Sometimes, Some Things, have to give!

Sorry no post last week. It is a crazy busy time, so something had to give. Unfortunately it was one less weekly post so I could focus on my family and other priorities! Especially not forgetting the husband, which is one of the most important relationships to me. Often the people who are closest to us-especially husbands-bear the brunt of our anxiety, which can be detrimental to the relationship. Stress can make you both less tolerant and more impatient, making it harder for you to support each and problem-solve. There are 4 things you can do to stop stress from straining your marriage:

1. EMPATHIZE-You may feels so stressed out that the last thing you want to do is hear his problems, but acknowledging your partner's feelings at the get-go of a conversation enables you to have a discussion without fighting. Let him know you are on his side!

2. SHOW HIM THAT YOU'RE REALLY LISTENING-Put away the phone, and the remote. Focus on him, clarifying things if necessary. Doing this validates his feelings and helps you feel closer.

3. USE COLLABORATIVE LANGUAGE- use we instead of I or you. Instead of saying, "You never help out and I'm sick of it," try; "Let's come up with ways we can help each other get things done."

4. KEEP IN TOUCH-It's easy to zip through your day with little contact, and if you're stressed out, the last thing you might want to do is hold hands or give him a hug. But reconnecting in a basic way with skin-to-skin touch helps you bond and can relieve stress. So, even if you're irritable, push yourself to reach out with a gentle touch on the arm when you're both going about your daily tasks. Or, if you're not nearby, send a quick text message to let him know you're thinking of him!

Give into the giving spirit of the season, and give a little time to the ones you love and love you back!

Wishing you a very Merry and Blissful Christmas!!!

Makin' a List, Checkin' it Twice!

Are you a list maker? I am! Especially at this time of year. A list for the kids, a list for the rest of the family gifts, teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, holiday parties, christmas card list, store lists, what-to-order-online list, grocery lists, to-do lists, the lists goes on and on....

Well if you're still looking what to get that certain someone and cross them off one of your lists, why not try a B.L.I.S.S. Gift Certificate today!?! From now till Christmas, I'm offering 3 hours of organizing for the price of 2! That's only $30.00! What a fantastic idea to get for that mother-in-law who has everything, or that sister who just moved into a new place, or a very good friend who has been trying to recruit you into helping her! Leave me a comment, email me, or call today! I already have some made up, you can come by today!

Good Things!

7 Ways you can tell something is a Good Thing!

1. Good Things are "small" ideas that are quick, clever, simple, and smart.
2. Good Things make you say, "I wish I knew that before!"
3. Good Things come with clear, concise instructions and beautiful photos.
4. Good Things don't take a lot of time, or a lot of money.
5. Once you learn a Good Thing you won't forget it.
6. You feel good using Good Things.
7. Good Things get better with time.

This Holiday Season, let us remember the Good & Blissful Things in Life!

Get-R-Done!

Having company for the Holidays?

Why does it always take so long to clean the house? 3 things slow you down: inefficient tools, time-wasting products and too many steps. The truth is, your home only needs a deep cleaning four times a year.  The rest of the time, do what the pros do: Spot-clean using the right tools, cleansers and techniques.

The 5 Tools to get you started.

Hotel maids clean so quickly because they carry key tools right on their bodies.
A cleaning apron.
Get one with a loop large enough to hang 2 or 3 spray bottles, deep pockets for your tools, and at least 1 wide pocket big enough to stash trash.
Reusable Microfiber Cloths.
They attract and grip dust and dirt, so you only need to wipe surfaces once. Get 2 fine-woven cloths for glass and shiny surfaces, and 3 large-loop cloths for general cleaning of dusty surfaces.
Eraser Sponge.
A special 2-sided sponge made to easily remove countertop stains with plain water.
Old Toothbrush.
Great for cleaning small crevices and hard-to-reach places.
Deactivated Credit Card.
Use it for scraping up stuck-on gunk.

These must have cleaning tools will make your cleaning routine much more blissful.

Save 7 Hours (or more)!

Computer Time.
     Computers are like phones. When you use them it's easy to lose track of time. Check e-mail twice a day and return messages all at once. You'll save and hour a day!

TV Viewing.
     Establish 1 or 2 TV-free nights every week, families can gain back 8 hours a week this way, since on average, Americans watch 4 hours of TV a night.  If you have such service as TIVO or, on-demand, or a DVR, record your favorite shows without the commercials and watch it later. You could save as much as 8 hours a week. Add up all these time-savers and you could win back as much as 24 hours a week-more than 7 weeks of recovered time, multiplies over a year. Even though you may save only a fraction of this time, you'll still find minutes and hours you can spend in more meaningful ways.

You can use the time you save to build more blissful memories that make life special!

Save at least 3 Hours!

Errands.
     Map out your errands before you go.You'll save time if you make a circular route of your stops, or try to group your purchases in one retail center. You can also save time coordinating errands with your partner, you could shave off 2 hours a week if you tackle your list together.  Cut down on driving time altogether by using Web services. You can get photos printed through services such as shutterfly.com, or any grocery/pharmacy center.

Phone Calls.
     If you tend to lose track of time on the phone, keep a small hourglass or egg timer nearby, and use it on those busy days when 40-minute chats are out of the question. Or tackle those yucky jobs you put off, like dusting, or bathrooms and do while you're on the phone, you'll be amazed how much you got done without realizing it till later. Another great tip, save those phone calls till you have to go sit in the parking lot at the school or practice while picking up your kids. You could save 30 minutes a day.

Save at least 2 hours!

Part 2!
Cooking.
     Most of the time you devote to making meals is actually spent juggling all the interruptions. Cut back your prep time by waiting until the kids have gone to bed, like preparing pancake batter the night before. It only takes about 5 minutes to make, put in the fridge, and set out the syrup, skillet, and spatula you'll need. Small tricks like this can shave up to 20 minutes the next morning. Also look at how you have arranged your kitchen. Simply storing your cooking utensils close to the stove will save you significant time over the course of a year. To shave even more minutes, prepare meals such as chili and stews ahead of time and freeze them.

Cleaning and Organizing.
     Create a portable cleaning caddy with cleansers, paper towels, and sponges. Work your way around one room, one wall at a time, helps you stay focused and avoids running back and forth to the kitchen. This approach typically saves you 50% of cleaning time. To get your kids to help keep the house neat, create a system such as "Jail n' Bail". If they don't put their stuff away, it goes in the jail box, and they have to pay 5 cents to bail it out, or do an extra job. It easily saves you 30 minutes a day.

Who wouldn't want or need 2 more blissful hours per week or per day!?!

Making Time For You!

Try these timesaving ideas to streamline your day, stay better organized, and win back lost time for yourself and your family. This will be a 4-week strategic plan, so stay tuned!
Save at least 1 hour!

Grocery Shopping.

• Avoid shopping during the peak hours of 11a.m. to 1p.m. or 5p.m. to 7p.m. weekdays and you'll cut your shopping trip in half.
• Sort coupons according to aisle in the grocery store and adding to your list how many to grab.
• Stockpile groceries in advance when deals are hot.  If you keep a supply of such products as paper goods, soaps, cereals, crackers, and canned soups, you'll save time by not running back to the store for that one necessary item you always forget to buy.
• Put your groceries through the checkout in categories and have them bagged that way. Once you get home, the putting away is much quicker because they are already sorted.

Laundry.

• Doing 1 load of laundry a day or every other day, saves from wasting a whole Saturday you could be enjoying with your family.

Bills.

• Pay bills online while waiting for an appointment at the doctor, dentist, or beauty shop, maximizing those minutes.

Getting out the door.

• Hang your keys on a peg near the door.
• Have kids help make their lunches and pick out school clothes the night before.
• Put everything you need in the morning in one place before you go to bed at night.

Remember, you deserve even a little bit of bliss!

Toys 4 Tots!

Does your child's bedroom or toyroom look like this?

It looks quite a bit overwhelming to the point you just want to close the door and not think about it.  The kids don't even want to or can't play in there, so they drag random things out to your living room. With just a few hours and maybe some help from the kiddos this Fall Break week, you could turn this room around to a functioning playroom again, and be able to also reclaim your livingroom. Now, is a great time, with Christmas right around the corner, to throw away broken parts, match up lost pieces, donate cleaned up stuffed animals to local hospitals, grown out baby toys to nursery's , or even set-up a mommy-time lunch trade (for easy and cheap Christmas shopping).

 Start with totes or boxes out in the hallway for give-away, not to get mixed up with the toys to be kept, and a huge black garbage bag for garbage. Disclaimer: get rid of these toys ASAP, so those cute little hands don't trickle them back in. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind! Also, using designated totes for like items.

AAHHH!!! Beautiful space for playing! Now comes the consistent part of making sure they keep it that way. Picking up whatever they are done playing with, before getting something else out, is the key. Try creating a reward system, like 10 beans in a baby food jar everytime they clean up, when full they can pick out a treasure from the chest, or go on a one-on-one date with you, an ice-cream cone, or whatever motivates your child. If it gets overwhelming again, try setting a timer for 5 minutes then getting a treat, or have a competition with 2 or more children seeing who can pick up the most. Also helping from day-to-day messes, have certain pick-up times, like right before lunch and right before dinner, making indoor winter-time playing and cleaning alot more blissful!

Yard Smarts

Tackling outdoor chores doesn't have to be a weekend-long project. Here are some tips and tricks to make it more blissful.

1. Put down the rake, simply mow over all those leaves, giving you a healthier lawn come next spring. The cut leaves fertilize your lawn as they decompose.

2. Properly store tools to make them last longer. Keeping small spades and hoes in a bucket of sand helps seal out the moisture, preventing the oxidation that can lead to rust.

3. Pull weeds after it rains. We all know that the damp dirt allows it easier to pull the entire plant shaft out of the ground instead of just the top of the weed.

4. Pick plants and flowers wrapped in eco-wrap rather than plasic pots, cutting down on planting time and waste. Choose plants wrapped in eco-wrap similar to egg-carton cardboard.

5. Keep the hose handy. Keeping the trees and shrubs hydrated through late November helps them recover from the summer heat. Try poking a pencil into the surrounding soil; if it comes up clean, it's time to water.

Take it Down!

Those who know me well, know that every Monday, yes every Monday without fail, (unless govt. holiday, because my hubby is home) I wash sheets and catch up on all laundry. Today, or sometime this week, (whenever your laundry day may be), take down your curtains and wash them. While they are down, go ahead and wash the windows and blinds as well with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Not to forget both sides of the blinds and the window sill, especially if you've had those windows open.

If you haven't started your blissful Fall Cleaning, this is a great jumping off point. (Yes, go ahead and jump up and down on the bed when you are done, to celebrate!)

Nothing like Hosting to Kick you in the Butt!

I'm not one to host alot of parties, but I promised my sis-in-law I would help her out, and now I am actually excited! For one: my daughter is old enough now to invite her friends as well and help out with the planning and execution. And B: it kicks me into gear to cross some of those unfinished projects off my list.

One thing on my list for a couple years now is to spruce up my front porch.  A while ago I repainted a white wicker bench brown and added a new cushion and some pillows, but I stopped there. It was a nice addition and I love it, but if you're like me, I'm not a finisher. I left it at that, which was fine for a while, but now I have an excuse to repaint the posts I've been meaning to freshen up and I'm going to paint that front door this weekend if it kills me. I honestly can't wait, finding the time without extra little helpers will be the biggest hastle, (I have a kindergartener who loves to paint-oh boy!).
So I came across some great tips last week and I can't wait to share all of them, but one is about painting! Yeah!!
How to Reduce Paint Spills!

Banish messy spills and drips when using paint. Slide a rubber band over the open can, then gently wipe the bottom of the brush against the band each time you dip.  This is perfect for small containers without handles. The brush will be less drippy, and the can's rim will stay clean, making it easier to put the lid on when you're finished.  This will be perfect for just the 3 columns I have out front. Don't forget to gather everything before you start, and not to forget the drop cloth. I can't wait to get started!
Leave a comment and tell how you plan to cross something off your to-do-list, making your life a little more blissful!

Operation: Relaxation!

Your goal: Get over your destress obstacles once and for all!

You've probably felt this way a hundred times. You know stress is bad for your physical and mental health, but when it comes to relief, you either don't do what you know you should (go for a walk, do some deep breathing, take a yoga class) or are too busy to work it into your schedule.
Step 1: Identify and Conquer
Two of the most common roadblocks are guilt and perfectionism. There seems to be this unspoken expectation that women should be able to do it all and do it well. But we need to learn to relax. Me included! Let's try this to start: Practice doing 1 thing differently than usual, no matter how small. Ask your husband to make the bed, or leave the laundry to put away the next morning. Changing the way you do one thing a few times a week will dial down your stress level.
Step 2: Make your (small) plan of attack
Think of 1 thing that will bring you a source of joy or rejuvination per day. Ask yourself whats doable and feels special. Add a few minutes to your shower, wake up 5 minutes earlier to read or have a cup of hot cider, whatever it is the smaller you start the easier it will be to make it a permanent habit.
Step 3:Think outside the box
Here are some examples, some may be unconventional but may work for you. Scream therapy (into a pillow), folding laundry-some people find this relaxing because it is a mindless activity but also completes a task, have a get-together with friends-the 'tend and befriend' response (of course, if you stress about the details, that one's not for you), baking, watching a favorite TV show (Fall Season starts this week-Yeah!), vacuuming, or walking a child to or from school-this is my favorite.
Step 4: Make it Happen
Plan ahead and make changes to help this new daily habit happen. Think and write it down, plan A, if not able to do A, then do plan B. Whatever it is planning for it also still gives you a sense of control.
Step 5: Stay on course
So now you've figured out how to squeeze it into your schedule. Now comes the tough part: maintenance. As weird as it may sound, putting yourself on your to-do list can help.The more you give yourself permission to do it, the more you do the activity, and the more you'll see the benefits, and the more you'll want to fit it in.
Step 6: Keep this last resort in mind
When things don't go according to plan, its OK. For these situations, when you feel your heart start pounding, you feel anxious, take slow deep breaths and count down from 10. This could also be useful when anticipating a stressful event or situation (like a call with your child's teacher).
Hopefully this tidbit of advice will be encouraging in making your life a little more blissful!

My New Favorite Method

With the kids back in school, all the Fall Schedules and activities have started up again.  Which means we still only have 24 hours a day, and I like 8-10 of them sleeping.  So, even though the kids still have 1 simple job per day, besides putting away their own laundry, making their bed, and cleaning up after themselves, there is still some cleaning and clutter to take care of.  Try this: setting the timer for 15-30 minutes, depending on how much time you have, and see how much you can get done!  This is great for all types of personalities, the list-maker (me-I love the satisfaction of checking it off), the competitor (racing against the clock), and the procrastinator (feeling of accomplishment when the timer goes off).  You will be amazed how much you really can do in such a short amount of time. Don't forget to reward yourself! (You know, that little piece of chocolate you've stashed away, or a pedicure, lunch out, or whatever it is, you deserve it!)

And here's a little extra bliss this month: To the first person to contact me to help organize a space in your home, you will recieve this very helpful 16-month, week-by-week planner! 8 1/2 X 6 in. Big enough to see what you need to do, but small enough to fit in your purse. So leave a comment, email, or just call!

1st Anniversary!

This day marks the first anniversary since I started this blog. I really can't believe it's been a year. There has been a lot of changes to my life since then, and I know many more to come. Which I love. I don't mind change, and I'm pretty good with rolling with it. I think because my favorite saying is, "being organized is being flexible, and being flexible is being organized". I love living in Utah, for the fact of the change of seasons. And I absolutely love this time of year.

I love the beautiful Fall colors, the crisp in the air, and the harvest and yummy food that the wonderful Holidays bring! (Not to mention it's my birthday season, we always do a girls weekend with my mom and sisters, and the kids go back to school.) Which brings me to our crazy life change. I am staying home this year and loving it, but feel busier than ever. I'm still watching my adorable little nephew 2 days a week, but have picked up a few other cuties during school hours, and my baby started kindergarten this year. So just when I got used to the big kids going and got back on schedule, a week later we had to start over with the kindergartner, a root canal, Fall soccer starting, tons of zucchini to shred and freeze, and adjusting to the new daycare schedule I've created.  Hence, I am blogging on Thursday this week, instead of Monday. But with a few adjustments we will get back on track. So, I guess what I'm trying to say this week is, it's okay if life gets in the way--come what may, and love it!! Enjoy this blissful time of year and look forward to changes in the coming year!



First Week of School!!

Celebrate-go to lunch, Cry or Do the Happy Dance, Break out that Book you've been meaning to Read!!! Whatever the case may be, I know I have mixed feelings. I love the routine of how things function during the school year, (namely bedtime routine), but I am also sad to see my kids growing up so fast.  I have been looking forward to the day when all my kids are in school, and now that it is here, I feel kind of lost. I absolutely enjoy the summer vacation with them, but then there is the last 2 weeks of where everyone is arguing and pestering because they are getting bored. So my plan is to enjoy those 2 1/2 hrs of bliss in the mornings, but to also not waste my time of unfinished projects.
This week I'm working on the clutter; especially the paperwork and junk drawers!

My cubscouter started a paper recycling box in the garage and once a month we find a recycling bin, usually in a school parking lot, to drop off while running other errands. All the newspapers, junk mail, old invitations, drawings, etc., go in this box. This is a great time of year to start if you haven't already, before all the school papers start piling up!
For the school papers, may I suggest some in-and-out boxes in a central location like the kitchen, or some over the door pockets in the coat closet or pantry, or labeled cubbies in the mudroom. One box for you to look over everyday and sign and mark the calendar, and one for each person in the family to take out on the way out the door. Whatever works for you. Getting control of the paperwork will make the rest of the school year go more blissful!

Are you ready?

One more week! I can't believe school starts in just 1 week!! Here we are making our final lists of what everybody needs: backpack-check, lunch tote-check, first new outfit-check, new socks-check, new shoes-check, new folder for the teenager who doesn't want to carry a backpack-still trying to convince....

This year I'm also adding in a welcome gift for the teacher: box of Kleenex, and a bottle of Hand Sanitizer. Partly because being a former preschool teacher I know how fast teachers go through that stuff, and partly because it's usually my kids going through it the quickest because of seasonal allergies.

Also, trying to squeeze in all those daytime doctor visits for the kids, so no one has to miss school, and I can be more useful of my time while they are away, a couple more trips to the pool, one more soccer tournament,  and 1-on-1 Blissful dates with the kids before the schedules get a little more hectic!

Let the Countdown Continue!

Only 2 weeks left! I can't believe it!! School starts in just 2 weeks. Where has the summer gone?

I know time flies, but I swear it flies faster when your kids get older. I love spending the summer with my children; no hectic schedules, no homework, swimming, bike rides, night games, city celebrations, fireworks, camping, hiking, snowcones, and not to forget the awesome Grandma Camp we all look forward to, the list could go on. Yet, there is something to be said for ROUTINE!

About half my children run on routine, the others are pretty easy going, but definately need sleep.  I can tell you also, their parents like it even more. It's great to have dinner before dark, jobs done before school, and a bedtime. By this time of year I'm ready to have my evenings back with my husband. Whether it's watching the new Fall lineup season on t.v. or catching up on missed conversation.

This week turn the clock back on bedtime. Try 1/2 hour earlier to start with. We actually started this last week with 9:30, this week with 9:00, by next week 8:30! You choose what bedtimes are best for your children this is what works for us. The older 2, (6th grade on up) get to stay up till 9:30, but only if in their room reading. (Guess what the teenage boy chooses-Sleep!)

Blissful Dreams!

Back to School!

It's that time of year again! I can't believe it, school is about to start, 3 weeks away!

Is this what your kids closets look like right now? Summer clothes mismatched and thrown in despite my efforts to match a coordinating shirt w/shorts, they still have their fave's! They might have to accidentally disappear for a while, then bring them back. Or not.




Last year's school shoes, definately needing an  upgrade. This pic does not do it justice, there are some seams coming apart. And these maybe the third set of laces. Granted they are hand-me-downs from a cousin (love them) so they well got there use.




So my goal this week is to first go through everyone's closets!
Starting with the oldest, because they may be handed down to the next sibling or cousin or friend in need, before having to put away in storage.
Then go through the drawers, including; p.j.'s, t-shirts, underwear, and socks. These undergarments get bought brand new, but that is my opinion, except p.j.'s.
Then grab your handy-dandy notebook, and make a list of what that child does need and sizes. After making a list for each child, go shopping in your storage bins and cross off list as fulfilled.
Then don't forget to put your list right in your purse to always have with you when out shopping at the stores. Which are having great sales on now!




When putting clothes away in bins, don't forget to label gender and size, eliminating a lot of time and headache later. Notice I also put the boys clothes in blue bins and the girls in silver (I haven't seen a pink bin yet), making it easier to find.




When doing a jean fitting, remember destressed is still in style, so don't feel too stressed to buy all new, they'll come like that anyway now. But if the holes are way to big and the waist still fits, (By the way love the person who came up with the elastic-adjustable waistband!), just make them into cute cutoffs! (It's still warm enough to wear shorts to school for a while.) You may throw away the bottom, but that's not me, I save them and trim off the seams and save to add to the levi quilts I'm making for Christmas! (SSHH!! don't tell my kids, and yes my 14 yr old actually asked for one-makes great for camping.)




As for collared shirts or anything you hang, turn the hangers around backwards. When you wear it and hang it back the right way you know you like and wear that item. The hangers that have not been turned around in 6 months obviously are not getting worn and may be recycled.
There are a few things you can do with used clothing.
1. Hand-me-downs! We love these, and I'm sure others do to!
2. Donate-D.I., M.S., etc. Usually these are well worn.
3. Consignment-there are all kinds of shops around now that take clothing, shoes, bags, you name it. Most of these stores will pay you cash, or give you extra for in store credit. My favorite for kids is Kid-to-Kid in Provo or Lindon. My favorite for girls and ladies is My Sister's Closet in Spanish Fork, which will donate if not sold in 3 months.
4. Garbage-holey socks, and used underwear.
5. Rags-t-shirts make great rags for cleaning baseboards or to have on hand in the garage.




Unless you have set aside a budget for school clothes, try just buying one new item a week, like this week all the kids got new shoes. One stop at the shoe store, done! Then the next week, essential undergarments, and so on.

 Hope this makes your back-to-school shopping a little more blissful!

Repurposing!

I'm sure you all have some of these old chairs lying around right? Notice how worn they are, still in good shape, not a crack or break in them, but well worn. I wanted a new patio set, but didn't want to pay the expensive retail price.



So, I got to thinking. For about $9, buys 2 cans of this wonderful spray paint for plastic.
If it didn't work I wasn't out much. Just make sure you lay some cover down not to ruin your concrete, spray in a well ventilated area,  and don't leave the spray can out in the hot sun.




After washing down the chairs and only 1 coat of paint, I think they turned out pretty darn okay! It is Fusion for Plastic by Krylon, in Black Metallic Hammered Finish. I now have 6 new chairs to go with my already 2 white ones that were still in good condition.




To go with the chairs, I already had this table given to me for Christmas one year, (thanks Mom & Pop pop!). I had been using it in my craft room for my sewing machine, but the heavy machine wasn't as stable as I'd like, little bouncy going fast on the straight stitch. So I had the handy husband drill a hole close to center as possible for my new 8 ft. umbrella, found at Sam's for only $26. With a bit more spray paint you could also paint the table if wanted.

  

Can seat 6 comfortably around perfect!





Viola! Put all together with a new tablecloth from Kmart for $2.49 and we have a brand new patio set for under $40.00! And I can still use the table elsewhere as needed, (any other tablecloth could conceal the hole), and the umbrella is perfect for taking to the soccer field  or park!

 Tell me about your repurposing stories, making your life or home a little more blissful!

I LOVE SUMMER, SUMMER, SUMMERTIME!!



My new obsession: BOUNTIFUL BASKETS! For $15 (+$1.50 for shipping per order) you can get all this! It would cost you nearly twice as much at the store and it does not have as many pesticides. Just go to http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ on Monday 10a.m. to order yours, pick a site near you, pick up on Saturday a.m.  I have cut my grocery bill in half the last 2 months since I've been devouring this delicious, healthy food.  I only go to the grocery store for dairy, and the hostess store for bread,  now that I have a freezer full of beef and fresh produce to eat fresh or freeze.  They do also have bread, and other in-season extras you can add to your order.  Also, I feel I'm giving back to the community supporting local grown farmers and volunteering at the ALA site almost every week along side my sis-in-law who is also well organized and runs that site.  Hope to see you there!




One of my other fav's is gardening! I love working in the yard alongside my hard-working husband and sometimes very helpful children.  I got so many beautiful limes this week in my basket I arranged them in a vase, but when I put them on the table, something was missing.  So as I weeded my way around the yard I had one of those AHA moments, and cut some of my daisies to make an arrangement. Turned out pretty cute, I think!




So, on my way home from ALA (basket site) I go to my favorite S.A.G.S. gas station on 6th North in S.F. for a mixed drink (Diet Dr.Pepper over crushed ice with a splash of Toasted Marshmellow Syrup. Hey, don't knock it, till ya try it. My friend got me hooked, and we are now convinced it's the 24th missing flavor.) It's my one vice! Then I see all these signs for yard sales on Main Street. So I think to myself, if I see something on the way home I will stop. I hit the Car Wash, turned the corner to one address I remember, (I used to remember more-getting old I guess), and I see this cute desk!  I was actually looking for a table for our patio, but I saw this and loved it!  I figure I could put the table that my sewing machine is on now outside and have the handy-hubby drill a hole in it for the umbrella I already bought 2 weeks ago at Sam's Club for $26. and sand and paint this off-white, antique it, and decoupage scrapbook paper on the fronts of the drawers for my craft room. Brilliant right!?! And I only paid $8 and, it's old sturdy wood, not that laminate crap!

 So lots of fun ideas, making my Summer a lot more BLISSFUL!

No more junk in the trunk!

We are heading out for vacation this week, before we leave we are making sure we are certainly prepared.

Make a trunk emergency kit!

In an old duffel bag put: jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, screwdrivers (flathead and a Phillips), small shovel, ice scraper, cap, scarf, gloves, blanket, waterproof matches, candles, and most important, a bright yellow poncho-to make you visible to other drivers rain or shine.

Also not forgetting enough DVD's, coloring books & crayons, road sign games, and a cooler full water bottles (with names on them-less fighting) and healthy snacks!

Hopefully if you are prepared, you won't need to use the emergency kit, but it always brings peace-of-mind if something does, making your vacation more blissful!

Garage got you down?

Before you rush out and buy bins & shelving.....

 ...pick a sunny day & clear out all belongings.
Make a decision!  If you haven't use it in a year, does it make sense to keep it?
-What stays
-What can be donated
-What can be sold
-What can be thrown away

Store things close to where you need them, and in logical places.
For example bike helmets with the bikes, gardening tools and pots together, and obviously tools all in one convenient spot, and so on.
For items you need occasionally, such as holiday decorations, consider overhead storage, and color-coordinating bins.
You can also store some things outside.
Consider a deck box for children's toys-water guns, balls, sandbox toys, jumpropes, sidewalk chalk, and such.
Don't forget to sweep the corners as you go, and then give one cleen sweep when everything is in its place making the garage a more blissful extension of your home!

School's Out For Summer!!

No more teachers, no more books, no more CARPOOL!
Why not start the summer, and end the first vacation weekend, by cleaning out your vehicle. After driving your kiddos and the neighbors' around all school year, reclaim your vehicle.


Wash inside and out! Spray the top of the window with an ammonia-free glass cleaner (ammonia can damage tints, coatings and weatherstripping). Using a microfiber or 100% cotton towel (it won't scratch or streak), trace hard along edges and in corners, then wipe from top to bottom and side to side. Do the same for window interiors and mirrors. Remove floor mats and shake them out. Lay them on the driveway and vacuum up loose dirt and pevvles with a vacuum extension. Then either soak them for an hour in large bin of warm water mixed with clothing dtergent and rinse, or wash with carpet cleaner and hose them down. Line-dry. Vacuum regularly, expecially if anyone in your family has allergies.




Designate smart, specific places for all of your car belongings, and clutter will dissappear. Get a trash tote, keep extra at the bottom and line with one bag. Invest in pop-up mesh mini-hampers and keep them in the trunk. Loose clothes-extra uniforms, mittens, hats, etc.-go here.




Make a trunk emergency kit. In an old duffel bag put:jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, a whistle, screwdrivers (a flathead and a Phillips), a small shovel, ice scraper, cap, scarf, gloves, blanket, waterproof matches, candles and, most important, a bright yellow poncho-to make you visible to other drivers, rain or shine.

Have a happy, safe and blissful driving summer! And please remember to buckle up!!

Iron Staining Clothes!?!

Before the kiddos are out of school, (and it's still raining outside), why not catch up on all those clothes to iron and watch a chick-flick.

No, this is not my husband, he thinks ironing is actually a waste of time, but sometimes you want your man to look pressed, RIGHT!?!

If you sew or press your clothes a lot then eventually you'll need to clean your iron. Why? The tap water you use in your steam water resevoir starts to calcify and/or oxidize and you start hetting whitish and/or reddish crud in your steam water-and it will leave a giant stain on whatever it is you're ironing.  If you're like me, first you will cry, then you will turn to the internet to figure out what to do.
Turns out, all you just need to do, is clean your iron.
1ST-Buy a big bottle of white distilled vinegar.
2nd-Fill your resevoir with it & turn the iron on.
3rd-Steam the heck out of a fluffy white towel or rag until there is no vinegar left in your resevoir. Then do it again or until you fell confident that no more whitish/reddish crud is coming out of your iron.
4th-Flush it with water a few times to get the vinegar smell out.
DONE!
*NOTE: Open a window, because ti is going to be foul in there while you're steaming all your vinegar out. I'm pretty sure it isn't bad for you but it is very unpleasant smelling and feels really weird to inhale.
Not recommended.
Hopefully this little tip will make your next ironing feat a little more blissful!

Come on, open up!

What a beautiful day to open up all the windows and let your home air out!  While you are at it, open up all the closet doors, (I don't know about you, but I'm sick of wondering the last month or so when did my house start smelling like Grandmas moth balls.) Febreeze can also be a Blissful tool to spray the carpets in those closets and maybe some upholstered furniture, like the dining room chairs!

Don't let all that Spring Cleaning go to waste!

Most household dirt -75%-80%- is tracked in from outside.  Keep your home cleaner by regularly sweeping porches, sidewalks, driveways, and garages.  Spring is also a perfect time to add a new doormat to both inside and the outside of the door. Potted plants also make this space feel more in inviting and Blissful!

Don't forget the Front!

Don't forget the fronts of the cabinets.  Start first thing Monday morning, top to bottom, in the kitchen, then just work your way around the rest of the house throughout the week, or save those smaller bathroom cabinets for an extra job for the kiddos, making your job even more blissful!  Just a damp cloth works best!

Use those Attachments!

You know that wonderful, expensive vacuum you bought? Use all those attachments for what they're intended. Remember to start top to bottom. Get those cobwebs in the top corner ceiling, and above the curtains, which you should also take down and wash or dry clean this week. (Just an extra to feel more blissful). Leave the duster on to get those blinds and window sills, then use the crevice tool and get around the whole edge of the room, expecially corners and behind big furniture if you can. Happy Spring Cleaning and may it bring more BLISS to your home.

Kids=Baseboards!

While those shorter, more energized little people are home with you this Spring Break, put them to good use in your Spring Cleaning Schedule.  They are just the right size for giving them a wet rag or Lysol wipes and tell them they each have one room per day to wipe the baseboards, light switches, and door knobs.  Just remember to do something fun and reward them after. One less thing crossed off your list and your home more blissful!

Toys for Tots?

before

after

Yes, that is my Diet Dr.Pepper on the shelf to get me through this.

It was worth it!

Seriously, way too much, the kids couldn't even play.

No more dragging it out to the living room.  Now they have plenty of space to play.

Remember to get rid of things right away!

This is the last full week before Spring Break, and it's still cold outside, so as part of your Spring Cleaning, why not weed out the Bedroom and/or Toy Room why you won't have so many opinions. The key is to get rid of 1/2! Start by gathering bins or even empty gallon ice cream buckets to sort by categorizing.  Be sure to have a garbage bag close by to throw away broken parts or those McD toys that only got played with on the way home and haven't been touched since. Also, have bins or huge garbage bags for the Getting-Rid-Of pile. The rule here is to get it out of the house before those cute little kidlets come home from school.  Don't let it sit near by, where it might trickle back in. You could donate to the Deseret Industries, or if still in working condition, clean-up and giveaway to Primary Nursery or Preschool.  If you are looking for extra money for Spring/Summer clothing you could also haul to KID TO KID in Provo or Lindon for cash or instore credit, or take pics and sell on your own at KSL.com/classifieds.  Good luck, and remember to reward yourself with a little Hershey Bliss Chocolate!