5/30/14 Newsletter

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This invitation is definitely for you!

Enjoy entertaining? Looking for a wedding gift you'll delight in giving? Thinking about changing your china? Then this invitation is definitely for you:

DIY Glass Cleaner

Need a great DIY glass, mirror, and chrome cleaner?? Katie, who recently joined our team here at IA, shared one of her favorite recipes* with me: 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tsp white vinegar. Holy cow! I've been using it for over a week and am amazed at what it can do. With a Great Dane, a Doberman, and a toddler all in one house, our place gets FILTHY -- especially on our sliding glass doors where little hands and noses constantly lurk. But what is really amazing is how beautifully it cleans chrome. It cuts through dust, soap scum, water marks -- you name it. Our bathroom fixtures have never looked so shiny. Keep in mind, I have a big fixer upper of a house, so I'm not worried about ruining anything, so be sure to test inconspicuously before you use it all over the place at your place.

Not into making your own cleaner? Or want one that doesn't smell like cheap college booze? Check out our Mangiacotti Lemon Verbena or Clementine surface cleaner instead -- smells divine and cleans beautifully as well.

*Katie first came across the recipe in "House Works" by Cynthia Townley Ewer. It's also available on CTE's website organizedhome.com

Family Dinner

Family Dinner: homemade ranch, Juliska Berry & Thread, and...maracas?

What are we burning right now? Mariposa's Love in Bloom candle - -a bouquet of sweet gardenia, rose petals, and honeysuckle intertwined with notes of citrus and light sandalwood. Personally, I'm not usually a huge fan of florals -- they tend to turn too sweet or stale for me. But this candle is light and fresh -- as the spring flowers are blooming, it truly feels like bringing a little bit of the outside in. We especially love being able to re-purpose the container when we're done (think: cotton balls/q-tips in the powder room, nuts/candy in the kitchen, a catchall for change in a study or bedroom, the list goes on...).

This Memorial Day

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." —President Harry S. Truman 

In honor of Memorial Day, Initial Attraction will be closed today. Our thanks to those who have given everything to support the freedoms we enjoy on this day and everyday.

Something exquisitely fun and free

Today is a beautiful day to mosey in and enter to win our Juliska Graham Trumpet Vase (retail value $165). There's no purchase necessary to win -- it's just something exquisitely fun and free that we get to do as part of our month-long Juliska event. A stunning piece of art, this mouth blown glass vase needs at least 3 artisans to create this graceful beauty. But like all Juliska glass items, it's dishwasher safe and the glass will stay crystal clear (no etching or frosting!). Spring flowers are popping with plenty of opportunities to use this beauty.

Don't want to arrive empty handed, but still respect the unwritten/unspoken  agreement of not doing birthday gifts with certain people?  

Want to bring a little something to someone who already has so many things?  

Need a little something to brighten your own kitchen/office/day?  

Check out our assortment of potted plants in these sweet jute plant covers -- waterproof plastic linings mean the plants are easy to care for, the cute jute elevates these lovelies to something special (and all ready for gift presentation!).

Teriyaki Marinade

It's Family Dinner night for Meme and I (each Wednesday, my brother and I and our families convene at Chuck & Meme's house for a home cooked meal and a low key evening together).  In honor of my husband's birthday this week, Chuck and Meme are making one of his favorite things -- flank steak.  The marinade is super simple, tastes divine, and is super versatile.  Enjoy!