Tag: cleaning

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Fun Ways to Organize

Spring Cleaning

Hello all! Happy Wednesday!

The days are getting longer, the sun is setting later, and we are having more days that are warmer rather than freezingā€¦thereā€™s nothing quite like spring.Ā I can hardly wait for next month!

Ever since the start of the new year I have been in cleaning and organizing mode. From closets, to cabinets, under beds and all around the house. I tossed and donated A LOT! I first blamed it on being coped up in the winter and wanting to get things tidied up after the holidays. Then I said I was getting my spring cleaning out of the way. Once I started, I couldnā€™t stop. The one thing I didnā€™t do was take any before or after picturesā€¦blogger fail. So I apologize for the lack or pictures in this post.

If you are on the fence about doing some spring cleaning or need that extra push to get it done, I hope this post serves as that motivation.

Hereā€™s some tips and tricks for spring cleaning:

  • Start small
    • It can get overwhelming to start cleaning and organizing. Donā€™t get too stressed out about the mess or clutter, instead break it up. Start with a closet one afternoon or cabinets one night.Ā Ā For example, I did my closet on Sunday after work, then the following week, I worked on organizing shoes and donating ones that didnā€™t fit. The following week, I went through my drawers. I broke it up when I had the time and I worked on small areas. I had a sense of accomplishment at the end of each task but wasnā€™t burnt out after a mass undertaking of non-stop cleaning.
  • Make a List
    • If you canā€™t get to everything in one day or even one month, keep a running list of things of things you want to tackle. Sometimes I would be going about my day and would see a cabinet that needs organized or tidied up, if I didnā€™t have the time to tackle that in that moment, I jotted it down to clean it out when I had the time. I had a list to refer to when I had time to clean or organize and then it was always good to see how far you have come with organizing.
  • Use It or Lose it Rule
    • This is a question I ask myself if Iā€™m on the fence about getting rid of something. There are some things I know can be an easy decision to donate or toss. But then thereā€™s the other things that may be harder to decide to donate or keep. The first question I ask myself is ā€œHave I used or worn this in the past year?ā€, yes, the pandemic makes it tricky, but if I have used or worn it then I keep, if I havenā€™t then I reconsider. The second question I ask myself is “If I keep it, will I use it within the next few months?”, if the answer is yes, then I keep it and I do my best to use or wear it. This is another way to make sure you are using or wearing what you have.
  • Donā€™t buy organizational tools while you are in the thick of it.
    • This is easier said than done. It can be easy to be cleaning something and then think, ā€œI need to buy a new bin or desk organizer”. Hold off on buying a new tool or item, instead see what you must use. For example, for the longest time, I thought I needed a new jewelry box. I hunted for one for a while, but kept coming up empty handed. I went through my jewelry and ended up getting rid of things that were broken or I hadnā€™t worn and was able to reorganize my jewelry and turns out I didnā€™t need a new jewelry box. Thatā€™s another benefit of cleaning or reorganizing, you find new purposes for old things.

Those are just a few ideas or tips when it comes to spring cleaning. I have spent a lot of time over the past few months cleaning, tidying and reorganizing and it has been so nice to see more clean and empty spaces around my house and room. For those who enjoy spring cleaning and organizing, what are your top tips for cleaning? Drop them below!

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Currently

Currently #25

Hey gang!

Happy Wednesday!

How was your first month of 2022? For me, this month seemed to drag. I got a lot done at the beginning of the month as I got back into my routines and rhythms after the holidays. But then came the snow and the cold and high Covid cases, so I really hunkered down. Iā€™m looking forward to the warmer days and lower case numbers but until then, Iā€™m making the most of warm days inside, cozy clothes and trying to get fresh air and go on walks when I can. 

Hereā€™s a look into the first month of 2022!

What Iā€™m up to: I have been doing lots of cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. This month has been all about organizing my life mentally and physically. Iā€™ve been using my planner more for short and long term thoughts and projects. I have also been cleaning out closets, cars, drawers, and more getting things refreshed for the new year. I even have been making trips to donate things which makes me feel great. Besides cleaning, Iā€™ve been all about getting back into routines from last year and adding some new habits in my daily life.

I’ve also been doing a lot of baking to cope with the cold days.

What Iā€™m wearing:  It has been cold here. Temperatures in the single digits with lots of wind. For work, it has been lots of pants and warm sweaters or blouses and blazers since you never know where you may end up. Plus, you can never have too many layers. For my off-days, I have been enjoying leggings, boots, big sweaters, and heavy coats for running around or just hanging around the house.

What Iā€™m reading:Ā Ā New year, new books! I started Januray off by reading an inside look at Greyā€™s Anatomy. As an avid fan of the show, I loved this book and found it super interesting. Then I also read, this book about home design and styling. Another fabulous read that will give you lots of inspiration for interior and exterior design.Ā 

What Iā€™m Watching: I have been enjoying the return of This is Us especially since its in its final season. I also really have been loving Tidying up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. I know I am late to the party but I love it.

What Iā€™m Loving: I love the fresh start of the new year. We have seen a lot of snow fall and thereā€™s nothing better than enjoying a warm drink like tea or hot coco and having a smooth start to the day. I have also been enjoying lighting the fire place at the end of a long day. 

Nothing better than a cozy morning and a warm drink

What Inspires Me: I am always inspired my setting New Yearā€™s Resolutions and Goals. I am inspired by fresh starts and new beginnings. Thereā€™s no better feeling than lighting a new candle, a clean desk and fresh planner to kick off the new year. I also am excited to get back into my new routines and establish some new ones too. 

I went on a coffee date with a friend and loved the wallpaper. So cute!

What I accomplished: I had a very successful Christmas with my immediate family and I got to see some extended family too. I got enjoy some family time and do some activities too. Although, I  had to work, Iā€™m still very grateful that I got to see my family and still carry on holiday traditions. 

Going skiing with my family was a fun activity over Christmas
We also went to see the Van Gogh exhibit around Christmas. It was so beautiful and interesting.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month This past month was all about starting the year on the right foot and I did that. I was thrilled to get my new Simplified planner all set up. I also started my new yearā€™s goals and resolutions which Iā€™m very pleased with how they are going. Itā€™s those little things every day that make a huge difference. I canā€™t wait to see what this year has in store an how I can learn and grow.

New year, new planner set-up.

Goals for the New Month:  Next month, I want to do my best to get outside more, especially for walks when I can. My friend Sydney gave me the idea to schedule time for ā€œMe Datesā€, essentially itā€™s about carving out time to do something for you, whether itā€™s going to a coffee shop to read a book, taking yourself to a movie or going for a solo walk, itā€™s all about taking time for yourself. I want to make that a priotity for myself this year. I also am looking forward to celebrating love with Valentineā€™s Day next month.

Thatā€™s a look into my life today. How has 2022 been treating you?

Categories
Fun Ways to Organize

Keeping You Car Clean and Organized

Hey guys! 

Happy Wednesday!

I hope your weeks are off to a great start and you are staying healthy and warm, especially if you are living in a chilly place like myself. 

After all the Christmas and New Years celebrations are over, I always love to reset for the month of January. I think its a great time to get organized, do some deep cleaning, maybe even get rid of things you may not need, and start on some new goals for the year.

I’ve been doing pretty well with my resolutions which is always a good feeling. 

For many people, a goal for the new year may be to keep spaces clean or get things organized, whether it’s a specific room in your home, your workspace in the office, or your car.

While I wish I could offer advice for cleaning and organizing all these areas, you would be reading this post for the next day, but I can offer you some tips for cleaning specific areas. 

Today, we are talking about to keep your car clean and organized. 

Must-Haves

Here’s my must haves for your car (these can be kept in your trunk or in the back of your car):

-Emergency kit for cars or first aid

-Blanket

-Water 

-Non-perishable snacks (nuts or crackers-filling and something that lasts long)

-Change of seasonal clothes (in case of emergency or you get stuck and are in need of a quick change)

-Jumper Cables

*all of these can be put in the trunk or back of the car*

Here’s a look at what I keep in the trunk of my car.

-Cell phone charger

-Important Car Documents

-Hand Sanitizer or Wipes

-Extra masks (in today’s day and age, it’s a must)

*these can go in your glove compartment or center console*

Here’s what I keep in my center console.

Other things that I keep in my car that aren’t musts but are useful to have:

-Body spray/perfume/cologne (depending on girls or guys, I always have travel bottle of body spray in my car whenever you need a quick refresher)

– Towel (for rain storms, messes or a quick clean-up)

– Go-to toiletry bag (this is just any must-haves you may need in a pinch (for girls- hair tie, chapstick, contact solution, tissues, gum, anything you may think you could need in an emergency)

-Recyclable bags (these are helpful for trash or any wet towels or clothes)

I always have go bag and boots if I ever need it for work in my trunk too. (I have storage below where I keep emergency things)

Keeping it Clean

Once a week I do a quick car clean. I use a Clorox wipe to clean off the high touch point areas like the handles, the wheel, and the controls. I use a leather wipe to clean the seats and headsets.

I got a mini car vacuum for Christmas (yes, you know you are old when you get excited about getting a vacuum for a gift) and I like to use that for quick cleaning.

This mini vacuum is definitely a new favorite for me!

Now, for a more extensive cleaning, I turned to an expert in car cleaning, someone who taught me everything I know about cleaning, my boyfriend, Ethan. He helped me write the second half of this post!

“Routine car detailing doesnā€™t have to be hard, time consuming or expensive. With the right mix of affordable products and a little bit of know-how, keeping a car in top-notch condition is a relatively simple task.

Exterior Cleaning

The first step is to clean your car. Start with the outside, and rinsed the vehicle. Then, using a dedicated car wash soap that you can buy at any auto store, fill one bucket with soapy water according to the instructions on your soap. Fill a second bucket with clean water. Then, using a microfiber washing mitt or cloth, liberally cover the car in soapy water. As you wash, make sure to rinse the mitt periodically in the clear bucket.

After thoroughly washing the car from top to bottom, rinse it off with a hose and dry it with a microfiber drying product like a towel or cloth.

Interior Cleaning

Then, move to the inside, and when it comes to car detailing, if you can only do one thing, vacuum. Vacuuming will make the biggest difference in the appearance of your car, and itā€™s fairly quick to do. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum every interior surface including seats floors and floor mats. Make sure to remove the mats and vacuum beneath them.

After a very thorough vacuuming, itā€™s time to zero in. If your mats have not been cleaned in a long time, use a cleaning product like Tuff Stuff. Itā€™s an aerosol spray, and it works wonders lifting out dirt. Itā€™s also super versatile and can be used on most surfaces in your car. Best of all, itā€™s affordable. Handle the mats with tuff stuff and a stiff-bristled brush, mixed with some elbow grease. Wipe them dry with a microfiber towel, and then vacuum again. On your carā€™s interior, I like a two-in-one clean and shine. Unless your car is especially grimy, this will clean and polish in one step. If your car is beyond belief, use tuff stuff to blast away dirt, and then apply the polish with a microfiber towel. Cloth seats can be cleaned with tuff stuff, and leather ones need a dedicated leather cleaner. 

Finally, clean the windows, but DO NOT USE WINDEX. It can ruin the tint. Use a dedicated car window product, and make sure to roll the windows down to get the tops. 

When youā€™re done, stand back and admire your work. 

For emergencies, I always keep a few microfiber towels in my trunk. That way, I can touch-up my interior in a moment, and if I spill something, I have a super absorbent towel ready to limit the damage.”

So there you have it, some tips on how to keep your car clean and organized and some must-haves. Iā€™m by no means an expert but I hope this helped you with some ideas on how to get started when cleaning your car can seem like a daunting task.

Happy cleaning!

Categories
Fabulous living

Keeping Your Small Space Clean and Organized

Hey guys!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start! I canā€™t believe how fast time is going. I only have a few more weeks left in my LAST spring semester of college! Where has the time gone?? During my time in college, one of my favorite things and one of the biggest ways I have changed is by living on my own and being independent.

During my freshmen year, I had a roommate (my first time sharing a room), and I couldnā€™t have asked for a better roommate experience. My roomie and I are still best friends.

Remember my sweet friend, Danielle? Yes, we were roommate freshmen year and are still close, if not closer, we see each other multiple times each week. During my first year of college, I got a taste of what itā€™s like to live with someone new and have your own space, that is not home.

We met during Freshmen Orientation, and have been besties since, we have been through the highs and lows of life together

During my sophomore year, I lived alone, and I gained more independence by having a room to myself and being in control of the space.

In my junior year, not only did I still have my own room, but I got my own bathroom as well. Junior year has been the best year for me for many reasons, but having my own room and bathroom has been the absolute best.Ā 

Today, I am sharing how to keep a small space cleaned and organized. I will probably update this post once I graduate but for now, here are the top things you should have in your space! Iā€™m a girl who works best with a routine, this year I made Friday morning my ā€œhouse keepingā€ day, basically I go to the gym, do my wash, change my sheets, clean my room etc. I like to keep it consistent by doing it at the same time every week and itā€™s fresh for the weekend. Here are my tips for keeping your space clean and things to have in your room.

  • Clorox wipes (Itā€™s no secret, I am a neat freak, so you better believe I always have Clorox wipes to clean my room. I am also a schedule person, so every week I set aside time to clean my bedroom, bathroom and get wash done so I am living in a clean space. Itā€™s amazing how fresh your space can feel when you wipe it down with a Clorox wipe, it gets rid of germs and keeps your space smelling clean.)
Top of my list for making sure your dorm stays clean
  • Pledge wipes (Another major must have. Itā€™s amazing how much dust can collect in a small dorm space or apartment. After I clean off my surfaces with Clorox wipes, I use a pledge wipe or two to get all the remaining dust off. Pledge wipes are also great for cleaning off devices, itā€™s crazy how much germs and smudges can be found on laptops, tablets, and cell phones.)
I love how these work on multiple surfaces and devices too!
  • Small Bissell vacuum (I got a small Bissell vacuum this past year and it has been a game changer. It is super light weight, easy to store and it makes cleaning go by much faster. Itā€™s amazing how much traffic our rooms get with people in and out, giving your floor a quick clean will make you feel much better in the end.)
Game Changer for this year, it’s amazing how much dirt and dust can be found on the ground
  • Command hooks (Not a cleaning item, I know. But Command hooks are a must in college dorm, although they can get expensive, you donā€™t want your favorite posters, pictures, and dorm dĆ©cor falling down. I have command hooks everywhere in my room, they are easy to put on and leave no marks when you take them down.
Any college student can relate to how important these are to a dorm room, decorating and making the space your own has never been so easy!
  • Reusable Containers, Silverware, and Water Bottles (Again, not a cleaning item, but it is so good to use plastic or glass dishware, it helps save the environment from all the trash build up and it saves money. If you invest in a few good water bottles, or dishes and silverware you are saving money from spending it on plastic silverware and cases of water.)
Saving the environment and keeping things classy in college

After living in a college dorm for the past few years, these items have worked best for me and werenā€™t necessarily on my packing list of things to bring but rather as I have lived on my own, I have realized they were necessary. What items have you found are most helpful when it comes to living on your own? Share them in the comments below! Have a great week ahead!