A few months back, I finally learned how to mix up my own green cleaners. I did have a little help — I attended an event hosted by CoolMom, an organization focused on combating global warming by making small changes in our everyday lives. And one of those changes is to stop using harsh chemicals and instead mix up our own cleaning supplies out of water, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. We brought our own jars and spray bottles, and for a $5 fee, CoolMom supplied the rest. Within a half-hour, I was ready to go with surface spray for countertops and windows, a soft scrub for tubs and sinks, and even some disinfectant.

Four months later, I can report that the cleaning supplies are a revelation! I’m serious! My toilet is just as clean using the disinfectant I made as it ever was using Comet. My glass surfaces and stovetop are even cleaner — Mom, I’m sorry I ever forgot that you used to use vinegar on everything; it cuts through grease like nothing else! The only slight issue was with the soft scrub. It works great on my tub and sinks, but I’ve noticed that my tub seems to get dirty faster. (Not to be gross, but it doesn’t look dirty, it just kind of feels dirty under my feet — but this is after about a week, at which time I should probably be cleaning my tub again anyway.) I’m going to experiment with some vinegar and see if that makes a difference. Click for the best part of all this — and get all the super-easy recipes for making your own green cleaners! — Mary T. (more…)

I’ll admit that I have a guilty affection for the comb over, a hairstyle “trompe l’oeil” that my father rocked quite well. So part of my little heart was warmed when I spotted this rug, designed with a bald spot, by Meirav Peled Barzilay. The Comb Over Carpet’s long felt strands, or “hairs,” can also act as a blanket or pillow for impromptu catnaps, making this rug oh-so-much-more than just a floor toupee. I’m not saying I’d ever own it — can you imagine what a vacuum would do to this? I do, however, think it’d be perfect in Donald Trump’s office. — Megan B.

I have a hard time making up my mind. I can’t ever decide what I want for dinner, what shoes to wear, or what to order for dessert — especially when faced with a huge menu of delicious options. The brookie has solved a great deal of my problems. Part brownie, part cookie, all delicious, the brookie has also revolutionized dessert. If you’re ready for your mind to be blown, try the recipe at Vampire Gran’s Weblog (awesome title, by the way). I wasn’t sure how much the cookies would expand, so I made them a little on the small side. They didn’t expand as much as I had hoped, so my batch turned out to be more “bro” and less “ookie.” Don’t be afraid to add more cookie dough. Good luck! — Katie D.

A few weeks ago, we featured fun porcelain commuter cups from Vessel Drinkware. I loved my cups so much that I decided to expand my collection to include cups for cold drinks. These candy-colored, double-walled, BPA-free Spirit tumblers are perfect for an iced tea, latte, or morning smoothie on the go. Not only do these bad boys keep your beverage of choice cool in style, they’ve also got a smart design feature: a nifty swiveling straw that enables you to suck up every last drop of your drink with ease (and nary a slurp). Shown above are Crow, Nuts & Bolts, Lucha LIbre, and Zombie. Spirit tumblers also come with all the designs featured in our aforementioned coffee post. Get them here, where they’re currently on sale for $13.99. — Megan B.

Awhile back, I posted about a plant I rescued from the test kitchen where I was working at the time. The poor little guy was in rough shape when I brought him home, but I was determined to bring him back to life. After re-potting him and giving him a stake to hold up his stalk, I turned to you, savvy readers, to tell me how to care for him. Lucky for me, the plant I rescued needs very little care. According to reader Simone, he’s a Dieffenbachia and requires direct sun and a drink of water about once a week. A few of you also mentioned he’s poisonous to cats (and maybe dogs, too) but I don’t have any pets. I don’t get a ton of sun in my apartment, but I put him right up next to the window so he can soak in what I do get. A nice drink of water once a week and, I’ve got to tell you, my plant is absolutely flourishing! I had to add another stak,e he grew so tall in the time I’ve had him. Now I’m even considering a bigger pot (or are plants like goldfish — if you keep them in a smaller pot they just stop growing?) So I just wanted to say, Thanks for your help! — Erica P.

When I was asked to represent Shelterrific in judging the recent Chicago’s Ugly Bathroom contest, I jumped at the chance! After all, I consider myself an expert in the field since my first apartment (a one-windowed shoebox on Boston’s south shore) contained a bathroom with horrific Barbie-neon pink shower tiles, sink, and toilet. The contest was sponsored by The Tile Shop with the grand prize of a $50,000 bathroom makeover. There were hundreds of entries, and it was incredibly stiff competition: zebra-striped mirrors, shag carpeting, cigarette-burned linoleum, and outdoor light fixtures (yes, in a bathroom).

After much heated debate with my fellow judges (Chicago Home + Garden’s Jan Parr, a couple of WGN staffers, and some Tile Shop representatives) the grand prize was eventually awarded to first-time homeowners Matthew and Suzanne Witt of Evergreen Park, Ill. Matt secretly entered the contest to surprise his pregnant wife, who was forced to endure grimy pink linoleum, falling down yellow plastic tiles, and horror movie-worthy fluorescent lights. After the jump, take a look at the second- and third-place winners. I guarantee they will make your bathroom seem like a spa. — Katie D. (more…)

As the days grow longer and longer, I grow slightly more annoyed with each passing sunrise. Why, you ask? Because I work late, and that sunrise, by mid-June, will be coming around 5 a.m., when I’ve been asleep for about three hours, tops. So, in preparation for that eye-searing sunlight, I’ve been shopping around for the perfect, fun eye mask to rock with my marabou sleeping jacket and kitten heels (yeah, right).

GAMA-GO has the Cat Nap and Dead Tired sleep masks, cute and fun, $10 each.

I love the luxurious feel and colorful design of this organic cotton eye pillow filled with lavender and flax, $20 from Jane.

Etsy seller BibBon offers Silk Luxury sleep masks for $25.

Or I could just grab some cute fabric (or a Liberty of London pillow, like Megan at NotMartha did) and use this free pattern (link downloads PDF) from Amy Butler to make my own. — Megan B.

We seem to be bursting with contest news these days — not that we’re complaining! The latest, a joint giveaway for Earth Day from CafePress and iVillage, promises a cool bag just for entering, plus an “eco-fabulous vacation” for the winner. “Picture Your World” is an online photo contest where you submit a photo that explains why you’re committed to the planet. Every participant receives a nearly free (you pay shipping) eco-friendly bag designed by Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One. And because CafePress is all about putting a unique stamp on clothing and housewares, you can also purchase eco-friendly items like SIGG water bottles and organic T-shirts featuring the photos you submit, with a portion of proceeds donated to CarbonFund.org. Click for all the contest details. We’ll have more Earth Day-related news coming up this week!

Does it get more adorable than this apple memo pad? If the folks at Cute Overload started moonlighting as office supply designers, I have a feeling that this would be their first product! Designed and produced by D-BROS, the Kudamemo is an apple-shaped sticky note stationary set, $40, that is equal parts practical and whimsical. — Katie D.

For 125 years, Good Housekeeping has helped women across generations live healthy, happy, no-fuss lives. At that age, the title knows a thing or two about heart health and cooking. The editors are sharing the know-how by sponsoring a healthy competition in conjunction with the American Heart Association: Cook Your Heart Out, billed as America’s first heart-healthy cooking competition. Readers are encouraged to test their culinary prowess by devising a heart-healthy dish in one of six culinary categories: Fast and Easy, Elegant Entertaining, Family-Friendly, Ethnic Favorites, Occasional Treats, and Starters. All recipes will be reviewed in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchens, and three finalists from each category will be flown to New York City August 27-30 to prepare their recipes for a panel of judges. The chef with the healthiest and most delicious meal will be cooking to the tune of a $125,000 prize!

All entries must be submitted by May 15 and are required to meet guidelines set by the American Heart Association. Click for more information including rules and a submission form. — Sarah C.

At Shelterrific, we’re no strangers to cooking competitions and we know you’ve got talent, too. Are you going to Cook Your Heart Out? Share your entry with us on Shelterrific’s Facebook page!