Mailbag Monday: A Word From Our Sponsors

If only I had sponsors...sigh.

I do, however, get a lot of people asking me for suggestions for various types of products, and I'm always happy to answer even though I'm in no way affiliated with or get any money from the companies I recommend. Trust me--I wish I could get money from them. But I don't. It's just free advertising on my part. You're welcome, Libman Wonder Mop people.

Brandi,

I've tried a few of the things in your favorite things post and I've liked them all! Can you suggest something cute yet useful for a baby shower gift? The sex of the baby is unknown. Also, I procrastinated and now everything on the mom's registry has already been bought so I actually have to be creative and thoughtful in coming up with a gift. Help!

Oooh--I have one for you! My friend Jen has an Etsy shop where she sells handmade bows and baby dresses and shoes. The bows and dresses are cute, but the shoes...well, the shoes made me want to have my fallopian tubes untied just so I'd have a reason to buy some. I wish she made them in women's size 10. (Hey Jen, do you have that pattern in a woman's size 10?) See the shoes HERE. Just be warned--you'll want to gestate.
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Brandi,

What kind of laundry detergent and fabric softener do you use? Clean freaks always have the best smelling clothes!

I use Gain Island Fresh detergent, but I also love Tide with Bleach and Original scented Gain. For fabric softener, my favorite is Snuggle Blue Sparkle, but I also like all the Gain scents. I also really like Swavitel. It's all I used in Germany and now they sell it in the US. The only problem is that it's so thick and rich that it leaves a slime coat in the fabric softener well in my washer, so I don't use it anymore. I use the cheapest bleach possible on whites and Tide Boost powder in my colors. I like Arm 'n Hammer Spring Fresh dryer sheets.

Basically, I'm all about the scents.

I can't believe you all just wasted 30 seconds of your life reading about my laundry detergent preferences. I love you guys.
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Brandi,

Your house is gorgeous. Where'd you get everything?

First of all, complementing my house, even if you're lying, is the fastest way to earn my undying affection, so thanks!

As for where things came from, there are a million answers. The couch and giant wall unit (officially called a schrank, but if you've never lived in Germany you likely wouldn't know what I was talking about if I just said schrank) came from Germany. The wall unit was made in 1971 and we got it for a steal at a second hand store (note: move to Germany and frequent thrift shops. They have awesomely nice stuff).

I sewed the drapes and slip covers myself (the couch and ottoman are actually covered in spectacularly hideous fabric underneath the slipcovers. Germans like ugly fabric.)

Book shelves are from Target.

Decor mainly came from TJ Maxx. That's the best place ever to find accessories for next to nothing.

My biggest decorating advice is keep it simple. Crowded walls and shelves look cluttered and close in a room. It's O.K. to have open space.
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Hatemail of the Day:

Hey Brandi,

I read "Little Women" because you so highly recommended it. It never appealed to me growing up so I never read it, but I liked the other books you suggested so I read it.

What a piece of crap! It's a horribly written book.

I'll agree with you on one thing, though. Jo and Laurie should have gotten married, but only because it's obvious that Jo was a closet lesbian and Laurie was gayer than a $2 bill.

Andie

P.S. I was happy when Beth died.

Andie,

I'm officially speechless.