How to…

I’m excited to announce my new ‘How to…’ series starting on the blog today. Hope you enjoy!

how to clean home in 30 minutes

I’m kicking off the series with ‘How to…clean your home in 30 minutes.’ I wouldn’t say our apartment is a disaster. However, I wouldn’t say that it’s always perfectly clean and in order. When we have company coming over or I’m starting to feel a lack of inspiration due to piles everywhere or unhung clothes, I start cleaning, and the mood instantly changes. We are all so busy in our lives that rarely can we spend hours on end cleaning our living space. That’s why I have learned to master the ’30 minute clean.’

  • Put on upbeat music that will keep you rocking
  • Make a game plan that would even impress an NCAA coach
  • In each room, make pretty piles
    • Papers
      • Trash (anything you don’t need, won’t look at again)
      • File (anything you need to save, but don’t need right then)
      • Active (anything that needs to be handled in a timely manner – bills, etc)
    • Clothing/Shoes
      • Clean (items that are clean and need to be hung, folded, or put away)
      • Dirty
        • Wash
        • Dryclean
    • Miscellaneous Items
      • Anything else that needs to be put away
  • Now, put all those piles away. For those items that need to be handled (such as bills) put them in a neat pile on your desk
  • Do a quick wipe of the countertops and tables
  • Vacuum or sweep the floor, if necessary
  • Do this plan at least once a week. If you are one who puts away your clothes as you take them off, you deserve a cookie (that’s not me, unfortunately). Do this as often as possible, as to never let any pile get too high or any room too messy.

…and now your home is clean, and all is right again in the world. You deserve a large glass of wine.

 

image source

Weekend

weekendIt’s been a great, but extremely busy, week. I’m looking forward to the next couple days. It’s supposed to be a warm weekend here in Houston, so I’d love to lay by the pool and get a bit of color. I also plan on getting to a delicious brunch at some point with even more delicious mimosas. My desk nook needs to be majorly organized, so I will make sure to spend a few hours getting everything in order. And finally, I have stacks of magazines, articles, and books to read, and I may spend half a day in bed doing just that. Have an amazing weekend!

Images: 1/2/3/4

Jul’s Gems

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Jul’s Gems post, so I’m excited to share with you today some things that have been catching my eye lately.

closet

Few things would make me happier than a closet and dressing area like this one.

cookie favor packaging

The next time I have a party, I’d love to give something like this away as the favor.

grilled zucchini pizza slices

I’m always looking for healthy alternatives to foods I love, and this Zucchini Pizza is perfection.

loose braid

A loose braid is such an easy hairstyle, and I love how this one appears messy, yet totally fabulous.

vacation

I’d like to be here immediately, if not sooner.

twins

The most adorable twins in bohemian chic outfits I want in my size.