Avoid the Flu

Are you trying to avoid getting the flu?  There are certain items that are more susceptible to carrying germs than others.  This blog will explain five things that you absolutely must clean to help avoid the flu. You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Remember the 60 Minutes special from years ago which revealed that television remotes are the most germ infested item in a hotel room? Yeah, same goes for the home remote. With so many hands touching it, sitting on it and never cleaning it — the remote is one you absolutely can't miss.
Here are a few other items you've probably missed over the years that you might want to try giving a quick wipe down:

1. The computer mouse
2. Video game controllers
3. Smartphones
4. The computer keyboard
5. Tablet devices and eReaders

The best way to clean these sensitive items? A non-toxic, simple cleaning agent is probably best. I recommend mixing a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol, as it's known more commonly known) and dipping a paper towel in the mixture and using it as a wipe. Soak and repeat.

DIY V-day Gifts

 Are you looking for a gift for your special guy this Friday?   These are some great DIY gifts that will not break the bank.  Keep reading and you can learn more here.




1. DIY Sharpie Mug - For the always-working-late, coffee-obsessed guy
Want him to stay sharp in the morning? Make your own coffee mug by drawing or writing some personal messages on it with a Sharpie marker. It's an easy, tailored gift that he can actually use. You can buy your own mug and Sharpie or get a DIY mug gift package at Starbucks. Here's a YouTube tutorial:

2. DIY Skinny Tie - For the business-first, suit-up-like-Barney-Stinson guy

Suit up!

Ties are one of the top picks in terms of gifts for men, but instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a nice tie, why not make one for him? You can use any kind of fabric you want, just be creative. A guy can never have too many ties--just as girls can never have too many shoes. 
DIY MEN'S SKINNY TIE
3. DIY Meal - For the food-loving, on-a-budget guy
The first thing everyone thinks of when it comes to Valentine's Day is having a good meal at a nice restaurant, which is usually expensive. Instead, why not buy a couple of candles and placemats and cook him a meal instead? Dinner can be just as nice at home, especially if you cook his favorite dishes. Here's a link to some Valentine's Day recipes, but there are thousands of other ideas out there for making a special V-Day feast.
20 LOVEY DOVEY DINNERS

One for you and one for him.

4. DIY Laptop/iPad Case - For the tech-savy, slightly hipster guy
Many people have Macbooks and iPads these days, but you can make his stand out with a personalized laptop or iPad sleeve. Be creative by adding things that only you two would understand. From leather to tweed cases, here are 20 simple tutorials on making a laptop or iPad sleeve just for you and yours. 
20 DIY LAPTOP/IPAD SLEEV PROJECTS
5. DIY Kiss Flip book - For the romantic, photo-loving guy 

Time to go old-school this time

Whether he's a hopeless romantic or a down-to-earth practical kind of guy, he will definitely appreciate this cute little idea. Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine, you can easily find photos and videos of your other half, but this old-school method of stop-motion will create a more touching action sequence than any app could. Here's an easy tutorial on making a Kiss Flip book, which you can customize to your liking.

12 Things to Help Make an Apartment a Home

Are you trying to make your apartment your home?  There are a few things that will give you that home feeling you are missing.  Read the blog below and you can also come up with your own ideas!  You can learn more at apartment therapy.



Aluminum push pins: Push pins are super useful throughout the home and work well when trying to attach or hang anything from sheetrock, cork or wood. Aluminum ones are easier on the fingers and don't break (I actually use mine to hang all of the small art on my walls, as they are strong enough and don't require me getting out a hammer).

All-Natural Cleaning Products: At this point in the evolution of our planet, there is no reason why any cleaning product in a home - from dish soap to glass cleaner to tile scrub - shouldn't be natural and earth friendly. Even bleach whiteners for clothes and tubs can now be replaced. I like Seventh Generation and Caldrea.

One Set of Flannel sheets: You don't need them for most of the year, but when it gets this cold they become your best friend. I get mine at The Company Store.

A Landing Strip: I don't consider a home complete unless it has an area near the front door - it can be tiny - that acts as a "landing strip" where you can hang your coat and drop your keys and mail when you walk in. A full landing strip has a landing surface, mirror, pin board, wastepaper basket and coat hooks. Here's a video about it.

Real napkins: I switched to real cloth napkins at home years ago and wash them each week. They're softer on the face, less wasteful and add a really nice splash of style to your kitchen and dining room. Want to do make your own? I've been hemming fat quarters (fabric meant for quilting) to make my own and it's really cheap to do it this way. I get mine from Purl.

3 Lights in Every Room: I find that most homes I visit are underlit. They can be lovely to look at, but they're dark and filled with shadows. I'm convinced that most people don't notice this about their own home as they get used to it. The simple solution is to make sure that you have at least three points of light in EVERY room and that you turn them on when you're home.

Dimmers: This is a simple install whether you own or rent. Dimmers allow you to shift your light and dramatically transform your space with your existing light fixtures. Light control is crucial to making a beautiful space.

A Good Vacuum: Cleaning is essential to a comfortable home and being able to easily, and happily vacuum makes sure that it stays that way - particularly with pets. I love my Dyson vacuum, but others swear by Miele.

Art @ 57": Most people hang their art too high and do different heights in different rooms (or even the same room). When I see this it makes be deeply uncomfortable as it makes it hard to enjoy the art and the wall it's hanging on. The easy rule of thumb is to hang all of your art at 57" on center - meaning the center of every piece is at 57". Here are more instructions on this.

Candles at Meals: While certainly not necessary, I have found it a great and simple ritual to light a candle at meals (even breakfast). There is something very ceremonial and calming about accompanying the meals of the day with a wam and flickering flame. Children really like it and it helps them to stay focused at the table. I use beeswax candles as they burn a lot cleaner and smell like honey.

Mat Knife & Scissors: I find that I need this almost every day from opening packages to cutting off labels to prepping flowers. I like my Tajima utility knife and my Fiskars scissors.

A Plant & Fresh flowers: I've always advocated for having fresh flowers in your home as part of a weekly routine (it's also part of our January Cure) as I find they bring an indescribable liveliness and beauty to an interior, regardless of its chic-ness or fashionability.

Plants, whether indoor or outdoor, are a part of this as well. Right now I have a small lemon tree in my living room that I am taking care of and working on growing big. It's an easy way of keeping me in touch with nature, even with the temperature near zero.

Study Abroad Fair

 The University of Memphis will host its spring Study Abroad Fair Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

Students interested in international study will hear from past program participants and have a chance to ask faculty members questions about specific destinations. Information will be available on financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Those attending will have a chance to win one of three $1,000 scholarships toward a U of M study abroad trip.

The University offers more than 200 semester, academic year and summer programs in more than 50 countries to meet the diverse needs of U of M students.

For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office at 678-2814 or visit www.memphis.edu/abroad.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?  Do not let the opportunity come and go.  The University of Memphis will be having a study abroad fair on January 29th from 10am-2pm in the University Center Ballroom.  Students can ask questions and hear from people that have participated in the program.  You will also have a chance to win a scholarship for your study abroad trip.

Cut the Clutter

Does your apartment get cluttered throughout the week?  Here are some great tips on how to slowly eliminate the clutter that builds up throughout the week.  These tips will help your apartment stay cleaner, and it will help you feel less stressed when you come home.   You can learn more at apartment therapy.

Designated Outbox: Set up a permanent basket, box, or bag by your front door to toss things that need to go. Make it part of your decor so that it's part of your daily life and doesn't just look like a messy cardboard chore lurking in the corner, sending accusing looks at you. Try emptying it once a week or at least twice a month.
Clean As You Cook: Somehow a messy kitchen with a pile of dishes is always the first stop on the ride on the messy train. Never go to bed with a sink full of dishes. Waking up to dirty dishes just sets you starting your day off wrong. Also, try to clean up as you cook so that when dinner is done you don't turn around to more work and can end your night on a good note.
Sort Mail Immediately: I am guilty as charged when it comes to piles of mail in various places that "I'll get to later." My new workflow is: pick up mail; open it over the recycle bin; put bills in a designated bill cubby; and feel good while doing it.
Tidy Up 10 Minutes a Day: You can split this up into two five-minute chunks or a full ten. Quickly shuffle through your house (preferably at the end of the day) and put away all those little things that you took out, opened, or tossed on the couch throughout the day. This way you can reset your home each evening and start fresh each morning.
Refocus Your Energy: A long time ago I heard someone say, 'it takes just as much energy to be messy and it does to be clean" and it always stuck with me. It makes total sense: when you're messy you are just delaying the energy it will take to clean it up instead of doing it immediately. I find that, when I clean as I go, I'm much happier and rest so much better without 'to do's' weighing on my mind, or seeing guilt-ridden piles of stuff.

50 Fun DIY Organization Tricks

Are you looking for a new organizational system for the new year?  Buzzfeed has a list of 50 Clever DIY Organizational Ideas.  You can look below and check out Buzzfeed for the complete list.

1. Tea Shelf

Organize all your teas (or coffees or spices or what-have-yous) in this prettified champagne box by Sarah from Look What I Made.

Materials: an old wine or champagne box (you can get it at wine stores or even some delis), two pieces of the lid of the box (you’ll get it in pieces anyway since it breaks when opened), four screws, decorative paper (old wrappig paper will do the trick), and a screwdriver.

1. Take the box and fit the paper in the back. Just fold the edges in to get the right size. No need to glue it- adding the shelves will secure it in place.
2. Take the pieces of the lid and fit them in where you want the shelf to go. Screw them to the sides.
3. Once you have the pieces of the lid set and steady, the little shelf is finished.

2. Book Letter Holder

Don’t let your mail just pile up on the counter this year. Use this tutorial by Renee from Bulb to Blossom to turn an old book into an elegant letter holder.

Materials: a book (a smaller hardcover works nicely), craft glue, a sponge brush, a ruler, and a utility knife.

1. First, after separating the book into equal sections, apply glue to the inside of the seam.
2. Use the sponge brush to spread the glue evenly along the seam.
3. Roll the first section of the book inward and press it into the seam, and hold in place.
4. Continue this process for the remaining sections.
5. After the glue has dried, use your ruler and utility knife to score the cover of several times, removing the excess. Do this for the front and back cover.

3. Address Book

You meant to send out those thank you cards, mail that New Year letter, and just keep in touch in general. However when the “daunting” task of writing that letter, and penning 30+ addresses… sometimes best of intentions is as far as it goes. So create this zero effort address mailing book by Ursula from Homemade by Carmona that takes the scary out of the task! Perfect for Christmas cards, paying bills, sending out party invitations, or just your everyday letter.

Materials: binder, plastic divider pockets and/or sheet protectors, variety of address labels, and stationery materials (cards, envelopes, paper, stamps, stickers, and ribbon).
1. Create address labels. Using the template instructions included with the labels, type up addresses by category. Try categories such as His Side of the Family, Her Side of the Family, Friends of the Family, Business Associates, Church Friends, even Monthly Bills, etc. Don’t forget to create return address labels.
2. Print an address template on paper rather than directly onto labels. Addresses may change over time, and it is better to keep a paper template you can copy off of when you are ready to print your actual labels. Make any necessary changes on your computer and print up a new paper template rather than waste pre-printed labels. (The only exception is return address labels.)
3. Organize and stock the binder. Use pocket dividers or sheet protectors to organize address templates, a variety of label styles (same size), cute stationery, stickers, stamps, etc.
4. Use your address book often!! When it is time to plan that party or send those thank you notes, pull the appropriate address category, print your labels, adhere, and send.

4. Magnet Bowls

Via agirlandagluegun.com

Simply paint some magnetic bowls and use them to store all your metal necessities, such as pins, paper clips, jewelry, nuts and bolts. This simple tutorial shows you how.

5. Cubby Shelf Organizer

Via onceuponherdream.blogspot.com

This post shows you how to secure empty tape rolls to a glitter-covered tape roll to create a storage solution of jewelry and other odds and ends.

6. Screwdriver Coat Rack

Via homemade-modern.com

Turn painted screw drivers into the handles of a modern DIY coat hanger.

7. Six-pack Craft Caddy

Via craftfoxes.com

Easiest DIY ever- use six-pack beer box to store your craft supplies, such as knitting needles, tape measures, and yarn. This blog had the bright idea.

8. Makeup Brush Storage

Via irinascutebox.blogspot.com

This blogger shows you how to weave elastic through a sushi mat to make a nifty makeup brush storage solution.

9. Shoe Ladder

Via diydoctor.org.uk

Paint a wooden ladder and you’ve got yourself a new shoe rack! As seen here.

10. Wire and Hanging Spice Storage

Via freckledlaundry.com

Stacking spices in a cupboard just doesn’t work. But you can easily (and cheaply) make a pretty and practical spice display with small glass bottles, wire, a white Sharpie, and this tutorial.

11. Peg Board Yarn Holder

Via knitsforlife.com

Are you a knitter or crocheter? A peg board make for easy and artful yarn storage. Check out this post for details.

12. Color Block Mason Jars

Via girllovesglam.com

Chalkboard paint and mason jars won’t be going out of style in January 2014. Try this colorful variation to decorate your office odds and ends, as done here.

13. Etched Glass Kitchen Containers

Via marthastewart.com

But if you’re over the whole chalkboard thing, try etched glass instead. These instructions explain how to make glass kitchen containers for keeping your pantry sorted.

14. Wrapping Paper Holder

Via bettercraftideas.blogspot.com

Wrapping paper in disarray after the holidays? Use an wooden stool to organize it, as done here.

15. Earring Rack

Via morningcreativity.com

Simply secure chicken wire to the interior of an empty frame to make a lovely and functional earring rack. This tutorial shows you how.

16. Salt Dough Magnets

Organize your life with these handy little magnets made from flour, salt, and water. Use them to keep track of the dishes, your to-do lists, etc. Check out this recipe.

17. Colorful Hook Hanger

Via living.msn.com

Find a precut wooden base and screw in a jumble of differently colored perfect hooks. Store scarves, purses, keys, etc. by the door. Here are the details.

18. Scarf Hanger

Via gimmesomestyleblog.com

Use a sturdy wooden hanger and shower curtain rings to organize all your scarves. Follow this simple tutorial.

19. Cord Organizer

Via ourthriftyideas.com

Decorate some empty toilet paper rolls with washi tape and use them keep your cords untangled, as done here.

20. Knob Necklace Organizer

Via familyfoodandtravel.com

Screw a variety of door knobs onto a wooden board to make this necklace organizer.

21. Pen Holder

Via creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com

Simply stick a bunch of empty toilet paper rolls inside a decorated shoe box to keep your pen stash neatly organized. As done here.

22. Kitchen Shutter Door Organizer

Via creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com

Spray paint an old shutter door, and use it to hang your kitchen goods. Check out these directions.

Air Drying Benefits

Are you sick of drying many loads of clothes in the dryer?  There are some great benefits in air drying your clothes in the winter.  It adds moisture to the air, which can help with the dry air in your home.  There are other great benefits too.  Keep reading and check out apartment therapy.

• Air drying reduces static cling that can be really, really, bad in the dry winter air. No need for chemical fabric softeners.
• Air drying introduces moisture into the air, which is much needed during the dry winter months.
• I find that air drying in the winter can actually be quicker than running a load in the dryer. The dryer traps moisture inside and can take forever. Towels, especially, can benefit from an air drying and then a quick fluff on tumble dry to soften them up.

If you're sold, these are five collapsible racks that I love. I just received the second one as a gift and use it constantly:

OXO adjustable drying rack at Crate & Barrel, $69.95

1. OXO adjustable drying rack at Crate & Barrel, $69.95
2. Madison Mill wooden drying rack at Amazon, $40
3. Folding Umbrella Wall Clothes Drying Rack by Cottage Craft Works, $125
4. Mama wood drying rack at HipVilla, $366
5. 8-Dowel Drying Rack at The Container Store, $9.99

Do you air dry your clothing in the winter? Moreso than in the summer, even?