adrienne's Profile

That drying rack would be perfect for anyone who is bottle feeding in a hospital. Somebody pack one in a time machine and send it to me in 2010!

When I saw this, I called a friend who runs an online cut-to-size sheet metal business. He cautions that if you're not buying this in person (and hanging a magnet on it), you want to ask specifically if the metal is magnetic (stainless steel is typically not).

Car seats expire between 5 and 9 years- depending upon the manufacturer. The expiration should be clearly marked under the seat (it's been required since 1999).

If you seat is in good condition and you've addressed any recalls, it's probably as safe for this baby as it was for the first one.

There are some important developments in infant seats that address side-impact collisions (like interior head supports that aren't just removabe pillows), but many brands and models don't have these innovations.

If you're just going to buy a newer seat that mostly resembles the first seat, save your money. Just carefully check your old seat for any signs of wear and damage and make sure all the straps are set for a smaller baby (particularly the crotch strap).

Also, pediatricians now recommend 2 years rear-facing (I don't know if this was the recommendation for your oldest), so you may want to consider an infant seat that accommodates taller, heavier, older infants.

I first flew alone at age 6 with assistance (especially during transfer) from the flight crew. If I could stay in the boarding area until my child's plane departed (took flight, not taxied) and the person meeting them could be inside security at the receiving gate, I might consider it for a younger elementary schooler on a direct connection.

I should preface my comments with the fact that I'm pretty cavalier about cleaning resale furnishings. I would rather lose an item in cleaning than house an item that is suspect.

First, thoroughly vacuum it. When you vacuum under the seat cushion, use your knees and body weight to open any crevices as much as possible.

Second, if the cushion has a zipper- by all means- pull of the cover and see if the foam is the culprit. Sometimes decaying plastics smell atrocious. If the cushion is degrading, bag it in a trash bag and look for a local upholstery shop or (even better) mattress maker who can cut a new insert from the old one's dimensions. (~$25 here).

Use an upright carpet cleaner with a hand attachment (like a Hoover SteamVacc). Instead of the carpet cleaning solution- use white vinegar and very hot water.

Work in small areas: wash, scrub, dry. The goal is to pull the liquid back out before it can work its way into the foam. Using only light to moderate liquid dampen the fabric (damp NOT dripping). The goal is to clean without getting much liquid into the foam.

Scrub as needed. Then vacuum until dry (or very close to it). Dry entirely in sunlight or in a room with a dehumidifier. Repeat washing process if necessary.

Can anyone identify that hanging light? I didn't see it on their site.

For faster, sturdier blocks- use two boxes per block. They don't require tape, folding, stuffing, or even very attentive cutting.

My quick blog post on how-to (with pictures.

Foam board is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Please never light any candles near it. It burns hot, fast, and puts out toxic smoke. Once lit, it would be difficult to put out.

We ask for intangibles (memberships, league fees, lessons). With a modest single income, such gifts helps our kids participate in things we would have difficulty affording on our own.

Hi Jeannie,

First let me say, you totally rock. Your resourcefulness and positive attitude are a great gift to your family that they will always carry with them.

Get carpet remnants for the floor. That way they can be cut to allow for things for odd things like the table. ABSOLUTELY tell the sales people that you have lost your home to the wild fire. So many people are touched by disaster at some point (my neighborhood was hit by a tornado), and most of those folks will bend over backwards to help (as others helped them). It's a teeny space, so it's not a large amount of carpet. With the right dealer, they may even help you cut and fit it.

The tables in RVs are usually built to convert to bunks or be easily lifted out. If the table converts to a 4th bunk, there is usually some kid-friendly hidey-hole/storage underneath. You could also get a something like a 3 or 4-sided table skirt (think bed skirt- only smaller and much longer that would make an under-table fort. With a chalkboard oilcloth top, you'd have two chunks of awesome for the space of one). If you add a door flap & window to the skirt- automatic playhouse. (http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2009/02/card-table-playhouse-tutorialette.html)

If there's a built-in closet(?) like in the photo, repaint it and put chalkboard or magnetic paint in the inset panels. With careful painting and the right color scheme, this will be considered an upgrade when you sell.

If you can update us with photos and dimensions, I suspect this community can kick back plans as well as general ideas.

Best wishes to you all (or y'all, as we (also) say here in the middle Midwest).