops draining completely. At that point, it may require professional plumbing attention.

For basic clogs try pouring 1/2 C baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 C vinegar. Do this with a bit of caution as the two ingredients interact with foaming and fumes, so replace the drain cover loosely, or turn on a fan or crack a window. Let the concoction brew for about three hours before running water.

For a kitchen drain clogged with grease, pour 1/2 C salt and 1/2 C baking soda down the drain, followed by a full teakettle of boiling water. Allow to sit overnight before running water - best to do after dinner and before bedtime.

I've also used just regular boiling water and that seems to work on a minimally clogged/slow-draining drain.

*Photo courtesy of Real Simple.

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Who Knew: Sunscreen stains on clothing

My lovely mother submitted this question via phone or email (can't remember...yes, it was that long ago).

I have a few white tank tops and shirts that are stained from sunscreen. How do I make them look fresh and new again?

Dear Mom,

I too, have had this problem and I would guess that many other gals who have worn a white (or other light colored) tank top, dress or t-shirt to the beach or pool have experienced this annoying phenomenon. I did a fair bit of research and unfortunately, could not find a true consensus on the best way to remove the stain. I did, however, determine a consensus on a possible ingredient in the sunscreen that causes this problem - avobenzone. Many suggested methods for cleaning included using bleach, an oxy-type product, vinegar, Kaboom...the list goes on. After reading several forums, I have come to my final recommendation, with many praising success - The Works Tub and Shower Cleaner. Not only is it readily accessible at many major retailers (Kmart, Target, Walmart, etc), but it's pretty reasonable (under $5).

Spray the stain directly with The Works and let sit for about 5 minutes. Upon your return, the stain should have magically disappeared before your eyes! Make sure to launder appropriately when you have an opportunity. Let me know how it goes!!

Love,

Christine

Related posts: You may catch more flies with honey, Who Knew: sofa deep cleaning, Cover up for just a few bucks, Who Knew: Suede cleaning how to.

*Photos courtesy of Old Navy and Amazon.

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Who Knew: Packing a silk blouse

One of my dear friends sent me a text message from across the pond in Jolly 'ol England last night.

I need some PTHH help! How do I pack my silk blouse so that it doesn't wrinkle when I arrive in my destination?

Well, Rachael, this was a very timely question. I just took a silk dress in my small rolling bag up to NH for my cousin's wedding. The best and easiest and cheapest way to pack a delicate clothing item is in a dry cleaning bag. Place the clothing item in a dry cleaning bag, as if it's hanging on the hanger. Place flat on a large surface, like your bed, for folding. Fold the clothing item as you normally would, ensuring that the dry cleaning bag is folded with the item of clothing. Carefully place at the top of your suitcase, so it isn't squished under shoes or your toiletry bag. Unpack and remove from the bag at your destination and be amazed with your wrinkle-less clothing! If you end up with a few wrinkles, hang in the bathroom while you shower and hopefully the steam will help alleviate any stubborn wrinkles.

*Photo courtesy of Banana Republic.

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Who Knew: Caring for your pearls

Dear Christine,

I just purchased my first set of real pearls. Before, I was faking it until I made it. Now, I've made it! I realized that I do not know how to properly care for them. Besides not wearing them in the pool and putting them on after I spray hair spray, are there any other "pearl how to's" that I should know? Storage and cleaning tips would be great!

Thanks!
Melinda

Dear Melinda,

You've come to the right place! I love pearls and wear mine at least 3/7 days of the week. When ogling some black pearls from the South Pacific, oops I meant looking at wedding bands, a jeweler mentioned to me that most girls are pearl girls or diamond girls; I like to think of myself as both, but I really love my pearls. They are perfectly classic and look great with jeans, a business suit, your wedding gown - anything! Anyway, I digress, but back to your questions.

A few tips for keeping your pearls looking their best, always.

• Always put them on after applying make-up, hair spray and perfume.
• Rub them with a soft cloth after taking them off (I'm guilty of not always doing this). But this will help them stay shiny and lustrous.
• If you wear them frequently, a damp cloth will help them keep their lustre over time, as moisture is good for them.
• If you accidentally wore your pearls on the softball field and they're covered in dirt, clean them with a very mild soap, like Ivory, and warm water. Make sure they are completely dry prior to re-storing them.
• Never clean pearls with abrasive soaps or cloths as it may cause them to wear away or lose their nacre coating.

Pearl Storage

• Store separately from other gemstones in your jewelry box. Giving them their own storage area or drawer is ideal.
• Store them in a soft bag made from chamois or other non-abrasive material. (If you bought a Sham-Wow, that would work perfectly!)

P.S. The pearls I wore for my sorority composite picture were fake, so don't sweat it.

Best,
Christine

*Pearl photo courtesy of elitechoice.
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Who Knew: Sofa Deep Cleaning

Dear Christine,

So, I've been meaning to email you this question, but wasn’t sure if you were “accepting” emails. With the new blog that you posted entitled, “Who Knew”, now I can.
So, here’s my question:
My beautiful red Pottery Barn couch, which hasn’t been able to fit into my apartment (due to the 1930’s design of it) is now in pretty bad shape since my male friends have been letting me keep it at their house for the past 2 years. Since I’m moving at the end of the month, I get my couch back, but it’s in terrible condition (and I mean, gross). In saying this, how can I deep clean my couch so it’s in top shape again?

Thanks PT Happy Homemaker,
Shannon
Dear Shannon,

First of all, hat's off to your bravery of placing that GORGEOUS couch in the hands of your male friends. Honestly, I've never had to 'deep clean' a couch, so I had to do a little homework. Here are a few tips I found:

• Start the process by thoroughly vacuuming the entire couch including arm rests, back, cushions and underneath the cushions. This will help loosen the dirt.
• Rent a cleaner, such as Rug Doctor, from a food store or hardware store. It should come with an upholstery attachment to help clean that couch.
• The water solution container is usually 1 gallon. Fill it with hot tap water and add 1/4 Cup (and no more) of any liquid laundry detergent - suggest using something without fragrance like Arm and Hammer with baking soda. Also add 1/2 Cup of clear ammonia. Alternatively, you can buy shampoo specifically for the fabric on your sofa.
• Test a small area of the sofa, probably on the back or underneath the arm to ensure the color won't run.
• Aggressively run the attachment over the ENTIRE sofa, including cushions, avoiding the dust liner under the cushions.
• Allow the sofa, including the cushions to dry entirely before reassembling.

Send me before and after photos, if you're feeling particularly ambitious! Good luck!!

Christine

*Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

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Who Knew: Brunch for a Bunch

Christine,
A few of my college friends are coming in to town this weekend to see the baby and I want to provide a good meal since they'll be driving down from DC and back in the same day. They'll be here mid to late morning on Sunday and I was thinking of doing brunch. As a working Mom with a baby, I don't have a lot of time to prepare or cook. What do you suggest I prepare and/or pick up?

Thanks,
N

Dear N,
I'm so glad you asked! Brunch is one of my favorite meals and when given the option, I gladly go this route over lunch or dinner. Here are a few suggestions, including both make and buy options.

Main Course:

• Frittatas are delicious and easy, but require spending some time in the kitchen just before the meal. Click here for some recipes.
• Quiche is another easy option for brunch and there are great frozen options or pre-made ones in the fresh or deli section at your market.
• Chicken salad is a light option and requires no heating (i.e. spend more time with your girlfriends cooing over your baby and less time over the stove). Many delis have great freshly prepared salads, but make sure you pick it up on Saturday since some places might be closed early Sunday morning.

Sides:

• Fresh bread or muffins can be prepared in advance (think Friday evening or Saturday) or purchased at a bakery or even a nice grocer. The Fresh Market has a wonderful cranberry bread.
• Fresh Fruit - pretty self explanatory. Many grocers have strawberries, pineapple and melons pre-cut to take out the leg work.
• A green salad can be as simple as buying a bag of field greens, halving some grape tomatoes, adding a few sliced almonds and tossing with a vinaigrette (perhaps sun dried tomato or goddess dressing).

Drinks and Desserts:

• I love mimosas and always recommend them for a brunch-hour fete. To shake things up, use an orange juice blend with mango or pineapple.
• A light white wine like reisling or sauvignon blanc would pair well with brunch food.
• Fruity desserts like tarts or bars are simple and compliment brunch well. Bakeries or high end grocers are a great source for an easy fruit dessert. Alternatively, lemon or lime bars are quite simple to make and can be done a few days in advance.
• Chocolate covered strawberries are a delicious end to your delecatable meal. See previous post for recipes. These can be made in advance, but I can't promise you won't eat them all before your guests arrive!

Good luck and enjoy your time with your girlfriends! Best, Christine

*Photos courtesy of RealSimple.

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Who Knew? Suede Cleaning how to

A friend at work sauntered in today in some gorgeous navy blue suede Manolo Blahnik shoes - hello gorgeous! Much to my amazement and awe, she informed me that her sister used to work in fashion in NYC and has betrothed some of her more fabulous gifts. She mentioned that she needed to clean them, but wasn't sure of the best way to do so. Fortunately for both of us, I found another fab post idea from her dilemna.

A few cautions before you begin:

• Suede stains very easily.
• Suede cleans best with dry products; wet products may create a larger stain.
• Always use a stain treatment on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to test it first.
• Treating your (blue) suede shoes with a protective finish will ensure they stay beautifully clean longer. If you missed that step, keep reading.

Now, time to start cleaning.

• Find yourself caught in the rain in your suede shoes? Don't panic. Allow the suede to dry completely, and rub the material with a clean terry cloth towel or suede brush. The water spots should vanish with minimal effort.
• Small stains or scuff marks may be removed with a pencil eraser or emery board. Lightly rub the fabric until the stain or mark resides.
• If you traipsed through the mud in your Manolos, rub cornmeal into the suede and brush it with a suede brush, or a soft, clean terrycloth towel.
• A suede brush or clean bath towel can help restore some of the fabric's nap or fluffiness.
• If all else fails, there are professional leather and suede cleaning services that might help ease the dirt from your step.

*Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.

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New topic: Who Knew?

In the last few weeks, some of my family and friends have approached me with questions about household maintenance, cleaning, cooking, gardening, etiquette, etc. Some of the inquiries have given me good ideas for posting, so I've decided to feature a new segment called Who Knew? which will feature any and all of these inquiries. If you find something notably absent from the blog content or have a burning question that you must have answered, please feel free to email me or post a question on a related post.
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