Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Spring Cleaning in the Fall.



I have taken an interest in house cleaning, home keeping, and all sorts of things related to being a homemaker. I am finally embracing my new job title. With any new job there is usually some training provided so I headed to the library for some training manuals! Five or six books made their way into my book bag, all about how to keep a clean, clutter-free home. Yes, I know the basics of operating a vacuum, using a dishwashers, and making the bed. But looking at all these books I realize there are so many more things I could be doing to create a truly clean, comfortable home for my little family of two.

My favorites from the library so far are two by Monica Nassif titled, Spring Cleaning and Laundry. They are both sort easy to read references with beautiful photographs that almost romanticize the idea of cleaning house.

"Remember that spring cleaning is about taking care of yourself, not polishing an unrealistic image to present to others. The notion of home care as self care is the opposite of perfectionism - that tyrannical yardstick that makes you feel as though you can never measure up... Always give yourself permission to be human. And let the little things slide once in awhile."

This is something I am going to try and remind myself when the daily chores are weighing down on me. The next time I brush off the dusting or mopping the kitchen floors because it seems too daunting of a task, I can ask myself, "Annette, are you not worth the effort?"

(Photographs via Walk a mile in my underpants)

Friday, October 30, 2009

Ummm... maybe not.




Yes, my husband is very good at all sorts of things mechanical and electrical. Heck he was able to restore a 1953 Seeburg jukebox that was not even able to take a coin to make it able to play our 45 record collection fabulously. So when he offered to try and work on my sewing machine I thought why not? There were a few terrifying hours as he figured out how to take it all apart and started trying to clean it up. Fortunately my husband is also able to admit when he's in over his head. And he was! Which is why I am excited to be finally picking up my machine today after a week in the shop. Now I can get back to being a busy elf!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Hand sewn thank you

This is a little thank you card I made for my husband's grandfather's wife, Wylda. She had given us a beautifully quilted butterfly pot holder just like this one some time back. That pot holder is done with free-motion quilting outlining each of the butterflies. Wylda is a very gifted quilter! When she heard I was getting interested in sewing and quilting she sent me this unfinished one as a special little project to try.