Archive for 2009
Easy Tips for a Clean Home
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be something you dread. If you keep on top of messes as they happen, most homes can survive on a thorough cleaning just once or twice a month, giving you more time to enjoy your living space. A few tips can make cleaning easier and more satisfying.
1. Do it when the mood strikes. My husband gets really annoyed when I clean at 2am, but I know it’s better to get it all handled when I feel like doing it than to force it later. Clean everything in sight when you truly want to do it, and just lightly maintain and pick up after yourself the rest of the time.
2. Clean just before your shower. This works sort of like magic, where you clean and clean, hop into the shower exhausted, and pop out into a freshly cleaned home. You’ll do a better job tackling messes when you aren’t concerned with messing up your looks, and your hot shower will feel like a steamy reward. For extra satisfaction, throw in a workout before or after the clean fest.
3. Reuse cleaning wipes. I used to feel guilty using pre-moistened wipes for cleaning, as it seemed really wasteful, but I found that even the store brand cleaning wipes can be rinsed and used several times. One wipe can be folded over a few times to clean your counters, and then rinsed under the faucet and used to wipe down your sink. Disposable cleaning wipes are also the best way to clean inside microwaves. For extra cleaning power, use wipes with a citrus or vinegar cleaning spray.
4. Rearrange your space. Not only will this expose hidden messes under furniture, it serves as a huge motivator. When you are excited about your space, you’ll enjoy taking care of it, and chores will seem less monotonous.
5. Reward yourself with scents & ambiance. When you’re finally finished getting everything clean, light a few candles or oils for aromatherapy. Your favorite scents can chase away cleaning smells and signal your brain to relax.
Pet Head: Only For Cool Dogs!
Even though I knew I loved the Bed Head
The Feelin’ Frosty Sugar Cookie Magical Deodorizing Spray is even better. Although Rufio spends the majority of time inside, sometimes a quick walk in the rain is all it takes for him to start smelling a little foul. Pet Head’s Deodorizing Spray doesn’t just cover up smells like other dog sprays we’ve used, but actually neutralizes while oatmeal and aloe vera soothe the skin. The coat is conditioned by tea tree oil, and the overall result is a happy dog who smells like a dessert.
Pet Head also sell pet-safe color dyes for those of you who dream of pink or blue tails and paws. Get the latest at Cool Dog News.
New Blog: Keywords
Blog posts coming soon!
LOTD: Posh Pants Sequined Shorts
A couple months ago I was lucky enough to win these high-waisted sequin shorts from Posh Pants. (For those of you wary of entering contests, I enter a lot of online giveaways, and I win a lot too. Most entries only take a couple minutes, and the prizes can be well worth it.) I’ve been dying to wear them, and this week I finally bought some new ribbed tights to pair them with. Despite the freezing weather, I decided to wear my newly acquired hot pants to a night in with friends yesterday. Although my husband (and apparently my dog) thought I looked a bit ridic, my friends loved my look, and I was totally comfy all evening.
Sequined hot pants: Posh Pants
Black tank: Express
Leather blazer: Punky
Grey ribbed tights: Fred Meyer
Ankle boots: Anne Michelle stiletto booties, thrifted; Steve Madden, thrifted
I tried both pairs of booties, but ended up going with the black Steve Madden ankle boots, right. We ended up spending the night with steaks and red wine, watching Girls Just Wanna Have Fun on VHS. Although I love SJP’s wardrobe in the movie, we decided that I would definitely be Helen Hunt’s character. 
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