A Little Microwave Odor Trick

With the weather being so nice lately and every weekend being filled with fun summer activities, I've really been neglecting my home. This morning I told myself I could not do anything until I did a thorough cleaning! On top of the usual bathroom, dusting, vacuuming and mopping routine, I was determined to find a way to rid our microwave of that terrible lingering zapped food smell. I don't know if I'm the only one that finds microwave odors repulsive, but ugh! They're terrible. My feelings against the microwave are another story for another day (I'm contemplating getting rid of it altogether), but while its still in my house, I'd at least like to keep it clean!  I remember my mom using baking soda whenever she wanted to eliminate an odor growing up so I tried a little experiment, and to my surprise - it actually worked!

Here is the formula:

Step 1:

Wipe down your microwave with water and a sponge (and a little dish soap if there are any troublesome spots)

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Step 2:

In a microwave safe bowl, add 2 cups of water and approx. 4 tbsp. of baking soda. Microwave for 5 minutes.

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Step 3:

Rinse out the baking soda/water mixture and add another 2 cups of water and 3-4 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice. Microwave for 5 minutes. (I figured lemon was good for a spring/summer scent. In the fall/winter try vanilla extract)

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Step 4:

Wipe down the microwave one more time with water and a sponge.

(If the odor is still lingering.... put a little bit of baking soda in a small bowl and let sit for a couple hours or overnight. The baking soda should absorb the remaining odor)

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An odor-free microwave!

I Love (yellow) Lamp.

I've been on the search for the perfect yellow lamp to complete our guest bedroom for quite a while now. Everything I came across was too bright, too gold, too expensive.. you name it, I found something wrong with it. I finally gave up and decided I was going to solve this problem once and for all... I'd make my own! I did a little research on painting lamps (and other objects) and was happy to conclude that it actually seemed quite simple! Whether you're interested in a yellow lamp... or in the market for a different home decor object that you just cannot find in stores, here is some 'how-to-spray-paint' inspiration:

Step 1-

I purchased a simple, inexpensive lamp from Target in the shape I wanted.

 Step 2- 

I searched the aisles of Home Depot for the perfect shade of yellow spray paint. The staff were very helpful and let me try every shade until I made a decision! I settled on Painters' Touch Ultra Cover 2x spray paint in Warm Yellow. (Because the lamp base was made out of Resin, I had to make sure I chose a paint that worked with plastics. If trying this at home, make sure you know what material you will be painting!)

Step 3-

I covered anywhere I did not want painted with painter's tape we had around the house and was ready to paint!

Step 4-

I thoroughly shook the paint can for about 2 minutes and started spraying away, holding the can about 6 inches from the lamp base.  After the first coat, I let dry a few hours then did a 2nd coat. (Make sure you do this outside or in a well ventilated area!)  I brought inside after a few hours and let it finish drying overnight.

Step 5-

The next day after the lamp base was completely dry, I added the lampshade (also found at Target).

Total Cost of Project:

Lamp Base      $19.99

Lamp Shade    $16.99

Spray Paint       $3.87

                         $40.85

 

Our guest room complete with the perfect yellow lamp ~ priceless!

My First Sewing Project!

This past weekend was a very big accomplishment for me... I completed my first sewing project! We're talking very exciting stuff here. ;)  My mother loved to sew - she was always doing little projects growing up... curtains, halloween costumes, pillows, any type of clothing repair needed... you name it, she could do it. She was always trying to show me things or get me to help, but I had very little interest in such a thing. As a pre-teen/teenager and even college student, I was much more interested in talking on the phone, watching tv, shopping, chatting online and hanging out with my friends. Why would I EVER care how to sew, Mom, when I have you to do it for me?? :)  Recently, I became much more interested in learning the basics of sewing. I mean, it's a pretty handy skill to know.  Especially when you are 5 feet tall and you have to bring EVERY pair of pants you purchase to the tailor. For Christmas this year, my grandmother refurbished my mom's old sewing machine. Now when I say old, I'm talking old. From the 1950's. But let's call it vintage because that sounds so much cooler. I was told although its vintage, it sews like a charm, so I was pretty pumped to be the new proud owner. However, I was afraid to touch this contraption because I had no idea what I was doing. So I enlisted the help of my grandmother (who has done an abundance of sewing projects herself) to come teach me what this sewing thing is all about. First project on the agenda: a valance for our downstairs bathroom! 

We headed to Joann Fabrics and I spent about 45 minutes deciding if I should spend $43.99 on a yard of fabric I LOVED, or $10.99 on a similar fabric, but that was not my 1st choice.  After much debate, I decided I'd go with the no-name brand, with the thought that if I hated it, I only spent $11 bucks and I could always go back for the expensive stuff later. It still has the same pizazz I was looking for, and I convinced myself that no one would ever know the difference (except myself, of course).

Fabric purchased - check!

Now for the measuring/cutting of the fabric... The fabric I bought was only 36" wide and we needed 54" for the window.  "This little dilemma could easily be resolved", said my sewing-expert grandmother, "We just have to match up the patterns".  Riiiiight, of course.  Well, let me tell you, I would not call this part easy. This was definitely my least favorite step of the project, and to be honest my grandmother did most of it. Leave it up to me to pick the fabric with the most intricate pattern!

Once the pattern was aligned and the fabric was measured and cut, I was off to the races!  The actual sewing part of the project was so much fun! With some more practice, I could definitely see this being an enjoyable, relaxing hobby.  The valance was completed in a couple hours, and I felt very accomplished! It also was special to spend quality time with my grandmother, learning a pastime that her and my mom enjoyed so much. 

Here are a few more snapshots from my Sunday sewing extravaganza!



AFTER

BEFORE

What do you think of my masterpiece?!?  I know, I know. Nothing to write home about, but you have to start somewhere! I say not too shabby for $11.99 and a few hours of special memories. :)