Chicken Soup for the Cold

I heart owls. Check out these vinyl decals from ennashop. I'd like to put them on my windows at home.

Three things to share tonight. Monday's Junk Drawer was made for moments like this.

1. Tonight I am announcing the winner of the contest, hosted by Trendy Bliss! Trendy Bliss is a relatively young business that is already gaining momentum! Trendy Bliss offers a variety of things such as accessories, home decor, photography, party planning, and sweets! The lucky winner of our recent contest, per the random number generator, is Taylor Anne B.! Please send me an e-mail with your address so I know where to send your loot.

2. I have decided to select a word for 2012--something I can think about, strive toward, meditate on, aim for here on the blog. I have no idea what that word should be. I am asking for your help. If you have suggestions, please share. I am beginning to think about this now before January sneaks up on me.

3. Finally, below you will find a clip from the Today Show that had the girls at my office talking. It's packed with helpful information. The main arguments my co-workers were making centered on this one question: Can chicken soup cure the common cold? Hmmmm. Check it out.





Stay warm--

Changing the Game: {Please Read}

Admission: I have an unhealthy love of stationery. This card by DawnCorrespondence is perfect!

I read a post that stopped me in my tracks today.

One of the reasons I hesitated to write a blog for several years is because I didn't know how to spread the word that it is existed--or, frankly--if anyone would care that it did. Blogs seem to be a dime a dozen these days. And while some of them have made a tremendous impact on my life, many of them--likely more of them--have had all the practicality of an umbrella on a sunny day.

Internet Garmins would be nice, yes? Destination: blogs that offer helpful insight vs. those that don't.

Yesterday, I posted a contest to help spread the word about House Honcho. I didn't consider it narcissistic as much as I considered it a plea for readers. One of my concerns has always been waking up to find that absolutely all of my readers gave up and went home.

Then I read a post that discussed--among other things--the lack of humility involved in self-promotion.

As someone heavily involved in the publishing industry (it puts the bread on my table, frankly), I don't believe that promotion is entirely evil. But the article did cause me to re-think the promotion of this blog. And I came to the conclusion that I don't need to promote House Honcho for it to be successful. If it's helpful, it will continue. If it's one of those useless umbrella kind of blogs, it will fade away.

And that will be okay.

SO I AM REVISING THE CONTEST RULES.

They are simple.

Send a note of encouragement to someone this week--someone you haven't sent a note to before would be great! Let's lift someone's spirits, brighten someone's day, put a skip in someone's step. Let me know that you sent a note (no need to say who it was sent to or what it was about) by signing your initials to this post with a quick sentence.

To those who already passed the word about the site, your names are safely in the hat.

As for me, I'm just thankful you took the time to read this. My gratitude is to you ...

CONTEST: Trendy Bliss!

As I near my 500th post here on HouseHoncho, I am asking (read: pleading) for your help.

It's as simple as this. I maintain this blog because of friends like you who challenge me to keep at it. The e-mail I get on a regular basis is overwhelming. The encouragement I receive knows no bounds.

I have big dreams for this little site. I still believe I am just getting started.

I am bursting at the seams with brainstorms. (Dramatic? Yes. True? Also, yes.)

So I humbly ask you to participate in this contest. The rules are simple. The prize is great.

All you have to do is click the brand new "TELL A FRIEND" button at the bottom of this post and ... tell a friend about HouseHoncho.com. Then let me know, by replying to this post, what you did. Each time you TELL A FRIEND between now and Friday at midnight, you will receive an entry into the contest.

The prize?

Krista from Trendy bliss has donated a pair of Black Lace Shoe Clips from her Vintage Collection. (See the photo above.) Totally creative. (I'm guessing you can wear these clips on more than your shoes. We'll talk to Krista later this week and find out. More on Trendy Bliss. Stay tuned.)

Give this new button a run for its money, would you? Please? It'll mean more to me than you can imagine ...

Calling All Contest Mavens: One Day Left to Enter!

Photo by MJ/TR (´･ω･)

One more day to enter the contest! Don't forget to let me know what you did! Leave a comment! Leave a question! The contest ends tomorrow at midnight.

Picking up on the next tip in our 10-tip countdown.

Tip #10: Keep your goals simple. (Read the post here.)

Tip #9: Create actionable steps.

To-do lists are fabulous for such a goal as this. In my planner each morning, I list the items that must get done during the day. Under each "umbrella" item, I list the steps that are necessary to completing the goal. Seeing the pieces enables me to better estimate the required time, energy, and resources.

Need a little motivation from a post from the past?

Dear June, Motivate Me!

Come back tomorrow for a photo I plan to post in honor of the July 4th weekend.

Be safe,

Into Every Drawer a Bit of Junk Must Fall

Photo by Exit343

I love Junk Drawer Monday. It's like a buffet for my A.D.D.

2 things.

1. Thank you for your support of my book. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. Right now, I have 3,079 unread messages in my inbox, (give or take a few library book pickup notifications). If you have written me recently and have not yet received a response, please know that it is coming! I have not overlooked you! I am simply moving through the list. Please continue to support the book if you are inclined. There are 4 days left in the contest.

Many genuine thanks to those of you who have already participated.

2. Today I discovered a list of 10 tips that pertain to spring cleaning (on a blog about writing, of all things!)--whether we are spring cleaning our lives or our homes--and I am excited to share my own application as these ideas pertain to house connoisseurs. Beginning tomorrow and finishing on Friday, I am going to share the 10 tips that could change our lives if we allow them to work.

Alright. Don't forget to post what you did in support of the book. I want you to receive a fair number of entries.

Happy dusting.

Announcing a Contest: Book It!

Photo by tableatny

Happy Friday! Let's kick off a contest.

One week ago today, my first book launched. I say "first" because there are a few more ideas rattling around that I may put to paper next. We'll see.

I appreciate--more than you can imagine--the show of support I have received from my friends and family. Promoting the book is something I need help with. I'm as good a salesman as I am a dentist.

[Insert a wail of distress.]

Which brings me to you. I am looking to get the word out that the book is finished. Our publishing company has graciously allowed profits to go to our adoption expenses if the book is bought here. Ridiculously kind, really. We have miles to go before our adoption expenses are paid.

So here is where the contest comes in. Each time you do one of the following things, your name will be added to the hat. [Scroll down to see the prize.]

1. "Like" the page where the book was announced by scrolling to the bottom. (You may need to click on "comments" to choose the "like" button).

2. Share the page where the book was announced in a Facebook status.

3. Simply talk about the book in a Facebook status.

4. Encourage someone to check out the book (in any way you choose).

5. Get creative and do your own promotion of the book. (I would LOVE to see what you come up with!) I would be honored to write a guest post if you run a blog.

I need your help to tell people the book is available. Whether or not you have any plans to read it, I ask you to consider sharing the news with your friends on my behalf. (I ask on bended knee, really.) It would mean more than you know. And it will go a long way in bringing our little fellow home.

Here is the prize: I will send you a book with a personalized note from Luke and me--written to anyone you choose (perhaps you know someone who could benefit from a book on waiting?)--and tucked inside the book, you will find a $20 gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond.

Two of my worlds colliding--home and reading!

Please leave a comment on either this page or the page where the book was announced letting me know what you did and how many times your name should be added to the hat.

The contest ends 1 week from today: midnight, Friday, July 1st.

Blessings,

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! (x3)

Photo by Steve Snodgrass

We have a winner! We have a winner! (And other relevant news)

1. Thanks to the True Random Number Generator, (is there a False Random Number Generator?) Rebekah Kotlar is the winner of the $25 gift certificate for Tastebook.com. Rebekah, drop me your e-mail address so I can send you the relevant details. I do hope you will come back and tell us what you did with your certificate! From personal experience, I can tell you that building a Tastebook is a ton of fun!

2. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. Our Facebook group and daily to-do list subscriptions grew significantly. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

(Thank you. Thank you very much.)

3. As a reminder, if you are interested in being listed on House Honcho's Readers Who Link Here, simply post the House Honcho button/link and let me know you did.

4. Along those lines, I am going to post a database of Honcho Hints on the blog when our Facebook group reaches 500. If you have not yet joined the group, I urge you to do so for the good of all.

5. One more thing. (This post is feeling a bit like an overcrowded message board.) Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th. I would like to send one interview question to various mothers who are readers/supporters of House Honcho. If you are willing to answer one question--to be shared with readers during Mother's Day week--please let me know.

Alright. That's enough announcements for today. [Collective sigh of relief.]

Keep it simple!

CONTEST: Facebook for Tastebook

Photo by tastebook.com

It's Friday night. Let's ANNOUNCE A CONTEST!

Who doesn't appreciate a bit of a celebration now and then? So let's get this party started . . .

Over on the Facebook page, you will notice that--as of right now--our group is 366 members strong. This is barely a fraction of the people who visit the blog daily and/or receive the to-do list.

So this contest is all about rewarding those who are showing support.

One week from today--Friday, April 22, at midnight, I will draw one winner who will receive a $25 gift certificate for Tastebook.com.

There are 3 ways to get your name in the hat.

1. Go to the House Honcho Facebook group and "share." (There is a button on the left-hand side of the Facebook page that serves this very purpose!)

2. Join the House Honcho Facebook group. (At 500 members, I will be adding a page to the blog with all of the Honcho Hints we've collected with each new member.)

3. Mention House Honcho in a Facebook status. (This week, I will share some of the clever status updates I heard about during this contest last year. Funny stuff.)

Each time you do one of these things, respond to this post with the name you want entered in the hat and how many entries you've earned. You are eligible for an entry every time to do one of the above.

Need a little incentive? Check out tastebook.com. There's no better cookbook printer on the planet.

Let the contest begin.

On Winners and Waiters

Photo by ben.seid.

In true keeping with the random nature of a junk drawer, I have two things to share today.

First, we have a winner in our commenting contest! Thank you to the 32 comments that have been left on the new site! It feels good to be "home" in this new layout. Consider your comments the lavender-scented shelf paper. It's starting to feel much cozier!

Oh yes. The winner. (Listen to me ramble. Yikes!)

On March 1, 2011, Heather said:

I like the new layout--very nice! I'd also love to win the BB&B card. It's such a great place to shop for the home!

I couldn't agree with you more. So a $20 gift card will be mailed to you as soon as you click here and send me the address where you'd like to have it mailed. And to all of you Heather-impersonators, I shall not be fooled.

Finally, to those of you who have graciously asked for an adoption update . . .

One month ago this week, we received notification that our paperwork is completely finished overseas. Our jubilation has been tempered by the fact that it continues to collect dust on a desk somewhere. We haven't seen it yet. Hopefully soon. Next week marks 2 years since we began this journey.

And that's the lid on today's junk drawer--

Change Is Good: Introducing a Contest!

Photo by Hannah.K

It is fitting that we unveil the new layout of this blog on "Junk Drawer" night, because "change" is the best thing to find in the junk drawer, is it not?

I admit--in the moments between pressing "publish" and waiting for the new layout to take effect--I was nervous. I have spent nearly a year with the old blog format, and I'm a girl who loves my comfort zone second only to my sweat pants. So I was sitting on pins and needles last night during the switch.

Many logical reasons necessitated the change. We now have search capabilities, for instance, and we can "tag" to our heart's content. We've listened to your feedback, and we're putting it to practice! Perhaps most exciting, the team is now notified when comments are left. So responding to your clever replies will not require us to go on an Easter egg hunt to find them.

We plan to do all sorts of fun things with this new blog, so fasten your seat belt!

The only sad part of switching to this layout [insert the very sad music] is that we lost all of the comments we have accumulated since House Honcho's humble beginnings. So we are announcing a contest.

I hold in my hand a gift card for Bed Bath & Beyond worth $20. (I am now setting the card down so that I can type again with two hands.) All you have to do is talk to us!

Here are the rules:

1. Each comment you leave (on any of our 300 posts) will equal a name in the hat.
2. Feel free to leave the comment under a pseudonym (but make sure you remember it in case you win!)
3. We will respond to each and every comment!
4. The deadline for this comment contest is one week from today (Monday, March 7) at noon.
5. We will mail the prize on Tuesday, March 8.

Please. Talk to us. If nothing else, tell us the pins and needles were worth it. You could get a new toaster out of the deal--

From Our Table to Yours

Photo by Trisha: This loot could be yours!

Introducing Contest #5

We are ridiculously close to reaching 500,000 hits to our website since we launched in mid-March. Which is really exciting because we are just getting started. We have so much yet to discuss--birthday parties, books, gift ideas, and holidays. (We are gearing up for a super helpful holiday season!)

[Get to the point already, right?]

So here are the rules and prize:

1. THE GOAL: Direct your friends and family to the Kitchen Table Blog between now and next Wednesday at noon and we will add your name to the hat for the hospitality prize package.

2. THE PLAN: Each time you tell someone this week about the Kitchen Table Blog let us know what you did via a comment on the blog. (Feel free to use a nickname--just remember what it is!)

3. THE STRATEGY: Consider using e-mail, Facebook, face-to-face, personal blog entries, etc. Be creative! Each time you spread the word is worth a vote!

4. THE PRIZE: A hospitality prize package: Dinner party invites, a new guest book, place cards, a vintage apron, the book A Life That Says Welcome, and a secret family recipe from my own family vault sure to please an entire crowd.

You bring people to our table and we may bring people to yours!

Let's get this contest started!

Dream, Dream, Dream

Photo by TorreBarolo

I like to dream big.

As a child, I could occupy myself for hours just thinking and imagining what I believed would be the perfect ... everything. You name it and I've thought about what would be ideal.

I never dreamed, however, that so many people--in the year 2010--would still take an interest in home management. I thought maybe I'd find a handfull of serious homemakers and we'd collaborate on what works best in our home. (You know--I send you a cleaning tip and you send me a recipe for your aunt's blueberry cobbler.)

Instead, this website--and I recognize it's not yet worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize--will reach a half million hits in the next few days. I've done very little to spread the word. In fact, I posted the link twice on my Facebook page and sat back to watch it take off like the dominoes I used to line up on my grandmother's kitchen floor.

And so now I am returning to the drawing board of dreaming big. It's time to expand what I thought would be a small endeavor.

I want to create bigger and better challenges here on the blog. I want to push you to try new things and meet new people. Home management isn't just dusting or straightening. The home is essentially responsible for the nourishment of our health and happiness. Millions of dollars are spent on medicine and relaxation and entertainment...when all we really need is a good, clean home.

Are you with me? Let's dream big and take this initiative to the next level.

(Oh. P.S. Come back for tomorrow's contest announcement!)

Cue the Music

Photo by normanack

And we have a winner!

Congratulations to Robin Smith for winning our House Honcho contest! She contributed great ideas to our Facebook forum and was the lucky winner drawn randomly from those who had something to say. She will be receiving a lovely vintage apron that will surely make things more colorful when she cooks.

Thank you, Robin!

This month, I am pleased to announce that we will be focusing the blog on goal setting. I hope many of you will jump in with what has worked/what has not worked for you in the past. Additionally, I am going to start hunting down more home managers for interviews...so beware!

Come back tomorrow...and start gearing up for another great contest later this month!

Let Contest #4 Begin!

Photo by alisdair

Introducing Contest #4

On Tuesday I posed the challenge to our Facebook group to create our next contest. (I am finding out all the time that we have some very creative readers at HouseHoncho.com!)

Robin responded, "Maybe an entry for every real comment posted on facebook," and I think that's a fabulous idea!

Our Facebook group does not just exist to collect names. My personal vision for the site is that it would become a useful, practical place for giving and taking ideas that will be helpful in the home. Currently, there are 101 members--plenty of creative minds to promote and provide conversation on any number of topics.

So here are the rules and prize:

1. Post a comment of any legitimate kind between now and next Friday at noon--a question, an encouragement, an agreement or disagreement, an idea, etc. and your name will go into the drawing. 50 comments equals 50 names in the hat. You get the idea.

2. I may select random comments to use in posts throughout this week--and I will give attribution by first name only.

3. For any person that joins our Facebook group this week as the direct result of your invitation--that will equal 5 names in the drawing. Just send me a note via our "Contact Us" page when your friend joins and I will make note of it.

4. THE PRIZE: A mint-condition, vintage apron that will have you singing the hubba hubba. I love it!

Gift Cards and Plastic Men

Photo by puuikibeach

Thank you for a wonderful week of clever status updates!

This evening I rounded up the full collection--there were hundreds of them!--and had a professional Facebook status competition drawer select from the pile.

And the winner of the Bed Bath & Beyond gift card goes to the author of:

"I wonder if HouseHoncho.com can send me a daily email full of simple, intermediate and challenging ideas for handling her children. I can see it now: 'If you do 3 items—in any combination—you will make a difference in your HOME today.' Oh well, it works for cleaning!"

And just for the record, my response to that question--and several others submitted this week--will be coming shortly! Additionally, updates to the site will be rolled out as well.

Thank you for participating! Look for another contest soon.

Keep it simple!
HouseHoncho

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Photo by Playingwithbrushes

Contest #3 is over tomorrow at noon.

I will have to go back to reading the comics for my morning laughs. I can't say I am looking forward to it. For the record, I plan to continue sharing Facebook status updates--though I will not necessarily dedicate entire posts to them--even after the contest ends. I've received so many updates that I want to share more of my favorites. Keep your eye out for more good times.

Three of my favorite Facebook status updates from today:

1. Had lots of fun house honchoing the office today. I kept repeating, "I am the stash monster"... but I must have overdone it because it turned into the "stache" monster and I was visualizing myself tackling this disorganized dungeon with a moustache on my face. Maybe that's what House Honcho meant in the first place because now it looks nice in here!

2. Househoncho.com is the website to give sanguine homemakers everywhere a simple daily list of housework so we can stay ..... --Oh my, have I got the funniest story to tell you!--Oh. sorry. So we can stay focused to work first THEN play!

3. My in-laws are coming in one week, but since i've been househoncho-ing it up... I AM NOT AFRAID! :)

Thank you for sharing your status updates! They've given me several new ideas to share with you! Now, keep inserting this enthusiasm into your homes!

Say It Loud, Say It . . . Laughing

Photo by Rowena of the Rants

Laughter is a lovely medicine.

Below is one of the Facebook statuses I received in my inbox today:

...was pondering the intrigue surrounding House Honcho's identity...Perhaps instead of a full-time employed woman who loves to manage her home, House Honcho could really be a corporate team of men who don't even do their own laundry??? Or, a well-confirmed bachelor running the blog from his ...parent's basement??? Hmmm.......what do we really know about House Honcho?!

Here are five things you should know about me:

1. I wear my grandmother's apron when I'm working in the kitchen.
2. I listen to Frank Sinatra while I dust.
3. Everyone in my home is female--except for my husband.
4. I dress up before I write my blog. (Don't ask. I don't have an answer.)
5. Green is my favorite color. Two months ago it was red. (I still love red shoes.)

I can assure you of two things: I am not a group of men, and I am not a bachelor. But I do get help with my laundry.

Keep it simple!

Look Again

Photo by itchys

Here are today's funniest statuses from some of our expert organizers:

1. –^v–^v–^v–^v-________ Bored to death? You haven't checked out HouseHoncho.com

2. ... dreams of a better world, where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned, and where everyone uses HouseHoncho.com!

3. ... suggests keeping several get well cards on your mantel. If unexpected guests arrive, they'll think you've been sick and unable to clean. OR you can use HouseHoncho.com

4. Dear HouseHoncho.com, the FOLD cycle on the clothes dryer isn't working.

5. It must be Wednesday. I can hear the messies in my kitchen quaking with fear. (househoncho.com)


Thanks for the laughs. I'm surprised my neighbors haven't pounded on my front door and told me to quiet down. I have about 50 other messages I could share, but won't. Come back tomorrow for more!

Say It Out Loud

Photo by Saucy Salad

I haven't had this much fun since my parents replaced our record collection with cassettes.

My favorite FB statuses (stati?) sent in today:

1. It's going to be a busy week, so I am delegating the house honchoing to my 2 yr old. By next Monday I'll most likely sitting @ the desk buried under a mountain of the random household items she gathers, eating graham crackers and drinking out of a sippy cup.

2. ...thinks the House Honcho site helps you enjoy managing your home so you can manage to enjoy your home!

3. ...Househoncho.com...where I go when I don't wanna do housework.

4. House Honcho (website--check it out) breaks down your household chores for the week so that you don't break down by the end of the week!

5. Dusting Rag = $2.00 Laundry Detergent = $6.00 Broom and Dustpan = $9.00 Organized Home = Priceless... There are somethings money can help you with cleaning, for everything else there is househoncho.com.

6. ...happily hails House Honcho as the happenin' helper for her home!

Reader Updates

Photo by Orin Zebest

HouseHoncho: is sharing Facebook status updates

Today kicked off the first full day of our "Say It with Sass" Facebook status competition. Here are 4 of my favorite status updates--sent it by our readers.

1. scratch here ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ to reveal today’s hint from HouseHoncho.com

2. has been trained by HouseHoncho.com to be organized and is therefore putting her thoughts in alphabetical order.

3. *House* = a building in which people live; residence for human beings. *Honcho* = One who is in charge; a manager or leader . . . HouseHoncho.com = a fabulous blog that assists home managers in making a house a home.

4. is laughing at the irony of Saturday's being "basement/laundry room day" on House Honcho...and the time we spent hanging out in the laundry room Saturday late night during the storms. Good thing I had gotten a few things done on the list!

Looking forward to reading more of your creative posts! Thank you for spreading the word about our quickly-growing site!