Great for Spring cleaning: Big sale on organizing basics - bins, storage, etc...

at Ideeli of course! If you're not a member, you need to be to shop. But fear not, click the link below and you'll become a member, pronto. (It's free and fast)

www.ideeli.com/invite/Office Furniture

This sale seems to be selling out quicker than most so hurry!

ps* I just noticed there's another similar sale at another discount/sale site - Beyond the Rack (again, you need a membership but it's free and quick)

Spring clearing - the living room!

The living room - does it need any grand introduction? Like the kitchen, it is a major part of the home, a place where every one gathers to relax. With everyone in and out a lot of stuff is left behind - so this weekend, lets freshen it up!

• Dust ceiling, vents, fans, artwork, shelves, lamps, mantel, books, and cobwebs with a feather duster. Make sure your feather duster is made from ostrich feathers, though! Other feather dusters, that aren't made from ostrich feathers, won't pick up the dust.

• Wipe tabletops, baseboards, and windowsills with a microfiber cloth. You can make a furniture polish to really put a shine on everything.

• Dry clean slipcovers, drapery, and cushion covers. You can download a list of eco-friendly dry cleaners at the EPA's website.

• Spray windows, glass tabletops, and frames with glass cleaner. Vinegar and water works great for cleaning windows, or you can whip up a batch of eco-friendly glass cleaner, too.

• Tidy newspapers, books, magazines, and accessories. Try a new way of organizing your books, and color coordinate them. When in doubt about arranging accessories or artwork, arrange in threes.

• Sweep and mop, or vacuum and spot treat floors. For a super-fresh smell on your living room rugs and carpets, try using lavender. Lift cushions of chairs and sofas and vacuum.

text via CasaSugar

via CasaSugar

via House Beautiful










via Australian House and Garden

Spring clearing - the dining room (lots of dining eye candy too!)

This room will probably be one of the easier rooms in your home. With the uprising of eat-in-kitchens many of us find our dining rooms not used. Save this room for a day when you don't have a lot of time or pair it with another task.

• Dust down the ceiling and corners
Consider if the walls in your home need to be washed. Check here for information on how to clean different wall surfaces. Don't forget air vents and switch plates.

• Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

• Clean the Ceiling Fan.You know what's worse than a fly in your soup, a large chunk of dust from your ceiling fan in your soup. Dust the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

• Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Dust down any blinds and other window treatments. Dust down and wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

• Wash down the dining table, chairs, and any other furniture thoroughly. If you have wood furniture that needs to be oiled or waxed, do this now. If your chairs have an upholstered seat, spot clean the seats.

• Clean the carpet and rugs. You can choose to use a carpet professional, rent a cleaning machine, or vacuum and spot-treat according to soil level.

What You Need:

• Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Small bucket with handle
• Sponges
• Vacuum with attachment
• Gentle cleanser
• Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
• Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional)

via About.com

I'd love to know more about you guys and your homes! Which dining room comes closest to yours?

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M.
Happy clearing!

images via House to Home

Lovely eco-goodies for spring decorating - from Olive and Myrtle

For you this morning- some sustainable, eco-friendly goodies for your nest. It's Spring, and while you're cleaning your home, consider replacing worn out items with products also "clean" for the earth. This stuff is truly adorable. Many of the products you see here - from Olive & Myrtle- don't cost any more than what you'd pay at Bed Bath and Beyond! They also feature a lot from Perch, a ceramic studio right here in Brooklyn.

My favorite Perch piece!



These stacking baskets are only $14!


More Perch prettiness!

Kitchen Bliss

Do we all have shiny clean kitchens after clearing it out this weekend? I know you do...right...right? :) Well, if inspiration alluded you, here's a little more coming at you from our beloved Domino.

Who couldn't use wheels on their island!


This kitchen has my mother written all over it - lovely





I'd love to beable to come into this bright and sunny kitchen on weekend mornings






I don't know if I could do this...do you like bright kitchen cabinets?


This is the closest to the kitchens I've had in my tiny city apartments.