Deep Cleaning

So i'm not going to say I love cleaning, because I don't. What I do love is the feeling after cleaning, knowing that everything is clean and sanitary. Since it is spring cleaning time, I have seen quite a few ideas on cleaning. The other night I cleaned the microwave, the dishwasher, the kitchen sink disposal and the washing machine. Some of you may be thinking I'm crazy but the dishwasher and washing machine really do need to be cleaned out. At my apartment there seems to be really hard water and I tend to have problems with the soap sticking on my dishes, what a pain! I have had this worked on once before and ran through a cleaning solution. The problem has reappeared but I think I may have found a solution! I love all of these cleaning recipes because they use inexpensive and earth friendly products: baking soda and white vinegar!

Sink Disposal
Directions found here
1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda in the drain
2. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar in the drain and cover with a plate to plug the drain so it can do its work
3. Let it sit and work for 30 minutes. Do not use the sink during this time.
4. Remove the plate and run hot water through the pipes for 2-3 minutes.
5. If it is clogged really bad you may need to repeat. Doing this once a month keeps the drains clear and fresh.

Dishwasher
Thorough instructions found here

1. Start with a freshly ran dishwasher with no dishes in it
2. Clean around the seal with a baking sofa paste, then go over it with the toothbrush dipped in vinegar. Scrub around the seal and any other spots you can find stuck on dishwashing detergent, for me there was a lot stuck around the detergent dispenser.
3. Add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher (with nothing else in it) and run on a energy saving or low wash. If possible stop the machine in the middle of the wash and let the vinegar set in the bottom to work for about 20 minutes then finish the wash. If you have mold and mildew problems you can run through 1/2-1 cup of bleach, but don't do this if you have a stainless steel interior.
4. Clean the front of the dishwasher including the buttons and handle with an antibacterial cleaner.

Microwave
Original instructions found here

1. Place water and a splash of vinegar in a microwave proof bowl.
2. Put it in the microwave and microwave for five minutes
3. While it is cooking clean off the outside with an antibacterial spray
4. Once it is done let it sit for a few minutes for the steam to further work away the gunk. Then very carefully remove the bowl as it is very hot, I used oven mitts.
5. Begin wiping down the walls with nothing but a rag or paper towel. Remove the plate and wash it in the sink with hot soapy water.

Washing Machine (front loading)
Original and full instructions here

Mine wasn't very dirty so I didn't have to do all the steps the original source provided. However, I do always leave the door open for awhile after washing to let it air out and dry. Front loading washers get stinky and moldy if you don't do this!

1. Add one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the soap dispenser.
2. Add one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the actual washer. (When these ingredients combine they fizz up, don't be alarmed this is part of the process).
3. Run a quick wash on hot.
4. When the cycle ends wipe down all surfaces inside to get all the water off, then wipe out the plastic lip, this is where soap, lint, hair and grime get caught and needs to be wiped down regularly.

Always always use high efficiency detergent or if using regular detergent only use half the recommended amount.

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Now you're done! Pretty easy huh?

Have you been doing lots of spring cleaning lately? What are your favorite products or tips for getting your home clean?

The Lucas Salon

The girl who does my hair recently began working at a new salon downtown that I am absolutely in love with! Its called The Lucas and was opened in Portland as a second location, the original is a well known salon in Los Angeles. What I love most about the new salon is the design, it is to die for! Check out the photos!  

Recipe Review: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Tonight I hosted a Stella and Dot trunk show! If you haven't heard of it, check it out! Its a really cool collection of Jewelry. There are so many things I have been eyeing after looking through the catalog but I think I have figured out the pieces I am going to purchase.

The Libby Necklace

I love the simple delicate chains giving the layered look. I can't decide if I want gold or silver.

The Vitality Necklace (lower necklace)

This is another sleek and simple necklace that could go with lots of things!

Nugget Wrap Bracelet

I'm loving the wrap look lately and this looks really cute layered with other bracelets. 

Adrienne Chain Earrings

Love Love Love these!!!!

Trust me, I love many other things but a girls gotta have a budget!

Anyways, when I had my friends over I decided to have wine, chips, salsa, guacamole and spinach and artichoke dip. I found this great recipe that is a copy cat of Applebees spinach and artichoke dip on Budget Savvy Diva.

I have to say, it turned out pretty amazing! Everyone loved it! Definitely saving this in my recipe book. Have you tried any good recipes recently? 

Quick Tip: Linen Organization

I have seen this tip several times before but finally implemented it and I have to say it is so convenient and clean looking! All you have to do is neatly fold your sheets up to a rectangular size that will fit in the corresponding pillowcase. Neatly fold the other pillowcase and place inside. You will always be able to find the matching pillowcases and will know where each sheet set is at all times, all while keeping a clean organized look.

Here are detailed instructions on folding those annoying fitted sheets! 

Image from Martha Stewart.

Contemporary Comfort

I'm loving the colors in this simple yet comfortable living room. Very contemporary, yet comfortable with a down filled sofa, pillows and blankets, I could just wrap myself up in this living room.

The Art of Arranging Shelves

Shelves are essential in nearly every space. What is the key to getting your shelves to look clean and polished while creating interest? I have listed below some important tips and ideas to remember when arranging your bookshelf. You will notice the photos I have used, follow many of these basic rules.

-Key items to use: vases, bowls, plates or platters, frames, boxes, objects of interest, and candle holders. You can easily find these items at garage sales, thrift stores, the dollar store, or even around the house

-use items of varying heights, widths and depths

-cluster items in groups of odd numbers, threes and fives; you don't want everything to be perfectly symmetric, but for the shelf to look symmetric as a whole. 

-Use decorative boxes, baskets or containers of different sizes and colors to hide away all your goods. If it is something interesting why not display it in a clear jar or container?

-use antiques or other fun figurines to add interest. Find something that inspires you, check flea markets, local thrift stores, Saturday Market, finds from afar, your parents or grandparents attic, etc.

-arrange books in groups vertically and horizontally. I prefer to stack the largest book first and then continue using smaller and smaller books. Place a small object on top of the horizontally placed books.

-Its great to create a geometric and symmetrical bookshelf, but remember to bring in a few items that are organic shapes so the shelf doesn't look stale.

-Layer items, put frames or art in the back and a smaller item in the front

-pick a few colors to tie everything together, repeat the colors throughout to give the shelf unity

-paint or wallpaper the back wall of the shelf a contrasting color to create visual interest and depth

-why not organize your books by color? This gives a very fun and playful effect.

-When you decide to rearrange your shelf, take everything off and begin apply the items in layers, rearranging until it looks good to your eye. Often, you have to do lots of rearranging before you get it just right.

Check out this great post showing other strategies on arranging your bookshelves! 

Any other tips/tricks you have heard for arranging shelves? I would love to hear them!

Is it spring yet?

I think the weather is a bit confused... Yesterday was the first day of spring, yet today many woke with snow on the ground. Now tonight it is snowing again! What is going on? At the moment the snow is just melting on the ground, but I thought I would share some photos of me and Brian at the mountain snowboarding. We have gone to the mountain many times this year. Brian even got me three time learn to snowboard lessons. I just finished my third lesson and am finally doing much better! I lucked out and received private lessons every single time! So lucky! As much as Brian tried to teach and help me with snowboarding, the instructor was a lot better at assisting me (and me dealing with him). We also were able to go to Bend to celebrate our four year anniversary. We went to Winterfest and saw the rail jam, spent time with my cousin and her family and hit up Bachelor. Oh my Bachelor, you are so much more amazing than Meadows. We had blue skies, tons of fresh powder and beautiful scenery! 

What have you been doing to enjoy the winter weather or spring weather? I have to admit I very much am ready for spring and the beautiful sunshine! 

Thrift Finds

I have always wanted to get into thrifting and restoring items. Occasionally I will pop in places and look around. The other day I stopped in the Salvation Army and found these great frames! How wonderful would these look spray painted in a glossy white? or glossy black? or any other color really?  Obviously the actual picture would have to go, just pop in a mirror and you would have a beautiful statement piece. These babies were $6.95 each!

I didn't end up purchasing them because they just weren't the style of my home. Although I loved them, my home is more modern and I didn't feel they would go. But I thought I would share a great idea that you could easily find at your own thrift store!

Bringing the Outdoors in

I am in love with the natural look of branches and blossoms being displayed in the home. Although they have flowers on them, they are much different than your traditional lilies or roses from the store. These beauties look perfect in fun translucent vases and containers. Nature is constantly a source of inspiration for me and I want to bring that look indoors. Now time for the lovely photos.

Photos from Pinterest.

Now that I am inspired, I need to locate some cherry blossoms or other branches to display in my home. Where can I get these though? Is it okay to take them from your neighbors yard or nearby park? Just kidding I know I can't do that... On a side note, 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of Japan's gift to Washington DC of 3,000 cherry trees!

Closet Organization

Recently, I have been seeing commercials for a new show called The Amandas on the Style Channel. I finally caught an episode of it and loved it! I am really enjoying learning more about organizing and that is her specialty! Check out these tips on organizing your closet! I have tried to embed the video but for some reason there are tecnhical issues. Click here and it will take you right to it! 

    Photo from The Style Channel.

Do you know of any great organizing books, blogs, etc?