T H A T ‘ S A W R A P !
>>> May, 2013 <<<
:: nicole ::
:: sara ::
House Cleaning Basics 101
Admittedly, this is not my favorite topic. Not my favorite thing to do for that matter either, but let’s face it…. it’s part of our life whether we like it or not. Cleaning. That’s right. Cleaning. Not very exciting…
I used to love to clean. It was rewarding! You could see the fruit of your labor within minutes of getting started. That was until I had kids…. 4 kids. I love a tidy house. In fact, it totally gives me heart palpitations when it’s a mess. But I don’t look forward to doing it anymore. I guess that’s because as soon as I clean one room, the next room is a disaster! The kids are like traveling tornadoes…. especially my two littlest!
I have realized that I’m not the most domestic woman out there. Perhaps surprising to some… I think I just pull off a good front. Take laundry for example. I don’t mind sorting it and throwing it into the wash… but actually folding it and putting it away…. oh no! I usually wait for Husby to be home to assist with that fun job! It’s just so boring… and relentless! There is always laundry to be done, right?!!
I’ve decided in an effort to get more organized and to stay on top of my cleaning, I should perhaps adopt a schedule. There are plenty of tools out there to help with this, especially if your look on Pinterest. For those of you that also need to get more organized in this area of your life, I’m hoping that I’ve done some of the busy work for you. I’ve sifted through what’s out there to find some of the best printable cleaning schedules, tips, and even recipes for homemade cleaners. Let’s get more organized and tidy together, shall we?
{weekend} lovelies
{Music // “Yellow” The Vitamin String Quartet}
I went to hot yoga last night and during our final pose {savasana}, this song played. With my eyes closed and my body resting in such a peaceful state, the melody filled the air and the open spaces of my wandering mind. It was the perfect way to remain present while soaking in the beauty of the day… and the benefits of my yoga practice.
I desperately wish there was a YouTube video of this amazing String Quartet playing this version of Coldplay’s song live… but there isn’t.
Please do yourself a favor, take a moment, close your eyes, and listen to their amazing rendition…
{Do Good // Charity: Water}
This wonderful non-profit makes being charitable easy!
“Instead of birthday presents, just ask your family and friends to donate to clean water projects for your big day.” They use 100% of the money you raise to build clean water projects around the world. How fantastic is that?
You can also donate to this worthy cause by purchasing products from their online store {click here}.
{Recipe // Nutella Cinnamon Rolls}
This recipe comes to us from one of our favorite blogs…. “A Beautiful Mess.”
Clearly, I have a thing for cinnamon rolls… I think I’ve already posted a few recipes of different variations!
Cinnamon rolls + nutella = pure heaven!!
A perfect addition to your weekend!
{Design // Serena & Lily}
In terms of decor, this company truly has “everything you need for a happy home!”
I have had my eye on these handcrafted storage baskets for several months!
They also come in two other colors: pink & natural.
I also love their rolling storage crates!
{Beauty // 10 Minute Loose Curls}
This tutorial {via: Pink Pistachio} is fantastic for those of you that have always admired loose curls on others, but haven’t had a clue on how to produce the look on yourself!
After watching her tutorial last year {an older version – – click here to view}, I was finally able to curl my stubborn, thick… auburn hair!
{Kids // Classroom Valentine’s}
Now is the time to start planning your classroom Valentine’s cards!
I actually purchased Sophia Blue’s from Tiny Prints last year. They were darling, and were much more personal since I was able to add her picture and customize the cards with fonts and colors of our liking. They have dozens to choose from that you can create with or without your child’s photo!
{Homemaking // Tidying up Your Kitchen}
From “The Kitchn” 15 of their best tips for keeping your kitchen clean, tidy and smell-free!
Think I am going to focus on a few of these this weekend!
{Fashion // The Perfect Shoes & Accessories}
You probably know by now that Anthropologie is our favorite store
{serious love}.
Here’s a pair of shoes, a necklace, and a wristlet that we are ga-ga over!
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{Wedding // a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Invites}
I can’t remember when I first found this incredibly talented artist, but it was some time ago. I am in awe of modern calligraphy which first drew me to her site, plurabelle. She is by far, one of the most gifted in this artform.
Recently, I went on her blog to see her most latest work. I came across these wedding invitations, which are more lovely… more detailed… and more charming, then any I have ever seen!
We hope that you all have a {lovely} weekend! xo
5 Favorite Cleaning Products
5 cleaning products worth your while……
Yes I know, totally relaxing topic……
Cleaning!
We all loathe it most of the time and
there is something that always needs to be cleaned.
It seems like a never ending chore.
As the comedian Phillis Diller said,
“Cleaning house while the kids are still growing,
is like shoveling snow while it’s still snowing.”
I know because I have one of these
+
A crazy one of these
Makes for a mess at times.
{yes we all do look quite innocent here, thanks Candace!}
So when I do have to roll up my sleeves and slap on a pair
of cleaning gloves, I tend to reach for these products.
These products allow me to keep my household as clean as possible,
while maintaining a healthy atmosphere.
All of these products for the most part are toxic free and
lack any harsh chemicals,
while also being Eco-friendly.
Here are my top 5 products listed below:
1. Method Glass and Surface Cleaner
This minty smelling cleaner works incredibly well with a lint free
microfiber cleaning cloth.
Keeps glass and surfaces streak free leaves behind a wonderful shine.
I use this on all of my windows and mirrors as well as
bathroom surfaces and fixtures.
2. The Bar Keeper’s Friend
I use the liquid form in all my sinks, toilets, and grout
in the bathrooms.
Its magical and non abrasive.
The Bar Keeper’s Friend works perfect as well
on silverware that has tarnished with
rust and are dulled by the dishwasher.
I use non abrasive recycled sponges such as
Scotch-Brite or Trader Joe’s Pop Up All Natural Sponges.
They work well with the Bar Keeper’s product as
they don’t scratch the surface you are working on.
They work perfectly in wiping up and cleaning the stove top too!
3. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap
Love love this dish soap.
I prefer the Geranium scent.
It is Eco-friendly and can be used as an all purpose soap.
Fill your sink with warm water and squeeze a few
drops of this magical potion, and your kitchen will
smell great as well as you will have sparkling dishes.
4. Method Daily Granite Cleaner
Great smelling and cleans up my messy kitchen counters.
Enough said!
5. Weiman’s Stainless Steel Cleaner
In my book there are zero substitutions for this product.
I have tried them all.
{Believe me I love stainless but can’t stand the kid finger prints}
So I favor quality and this is it!
It cleans all of the gunk as well as leaving the appliances
shiny and streak free.
Weiman’s makes this Mama happy!
But of course I can’t end this post with the one major piece of
equipment that is a must that helps to tie in all of these products.
A good vacuum cleaner!
I may be a bit swayed in this manner as I had
the incredible experience of both using this product
as well as being in an infomerical for
The Shark Rotator Lift Away
{ yes my film payment was the vacuum}
It is a fantastic piece of equipment.
It fits all of my families cleaning needs,
especially for us with having our dog, Lulu and
Shane’s allergies.
It cleans, rotates, and its suction is incredible.
Judge for yourself…….
{or maybe you have seen it late night on tv…wink}
