A Festive Fourth- How to Plan a Bash Everyone Will Enjoy

From crafts to food, there are a myriad of puzzle pieces that goes into a successful Fourth of July party.  To help you get the day started right, here is a compilation of suggestions for the best day ever, whether you are 9 or 90.

First things first- you have to plan your day.  Think about who you are inviting and what you want them to do.  Do you know there are kids coming over or is this strictly over-21?  What are you all going to eat and drink? 

After you plan your day you need to start buying your supplies and inviting the VIP's!  After all, they are privileged to be invited to YOUR party! 

Now it's down to a deadline.  Make all the food, decorations, and favors you can before the big day, and then enjoy the festivities yourself.

Are you looking for some suggestions?  Of Course I have some!

Games to Play:

1. How well do you know your Independence? quiz http://holidays.quiz.kaboose.com/35-how-much-do-you-know-about-independence-day (Try copying the questions and answer choices and print them off yourself on festive paper so guests can fill in their own answers.  Fun idea- the winner gets to hose down the loser of the game!)
2. Tug-o-war
3. Ultimate Frisbee
4. Volleyball- especially Water Balloon Volleyball!
5. Balloon Tosses
6. Wading Pools
7. Side Walk Chalk art
8. Everyone Carries the Flag relay (Needed: Buckets of sand and small American flags.  Set up the race with two teams.  For each team, place a bucket with flags in it (one for each person on the team) on the far side of the yard. On cue, the first person races across to the appropriate bucket and plucks a flag.  March the flag back to the team as quickly as possible.  NO RUNNING!  Tag the next person.  The game continues until all have returned to the starting line with a flag.  Everyone wins and, if you want, can keep their flags!)
9. 3-legged race
10. Ring Toss- Use paper plates with holes cut in the middle and wooden dowels.  You can paint of cover these to match the holiday if you want to get fancy!

For Food:  Think traditional and BBQ!

1. Watermelon- see spitting contest to follow?  Up to you!
2. Corn on the cob
3. Hamburgers/ Cheeseburgers
4. Hot dogs
5. Apple Pie
6. Ice Cream
7. BBQ chicken
8. Don't forget your condiments- pickles, relish, ketchup, and mustard
9. Potato salad
10. fruit salad
11. Strawberry shortcake- this is great as a make-it-yourself dessert!
12. Popsicles

Hint: Have people help with the side dishes and desserts.  This will lessen your load and give them something to contribute.

For the Little Ones:

1. Bubbles are a sure-fire way to get kids laughing and having fun
2. Try crosswords for those advanced kids and coloring pages with red, white, and blue crayons for the little ones.  Get some great, free print offs at http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-printables.html.  
3. Water guns- just make sure everyone is OK with getting caught in the cross-fire.  It will happen if you break this out!

Here are some best practices:

1. If you plan on blocking off any road ways, make sure to get the necessary permits beforehand.
2. Limit the celebration to a few hours to keep up the momentum- try to stay around 2-3 hours.
3. Try to get things started late in the afternoon- this will allow for AM parades and will fill the time before the fireworks.
4. Try to pick the location close to a firework display planned by the city.  Don't try to have your own show- usually ends with a hospital and a big fine.  Not a fun way to end the day- for anyone!
5. A bonfire is a great way to keep guests warm and have s'mores and roasted marshmallows, especially if it is a little chilly in the evenings.
6. Get your music in order- this will tie it all together!
1. Freedom, George Michael
2. I'm Free, Soup Dragons
3. Pink Houses, John Mellencamp
4. God Bless the USA, Lee Greenwood
5. American Girl, Tom Petty
6. America, Neil Diamond
7. Me and Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin
8. Rockin' in the Free World, Neil Young
9. This Land is Your Land, Woody Guthrie
10. The Star-Spangled Banner, Jimi Hendrix
7. Hand deliver your invitations, especially with your kids.  This is a great way to meet your neighbors you don't know well and also increase participation.
8. Get creative with your invitations.  I loved this particular one I found online.  It involves the invited and gets them excited to see all your other clever ideas!

• Materials
• Acrylic Paint
• Craft Sticks
• Permanent Marker
• Ribbon
• Star Stickers
• Instructions
• For each invitation, first coat 8 craft sticks (both sides) with acrylic paints: paint 2 sticks white, 2 red, 2 half blue and half red, and 2 half blue and half white.
• When the paint has dried, arrange the craft sticks as shown to the left, then write your party details on them in permanent marker and add star stickers to the field of blue.
• Tie the sticks in a bundle with a piece of festive ribbon, then hand-deliver the invitations to your guests for them to decipher.

If this doesn't help you get a great party started, I don;t know what will!  Unless you have some other great past-times you can throw in!

A Parisian Flair for Sugar! Yummy Treats For Every Occasion

French Macaroons have now become my favorite snack.  There is this little sweet shop, named the Sweet Tooth Fairy, right near where I work, where I had the joy and honor of tasting one of these delightful little sugar puffs.  The best thing- you can make them any flavor you want! I had a key lime that was just the right amount of sweet and sour- but I hear raspberry is amazing too.  So, if you need a little Parisian escape from the day- try these out for a yummy treat.
 For macaroons:


• 6 oz sliced blanched almonds (not slivered; 2 cups)

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

• 3 large egg whites

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• Food coloring- I would suggest matching it to your filling color- but you could do it according to the season- impress your friends with red white and blue macaroons for this upcoming Independence day!)

For ganache filling:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

• 3 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (60 to 64% cacao), finely chopped

If you don’t want ganache:

o Chose a recipe from this website, http://recipes.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Frosting_Recipes , I’m going to try out the strawberry filling topped with the plain frosting recipe sandwiched in between two blue macaroons.

To add flavoring, try any of these extracts:

o 1/16 teaspoon fruit extract (preferably McCormick brand- Raspberry, Cherry, Maple, Anise, Root Beer, Mint, etc. )

o A splash of juice- Orange, grape, pineapple, etc.

o Flavored coffee syrups. Blackberry syrup, anyone?

o Peanut Butter

o Crushed nuts

Equipment needed

• parchment paper

• a gallon-size sealable plastic bag (not pleated)

Make macaroons:

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Pulse almonds with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar in a food processor until very finely ground, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl. Sift in remaining cup confectioners sugar, stirring to combine.

• Beat egg whites with salt in another bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add granulated sugar, a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and continue to beat until whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks. Add drops of food coloring to reach desired shade and mix at low speed until evenly combined. Stir almond mixture into meringue with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. (Meringue will deflate.)

• Spoon batter into bag, pressing out excess air, and snip off 1 corner of plastic bag to create a 1/4-inch opening. Twist bag firmly just above batter, then pipe peaked mounds of batter (the size of a chocolate kiss) onto lined sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Let cookies stand, uncovered, at room temperature until tops are no longer sticky and a light crust forms, 20 to 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 300°F.

• Bake cookies, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until crisp and edges are just slightly darker, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely on sheets on racks, about 30 minutes.

Make ganache while macaroons bake:

• Melt chocolate with cream in a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water or in top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. (Bowl should not touch water.)

• Remove bowl from heat, then add butter and extract, filling, etc., stirring until butter is melted. Let stand at room temperature until cooled completely and slightly thickened.

Or, make filling while they bake (Plain Frosting):

• Put white of 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Add 1 ½ Cups of sugar gradually, a little at a time.

• Beat the mixture until smooth and shiny, or until it is thick enough for you.

Assemble cookies:

• Carefully peel cookies from parchment (they will be fragile).

• Sandwich a thin layer of ganache (about 1/2 teaspoon) between flat sides of cookies.

• Serve with pride and a French-flair!



Have fun and let me know how they come out for you!  They're my new favorite treat!

More on the Power of Baking Soda...

Continuing my research on the power of Baking Soda, I have found some helpful, healthier-alternative uses for cleaning using baking soda.  Have you ever wondered why every cleaning product in your home is toxic?  And then you bathe, touch, drink, and sleep in it?  How good for you can it be? 

By using Baking Soda, you can help alleviate some of this stress!

1. Soft scrub
Sprinkle on a damp sponge and scrub over surfaces.  This works on glass, fiberglass, tile, sinks, tubs, etc.  Rinse and wipe dry.  If you really need to get something off, mix with salt and liquid soap.  Let the past sit then scour off.

2. Dish Washing
Add 2 Tablespoons with dish soap to a sink of dish water.  This cuts grease like no other and helps get stuck on food off too!  Soak hard, caked on food for a few minutes then scrub with a sponge sprinkled with the baking soda to help get it all off and not scratch you pots and pans.

3. Clean the microwave
Clean with a wet sponge sprinkled with baking soda and rinse clean.  No more harsh chemical smell hot-boxing in your food-heater!

4. Polish Silver ware
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.  rub onto silver with a clean cloth.  Rinse and dry.

5. Clean coffee and tea pots effortlessly
1/4 cup baking soda and 1 quart warm water (1 quart = about 4 cups) and wash away the stains!

6. Clean the oven with out a gas mask
Sprinkle on the floor of the oven.  Spray with water to dampen.  Let sit overnight.  Scrub and scoop the baking soda up the next day and scoop up the grime with a sponge, vacuum, or shovel.  Rinse clean.

7. Clean your floors
1/2 cup baking soda into a bucket of warm water will clean or floors and give them a shine with out scratches and waxy polishes.

8. Clean furniture from little- and big- finger prints and spills
Works like a Magic Eraser but without the unknown chemical compounds in the mysterious little sponge.  Use a regular, damp sponge and sprinkle with baking soda.  Scrub the stains and wipe off.  Dry the wet spot with a clean towel.

9. Boost your cleaning power of your laundry detergent
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to laundry to make your whites whiter and your stains disappear.  Add the 1/2 cup during the rinse cycle for fresher smelling sheets and workout clothes.

10. Clean your car
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart (1 quart= about 4 cups) warm water.  Apply with a sponge to ANY area of your car and rinse off and dry as normal.  If you have a set-in stain or stinky floor mat, sprinkle the baking soda on your mats and vacuum up or sprinkle a damp sponge with it and rub in to get it out.

This is a staple beyond staple and will prove itself to you over and over again.  Don't hesitate to try this little miracle powder out for yourself, and save some money in the mean time!

Do you have a wonder product who is multi-functional and fabulous?   Let me know about it!

Beauty From Your Cupboard- Baking Soda's Not Just for Cookies Anymore!

In an attempt to find another at-home remedy for all your beauty needs, this article stood out to me about Baking Soda. 
Have you ever wondered what the power of baking soda could be?  After reading all about it, I don't wonder any longer.

There is a shelf life for this multi functional wonder, however, so be warned!  It should be replaced within the year if opened, and in two years is never used (which after reading this, this shouldn't happen to you!).  If you store an open container of it in the fridge to absorb odors (#1 tip on the functions of this product), don't use it for anything else!  It holds odors and funky flavors and is not a good multi-function product after that.

Here are some beauty tips for at-home baking soda remedies:
1. Clean up that dirty mouth!
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water- swish, spit, rinse.
2. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub around to exfoliate. Rinse. You can use this every day!
3. Make a hand cleanser and softener
Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse.
4. Help your hair
Baking soda removes styling products left behind normal shampoo can’t get out. Vinegar is a go-to for hair, but this is a less noticeable smell for daily use. You hair will be cleaner and more manageable. Mix a small amount with your shampoo and lather like normal. Rinse and condition.
5. Make a bath or foot soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.


Thanks to Yahoo.com, I will now keep this stuff handy all over my house, not just in the kitchen!

Do You Yahoo? You should!

An incredible source for information has been staring me in the face for years and I have just now discovered it.  Yahoo.com's news stories are unbeatable.  Today, there were forty different stories. Admittedly, many were nothing of interest.  I'm sorry, but baseball caps and pitchers are not my idea of an entertaining read, but when it comes to expiration dates on your pantry items and how to minimize credit card anxiety, I take note!

Some of the other topics included "Are you dating a player?" "Best places to shop for everything," and "40 fantastic uses for Baking Soda."  Keep an eye out for my take on these articles later.  They are fantastic!

This is a go-to site for information, and if you aren't already on Yahoo, I highly suggest it! I won't skim by this section any longer!

Do you have ago-to site for information?  How did you find it?

Sea Salt Scrubs for Summer- Easy At-Home Remedies

Pamper yourself with this easy,do-it-yourself, salt scrub.  Thanks to Allure, I found this recipe and am so thankful I did!  Do you find your elbows and heels of your feet a little dry in the summer? Does your skin need a good scrub to get all the sun-tan lotion?  Try this easy recipe for yourself!

1 Cup almond, sesame, or vegetable oil (don't use olive oil here- doesn't work well!)
1 Cup kosher, table, or Epsom salt

1. Mix together and heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Should be a paste-like consistency.  Add salt if needed

And here is a twist that you may enjoy to freshen up!

1 Lemon
Coarse sea salt to desire

1. Cut lemon in half, sprinkle salt over each half, and grind into elbows, knees, heels, etc.

Hint: Don't use salt scrubs on your face!  It's too rough for your delicate cheeks.  Try sugar instead.

Do you have any at home remedies you use for summer-time rough spots?

Get Ready for the Fourth of July with These Easy Do-It-Yourself-In-A-Few-Minutes Crafts

Get ready for the Fourth of July!  It's just around the corner, and now is the time to start planning the best day of July.  What do yu normally do for this holiday?  We have an interesting tradition here. We start off by watching the hot dog eating competition in Coney Island and then follow it with a contest of our own and Weiner Schnitzel.  After "lunch" we go up to Park City and ride the rides at the Park City Mountain Resort.  We are fans of the Alpine Slide and Mountain Roller Coaster.  The zip line is fun, too.  After an exhausting afternoon of rides and junk food, we go back home, freshen up and either go to a park to watch fire works, or pick some up of our own and do our own show.  (Don't worry, government, they are the little sparklers and smokers.  No big guys for us, I've had bad experiences before!)

But what if you don't havea plan?  Or are planning on having people over?  What if someone invites you to their BBQ?  These are things you need to plan for.  Even if you have something similar to my tradition, you still need to get your house dressed up for the holiday.  And what is more classic and simple than red, white, and blue decor?

Here are some of my do-it-yourself-in-a-few-minutes decorations:

1. A festive, cloth table cloth.  This option will usually end up cheaper than a plastic table cloth you will end up throwing away and will add a certani charm to your picnic or BBQ.  Measure your table both width and length, and then go to the nearest fabric store, armed with these numbers.  I like Joann Fabrics for this project simply because they always have a good selection, coupons for steep discounts, and already low prices on their cottons.  A typical width of a fabric is 44".  If you table is wider than that, plan no having a center seam to make it wider.  If this is the case,double up your pieces.  When getting your fabirc cut, add one inch to both the length and width to allow for seams.  You don't have to sew a seam, but it will make it look nice.  A frayed edge with certain fabrics can look great too- but make sure to sew a seam about 1" from the edge to stop the fray from taking over your table cloth.

2. Vases, pitchers, cups, utensils- any item that can be wrapped in ribbon is great for this tip.  Pick up simple, 1/4" thick spools of red, white, and blue ribbon and wrap them with lengths of it.  Tie a bow and cut the ends.  You have now transformed your every day items into independance day festive ware.  If you want to go a step further you can pick up fresh or fabric flowers in these colors and ties a bud in the ribbon before finishing with the bow.

3. Take a tote bag and fill it with your essentials.  A friend of mine always goes to her lake house for this holiday.  She always needs a towel, sun tan lotion, a changeof clothes for when it gets cooler at night, and a hat, plus a mix of other things she throws in.  She started off by throwing all this into her trunk, but now she puts it into a tote.  For a gift idea for her, or if you want to do this for yourself, decorate a large, plain tote with red white and blue items.  Don't go too overboard with Fourth of July items, since you may want to use this bag later for something else.  Try finding a stencil of flowers, nautical items, buildings, or whatever interests you and stencil them on using shades of red, white, and blue.  If you stay away from traditional tones and hues of these colors, you are not pigeon-holing yourself in one holiday.

4. Don't forget outside.  It is just as important to decorate your outside as it is to decorate your table.  A festive door hanging, a flag, and a garland are all acceptable decorations.  This is where the normal, store-bought items are not acceptable.  You want to be unique and original and buying from the store is not that.  Try, instead, looking at what you have.  A few yards of thick, knit fabric may beall you need for the door hanging and garland.  Twist the different colors around an inexpensive wreath frame, and you have yourself something unique and inexpensive for your door.  Add a few flowers in appropriate colors and maybe some holiday buttons you can pick up inexpensively at a craft store and you are done.  As for the garland, this is an even easier project.  Twist the fabric and hang.  Done.  As for the flag, if you can find a vintage or looks-lik-vintage flag to hang out in your yard, that is best.  Otherwise, don't attempt to create your own.  Too time-consuming.  Here is where store bought can be your friend.

Now, just plan your meal if you're having people over and prepare to have a great day with friends and family!

Do you have a Fourth of july hyoliday tradition?  What do you like to do?

Betty Crocker Holiday Celebrations - Music, Recipes, Party Planning, and More (Enhanced CD)

Meet New Friends- Plan a Party

Moving to a new area can be exciting and scary, but it can also be lonely.  Even if you are moving with family or a few friends, there is a good chance that you will find yourself lonely one evening, wishing you were back where ever you came from, with your other friends and family.  This is normal, and even through I'm no doctor, this will pass over time.  What can help with this transition?  Joining a group immediately will help.  Having a job where you are surrounded by people your age with similar interests helps.  Church helps.  But, what will really help?  A reason for them to get to know you!

I'm not talking about the perfect version of you, but the real you.  Not the pulled together professional at work or the pearls and cardigan prep at church, but the real person inside of you only your friends know.  And what better way to do that than to invite people into your home?  And, in the case if you don't have a home, a club house.  Parties are great ways to socialize on your own terms.  (Tip: Don't use this opportunity to sell people something.  Makeup and candles are a great side venture, but not a great way to make new friends.  And don't sell yourself, this isn't a networking party.  No one is going to buy you.)

Need help thinking about an excuse to invite these people over?  Sure, the typical BBQ or dinner party are good fun, but doesn't draw anyone in with excitement.  This is where thinking out of the box comes in handy, or a membership to a party planning website.  I write this because of a recent new development I have found.  Houseparty.com is my new party-planning go-to site.  I will be the proud host of a Hasbro game night, with brand new games to play and fun snacks to eat.  And, the kicker? It's free!  You sign up, fill out an application for an interesting event you may want to host, and wait to find out if you're picked.  If you are, you invite 10 people, and then wait for the big day!  Take pictures and post them to your planning site, and have fun!

This is a great way to get a variety of people over to your place and let them get to know you.  If they don't love you after a searing game of Catch Phrase, they're not worth being called a friend of yours nor the repeat invitation for your next amazing party!

How did you fit in in your new home?  What tips do you have for re-locators?

Looking for the Perfect Gift?

Father's day is around the corner... anyone else a little confused as to what to get your men in your lives?  I know their personalities and what they might like, but I don't want to be mediocre in my gift-giving.  I want them to open my gift and remember what I gave them.  That look of pure joy and surprise when they peel back the wrapping paper and peek at their newest gadget. How in the world am I supposed to live up to that expectation?  Thanks to gifts.com, I may stand a chance.  This website is the coolest gift suggesting web site I have ever seen. 
Gifts.com has different ways you can search for gifts, like occasions or recipient, but what makes this site unique is their personality tab.  You tell the site the age range and sex of the person you are giving a gift to, and then answer a series of trait questions.  After about 5 seconds of pulling it together, the site compiles suggestions for you for your friend, lover, or dad.  I did a little survey for my man-and let me tell you- it hit the

nail on the head!  And not just with things I would have thought of, but the stock car racing idea and the ticket stub diary where the original and fun ideas I was hoping for that are sure to make his face light up.


So, for the men in you life, or the women, stop by this website to get some creative ideas.  The worst that can happen?  You get some good ideas!  Who doesn't want that?


Have you tried out this site?  What did you think?

White Out- How to Look Wealthy without Having to be Wealthy

There are certain beauty and fashion tips that stay with you for years.   There is something to be said about a magazine article or chapter of a book that sticks in your memory and keeps coming back to you when shopping.  There was an article in a magazine once that I love, I can't remember what magazine it was or exactly what it said, but it was eternal.  What it touched on was how to look rich without being rich.  And not only that, but how to create your own style.

Here is what I remember and go to whenever I am out shopping the rows of racks the latest trends:

1. When it's summer time- nothing beats all white.  Where it with confidence.  Gauze-y dresses and tunic tops are classic styles. 

2.  Going off of number 1- think about your classics.  Find an icon and imitate her.  For instance, Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe.  The trick- don't copy her.  Invoke her style in your clothing choices.  Trends are okay, as long as you think you icon would wear it.

3. Always consider your appearance beyond just the clothes.  Keep your nails neatly filed and if you are wearing polish, pick a color that is related to your icon.  If you don't have an icon, try a pale shade of pink, almost clear.  This will give your nails a very healthy shine while looking fresh.  Was your skin and moisturize all the time.  Do not over tan.  Heavy makeup is only appropriate if you are doing a magazine shoot, and let's be honest, not many of us have that excuse.

4. Find a good tailor and shoe repair man.  Just because you bought a cheap pair of shoes or the most fabulous dress was on incredible sale but was only left in 3 sizes too big for you.  If you find a good deal, it will only cost you a fraction more to get it to fit you perfect or reinforce the construction.  If you want to go even further on the thight-wallet side- learn how to tailor and cobble yourself!  I haven't gotten to the shoes yet, but it does save some time and money knowing how to sew clothing yourself.

5. Never, ever, ever! talk about money with people other than your closest friends.  Even then, it's distasteful and rude to talk about money with people, so be careful about what you say.  If you are trying to appear confident in your financial situation, the last thing you should do is talk about how much you have or don't have. 

6. When wearing jewelry- gold on white is classic and crisp.  But if it is costume jewelry, don't wear it if it loses it's coating.  Then you just look like a cheap knock-off, and that is the worse than looking like you don't have money.  Having a staple set of rings, bracelets, necklace and earrings that you wear on a day to day basis can be effective too, but will require a larger investment in the beginning.  If you invest in some good stuff though, you won't have to "think" about accessorizing in the morning and still look attractive.

7. Continuing on jewelry, this point is deserving of it's own point.  Never mix your metals.  Don't wear gold earrings with a silver necklace.  Just don't do it.

Finally,  something you can't buy, is confidence.  Walk with your head held high, with determination in your step, and assurance in your tone and you will ooze upper-class and wealth, even if you get caught in your sweatpants!

Do you have a go-to style that you feel makes you look well-off?  Analyze it and duplicate it, over and over, so you always feel that confidence, even on your off days!

Laundry 101- What They Should Teach You in High School

I hate when other people do my laundry.  This is probably just the control-freak side coming out, but it is never done right when some one else man's the machines.  *Hint, hint to the men out there attempting to do laundry... . Something always comes out shrunken, missing a pair, spotted, or permanently stained.  And despite the anal-retentive compulsion I have to do the laundry, there are times that some one has to take over.  Now,  I don't claim to have been born nor bred with an innate sense of how to sort, spot treat, and sign up for an extra spin, but I have learned a few things on the way.

1. Learn the signs.  All labels are marked with little signs and they mean very important things.  So even if your tag doesn't have directions you can figure out how you should wash it.

2. Don't spend hours reading all the little tags inside your clothes.  Note the fabric and go from there.   If it is cotton- it will shrink (unless it says pre-shrunk, in which case it will only shrink a little.)  If it is silk- dry clean ONLY.  Wool- don't use any heat and best to lay flat to dry.  By knowing basic fabrics used in the majority of clothes and how to clean them you will be way ahead of the game.

3. Pre-sort.  I have 3 piles.  I used to have 6.  Make life simple.  I am down to sorting by color only- darks, lights, and whites.  If you feel the need you can do a dedicates or create a separate pile for towels, sheets, etc. if you need to.  Sheets and towels are good to do by themselves since you will want to use hot water to help kill off the nasties.

4.  Turn it all inside out and wash in cold water.  Turning it inside out helps keep decals, colors, patterns, and everything else in better condition and cold water helps keep colors fresh.  Using color-safe bleach helps keep colors together too.  My room mate swore that by never drying her blacks they stayed darker longer.  I dry all mine.  To each their own.

5. Bleach- straight Clorox bleach- will save some whites.  Not all, but most.  This is where you need to be careful though, a little spill and you save a white but lose a color.  I do whites as a last load to prevent anything getting on the machines or other dirty clothes.  Also, this prevents the washer from storing any of it inside.  After you finish a load with whites in the washer, run a quick rinse cycle to prevent this from happening.  New machine?  May not have to worry about that, lucky!

6. Be aware of drying things.  Some are best to lay flat, others can hang, while others are best in the dryer.  Read tags to learn the trends and then determine what works best for you.  I suggest: always lay sweaters flat (and never hang on hangers!  Fold and store in a drawer), hand pants and button down shirts, lay flat dressy, frilly tops, dry down comforters (yes, you can wash them.  Don't use hot water and don't put on high in the dryer.  A tennis ball in the dryer will also help fluff your feathers), dry towels and sheets, dry jeans (who wants saggy knees and butts permanently?  Dryer will tighten things right back up), dry t-shirts (only if you think it is not going to or already has shrunk.  Cotton will shrink the first few times.  The first is the most drastic, but after that, you're in the clear.  Remember this when picking out sizes.)

7. Fold immediately.  I am not so ridiculous that I iron right after, but I do take them out of the dryer immediately and attempt to put them away fast.  This helps things from getting those deep, hard to get rid of wrinkles that usually plague your most fabulous dresses or essential work wear.  For a quick wrinkle release?  Mix liquid fabric softener with water, equal parts, and spritz.  Should work like a charm.  I do this before jumping into a steamy morning shower.  Bring the clothing into the bathroom with you and hang on the towel hook.  The steam will help release even more wrinkles.  You may never have to touch an iron again (Wishful thinking!)

Do you have any secret laundry tips you want to share?  Have you tried any of these before?  How about any laundry disasters?  Everyone loves a good horror story!