Hello hello! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are weekās are going well. I donāt know about you, but Iām SO ready for spring. We had a 70 degree Sunday last week and it was absolutely beautiful. I got out for a walk with no snow on the ground and got to soak up some sunshine. Even that taste of sunshine has me craving spring even more.
I always love my routines and rhythms, but I always like to try new things. Today Iām sharing five things Iāve been loving. They are a mix of products, snacks, make up, and fun things.
Simplified Wellness Journal (one of my New Yearās resolutions this year was to focus more on my well-being and health and wellness. In addition to working out, Iām putting more emphasis on eating right, getting enough sleep and making sure Iām more well-rounded for my physical and mental health). The Simplified journal helps keep everything organized and help you track your workouts, how much water you drink, what you are eating and how you are taking care of yourself. If you are looking to put wellness first, this is a great resource, but you can easily keep track of your fitness and health goals in a regular notebook or journal.
I use my Wellness Journal every day
And a look at the inside
For makeup lovers: Since I wear a lot of makeup for my job, I stick with what I know and what works for me. However, I do like to change it up and try new things. I got this lipstick from Covergirl at Target and I love the dark pink color, Itās long lasting and I love how it goes on.
My new favorite color
For snacks: I always like to try different snacks and trail mixes. I saw this smores bark from Target and thought it looked fun and tasty and boy was I correct. I love anything with chocolate and the crunch of the graham crackers, the only problem is you want to be careful not to eat them all in one sitting. Haha!
A tasty favorite!!!
For technology lovers: Last week I did a post about my Apple Watch and what I loved about it. Since I wear it all the time even at work I purchased a few bands to switch out for dressier occasions. I bought a gold and a silver band that really dresses up the watch.
A look at the gold watch band.
A look at the silver band.
For shoe lovers: I love a good heel and since I wear them all the day, I love a sturdy heel too. I have been searching for years for a blue heel. I wear a lot of blue, from dresses, to pants and skirts. I have been searching for a blue heel for years and I finally found a pair at DSW. Here they are! They are very comfortable, sturdy and affordable. They also have them in different colors if you want to change out the colors.
Thatās just a few things Iām loving right now. Definitely a mix of fun things and affordable too. What are some things you are loving right now?
Happy Wednesday! I’ve held off on this post for a while but I’m excited to share it with you today.
I always love reading people’s different reviews of products. Whenever, I’m on the fence about buying a product reading someone’s review always gives me the push or pull into getting a product.Ā I’ve always been a HUGE fan of fitness trackers, especially Fit Bit. You can read my past Fit Bit reviews here and here.
For Christmas I got an Apple Watch and while it took a little bit of getting used and trying it out, I’m excited to share my review with you today!
My new Apple Watch SE.
A few notes, this post is not sponsored at all, this is just my own thoughts and opinions on Apple Watch.
It took a little bit of getting used to compared to my Fit Bit Versa Lite (the set-up, the notifications and the look) but once I did , I automatically fell in love with it.
For my job, I’m always on my phone, so having my calls, texts, emails, and social media all synced to my watch is huge!
I love that I can see who’s calling or texting me from my watch without picking up my phone.Ā The Fit Bit Versa Lite had these features too, butĀ I like how on the Apple Watch you can read the full text message and not just the preview compared to the Fit Bit Versa Lite. You can also respond to texts through Siri or microphone or by writing a message out. I typically donāt respond to too many texts unless itās a one-word or short response that I can quickly type or speak using Siri.
With the Fit Bit Versa Lite you can see when someone is calling you, but on the Apple Watch SE you can answer calls from it as well. I also like how you can get way more notifications from different apps. I can see when I get notifications from social media, to emails, calendars and emails.
I am always using my Apple Watch to set timers or alarms. I also use Siri a lot more on my Apple Watch compared to my phone. I also can get a quick check of the weather without going on my phone. Major wins for me!
Besides work, I really enjoy working out. I try to workout at least five days a week if not more. I use my Apple Watch to track my work out sessions, track how many calories Iāve burned, see how many steps Iāve gotten and see how long Iāve stood. There’s different programs you can start tracking when you workout from yoga to walking, running or lifting weights. Closing my rings is always a highlight of my day.Ā
If you have been following for a while, you know how I have started to incorporate mindfulness and meditation in my daily routines. One of the apps on my Apple Watch tracks Mindfulness, another favorite! I practice Mindfulness at the start and end of every day.
Now that I have raved about the Apple Watch, hereās a few things that I have noticed that I donāt love about it.
The battery goes faster on the Apple Watch compared to the Fit Bit Versa Lite. If I start the day with 80 percent by the end of a 12 hour day, itās around 30 percent. It makes sense since Iām using it constantly and since I sleep with It on at night, but it still go faster than the Fit Bit. I typically charge it when Iām showering at night or when Iām sitting down or doing my hair in the morning.
You also need a specific charger and charger block for the Apple Watch, so thatās something else you should be aware of.
The other thing that makes it questionable is the price, or more accurately is it worth it? In my opinion ā¦yes! Since I use it for multiple reasons, all day every day. It’s definitely worth it. But if you are on the fence about investing, I would suggest maybe starting with a Fit Bit and working you way up to an Apple Watch, just a suggestion.Ā
The pros outweigh the cons but A LOT! Overall, I am thrilled with my Apple Watch and I use it all day, every day! In next weekās post, Iāll be sharing some of my favorite accessories. Until then, if you have an Apple Watch, what are your thoughts on it? Let me know!
Although we are getting closer and closer to spring it still feels very much like winter with cold temperatures and snow and rain and sleet. But fingers crossed we see more sunshine and temperatures above 50 in our near future.
At least the snow is pretty.
One of my resolutions for 2022 was to have monthly “Me Dates”. My friend Sydney gave me the idea of carving out special time for yourself every month to do something fun or pamper yourself, outside of our daily routines. You donāt have to spend a ton of money to enjoy some time for yourself, but thereās nothing wrong with a little splurge every once in a while.Ā Ā No matter if you are college student, working professional or stressed out mom or dad, we all could you use some extra time for ourselves outside of work and household responsibilities.
The year is still early so I havenāt had too many āMe Datesā yet, but my goal is to have them once a month. In February, I had a spa night at home with a facial and watching my favorite show and doing my nails. It was only 45 minutes but so worth it and something different in my daily routine.
If you want to try this for yourself, hereās a few ideas of āMe Datesā, some are inexpensive, others are a special treat.
A Book DateĀ
Grab a book, whether itās one youāve had on your shelf for months, one from the library or browse your favorite local book shop for a new read. Then head to a coffee shop and enjoy your read with a warm drink. It doesnāt have to be a pricey date, but itās a good way to get out of the house and change up your scenery and get lost in a different world.
A Pampering DayĀ
This one can be completely free or something you spend some extra money on. You can have a quiet night in with a bath, face mask, and doing your nails for a stay-at-home self-care night. This is a nice way to relax and unwind at home without spending money. If you are looking to splurge or have a big event coming up, getting your nails done at a nail salon would be a fun way to pamper yourself and while getting ready for something fun.
Movie dateĀ
This is a very easy me-date that gets you out of the house and allows you to escape the stressors of the world and dive into a new one, even if itās only for a few hours. Plus, if you are nervous about being out and about by yourself, itās a lot less nerve racking when you head to a movie and it doesnāt matter if you are with a group of ten or by yourself.Ā
Spending time on a hobby
During the pandemic, a lot of people picked up on new hobbies and activities while being quarantined, once things got back to normal, our lives got busy, and we may have let them fall to the wayside. By giving yourself permission to enjoy that hobby, even if its for 30 minutes every week or month, it lets you get in touch with your creative side.
Getting Outside for a Walk
Even with the cold weather, getting some exercise and fresh air are huge game changers. Whether itās for a walk while you listen to some music or a podcast or you head out for a long run, getting out allows you to clear your mind and gets your endorphins flowing too.
Table for One
If you really want to be bold and step out of your comfort zone, head out to get a meal by yourself. You can head to your go-to restaurant or try a new place in town. Ask for a table for one and bring a book to read or just enjoy some quite time savoring a tasty meal.
Happy Wednesday. We are at the end of another month, I donāt know about you, but February has flown by for me. The good news is that we are slowly but surely, making our way through winter and springtime is getting closer too. Hereās a look at what Iāve been up to this past month.
What Iām up to: Outside of work, Iāve been enjoying time at home, staying cozy and doing lots of cooking, from soups, and baking cookies for Valentineās Day. I enjoyed watching the Super Bowl with family and celebrating Valentineās Day. This past month has been a mix of a little bit of everything.
I made homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.
I also made homemade Margarita Chicken Soup from one of my favorite bloggers, Mix and Match Mama!
What Iām wearing: All. The. Layers. It has been cold, so I have been wearing lots of long sleeve dresses for work or blazers with pants. On days off, Iāve been going for more of the comfortable route with leggings or jeans and then sweaters. Hereās a simple look I wore around Valentineās Day, I kept it simple with black leggings and a baggy sweater, both from Aerie. I kept my jewelry also simple, wearing pink earrings and delicate necklace and pink bow to tie it all together.
Staying cozy and inside most of the month of February.
What Iām reading: I finished Beach Read by Emily Henry at the end of January, it was a fun read to take my mind off of snow and onto summery days. Iām currently re-reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and I love reading it again. I am always finding new things that I missed when Iāve read it in the past.
What Iām Watching: All of the Olympics. I love that thereās something always on to watch. Even if itās for a few minutes, you can find a new sport to get excited about. Iāve also been watching Downton Abbey and Iāve been loving it. Itās so easy to get lost in the show and watch episode to episode. I just started season 2 and Iām obsessed.
What Inspires Me: Iāve been inspired by doing my baking and cooking at home. I did a lot of cooking at the start of 2021 and I want to get back into more cooking and trying new recipes this year.
Baking cookies for the holidays was a bright spot this past month.
What I accomplished: Iāve really enjoying the slow and steady month. Itās been nice to hang out at home more and have a more low-key month. There are times when Iām super busy and slammed so itās nice to have some calmer months thrown in there.
My pup Milton and I staying warm and inside this past month.
Goals Accomplished from Last Month I enjoyed a āMe Dateā! I took some time for a self-care spa night at home and it was just what I needed before the start of a busy week. Iām always looking for ways to carve even a few minutes of downtime for myself outside of the busy day to day lives. It doesnāt have to be a big event, but just making some extra time for yourself once a month or week by doing something small will make a big difference.
Goals for the New Month: I want to get outside more and get some fresh air and exercise as hopefully the weather gets warmer. Iāve tried to get outside this past month but the bitter cold temperatures makes it a bit tricky to enjoy a walk in single digits. I got out ice skating a few times and I’m hoping to do it more in the next month.
I got to ice skate for a story for work and loved every moment.
Thatās a look into my life this past month. Thereās nothing too exciting, lots of time at home with family. Iāve been reading and watching shows and cooking on days off. Iām really loving where Iām at right now in life. Now that Iāve shared about my past month, tell me about yours! Howās your month been?
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope you had a wonderful Valentineās or Galentineās Day! Now that we have made it through the holidayās of the month, my mind is on the next seasonā¦hello Spring! Just kiddingā¦well kind of.
I love that I can live In a place with all four seasons, but sometimes, the cold and snow can seem never ending, especially when itās May and you still have a chance of snow on Motherās Day. As much as I love the winter months and winter activities, I have found myself in a bit of a winter slump.
Here’s just a little look at all the snow
At the start of the year, I found myself really tired with winter and it just got started. We kept getting hit with snow and cold weather, Covid-19 cases were high around my area and it seemed like we would never see warmer weather.
If you felt like this at all then you know what Iām talking about. Iām used to the cold and snow and gray clouds, but sometimes, the lack of sunshine really gets to you.
We got hit with two big snow storms in a month. Here’s a look at the snow.
I decided that wishing it was spring wouldnāt be productive so I did my best to change my mindset and find little things that brought joy and warmth to my days and make them a little less gray.
Hereās what worked for me and if you are feeling this way, then maybe they will work for you.
I found the simple joys in the days and really leaned into them, like savoring my cup of tea in the morning with my candle lit. Instead of rushing through my morning routine of making a cup of tea, reading and doing a word search, I did my best to savor it and enjoy it and take pleasure in those simple joys.
Starting my days slower and savoring them definitely helped.
I also enjoyed cozy days off enjoying my favorite hobbies. Here’s what I’m currently reading.
I also found that moving and exercise helped my mood. I go to the gym during weekday mornings, but I carved more time to get some exercise, whether itās a 15 minute yoga session at the end of the day or even a walk to get the mail, moving my body and getting fresh air made a big difference.
Enjoying the outdoors helped too…I enjoyed skating.
And cross country skiing…just make sure you are all bundled up!
I also decided to brighten my wardrobe and have some fun with it. Even though it is winter, I have been wearing brighter colors and fun jewelry to brighten up my outfits. Even if itās swapping in a pair of hoops for a pair of studs, itās little things like that that can just make you smile.
I also gave myself things to look forward to, whether it was a dinner date with a friend, making plans to see a new movie, or a mini day trip. Making plans for the future gives you something to look forward to and it shows you the importance of looking for the positives.
Making a winter bucket list gives you ideas for fun things to do while making the most of the weather! Here’s mine!
While the cold and winter may seem to last forever, we know that it will end but the snow mounds do make it hard to look past.
By always looking for the positives or simple moments of joy certainly makes a big difference. Also, by reminding ourselves to take it one day at time helps too.
What things do you do to make it through the winter slump?
Happy Wednesday! I hope your week’s are moving along well.
I have a two for one today as we are talking about Valentine’s Day which is next week!
Today’s post is a mix of gift ideas and date ideas for you and your sweetheart if you are celebrating a day filled with love on Monday.
Let’s start with gift ideas.
Valentine’s Day Gifts
You can always go for a box of chocolates or something sweet and flowers. As someone with a big sweet tooth, I would love a big box of chocolates, but if you want to be a bit more creative, here’s some ideas.
-An Experience
If you want to combine gifts and a date in a gift, maybe splurge on an experience or an activity. It can be anything from tickets to a show (movie or concert) or a favorite sporting event (it’s Hockey season!) to maybe a unique date like wine tasting, candle making or a painting night. This gift allows you both to spend time together and do something a little more special or fun that you may not typically do during your date nights.Ā
-A Memento
This gift allows you to flex your creative muscles. Maybe try getting your significant other a memento from your relationship. This can be as easy as getting a new frame and printing some of your favorite pictures to put inside. Maybe you saved a special receipt or a hand written letter, consider framing them. Another idea is adding a few keepsakes to a scrap book or even make up a memory box to put some of your favorite memories that make you think of the other person.
-A “Couple” Favorite Things
This is another fun gift idea, put together a little box of gift of some of your favorite things you both like to enjoy. This can be your favorite candies, snacks, or drinks, maybe a favorite movie or activity or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a place that you went to on a favorite or memorable date. Put it all together and gift it. This allows you both to enjoy something together and enjoy some things you have grown to love together. A perfect walk down memory lane together.
Date Ideas
-Home Cooked Meal
I always love this as a date idea. This date allows you and your girlfriend or boyfriend to enjoy a more relaxing night at home and avoid the craziness and crowds of restaurants. Maybe try a new recipe or meal together, you can bond in the kitchen and can enjoy a delicious end result. To make it extra special, use some nice plates and dishes, light some candles and set the mood for a dinner date for two.
-Night on the Town
Even if you have to work during the day, enjoy the big night after work. You can enjoy a favorite spot to eat at or try a new spot to make it special. Then head out to enjoy the rest of the night, whether it’s with a show or maybe a walk in a park or even a drive. . As fun as it is to enjoy the actual day, to avoid the hectic-ness of Valentine’s Day, maybe head out to celebrate the weekend before or a few days after to enjoy a quiet night.
– Day Trip
Even if you don’t celebrate the day of, plan a day trip to either someplace new or a favorite place that holds meaning to you both. During the winter months and being coped up for so long, it’s exciting to try something new and head out for a day trip. Start the day early and get some snacks and hit the open road, set a destination, and make some stops along the way. It doesn’t matter where you end up, what matters is the journey and the memories you make along the way.
These are just a few ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you like to go all out or like to keep it low-key, what’s most important is showing the people in your life that you love them. And yes, these ideas work just as well for a girl’s night out too!
I love the second month of the year, purely to celebrate Valentineās Day! When the winter months seems to drag on with no need in sight, itās always fun to celebrate love and get into the holiday spirit in the midst of a long and cold winter. Whether you are celebrating February 14 with your sweetheart of Galentineās day on February 13 with your girlfriends, thereās always a reason to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate the big and little things in life.
Speaking of girlfriends, today we are talking about prioritizing friendships!
One of my goals for 2021 was to prioritize my friendships, the pandemic made it hard to see friends and catch up in person, but no matter how far the distance, itās still important to make those friendships a priority and I think I did my best to make thta happen for the past year and I plan to keep it going in the year ahead.
Hereās three ways to make sure you are getting the must-have friend time in:
-Set up FaceTime dates This is a great idea for long distance friendships. It can be hard to make a trip for a day or a weekend getaway to visit friends especially if your days off donāt line up. However, setting up a monthly or biweekly FaceTime date or call is an easy solution. During the pandemic, I was really good with doing regular FaceTime calls with friends but as things got back to normal peoples schedules got busier too and it was harder to have regular FaceTime dates. However by finding a time that works good for you and friend whether itās monthly or weekly and sticking to it, ensures you are staying in touch with friends and getting that quallity time in with them. My one friend Sydney and I started doing monthly FaceTime dates in January of 2021. Weāve been great at following through on this and only missed one month! We decided on the last Friday of every month we would FaceTime to catch up with our jobs, actviites, and adventures. In the summer, we did a few meet ups in person which was so fun, but monthly FaceTimes have worked great for us. I put it in my calendar on my phone and the event repeats every month, so I know on Friday nights, once a month, itās FaceTime date time with Sydney!
-Scheduled coffee or dinner dates For friends a bit closer to home, maybe a coffee, dinner or walk date is more convenient. Whenever Iām planning out my months and weeks, I always write a list of monthly goals, from work, to personal. One of my goals is often friend dates. For some of my local friends, I always like to make it a point to see them in person once a month, whether it be a coffee break in the morning, a after work dinner date, or even a walk when the weather is nice. Schedules can get busy so itās important to make a point to get it on the calendar for friend dates. Iāll even set a reminder for send a text to remember make plans with friends. My friends and I love to support local, so we try to make it a point to shop local when it comes to our food choices. Even with friends who live just a few blocks away, work schedules can become hectic which is why getting a plan set-up early on is key. Even if you have a big group of friends and canāt get everyone to meet up at the same time, a one on one date, or a smaller group is better than none, plus it also allows you more quality time with friends.
Grabbing a meal with a friend is a perfect way to catch up.
If you don’t have enough time for a meal, maybe a coffee break is better!
-Find common activities
This is such a fun way to stay in touch with friends and try new things out. FInd common activities or hobbies for you and your friends. Last year, a few of my high school pals and I did a book club, we would each choose a book, read it and discuss over Facetime. This was a great way for us to catch up and get our reading in (a goal we all had last year-read more!). This activity opened my eyes to new genres and authors. If reading isn’t for you, maybe try a fitness class if that’s one of your resolutions. You can try out new workouts, get a good sweat in and enjoy time with friends. The best of both worlds. If you are looking to get a big more creative, maybe try tackling sewing or scrapbooking, for find a hobby that you and your friends can enjoy and get a finished product at the end.
Finding a common interest, like reading among friends is what worked for me.
Or if you are looking for a way to get exercise, try going for a walk.
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. Iām looking forward to the warmer days and lower case numbers but until then, Iām making the most of warm days inside, cozy clothes and trying to get fresh air and go on walks when I can.
Hereās a look into the first month of 2022!
What Iām up to: I have been doing lots of cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. This month has been all about organizing my life mentally and physically. Iāve 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, Iāve 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 Iām 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 Iām reading:Ā Ā New year, new books! I started Januray off by reading an inside look at Greyās 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 Iām 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 Iām Loving: I love the fresh start of the new year. We have seen a lot of snow fall and thereās 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 Yearās Resolutions and Goals. I am inspired by fresh starts and new beginnings. Thereās 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, Iām 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 yearās goals and resolutions which Iām very pleased with how they are going. Itās those little things every day that make a huge difference. I canāt 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 āMe Datesā, essentially itās about carving out time to do something for you, whether itās going to a coffee shop to read a book, taking yourself to a movie or going for a solo walk, itās 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 Valentineās Day next month.
Thatās a look into my life today. How has 2022 been treating you?
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 doesnāt 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 itās 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, itās time to zero in. If your mats have not been cleaned in a long time, use a cleaning product like Tuff Stuff. Itās an aerosol spray, and it works wonders lifting out dirt. Itās also super versatile and can be used on most surfaces in your car. Best of all, itās 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 carās 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 youāre 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. Iām 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 Wednesday! I hope you all had a great start to your week. The month is flying by. As much as I love the holidays, thereās some refreshing about the start of a new year and month. Iāve been taking these first few weeks to work on my goals and resolutions for the new year and get back into my rhythms after the holidays.
The next few months are always slower and calmer as we hunker down until spring.Ā While it may seem that winter may never end, I always like to come up with some fun ideas of activities to do to make the most of the winter days. Some are outdoor activities, others are things you can do staying inside and warm.
These are good ideas for dates, things to do with friends or even something fun to do as a family.
Hereās my Winter Bucket List for 2022. I always like to write them down and hang them on my bulletin board where I can always see them.
Ice Skating
Skiing
Winter Walk
Reading with Hot Cocoa
Make a New Soup
Sled Riding
Do something tropical
Movie Day
Do a puzzle
What are some of your favorite things to do in the winter?
I’m always open to new things to do especially when it’s cold out and it seems like there’s nothing to do except stay inside.
