DI-Wednesday: Cleaning the Bathtub

No doubt we've all faced the task of cleaning the bathtub at one time or another, and since I've been trying to use more natural products for housecleaning lately, I was searching for something that might take care of the grimy bathtub without my having to open a window to keep from choking. And then, eureka! It looks like I can accomplish a sparkling (and nice-smelling) tub with a grapefruit and salt! I just so happen to have a grapefruit tree out back, so I'll be trying this soon to see how it works.

Great Tip for Stove Cleaning

I'm always looking for great cleaning ideas, that avoid the harsh chemicals I've used in the past. Chemicals do work, but the environmental impact, not to mention the lingering smell, have me looking for alternatives. That's why I love this tip for cleaning the stove: hot water! Just let it boil, pour it on, and come back in a bit to scrub off the grime. Brilliant and simple!

Monday Inspiration: Pantry Perfection

How's this for inspiration? After a full weekend cleaning my kitchen from top to bottom (and removing an embarrassing amount of expired food) this gorgeous pantry is my next step--I'd love to get some vintage see-through containers to store bulk items like rice and flour--doesn't this look nicer than chip-clips on plastic bags?

Monday Inspiration: Home Cure

photo from Lillian Day

I'm finally working on the Apartment Therapy Cure this spring, after reading the book but never having the time or energy to get started. I'm going for the whole-house fix--getting things super-clean, and repairing all of those small, nagging things that are building up over time. If the opportunity presents itself, however, I would like to room-cure my office--right now it's a clutter or mismatched tables, chairs and shelves. Something like the setup above would be lovely--clean, with a definite flow around the desk and shelf...someday.

DI-Wednesday: Cleaning your own vintage finds

Apartment Therapy strikes again with this handy guide for cleaning your vintage finds--so, next time you hit the flea market or thrift stores, you don't need to pass on an item out of fear that you won't be able to clean it! And don't forget to check out the user comments--there are some real gems for getting rid of the muck.

To Host or Not to Host?

Thanksgiving is fast approaching (along with a slew of other holiday happenings) and while we usually host the festivities, this year we're frankly pooped. All of the shopping, cooking and cleaning are starting to wear on us, and we're trying to encourage some of our other friends to act as host this year.

I think it may have something to do with my perfectionist streak--I love to have everything 'just so' before guests arrive, and that usually involves cooking everything myself. Believe it or not, I miss the days of the kids' table--being able to just show up, eat myself into a semi-comatose state, and wish there was something else to watch besides football on television. But, I will certainly miss setting myself a pretty table...