My laundry room is right off my kitchen and on hot days I can really heat up the house if I'm feeling particularly domestic (okay, so maybe it doesn't happen very often, but the point is that it does happen). While I finally have a main floor laundry, I don't have direct access to the backyard without trekking through the basement. It was my husband who suggested a deck-sized line might work, and that was the all the urging I needed to locate a small 20 foot retractable line for about $13.00 at Home Depot. They also carry a 40 foot version for under $20.00.

The line was super easy to install and is small enough to stay unobtrusive (unless it's strung out across your tiny deck with swimwear pinned along it). I was so excited to hang my laundry on the line for the first time, no matter how it looked (thankfully the neighbors don't have a clear view). Maybe it's because I know it's a great alternative to heated drying or because I can't help but think of my Nannie and her old clothesline; but for whatever reason, it makes me smile. . . and this is laundry we're talking about.

-Reapply carpet protector regularly

-Vacuum 2-3 times a week

-Take your shoes off in your home

-Let stain removers sit

Read the detailed version at:

http://angsays.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/secr...

I remembered my mother saying that you could clean suede with sandpaper. I thought, 'Wow, that's weird' and it stuck in my head. So I tried it!

Guess what? It WORKS!!

Has anyone ever tried this?

I think it will work on any brushed leather (suede)... but be careful when trying this... try an inconspicuous place first. In my case, it didn't matter because I was ready to throw these sandals out. So whether I ruined them, it didn't matter. But it worked!!! YAY!

Thanks for viewing. Linda