tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post3399419235646250917..comments2024-03-28T22:30:17.628+13:00Comments on How to be Chic: Home as an elegant sanctuaryFiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-26152714174541689902015-09-09T05:06:13.706+12:002015-09-09T05:06:13.706+12:00Hi Fiona,
I love this post! This has been an ongo...Hi Fiona,<br />I love this post! This has been an ongoing struggle in my house. While I despise housework I despise a messy home even more. Previously I refused to clean up after the others in my home that made a mess and all the while I'd stew in frustration and resentment - hours or days. The time I took to tidy up say 15-30 minutes left ME with hours and sometimes days of peace, calm, and serenity. I felt more than rewarded for my efforts. Kind of an aha moment for me :-)Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09512504177659003307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-6925251632156923442015-09-07T15:36:59.896+12:002015-09-07T15:36:59.896+12:00I found establishing a weekly routine for cleaning...I found establishing a weekly routine for cleaning helped when I was living on my own. One day was sweep/mop/vacuum, one was dust and tidy shelves or whatever, one was laundry. I had a small apartment, so it didn't require a whole lot of time- maybe half an hour to 45 minutes each day, three days a week (running laundry took longer, obviously, but I'm only counting the time I spent sorting/loading/folding.) As long as I kept up with basics like dishes and keeping the counters clean, it wasn't bad and I'd have a nice place with not a huge amount of work. <br /><br />I also had a small budget for fresh flowers and rewarded myself each week with a pretty bunch of something- frequently carnations because they last well as long as you change the water regularly. Auroranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-42169965219071986892015-09-05T23:53:20.962+12:002015-09-05T23:53:20.962+12:00I like using the term 'Homemaking'. I'...I like using the term 'Homemaking'. I'd far rather be doing something more creative than cleaning, etc., but then I decided to remind myself that I was creating: I'm making our home nicer by Creating Order. Silly idea, but it works for me.Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239488936038510294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-57196204880599435322015-09-04T06:05:14.401+12:002015-09-04T06:05:14.401+12:00Well, I love cleaning! I know, I must be slightly ...Well, I love cleaning! I know, I must be slightly mad. But it has actually been a work in progress for at least 12 months now, with children leaving home to remodelling kitchen and bathroom projects, to just general de cluttering, I have tried to find the most efficient and time effective ways to keep the house "95%" or so. That is where I find my fun, if I can think of any way to cut down the time or energy to do the same thing, I really get a kick out of it, it then gives me more time to do the more important things and make time for family and friends. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17411200984498595200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-63836212801959235522015-09-01T19:28:43.454+12:002015-09-01T19:28:43.454+12:00Like you, having the right mindset towards houseke...Like you, having the right mindset towards housekeeping really keeps me motivated. Just the thought of having a messy home stresses me greatly, so I can push through the cleaning because I know I'll feel so much better coming home to wiped down kitchen counters and swept floors. Organization and clutter comes a bit more naturally to me, so that's not too big of an issue. I agree with Mrs. Bill, if my home appears orderly and calm, it's much more pleasant. That little bit of dust doesn't bother me TOO much...<br /><br />I organize my cleaning into categories. I have quick daily tasks such as wipe counters, sweep the floors, and quickly sanitize my shower or bath afterwards to prevent mildew from forming. Also, I focus on one room per day of the week, so on wednesday I'll tend to the living room, thursday the bath, and sunday the kitchen. Finally there's monthly and seasonal tasks, such as flip the mattress, clean the oven, or wash the windows. I find that a little a day is the best for me, that way there's no marathon cleaning which is just exhausting!<br />Annanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-53185386941999300552015-09-01T15:42:58.986+12:002015-09-01T15:42:58.986+12:00Alison, that's true, energy levels play a big ...Alison, that's true, energy levels play a big part. I find I'm better doing physical things in the morning and less strenuous tasks in the afternoon. A deadline helps shift me as well - that can create energy out of nowhere!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-6759896117774375312015-09-01T15:36:04.653+12:002015-09-01T15:36:04.653+12:00Hi Fiona,
I quite enjoy cleaning in bursts -- I r...<br />Hi Fiona,<br /><br />I quite enjoy cleaning in bursts -- I really enjoy being surrounded by clean and well organized surroundings. The key to this though for me is energy levels. When I'm very tired or not feeling well, it feels like there are 10 pound weights strapped to both arms and both legs and anything really physical (or even mentally draining tasks) becomes a real chore.<br /><br />So, I find the main thing is to pay attention to energy and when it is starting to dip, to try to figure out what's behind it. Sleep deficiency, something to do with diet -- like not getting enough iron, protein, B12 etc, or perhaps I'm very stressed about something to the point that my adrenals are overtaxed.<br /><br />AlisonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-63167560638961057122015-09-01T06:44:44.497+12:002015-09-01T06:44:44.497+12:00Thanks for the book tip Marguerite - I've hear...Thanks for the book tip Marguerite - I've heard of it but don't think I've ever read it. Time to change that!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-72372574658759727952015-09-01T05:24:18.422+12:002015-09-01T05:24:18.422+12:00Greetings Fiona,
This topic really resonates with ...Greetings Fiona,<br />This topic really resonates with me as I am happiest as a homemaker, a paid job is just the means to an end. I got this tome out of the Library recently and wanted to share the title, "Home Comforts:The Art and Science of Keeping House". I'm sure I will pick up some tips.<br />Just love reading your blog and your attitude/slant on things.Margueritehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12240435194162570190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-11345196978282420782015-09-01T05:13:10.934+12:002015-09-01T05:13:10.934+12:00I like cleaning, but I do resist deep cleaning tho...I like cleaning, but I do resist deep cleaning those pain in the ass areas that I don't get around to often like baseboards or window blinds. A spring cleaning type list will overwhelm me, but breaking it up into simple little tasks feels good. Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289348366926684135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-69095021043259758712015-09-01T01:35:19.131+12:002015-09-01T01:35:19.131+12:00I really loathe cleaning but as we are about to mo...I really loathe cleaning but as we are about to move house it has forced me to get in and finally clear out items that haven't been touched for years. I think I am finally beginning to get the idea of minimalisation of possessions. I think I will really enjoy this new way of life. Less items means less cleaning.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09867634729208461191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-48921611220763358022015-09-01T01:28:14.684+12:002015-09-01T01:28:14.684+12:00I read your blog (and many others) frequently, but...I read your blog (and many others) frequently, but hardly ever comment. I really liked your idea of Athe home as an 'elegant sanctuary'. I had not thought of that term, but my husband and I like to keep our home nice for ourselves every day and not just for the occassional guest.<br /><br />In my mind keepinng the house neat and orderly is separate from cleaning. If a room looks inviting, it doesn't matter so much if there is a little dust on the tables. Cleaning - with the vac, buckets, dusters and mops - only takes an hour or two a week at the most. But if you invest a few minutes at a time to keep things in order as the day goes on, the house always LOOKS clean.Mrs. Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15362249211348711772noreply@blogger.com