Loving Our Home | Home Tips, Advice, and Easy Recipes

Simple Home Tips and Solutions

Home Tips

Easy Organizing Tips for Your Home

By Leave a Comment

Organizing your home is essential, not just because you keep it clutter free but also because you can find the things you need easily and you feel better mentally when your surroundings are in order. You may even find ways to repurpose items that you have around your house that have just been collecting dust. Here are a few organizing tips for your home that you can implement this weekend.

For Your Kitchen

The more organized your kitchen, the more inspired you’ll be to create new recipes and pack school lunches like a pro. Start by sorting out your pantry to ensure that nothing has expired or has become unusable. Keep all similar food items in the pantry together — for instance, store all of your baking items in one area and all seasonings for food in another. All canned foods should be placed on separate shelf with the labels facing out. This will make it easier for you to locate exactly what you need for recipes. To declutter your counter space, get a few empty vases to store the large cooking utensils that you frequently use. Keep two or three appliances on the counter and put the rest away in storage until you need them.

For Your Bedroom

You can easily declutter your bedroom closet.  Begin by creating three separate piles — one is for clothes to donate, the other is for clothes to keep at hand, and the third is for storage until next season. Typically, you should donate all clothing items that you have not worn for a full year. Trust, you won’t miss them — just give them away, because you’ll feel so much lighter afterwards, especially with your newfound space. An added bonus is that you will be helping someone who could use the clothes. Purchase an over the door rack so that you can organize your shoes, belts, scarfs and ties. Store seasonal clothes under the bed.

The next place that usually gets a little crazy is the top of your dresser (both the inside and outside). First, assign a certain type of clothing to each drawer (underwear, socks, t-shirts, jeans) and stick to that plan going forward. If you have trinkets on your dresser that you are fond of, adding a small shelving unit for jewelry that will help keep them safer and better organized.  One shelf can be for makeup, another shelf for nail polish and yet another for manicure and pedicure accessories.

For Your Bathroom

Simply purchasing an over the toilet rack will take care of a lot of your organizational problems in the bathroom. An over the toilet rack is a place for your bathroom accessories, extra towels and more. You will enjoy a clutter free sink and shower (except for your most used items, like shampoo and conditioner). Organize your personal products into categories on the shelves — for example, put shampoos, conditioners and body wash on one shelf. Next, put lotions, shea butter and other skin conditioning items on another shelf. And finally, place colognes, body sprays and other scented items on yet another shelf.  Keep things tidy by making sure to replace all items used back to their proper location on the rack.

Maintaining ongoing habits is key to keeping your home organized. So after you dedicate a weekend to doing the initial organization, it’s okay to become particular about keeping things in its proper place.

Posted by Eve

Featured image: Rubbermaid Homefree Series Closet Kit (via Flickr)

Spring Cleaning Ideas and Motivation

By Leave a Comment

When the somber days of winter finally vanish and spring has sprung, it’s the perfect time to start taking on simple projects that won’t break your bank and improve your home. Here are some ideas to get you motivated to do some spring cleaning.

Open Up the Windows

Let the fresh air in.  Nothing will get you more in the mood to clean than smelling the fresh air from outside coming into your home. Play a little of your favorite motivational music or an audiobook to get your energy flowing.

Dust First

Plenty of dust has likely accumulated in your house throughout the cold winter season. Grab a dust buster or Swiffer and dust off your shelves, lamps and knick knacks to start.

The Floors

Your floors are your foundation, so that’s the next detail to take care of. Vacuum and mop all of the floors in your home. This is also a great time of year to rent a rug shampooer from your local supermarket and shampoo all carpets throughout your house.

Linens

Changing the curtains and bed linens in all rooms will rejuvenate the appearance in your home.  Remove the dark winter colors and replace them with the cheerful colors of spring, such as vibrant yellows, oranges and shades of pink.  You may find it easier to purchase a duvet that incorporates all of the colors of spring to cheer up your bedroom. You may also want to add bright and colorful throw pillows on the bed and the sofa in your living room to add springtime pops of color.

Flower Time

Adorn your home with planted flowers or flowers in vases to bring in the spring season.  Remember that some flowers need full daylight, near a window while others can be placed wherever you like.  Try a potted sunflower in the kitchen so that every time you go in for breakfast you’re met with its beauty and fresh scent.  Place flowers on the coffee table and end tables in your living room.  Make sure to choose flowers that blend well with your color scheme.

Your Front Door or Porch

Remember to do some spring cleaning on the outdoors as well. Sweep your stoop or porch thoroughly. Wash your front and back windows. The front porch is a great place to hang ferns to beautify your entrance. They will make your entrance more welcoming to you and your guests. If you are an apartment dweller, you can make a lovely floral wreath to hang on your front door.

When you hear the birds chirping and begin to smell the fresh scents of spring, you’ll probably get all the motivation you need for spring cleaning. Start with these simple ideas and add additional projects to your list as you go along.

Posted by Eve

 

Image courtesy Flickr (pattynwalter)

How to Clean & Freshen Your Carpet Naturally Without a Rug Shampooer

By Leave a Comment

 
If you have pets or just prefer natural solutions, you probably want a non-toxic cleaner for your carpets. Many people don’t understand the effects that harsh chemicals can have on your indoor air quality and overall environment. Thankfully, there are a plethora of products available that are made with all natural ingredients and are safe for both humans and pets. Here are a few of the best products to safely clean and freshen your carpet naturally without having to use a rug shampooer.
 
 

Eco-Me Carpet Freshener

 
Sometimes you just want a product that you can shake over the carpet to freshen and clean, then vacuum. This Eco-me carpet freshener is made with 100% all natural products and is safe for pets as well as humans.  The blend of citrus and sage provides a pleasing, calming scent to add to the air in your home.
 
 
 

 

Out! Stain and Odor Remover

 
Out! Stain and Odor Remover is a popular and highly rated product that you’re definitely going to want to have on hand if you have a pet that sprays or has accidents on your carpet or upholstery. Just spray the area liberally, and the smell seems to evaporate. It’s made with a natural beneficial bacterial enzyme formula that attacks the pet odor and freshens the area in the process. You could also spray your carpets with it every week for a quick cleaning/freshening before you vacuum.
 
 
 

 

Tweetmint All Purpose Non-Toxic Disinfecting Enzyme Cleaner

 
A lot of people like Tweetmint cleaner because it can be used to both clean carpets and eliminate pests, like spiders and ants. It can also be used for cleaning more than just carpets in your home. It comes in a concentrated bottle, so while it’s a bit costly, it will last for months. Just add a few capfuls to your spray bottle and add a few coats to your carpet.
 

 

 

Simply Green Naturals Cleaner

Natural CleanerThis product comes in a convenient spray bottle.  It is also made from 100% naturally sourced ingredients. Simple Green Naturals Carpet Cleaner a spot-cleaner, so this product will work for you if you have children or pets that soil your carpets.

 
 
 
 
Remember why you chose carpets for your home: so that your family and pets can feel comfortable playing, sitting or even laying on the floor. These products will help you to clean and freshen your carpet naturally and eliminate the need to rent an expensive rug shampooer.
 
Posted by Eve
Image courtesy Flickr; advaits

3 Simple Ideas to Spruce Up Your Living Room

By Leave a Comment

Every spring I like to spruce up my home by adding pops of color and new furniture that has sleek and useful designs. Just adding a new lamp, chair or table can completely change the look of your room. Here are a few key pieces that I believe will add class and style to any living room’s decor.

Cappuccino Round Accent TableCappuccino Table

I love the modern design of this cappuccino table.  It will fit in perfectly in a living room where you already have plenty of furniture.  It provides an extra table to place your laptop, iPad, coffee cup or book during hours of leisure.  You can even place the table in an open corner and adorn it with a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Cylinder Shaped Lamp

Cylinder LampI really like the cylinder shape of this lamp because it is small enough to fit into any corner.  It is tall and sleek.  You can even add colored bulbs for a more interesting night time effect in your living room.  It’s affordable enough to purchase two or three to position around your room.

Yellow Zig Zag (Charlie Brown) Throw Pillows

Yellow Zig Zag PillowsIf you need a pop of color in your living room, try these yellow throw pillows. They’re designed with an attractive zig zag pattern that looks similar to Charlie Brown’s shirt! Yellow is the color of happiness, so if you want to brighten up the atmosphere these are a good choice.  You can even transition the pillows to your outdoor patio furniture and with the UV protection on the fabric, you don’t have to worry about the fabric fading.
Consider these simple ideas to spruce up your living room. The goal is to have a place where you can feel relaxed and joyful, and have everything at your fingertips.

Spring Cleaning Made Easy: 3 Must-Have Items

By Leave a Comment

I am also open to cleaning products that will make my spring cleaning much easier.  I found some cool new products that were affordable and will help me keep my home smelling good and clean.  For the first time, I am looking for eco-friendly products and cleaning products that would not require a lot of effort to complete the job.

Rotating Spin Twist Hurricane Spinning and Shout Mop

Rotating Spin Twist Hurricane SpinningWith each passing year, it seems more difficult to clean my floors on my hands and knees.  I am thankful that there are floor cleaning systems like this Rotating Spin Twist Mop that I can use, that don’t require me to clean like I’m living in the 1800s!  Instead of manually cleaning the mop with your hands, you just put it in the tub and press the pedal to spin away the dirty water and start again. This spinning mop will cut your spring cleaning time in half.

Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers

Slipper GenieI really like the idea of this micro fiber cleaning slipper.  When I just want to tidy up my bathroom floor in a hurry, I’ll put a few Lysol wipes on the floor and use my own slippers to clean the floor instead of bending over. It works like a charm. These Slipper Genie Cleaning Slippers pretty much have the same idea in mind. They’re also useful for corners that your broom or mop are unable to reach. They are machine washable and come in a variety of attractive colors.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner, Lavender

Lavender CleanerThis lavender all-purpose cleaner is great for cleaning your entire house.  The scent of lavender has always been known to be a soothing scent — it fills your rooms and gives you a sense of peace during and after cleaning.  This product is eco-friendly and sold in a concentrated form.  Just add about a 1/4 cup to a gallon of warm water or a few capfuls to a water bottle. Amazon offers a better price if you purchase a set of two bottles — that should last you all season.
If you want your spring cleaning made easy this year, check out these three great products. They’re sure to make your cleaning experience quicker and more pleasant.

Walls Decor Ideas for a Small Urban Apartment

By Leave a Comment

If you happen to live in a major metropolitan city, you will quickly realize how limited your living space is compared to living in a rural community or in a suburb.  When you decorate a small space you should always add a bit of urban “zest.” But you should also add a bit of the “country” for peaceful/zen decor that helps to balance out your space.

A Quick Note About Your Paint
The first thing you’ll do before your furniture arrives is to paint the walls.  Make sure that you choose colors that are not too dark.  Dark colored walls make any room look smaller.  Try to pick colors that blend well from one room to the next.  Create a sense of unity in the apartment.

The Living Room
Plant Wall Hanging UnitAs for your living room, you can add a bit of a natural look to the room by purchasing a magnetic hanging unit.  This is an awesome new product that allows you to grow plants from a white decorative pot that sticks to your wall.  You can display just about any type of foliage,so make sure you choose plants that have some of your favorite colors in them.  This hanging unit will save you floor space and bring attention from company straight to the plants that you love and care for.  Hanging plants high on a wall is also a great idea if you have pets — the plants can grow and thrive indoors out of their reach.

The Kitchen
You should always have a kitchen that feels “inviting”.  You and your guests should feel comfortable and warm while enjoying a cup of coffee together.  Try lime and coconut colors to create the perfect atmosphere.  If you happen to have a small and awkward shaped kitchen, choose bistro style furniture.  Also, hang a few pictures that you would enjoy seeing in your favorite cafe, like coffee cups or fine art.

The Bathroom
Beach Scene DecalIn your bathroom, adding a beach scene or theme will bring a smile to your face each morning.  Since you visit your bathroom so much during the day, it should bring you back to your most pleasant vacation memories.  Purchase peel and stick beach scene decals online.  You can also apply medium size beach shells to the border of a large mirror above your sink.

Your wall decor ideas for a small urban apartment should reflect your personality and make the rooms seem larger and more inviting.  Start by writing out a plan for the room to be decorated.  Most of all use your imagination when you incorporate colors, patterns and themes.  You should have a enjoyable experience each and every time you decorate.

Have Fun!!!

Posted by Eve