clothing by @FunHouseHome The Fun Times Guide to Household Tips

How To Make Your Own All Natural Fabric Softener + The Best Ways To Remove Static Cling

You can make your own natural fabric softener for just pennies! photo by gezellig-girl.com on Flickr

Let's face it, Downey and other liquid fabric softeners are expensive! Not to mention the fact that they're made with harsh chemicals, as opposed to using only natural ingredients. With so many of us doing our best to live greener these days, it makes sense to make your own (safer) household cleaners whenever possible. Homemade liquid fabric softener is no exception. The fact is that our grandmothers knew all about the benefits of using natural fabric softeners, and there's no reason … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cleaning Things, Home & Garden Tagged With: clothing, laundry, money-saving ideas

Fabric Softeners And Dryer Sheets: Myths vs Facts

There are all sorts of bold statements -- both for and against -- using liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets these days. Of course, those who advocate living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle typically avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets altogether, or they may advocate using only those that are made from all-natural products instead -- like these natural fabric softeners and these natural dryer sheets. Besides the eco-friendly reasons to stop using fabric softeners … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cleaning Things, Home & Garden Tagged With: appliances, clothing, fires, Go Green, kids, laundry, soap, towels

DIY Closet Organizers

Is your closet a mess? Does it need a makeover? If you want to organize your closet on a budget, I'm about to show you some DIY closet organizers that you can put into place this weekend! There's no need to put it off any longer. The time to spruce up your closet is now. First, start with these 5 tips for organizing your closet. Next, determine which closet organizer you'll use. Here are the best DIY closet organizers... Basically, you have 2 options: Design and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Storing & Organizing Things Tagged With: closets, clothing

The Best FREE Home Inventory Programs To Keep Track Of Everything You Own

Do you have a record of all the high-ticket items you've purchased that are currently in your home? If you suffered a fire or flood would it be easy for you to determine exactly what was lost or destroyed? It's important to have a detailed inventory of all your belongings in the event of a natural disaster, accident, or theft. Your home inventory should include everything that you can personally itemize within your house. It should also include all of your insurance policies, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Storing & Organizing Things Tagged With: appliances, closets, clothing, computers, de-clutter, free stuff, furniture, money-saving ideas, photos, shoes

Lots Of Fun Ways To Organize Shoes In Your Home + Tips For Keeping Your Shoes Organized Forever

Have you lost count of the number of shoes you have? Are there some that you've never even worn? Maybe there's more than just your shoes... but an entire family's worth of shoes that need some organization. Chances are, you currently have shoes in one or more of the following places: mudroom foyer or entryway of your home bedroom(s) garage porch (or deck/patio area) Of course, the ultimate goal is to have all of your shoes quickly available to you, while storing them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Storing & Organizing Things Tagged With: bedroom, closets, clothing, de-clutter, furniture, shoes

Top Loaders vs Front Loaders: Why I Prefer Front Loading Washing Machines

If you're thinking about buying a new washing machine, then you're probably wondering what kind you should get -- front-loader or top-loader. Most people are interested in the biggest differences between top load washing machines and front load washing machines. The truth is, each has advantages and disadvantages: Now see, point-by-point, why I (and lots of other people) prefer front loading washing machines... … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cleaning Things, Home & Garden Tagged With: appliances, clothing, laundry, soap

Warning: Do This NOW To Prevent A Fire In Your Clothes Dryer!

Did you know that 15,000 fires a year start in the clothes dryer?Believe it or not, one of the biggest fire hazards in your home is your clothes dryer. (video)Most people think that all you have to do to prevent a fire starting in your clothes dryer is to clean the lint trap after each load, but there are actually several other things you can and should do to prevent a fire starting in your dryer. Here are 6 things you should do in order to prevent a fire from starting in your clothes dryer... … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cleaning Things, Home & Garden Tagged With: appliances, clothing, fires, laundry

Cheap Plastic Hangers Are Cheap Plastic Hangers, Right?

Well, not exactly.Believe it or not, there are actually some big differences among the many types of plastic hangers that are available.How do I know?Because moments ago, I finished switching out every single plastic hanger on Jim's side of the closet for a similar (but different) type of plastic hanger.Here's the scoop... … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Storing & Organizing Things Tagged With: closets, clothing

Top 10 Cool & Unusual Gift Ideas I Found on HGTV

I was watching HGTV the other day... probably an episode of "I Want That" or something similar. And I remembered seeing an interesting new product called the Purse Pal. What's cool about it is the fact that not only does it give you a place to put your purse -- so it's always within your sight and up off the floor -- it also gives you a place to put your other things like your hat, your scarf, your gloves, and your shopping bags when you're out & about. Plus, it's small and compact, so it's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Decorating Inside & Out, Home & Garden Tagged With: clothing, cool products, kids, paper products, shower and bath, soap, toilets

Fun Things To Do With Your Favorite Clothes

This one's a little far-fetched. But if you have some old clothing that you just can't bear to part with, then it may be just what you're looking for. I can visualize a fairly unique personal memento in the end. If you -- or your children -- have some classic items of clothing that are all-time favorites like: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Decorating Inside & Out, Home & Garden Tagged With: clothing, creative uses for everyday things