Easy Airing for Linens
December 14, 2009
If you want an easy way to freshen up and air out your pillows and comforters between washings, put them in the dryer with a fabric softening sheet and set the dryer to tumble for about 15 minutes.
If you have a stair-rail handy near your bedroom, Barbara has an easy way for you to air your feather duvet or comforter and redistribute the feathers nicely. Put the duvet over the rail with one half 
hanging on each side and fluff and shake the comforter and let it hang while you change the linens.
For a lumpy duvet or comforter, try putting it in the dryer on tumble for a few minutes with a couple of tennis balls. This can help redistribute the filling.
Cut Flower Care
December 12, 2009
Fresh cut flowers are a great way to congratulate or cheer up a friend, to brighten up a sick room, or just make your home pretty. Barbara has some great tips on keeping those flowers looking good for as long as possible. When making an arrangement to carry to a friend, punch holes in a raw potato with a screwdriver and insert each stem separately. Your bouquet will stay fresh longer and you won’t have to worry about the water sloshing on you when you’re carrying it. If you’re trimming flowers to put in a vase, cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors under water to prevent the formation of air bubbles, which can stop the flow of water up the stem.
Meet Barbara Harris--wise woman, friend, caretaker. Discover her secrets for keeping a tidy, lovely, well-run home here at the Barbarock Blog.