Unmeasured Strength: from a 9/11 Survivor

Lauren Manning, from laurenmanning.com

I'm fairly certain I've never written 2 posts in 1 day on this blog. But today is a good day for an exception. Moments ago, I received the following words in an e-mail from Lauren Manning ...

I was running half an hour late on September 11, 2001, when I pushed through the doors of One World Trade Center – soon to become known to all as the north tower – and turned toward the elevators that would take me to my 105th floor office at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Just as I turned left, a tremor shook the 110-story tower, followed by a huge, whistling rush of air. There were only three full-height elevator shafts in the building, but they offered the jet fuel explosion an unimpeded path to the lobby, and a moment later, with a giant, screeching exhalation, a wall of flame exploded from the elevator banks and engulfed me.

Its tentacles latched on with crushing force. I was spun around, and battled to escape the building and run toward a strip of grass across the street to drop and roll. The desire to yield to the blackness that rose around me was overwhelming, but then my mind was filled with a vision of my 10 month old son, Tyler, and I decided to live. To me, it was a clear and conscious decision.

I had been engulfed by the fires that would bring down the twin towers of the World Trade Center, so injured that almost no one held out any hope for me. I spent almost two months in a drug-induced coma before I opened my eyes. Yet in the weeks and months that followed, I battled back from the edge of death to hold my child in my arms, and intertwine my husband’s fingers with what was left of my own.

The injury I suffered was perhaps more intimate than any other; it was all- encompassing, from the outside in. But with each step of my recovery, I learned that the shell encasing me was not my real beauty. Our real reflection is the inner mirror that tells us the truth of who we really are. The body I saw when I looked into that mirror was the body that had fought the battle while I slept and refused to die before I awoke— the one that had invested itself with strength, guarded my soul, and brought me home to my family. There could not be a more perfect body on Earth.

The scars that cover me are proof of man’s capacity for hatred and evil. But these scars speak only of our physical fragility, not the boundless strength in our hearts. The shadows of the burning towers have been overpowered by the twin beacons of faith and love that guided me forward and led me home. Faith in God, faith in love, and faith in myself have vanquished the emptiness I felt when I thought that I would never see Tyler again or never have a second child.

I am grateful to my family and my caregivers, who stood by me and never wavered; most of all to my son, Tyler, who inspired me to fight. I am thankful for the friends and the good people around the world who opened their hearts to me and offered their support in writing or in person. They lifted my spirits during my hardest days, and their good will signals the goodness that lies within all of us.

I will never forget the friends and colleagues who were killed on September 11, 2001. As I wrote Unmeasured Strength, I thought of them constantly. Every breath I share with my own family is in part a tribute to their memory, and to the memory of all the innocents who died on that day.

We are all in debt to the men and women of our armed services who have fought the battle both before and after September 11 so that others will not be harmed by terror or tyranny. I send my most profound wishes for a healthy recovery to all those warriors who have been wounded, and to the loved ones of those who died in the performance of their duty, know that we hold them in the highest respect, and we honor the mission for which they sacrificed their lives.

All of us have been wounded in some way, whether by violence, disease, or other personal tragedy. But though we can never pretend that we have not been touched by adversity, we can refuse to be held by it. Whether you open your eyes after a single night or seven long weeks, from that moment of it is up to you. The only way forward is to gather your courage and take that lonely first step— the step of commitment, the step that will be remembered for generations.

What will you choose to do, with the time God has given you?
Every day you have a choice. Make it count.



During the past several weeks, Lauren has been invited to share her story on The View, The Today Show, and in many magazines and newspapers. We appreciate her willingness to share these words with us!
©2011 by Lauren Manning, from Unmeasured Strength, published by henry Holt and Company, LLC.

On Gollum, Gender, and Negative Feedback

Photo of vintage carnival swing ride by GrainnePhotography

I get a lot of e-mail. The longer I've been running this site, the more I've grown to enjoy the reader feedback--for good or bad. Thanks to each of you who take a moment to write.

Make no mistake, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive--too positive, really, considering I blather on sometimes about things that primarily interest me or my cat, Italics--but it is very kind. And the negative feedback--which generally comes in the form of insults or comparisons to 1950s housewives (am I supposed to hang my head in shame?)--is nothing I take too seriously. (C'mon! Their aprons were cute!)

We are, after all, entitled to our opinions--right or wrong.

That said, I received a negative piece of feedback in response to a post I wrote entitled, Female Without Apology. Here is what the anonymous reader wrote:

"Who [we] are is not a gender. First and last post I will read from this blog."

I've got to give the reader kudos for brevity. But the words have stayed with me for almost a month. So here is my response:


Dear Anonymous,

Researchers say that, when a girl and boy are given a sheet of paper and a box of crayons, they will generally draw different things. The girl will likely draw a scene--her house, perhaps, or the people in her life--while the boy will set to work creating action. He might draw a military demonstration or the latest scene from Lord of the Rings. (Hopefully not a scene with Gollum, yikes.)

Whole studies and schools of thought are dedicated to gender identity and their ensuing roles in society. Many studies would suggest that boys and girls do things--unprompted--for no other reason than that they are following the pattern set by gender.

Additionally, it is difficult to paint the full picture of a person without including the individual's gender. Try it. It makes the person . . . well . . . bland.

I am no expert, but I believe that gender is very definitely part of who we are. And I believe gender is a gift. From the beginning of humanity, man and woman were created with unique responsibilities and roles. To take away gender (theoretically, of course) is to take away one of the things that makes each of us unique. Strip away gender and we don't have equality--we have less variety.

And as we know, variety is the spice of life.

With that said, I've seen people in the news--some celebrity, some activist--fighting for the right to change genders. And it does beg the question, "Why?" If gender isn't who we are, why does it matter?

Food for thought? Maybe. Maybe not. Well. You're not reading anyway.

Read A-Whey

Photo by hirnrinde

Well, Friends, summer is here. I know this because I opened my e-mail last night to find a plethora of questions such as: How do I get my children to read? Can you help me help my kids with reading? How can I convince my
daughter that reading is a good idea?

Reading is as much a summer necessity as sun and sunscreen.

Some of my earliest childhood memories--which perhaps you and I share--include getting dragged off to the library where, for the ultimate prize of a paperback or poster, I would read a whole list of biographies and classics.

(I suppose reading programs are similar in motive and method to hiding whey powder in frozen yogurt.)

Here I offer 5 tips for encouraging your children to read.

1. Select a program. Libraries are the likely choice. See if your library has a Web site where you can research what is offered.

2. Allow kids to read what they enjoy. At some point, it is our responsibility to broaden their reading horizons, but if we want kids to love reading, kids need to read something that interests them. (So, "Yes" to the biography of Lincoln, but maybe, "No" to the entire biography section.)

3. Discuss, discuss, discuss. What are they learning? What do they think about the characters in their books?

4. Set a timer. 30 minutes a day, for most kids, is a great goal. (Yesterday I received some good advice from a co-worker who said, "Always give 'em parameters and expectations." Egg timers are helpful for both!)

5. Demonstrate that you enjoy reading, too. Family reading nights offer the perfect opportunity to show your kids that reading is for everyone. Read in fun places (such as at a park or on the porch) and celebrate the ends of good books.

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.

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.

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!

Forget the Facelift

Photo by LOLren

Ever wondered what a bad mood is good for? Tonight, in our In Print post, I offer a benefit for your consideration.

Earlier this week I received an e-mail from a reader who thanked me for sending the daily to-do list. In her note, she went out of her way to stress that she isn't a bad home manager, she's just a forgetful one.

(Which, FYI, the only thing you prove by signing up for the daily e-mail is that you are efficient. No judging happens on my part. But that's an entirely different matter.)

Today I am confident that Haley M. from Texas is a cheerful person.

See, according to msnbc, a cheery mood makes you more forgetful. Meaning--inductive reasoning permitted--that our memory is better served by a bad mood.

Perhaps it's a good idea to stub your toe or lock yourself out of your car before taking that test or giving that presentation.

According to the aforementioned article by Linda Carroll, "The solution is simple. If you know that your memory isn’t going to be as reliable when you’re in a good mood, you can take steps to counter that effect, like writing down people’s phone numbers or consciously associating something important with a new acquaintance’s name."

. . . or signing up for House Honcho's simple, daily to-do list.

Just saying.

Would You Like Cream with That?

Photo by Carolyn Coles

Here's an idea.

I often receive e-mail from readers who are anxious to find a solution to the problem of children leaving items lying around the house. One mother told me that she faithfully collects up multiple offenders (as in items left out repeatedly--not as in her offspring) and sells them in a garage sale. Swift.

Another mother explained that she sets up shop and allows the children to buy the misplaced items after a certain amount of time. Thrifty.

Yet another woman explained in a very elaborate note that she charges the children according to a graduated pay scale (based on the son or daughter's age and ability) and she uses the money to treat herself to coffee. Industrious.

I look back on my own childhood and I recognize that I would have been one of these offenders who could have sponsored my mother's weekly Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte, but I don't recall money being part of the equation. Fear of God and fear for my life were occassionally part of the solution, but not money.

I'm thinking tonight about whether or not monetary punishments are effective.

And I'm suddenly craving coffee.

Dinner and a Movie

(Answer: Roman Holiday, Paramount Pictures, 1953)

It's Friday night. What to do?

Recently, a reader passed along a great idea that I am passing along to you. (See how fun it is?)

Jackie from Tulsa suggested that families picnic in the living room on Friday nights--eating food and watching a movie that share the same theme.

(Think pasta with a movie set in Italy, for instance, or spaghetti with a Western.) There are so many possibilities. You can utilize the coffee table or clear the floor and spread out a blanket with plastic cups and silverware. AND you won't have to deal with pesky ants or sudden rain showers.
In case you are looking for movie suggestions, I have posted a photo, above, from my favorite of all time.

Kudos to you if you can figure out what it is from.

Goals Are Not Just for Soccer

Photo by grongar

Some things in life are too important to ignore.

On this list of essentials, I include items like love, milk, and goals. (Of course, there are plenty of other necessities--clothing and oxygen, for instance--if you ever want to look people in the eye. But anyway.)

This month I am really excited to begin discussing goals here on the blog. I have found goal setting to be hugely motivational in my home and life. I find--when I lack achievement in general--it can typically be traced back to a distinct lack of proper goal setting.

Additionally, I am contacted by readers who want to know why they cannot accomplish more within their homes. And I have found that the reasons generally boil down to one major theme:

Achievable goals were never made.

I could write pages about this issue, and I will, but not tonight. I am going to take the month of August to talk about what I am learning in the area of goal setting. For me, understanding this concept has been life changing.

For now, I want to invite you to consider the following categories in light of your current goals. Do you have goals in the following areas?

Spiritual
Financial
Family
Educational
Physical

Over the next few weeks, we'll unpack some important facts and tips that will (hopefully) revolutionize the way you plan!

Booking Center

Photo by duh.denise

It was Sir James M. Barrie who said ...

The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.

Ironically, Barrie himself was a writer--the author of Peter Pan.

But back to the point. Books have a huge capacity to teach us important things. Not only do they teach us things we end up agreeing with, but they offer us ideas with which to disagree--and we learn from both.

After encouragement from several of you to compile House Honcho reading lists, I am finally beginning the task of creating a list of must-reads for various age groups. I welcome your input.

Books are an essential part of the home. Contrary to what popular opinion suggests, there is no such thing as a "non-reader"--unless, of course, you are unable to read. If you are capable of putting letters together to form sentences, you are reading something. Even those scandalous magazines in the check-out line at the grocery prompt you to read...

Why not make it profitable?

Dear HouseHoncho

Photo by brandongreer

I get several e-mails that sound eerily similar to this one:

Dear HouseHoncho,

Thank you for your site and your daily e-mail. Without them both, I don't know where I would be right now, but probably quite the mess. I am usually overwhelmed by my house and kids. I know I should be happy to have both and I try to be, but very seldom is my house cleaned the way it should be or my kids satisfied with what I do. It's a constant struggle to keep everything done. No one told me that house keeping would be this hard. I guess I don't know what I'm asking, but I am thankful to have a listening ear.

S.J.M.
Minnesota


Dear S.J.M. from Minnesota,

Thank you for your candid e-mail. While many home managers look like they have everything under control (and many do!) there are others who struggle on a daily basis to get their work done. You are not alone!

During the month of August, I plan to further explore goal setting on the blog and hope that you will follow and experiment with the concepts I share. There are always more efficient ways to do what needs to get done. And I fear that one reason we as home managers struggle to stay on top of things sometimes is because our goals are not aligned with our realities.

What I will say for now is this: Keep your eye on the prize. You have a home and family to love. Even when the dishes don't get done or the beds made or the laundry completed, you have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of your family today. Hang in there and check out the blog in August!

Keep it simple,

On Farming and Futures

Photo by Todd Baker

Whether or not I respond to each comment left on the blog, make no
mistake. I do read them.

This recently-posted comment, made by someone nicknamed "career woman" intrigued me:

As career woman and as mother I don't understand how a woman does not work. Real woman must have it all: good job giving her financial independence and children who look at her personal example of being professional. This is how my grandmother lived, my mother and I live this way today. For me it is not encouraging story, it is back to darkness.

First, I must say that I appreciate anyone who takes the time to comment. I want to learn and understand how women (and men, for that matter!) view home management in our culture. Much of history pivots on the perspective of home and family. This comment is insightful.

But from my perspective, this comment misses a few essential points that I'd like to discuss. Feel free to weigh in on the conversation.

1. The statement, "I don't understand how a woman does not work" doesn't truly take into consideration the amount of work necessary to maintain a home. And while I understand that "work" in this context refers to punching a card at a place of business, I don't understand why any woman believes her value hinges on her outside employment. Some of the most influencial women in history never had an employer outside the home.

2. The statement, "Real woman must have it all: good job giving her financial independence and children who look at her personal example of being professional" lacks a true comprehension of what a woman truly needs. Good jobs don't always yield financial independence. Even if the job is high-paying, there is no guarantee that a woman's life will be free of cancer...natural disaster...a collapsed economy--taking everything she has.

Additionally, women who want children can't always have them. And, if a woman has children, her professionalism doesn't necessarily produce children who love, honor, or respect her for it. From my perspective, the belief that true success hinges on a good job, financial independence, and children who take note of her professionalism...is like building a house of cards in front of a blowing box fan.

3. Finally, the statement, "For me it is not encouraging story, it is back to darkness" gives me pause. We have more tools at our disposal than ever before to manage our homes successfully. I've never advocated shutting off the electricity or spending an entire day making lye soap. The concept that being a full-time home manager is archaic simply because women did it thousands of years ago doesn't mean it is "dark" or negative in any way. Farming is making a comeback. Recycling clothes and plant products is on the upswing. Minimalism--as as attitude and expression--is more popular than ever. But no one calls these choices, "darkness"--they are viewed as innovative because we've figured out how to do them better.

The reality is, women today are more educated, more prepared, and more interested in home management than ever before. This--like recycling or farming--isn't a sign that we are regressing, but rather, that the choice to do so has been wise all along.

Thank you for your feedback!

Exercise Your Right to Vote!

Photo by kimberlykv

Let's discuss feedback and voting.

First, feedback. I received this recent tip from a reader and want to pass it along:

Living in a hurricane prone area, we use empty cat litter plastic containers with lids to store items to grab and go if we need to. Have also put in more valuable keepsakes, etc. They have handles and stack perfectly. Can store first aid items, medications, snacks. They will also tend to be waterproof. And can be labeled with markers.

I love proactive readiness. And I love reader feedback! Thank you for sending this in!

Second, let's discuss voting. I want to let you know about a new feature on this site.

We now have a voting feature!

Here at HouseHoncho.com we are interested in building a website that is useful, productive, and encouraging to home managers everywhere. Many of our decisions are made based upon feedback we get from you.

One particular area of interest, recently, has been the function of this blog. And we seem to be receiving mixed opinions about what you want to read. SO. One of the tabs on the website is called "Vote!" and there is one question that I would love for you to answer between now and next Wednesday. Your response to this question will impact the future direction of the Kitchen Table Blog.

Thank you in advance for helping make HouseHoncho a beneficial site!

Dear House Honcho

Photo by VidyaRangayyan

Dear House Honcho,

My daughter "Kayla" is in junior high and wondering if you could offer a few ideas for Father's Day gifts that she could give her dad. Unfortunately, she has no money to spend and is convinced that means she can do nothing for him this weekend. I told her you would probably have some free ideas. Thanks.

Debbie on behalf of Mikayla
Colorado Springs, CO


Dear Mikayla,

Gifts always cost the giver. But thankfully, the gifts we give don't always need to cost us money. They can cost time or energy or effort instead. Do not be fooled into thinking that what you give to others is about money--it's about what you sacrifice to make something happen for someone else.

Here are five suggestions for money-less gifts this Father's Day:

1. Write your dad a letter. List for him the reasons you love and appreciate him.
2. Using items already in the pantry (with Mom's permission) make your dad a meal or dessert that he enjoys.
3. Create service coupons. Are there chores you could offer to help him with?
4. Spend time with your dad. (Take a walk! Play tennis! Look at old photos or home movies.)
5. Clean the garage. (But prepare your dad first or he may faint right in front of you.)

Best of wishes to you, Mikayla, as you honor your dad this weekend. Know that--even more than what you give him on Sunday--YOU are a gift.

Blasts of Thankfulness

Photo by Trisha (whose dog, Bronte, is the smiling lab on the left)

It's an early Father's Day weekend and I'm heading out to spend time with family.

Right now, my husband is behind the wheel and my crazy golden dog is stretched out on the back seat looking longingly at the open bag of Doritos between us. The windows are down, and the wind is sending cold blasts through my hair as we drive by a beautiful lake front. Nothing--not even a high-priced spa package--could beat this feeling! (Even the ones that come with lime wedges!)

I know that I have a lot to be thankful for.

From time to time, various of my readers have sent e-mails asking me how to conjur up the energy or the will to love house work. Cleaning toilets, after all, isn't exactly a cheery task. My answer today is this:

Make a list of 5 things you are thankful for pertaining to your home or family. Here are mine:

1. We are healthy.
2. God meets our needs.
3. We love each other.
4. The future is bright.
5. We have a home to clean.

And suddenly the dirty socks and the dusty baseboards become a means to an end--service to those we love--and not an end in itself.

I am excited to share some good news with you on Sunday--a new addition to our growing website--make sure to check it out. Until then, enjoy thinking of your five things!

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!

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!

Dear House Honcho

Photo by gwire

Dear HouseHoncho,

My name is Kelly and I am from New York. I read your blog every day while I'm eating breakfast. (And then I pass off your list of chores to my sister. We share an apartment. Don't tell her about the chores. She thinks we split them.) I love the fact that you talk about baking soda, but you haven't said anything about it recently. So I'm wondering. What are some more of your favorite uses for baking soda?

Kelly
New York


Dear Kelly from New York (who schlumps off her chores to her sister),

Glad you enjoy the blog. And I'm glad to have a 'soda sister' in New York who appreciates the true value of the white stuff. Here are my current favorite uses for our white gold:

1. Add some to your bath water for super soft skin. (Which you'll need after scrubbing dishes!)
2. Add one teaspoon to a vase of flowers to prolong the life of the bouquet. (Which you'll deserve after doing the laundry!)
3. Put some under the sink to deter ants. (Which you'll consider after scrubbing the floor.)
4. Pour a little bit into your dishwater to add scrubbing power to your dish washing. (Which you'll appreciate after de-cluttering the counter.)
5. Mix it with water and wash your fresh fruits and vegetables with it. (Which you'll enjoy after a long day managing your home.)

Now. Be a peach and give these hints to your sister.

Keep it simple!