Weekend Project: Cleaning Your Patio Furniture Without Dangerous Cleaners

Its the big kick off to summer and you are probably getting all the patio furniture uncovered. Not so pretty, is it. Months of moisture and inclement weather have taken their toll. Here is a simple, inexpensive and chemical free way to clean your patio furniture in no time. Happy Patio Time!

Memorial Day with Meaning

Memorial Day is the official start to the summer for most of us. The first long weekend to get away or get ready for the season ahead. It, of course, is much deeper than that though. Memorial Day like so many other holidays seems to get lost in the shuffle of merchandising. So, what is the actual official definition of Memorial Day? Here is what the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs says:

"Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns." Read More

Did you know that there is a National Moment of Remembrance? Under the law Americans are asked to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to observe a moment of silence.

"To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.” -va.gov website

Here are some creative ideas to get away with purpose this weekend.

Patriots Point, Charleston, SC - Charleston is steeped in history and at Patriots Point, you can visit one or several attractions that will put you right in the heart of our nations past.  Tour the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier which houses the Medal of Honor Museum, the USS Clamagore, the only guppy submarine preserved in the United States, the USS Laffey naval destroyer, over two dozen military aircraft, walk through an actual Vietnam Naval Support Base, or pay your respects at the Cold War Memorial.

Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville, NC - Home of Fort Bragg the ASOM is a wonderful variety of exhibits and events all year round.  "The main exhibit gallery moves the visitor through time, starting in 1940 with the conception of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon and ending with today's airborne and special operations units. Much has changed in the world since the battles of World War II and the conflicts of the Cold War era, but the courage and dedication of the American soldier is a common bond that ties each generation together."

Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, Detroit, MI - "The National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen represents the culmination of the efforts of many individuals. It provides a place not only to record the contributions of Americans to the defense of our Nation during a period in our history when they were not thought of as the equal of other citizens, but a place where all of the youth of America may come to acquire inspiration, counseling and assistance in achieving excellence in their own educational and career pursuits."

Michigan Military Museums and Forts - Check your local and state government websites for a list of museums and monuments in your area.

The California State Military Museum, Sacramento, CA - "The California State Military Museum is only a few minutes walk from the State Capital, The California State Railroad Museum and several other fine museums, parks, and tourist attractions. The museum, opened by Governor Pete Wilson in 1991, is the official military museum and historical research center of the State of California. This was reinforced on 11 September 2002 when Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the museum a permanent museum under the California State Military Department and providing permanent funding for the museum. Finally on 13 July 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to amend the Government Code to make the museum the state's official military museum."

Missouri History Museum, St Lois, MO - Current Exhibit - "Between Two Worlds: Veterans Journey Home explores the struggle of 20th-century soldiers to stay connected to home, to thrive while separated from their loved ones, and to eventually transition back into home life. Through firsthand stories from veterans, this exhibit examines both the changes and the continuities in the veteran experience, from World War I to the Iraq War."

Antietam National Battlefield

National Park Foundation - Listing of All Battlefields and Forts in the United States

Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal, Frankfort, KY - "The newly renovated museum houses the exhibition, "Kentucky Military Treasures: Selections from the Kentucky Historical Society Collections," which now includes a recently-restored piece of the Fighting Falcon (the first American glider to land at Normandy on D-Day) and Gen. William O. Butler’s presentation sword from the Mexican War.  

Spanning nearly 200 years of conflicts -- from the War of 1812 to more recent engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq -- "Kentucky Military Treasures" shares the personal stories of Kentuckians who fought and sometimes lost their lives in these battles.See the many machines and other trappings of the military service. Learn how regular Kentuckians became heroes. Listen as veterans tell their stories in their own words." 

Arlington National Cemetery

Washington, D.C. - Of course the ultimate lesson in US history, Washington D.C. has too many amazing attractions to mention in one post. There are some lesser known monuments and museums that should not be missed. Here is a listing of all of the Monuments and Memorials in D.C.

If you can't get away this Memorial Day, there are ways to celebrate this countries heroes without spending a dime or traveling far. Almost every town in America has a parade or event on this holiday, contact your local municipality or veterans organization to find out more. Create a fundraiser for your favorite military organization, get the kids set up at a lemonade stand or bake sale. Visit a vet, you would be surprised the number of veterans that have no support or family system, contact your local hospital chaplain or volunteer office to find out their visitation policy. Get creative and find a way to keep the "memorial" in this great holiday.  To those who serve and have served at home and overseas, my family and I are forever grateful to the men and women who keep us safe, and their families holding down the home front until they return.

The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

Psalm 27:1-3

Newly Wed-nesday: Tea Towel Invitations

I was so thrilled when Karen Brown of UK based The Original Wedding Tea Towel found me on Twitter. I had not seen her designs before but I am obsessed with them. (yes, obsessed is a word everyone is over using and I generally despise, along with amazing, but it fits in this case because I mean it.) I love all things vintage and wedding and adorable. These tea towel invitations are all of the above. Here's the harsh reality, those beautiful paper crafted invites are gorgeous and artful, but most recipients will put them in the circular file. Not these beauties, they will be kept and hug proudly. They would be perfect favors for a bridal tea, luncheon, shower or send them as thank you's.

Here is the skinny on how to get you hands on these unique creations. Since Karen is based in the UK she has teamed up with Peter Loves Jane to distribute them to US customers. (Thanks Peter and Jane, that kinda makes us love you back). You can connect to their Etsy site to get more information and place a deposit on your custom order.  Happy Tea Time!

Photos: Peter Loves Jane

Treasure Hunting: A Peach of a Picnic

Visit us at PackandAlleys on Etsy to see today's picnic inspired treasury. Its a southern inspired peach of a summer afternoon. Stop by our shop while your there, we are adding new items all the time.

A Peach of a Picnic Etsy Treasury

Mothers Day Gift Giving For Every Style

Mommy and Me Set etsy

Mothers day is a special time of year when we get to spoil moms and mom-like figures in our lives.  We found some unique ideas for her that she will actually use and enjoy!

For the Casual Mom a simple conversation tee that sums it all up:

Queen Bee Tee  waxingkara

For the Dress Up Mom the perfect spring garden party clutch:

Flower Beaded Clutch anthropologie

For the Sentimental Mom a nest necklace with all her chicks on it:

Nesting Bird Necklace uncommongoods

For the Bookworm Mom something personal to keep her reader cozy:

Needlepoint Monogram Nook Cover landsend

For the Garden Mom a little project to do together and grow for seasons to come:

Hen and Chick Growing Kit redenvelope 

For the Active Mom the perfect go anywhere handle anything skort:

Denim Bettona Classic Skort Athleta

For the Sporty Mom a wristband to track all your data for her busy life:

UP Wristband Jawbone

For the Traveling Mom a tote and cosmetic bag made to last:

South Cosmetic and Tote Bags
with Monogram
markandgraham

For the Teacher Mom a wall hanging to remind everyone of her favorite lessons:

Family Rules Wall Canvas wisteria

For the Baker Mom the ultimate kitchen mixer that looks gorg too:

Kitchen Aid 5qt Stand Mixer Target

For the Foodie Mom a collection of unique inde sweets and treats:

The Mother Load Gift Assortment newyorkmouth

Finally, for the DIY Mom a project that you can make for her:

Easy Child Silhouettes DIY cottagehill

Remember, whether you break the bank or glue together a macaroni embelished trinket box, the biggest gift you can give Mom is hug, kiss and a really big thank you. Now go call your mother! Happy Mothers Day!

Weekend Project: Cleaning Your Cast Iron

I came across this great tutorial from Lodge on how to clean your cast iron. It's simple and the music is kinda jazzy too!

Design Day Friday: William, Kate, The Bump and The Union Jack

I must admit I have always had a bit of a Brit crush. I remember waking in the wee hours of the morning to watch Charles and Diana marry, then Andrew and Fergie and later to watch Diana being laid to rest. I was so captivated by the tradition, the grandeur and the elegance of it all. Recently, as I was working on my current archaeology project also know as "the garage," I discovered a tea cup that my mother gave to me. It was a commemorative piece to celebrate the marriage of Charles and Diana. I smiled. I thought about the hours I would pour over magazines and draw my "someday" princess wedding gown in my notebook. I even tried my hand at drawing a sketch from a photo of Diana on the cover of Ladies Home Journal. Now, William and Kate have sparked another royal crush. This time its hip and young and fresh just like the couple and their bump-to-be. This British invasion has crossed into the design world. We are seeing those traditionally English elements and icons with non-traditional twists from rocker chic to whimsical fabulous.

Jeeves and Wooster Pendant Lights

Lumbar Pillow

Dog Collar

Vintage Wash Quilt Set

Book Page Wall Art

Queen Wall Clock

Baby Shoes

Turkish Hoodie Towel

Union Jack Sofa

As I always say the key to pulling this off is to only use one statement item in a room. If you create a "theme-y" looking it will come off as cheap and cluttered. Keep it simple and highlight your focal point. Cherio!

Quick Tip: Hanging A Shelf Up High

I love Ikea shelving. My only issue is the lack of finish on the underside. When hanging a shelf that is higher than eye level, the bottom is exposed and not so pretty. So, flip it! Now everyone can see the cool finished side. What do you think? Happy hanging.

Newly- Wednesday: The Best of Wedding Cinema

Weddings are anything but cookie cutter these days. More and more couples are steering away from the traditional checklist and concentrating their budget and time on the details that most reflect who they are as a couple. Wedding videos are no longer hours and hours of the ceremony and reception from a fly on the wall perspective. They have become mini-movies capturing everything about the wedding day and giving insight into the couples love story.  You will surely not have to force your family and friends to sit through boring footage of clanking plates and drunk uncles. The idea is to document through cinema and create a beautiful lasting keepsake that captures a precious moment in time. I chose some of my favorites for different reasons, but I am sure you will have a stack of used tissues and a red nose after you view them.

First, is a charming look at a quirky couple, complete with father of the bride in Trek-y attire.

Wedding Highlights | Jenefer & Matt from Reel Weddings on Vimeo.

Next, is one of the sweetest, most intimate ceremonies I have seen. The bride and groom decided to forgo the hoopla and make their wedding about nothing more than the two of them. The only guests are their parents and its awesome.

Christina + Sean's Hoo Feature: A rainy day with emotional vows in a Sonoma wine cave from Hoo Films | Shannon Avery on Vimeo.

This relaxed, rustic, handmade outback wedding is complete with a suprise puppy for the bride waiting with the groom. Stanley almost steals the show.

Clare + Justin | Love, Life, and Stanley from bubblerock on Vimeo.

Its not just the wedding that is going feature film! Couples are creating short films of their proposals and even Save The Dates.  The first clip is a bit long but it is worth watching. The groom created a flash mob in downtown Chicago to propose to his bride, who was in love with musicals.



Finally, this Save The Date is so corny that it's adorable. I give them credit because I am not the best roller skater, but they are cute enough to pull this soda pop themed bit off.