Come To Mama!

Mother's Day bliss....sweet hubby and darling daughter serving you magazines and orange juice in bed.  A wonderful selection that kept me occupied most of the morning.   I was also the winner last week of  Home Rules by Nate Berkus.  I just received it from Lindsay at  everythingLEB blog.  Thank you Lindsay{so happy}!  Just in time because today I am ordered to just sit and relax.  It is funny when all you are asked to do is nothing, all of a sudden you have to do everything.  Sat on the sofa for most of the morning after my wonderful family served me pancakes and bacon for breakfast.  Then somewhat reluctantly went about my day.  I will post later on more from my new buddy Nate!  He is very talented and inspiring.

Lamp-Restoration Hardware, Tray-antique,Watch-Baume & Mercier, Loop earings and necklace-Tiffany's, Bracelet-John Hardy, Nightstand-Bernhardt

Mother's Day just kept getting better with these gorgeous scented flowers from Winston flowers here in Boston.  I think that is a Peony in the middle there.  So cute!

Hope everyone had a day like mine.  Happy Mother's Day!

jamilyn

Photo's taken by Living it At Home

Happy Mother's Day, I am still cleaning, Day 5

Happy Mother's Day!

Mean Cleaning Tour~Day 5

Friday:

Today is the day to do all the odds and ends around the house.  Like clean toilets, remove cobwebs, dust ceiling lights, or wipe scuff marks and fingerprints from doors, walls, and moldings.

Here is a breakdown of my schedule that I started this week in my attempt to stay on top with one cleaning chore a day:

Monday:  Dust surfaces in all rooms and clean glass surfaces

Tuesday:  Vacuum all floors and rugs (carpets)

Wednesday: Mop all floors that need mopping with all in one cleaner like swifters

Thursday: Day off from cleaning but not other things like laundry ect...you know the drill!

Friday: Odds and ends like toilets, cobwebs, scuff marks on doors, walls and moldings

Cleaning this way has been an eye opener for me.  I see that I can do it and keep up better this way but not really get to it all.   I am definitely hiring someone to come twice a month (I have a 4 bdrm house ya know).  It is way to much to do.  I felt discouraged because I realized that I will be doing everything all over again almost every day next week {you would think from listening to me that I have never cleaned before}.  I really have better things to do (trying not to rant here)!  I also find it very boring and I keep thinking about other things that I want to take care of.  Even though I will have help, I know I will still have work to do in the cleaning department.  I will just be relieved to have someone wonderful to do the deep cleaning that I seem incapable of sticking with.  I really tried and will keep working at it. 

My distractions right now that render me insufficient at getting the cleaning job done:

Blogging!

Wanting to be outdoors!

Planting pretty-pretty flowers in my metal urns!

Landscaping my front yard!

Exterior painting of our house!

Furniture shopping!

Needing to travel!

Finding a gym to work out!

Organizing!

Being creative!

And basically everything else right now!  

Maybe it is just spring fever!

xoxojamilyn

Photo taken by Living It At Home

Day Off-Day 4

I am supposed to be taking the day off from my -chore a day- cleaning rotation that I have embarked on since Monday.  Getting my nails done is one of the only things I am going to do today.  Well, there is always the laundry and constant picking up and putting away...does not ever end!  My Mean Cleaning Tour (click here to read about it) is working out so far and keeping me on track with a daily cleaning schedule.  I will summarize tomorrow about what I have been up to and how I feel about cleaning.  Because, believe me I have a lot of feelings about it and I need to get it out!  Stay tuned.

Lovely nail colors cute for spring...just thought I would share!

Happy Thursday!

xoxojamilyn

Image from the fashionablehousewife.com

Moppin' and I Am Not Stoppin' Day 3

Moving right along with my Mean Cleaning Tour- Day 3!  I was a vacuuming maniac yesterday (Tuesday-vacuum all rugs and floors).  I was really getting into it because I only had one "cleaning chore" to focus on.  I really like doing it this way.  I am not so scatter brained. Which is happening way to often lately!!!!

Keeping it real...

I have to say that I may not get every corner of my rather large {realizing how much there is to take care of} home.  However, I really feel like I am getting something done and moving forward towards a much cleaner digs (just felt like using that word).  Waiting to the last minute to clean or to do it in one day was just to overwhelming for me.  I still may look into hiring someone to come twice a month.  I think it would be helpful.  I will still have my share of cleaning, that is for sure! 

Remember to listen to some music while you clean...put on a happy face!

Quote from a neighbor from where I grew up (hope I quote her correctly):

"Your home is like the tide in the ocean.  The tide (your stuff and dirt bunnies) comes in, and the tide goes out (clean house).  Then the tide comes back in."   

Photo I took of my yard a few weeks ago

This of course repeats many, many, times a day!  I like that analogy and think it is very true.   Here is me...sweep floors....10 minutes later my dog comes in from outside....sweep floors....30 minutes later my daughter makes herself something to eat....wipe and sweep floors!  Sometimes I don't sweep at all- yuck! It really is never ending, especially with 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, kitchen, office, sitting room, living room, dinning room, ect...  That is many hours of just keeping up.  Let's not forget all the picking up you have to do and the piles of laundry.  I am also not a clean freak (can get pretty lazy about it).  Just trying to keep things comfortable and pretty.

How are you doing with your cleaning routine?  I really think one chore a day is the better way!

My teeny tiny mud-room

Mean Cleaning Tour-day 3

Wednesday

Mopping all floors that need mopping today with an all in one cleaner-no bucket required (wet swifters)...oh yeah! 

 May not be the deepest clean, but good enough to make a first impression that it is clean!

Keep up the good work!  Tomorrow is supposed to be a day off from cleaning....I don't think so.  You know how it is!

xoxojamilyn

Image from here via flicker.com -Photo of house and mud room- living it At Home

Let's Keep It Real-Day 2

My enthusiasm and energy towards my new endeavor....one chore a day, kind of got interrupted by all my other "things" I had to take care of yesterday.  If you remember or are just stopping by, I aptly named it my Mean Cleaning Tour because I wanted to be "touring" my home and not "choring" in my home (go here to read about it).  I wanted to get "mean and clean" by creating a schedule so that I would clean everyday and keep up by doing just one thing.  Best laid plans it seems.  I think I really need to plan my time better and actually block out the time to clean for about an hour a day.  My day started off hectic and I had to run here and there...take care of this and that.  Can you believe that I ended up dusting at around 9 pm at night?  Yes, I did right before NJ Housewives!  Did you watch it?  It seems they are going for another round of fighting.  Do you know any housewives like that?  I don't.

Can I keep it "real"? Yes, I hope.  What I wanted to post this morning was me being a picture perfect blogger doing what I said I was going to do.  Not the case but I am going to keep on trying to get it right! 

  I did do the whole first floor, though, and did some of the glass surfaces.  I planned on getting up early this morning to do the 2nd floor and finish what I started.  That never happened!  What I am realizing is that this is a big job cleaning this house.  My husband saw me dusting late last night and thought I was crazy!   "What are you doing?"  he asked.  "Dusting.  I am trying to keep to a schedule. I dust on Monday."  I said.  He shook his head and asked, "Why don't you just hire someone to do this at least twice a month?".  Mmmm.  Why didn't I think of that?  I think I am just to stubborn.  This house is kind of to big to do on my own and keep it the way I want it.  I may look into it.  Even if I do hire someone, the dust bunnies and cobwebs still accumulate.  And when did my floors every stay clean for two weeks?  It would be helpful to have someone come in, but I would still have to keep up...a lot!   I don't know, I just don't like having someone in my house in my stuff!  I also think that I could spend the money on something else!  

OK- today is kind of starting off like yesterday.  I have a painter coming to give me an estimate on the outside of our house.  I have tons of errands to run.  Wanted to plant some flowers now that the weather is pleasant.  WHY DOES IT SEEM THAT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY?

I am determined to stick to this schedule.  I actually did feel good knowing that most of the dusting was done.  My home actually looked better and I wasn't overwhelmed.  I may be a bit hectic today because I have to play catch-up!  But that is ok.  On top of it all, I am having trouble with my computer.  What is that saying?  "A clean home is a sign of a broken computer."

Maybe I will take off the high heels today!

Mean Cleaning Tour-Day 2

Tuesday:

Vacuum all floors and rugs today-that is it-I know it is hard to stop!

I hope I have motivated you to try a schedule when it comes to cleaning your home.  At least do one thing a day to help keep up.  Tomorrow is mopping all floors that need it...that would be all of mine!

Keeping it real and clean.  See you tomorrow!

xoxojamilyn

{Images from via flicker.com by Kate Elizabeth and wisperedbetweenwoman.com}

Mean Cleaning Tour-DAY 1

Don't forget!  My Mean Cleaning Tour begins today, Monday!  

Mean Cleaning Tour

Monday:

I am going to dust in every room and clean all glass surfaces today!

Remember....one chore a day is the better way!

Sounds crazy but I am so excited to get started!

Just a reminder for those of you who want to follow along this week and join in.  I am going to try and post everyday that I clean.  This week of posts will serve as a motivation for me and hopefully for you to do one chore a day.

I will be using my swifter (sweeper) dust sheets to dust surfaces.

I also will be using ecological glass & surface cleaner called ECOVER.  I have been reading a lot about off gassing that comes from most of our cleaning products that we use in our home.  This product is plant based and safer to use at home.

Tomorrow is vacuum all rugs and floors!

Good luck with your cleaning endeavors!

Watch out dust bunnies, I am putting on my high heels...and here I come : )

*One has to clean in high heels!  Come on!

xoxojamilyn

{Image via Flicker by angieszka}  

Now That Is Plush!

So excited to report that I won a years membership to use the Boston Design Center's program called Shop Plush!  (Almost a $300 value)

I can shop at all 87 showrooms to the trade only. 

1 hour of complimentary design consultation with a designer.

Special Shop Plush pricing (not sure what that means yet, but it sounds good)

And all I did was answer their survey that they sent me (first 100 to answer). I never do anything like that so I was surprised that I won!

I will definitely be using this membership this year!  I need some more furniture and advice.

I need to work on my bathroom...maybe it will turn out like this:

Must work and improve on my kitchen.  Will I go for a cozy like kitchen below?

Or sleek and chic in black and white?  Need advice!

There are so many wonderful ways to decorate.  It will be nice to have help and access to the design center!

Can't wait and hopefully will take a spin at the BDC next week!

It is going to be so warm here this weekend.  Can't wait to wear my flip flops again and sip some mint ice tea on my blue stone patio!  Have a warm sunny weekend....long awaited!  xoxojamilyn

Come Clean With Me

Do you want to join me?  I am about to get mean and clean!  I have about had it with cleaning!  I tend to get lazy about it and procrastinate until I am doing it all in one day.  I realize that I have been doing it all wrong over the years and I am ready to make a change!  That is... with a schedule!  It is not as bad as it sounds.  Read on...

{My living room}

I was reading an article in my Better Homes and Gardens magazine called "Quick-Clean Routine".  It explains that the best approach for cleaning is to do one chore a day.  That just resonated with me and I want to try it!  Are ya with me?  Come on....

{Antique find}

With the weather improving and all the flowers budding I am ready for a spick and span sparkly home!  I have decided to name my routine "The Mean Cleaning Tour".  Basically because it is quirky and because I want to think of me "touring around my house and not chore-ing around my house.  That doesn't make sense!  Anyway, here it goes, follow along (would love some touring buddies or two).

{My oh so bland foyer}

Mean Cleaning Tour

My Monday:

How about you dust in every room and clean all glass surfaces?  

Sounds good!

I will!

Not so bad so far!  Hang tough and no laying down on the job, we are just getting started!

{My chandelier}

My Tuesday:

How about you vacuum all of the carpets and rugs?  Not bad? Eh?

I will!

{My living room}

My Wednesday:

How about you mop all the floors that need mopping using a lightweight steam cleaner or all-in-one floor cleaner-no bucket required. (BHG article)

I will!

{My feet-don't be scared}

My Thursday:

How about you take a break today?

I will!

{My Restoration Hardware silk pillow}

My Friday:

How about you save today to do all the odds and ends like clean the toilets, remove cobwebs, dusting ceiling lights and shades, or wiping scuff marks and fingerprints from doors, walls, and moldings. (BHG)

I will! (my pledge to do so : )

The key is to do these chores on a regular weekly rotation schedule.  Nothing is left undone for more than a week...love this! (BHG)

My Saturday and Sunday:

How about you are off for the weekend (if ever)!  

{Now what about laundry! Ugh!}

{Photo taken by my daughter}

Things are looking up already!

{Maggie}

One thing that could be helpful is to leave a rag by the door to wipe your pets feet.  Also to brush your pet frequently.  My dog makes her share of messes.  She loves to tear paper!

 More tips from BHG:

Clean up spills as soon as the happen.  Especially in fridge and microwave!

Wipe water off of walls and glass door when done in shower.  Leave a squeegee hanging for this.

I like to place disposable surface wipes in each bathroom (such a great thing) and kitchen for wiping down after last person is done in bathroom.

Fun-Fun-Fun...isn't it?

Don't forget to get your kids involved.  They can pick up after themselves, make their bed, bring laundry down to wash, wipe down bathroom after they are done, walk pets, sweep and even vacuum...who knew?

Also, your dashingly handsome hubbies can pitch in.  I know they work hard...can you take out the garbage sweetie?   Don't nag!

I hope you participate with me and are inspired to get mean and clean!  I feel more in control now!

Now, go clean!

xoxojamilyn

(Images from Living It At Home, BBC Drama, Martha Stewart, BHG, Flicker)

Is anyone else having trouble with their blog today? Second time I had to type over this post!  arggh!

Enchanted In Georgetown. My Trip

My travels landed me in a charming place, Georgetown in Washington DC.  This area is rich in history and culture.  Not to mention great shopping on M Street!  One store that caught my eye was Bobby Medlin's.  She apparently turns treasures like an antique Tibetan flint case, into one of a kind neckpieces.  These pieces she has created are very rare and from far away places.  It is a magical shop with amazing jewelry.

Her necklaces are so unique and would make a statement with any simple outfit.

I wondered around and shopped for hours but found myself drawn to the streets above to explore the neighborhood.  The homes in Georgetown are so beautiful and well kept.  I love quaint streets with old homes and had to take a peek.  I really can't resist looking at homes!

It was a beautiful day to take some photo's with my little Cannon Power Shot.

As I walked around, I was wondering who lived in these magnificent homes.  How does one come to live here?  What kind of success affords a life here?  I know these homes must be in the millions for sure. When I think of DC, I think of politicians and diplomats.  I think of old money and status. There are so many different ways to experience life and so many different places to do it in.  

This little courtyard entrance got me.  I would love to come home everyday and walk through that Iron gate and open my cute door.  Love the topiary!

Black doors galore.  Such a great color to paint your front door.  So chic!  Very popular here.

I really love old homes.  However, how does one maintain something so old?  My house was built in the 40's and it needs constant attention.  Can't imagine a home that is over 100 years old and what that involves.  These home are well cared for preserving their history.  Thank goodness for me because I love looking at them!

Some of the homes are so grand and elegant.  I could see a little into the high arched windows and it was very spectacular indeed.  Even the furnishings were special.  

I like to study the architecture and the details.

This front door caught my eye.  Especially the unique light.

The homes are so cozy together!

This little red gem with its slate roof was a show stopper for me.  It is so adorable and I would love to live in it!

So cute!

This is M Street and all the wonderful shops.  

After all the walking I was starved and needed some refreshments.  I stumbled upon this charming french cafe and found a shady spot outside.  It was heavenly.  The quiche and spring salad was delish!  I truly enjoyed my day in Georgetown.  I cannot wait to go back again.

This is how my dog Maggie spent most of her time in Maryland.  She knows how to vacation!  So happy to be back.  My daughter and I drove over 900 miles this week visiting family in NY and Maryland.  It was a fun trip and I am sure we will be doing it again!

xoxojamilyn

{All photo's property of and taken by Living It At Home}