It’s hard to believe that 2014 is nearly over. As the years go by, they seem to be picking up the pace. However, I’ve found that reflecting on the past year helps to slow things down, even if only for a minute or two.
This has been a year of learning for me, not only in school, but in life in general. I’ve learned so much through getting married, being blessed with a new nephew and moving to a new home.
I’ve learned plenty about the many nuances that come with single family-home living. I’ve also learned what an impact a little bit of confidence can make when it comes to quick fixes or decorative plans. In the spirit of recap-ping the year that’s passed, here’s a list of the top five quick fixes I’ve learned (and used) this year:
Stop the madness
When we first started entertaining in our backyard, it was bugs galore. Insects were constantly flying all around the table and into our friends (and their plates of food). The quick fix: Swapping out the traditional incandescent for a 60-watt bug light bulb. The yellow light does not attract bugs, so they have no need to fly toward it.
Smell fresh
For a short time, when we would wash towels, they’d come out with a not-so-fresh odor. The quick fix: deodorizing the washer with vinegar. To do this, simply add two cups of white vinegar to a hot cycle.
For a deeper clean, run the hottest setting and add a full quart of white vinegar. Allow it to mix together and then add a cup of baking soda. Keep the lid open and let it soak for an hour before letting the cycle run through. Wipe the inside with a rag when finished.
Hammer it in
Our sofa would slip and slide when we first bought it. To fix it, we stuck rubber pads onto the legs. But the pads eventually lost their stick, and we found ourselves constantly readjusting. The quick fix: Hammer in tacks with rubber attached to each of the legs instead.
Un-stick
The price-tag stickers on the saucers and utensils we brought home from Thailand would just not come off. The quick fix: Rubbing them with pencil erasers.
Close the door
We have a few cabinets in the kitchen that just won’t stay shut. The quick fix: A heavy-duty magnet catch, which typically costs less than $5. It uses the magnetic force to hold the doors shut, and it’s easy to install.
Have a comment or question for Joanne? Send an email to thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.