Wednesday, June 2, 2010

When I Take The Day Off

I love a relaxing day off just like the next person but as a mom with 4 boys in the house I'll show you what it looks like if I take ONE day off to relax. The photos are from yesterday. Monday we spent the day lounging around, reading, napping and playing. I tried to shut the cleaning button off in my mind and just sit. The pictures will show you why I don't have the luxury of taking days off.












That's it! Yesterday afternoon rolled around and this is what my house looked like and you know I can't handle that. My mom and I were talking at lunch today about how if your house is messy it makes you feel sleepy and unmotivated to even begin. I know exactly what to do if my house gets out of control-which can happen in the course of ONE day. Start in the bedroom. Always start with your bed. In my case, I took the sheets off and threw them in the washing machine. Next, set your timer for 15 minutes. Even if you end up resetting it 8 times it is nice to take a little break, grab a drink of water and check your progress.



I have taken a liking to having a clean laundry room. It makes me very happy. If you haven't done it yet, add a lamp to your laundry space. I promise you it makes the room warmer and happier.


There is nothing in the entire world like a dusted, vacuumed bedroom with clean perfect sheets on the bed. For my room I put the sheets in the wash, cleared the clutter from the dresser and floor, Pledged, Windexed, vacuumed. Then I hit my bathroom next.
I cleared the counters. Cleaned it quickly. Shook the rugs, swept and mopped the floor and shined my mirror and faucets. I wish you could smell how good it smells.

Kitchen time...I cleared off those cabinets and sprayed good smelling cleaner. Swept the floor and gave it a quick mop.


The living room got a quick feather dust and vacuum.

This is the fruit of about 2 hours of work. Yesterday afternoon I wanted to take a nap but instead I went and put on my lace up tennis shoes and when I was done it felt amazing. Shane walked in and said, "Oh wow! This is amazing. It smells good, looks good and feels so relaxing!"
Bless Your Nest 15 Minutes At A Time

6 comments:

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

Wow, the befores look like my house right now!!
A lamp in the laundry room!! I am going to do just that--your room did look so cozy!
You must do Flylady, too!
What a beautiful home you have (clean or messy!)
I think I need to exercise my timer tomorrow, too!
Hugs!

Gretchen said...

Ahhh!!!
You've inspired me. We were gone for a week, home for a week of VBS (which means the house is trashed) and now headed to the beach for a week. By the time I get home, I'll need to re-visit this post for some inspiration.

jennyandcompany said...

great job! and I love the Premier jewelry on your dresser ;)

René said...

What a great before and after. Amazing what we can accomplish when we have time.

-Rene

seriouslyahomemaker said...

i think i CAN smell your clean loveliness. it looks great!

reminds me of my 10 minute monday. doesn't it feel great????

http://www.seriouslyahomemaker.com/2010/03/10-minute-monday.html

angie

Dream House Trish said...

What a great tip, You are right, you do feel tired when your house is messy. I always start in my bedroom, I think because I know the kids aren't going to mess it up as soon as Im finished!!