It's Almost Time

Time is running out to register for the drawing for my clothespin apron commemorating  National Hang Out Day. On Monday, April 19th at 10 PM (EST), I will draw the winning name.

If you haven't yet registered there is no time like the present. There are three options to assure your name will be entered in the drawing. Either:

Become a fan of Yo Momma's Apron Strings on facebook

or

Comment and follow my Apron Strings Blog

or

Fill out the contact form on the Yo Momma's Apron Strings website

I'm excited.

Aprons + Taxes = Done (almost)

 Okay, I did a good job of procrastinating on my taxes and there was no doubt that it was definitely niggling at the back of my mind. I determined that today, Monday, April 12th, I would attack them.  Attack I did and I have finished my Federal taxes. Thanks to Turbo Tax and the business module, I plodded my way through the questions and options and came up with a refund. Unfortunately, it looks like the state of Maine is going to take a big bite out of that refund but the way I look at it is I'm doing my part to support my state. It doesn't hurt that even though I have to pay the state I manage to come out ahead overall.

So hooray! All that is left is the clean-up: filling out my state return by hand because I am too cheap to pay the $19 per state return for all my family.

Job done. Check. I am giddy with relief.

While we're on the subject.....

I am pleased and surprised (but shouldn't be surprised, really) about how much coverage National Hang Out Day and it's sponsor, laundryist.org, is getting throughout the online communities. This latest article from Care2, Clean Clothes, Happier Planet, talks about more than just hanging out laundry - it goes into the whole washing process from the type of washing machine to using laundry soap that has less of an environmental impact.

Give it a read if you are interested in learning how to go continue to green up your laundry.

....and don't forget to enter my clothespin apron contest, winner to be drawn on National Hang Out Day, April 19th.

Introducing the Newest: Swirly Apron

 

                                                     

 It's time to shake things up a bit and introduce a new apron style at Yo Momma's Apron Strings. I love this swirl on the skirt of this apron - it's a bit flirty and sassy and when worn makes the wearer want to sashay around the kitchen. How can it not with that twirly skirt?

This apron is sewn in one size and loops over the head and ties in the back; similar to the Rick Rack and Flapper Aprons. All edges are bound with bias binding and, as are all my aprons, made of 100% pre-washed cotton fabric. The price of the Swirly Apron is $30.

Top 10 reasons to hang your laundry.

Project Laundry List provides 10 reasons to hang dry laundry:
1. Save money.
2. Clothes last longer.
3. Clothes and linens smell better.
4. It conserves energy and environmental resources.
5. Hanging laundry is a moderate physical activity that can be done outside.
6. Sunlight bleaches and disinfects.
7. Indoor racks can humidify in dry and cold climates.
8. It is safer. Clothes dryer fires account for about 17,700 fires, 15 deaths and 360 injuries annually.
9. It is a fun outdoor experience that can be meditative and community-building.
10. Small steps make a difference.

Don't forget to enter my contest to win a clothespin apron:

Fan Yo Momma's Apron Strings on facebook
Visit the Yo Momma's Apron Strings website and fill out the contact form
Leave a comment on the Apron Strings Blog

Body parts all over the place.

Hugh would look silly in one of my Rick Rack Aprons

 When my son moved on to begin his life away from home, I quickly spread my sewing odds and ends into his bedroom. Grateful to finally find a space for my full-sized male mannequin, he lies dismembered on my son's bed and must be transported, body piece by body piece, to another location when someone stays for the night.

This handsome inanimate being tends to freak people out when glimpsed in passing, looking very much as if someone committed human carnage around here and was negligent in hiding the evidence.

I had the foolish hope that if I were to put a wig on this strapping figure and dress him in an apron that I could pass him off as a female. Ha, fat chance of that happening. He's tall, square-jawed and muscular as opposed to the typical female mannequin's slight frame and softer features.

One of these days I will find a new home for Hugh but until then he will remain in pieces, called into service only to photograph another chef apron.

The word is out! Read all about it.

http://www.theforecaster.net/content/n-fptfarmers-1