Enough Winter Already

It's mid-February, my least favorite time of the year.  At this point every year without fail I'm over the warm feelings of Christmas, sick of snow shoveling, bitter cold weather, slippery roads and being cooped up inside my house.  Comfort foods aren't comforting anymore as I watch the hand on the scale creep up.  In other words I'm not a snow bunny type of girl and find this forced hibernation frustrating.  As I can't afford it escape to the sunny south this winter, I can only pray for an early spring.  I'm so feeling the need for the warming sun on my face.  So in order to keep that feeling going I'm posting some shots from Michael Kors that appealed to me.

 

I hate to end on this note, but I'm going to have to log off for little while.  I've decided I've been spending way too much time on a computer - I work on one at a desk all day and I need a break.  Between this and watching way too much television I've become a serious couch potatoe and I need to shake up my routine. There too many projects around my home that can't be ignored anymore and I've got some serious closets to clean out.

 

Stay tuned - you never know when I'll pop up again.  But for the next little while I'm offline.

 

A Serene Life for Me - I'm working on it......

Where is Spring?

This past week there's nothing but rain and cold weather.  While out grocery shopping I spotted these and decided I needed a touch of spring at home somewhere.  White flowers are my favourite so I grabbed a bunch.

Spring Cleaning My Life

As previously stated I thought I would check in whenever I had something to say.

I'm in the process of what I've decided to refer to as a thorough Spring cleaning of my entire life.  Sounds daunting.  It is.  But, it's long overdue.  There is one problem - until today it hasn't felt like Spring and I needed motivation and finally found it.  A step-by-step guide to Spring cleaning my home.  This is just the beginning - there is so much to do and it appears that teenagers are allergic to spring cleaning of any kind.

 

I wish I could say that I look like this right now, BUT I DO NOT. 

 

 

The past 3 years have really take their toll and I'm feeling it.  Trying to get motivated is a nightmare for me right now.  But this list I found on-line has finally got me moving.  As this checklist is available for free online from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking - a mother of six children I might add.  I'm putting this up.  That way I can check it when I'm out looking for organizational things I'm going to need.

 

FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash bench or other furnishings.  Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
5. Empty out coat closet.  Wash walls and floor, if needed.  Sort items as you return them to the closet.  Store out of season items, donate unneeded items. 
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.  
8. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

 

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
4.  Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly.  Donate items you no longer need.  Try not to store things on closet floor.
5. Move Bed.  Sort and put away anything that was under bed.  Sweep or vacuum under bed.  Try not to store things under bed.
6. Put bed back.  Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up.
7. Launder bedding and curtains.  Wash pillows and duvet in hot water.  Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
8. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
9. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates.  Wash walls and trim as needed.
11. Wash mirrors or dust art.
12. Wash doors and doorknobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity.  Wash inside, replace items neatly.  Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out.  Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame .
9. Dust light fixtures. 
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates.  wash walls and trim.  Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13.  Sweep and wash floors.  
14. Reseal grout lines if necessary. 

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings.  Click here for instructions on cleaning mini blinds.
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate unneeded items.
4. Wash and sanitize cutting boards
5. Sharpen knives
6. Wash cabinet doors and knobs
7. Clean and organize pantry.  Check food expiry dates.
8. Clean oven.
9. Clean stove top.  Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
10. Clean and organize fridge and freezer.  Defrost freezer, if necessary.  Check food expiry dates.
11. Clean under fridge and stove.
12. Vacuum refrigerator coils.
13. Clean microwave.
14. Clean crumbs out of toaster.
15. Clean and descale kettle.
16. Wipe down any other counter appliances
17. wash counters and back splash.
18. Wash and shine sink.  Shine faucet. Clean drain.
19. Clean Dishwasher.
20. Dust light fixtures.
21. Wash windows and window sills.  Remove window screens and wash.
22. Wash switch plates.  
23. Wash walls and trim as needed.
24. Wash doors and door knobs.
25. Wash floor registers and other vent covers
26. Sweep and wash floor.  
27. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

 DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. Clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Polish table, if necessary
7. Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
8. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
9. Launder table linens.
10. Shine silverware.
11. Dust art.
12. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
13. Wash switch plates
14. Wash walls and trim.
15. Wash doors and door knobs
16. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
17. Clean floors.

 LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11. Tidy electronics wires.  Tuck nicely out of sight.  Label them, if practical.
12. Sort through music and DVD collections.  Purge things that no longer suit your families interests.  Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
13. Sort books and magazines.  Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.  Launder stuffed toys.  Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim as needed.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

 LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wash cabinet doors.
5. Wash inside cabinets.
6. Wash laundry sink.  Shine faucet.  Clean drains.
7. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. sweep and wash floors. 
15. Reseal grout lines, if applicable. 

STAIRWELLS

1. sweep/vacuum stairs
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walkway.
2. Wash thresholds.
3. Wash exterior doors.  Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
4. Clean or replace welcome mat.
5. Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

• Clean blades of ceiling fans.
• Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
• Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.



 

As you can see - with this list as my guide I'm going to be busy for awhile.  Really busy.  Ok - really, really, really busy.  See you again soon - I hope.



Welcome 2014

This holiday I've deliberately kept my activities to a minimum.  Doing nothing was the main item on my to do list.  We've had a rough two years and I felt we needed some serious downtime.  I puttered about in my pj's and cleaned out closets, cupboards and took care of all the little things I never have time for. Today for example, watching the Rose Bowl parade, a walk along a trail with my golden retriever - she loved it.  Not so much the bath afterwards but getting her groomed up takes time and right now I have the time.  This year is going to be about slowing down, relaxing and enjoying the little things in life more.  In essence - this year is going to be all about me.  Whatever strikes my fancy.  At least that's the plan.  I hope to be able to stick with it.

Some imagery to inspire me for 2014.

 

A trip to New York in the Spring would be nice.

 

My son has decided that he wants a new look - something more classic.

 

The drama of black and white

 

and more inside black and white glamour.

 

Some serious skin repair - this winter is taking it's toll. 

Some new luggage.

 

Definitely more beauty sleep.

  

 

And a serious bathroom cleanout.  I have no idea how old some of my cosmetics are.  Not to mention that some of my towels are at least ten years old.

 

 

And not so inspiring a garage cleanout - removal of the wheel chair ramp, clear out the basement and a storage area that houses 35 years worth of stuff from my parents.  Where to begin on that one.... for now - later - in the words of Scarlett O'Hara - "After all tomorrow is another day".

 

 

 

 



 

Spanish Spring with Ralph Lauren

I've never been to Spain although it is on my someday list.  There were a few looks that caught my eye and I would be remiss if I didn't showcase my favourites. 

 

Spring is Meant for Bicycles

This takes me back to more innocent times...

Beg Bicycles

Spring Blossoms

This is what I like about Spring...

I have a tree that blossoms outside by bedroom window every spring like this.  It’s the first sign to me that it’s finally here.

Photo taken last May by Jamie Beck of From Me to You

Jamie took some amazing photos last year of Central Park in the Spring.  It's one of my favourite shoots.  I've been to Central Park in the fall and it's lovely as well, but there is something about the renewal of Spring.  Click on the link above to see what I mean.

Spring Floral Arrangement

I fell in love with this floral arrangement when I saw it.  Spring is the time when I want to fill my house with flowers.

Photo credit Camille Styles

New Spring Bedding

These look so luxurious in soft spring colours...

Williams Sonoma

A Summer Wardrobe Staple

Time for my spring wardrobe updates...

Ralph Lauren

Spring Cleaning

It’s that time again and for motivation I’m looking to The Laundress for inspiration...

The Laundress Spring Cleaning tips

Love This Skirt from Michael Kors

In the mood for Spring...

Michael Kors

Sandal and Pedicure Season is Coming

I need a pair of these this Spring ...

Ralph Lauren

Getting Ready for Spring

It's finally time for weeding out the closet and bringing out the lighter side of life.  That said I need some new clothes.  So for inspiration Ralph Laurens Spring Top 10.

My favourites:

Silver Sequinned Tank Dress

Silver Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Silver City Sandals

Shimmery Champagne Satin Blouse

All Images from Ralph Lauren

Note to Mother Nature - Spring has Sprung

Someone needs to let mother nature know that it's spring.  The last few days have been freezing and today we woke up to snow.  So Mother Nature here is some inspiration for you.  If you want white how about white spring flowers.

Image sources unknown

Springing Into Action with Jimmy Choo

The weather has been so mild here lately that it feels like Spring.  Usually I can't get into Spring fashions in February, but with the weather we've been having I found myself already starting to crave lighter foods and lighter clothing.  I'm already over the bundled up look.  However, I don't think it will last. So in honour of our nice weather I'm doing some vicarious shoe shopping at Jimmy Choos. 

Here are my picks for Spring.

and for when I'm feeling particularly adventurous - meaning not afraid of breaking my neck...

All images Jimmy Choo

It's in the Details

This is my favourite part about the Ralph Lauren Collection shows.  When they post the shots to the website, they include detail shots.  I love the overall look at a show, but its the details that I love the most.  Being able to see the small things up close - that's when you see the amount of work that goes into these items and appreciate the inception. 

The dress this was paired with didn't really do much for me, but then I saw the shoes and fell in love.

I love this soft pastel scarf for Spring.

I love the pinstripe and polka dot vest.

Love this pretty little evening clutch.

Pretty in Pink.

I love the mother of pearl detail along the clasp.  Not to mention the beading detail on the dress.

What can I say, I love everything about this evening clutch.

I loved this dress.

This scarf would dress up anything.  The sheen on the suit is lovely too.

The front of the dress is simple and classic, but the back is wow.

Love the back on this dress as well.

Simple, elegant, classic.