Showing posts with label cleaning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleaning. Show all posts

Monday, September 19, 2011

monday can be lovely

hi, friends.
how was your day{or how is it, so far}?
surprisingly, monday came in like a lamb and it has been rather productive and calm around here.
say what???
well, except when i {had to} yell at the kids{to keep working and stop running around} when i went downstairs to sweep the standing water.  oops.
they have radar, you know.
as soon as teacher steps away...the energetic kids will play.  :)

so, anyway, i have been really trying to focus on letting God rule my day.
after all, it is His to control, and life certainly goes smoother when i let Him take the cares, stresses, and burdens.

i wanted to share a few pictures of our {lovely} day.
not because of anything we did, all because of what He did.  :)


sharing{a teeny} morning coffee with the girls while the boys slept. 



i did some major cleaning this weekend, which inevitably leads to rearranging, 
which then leads to redecorating.  yay!
{except for the dusting part} ew.
here's a new school space we created in the dining room that is
much more functional {for me and the kids}
than the two new craigslist twin mattresses that had been laying against the same wall for weeks.
ahh...the girls room redo.  the project that never ends!  more on that later, though...
aren't those {thrift store} vintage flash cards adorable?
i'm also loving the string line that will serve as an ever changing art project display.


cutest little owl pillow i ever did see!
and my favorite dried lavender filled antique grain sack pillow. love!




jack officially deemed this area, 'his work station'.
no surprises here.  this kid is all business. :)


of course, by the end of school i was feeling crafty so we
elly whipped up some super sweet pinwheels out of vintage book pages.
love.
i'm pretty sure i'm going to have these everywhere!





i added them to the little banner we made last week from vintage hankies.
they were $.10 a piece at the thrift store and we just mini clothespinned{?}
them onto twine.
i love this, because i can change things out simply without having to sew or cut into precious fabric.
this is a big deal around here, because i have the attention span of a 2 year old when it comes to decorating.  
i love changing it up. :)

morning Bible reading favorite...
"...but with God all things are possible."
matthew 19:26b

i'm pretty sure that i cannot grasp the awesomeness of what this verse really is telling me,
but with His help, every day i will seek to find out.
if God says it, than it is truth! 
He really can do anything.
thank you so much for stopping by today.
i appreciate you.
:)

xo,

linking to 




Tuesday, April 5, 2011

My FUN weekend!

Hey, friends!  
It's Tuesday already!!!  I'm feeling totally unoriginal today, so I thought I'd share my weekend with you!  I spent ALL day yesterday cleaning, and organizing EVERY kitchen cupboard, my linen closet, and my 'junk' cupboard.  It literally took ALL day!
How was your weekend?  I had the opportunity to spend ALL day Saturday with my mom and sister.  We don't all get together very much because of our crazy lives, so it was SO MUCH FUN to spend the day together shopping, antiquing, EATING, and giggling.  

Here we are! Of course I forgot to bring my camera on Saturday(GAHHHH!), so this older photo will have to do!



Our first stop was at the antique show up in LaCrosse at Logan High School.  I LOVE ANTIQUES.  I love the history behind such simple objects and the stories that come with them.  I love the utilitarian pieces that were necessary for everyday life that I can treasure and still use again today.  I love the hunt, the friends I've made, and I love, love, love a bargain!  This show wasn't huge(which was a good thing), but I managed to come out with a treasure...


Isn't it fun?  I can think of LOTS of things to do with this beauty!  It's just what I needed(hahaha) for my spring decorating to take FULL swing!  :-) 

Our next stop was at a Spring gift and craft show(which is totally not my thing), but we had some good laughs there.  My sweet sister also bought me a new purse.  I love it!  

Then we headed to Holmen to check out some local shops there where I scored a SUPER COOL find!  A vintage stool for $10!!!!!  These babies sell at antique shows and shops for LOTS OF MONEY! SO, in typical Mary fashion, I snagged it quickly and loaded it into the back of my mom's smallish SUV.  I cannot WAIT to clean it up and poly it so I can bring it in.  It is still in the back of my car, so I'll post a pic of what it looks like until I can show you the before and afters.
This actually looks exactly like mine...I LOVE IT!  I love to mix industrial antiques with country pieces and of course modern, too.  I can't wait to glue, clean and finish it all up!

After an amazing lunch at Panera Bread(YUMMMMY!), we headed off to MY FAVORITE STORE OF ALL TIME(retail, that is).
Whoever came up with this store is BRILLIANT!

We spent HOURS meandering through all of the aisles and thousands of items that suit hundreds of individual tastes and personalities.  This is THE perfect store for us.  My mom, sister and I have pretty different taste when it comes to decorating and clothing.  This store fits us all!  My sister scored a pair of sweet ORANGEY/CORAL shoes(her LOVE), haha! She got several other things too, but I think the shoes took the cake!  NEVER attempt to open her shoe closet...we may never find you!  :-) 

My mom found a super cool garden planter...I wish I had a pic because it is SO cool!   She also found a VERY COOL cast iron tray with birds on it, and a BEAUTIFUL floral picture for her bathroom that my hubby just remodeled for them.  I am going to post pictures about that project later!  If you need a fantastic remodel, he's your man!  

I had some birthday money to burn from my sweet husband, so I dove into the day and spent every last penny of my birthday inheritance!  I have been totally inspired lately by so many creative people and ideas.  My mind just goes crazy with never ending visions and possibilities.  Having vision is not always a good thing.  lol  Seeing potential in things can be good, but when you see potential in almost everything, your garage can start looking like a storage unit(hence my HUGE garage sale this summer).  I have gotten pretty good(ok, that's a stretch) at buying things that have potential that I only absolutely LOVE and will use in my house.  I just don't have much time to 'redo' things right now and sell them like I used to.

Here are a few pics of my treasures from the day...


This European inspired metal basket with super cute fabric by my back entrance!  My mom bought me the 
dragonfly wind chime!  You can't see the dragonfly though...OOPS!  lol


Cute picture board that I haven't decided where to put yet!  I found the same one online for $15 MORE than TJ MAXX!  Love it!  Oh, yes, and my ALL TIME fave...ticking stripe towels on CLEARANCE for $2!!!


A cuuuute pillow for my bed made out of a gauzy/burlappy material!  I LOVE burlap!


Clearance fabric tablecloths that are going to make SUPER cute curtains for my bathroom(potential!)...


Ginger Brew for the road...EW!  is all I can say!!!  I love a lot of this company's soda, but this one won't make the cut, so it's fair game for any of you.  :-) 


Our favorite preserves...can't leave there without it!


And on Sunday, a dear friend brought me this HUGE ball jar full of pussy willows!  She sure knows me!
I am so blessed to have such great friends!


Notice the daffodils have opened!  

This was a totally unusual weekend for me, because I hardly ever go retail shopping!  My husband was so sweet to keep all of the kids while I went out and played for my birthday.  It was a truly special weekend!  All of the things that I was fortunate to get are just MAJOR added bonuses to how God provides for us everyday.  Not essentials, just extras. 
On Sunday, I taught my Kindergarten Sunday School Class on God's provision and how He cares for us(I hope they got something out of it, because I had some pretty peppy little fellas in there!).  lol  It was such a simple story, yet SO relevant to our lives everyday.  His promises are SURE. They are TRUE.  We can count on them!  It really encouraged me that no matter where we are in life, or how tricky things seem to get, God cares, and He has PROMISED to take care of us. 
Here are the verses we talked about...

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Matthew 6:26

"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Luke 12:27

God WILL take care of you!
I hope that you had a great weekend, too!




Friday, March 25, 2011

A Few of my Favorite Things!!!

Today I want to share with you some of my BEST FRIENDS...my CLEANING products!!!  :-)  If you read my previous post about my OCD, you will begin to understand!  
I LOVE to clean.  I love seeing sparkly sinks, clean floors, vacuum lines in carpet(weird, I know!), toys in their baskets and beds neatly made(to name a few).  :-)  To be completely honest, I have actually lightened up over the years(EEEK!).  Kids have a tendency to do that to you!  lol  Despite my efforts to keep things neat and in order ALL THE TIME, that is just not completely practical.  I need to get things not only clean, but FAST!  

Rabbit trail....
Last fall, my husband and I were introduced to Shaklee, the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S..  It was an immediate perfect fit for us!!!  We I had been on a journey searching out a lot of  answers to questions that I was having regarding nutrition, healthy cleaning, all natural beauty and healthy weight loss.  I was already supplementing(to the best of my knowledge which wasn't much), I was buying cleaning products from the local Food Co-op, I had FINALLY gone to the dermatologist to discuss my cystic adult acne(BAD IDEA), and I was a user of over the counter weight loss products!  When I was introduced to Shaklee, it was love at first listen!!!   :-) Their philosophy, 80,000 raw material tests/year, $250 million in research in development, published clinical studies, and commitment to their products was outstanding.  That was only the beginning!  Then we started using them...now there's NO turning back!  I can honestly say that EVERY SINGLE one of the products that we have used delivers EXACTLY what they say it will.   Nathan and I are totally blown away by the quality and guarantees that they deliver.  That is the ONLY reason that we are able to share Shaklee with others.  Bottom line: THEY WORK!  

Ok, back to my crazy cleaning!  Today is Friday and I get to go to my old 'home sweet home' because every other Friday, I clean for my wonderful parents.   It's an opportunity to give something back to them(I owe them SO much that I could NEVER repay!), and also an excuse for me to get out of the house. (heehee).  The kids and I usually make a stop at The  Food Co-op for some divine eats and visit some of the local shops that are in town.  I'm SUCH a sucker for homemade, vintage and one of a kind treasures.  I'm also addicted to thrifting!!!  LOVE IT!

I used to love cleaning with all of my chemicals.  I loved bleach, lysol, pine sol, comet, the works, etc... The problem is, they are FULL of toxic substances that are linked to TONS of health issues including cancer and major degenerative disease.  Read here about how less than 20% of the 80,000 chemicals registered with the EPA have actually been tested for toxicity!  Since I plan on being around for quite some time yet(LORD willing), I didn't like hearing that stay at home moms are at a 50% higher risk of getting cancer because they live in a toxic environment if they use these cleaners(that toxic environment being their home).  So, for me  it was out with the old...and in with the NEW!

My new found friends, or my Shaklee Get Clean products, have not only saved us a TON of money, they are totally safe, totally green and they totally work!  And when I say WORK, I mean it!  Things have to pass a pretty strict cleaning test to pass over here and I am constantly impressed with them.  I would NEVER buy a chemical again because I have no need for them!!!  My Organic Super Cleaner Basic H2, Germicide, and Scour off are my mainstays now.  I love them!!!  Can you tell???  lol  Did I mention they save me TONS of money?!?  :-) 

1 bottle of Basic H2equals the cleaning uses of 5,824 bottles of 26 oz. Windex.!!!!
Watch this video to learn how much $$$ you will save with Get Clean!  :-)

Clean Credentials
  • Nontoxic
  • Natural
  • Doubly concentrated
  • Biodegradable Surfactants

For all-purpose cleaning:
Add 1/4 tsp. to 16 oz. of water.
For windows and mirrors:
Add 1-2 drops to 16 oz. of water.   (ONLY DROPS!!!!)
For degreasing: 
Add 1 1/2 tsp. to 16 oz. of water. For bigger jobs, add 2 oz. to 1 gallon of water.


HERE ARE OTHER SUGGESTIONS……



HOUSEHOLD

General Cleaning: Use ½ teaspoon to quart of warm water. It cleans kitchen doors, woodwork, walls, ceilings, etc.
 
Appliances and Bathroom Fixtures: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. It leaves refrigerators odor-free and sanitary. Great for bathroom tile!

Windows, Mirrors, All Glass: Use 1 – 2 drops in 4oz spray bottle. Wipe dry with paper towel. Do not use a lot of Basic-H or glass will smear.

Dishes: Use ½ teaspoon in the dishpan. Fill dirty pans with water, add ½ teaspoon Basic-H2 and let stand to loosen stuck particles.

Automatic Dishwashers: Use Shakee Dishwasher Concentrate

Floors: Use 1 tablespoon to a gallon of cold water, wring mop and wipe up dirt. Leaves floor shining. Dusting: Squeeze sponge out of solution of ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. With almost dry sponge, wipe of dust, fingerprints, candy spots, etc. Or use spray bottle and clean cloth. Everything disappears from furniture, leaving wax finish beautifully bright and non-magnetic, making it unnecessary to dust as often.

Woolens, Silks, Nylons, All Fin Fabrics: Use ½ teaspoon to basin of water. For spots, apply a drop or two directly on the spot and press in with thumb. Immerse garment in cold water solution of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, let stand a few minutes, then rinse by squeezing water through and laying out to dry.
 
Spot Remover: Apply Basic-H2 directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub Basic-H2 into area. Wipe off with damp cloth or rinse in basin of water (Coffee, lipstick, ink, grass, etc).

Frying Vats: Use ½ cup to 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It dissipates stubborn crusts without damage to vats.

Concrete and Mortar Mix: Use ½ oz. to a gallon of water. Makes cement and mortar spread easier and smoother, set harder.

Knives: Use a few drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist and add as needed. Doesn’t clog stone, which is very important in sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.
 
Phonograph Records: Use same solution as for glass. Clean with soft, dry cloth. It leaves no residual magnetism.
Wallpaper: Excellent in removing wallpaper.

Diapers: Use ¼ teaspoon of Basic-H2 and 1 teaspoon of Basic-G to pail of water. It eliminates odors in the washroom when diapers must stand.

Fish Odors: Use ½ tablespoon per quart of water. Basic-H2 cleaning solutions work wonders around boats, docks and other “fishy” places.

Boat Algae: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water.

Spray Snow or Poster Paint on Windows: Remove it with ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water.
 
PERSONAL

Cleaning Hands: Put a few drops in palm. Rub thoroughly over both hands and add a little water. Continue with usual washing action. Add a touch more water as needed and rinse. Removes tobacco stains, onion and garlic odors. Variation – mix ¼ Basic-H2 and ½ water in a 4 oz squeeze bottle.
 
Gum: Use full strength to remove gum from skin or carpeting.
 
Shoe Cleaner: Use 1 drops on a wet cloth. It will not remove wax. Shine with dry cloth.

AUTOMOTIVE

Washing: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water. Wash small area at a time, and hose off. Wiping dry is not necessary. Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing. Bugs and road grime float away.
 
Engines: Use ½ oz to one gallon water to clean engine. It will not affect paint, gaskets or insulating material. Best results can be achieved when the engine is hot for fastest drying of the ignition system.

Battery Terminals: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Spray on battery terminals, let soak for 2 minutes and clean with wire brush. Use full strength Basic-h on battery terminals to avoid corrosion or galvanic action. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Air Filters: Use ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water. Air filters are cleaned with excellent results, leaving them free of dirt, oil, or chemical residue.

House Plants: Use a few drops in water. Water plants and they will flourish. Use to wipe down leaves also.
Outside Windows: Use ½ teaspoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on windows and screens.

Humidifiers: Use 1 or 2 drops in water to help prevent rust and scum.

Water Soluble Gum Tape: Use 2 to 3 drops in a 16 oz spray bottle, or tape dispenser with water tank.

ACCESSORIES

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Fill toilet tank dispenser with Basic-H2. Place in toilet tank. It will automatically release a measured amount of Basic-H2 when you flush, to keep toilet bowl clean for months.

Ironing: A few drops in steam iron will keep the jets and interior clean.

Plumbing: Will keep pipes open and clean when used regularly. It emulsifies grease and can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.

I even use it to wash my fruits and vegetables because it removes any pesticides!  YAY!


Basic G(Germicide) will deodorize bathroom areas, garbage cans and other areas where bacterial growth can cause unpleasant odors. Basic-G is concentrated for economy.
      
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!!

  • Basic-H2 is the most economical cleaner you can buy. One quart makes 192 gallons of cleaning solution by following directions.
  • Do Not Use More Than Recommended. A little goes a long way! Save $$!
  • Basic-H2 contains no acids, no alkalis, no kerosene or solvent, and has no offensive or detergent odor.
  • Basic-H2 has pH factor of 6.5, right in the range of human skin.
  • Basic-H2 makes water many times wetter.
  • Basic-H2 is a fantastically versatile cleaner. The successor is soap!
  • Basic-H2 does not hinder bacterial action of septic tanks or cesspools.
  • DO NOT put fingers or foreign matter into Basic-H2 container. Large amounts of bacteria can cause degrading action and weaken your cleaner. 
  • In extremely stubborn areas of grease or stains, use Shaklee's Scour Off  scouring cleaner.  It's made out of ground cherry pits!


WHOA!  That got REALLY long, but it is so important to show what this stuff can do!   Now you know why I love my cleaners.  lol  
Happy FRIDAY!!!

Mary  :-) 



   "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24