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? 

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{weekend} lovelies

Happy Weekend!

Here are some of our favorite finds with focus on keeping things simple {natural, holistic, organic, earthy…. or whatever you’d like to call it}!

We hope that you are able to delve into the articles & videos, find something that makes you think, & hopefully smile!

Enjoy! {xo}

 

Earthling Month // Whole Foods

I am loving this Earthling Month movement by Whole Foods Market! What is an Earthling, you ask? “Earthlings are people that care about the world around them. Every day during Earth Month, we’re exploring the moments that make us more than human. See what other Earthlings are doing, learn something new, and add a moment of your own via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.”

What do you do in your home to teach your children about caring for our beautiful planet? We are going to do a small vegetable garden in pots on our porch soon… and are hoping to spend lots of summer days spent rummaging through our local farmer’s markets. We are trying hard to not eat things with labels, and instead… making whole, fresh foods at home. 

 

 

 

Living with Less. A Lot Less. // NY Times

The title of this NY Times article speaks for itself. I wish everyone would read this and really take it to heart… Our family is in the process of making some big changes in a quest to simplify our lives which I talked about {here}. What’s your reaction to this piece?

 

 

 

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{weekend} lovelies

We are finishing off our very first baby week with this edition of

{weekend} lovelies!

Dreaming of a time when you will become pregnant…

learning that you are expecting…

being in the midst of pregnancy…

birthing your baby…

and holding, feeding, cuddling & kissing your newborn

{for the very first time}

are some of the most amazing, memorable & joyous times

in our lives as women!

We hope you enjoyed our baby week

and that you find the following information & links helpful!

Have a …..lovely….. weekend!

xo

 

{Healthy Pregnancy Snacks // FitPregnancy}

From homemade granola bars to ice pops & veggie dips…

there’s lots of healthful variety here!

 

{Sleep Tips During Pregnancy // Dr. Oz for FitPregnancy}

Any woman who has experienced pregnancy

knows that there are almost always sleep issues involved…

especially in the final months when your tummy is big and your bladder seems small!

Supposedly it’s nature’s way of preparing you for the sleepless nights ahead once your baby is born.

Here are some tips from Dr. Oz on getting some much needed zzz’s!

 

 

{Printable Birth Plan // The Bump}

A great tool to stimulate conversation with your significant other

and to gather your own thoughts in regards to your wishes for the birthing process.

This is important to complete and then review with your doctor or midwife.

Note: this is pretty detailed, so all of these options may not be offered to you.

 

 

{A Simple Mantra // The Keep Calm-o-Matic}

 Or… perhaps you’d rather keep things simple,

forget the comprehensive birth plan… and go with the flow?

This is pretty much how I handled my fourth delivery…

no drugs, no midwife….

just Husby, a couple nurses, my way too handsome doctor, and a hockey game in the background…

unforgettable…

 

{Shrink, Tighten, Control // Belly Bandit}

Looking for a post-partum compression wrap?

I whole-heartedly recommend the one made of Bamboo!

It is their softest material & is comfortable while still being supportive.

Make sure you read their sizing tips before purchasing!

 

 

 {Timeline for the Breastfed Baby // The Alpha Parent}

This is my favorite link of the week!

A thorough timeline that every breastfeeding new mom should read & bookmark!

 

 

 

{DIY Modern Nursing Shawl // The Coterie Blog}

This darling shawl appears to be super easy to make

{this would also make a great gift}!

You need 1 yard of knit fabric, and it only requires you to sew one line!

It’s cute and functional!

It even covers your back, unlike most that you purchase!

 

 

 

{After Baby Workouts // Knocked-up Fitness}

Our friend, Erica Ziel, of Knocked-up Fitness recently released her new AFTER BABY Workouts!

You can also go on her site to view her YouTube fitness videos!

See our post of her Pilates-Infused Fitness for expectant mamas {here}!

 

 

 

{Postpartum Intimacy // Giving Birth with Confidence}

Experts from FitPregnancy give the real scoop on what’s really going on

“down there”

and answer questions about intimacy after baby!

 

 

{Tips for Photographing Your Baby // Click it up a Notch}

10 really helpful tips for photographing your baby!

These pointers are realistic and easy enough to do

for the average mom or dad behind the camera!

 

 

{Additional Reading Material we Recommend}

Difference Between Baby Blues & Depression

Helping Your Older Kids Adjust to the New Baby

Baby Milestones >> 10 Basic Developmental Skills & Timeline