Wow. You really poured your hearts out in the comments of the two giveaways we offered last week. Some incredible stories about the people who have given us so much in life and the handmade items in our lives. Enough mushy stuff, though. Let’s get down to what I know you really want to hear. Namely: who won?
First up for grabs were two love letters right from my own shop, Gadanke.
It probably comes to you as no surprise that Martin and I are crazy about handmade. It’s getting harder and harder for us to comfortably shop at places using a lot of unnecessary natural resources or using cheap, unhealthy labor forces to save money. So when Lisa and I started exchanging emails, I was beyond compelled to learn more about what she’s doing and why.
I think you might really like some of her ideas. She has some great thoughts on using the stuff we have (which is perfect for The Declutter Project!). Make sure you check out the free gift she’s offering right from her Etsy shop at the end of this interview. So – welcome Lisa!
The results are in for last week’s giveaway – soap nuts from buysoapnuts.com – and there didn’t seem to be an ounce of competition. When it comes to a green or simple clean, we’re all reaching for a few basics like vinegar and baking soda. These products work like a charm. And it makes sense that they would.
Long before we had intense chemical cleaners and toxic-if-consumed deep scrubs, families were turning to basic products like vinegar.
Ever since Hilde explained what soap nuts are and how they work last week, it seems I’m not the only one who’s been making a bee line to the grocery store to examine this unique, green solution to laundry soap. Hilde certainly knows her stuff. After all, not only has she been using (and raving about!) soap nuts, I realized she’s been using them longer than I’ve actually been doing my own laundry. So soap nuts are definitely on our must try list. I don’t suppose they’re something you would like to try are they?
So who else fell in love with living small after reading all the entries to Monday’s giveaway? Thanks for the support with my newest upcoming adventure – speaking at A Woman Inspired. You’ve given me some wonderful ideas for my talk on January 26th at 9:30 am CST). Now I’m chomping at the bit to share a slew of new ideas along with some photos and other fun visuals (I’m doing a little screen sharing so listeners get to see my computer desktop as we go).
You’ve seen me write. But have you heard me talk?
If you sit in my German class, the answer to both is, “A little.”
If you are my husband, your answers are “Writing? Yes. Talking? Oooooh yes.”
And if you’re a reader of Making This Home, you probably say “yes” to the writing and “no” to the talking, right?
Well that’s about to change.
I'm an American in Berlin, Germany. My apartment is 480 square feet; the kitchen's only 36. This blog chronicles the DIY approach my husband and I take in Making This Home.Read more.
