June Cleaver eat your heart out
Posted
Sunday, April 20, 2008 9:05 AM
I'm becoming the quintessential housewife. Even if it kills me. Jason and I were so frustrated yesterday at how messy our house gets with just the two of us living here. It’s ridiculous. (I’ve always told him that if I was a stay-at-home-wife, then the house would always be clean since that would be my job. I’m waiting for the day when I can start my “dream” job, but I have a feeling the closest I will get is a three-days-a-week work schedule.) So anyways, looking for inspiration I hopped onto the Cleaning & Organizing board. I immediately immersed myself into the world of simple household cleaners. I was shocked to find everything I needed to clean my house was sitting in my pantry! Who knew vinegar and baking soda could do so much?! I actually tried a little variation for my flat range (which I can’t use the chemical cleaners on because it melts the heating circles). I took baking soda, Dawn, and water and made a paste. I dribbled it over the stove (which was messy from several explosions the night before) and rubbed it in with my Mr. Clean magic eraser (I’m starting to sound like a commercial). I let it sit for about 10 minutes, came back and wiped it perfectly clean. I couldn’t believe it. I actually dragged Jason into the kitchen to show him.
And appropriately enough, yesterday as we were arguing about the house we flipped our Irish proverbs desk calendar to the day’s date, and this quote stared back at us: “An old broom knows the dirty corners best.” Go figure.
So this morning, Jason and I are off to Wal-Mart to buy a few of those essential ingredients (all I have is Balsamic Vinegar, and somehow I don’t think that’s going to work the same). I also want to look at a good old fashion sponge mop and bucket. Swiffer may think they’re the best, but I always end up having to get down and scrub by hand on really tough stains. The sponge mop might not be any better, but I won’t know until I try. I also want to pick up some essential oils to make the house smell nice.
Two of my favorite sites from yesterday:
Clean & Green (http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/clngrn.html)
The Hyper Homemaker (http://hyperhomemaker.blogspot.com/)
Another must-have for my "dream job." These aprons are made to look like the one worn by Mrs. Ricky Ricardo herself! Check out the matching dishwashing gloves to go with them! Who says you can't clean in style?! (Personally, I am digging the yellow something fierce!)
You can find them in other shapes, styles, and gorgeous colors at Carolyn's Kitchen (http://www.carolynskitchenonline.com/index.html)
