Spring Cleaning Tips

Now that we can finally (maybe) open the windows and let in fresh air, my mind is turning to cleaning.

Why do I feel overwhelmed?  Well, anyone who lives in a house knows that there's a LOT of maintenance to keep things nice and clean.

But...here are a few tips I do regularly to help 

lighten your load!

1. Narrow your focus - Do only 1 thing at a time.  Clean just one surface, clear out one cupboard, vacuum one room, wipe one mirror...you get it.  I pat myself on the back if I do one load of laundry after a full day's work!  Don't stress out, just do ONE thing.  

Do not worry about tomorrow...each day has enough trouble of its own.  - Jesus

2. Clear away clutter - A clean surface is easy to keep clean.  Clutter makes cleaning difficult, so get rid of anything that you don't need.  I go through every drawer, closet, and shelf as often as I think of it and remove unwanted stuff.  Somehow it just keeps accumulating, it's strange. I don't want to ever have closets and rooms filled with junk, so I am always on the lookout for clutter.  Bring clothes you don't wear anymore and other items to a charity.  You'll be able to clean so much easier with less stuff.

3. Use simple cleaning products - You don't need an arsenal of cleaners.  I always use what I already have before I buy more.  I use a pile of "old t-shirt" rags instead of paper towels.  Here are my go-to cleaners: Windex, white vinegar, ammonia, Blue Dawn.  I can go a long way with just these few.  

Windex is good for all glass surfaces, ceramic and formica counters.  I mop my hardwood floors with a mild solution of hot water and white vinegar.  Run vinegar through your coffee pot and then with water a few times to remove residue.  I use a solution of hot water and ammonia to mop ceramic tiles, composite decking outside, concrete floors and wipe window sills.  

And what can't Blue Dawn do?  That might be easier to list.  I use a spray bottle with 3/4 vinegar and 1/4 Blue Dawn to clean tubs and showers.  Blue Dawn keeps my stainless sink shining and removes greasy laundry stains and shirt-collar-grime.  Just google "Uses for Blue Dawn" and you'll be amazed.

I hope this gives you a few ideas to get started with Spring Cleaning.  I'd love to hear your best tips!!

Winter's Almost Over!

We've made it through the dreary, dark, cold months of January and February.  So my thoughts are now turning to Spring!  My friend, Heather, gave me a beautiful Hyacinth that I will plant outside soon.  And I bought 2 packs of seeds the other day, Italian Parsley and Cilantro.  I'll be sprinkling them in the garden some warm day this month.  Things are looking up:)

I love when the days start to get noticeably longer.  It just makes me feel like doing something outside.  I will start with simply wiping off the railing on my back porch, so I can stand there and look at the sky without getting black winter dirt on my hands!

For me, the transition from Winter to Spring is more symbolic than any other season.  I can't help but think about growing plants, colorful flowers, renewed life, second chances, talking to my neighbors, fresh air...

Even though Winter isn't over yet, give yourself a shot in the arm. Wipe off one railing, buy some seeds, or just go outside and breathe some fresh air.  Winter's almost over!

Lighten Up!

Are you feeling weighed down?

It could be from all the political hype and

fear running rampant.

It could be from stressful situations that you can't 

control in your life right now.

It could be from clutter in your home that 

you can't seem to escape.

What can you get rid of right now 

to help you feel lighter?

1. Judgmental attitudes - these don't help anybody.  In fact, the more you open your heart to accept others, the more you will find other people accepting you.  It's not rocket science to try to understand where other people are coming from.

😊😊😊

2. Unrealistic expectations - these are relationship killers.  If you want to improve your marriage, your friendships, and your family ties, stop expecting things that are NOT going to happen.  Try to love people with all their flaws.  It's really the only way to live well.

3. Stuff - you will never miss the extra clothes, the kitchen gadgets, the piles of stuff in closets and in the basement. Give it away to people who need it.  Your new clean spaces will definitely make you feel lighter and more peaceful.

What else can you do to Lighten Up?  Send me your ideas!

Sweet Surprises

It's bitter cold and dark here in January. 
The sun doesn't shine much:(

 But my heart is warmed by sweet surprises around my house.  

Here are a few!

Dom and Emily gave me this for Mother's Day.

It's blooming now!

Tony went to Pittsburgh and brought me
a few of my favorite cookies from Enrico's!

I came home from a long work day to the most wonderful
aroma and this incredible dinner waiting for me:)

January is looking better already!!  What are your special gifts to be thankful for??

Christmas 2016 Photos

We are so thankful for our family and friends!

These photos need no description:)

Struffoli

Struffoli is a classic Italian holiday dessert.

All the ingredients are mixed together in a food processor to form the dough.  Then I roll little dough balls to get ready for frying.  When they cool I coat them with a honey-rum glaze!  Sprinkles make them pretty.  The dough isn't too sweet and the glaze is just right!

Here's my recipe:

Struffoli

2 cups flour 4-5 tsp rum

3 tsp baking powder 2+ tsp lemon zest

2 Tbs sugar 2+ tsp orange zest

1 / 2 tsp salt 1 / 2 cup honey

2 eggs 2 tsp sugar or rum

4 Tbs soft butter oil for frying

1. Combine all ingredients (except honey and sugar/rum) in a food processor.
2. Blend to pizza dough consistency.
3. Wrap in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Cut off piece of dough the size of a tomato and roll out to 1 / 2 inch diameter cylinder.
5. Cut small pieces and roll into balls.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes in oil.  Set on paper towels to cool.
7. Heat 1 / 2 cup honey and 1 tsp sugar.
8. Pour over Struffoli and decorate with sprinkles.

Favorite Christmas Decorations!

Here are some of my favorite Christmas decorations!

Would you post pictures of your favorites??

I'd love to see them.

Angelo and Abba's Reception Lantern

Vintage Red Cardinals

 My Mom's Favorite Tree

Antique Feather Tree - Tony's Favorite

Snowmen Braving the Winter Cold:)

Pencil Tree with Antique Glass Ornaments

Sweet Snowman and Rudolf - gifts from dear friends

 Mini-Tree and Kazakhstan Doll -gift from a dear student

Antique Candle Box - gift from dear friends