We had our first “Game Day” in the movie/game room last weekend. Usually, when I share this room, the sectional sofa is in this configuration.
Since there were more of us watching the game than normal, I broke out the various sections to spread out the seating. The younger ones (my grandsons) mostly played games on their iPads or played ping-pong out in the driveway.
I kinda like the seating this way. It definitely makes the space feel a lot larger.
Last month, I purchased three additional throws from our local TJ Max since my grandsons always seem to want the exact same throw. I’m happy to say they loved the new throws, so no more arguing! lol I added a second basket for storing all the new throws, so now there’s a basket at each end of the console.
I love, love, love these woven baskets! They hold a lot of throws, at least 5-6 large throws per basket, probably more if the throws are average size. You’ll find these baskets available here: Large Cotton Woven Basket.
The folding table I ordered worked out great for our barbecue feast last week! I didn’t realize when I ordered it that the height isn’t adjustable, but that works out fine since I plan to keep it in place full-time here in the basement to hold food for our future movie/game nights. I ordered 3 green tablecloths for football game days so I’d have plenty in case one is in the wash on game day. I also ordered a black one to use for other purposes. This tablecloth is available in a bunch of different colors here: Tablecloth.
The folding table is available here: Folding Table.
The napkins and paper plates were also a big hit. The colors are just as vibrant as they appear in this photo…very pleased with those and would def order them again. We are using them again for today’s game since we had plenty left over from last week. You’ll find these available here: Football Paper Plates and Napkins.
I’m really enjoying the corner bench I added to my mini mudroom last month. It’s working out great in this space.
Corner bench was a “Special Buy” and on sale here: Corner Bench with Cushion.
I ended up purchasing three woven baskets to use inside for holding gloves, chapstick, neck gators, beanies, etc… for winter. Actually, one is currently in use on the shelf above the bench. Storage baskets are available here: 3 Woven Storage Baskets.
I’m absolutely crazy about this scallop-style ottoman that I added to my office reading nook last month. It’s exactly what I wanted for this space, and each time I see it as I enter the office, I’m still amazed that I was able to find one in this style for such a great price!
I especially love that the cushion is removable. That means I can use it to hold a tray with drinks or food and not have to worry about spilling anything on the cushion. I feel like they put a lot of thought into this piece when it was being designed. You’ll find this beautiful scallop ottoman available here: Scallop Ottoman AND here: Scallop Ottoman with removable cushions.
Another item that I purchased right at the end of August for game days and movie nights is this set of snack tables. It will come in handy for those days when we have a plate of food and want to sit and relax while watching the game. This snack set comes with its own stand. It’s available in two stain colors. I went with the lighter color, but I like the darker stain, too. You’ll find it available in both colors here: Snack Table Set.
Last month, I purchased this boot tray for the garage. I placed it alongside the back door that opens into the mudroom. I chose this one because it looked like it would be easy to hose down when it gets dirty with snow, dirt, mud, or whatever. This tray is available here: Boot & Shoe Tray.
A small item but too cute not to share…I purchased these adorable Band-Aids last month. Unfortunately, I’ve already had to use one when I cut myself recently. I thought they were so cute, I purchased two boxes since they are “limited edition” and won’t be around for long. You’ll find them available here: Floral Band-Aids.
A good friend shared this trick with me a few years back—using a pumice stick when you have stubborn, hard-water rings in a toilet that are impossible to get out with normal toilet cleaners. Since we have hard water here in Ohio, I decided to try it on the stubborn rings I inherited when I moved into the Dollhouse. It worked great! If you have stubborn hard-water stains in your bathroom toilets, you may want to give these a try. You’ll find them available here: Pumice Stone for Cleaning Limescale Deposits and Hard Water Stains.
A few weeks back, I saw the sweetest little hummingbird drinking from my basket of petunias. Later, he/she was joined by a friend. All my hummingbird feeders are back in Georgia, so I purchased this one that had great reviews. It’s super easy to clean, and I like that it has an ant moat to keep pesky ants away. I’ll keep feeding the hummingbirds until I’m sure they’ve all flown south for the winter. I love seeing them come to the feeder! You’ll find this hummingbird feeder available here: Hummingbird Feeder. I purchased the food I put in it here: Hummingbird Food. The hummingbirds love that food/nectar, so I just purchased a second bottle since I’m almost out.
Update: Just noticed these nail clippers are currently on sale. These are my favorite clippers. I have a set in Georgia and a set at the Dollhouse. They are well-made and very easy to use. You’ll find them available here: Nail Clipper Set.
Those are just a few of my favorites from August! Hope you found this list helpful!
That’ the same hummer feeder as ours…we’ve had for years. it really does the trick!! I’ve got two hummers buzzing me at the moment…Ruby Throated…makes me want to sing, “Ruby, Ruby, etc by Kaiser sonebody…
Your “Dollhouse” is SO cozy!!! ❤️
franki
Thanks so much! Good to know! I really like how easy it is to clean and to fill.
Awww, they are just the sweetest birds! They don’t seem to have any fear of humans.
I always enjoy your ‘favorites’ posts, and have found a number of useful things from them. I’ve used the pumice stones for hard water rings in the toilet with great success – I highly recommend them too. They are also wonderful to help get dog/cat hair out of carpet. I have a dog that sheds all the time, and her hair gets embedded in my rugs and in my vehicle carpet. The vacuum can’t get it all out, but I learned that rubbing the pumice stone over the carpet pulls all that hair out so I can vacuum it right up. I was amazed at how well it worked!
I don’t know what I’d do without them since I haven’t found a single cleaner that will even put a dent in those rings. Oh, that is great to know about cat and dog hair…that’s amazing!
I love seeing your new home coming together so beautifully. You have such great taste. I love the scalloped ottoman too.
Wendy wwwtheInspiredEater.com
I love your adventures in the Doll House. Spending time with your family is priceless. I am sure football game time at your house was a blast. Have a wonderful fall.
“adventures in the Doll House” is a great expression and description!
It is! I so look forward to football weekends with them; the hours that we spend together fly by so quickly. Thanks, Lin! It really feels like fall here this morning!
The new layout of the sectional looks great. Very comfortable and inviting to have plenty of seating that’s not lined up like a bench! My grands also love to wrap up in throws even when it’s 90* outside! I think the 5’ table raises to bar height but I’ve never seen a 6’ table that has adjustable height. Hummers are just about gone from north central Florida, but I’m sure there will be stragglers. I like to keep my feeders out just to be sure.
I wonder where they go when they leave Florida? Amazing how far they can fly when they are so tiny.
I love the way the sofa looks with the pieces spread out! And your family must be loving all this hosting and pampering you’re doing for them. I know I would!
I was always afraid to try those pumice stones on porcelain, so it’s good to know you’ve done it and it’s worked fine. Those band-Aids are adorable and I like that they are the fabric kind. That’s the only type that ever works for me.
This post had lots of good info, Susan. Thanks!
So far, the pumice sticks have worked great in the GA house. Thanks, Pam!
Susan,
I am setting up a very small tv room and thinking beanbags. But your gray chairs look cozy. I can’t find any links for them. Can you help me out?
Peace
My grandsons love those chairs. Even my DIL and I steal from them occasionally when they are doing other things in the movie room. lol
I found those chairs here: https://amzn.to/462VHwl
Nice hummer feeder! Yesterday (the 6th) was National Hummingbird Day so great timing!
Really?! Love that!
You can make your own nectar – I host about 30 to 40 hummers each fall (August – October in N GA – presently 9 feeders) – National Audubon Society recommends – 1/4 Cup pure cane sugar (I use Dixie Crystals) to each 1 Cup boiled water – stir till all the sugar is “melted” and cool to room temperature. Clean the feeder between each refill with white vinegar and water – rinse very well – change nectar at least every 2 to 3 days –
I’ve always wondered how the pumice stone works – seems like it would scratch the porcelain…
I look forward to seeing your posts!
We don’t have hard water problems here, but I’ve wondered the same thing about the pumice on porcelain, or any other surface for that matter. All of the old powdered cleansers (think Bon Ami and Comet) eventually took the shine off of the surface. And given the hardness factor of pumice, you’d think it would be even worse.
If you know of a product that will get rid of the hard water rings in toilets, please share the name, and I will buy it and try it, and report back.
Susan, in Austin we have the hardest water in the country. That lime is challenging. I’ve had success with Zep acid toilet cleaner. I only find it online but my housecleaner told me about it and now it’s a staple around here.
Thanks for that suggestion, Robin. I’ll have to look for that and see if it will help.
I use the same recipe for hummingbird food and the pumice cleaner seems to work great for me. I’ve used it for years and have not noticed any scratches or shine reduction in the porcelain.
That is great to know! Thanks for that input, Margaret!
I have done that in the past. It’s so close to the end of the season, and since I’ve only seen two hummingbirds, I just went with the nectar online for this year. I may mix my own next year, though. I love seeing them, they are so adorable! Thanks for sharing that recipe, Margaret!
I love that beauriful ottoman! I make my own hummingbird nectar, too. It’s not even necessary to boil the mixture. Just stir sugar into water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water as noted in previous comments) and stir until sugar is dissolved. Store any extra in refrigerator no longer than 1 week.