Electronics Making You Sick?

Photo by skippyjon

I'm not going to lie. Each year around this time, I am tempted to unplug, disconnect, flip the switch, and power down. I don't know if it's the weather or my raging insanity, but life without electronics grows more appealing all the time.

I actually crave being Amish sometimes.

(Oh the irony of writing that on a blog.)

In today's In Print, I bring you an article from msnbc about people who are saying, "no" to electronics and, "yes" to simplicity.

The opening lines of the article by Melissa Dahl read:

"Much of modern life — the buzzing of cell phones, the humming of laptops, the ubiquity of wifi — is enough to give anyone a headache. But what if electromagnetic waves really did make you sick?"

That's right. There are people who actually get sick in the presence of electronics.

Blessing in disguise? I dare say.

Among the Graves

Photo by Charkrem

An article in The Opinion Pages of today's New York
Times caught my attention. It begins:

"Today, there are families knotted in mourning for a soldier recently lost in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are families for which mourning has become an absence more persistently felt than they could ever have imagined."

Click here to keep reading.

Last year, we read In Flanders Fields and we discussed 10 ideas for Memorial Day.

This year, whatever we do, let's remember those who paid the ultimate price with their lives so that we could experience the ultimate freedom in ours.

As the NYT article says, "These are things worth remembering here in the last blush of spring, the first flush of summer."

Happy Memorial Day,

Memorial Day Challenges: Not for the Faint of Heart

Photo by EliJerma

I love Memorial Day weekend. Gratitude for the military, kick-off of the summer, celebration with the family, gathering of the church . . . what more could you possibly want in any one weekend?

(Except, perhaps, lower gas prices.)

Well. I can't do much about the mother of all commodities, but I can offer you 3 challenges for Memorial weekend that might just boost your spirits.

1. Replace an appliance. Memorial Day weekend is the time to buy appliances. If you are looking for a new refrigerator or stove, do some shopping in the next couple of days. Sears is a great place to start.

2. Stock up for summer birthdays/barbeques/ball games. Party City is offering 50% off all summer party supplies. If you're hosting that fantastic barbeque on Monday, head to Party City.

3. Enjoy a Memorial Day activity. Wear patriotic colors. Watch a war movie. Create a patriotic-colored dessert. Visit a memorial. Attend a parade. Make cards for Veterans. Hang a thank-you sign. Play patriotic music.

Just talking about it makes me want to wrap up this post and get started!

Hug a Veteran--

Dear June: Meet Felix and Oscar

Photo by nolaclutterbusters

I hear from intelligent home managers all the time who graciously stop by this blog and read. So in tonight's Dear June column, I am turning the question over to you, smarty smarts...

Back in March, I received this question from a reader:

"I have two daughters who are quite different in their styles. One is fairly neat while the other is messy. Is it wrong of me to make them share a room? It drives them both batty. On a semi-regular basis they both ask to not share a room. But I want them to work through their differences. I am interested in your thoughts."

--Nicole R., New Albany, OH


What would YOU say, readers? Feel free to leave your answer in the comment section below.

Joplin: Home Is Where the Heart Is

Photo by nasikabatrachus

In lieu of tonight's hospitality column, I pause to reflect on the devastation in the Heartland.

Even when the house is falling apart, the home is as strong as ever--

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

So moving. My prayers are with Bethany Lansaw tonight.

Happily Ever After?

Photo by AForestFrolic

In today's In Print, I beg your indulgence as I sink into my shameless roots as a creative writer. Truly, this story intrigues me.

Huguette M. Clark died today. On my growing list of personal fascinations, she's been at the top for at least a decade. (Right now, she is somewhere between Lady Gaga's shoes and Duchess Catherine's recent nuptials.)

Consider this opening sentence to a column on msnbc.com today:

NEW YORK — Huguette M. Clark, the mysterious copper heiress who became the subject of public fascination and police investigation after a century of life
as a recluse, died Tuesday morning at age 104, registered under a fake name at a hospital in New York City.

According to the New York Post:

Her 42-room Fifth Avenue apartment is unoccupied, and her lavish mansions in California and New Canaan, Conn., have been vacant for more than 50 years, costing her millions of dollars in maintenance and taxes.

Herein is the irony: One of the richest women in the country developed such a distrust of people, (including her family members) because she was convinced they wanted her money. So she spent decades hiding in a hospital, not talking to anyone except through a closed door. And whenever she discussed issues of importance, she did so in French so that no one would understand her.

In short, to keep others from enjoying her wealth, she quit enjoying it herself. So . . . what was the point?

Farewell, Huguette Clark. You've been fascinating.

Out with the Cold. In with the Dew.

Photo by AForestFrolic

In today's Junk Drawer, I bring you 3 exciting, quasi-related things.

1. We have exceeded 500 fans on our Facebook group! Thank you for your support! As promised, I am going to add a tab on this website with all of the Honcho Hints we've collected with each new fan. And I will continue to add a hint or tip for each person who joins the Facebook group.

2. Since announcing that I will be sharing money-saving tips in the Facebook group, I have been inundated with coupons and deals from many of you. Thank you for your feedback! So as to keep it simple (and unique from other money-saving sites), I am going to limit the alerts on the Facebook page to FREEBIES. Last week, we gave away some dog food, spices, and Arby's alerts. This week, look for more FREEBIES.

(Also, I am actively looking for FREEBIES for our international readers!)

3. Finally, I enjoyed the following clip this morning from the Today show. The point I want to draw our attention to is something iVillage Home Decor Contributor, Susanna Salk, said early into the clip:

The stuff that holds your stuff should have personality.

Enjoy.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Happy Monday!

Post-judgment-day Analysis

On this sunny, Sunday afternoon, here is what I'm thinking about:

And though Harold Camping and his followers got it wrong (and will continue to get it wrong), we can be confident of this: We are accountable to God for our choices. Let us live this week--and every week--for something bigger than ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5--

Spring: The Perpetual Astonishment

Photo by Theresa Thompson

Alright, Friends. It's Friday night. I'm going to say what's on my mind and then duck out the back door before any of you throw tomatoes.

The weather is paradise-perfect. I smell the clippings of freshly-mowed grass. The sound of children's voices wafts lazily down the street. My husband is out for an evening walk with our crazy golden lab, Bronte.

Which is why it pains me to bring up the subject of Christmas.

On the eve of what is sure to be a record number of backyard barbeques, why would I bring up a holiday that is smack dab in the middle of nature's nastiest head cold? (Sure. Winter has its fine points. But have you noticed the slush that sits on the side of the road for months on end?)

Because I love you.

Here is part of an e-mail I received from my sister-in-law this week:

I know this is kind of early (or really early!) but I was wondering what you all would like to do as far as Christmas gift-giving for this Christmas. Gifts just for the kids, for everyone, draw names, family gifts ... that kind of thing. What's your preference?

And herein is my gift to you on this balmy spring evening that would leave poets like Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson with nothing to say:

PLAN AHEAD. Start small. Start now. We're nearing the half-way point. Plan now. Enjoy later.

. . . [sound of ducking]

Dear June: "Careful, Kid. Don't Bust a Boiler"

Photo by suchitra prints

Dear House Honcho,

I wanted to tell you how much I love your daily blog. It always makes me smile to see it pop up on my email in the morning. It makes me feel as if I am getting a message from a friend. (Which I am). I think you need to have an "Extreme Summer Cleaning Makeover: Teacher's Edition" in June. By this time in the school year, I'm just too tired and too pushed to do extra cleaning. But in June--that's my time to tackle all those little piles of stuff that I've stuck here and there as I dash through life. It's a wonderful blog, Trisha, and I know you are soon going to have a great following.

"An Old Friend" from Missouri



Dear Friend from the Show-Me State,

What an excellent idea! For the month of June, I will plan to include one item on each daily e-mail that is specifically geared for teachers who are "summer cleaning"! Kind of makes me smile . . . the idea of giving homework to a teacher!

(This could be fun!)

Thank you for your kind words about the blog. It's been the Little Engine That Could (which I'm guessing you know all about since you're an educator!)

. . . I think I can! I think I can!

Many more fun things coming soon. Thanks for your support!

Hospitality: Not a Picnic for One

Photo by gamene

Wow. I am posting late tonight. I've been burning the midnight oil on a new editing project. Yikes. Even the dog is snoring.

Last week I received an e-mail from a faithful reader who said that--while she would love to participate in hospitality--she has no opportunities to do so. Her house is small, she doesn't like to cook, and she doesn't have a family.

This got me thinking.

What IS hospitality? Have we put it in such a confined space (having people over for a meal) that we're missing hundreds of OTHER ways we can participate in it on a regular basis?

Consider these ideas . . . which I believe are hospitality:

1. Host a baby or bridal shower.
2. Take cookies to local firemen or police to show your gratitude.
3. Take a treat or plant to the neighbors.
5. Share produce from your garden with people on your street.
6. Host a housewarming party for someone else.
7. Start a welcome wagon for your church, street, school, or community.
8. Visit people in the hospital.
9. Start a book club.
10. Host a block party.

There are MANY ways we can participate in hospitality that don't involve heavy planning or serious cooking. There are hundreds of items I didn't even list here tonight.

Hospitality--at its root--is simple, home-inspired thoughtfulness for the encouragement of others. And this time of year is perfect for trying out unique hospitality ideas. What is the most creative idea YOU can think of for practicing hospitality?

. . . and the dog just glared at me for making too much noise.

[Quietly closing my computer now]

Calling All Coupon Mavens

Photo by Lomo-Cam

I am no financial guru. Granted, I consider myself a good family economist, but I am no Donald Trump (or Dave Ramsey, or Suze Orman).

In lieu of tonight's In Print, I am excited to announce an update for HouseHoncho.com. I was going to save this announcement for June 1st, but I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve with this update.

Having been recently inspired by TLC's Extreme Couponing, I am excited to announce that, in addition to quick home remedies and cleaning tips, I will be posting home-related coupons and freebies on the House Honcho Facebook page beginning tomorrow.

Nothing crazy. Maybe 3 to 5 savings opportunities a week. Basically, the best ones I can find to share with you, my favorite home economists.

Make cents?

Thank you, TLC.

A Picture's Worth

Tonight--in keeping with Junk Drawer Monday--I am going to share 4 photos that made me smile today.

In honor of Stamping Out Hunger (held this past Saturday), Laura Czajka Martyna from North Carolina made this fabulous cake. Her husband is a rural route carrier. Isn't this PERFECT?! I love it! One of my children may get a surprise mail truck birthday cake one day!



Nothing warms my heart quite like an estate sale. And summer is my season for visiting homes all over the city and taking photos of various treasures. Check out my recent favorite finds:

I'm totally unsure what someone would do with this statue, but it intrigued me.



This enchanted gargoyle was going for $195.00. (I say "going," but he was still there when I left.)



And finally. Words cannot describe what I felt for this poor, one-legged Santa. (Well, yes, one word can describe what I felt: WHY?!)

I have a great blog-related announcement to share tomorrow. Do come back!

When the Mail Is Yellow

Photo by Jixar

Admittedly, I don't know all the details, but an 82-year-old woman's death has prompted me to ask serious questions of myself.

Last month, officials responded to a call that an 82-year-old woman hadn't been seen or heard from for quite some time. A neighbor reported that the older woman's mail was yellowing, and cobwebs were collecting in her mailbox.

The neighbor correctly suspected that something was wrong.

Not only had the 82-year-old woman died in her home, it is believed that the woman died a year before. Her body was still in the house.

In addition to the obvious shock factor--that the body couldn't be identified because of its condition--was the shock factor that no one noticed her absence. Where were the people who loved her? Where were the people that this woman loved? How could she have disappeared for a year?

And herein is the question I ask myself: Am I living a life--loving, serving, encouraging--that would cause someone to notice my absence if I disappeared for a year?

I don't know all of the details, but I know this much: I don't want to go quietly.

Stamp Out Hunger!

Photo by Stamp Out Hunger

One of the most frequent questions I get on the blog is this: What can I do with items I purge from my house?

It seems like a simple question, but for people who don't want to host a garage sale or don't participate in a local food pantry, it's hard to get rid of things.

In our effort to avoid wastefulness, it is easy to cling to things we don't actually need.

I'll never forget the day it dawned on me that holding on to things when I don't need them and someone else does is, in fact, as wasteful as throwing away things I use every day.

All that said, I was thrilled to receive a notice in the mail that Stamp Out Hunger is scheduled for TOMORROW. Please consider the following simple instruction:

Just leave non-perishable food items at your mailbox on Saturday, May 14, 2011 for your letter carrier to pick up. You can also drop off items at your local post office.

What a great way to purge our kitchens of food items we haven't used, while also meeting the needs of fellow Americans.

Note: At this time, 16% of our daily readers come from 17 countries outside the U.S. I encourage you to consider talking to your local leadership about a program like Stamp Out Hunger. If you already participate in something like this, drop me a note. I'd love to hear about it.

Happy Friday!

Hello, Cupcake!

Photo by Trisha

In the words of NPR, "There's a nationwide cupcake boom
underway."

What's new, right? This "cupcake proliferation" has obviously been baking for the past few years. You can hardly visit a bakery or bookstore (or convenience store for that matter) without being inundated by these tiny orbits of sugary goodness.

But after attending a recent wedding where the bride served "Mr." and "Mrs." cupcakes at her reception, I began thinking about why cupcakes work so well in terms of hospitality.

Consider the following. Cupcakes:

1. are relatively cheap to create
2. are versatile
3. (usually) come in healthier proportions than planet-sized pieces of cake
4. are easy to make
5. are completely customizable

I think I am going to consider making cupcakes for my next gathering.

And now for some (actual) flavors I am not ready to try:

Red velvet cake with chili powder
Chocolate macadamia with sea salt and olive oil
Chocolate and bacon
Vanilla and green tea

Happy Cupcake-ing,

Marriage: Rest in Peace?

Photo by shell_shelly_18

When I first chose today's In Print article, I knew the approach I planned to take. It was an easy decision, really. In the past half-hour, though, I've changed my mind entirely. I guess you could say I'm suffering from a bad case of reflection.

Less than a month after "the biggest wedding of the century," actress Cameron Diaz went on record to say that marriage is a dying institution:

"I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer."

As someone who is pro-home, pro-marriage, and pro-family, I was prepared to write today's post with an arsenal of heavy-handed responses. Cameron's comments have been discussed, affirmed, and repeated by several news outlets.

And truly, part of me wonders why this 38-year-old (who's never been married) has any credibility to comment on the institution of marriage. (Okay. So the really skeptical part of me asks--Does anyone in Hollywood have the right?)

But that would be missing the point, wouldn't it?

Perhaps, instead of listening to the nagging voice in my head that wants desperately to believe marriage isn't dying because I believe in marriage, I ought to consider that marriage may not be alive and well simply because Cameron believes it's not. (Follow?)

In other words, part of me knows that Cameron is partially right. Though I couldn't disagree more about her conclusion (that we should live our lives marriage-free), I do believe that the institution of marriage is in trouble.


Simply put, ours is a world that doesn't foster selfless relationships.

Hmmm. More posts to follow, I have a feeling . . .

4 Tips in 4 Minutes

Photo by AngryJulieMonday

Happy Monday! From my desk, I bring you a clip from Today that rounds out today's junk drawer nicely . . .

What do microwaves, vases, shards, and stains have in common?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Answer: a new cleaning strategy

Waiting: Worth Every Minute

Photo by Ralph Hockens

Dear Mothers-in-waiting . . .

On the day I was married, a perfect rainbow spanned the sky.

Meteorologists had predicted a clear, sunny day, but alas. Though the outdoor reception was already prepared, rain fell in buckets while I was pledging my vows to Luke.

(In reality, the shock of hearing rain flood the church roof actually caused me to say a large portion of my vows to one of my husband's groomsmen who stood off to the side. Fortunately, his wife didn't pelt me with stones.)

No matter. The wedding was successful, and we enjoyed the reception with those we love. If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times that day: "Rain is good luck for fertility! You will have lots of children!"

. . . and yet, here I sit almost 8 years later, waiting for motherhood. Thankfully, I've never attributed the events of my life to luck or the silliness of superstitions. Instead, I've held steadfastedly to the promises of God.

In short, I believe that not having children is the best thing for me, currently, because God only and always chooses the best things for His children. When the best thing for my life is motherhood, I will accept the responsibility with joy.

Psalms 62:5-8: My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Imagine my elation when--driving down the road today--my husband encouraged me to look out the window. There, as clear as it was 8 years ago, a perfect rainbow spanned the sky.

And I was reminded once again that God always, always keeps His promises.

To my friends who wait, Happy Mother's Day.

On Plucking Petals and Reaching Readers

Photo by AForestFrolic: Funky Cupcake Toppers

As we start to wind down Mother's Day week here on the blog, I have an announcement, a reader response, and an invitation. Read on, Friends.

First, after receiving such a huge response to my solicitation for answers to Mother's Day questions (hundreds of you were willing to answer--thank you!) I've decided to continue asking questions and posting answers here on the blog. Obviously you've got a lot to say, and I am listening!

(This is what a home management network looks like. Love it!)

In other words, be warned. Questions coming to an inbox near you.

Second, I want to share a response from a reader, Anna, who answered this question: As the mother of boys, do you teach them tasks that involve home management? Why or why not?

As the mother of boys, I consider the skills necessary to maintaining a home to be life skills that are not gender-specific. My sons may not marry, or marry later in life. They may marry a woman that has been gifted with other strengths, or they may just need to pitch in and help because their wife works outside the home. Cooking, cleaning, and organizing are skills that I am teaching our boys in a methodical, deliberate way.

Teaching them to appreciate the small touches of beauty that make life more enjoyable is not as easy as teaching a step-by-step task like making their bed. Right now, my rough-and-tumble boys tend to think flowers are made for plucking petals, candles are fascinating because they are fire, and decorative pillows are for throwing at one another. With continued effort and guidance, though, I'm hoping that they will come to appreciate these things as added touches of comfort to their home life.


Lovely answer, Anna! Thank you!

Finally, I invite you to return on Sunday for an open letter to mothers in waiting. Have a great weekend, Friends!

Think Again! 10 Gifts that Could Land You in the Dog House

Photo by JesseBarker : (FYI: This hamster's name is Cupcake)

Let me put it to you bluntly. It's not always the thought that counts. Below, I offer you 10 bad ideas for Mother's Day gifts.

(Thankfully, if you bought any of these, you still have time to return them.)

1. A bouquet of dead flowers
2. An ant farm
3. Chocolates (left over from Christmas)
4. Hair dye
5. Gym membership
6. A third crock pot
7. Cleaning supplies
8. Anti-wrinkle cream
9. A grill
10. A hamster (dead or alive)

Since I would hate to leave you on a negative note, (such as you might expect if you give your mom a gift card to the dentist) please consider this bit of advice from Naomi Hodge when I asked her about the best Mother's Day gift she's ever received:

"My favourite Mother's Day gift that I've been given is the homemade cards my daughters make. I love that they put so much effort into them."

Bottom line, Friends. Keep it heartfelt. Keep it simple.

A Love that Moves Mountains

Photo of Jessica Council

Tonight, in honor of Mother's Day Week, I bring you an article that has stayed with me since I first read it almost one month ago.

I suppose, in some ways, the article made its impression on me because I have connections to this couple. (You know, friends of friends of friends . . .)

But no doubt, the article impacted me--(read: changed my life)--because this mother stood by her convictions even when it cost her dearly. It's one thing to give verbal assent to a belief, yet another thing entirely to live by it.

This article, written by John Sevac, begins:

April 20, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In August of last year Jessica Council – a beautiful, 30-year-old mother of one – noticed that she had a sore throat. At around the same time, she also began to suspect that she was pregnant.

When after two weeks the sore throat had not gone away, Jessica decided to have it checked out. Her doctor told her that it was probably a thyroid goiter, and ultimately nothing to be too concerned about. Just to be sure, however, he had a test done, which he said confirmed his initial suspicions. Everything would be ok, he said.

But everything was not ok. The doctor had misread the test . . .


I strongly encourage you to read on . . .

Guest Blogger: Joanne Pfeiffer

Photo by Joanne: 2 of Joanne's 5

We are celebrating Mother's Day all week here on the blog, and I am excited to bring you our first "reader response." I asked Joanne Pfeiffer the following question: In what ways are you currently (specifically) training your children how to manage their own homes someday?

And here was her answer . . .

You said as much space as I needed . . . [Indeed--I did!]

1) Home managers must be faithful in little things. Therefore, our children are expected to be faithful in their own responsibilities. All of our children clear his/her own place after a meal. Even the 2-year-old can put his cereal bowl and spoon in the sink. All of our children take care of his/her own dirty clothes. They each (as ability allows) also put all their own clean, folded laundry away. All members of our family are learning that everything has a place and when things are returned to their proper place the whole functioning of our home runs more smoothly.

2) Home managers must develop skills related to home management. Therefore, our children are learning how to cook, clean, do laundry, organize, and do basic home repair.

I have specific times set aside (especially in the summer) when I teach my older kids basic cooking skills. They also get opportunities to practice these skills. :) I include my younger kids in most of my baking projects.

Last summer I focused on laundry with my 11- and 13-year-old. I tried to use this teaching model that a well-experienced mother shared with me: 1) Show then how to do it, 2) Do it with them, 3) Watch them do it, 4) Let them do it on their own.

A basic illustration of teaching my children organization is how we handle important papers and information. I have a cork board on my kitchen wall. Our kids know that any important information about field trips, sports schedules, informational letters, or invitations get pinned up on the cork board. When they follow this organizational system, we don't lose permission slips, we're not late to functions, and we know where to go for answers. I then discard papers from this board when the function is all done.

Monday evenings in our home is "Dad Project Time." My husband alternates between my two older kids helping with home repair kinds of projects. They are learning how to clear the bathtub drain, clean out the garage, change a tire on a bike, etc . . .

3) Home managers must incorporate creativity to keep routine tasks from becoming drudgery. Therefore, I try to make chores easy for my children to accomplish. I have a little box in my kitchen that contains several little slips of paper. On each strip is a short but basic household task. For example, one says "clean the bathroom mirror", one says "dust the living room", one says, "vacuum the van", etc . . . When it becomes chore time the older kids draw a task out of the box and accomplish it. They continue to do this until all the tasks are accomplished, or until a specified time limit has been reached. During the summer time I use a point system with my kids. Work, chores, reading, etc. . . earn points that can be spent on recreation/entertainment. Each of the chores in my chore box are worth a different number of points based on the difficulty of the task. The children earn the points for the tasks they satisfactorily accomplish.

4) Home managers must understand time management and prioritization. Therefore, our children are expected to accomplish chores and responsibilities before recreation and entertainment can be enjoyed.

Lovely ideas! Happy Mother's Day to you, Joanne!

Good News, Good News, and Good News

Photo by GranniesKitchen

Good thing it's "Junk Drawer Monday." I have 3 unrelated items to share with you tonight.

First, at 10:36 this morning I learned that my husband's and my adoption case was presented to the child adoption board overseas and PASSED. It's been a wonderful day. Honestly, you could probably tell me I need a root canal and I would thank you. The support I have felt from each of you has been overwhelming, and I can only hope that I have the opportunity to return the kindness that has been shown to me.

Second, since this is May 2nd, I am rolling out the website update for this month. You will notice--at the bottom of each post, when you hit the "comments" button--you now have the opportunity to "like" or "send" the blog entry via Facebook. Several of you have requested this addition, and I am happy to make it available. Also, don't forget that when we reach 500 fans on Facebook, I will add a page of "Honcho Hints" onto the website.

Finally, since this Sunday is Mother's Day, we will be celebrating all week here on the blog. (Why not?!) Many of you responded with answers to questions about your mums. I will be posting those--and soliciting more answers--to share throughout the week! Keep your ear to the ground. Lots of good things are coming soon . . .

Let's celebrate!