My Happy Place

My happy place is my home.

Lately Chip and I have been working hard transforming our home into a place that represents who we are. A place we both love and are creating together. It's been a slow progression, but this year really marks an ambitious year. It's hard work. There is testing of patience, lots of sweat and meeting in the middle. But I have enjoyed every second of it! Nothing brings a family closer than creating a home as a team. Logan has done his part of helping daddy with handing him tools and digging In the garden with me. While Chip has been building our beautiful new outdoor living area, I've been busy bringing our furniture back to life.

The outcome is more beautiful than expected. It's the best feeling when you have created your vision by using your imagination. As you know from past posts, I am all about refurbishing or using what is around you. We have 8 lawn chairs that were gifted to us from my sister when we were married on the beaches of New Hampshire and an old glass top patio table that my husband has had for decades which has started to rust. The chairs were a very boring beige and the table was a dark green that had started to look just  awful.

My vision for our outdoor living area included bright jewel tone colors..a little bit of an exotic bohemian feel. So the colors I chose to refurbish our old ratty furniture are citrus green for the chairs and a nice bright purple for the the table.

The project itself was super easy,  perfect for crafty beginners. I highly recommend the paint I chose, Krylon Maxx Ultimate Coverage, purchased at Walmart. One can of spray covered 2 chairs without having to apply an extra coat. For the table I used 3 cans. 

I am super happy with our new outdoor living area, it's the perfect place to host many summer gatherings!! 

I know I am a day late, but I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend! 

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Cleaning, Scrubbing & Sweeping, OH MY!

Don't get me wrong, I love a clean house, but spending hours scrubbing and fetching various bottles of cleaner and high tech tools is not my priority. I want to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible! I would rather be out playing with my son, hands in the garden or out for ice cream with my family! So, I bring to you a list of simple "go to's" that I have acquired from research. Get ready to clean ladies (or gents!).

*Sponges - including a white/cream one

Deep cleaning your top loading washer machine: Washer machines collect so much gunk and residue, not to mention mildew. They need to be washed at least once a year. And if you are like myself, we have sulfur water, thus our washers need to be cleaned at least three times a year. And how you may ask? It's easy.

Simply start by filling your washer with HOT water on the LONGEST cycle. As it fills, add 4 cups of bleach. Once it has filled and starts to churn (wash cycle), pause. Let it sit for an hour. Once the hour is up, allow the cycle to run its full course (wash, rinse,spin). Repeat the first step, filling the washer with hot water set on the longest cycle, this time adding 4 cups of vinegar. Let that sit for an hour. Once the hour is up, dip a sponge into the vinegar/water solution and wash the basin of the washer, including the top inner rim and any space you can really get to with that sponge. If your fabric softener basin pops off, as well as the bleach dispenser, gently remove them and place them into the water/vinegar solution. Clean as much as you can within the two compartments that hold the fabric softener and bleach. Give a good cleaning to the softener basin and the bleach dispenser, then put them back where they belong. Once you are done, allow the washer to run its full cycle (wash, rinse, spin). And you are DONE!

What a difference eh?! Good job :)

Deep cleaning your micro-fiber couch: The micro-fiber couch is great for those who have little kids since they are pretty resilient to stains and wear. BUT if you spill any kind of liquid onto the fabric, the "water" stains are atrocious and just look nasty. For the longest time I was taking out the bulky shampooer and spending an hour or two scrubbing away and it could get pretty messy. Not to mention having to fill, empty and refill the water basin and empty the nasty water. I was super duper happy to come across a much simpler way of tackling the couches and it really works!

You will need your rubbing alcohol, a spray bottle, your white/cream sponge (as to not transfer color onto your couch) and your scrub brush. Fill the spray bottle with your rubbing alcohol. Simply spray each area of the couch, using your sponge (and muscles) wipe/scrub the couch. I did have a little bowl of water with a squirt of Dawn in it to rinse the sponge out as I went along, thought the instructions did not call for this. It still worked its magic! I almost used an entire bottle of rubbing alcohol since I have a kid and a dog, so I went to town. Once you are finished scrubbing and re-scrubbing areas where you may see that the water marks haven't fully dissipated, you are done and allow the couches to dry. Since rubbing alcohol evaporates pretty quickly, the drying time is less than half the time you would wait if you shampooed.  If you feel as though the fabric is a bit stiff, simply use your scrub brush to scrub (or fluff) it back to life.

Mopping your floors: I have laminate wood flooring throughout the majority of my home, which I love! I am not a big fan of carpeting,  since I feel it can never truly be 100% clean. And I am not a fan of the Swiffer Wet Jet when it comes to cleaning because I do not feel that it gives a true cleaning. I like to use it for quick spot cleaning, but that is about it. What I do like and use is the Hurricane Spin Mop , which was gifted to me from my parents and I swear by it! It's basically the old school mop, yet it spins dry, thus less of a mess. Grab your mop bucket and let's get to cleaning!

You will need your bleach, vinegar and Dawn soap. Fill your bucket with hot water. I add a 1/2 cup of bleach, 1/2 cup of vinegar and hefty squirt of Dawn dish soap. There you have it! I swear by this concoction,. Not only do I feel that my floors are truly clean, but they feel amazing and the house smells incredibly FRESH! Of course if you want to add to that fresh clean smell, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the the water before mopping :)

Scrubbing the tub: My least favorite chore. As I stated earlier, we have sulfur water,which is nasty. It smells horrible, it tastes disgusting and it leaves a nasty yellow film in the tub after time. In the past in order to get the tub truly clean and back to white-ish (never ever white) I would have to purchase expensive nasty smelling cleaners specifically used to get the sulfur and lime off of the tubs surface. Until my little sister, who cleaned homes for a living, let me in on a big secret that changed my life forever (hahahaaaa the drama, but seriously, it did/has) The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner (*not tile and tub cleaner, the toilet bowl cleaner is much more potent). And where might you be able to find this fabulous bottle of magic? The dollar store. You will thank and love me later spare the gifts (but if you must, a bottle of wine would be nice!). Let's begin darlin's!

First off, make sure the room is well ventilated and wear gloves! This cleaner does have some pretty aggressive chemicals, which includes, but is not limited to, hydrochloric acid. So use caution. Have a sponge handy. Once you are ready to begin, squirt the cleaner directly onto the tub's surface. At first you may be a little befuddled because where you squirt will be left with pure white streaks where the cleaner streams down. DON'T FRET. Using your sponge, gather some of the liquid and continue to scrub away. Repeat the process until you start to see the results you like. I am telling you now, you will weep with unadulterated joy as you see your tub transform into a brand new sparkling white vessel! The stuff is amazinggggggggg! And it doesn't stop there. I use it on metal surfaces, such as the faucets and the kitchen sink. They will gleam with pride!

 Again, use with caution and make sure, once you are done, to rinse or even use soap to wash any leftover residue.

Cleaning the fridge: The fridge can bestow some funky smells at times. I am here to show you how to maintain a fresh smelling place to hold our beloved foods and how to maintain clean shelves.

You will need a bowl of warm water, your sponge, baking soda and Dawn soap. I haven't ever measured how much of said ingredients I add, I typically just eyeball it. Eventually you will get to know your products and how much feels right to you. If it's a super tough job, I will even sprinkle baking soda directly onto the sight. Taking all of the items off the shelves, or I just start from the top of the fridge working my way down, emptying as I go, wipe the shelves down with your concoction using your sponge. Once I am done, I finish by filling a small bowl of fresh baking soda and adding about 10 to 12 drops of lemongrass essential oils and placing the open bowl on a shelf where it won't get knocked over. This will help absorb any funky smells, and every time you open the fridge door you will be welcomed with a whiff of clean lemongrass. Nice, eh?!

Wiping down the walls: This is typically a spring cleaning chore I do since we have a wood-stove in our living room which I love, but it creates such a mess with the black "dust".

You will need a bucket of warm water, a little bit of baking soda and Dawn soap. Using your sponge simply wipe your walls down. This does the job quite well!

Dusting: I use the same exact method above, nix the baking soda. Otherwise you will have a film left behind. Simply water and soap will do! No fancy dust cleaner here.

Additives to your laundry soap: Whatever laundry soap I use, I always add 1/2 cup of baking soda and a 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water as it fills the washer. I feel it helps to clean a little better and maintain that fresh smell. I have a small boy and a husband who is a contractor, which means very soiled clothing. So whatever I can add to help get those clothes clean is a big YAY for me!

And there you have it my friends!!! Of course my only other advice is to turn on your favorite tunes while cleaning and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine..anything to make it as fun as possible!

I would love to hear your cleaning tips!!

Resources:

Thank you to the following blogs that contributed to this post. Upon my frenzy in searching for the best ways to clean effectively, I happened upon these gems:

551 East: How to Clean Micro Fiber Couch

Practically Functional - How to clean a top loading washer machine

• Champagne Taste on a Water Budget
• A Perfect Afternoon

Back With a Bang!!

{Back with a Bang, get it?! LOL! Super corny! Still getting used this new look myself though....}

Now that tax season is over and I have been able to fully unwind, I feel as though I have truly hit the reset button and have gotten to enjoy the comforts of home. I had a much overdue date night with my husband accompanied with new business contacts that have become friends through my husband's business. They are such a great couple, I am in much hope for a future get together! We had a great time at a local brewery, I enjoyed a delicious dinner of bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with wasabi sided with an array of fresh steamed veggies, it was heavenly! It was so nice to share laughs, great conversation and just relax. I was also able to see my husband's work (beautiful remodeled bathroom), which I rarely get to see in person. He is so talented and it was amazing to see his craftsmanship in real life, I am his number one fan-girl!  In all, Saturday was simply smashing!

{There is something so magical about spring and waiting for those first blooms. These are some beauts}

Sunday was just as divine. My husband took the day off to spend with Logan and I, we enjoyed a lavish homemade breakfast. That has always been a tradition of ours and its THE best way to start off a family day. I whipped up some scrambled eggs, used a heavy hand with shredded cheddar cheese. Then sauteed onions and potatoes, both of which came from our local CSA. Tossed in some fresh pork sausage, sprinkled it with dill and freshly ground pepper. Sided with apple slices and of course a frothy cup of coffee, it was delicious!

{So happy that my hens and chicks have made a comeback!!}

We then did some fun shopping together. My husband bought me a small greenhouse that I am completely over the moon with! Whilst the weather refuses to warm up, I am keeping it in our living room. As soon as it warms up, I will move it to our mudroom. But for now, I rather like it right where it is. I have never started a vegetable garden from seeds, but there is simply no going back. I have gotten the utmost enjoyment watching our baby plants grow, nurturing them. Its so exciting and amazing! Putting together my greenhouse and lining our little Dixie cups holding our future veggies on its shelves was a delightful way to spend my afternoon soaking up the little bit of sun that there was.

{All planted with organic love}

Afterwards, Logan and I took off on the four wheeler to do some forest foraging. We found all sorts of artifacts. We brought home a beautiful birch branch, which is now showcased in my kitchen waiting for herbs to be hung and dried. We also found a perfect sheet of birch bark which I will be framing, its AHHHHmazing. We then took off down towards the creek to collect rocks in which we will paint and use as markers in the herb garden. It was a grand adventure and seeing the excitement on my son's face as we collected together is always priceless.

        

{I was super duper excited when I came up with the idea to hang this little birdhouse from my branch and pop a tiny airplant in its hole! I mean, cereal?!?!}

The best ending to our afternoon ride was when he picked me some flowers and had us smell them together, he is just the best and I am so smitten with my little guy. He makes my heart swoon :)

{He is the blue to my sky} 

To end our perfect Sunday, we painted, one of our favorite crafting activities we do together. Then cuddled together and watched 101 Dalmatians, which he took a keen fascination to. It was by-far one of my favorite weekends of all!!!!! 

 I have missed you and now that I'm back, I'm feeling as though I've connected with an old friend and hopeful for the future! I am so glad to be back! Leave me a note, I would love to hear from you! 

{Love life, because life is too short NOT to!}

A Case of the Blahs; Rejuvenated

Hope ya'll had a fantabulous weekend!!! We finally had a warm front so we were able to head outdoors for some much needed fresh air and vitamin D! Last week I had a serious case of the blahs. Between my  work load increasing, temperatures staying below zero, my boys being sick (that includes my husband since I only have one little boy technically) and a nasty case of cabin fever, it's not a rare diagnoses round these parts of the northeast hemisphere. 

But I was able to shake it off this past weekend with the help of much needed sister time, which included lots of gut aching laughter, crafts for her upcoming wedding, a makeup trial run (which was done after a few glasses of wine, you can imagine the outcome, lol!) and the love sisters share. 

My entire family benefited from her visit. She has a natural calming quality that soothes and comforts, she is like home. She is medicine to my soul. And the laughter between us is the best of all. If I could spend the rest of my days in a fit of laughter, my world would be ideal. That should be an added life goal! 

If you're a mother, you will completely relate I am sure. My son is three. We flew through the two year stage without a hiccup, he was my sweet darling boy with a heart of gold. And....he still is....but with added sass, independence and I swear he is on the brink of turning 15. The defiance! To get a kiss or hug from the little dude is like begging for the moon and I end up looking the pathetic baby! Lol!

But this weekend, this weekend he overcompensated for lost time (yup, pathetic). He gave me my hugs, kisses and "I love you"'s on his own accord! My heart and mind have been in full swoon mood. I soaked it up like sea sponge! Oh the joys of being a parent (and I mean that in every way)! 

We ended the weekend visiting my parents (aka the grandparents). They are my bread and butter. I needed the comfort that parents can give. They love you even in your ugliest of moments. We took a nice walk, splashed in melted snow and laughed about life in general. I am so thankful for my parents. 

I think when it comes down to it, all we need or want in life is to love, be loved and to laugh, along with a purpose to live. Thus the overused cliche "live, laugh, love". I suppose it's overused because it reigns true to so many. 

Although Monday's can be the pits, I am refreshed and ready to start a new week with a new attitude. Hope you have a great day as well!!

Carla, XO

Effortless Ways To Unravel

After a long day at the office, it's time to head home, wrap up in your softest robe imaginable, pour yourself a glass of wine and divulge in a steamy book of...NOT! Who you kidding Jackson?! That is not the reality for most ladies my age! There are tiny creatures waiting for your full attention and undying affection, hungry tummies of all sizes, baths to be drawn, messes to be swept and of course playtime in between!!!

So, let's hit the restart button on this gig and walk in the door. First things first, unwind by giving your family your FULL attention, because that is therapeutic to everyone's soul, eh! 

Then head to the kitchen, flip on the beats, now enters Taylor Swift "Shake It Off", let's dance!!! One of my favorite ways to unwind is with my son showing off some great moves, which he impresses me every time (not sure its vice versa though, lol!)! He's got skill!!! But seriously, shake off the load you carry from work, because it's simply not fair to unload all that crap on those you love.

 

(You know you are with me! So why not turn up the tunes as well! Shake it baby!)

 

 After dinner when everyone is ready to relax, play and enjoy family time....slip into your favorite lounge attire. Mine usually consists of leggings, a big over sized super soft sweater and of course knee high socks/slippers. Its what I call lounging fashionably, you never know who might arrive at your doorstep, at least at my household! I know for some of my favorite ladies, whipping off that contraption called a bra is the very first thing they do when arriving home!! HA! Couldn't be more with them on this!

Then I like to light my bazillion candles......I would like to state that I am not a pyro, although others might disagree (since I have them EVERYWHERE!). There is something so calming about the soft glow of candlelight. It calms the soul. Combined with the woodstove, its perfect!

I typically take a shower, but obviously, drawing yourself a bath is super luxurious, so if  you can, indulge darling. Whether it be a bath or a shower, allow yourself to breath in the steam and wash your worries and anxieties down the drain. A friend of mine just recently led me to something I haven't tried yet, but it sounds like bliss. Place a few drops of your favorite essential oils (Eucalyptus or lavender or whatever you love) on a wet washcloth and simply hang it where the steam will vaporize the oils throughout the shower....did I hear "aaaaahhhhh" yet?! Speaking of the shower, not to go off on a tangent, but I do my best thinking in the shower! The most creative ideas simply blossom....somehow I need to take advantage of this, maybe by simply keeping a notepad in the bathroom to quickly jot down my ideas. Because as soon as the steam evaporates, so does my entire thought process. So sad....anyway, moving on.....

 

(We love tubby time! Be sure to treat you tiny tots to the relaxation of essential oils!)

After tucking the babes to bed, its time to fluff your favorite satiny feather pillows and pour yourself a nice crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, ahem, at least that is what I do! My absolute choice wine is Bancroft Estate, which is a California Sauvignon Blanc....the taste is absolute adoration first sip. Please do add this to your shopping list, I promise girls, you will not be disappointed. Although the sticker price gets a $$ at nearly $15 a bottle. Its well worth the splurge! 

 

Married with that, I keep a deep dark chocolate bar in my freezer so that I can break off a square. I happen to be smitten with Godiva Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bar...oh my heavens. Another fabulous idea that the same said friend passed on to me, which I did try, is to sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oils onto your pillows. Let me tell you, the first time I did this, my son planted his blonde little head into his pillow and came up asking me what that smell was and that he loved it! As I did too!! I am thinking of purchasing some vanilla oil as well and combining the two with water to create a mist. I will let you know what the results are in a future post! The soft smell of lavender helped to just calm the body and mind. Holistic remedies have always been a strong interest of mine! 

 

I also found that listening to my Calm App right before bed truly helps my thoughts to unravel into dreams clouded with scents of lavender and what's to come, because darling, the best is yet to come!!

 

I would love to hear how you unravel!!

XO, Carla