tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46725495374847693492012-02-16T22:50:06.936-05:00Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-89201343765781399812010-02-21T14:25:00.003-05:002010-02-21T14:29:28.348-05:00

Hi, Looks like I'm quitting, because I have more passion for toys and games than for housekeeping. Sad, isn't it?So, my sister and I started writing about fun things over here: sestrenki.blogspot.com"sestrenki" means "sisters" in Russian. But it's a pet word (more or less: sestra=sister, sestrenka=sis), and it can apply to both sisters and cousins.Please, come over.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-2660100834896755452010-02-03T13:33:00.001-05:002010-02-03T13:35:56.844-05:00

This made my day.Source: blog.craftzine.com

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-5855079530420976302010-01-16T12:20:00.002-05:002010-01-16T13:00:36.915-05:00

A frugal tip of the day is Reuse your old socks as dust busters! Slip one on your hand and give those shelves, baseboards, window sills a quick swipe.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-84415529307100449792010-01-08T14:26:00.001-05:002010-01-08T14:27:45.865-05:00

Very cool trick!

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-48211926406573699152010-01-01T12:54:00.001-05:002010-01-01T12:57:13.146-05:00

Happy New Year, my friends. May all your dreams come true.A.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-72221043143262607402009-12-14T13:32:00.003-05:002009-12-14T13:39:55.697-05:00

The tinker tree I've made for my daughter's room got featured on Ohdeedoh.com:And as if the tree weren't enough, this homemade little crochet piggy is just about killing us with the cuteness.Thanks Ohdeedoh. You've made my day.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-46105766863368638362009-12-05T23:59:00.005-05:002009-12-06T00:16:36.045-05:00

Post-it calendarThere are lots of things happening in December. The Hanukkah, New Year (which is the main winter holiday in our family) and our daughter's 4th Birthday. She's really excited about her party. I think she spends every second of the free time in school asking other kids whether or not they will be coming to her party. At least that is the only thing she reports to me when I pick her

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-29791872239062714612009-11-30T13:09:00.002-05:002009-11-30T13:16:03.905-05:00

Make your own cardsEven better if you have a bored 4yo - ask her to draw something [tree, snowman, happy face], then either color it or glue small pieces of paper or foam on the lines. Sign. Send. Enjoy.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-8570299955515210512009-11-30T13:00:00.005-05:002009-11-30T13:07:55.087-05:00

There are things you postpone doing because it take more time to gather all the tools, and get to the job than the job itself. But if you make yourself DO it, you WILL feel better! Guaranteed! I've tacked some of them this weekend, and does it look great! -touch-up paint-affix back the peeling melamine strips -make hooks for brooms, mops; bags; etc.-sort out the papers on your desk

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-1580847774585197812009-11-28T15:25:00.004-05:002009-11-28T15:47:33.926-05:00

I like giving gifts, I don't like getting gifts as much, because I don't like surprises, or getting things I don't need or want. What I do like - is trying new things. Movie or show tickets or workshops are the best gifts one can give me.Some of the best classes we've tried are:--trial pilot lesson. Many people don't realize that you can do that! And that it costs about $50! For more information

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-27727495635898947962009-11-12T01:45:00.002-05:002009-11-12T02:04:22.239-05:00

New goo. Blue goo. Gooey. Gooey. Blue goo. New goo. Gluey. Gluey.[from "Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss]We made a goo. Blue, because it's kiddo's favorite color. And spent the whole afternoon playing with it. It's rather simple.Ingredients:1 tsp of Borax4oz of Elmers glue (PVA glue)waterfood coloring -optionalIn the mixing bowl, mix glue and water 1:1. Stir well. You can add a food coloring if you'd

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-9279446267388365302009-11-09T01:30:00.005-05:002009-11-09T01:45:29.501-05:00

I probably should have posted that earlier, ahem... like 2 months ago.Here's our witty idea for storing ACs over the winter. It works fine! It helps to minimize the mess and accidents (like being cut by the blades on the back of the AC while carrying it to the winter storage), and it also helps to speed up the installation of ACs next spring.All you need is a men's t-shirt and a ziplock bag.1)

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-30194823191692431602009-11-09T00:53:00.003-05:002009-11-09T01:17:31.419-05:00

... our Caesar salad has more and more "works" in it. It feels like it's morphing into an Salade Olivier. I'm a winter cook. I like cooked salads, soups, stews and whatever can be cooked in the terra cotta pot in the oven. And I start craving home baked cookies. Does your menu change with seasons? Is there a name for this phenomena? When we make soups, we use croutons as a garnish. So, we decided

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-25845649282379505272009-11-07T02:12:00.002-05:002009-11-07T02:14:22.299-05:00

the next day's Garfield comics has been already posted online. At least, that's how I know.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-48578956030994594142009-10-17T20:38:00.002-04:002009-10-17T20:54:52.074-04:00

We have a relatively good water, but every once in a while the greenish gunk is forming on the bottom of the kettle. My Sis taught me a quick and easy solution; no scrubbing!!!Before:After, 10 min later:All you need is a 1/2 tps of citric acid. Fill the kettle with water, add acid, boil, let sit for a few minutes, rinse. And you're done!

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-14060039162116477642009-09-25T16:02:00.005-04:002009-09-25T16:21:27.945-04:00

I've has a "knit attack" and I've been making things for my 4yo daughter. It might be a hard work. It might even look pointless at the moment, but... Seeing her run around with the doll and proudly showing it to everyone; seeing other kids going "wow" and asking if I could make one for them, makes it all worth it.So, here:Chunky cotton dress. I don't remember where the pattens is from.Chunky

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-73811741483102324792009-08-13T17:04:00.006-04:002009-08-13T17:17:50.407-04:00

OfficeBathroom PS: trust me, this drawer is maintained by a Guy.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-25314980768253896052009-06-21T23:31:00.002-04:002009-06-21T23:54:52.490-04:00

There's nothing kids like more than a room full of balls, a slide, and a cartoon. There's nothing parents crave more than a coffee break and an uninterrupted conversation. You could get BOTH for FREE! There is a catch though. Your child must be taller than 37" and potty trained, and you must have an IKEA nearby.IKEA provides a drop-off playroom, and on some days they even have a special

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-10443670593460258952009-06-16T21:11:00.004-04:002009-06-21T23:30:57.867-04:00

The school year is over for our 3 yo daughter, and now it is up to me to come up with things to keep her busy. I'll post tips and ideas as we come up with them. IDEA #1 - go to a pet storeMost of the preschoolers love animals, especially small ones. Zoos can be expensive and/or far away from you. BUT I can assure you, that there must be a pet store around. Take your kid there on a rainy day. Look

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-60697010596483664212009-06-09T14:36:00.006-04:002009-06-09T15:01:54.837-04:00

The weather has been perfect for gardening: a perfect mix of rainy and sunny days. You can look out of the window and literary see the things growing... Radishes and peas. Salad did not sprout well. So half of the box is still empty. We need to find something else to put in there.Peas and tomatoes. There are also strawberries in this box.Green tomatoes!!! 

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-89667835230030101202009-06-07T00:00:00.006-04:002009-06-07T01:03:47.012-04:00

Kids' craft turned WOW.Even kids like to make things that work or at least get put to everyday use. This simple to make pendant is sure to bring you tons of compliments. I felt bad telling people that I only spent about 2hr of my time and less than $10, when I was told that it looks design store worthy. Here are a step by step instructions: You'll need:1. round balloon - for better results use

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-48749309435155474002009-06-06T23:26:00.004-04:002009-06-06T23:57:36.202-04:00

Summer dinners... so quick and light. Easy to make and colorful. There should be an explanation on why do different weather make you crave different foods. Why do winter salads have mayo and cooked veggies (potato salad,  Salade Olivier and such) and summer salads have mixed greens with oil and lemon juice?! While chili is a great comfort food on a cold winter night; in the midst of summer I'd

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-9662742650175217832009-05-24T21:38:00.017-04:002009-05-24T22:40:20.216-04:00

We wanted to use our backyard more...  It's not big. The soil is hard and poor. Even the grass does not grow well - it's mostly weeds and maple shoots. Kiddo has a waddling pool full of purple sand. We have a small grill and a table. That's it.... We thought and thought and thought...When we had an urge to grow things. When we were growing up our families had a "dacha" - a summer house with a

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-75186025312460443282009-05-17T13:49:00.003-04:002009-06-21T23:30:32.722-04:00

The "Jacket Flip" came from Montessori schools, now many nursery schools teach it too. Any child as young as 1yo can be taught to do it. It's simple and fun.1) put the jacket on the floor in front of your child with collar facing the child.2) help the child to put the arms into the sleeves.3) do the flip.Now the jacket's on! Zip it up and you're ready to go.

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-4335739556079623802009-04-20T09:34:00.013-04:002009-04-20T11:16:17.759-04:00

My and my sis. We are different. Very much indeed. But we're close. We have different "favorite things"... When it comes to wood treatment mine are Danish oil or paint, hers - wood stains and polyurethane. The results are similar, but the process is very different.We used Danish oil for the first time when we made the bar. The wood was "thirsty". While googling our options we found Danish oil, we

Aliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12142518966525837895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672549537484769349.post-69097355433734936302009-04-09T21:57:00.000-04:002009-04-09T22:16:10.887-04:00

If you asked me to find a single picture that spells "Clean-up day", this would be it:

Alianoreply@blogger.com0