I take it all back...

Well, not really. However, while I took my bath today, something magical happened in my kitchen. What I had started with a simple sweep and Swiffer turned into a completely clean kitchen.

I can see what you're thinking already... What? How is that possible? Let me tell you how. My ex-husband is currently staying with me, to help with cleaning, packing and the general moving thing. (I still have no place for the kids and I to move to... but we'll be ready for our apartment move out date!) Apparently, while I bathed he was SO very bored, he cleaned the rest of the kitchen. I am not just talking man cleaning... no way. He CLEANED the kitchen, like I clean the kitchen. It's amazing.

Okay, so this isn't really a tip, unless you can find a way to bore the crap out of your significant other, a house guest, or anyone that isn't you. But wow, it works for me!

Crayola is my hero!

Cruising the isles any major department store I never fail to hit the isles with both Sharpies and Crayola products. On one of my fairly recent trips through the Crayola section I was fortunate enough to find not one, but two recently released products from Crayola.

Yes, I know, almost any Crayola product is wonderful in it's own way... the two in particular are just fabulous.




I present you Crayola window crayons AND markers. Being a green mommy, you know I had to check these two out! No paper consumption, unless you use it for cleaning your windows... and then anyone who doesn't want streaks on the windows usually recycles their old news papers for this purpose. Reasonably priced and good for countless hours of fun... all 3 of my children love these... ages 5 - 15 and we only have one real good set of windows to color on.

Bissell Spot Bot!

I haven't actually come across any great new tricks since my last post. I have however come across and fantastic gadget! I would have to say it ranks in the top 5 of the best purchases I've ever made to make my domesticated life easier.

The Bissell SpotBot has made such a huge difference in keeping the carpets clean. I have now had mine for just over a year and I am still loving it. I am a spill-a-holic, not by choice, but it's true none the less. I can't believe how much easier it is to just grab the spotbot, set it to clean the spot and walk away. When it's done, I turn it off, put it away and that's it. The "old" way consisted of numerous paper towels (depending on what and how much I spilled) some sort of spot spray and a lot of elbow grease.

In all honesty, I have not yet found anything this cannot take out even if I don't get the the potential stain too quickly.

Oh... and since I got Sophia London Anderson, our puppy, potty training has been significantly easier. I love this thing! Yes, I posted a link to it on Amazon, it is significantly cheaper there than anywhere else I have found yet. Feel free of course to shop around on your own, but a great deal is too good not to pass along.

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Oh and I just noticed the title of the other post, no bathroom humor was intended.

Bathroom Discovery

While this is something I actually ran across yesterday I didn't want the first post to be overwhelming.

I think I can speak for the bulk of the domestic people in the world when I say cleaning the tub and shower is a PITA! (Pain in the arse!) I personally dread this chore as I have 2 full bathes that are used on a regular basis. Well, my own bath isn't a problem as I wipe that one down with every other shower... however the children's bathroom gets atrocious fast and as I still have one that takes baths, I have to deal with this at least twice a week.

While you might say... why not teach the children to wipe down their shower and tub as you do. And while the oldest two are 14 and 12, it is hard enough to get them to wash themselves properly, let alone making sure they wipe down their tub/shower. Okay, I'm rambling.

Bathroom Tip 1:

Goal... Saving:

• Time
• Money
• Pain

Target Areas:

• Shower
• Tub

Tools to Use:

• Swiffer handle and base
• Washcloth
• Your favorite tub/shower cleaner

What to do:

• Spray desired amount of cleanser on shower and/or tub surfaces
• Let sit as long as/if desired
• Turn tub spout on and let a small amount run, this trick speeds up cleaning time and I don't believe it wastes too much water. (If you have a better suggestion please share!)
• Tuck washcloth around Swiffer base and into the tabs that generally hold Swiffer pads.
• Wet washcloth and start scrubbing tub walls or surround.
• Work from top to bottom and when/if you get to a corner, usually simply twisting the Swiffer so the base is vertical at this point keeps the corners in check.
• Once the shower portion is done move down to the tub area. Don't forget edges of the tub. or shower shelves as needed.
• Remove washcloth from Swiffer base clean tub and shower spouts and faucet handle(s).
  
• Rinse the tub and shower either with the shower head or cup if needed.

That's it you're done. In all this took me about 10 minutes allowing my scrubbing bubbles to scrub on their own for about 6 minutes before I scrubbed. My arms were just a tiny bit sore from the elbow grease involved, but if I do this every other day it's going to be faster and easier each time.

Please let us know if you have tips, tricks or suggestions for this or any other household project. We are looking for people who would like to be a part of our group and contribute on a regular basis. All we ask is that contributions are something you have tried and have first hand experience with. In addition, we would love to expand our blog with everything from cleaning short cuts, cooking tips, money saving ideas and coupons to organization and planning! If you have anything to offer please contact us!

Domestication Training Day 1

Okay so the boring crap first.


I am a mommy to 4 beautiful children, who of course pick up like children and I am also a full time college student. Needless to say I need to find a balance, but I am also looking forward to finding short cuts offering me more to work with finding the balance.


Starting today, I have put together a plan; I figure I also earned my first "Domestic Diva" badge as well. Catching up on much needed house work after finals week I find myself wondering how I am going to get that done along with the first week of new courses. This is where I am at and what I have discovered thus far.

Kitchen Tips 8-11-2009

Goal:

• Save time and effort

Target Area(s):

• Cabinet Doors
• Drawers
• Appliance faces
• Floor

Tools Required:

• Swiffer
• Wet Swiffer pads or a damp washcloth with your choice of cleanser.

What to do:

• Work top to bottom.
• Start on high cabinet faces first.
• Move to lower cabinet faces and drawer fronts. Check pad or washcloth if not too dirty move on.
• Now wipe down appliance faces. Oven, Dishwasher, Fridge/Freezer, etc.
• If pad/washcloth is still mostly clean, simply move to the floors, if not replace and continue.

Notes:

• Find a stubborn spot or stain? Keep moving and go back with your favorite cleaner (Mine would be Windex.) and or cleaning item (Magic Eraser is my love.) and grab that stubborn spot. Use whatever works and if it is quick, easy and/or cheap suggest it here!