Welcome to my new site, check in often-- we're adding content all the time!
Angela does the Whole House
Ok, that sounds really bad. Is this why my site gets so many hits?
The Phantom of the... outlet?
Is your ELECTRIC bill scary??
Can't sleep with the lights on after that slasher flick because your electric bill is even scarier than a monster wielding a (gas-powered) chainsaw? Yes, blame the electric company and its ghastly rates. But also, blame... THE PHANTOM. Phantom draw, that is. Some call it phantom load, but that sounds too kinky for me. Leaving appliances, tech and screens plugged in all the time can add up to 10% to your bill. The No. 1 offender? Gaming consoles! NOOOOOO!!! This Halloween, be ghouls, not fools... Unplug small appliances when not in use, don't overcharge tech and invest in a few power strips for easy on/off as well as extra surge protection.
Spotlight on...
upcycling leaded crystal
Are your arms and legs feeling a little heavy? Have you been setting off metal alarms at the airport? Your newly upcycled crystal decanter could be to blame. Sure, your bath salts look great in there and you are being sustainable, right? But crystal glassware and even dishes made before the 1970s may contain dangerous amounts of lead. Read on to learn how to repurpose these items safely.
Signs of lead in vintage items
Leaded crystal will make a sustained ringing sound when struck with a fork, as opposed to a short click. Vintage dishes with decorative details often contain lead paint. If Uncle Dave knocks himself out cold with the decanter while hitting the sauce again, it's probably lead. As a general rule, assume that antique dishware or glassware contains lead unless it's specifically marked otherwise or you've tested the dishes with a lead kit made for that purpose.
Is lead really so bad?
Short answer? YES. Lead poisoning has been linked to brain, heart and kidney damage. It is especially dangerous to children. Does that mean you can never use your grandmother's wine decanter again? Not necessarily. Short-term, occasional usage (think holiday dinner service) is relatively benign; never store liquids in items containing lead. For extra safety before using, soak the item in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours prior to using.
what can I use vintage serviceware for?
There are tons of great uses for vintage crystal and dishware: trinket bowls, planters, vases, candle holders, wall decor. If your plants die living in an antique planter, let's be real... it's probably still you.
It's Happened to All of Us...
Charging Safety
You're waiting for a text from your BFF about how their date went, knowing full well it was a disaster because you fell down a cyberstalking rabbit hole and hour ago and discovered a picture of said date at Furry Con '10 with a bae that didn't even need a costume so you leave your phone on the bed and fall asleep watching We Were Liars on endless loop. You wake up with ten Squishmallows on fire and no idea whether your BFF is captive somewhere in squirrel footed pajamas.
Click over to the seriously sobering people at Safeelectricity.org to learn how to keep yourself and what's left of your Boba Tea Mallow unharmed.
Also Around the House...
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
Your water bottle! No, that pic is not Angry Birds who have turned to drugs since no one plays with them anymore, although the resemblance is uncanny. They are GERMS. Check out this news article from Healthline, that tells us just how dirty they are (very), what types are more sanitary than others (steel over plastic) and how to keep them clean and other great tips (like, for the love of God don't keep water bottles in your car).
how to remove any stain
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
The American Cleaning Institute sounds like a whole bunch of not very exciting folks sitting in a sterile room doing nothing remotely fun enough to actually obtain any of the stains they know how to remove. Yet, their A-Z list is impressive. Click over to their incredibly starchy website to keep your clothes spot free. Word of caution: never bake in stain via the dryer before attempting to get it out. Also, don't put your dog in the washer.
stop flooding your floors!
Hey, you know what is super digusting?
stop flooding your floors!
The giant puddles on the floor, all those neon colors being thrown together, your mom shaking her head in disapproval. The last time you made Jell-O shots? Or your attempt at mopping the floor after watching all those TikTok videos? Yes, they are a train wreck you somehow can't stop watching but where can you learn how to care for your floors properly? Right here, of course! Click through to The Spruce to read a quick and helpful guide that will not have you swimming in a sea of harmful bubbles.