Spring Cleaning and Other Thoughts

Source: thekitchn.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Did you enjoy the Spring Clean Challenge? I’ve been slowly working on my own home. Somehow, over the last couple of months, I’d gotten really behind on a lot of things around my house. That means…. major cleaning! We’ve had a rough few weeks. Lots of family crises have occurred over the last few months. Nothing I can really talk about, but there have been a number of trials that have left me feeling worn out emotionally and physically.

I am not on the internet much anymore, but I’m still working to make  A Virtuous Woman work! But if days go by and you don’t “see” me around, that’s why! I try to check moderated comments a few times a week and I try to get posts up and scheduled so days don’t go by without anything new. It requires a good deal of organization… which, in my life, can vary from day to day!

I thought about taking BEFORE photos of my house and doing AFTER photos. Not sure yet. You know how no one ever comes to see you when you’ve got the whole house clean and neat? Wait. You mean that just happens to me? I hope not!

Anyway, so yesterday was the first day in over a week I’ve cooked a real meal – as in, something that took more than five minutes to prepare. We’ve been eating a lot of cold or hot cereal, oranges and grapefruit, angel hair pasta, and salads. Oh the up side, I’ve lost about four pounds in the last two weeks!

I made Cream Cheese Patties, Cream of Mushroom Gravy, 60 – Minute Dinner Rolls, Spelt Dinner Rolls, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Corn on the Cob, and Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms. Both of the roll recipes were a keeper. I think they could be very versatile, too! I’m thinking bread sticks, herbed rolls, pizza pockets…

Today we’re having hot dogs or hamburgers. Not sure which yet, but I’m planning to make deviled eggs, coleslaw, baked beans, and and Impossible Cheesecake to go with it.

And before I forget, doesn’t that Lemon Tart photo above look scrumptious? I am definitely putting it on my list of must make foods!

All in all, despite the frustrations of life, I have found a lot of joy. And I can see God working in miraculous ways even in the chaos! He is so very faithful.

Spring Clean, Year ‘Round: Product Review

Spring Clean Year ‘Round

I received this lovely tin in the mail today! It is made by a very creative lady who has developed a clever system for keeping up with all the major chores around your house! No more big spring cleaning! Instead, you can do a little every day of the year!

Most of us don’t really enjoy the cleaning part. There are a few chores that I do enjoy, but mostly I just do what I need to do because… well, because I need to. According to Travis, Spring Clean Year Round designer, you can keep your house “spring clean” clean in just 15 minutes a day! Now that sounds like a deal to me!

How does it work?

The system is divided into daily, weekly, and monthly chores. Each day you pull out a card and do the chores suggested. You then return the card to the tin to rotate it.

Here’s what Travis says about her system:

“This system includes most common chores necessary to keep your home “spring clean” year round. It is not exhaustive and therefore blank cards are included for your personalization. It does not include the daily grind kind of chores like washing clothes or cleaning up after dinner. The frequency at the top of the card can easily be changed to suit your personal needs.”

The tin is sooo cute, which just makes you want to use it. I mean, if you have to clean, why not make it fun, right? Also, the individual cards are really pretty, too! Some other things I like about this system are:

• each card is labeled weekly, monthly, or yearly
• each card has a helpful hints
• each card lists the tools you will need for that chore
• each card has an “age appropriate” suggestion so you can have your kids help
• and did I mention it’s pretty?

I know you will love this Work-at-Home-Mom creation! You can purchase Spring Clean Year ‘Round from Travis on her website.

Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home

Get ready for this year’s 2nd Annual Spring Clean Challenge. It begins March 1, 2010!

There will be print outs and homework and heartwork… So plan ahead!
We will have discussion here on Weekdays (Monday – Friday). You can report your progress, discuss questions you have or share insights you have discovered.

Plus! We will be giving away great FREE PRIZES daily!! To enter to win, just comment on your progress and discuss the daily devotions each day!

Winners will be selected and notified every evening!

Join the Proverbs 31 Sisters Network to participate!