Love A Good Throw

I Love a Good Deal + Pretty Jewelry 
But More Than That, 

I Love Saving. 

Saving in the form of coupon codes and promos are one of the most satisfyingly exciting parts of my shopping experience. But what if you don't have the necessary funds to shop to your heart's content? Being a mom to 3 little boys and 4 fur babies means I either have to care for the things we have - Well, or they'll need replacing; which isn't always likely to be in the budget. So, I chose to be super anal about the things we do have and try my best to keep them looking new for as long as humanly possible.

Of the Hundreds of lifestyle and parenting tips and tricks I could discuss, today we're gonna stick to one topic. Throws. I have an ob-session with soft, fluffy, usually white[ish], throws. Pretty ballsy of me considering my housemates, but a girl likes what a girl likes! A general rule my kids know from infancy is, No pillows and blankets on the floor. It grosses me out. We also don't wrap muddy dogs in them either - trust me, this needs to be said. Cause when little Charlie decides that Spot is "wet and cold" and "needs a warm blankey to feel better", you're gonna be happy you drilled this little nugget into their heads. It'll save your sanity, wallet and soft white cozy throw from ruin.

So, that's one way I keep them looking new. Beyond that, the kids have free reign to use whichever one they choose wherever in the house they chose to use it. You'll probably be surprised to know that my oldest throw is nearing a decade old. You couldn't guess it by looking at it, but it's the warmest one I own and I refuse to toss it as I have yet to find one of its weight and colorway that isn't $85. For my budget and lifestyle, that just wouldn't work. If I can't find it at TJMaxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods, it likely won't be coming home with me. I Swear they consistently have the best throws [and pillows] on the market, year-round. Now, Here is where we get to the juicy part...

If you have ever purchased a throw and held off on washing it because you just Know it will lose it's luster, sheen and fluff, here's the tip you've been waiting for! [this works Amazingly for matted wool rugs too!] Go to your nearest dollar store or simply use this link for the $3 item that will save your pretty blankets from becoming filler for your dog bed. Bear in mind, this is a bit of an arm workout and if you're short, like me, it's best to toss your throw over a door, hop onto a stool and brush it one side at a time.

Let me just give you a quick close up example of what will happen after a few washes - they'll smell great, but won't look too hot...

+ 

Each individual picture is of a [folded] throw half brushed against itself on the undone half. QUITE the difference! I know some would say to simply use a lightweight wool cleanser in the wash - I have. And after a few More washes than usual, they all Still wind up like the 'Before' pic. So, I'd rather just use my delicious smelling softener/detergent combo and have it smell glorious each time I use them instead of just "Meh.." while I'm cuddling with my boys on the couch enjoying movie nights at home. Also, Never EVER toss them into the dryer! Even on a delicate cycle. I Always hang them. Trust me on this. Plus they tend to smell better for longer this way. Now, in order to get these results, you have to brush pretty vigorously [and try not to get your hand - It hurts like Hell!]. With the short-haired throws, you can get away with brushing in one direction and be done with it. But with the longer ones (and swirled ones), you have to go in both directions and sort of follow the flow of the fibers. Here's a quick demo:

 So your throws can stay looking like these: