We just love shabby chic! When our furniture looks too new for our liking, the only way to remedy that problem is to make it look like its been in the rain for years! Wear and tear is the name of the game, and this tutorial is perfect for any shabby lovers out there! Iron brackets are an inexpensive way to add a bit of flair to regular shelves, but sometimes they don’t really match the rest of our decor. This tutorial will show you how to make them look old and rusty for cheap!

Supplies:

1) Iron brackets (you can find them at Hobby Lobby)

2) Chalk paint (for this project, Annie Sloan Old White was used)

3) Sponge brush

4) Paper towels

5) Antiquing Medium

6) Clear matte spray paint (optional)

Step #1:

Take your sponge brush and paint the entire bracket. You don’t have to worry about it being perfect.

Step #2:

Take a damp paper towel and begin wiping off the paint. Don’t wipe off everything! We still want the bracket to have a weathered look.

Step #3:

Take the antiquing medium and add a small amount to a damp paper towel. Rub the antiquing medium over the entire bracket.

Step #4:

If you want to seal your brackets, you can give them a coat or two of clear matte spray paint. Allow the spray paint to dry between coats and you’re done!

Photos: From My Front Porch to Yours.

If you find ironing too stressful, or aren’t sure if you’re doing it right, we’re here to help! We’ve got 9 tips to help you make peace with your iron, and make ironing your clothes a piece of cake!

1. Position Your Ironing Board

Proper ergonomic alignment is a laundry tip that will speed up the ironing process and you’ll avoid the dreaded backache. Adjust your ironing board until it’s at hip level. Your elbow should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your shoulder should be able to move easily.

2. Clean Your Iron

This cleaning hack will make your clothes sparkle! Before turning on your iron, check for any built-up residue. Remove any residue before you start ironing or it can transfer to your clothing.

3. Read Clothing Labels

Read your clothing care labels and match your iron’s temperatures to them. If in doubt, set your iron to a low temperature.

4. Clean Clothes Only!

Only iron clean clothes, never dirty clothes! The iron’s heat will set stains and also intensify odors on the fabric.

5. Keep it Misty

Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy. If you find yourself battling stubborn creases, spritz the crease with water and it should flatten nicely.

6. Go With the Grain

Iron your clothes with the grain, never against it. Ironing across thread diagonals will cause the fabric to stretch and buckle.

7. Get a Press Cloth

A press cloth is something everyone needs when ironing. This piece of tightly woven cotton cloth is used as a barrier between the iron and your clothes. It will guard against shine on your clothes, and help protect delicate clothing from the heat of the iron.

8. Keep the Iron Moving

Never hold the iron in one place for too long, you could burn your clothes! Keep the pressure light and don’t press too hard.

9. Hang Up Your Clothes

When you’re finished ironing your clothes, hang them up right away. In the first few hours since you’ve ironed your clothes are extra sensitive to wrinkles. Allow your clothes to cool and dry completely before placing them back into your closet or drawer.

Photos: The Organised Housewife, Peglanje Servis, Huffington Post, Metro News, Ullapool Laundry.

We’re big fans of using vinegar to clean our home! With pets and kids running around, it’s important to minimize toxic cleaning solutions as much as possible. Vinegar does a great job with laundry, deodorizing, and removing rust. But, there are some things that should never come into contact with vinegar. Read the list to find out if you’re guilty of using vinegar on these items!

1. Stone Floor Tiles

Acidic cleaners are never good for natural stone. Lemon, vinegar, and ammonia are some of the acids you should keep away from stone. Stick to using a special stone soap, or you can use dish detergent and warm water.

2. Your Iron

Vinegar can actually damage the internal parts of your iron. If your iron gets clogged, make sure you empty it completely after each use, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

3. Egg stain or Spill

The next time you drop an egg on the floor, or have an egg stain on your clothes, don’t reach for the vinegar. The acidity in the vinegar can cause the egg to coagulate, making it harder to remove.

4. Granite and Marble Countertops

Just like with the stone floors, granite and marble countertops should never be cleaned with vinegar. The acid can actually etch the stone. Use dish detergent and water instead.

5. Hardwood Floors

Some homeowners find that vinegar cleans their sealed hardwood floors well, and others say it damages the finish. To stay on the safe side, clean your floors with a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood. If you would like to try vinegar, dilute it with water and try it in a corner or other hidden area before washing the whole floor with it.

6. Some Stubborn Stains

Grass stains, ice cream, ink, and blood won’t come out with vinegar alone. These stains set in the fabric quickly and don’t respond to acid. Instead, treat them with a pre-wash stain remover and wash them with a detergent that contains enzymes.

Photos: Innovative Living, Ironing Services Tamworth, Fine Art America, AP Granite Countertops Orange County, Wood Floors by Ace, Jump Reports, Frugal Living Now.