Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Taking it easy


I've had such a lovely relaxing and productive day at home today. As you can see above, Jessica is feeling contented too. Yes it's only a two-seater, but if she unfurled her rabbit feet, she could almost stretch the whole way across it. Can you see her tail along the cushion back?

And below: contented snoozer. Jessica is quite a snuffly breather so I can hear her cat-snoring softly while I fold washing and dust the coffee table.


Catching up on housework and making our home a haven is what I have been up to the last few days. From moving into our place four months ago, there are still areas which items had been thrown into (literally) to get everything unpacked. I didn't have the time, energy or inclination to do it in an organised manner.

I redid the kitchen cupboards today though, cheered on by a blog I came across a few days ago called The Quiet Home. I have been particularly enjoying the Housework and Home Sweet Home tags and found my attitude towards housework was changed to something altogether more positive. This lovely lady's enthusiasm really is contagious!

I started by emptying out just one cupboard, a big corner deal with pots, pans, the slowcooker and loads of other items in it. It was a bit of a bother having to reach all the way to the back to get something I used often and there really was no rhyme or reason where things were placed. Still, I have been putting up with it since last October so it obviously didn't bother me that much, or perhaps I'm just a little 'busy' (or lazy?).

Of course that led onto other cupboards and finished up including the pantry. In the end all items were placed in clean-wiped and dried cupboards that made the most sense regards usage. Little used items are at the back, and there is a frequent use cupboard so we don't have to open the big hinged door of the corner cupboard to get out the vegetable steamer pots which we use 6 nights out of 7 at least. I'm now really looking forward to cooking tonight!

I was talking to my husband on the weekend and we both agreed that we are still a bit out of sorts and not really in a routine yet. With moving house, the shop being busier and employing a part-time staff member, we need time for things to bed in.

Even though all this change is positive, it can still be unsettling. We charge into something new (or perhaps are just following the road of our life) and expect our body and mind to be fine about it! So I'm soothing my soul with routine and small jobs done well, and knitting, reading and movies for leisure.

We saw The Descendants after work on Sunday and it was so enjoyable. After originally seeing the preview and deciding it looked too depressing, it was thanks to my Mum who said it was a good watch. And it was. George Clooney does his humour so well.

So nothing ground breaking today, just wanted to stop in and say hi.

20 comments:

  1. Your cat looks so content luxuriating on your sofa. Pepper sleeps in different spots during the day, often it's a patch of carpet if there is some sun shining on it.

    The Help was our weekend movie and we watched the Oscar coverage to get an idea about what movies we need to view. I like George Clooney so I'll add that title to our list based on your suggestion.

    Take care Fiona
    XO

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  2. I came across Tina's blog about a month ago, delightful isn't it. Jessica looks super contented.

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  3. I love the photos of your cat, she looks very happy and relaxed. Getting organised after moving can be really daunting, so I think it's a good idea doing it bit by bit. That said, we've lived in our house for 10 years now and we're still not completely organized! That's partly due to my dear husband and his packrat tendencies....I'm looking forward to see The Descendants, I really like George Clooney. Have a lovely and relaxing day.

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  4. Your pictures just made me think that it would be lovely to have a cat as a relaxing influence - does that sound bad?

    I like the kind of housework where I get "big" results: de-cluttering, sorting out the kitchen cupboards, going through paperwork and emptying my desk drawer, so I know exactly what you mean :-) It will take time for you to settle in, even a positive change is a big thing, so you should just take it easy I guess. Wishing you a lovely week.

    PS: I hope you don't mind me asking like this (I don't generally do this in comments), but could you please vote for me here:

    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-home-design-blog-nominations-the-homies-2012-166616

    Thanks xo

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  5. Hostess, I know the cat-sun-patch well. Jessica says hello to Pepper. I haven't seen The Help yet but will do.

    Rose, you're way ahead of me. Tina is so inspiring.

    Nanne, she is. As far as cat lives go she seems to be pretty happy with hers. Time flies so I'm not surprised you are still organising after ten years.

    Mademoiselle Poirot, you have hit on the secret of cat people. Cats are so good for blood pressure lowering and other relaxing medical issues. And voting, done. You are well deserved.

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  6. Miss Jessica looks very settled and contented - my cat makes that little snuffly sound as well! I too, am getting organised, but only because my house is going up for sale and I need to de-clutter like crazy. Have a lovely week!

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  7. What a lovely and inspirational post. Your kitty looks like she is greatly appreciating the happy home you are providing for her.

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  8. I think Jessica found the perfect home with you, she looks so content. I'm off to check out that blog.

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  9. Sulky Kitten, good luck in your move and with your decluttering. Be brave!

    Juhli, thank you for your lovely comment.

    Stephanie, Merci!

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  10. hello fiona!!!

    your day sounds so soothing, as always. i swear you could write about getting a flat tire in the pouring rain and make it sound relaxing. don't you just love sorting out kitchen cupboards? i know i do. such a simple thing and yet so powerful. xo janet

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  11. I learned a new word today: bollyfoxing. It means doing nothing important; doing the things that bring you joy. I think the word may be akin to lolly gaging. Either one will do. I just want a day in which to do either! Nice post!

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  12. Your cat looks so sweeeeet!!!! I am a cat lover too x

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  13. Janet, bonjour! Thinking about how great your kitchen and pantry room look always motivates me. I can't believe you would ever harbour clutter and disorganisation.

    Sanda, such a good word, actually both of them. I will do more bollyfoxing in future because I know it's good for me.

    Fashion Mom, thank you for your comment. Snoopy and Ukie are gorgeous!

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  14. Hello Fiona,

    How lovely of you! Thank you for your kind comment on my blog too, it was so encouraging. :)

    Jessica is adorable! She reminds me of my daughter's cat, Millie. :)

    I'm delighted to meet you and I'm off to read more of your lovely writings.

    Love, Tina xx

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  15. I find peace and simple joy in watching cats sleep - they make it look so delicious and the height of self-indulgence. Your photos of Jessica make me wistful for the days of my sweet kitty, who always found a patch of sunshine and seemed to move in her sleep as the sun moved across the sky.

    I still say my happiest projects in life are cleaning out cupboards and closets - especially if they are cluttered or generally disorganized. I find it so soothing, especially if I can box up unused items and take them to the thrift shop. If only I could make a living at it!

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  16. Hi! Stumbled across your blog, yesterday, I think. I am really enjoying reading it. I don't have a blog of my own so am always anonymous. Hope this is OK with you.

    I live in Western Australia and also enjoy simple, feminine pursuits.

    Sonya

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  17. Tina, lovely to meet you too!

    Rebekah, I also love how cats follow the sun around the house. Your happy projects sound wonderful and I enjoy them too. I think it would be easier to other peoples, don't you?

    Sonya, hello! You are always welcome as anonymous.

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  18. Fiona,
    Love your kitty. I have one who looks almost exactly the same! Something about having cats around just makes me relax. Love to see them snoozing.

    It is hard to move! We moved a year and a half ago and I swear it took me over a year to make it feel like my home. It all comes with time and figuring out how you want to use all the spaces.

    Love your blog!

    Kim:)

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  19. Hi Kim, Jessica thanks you for your kind comments and says Meow to your puss.

    I'm not surprised that a year and a half later you are still settling in. It feels like we've been here ten minutes and it's almost five months now!

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  20. AWWW so cute:) He looks like my cat. I really like your blog and will happily follow.
    If you want some swedish decor inspiration, you can check out my blog:)
    Have a great weekend.

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (Sweden)

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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