See art in Durham
The ninth annual WHH/OWD neighborhood fall art walk will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 6. The walk is in the Watts Hospital-Hillandale (WHH) or Old West Durham (OWD) neighborhoods south of the Hillandale Golf Course in Durham and bounded by Sprunt and Englewood.
Participants will have a chance to support neighborhood artisans and to be inspired by their talents. Dozens of artists in homes throughout the neighborhoods will display works, including stained glass, weavings, pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, photographs, container gardens and more.
Maps are available at marked sites throughout the neighborhoods and online after Nov. 1.
Learn more by visiting facebook.com/WHHArtWalk.
Baking soda works
In "How Clean is Your House?", authors Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie sing the praises of baking soda. Not only is this white powder a super cleaner, its mild abrasive properties effectively help cut dirt and grease. They suggest:
Making your own nontoxic scouring powder by mixing four parts baking soda to one part washing soda crystals. It's easy, cheap, effective and kinder to the environment.
Making a paste by adding a little distilled clear vinegar - use it on stainless steel sinks and drainers for a wondrous, clean shine.
To remove burned-on food from casserole dishes, fill the dish with hot water, add one tablespoon of baking soda and let soak.
Small bowls of baking soda placed in your refrigerator and cupboards will absorb any unpleasant odors. Sprinkle it in the bottom of your trash can for a similar effect.
Rub away scuffs, such as heel marks from hard floors, with a damp cloth and baking soda.
To remove smelly stains from the toilet, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add vinegar and wipe clean with paper towels and elbow grease.
Discount cleaning deals
I've needed to try a cleaning service for the last few years. But I've been hesitant to make the investment of time and money without knowing what I'd get. Then I came across a deal on one of the many discounted deal sites prevalent online.
Bam! For $49 (normally $160), I could get a full house cleaning up to 2,500 square feet. This included dusting, vacuuming, making the beds, cleaning all floors and the bathrooms, emptying wastebaskets, cleaning baseboards and blinds and cleaning all kitchen surfaces. They'd bring their own cleaning supplies and stay four hours.
I jumped at the chance. As I type, two ladies are dusting, spraying, vacuuming and scrubbing my family room. It smells like Mr. Clean. I am smiling.
If you purchase a deal, get the most out of it by calling to schedule right away. The deals are very popular, and they often book up months in advance. It can be hard to get scheduled if you wait until the month before it expires. Sign up for email about deals.
Frame it with Stickrs
There's a neat new way to display family and children's photos, art work and more. Stickr pockets are adhesive vinyl stickies that attach to any wall. They have a slit on the bottom half that turns into a handy pocket when placed on the wall and can be used to secure memorabilia such as tickets, letters and snapshots.
They are removable and reusable and come in a variety of designs without the need for hooks, frames or hammers.
Stickr pocket kits include three 10.5-inch square pockets, three nameplates and a dry erase marker to personalize them with.
You can check them out online at www.butchandharold.com , along with other display adhesives including a Stickr train for a child's bedroom ($24.95), Stickr frames, Stickr art and Stickr corners.
Send news and photos to The News & Observer, P.O. Box 191, Raleigh, N.C. 27602.
