Wreath: (noun) A Decorative Arrangement

Photo by besighyawn

Now that the Internet offers a plethora of online dictionaries, the question remains:

What to do with the tomes that used to be our only link to legitimate grammar?

Answer: Make a wreath.


Photo by Debbie Marrie

The above photo was taken by a fellow editor. The owner of this wreath used a paper plate and torn pages from a dictionary to craft this lovely door decor.

This is what it means to be 100% recycled.

I love it.

Of Birds and Men

Photo by bfick

It's Friday evening, and I'm here with an idea for spring.

I love spring. Specifically, I love open windows and green grass . . . and bird feeders. According to my watch, we're 16 days away. I am going to celebrate March 20th the way baseball fans celebrate opening day.

(If grass skirts were appropriate office attire, I'd consider wearing one.)

Which leads me to this.

I am all about ideas for outdoor entertainment. So here is a centerpiece idea.

Why not fill a bird feeder with M&M's, nuts, candy corn, and other treats? It would make a cute addition to your table or outdoor spring event.

Tip: Make sure the bird feeder is new.

Don't forget to check out the contest. Happy Friday--

Cat Attack

Photo by jcmar.net

The clutter problem can basically be solved with one simple question.

...But more on that in a minute.

Right now I am sitting in the laundry room, tapping away on my keyboard, while a steady rain raps on the roof. If I could find a way to harness the rain water and use it in my washing machine, I would be as happy as a hamster in a hammock.

But back to the one question that will significantly cut down on our clutter:

What do I NEED?

House Honcho's definition of "need" in this context--anything that assists in fulfilling a responsibility or satisfying a duty.

I have received recent e-mails asking if decorations are considered clutter. My response? Not necessarily. A modest number of decorations assists in fulfilling the responsibility of making the house a home, right? Who wants to live in a cinderblock cell? (Besides Bernie Madoff.)

Decorations are not necessarily clutter. But we must beware. While a pretty set of frames assists in making the house a home, twelve porcelain cats in a curio cabinet may not be as useful.

Rule #2 for all HouseHoncho readers: Always ask yourself, "Do I need this?"

Bring It Inside!

Photo by mapper-montag

I love when things like this happen!

Recently I received a request from Amanda B. in Michigan asking me for some specific examples of ways she could celebrate the outdoors inside her home. I hung on to the e-mail, hoping I would find some time to do a little research before responding. Well. Wait no more! Today I received a wonderful e-mail from a loyal reader and this is what it said:

I was so excited by "bringing the summer inside" that I had to share what I did! A small glass bowl of lemons and limes on the counter. Some "sand" and shells in the bottom of clear glass candle holders with tealights on top. AND, I took my brightly colored straws out of their cardboard box and put them in a glass vase in the cabinet. (I read this once as an idea in a magazine. It's supposed to go on your counter, but I don't have room. So, I thought we'd still enjoy the surprise of color when we reach for a glass. Next on the list: brew iced tea to enjoy with my lemons and limes.

I couldn't have responded better myself! I love when home managers get excited about their homes!

Keep it simple!