My Fabulous Retro Tranquil Day

I realized I have been pretty stressed out lately. There have been so many changes, the end of the year is coming, this week marks the 35th anniversary of my father's passing, my menstruals started, I restarted acupuncture again, i haven't been sleeping well and my back and neck hurt a lot but I rarely talk about it beause 1: who wants ot hear that, 2: it is off better character to not dwell on these things and see the positive or have a positive attitude despite the pains and ailments.

We had a great weekend then Monday, whammo everything hurt and I barely wanted to go to acupuncture. Though it helped, I feel like it made my head worse and that has happened twice now, so uh yeah me and the doc are gonna be talking. Perhaps I overdid it this weekend as me and a friend as well as others, collected and put together 200 blessing bags, then we went to the 1940's Winter Ball at the Denver Wings Museum and then Sunday went downtown, handed out blessing bags and went to the chistkindl German Market. I wouldn't think that was a lot but maybe it was.

Regardless today I woke with a  migraine and my back hurt. I took the TCM herbs teh doc gave me and then took one of my cannabis herbs and lied there in bed for about an hour meditating with Calm.com and letting everything work. I lied there with a heating pad on my back, a heating bag on my head and an aromotherapy bag with scented herbs under my neck.

When I did get up I really didnt want to get online but I did to get Buffer.com and a few emails and such caught up and then I went to my Retro Cleaning list. The Kitchen looked like a tornado went through it and I wanted to escape in Retro Wife Land.

 

I follow Newbie Nesters Cleaning Lists for the Day and Week. Since I was behind on my cleaning and really didn't do a complete FALL CLEANING I did as many days as I could.

Monday - Kitchen

  q  Complete daily routine
q  Apply oven cleaner and let sit
q  Dust window shades, sills and baseboards
q  Clean and wash 2 cupboards and 2 drawers in a weekly rotation
q  Wipe down cabinet doors and walls behind sink and stove
q  Wipe down all appliances
q  Clean fridge: inside/out
q  Clean stove: inside/out
q  Wash garbage bin
q  Clean drain
q  Wash or beat rugs
q  Sweep, vacuum and mop floor

I got to work on the kitchen, putting dishes in the dishwasher and hand washing the rest. Then I added the handmade detergent mix I got off of Wellness Mama. Put in each part and left out vinegar and lemon to see it it made a difference in the film on the glasses we were having.

Then, I got to work on the oven. I took out the racks and then turned on the self cleaning feature. I would do this part by hand with baking soda and vinegar for the oven cleaner but since mine is self cleaning, I am gonna give it a go.

I did however make a paste and put it on the racks. First I spritzed with water then add the paste recipe for Over Cleaning I found here http://yumuniverse.com/make-your-own-inexpensive-toxin-free-natural-oven-cleaner/

I used one of my marinating brushes to apply the paste. Then I let that sit and go onto the next on her list...

I cleaned every cupboard and drawer, inside and out, top of the drawer and cupboard, the sides, you name it, I washed everyone and ours are so tall now, I needed to get the step stool. Who needs Jenny Craig when you Newbie Nesters? :)

Since I was going by the oven and stove I snuck in at that point to take the time to scrub the front and drawer underneath as well as the stovetop and the banister where we keep our mainly used spices. I even organized them and put my pie bird away!

Then I swept up the floor and emptied it in my little yellow rose floral dustpan I got at TJ Maxx and swept all the floors nearby as well.

Then, just as grandma would, I got down on all fours and started misting and scrubbing and using a knife to get off the crusties if need be, I even cleaned up the cat barf that had been there since the summer (no judging. smirk). I tried to use a shine cleaner to shine up the floor but when that didn't work I looked up DIY Wood Oil Cleaner and found one from Everyday Roots

Olive-Oil lemon polish

You will need…

-1 ½ cups of olive oil
-1 cup of lemon juice OR several drops of lemon essential oil
-2 clean cloths
-Spray bottle (optional)

The directions are here: http://everydayroots.com/natural-wood-polish-and-sealant

Then again, got down on my hands and knees and with a micro fiber for wood oil I polished my floor! Ok, so it's a tad bit slippery so I think a good game of human wood sliders is in order! lol


Since Tuesday is the bathroom and I actually JUST deep cleaned it last week, all I did in there was kitty litter, sweep and then oil mop.

Then I am caught up for Wednesday.

However I still needed to get caught up on the daily list:

Open blinds & windows

o    Make beds

o    Make breakfast

o    Clean up breakfast

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep Did this this afternoon

o    Shower & get ready for the day

o    Gather a basket for tidying. (I have an apron for this instead)

o    Straighten up living room & dining room

o   Fold blankets

o   Put away toys, movies, etc

o   Light dusting/cleaning

o   Water plants

o    Tidy bedrooms

o   Light dusting/cleaning

o   Hang any clothes lying around

o   Put dirty clothes in hamper

o    Tidy bathrooms

o   Remove and replace used towels

o   Refill toilet paper and soap

o   Clean sink, vanity, and mirror

o    Review menu for the day

o    Handle any errands like grocery shopping

o    If returning from grocery shopping:

o   Wash veggies and fruit

o   Put groceries away

o    Make lunch

o    Clean up lunch

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep

o    Begin preparation for supper

o    Put one load of laundry in machine (delay until 7pm)

o    Fold yesterday’s laundry and put it away

o    *Handle weekly chore

o    Set table for dinner

o    Quick sweep of main floor and clean up entryway

o    Prepare dinner

o    Freshen up for your husband

o    Serve dinner

o    Clean up dinner

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep

o    Pour boiling water down drain to ensure pipes are flushed

o    Throw out garbage

o    Pack lunches

o    Give all areas a quick tidy

o    Organize clothes and things for the next day

So finally got all that done. #HunEPants came how when I was cleaning up. I still was cleaning the fan blades and since they are so tall I had to stand on a ladder to get to them. I stood on the bed for the bedroom one and nearly scared me and the cts half to death when I felt like I was gonna fall. 

He was so shocked that the whole apartment was so shiny and clean. He was teasing me about how shiny the floor was and I said all we need now is some twister circles and some more oil! lol He got a chuckle out of that. 

We had dinner and then of course, there are dinner dishes to do.

Then I made tea and then were tea dishes to clean. I finally had to walk way...lol

So I came back here to tell you my tales.

When HunEPants asked why did I clean all day, it really made me think before answering.

In the words of Forrest Gump (slightly switched)" I just felt like cleaning." 

This morning my body ached every which way. I realized if I continued to lie there I would just feel worse. I knew by moving around my period cramps at least would feel better. So I waked and baked, grabing a little edibles to get me through the day and some TCM herbs in my morning tea and donw my Retro Cleaning list I went.

I know it was also in part that I really didn't want to get behind the computer. I was on it long enough to start Spotify then I got off. Cleaning all day I did.My floors are shiny, my cupboards are clean, my oven was clean, every inch of the kitchne right down to the appliances were clean. The bedroom was tidy and clean and even the bathroom has a sparkle to it.

HunEPants noticing this of course, made me very happy.

The other part was that I didn't really want to think. I didn't want to answer emails. I didn't want to possibly end up in Facebook drama or email drama. I didn't want to get online to Buffer things. I just wanted to clean. Listen to music and clean.

So that's what I did.

All damn day.

You know what?

It felt great. Real sense of accomplishment. And I had a quiet peaceful day.

Now I am caught up on my cleaning and ready for Wednesdays tasks, though since I have meeting on Wednesdays I might have to move that to Thursday.

I really DO love being a housewife.

I want to be more of a housewife! (Well, I am sure you don't hear THAT very often in 2015)

I want to can vegetables and pick berries and feed chickens and all that.

I have been dreaming often about a cabin in the woods and the base of a mountain so much so I told HunEPants maybe I should write a story about it. Maybe then it will come true.

Dunno.

Just know I had a nice quiet, peaceful, relaxing, cleaning day.

Instead of focusing on drama, I focused on getting the crud off the kitchen floor.

Sometimes, I think we just need a day to ourselves sometimes. 

In the effort of Non-thinking, though I was in DOING mode, it was a different kind of DOING mode. It was DOING, mindfully. I thought about everything I was doing while I was doing it. Just that. Just what I was doing. Cleaning the cupboards, scrubbing the floor, scouring the sink. That's it. Just those thoughts. You know what?

It was the most refreshing day I have had in a long time.

My back is more sore, but it was worth it for the time of tranquility.

Xoxo,

Trisha Trixie <3

Selling with a Checklist: The Trixie Way

This is our Selling Checklist. This is another one I found online. Again, it is a helpmate, but I realize not everything pertains to us.

We made many repairs before we even listed, however, I failed to realize all the MANY things we would STILL need to do even after we listed the house. GAH!!

Hope this helps you if you are selling your home too!

To Do List

Selling House

Project / Task

The condition of your home's exterior is most important when it comes to buyer appeal. Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.

If your lawn shows no signs of life, a little fertilizer and some water will do wonders for its color. Mow and edge the lawn frequently until the home is sold.

Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible.

A low-cost investment in seasonal flowers or ground cover will add a personal touch.

Replace missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts and remove any debris.

Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles.

Cracks in the driveway and sidewalks can be easily repaired with ready-mix cement. For excessive stains, there are easy-to-use cleaning agents at your home repair store.

Stucco water stains can be repaired using a mild bleaching agent.

Fences should be mended and painted.

If the street sweeper does not come every week, make sure the area in front of your curb and driveway are clear of debris. Wash it down with the hose.

Wash all windows inside and outside.

All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard or child's play area.

Clean your home from top to bottom.

Put all valuables in a safe place.

Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.

Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well. All torn screens should be repaired or replaced.

Avoid repainting the entire house unless current colors are very loud or offbeat. White or light pastels are the easiest for new homeowners to work with and they make your rooms look larger.

Have carpeting and draperies cleaned.

Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown.

If you have a fireplace, make sure all tile is in good condition, the screen is in good shape, and the hearth is clean.

Lubricate squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets.

Put deodorizers in each room and closet.

Store out-of-season clothes so closets do not look cluttered.

Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms appear smaller.

A few colorful plants will help liven and add color to the interior.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances. All appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point. Make it light and bright!

Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Clean and wax the kitchen floor. If the floor looks old and dull, consider replacing the flooring.

Clean fans and vent hoods.

All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.

Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.

Repair or replace leaky faucets.

Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors.

Clean all mirrors.

Keep all toilet seat lids closed.

Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

Have a garage sale to dispose of any unwanted items. Family heirlooms, which you will take with you, should be boxed and stored in the garage until you move.

Degreasers are available at your local home repair store to remove stains from the garage floor.

Remove any cobwebs.

If the basement or attic is a functioning part of the house, make sure the area is clean and in good repair.

Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.

Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.

Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.

If you're planning to move around the same time you're selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.

Any household or children's items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.

Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.

While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.

Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.

Your agent may request to serve refreshments. If not, feel free to suggest this.

Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma means �home� to many people.

Once the open house begins, let your agent do the job. Do not try to assist unless asked by the agent showing your home.

If you're trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked. Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.

Should a buyer stop by when your not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent. Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.

Save visiting agents' business cards for your agent. Write down the date on the back of the visiting agent's business card and indicate if the agent had buyers with them.

Notify your agent if you'll be out of town and how to contact you. Timing is EVERYTHING!

Moving with a Checklist: The Trixie Way to Go

Moving. The every daunting task. If moving out of one home was all there was, I think it would nto be so daunting. However, we have Sell the house, pack, find a new place, arrange trailers or trucks, move to new place unpack and yeah, oh by the way, plan a wedding and handle two businesses along with your health issues.

Hey, but I'm not complaining. (Ok I am a little) I keep telling myself "I wanted this" so as not to kill myself for suggesting it. I found a sheet on line that I am using to help me do everything needed for the move.

There are a few things on here I don't need because I don't have littles (however I do have cats) and some things don't apply, but for the most part, this is ONE of the sheets I am using. I have a whole other one for selling the house (I'll do that post next) but for now, this to me comes first. Either way, we are moving and all these things need to be done.

It is all a bit daunting to me, but I know one way or the other it will get done even if it isn't in my perfect little checklist or order.

I am using this to help me along the way so I don't go cray cray.

Some would say, the ship has sailed on that one ! :)

Hope this helps you if you are moving.

Or perhaps you are a follower or friend who delights in the life of Trisha Trixie and how she handles thing in her world.

Ok, I am talking in third person now....I things the moving has gotten to me. :)

TTFN...
XOXO Trisha Trixie

Moving Checklist
		Moving Checklist by Vertex42.com
		© 2010 Vertex42 LLC
	1-2 Months Before Move
	[ ]	Create binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)
	[ ]	Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc) and get cost estimates
	[ ]	See if your employer will provide moving expense benefits
	[ ]	Research storage facilities if needed
	[ ]	Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place
		[ ] Phone [ ] Internet [ ] Cable [ ] Water [ ] Garbage [ ] Gas [ ] Electric
	[ ]	Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables
	[ ]	Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place - use a floor plan or sketch
	[ ]	Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
	[ ]	Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)
	[ ]	Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
	[ ]	Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.)
	[ ]	Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
	[ ]	Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items
	[ ]	Get things back that you have lent out
	[ ]	Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move
	3-4 Weeks Before Move
	[ ]	Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements
	[ ]	Begin packing non-essential items
	[ ]	Label boxes by room and contents
	[ ]	Separate valuable items to transport yourself - label as DO NOT MOVE
	[ ]	Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want
		to keep with you on move day - label as PARTS / DO NOT MOVE
	[ ]	Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers
		of major items - use this as an opportunity to update your home inventory
	[ ]	Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or online
	[ ]	Provide important contacts with your new address:
		[ ] Employers [ ] Family & Friends [ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Others
	[ ]	Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
	[ ]	Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary
	[ ]	Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling very far
	1-2 Weeks Before Move
	[ ]	Continue packing and clean as you go
	[ ]	Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place
	[ ]	Plan to take the day off for moving day
	[ ]	Find useful things for your children to do - involve them as much as possible
	[ ]	Find someone to help watch small children on move day
	[ ]	Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
	[ ]	Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
	[ ]	Make sure your prescriptions are filled
	[ ]	Empty out your safe deposit box, secure those items for safe travel
	[ ]	Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
		[ ] Newspaper [ ] Housecleaning [ ] Lawn [ ] Pool [ ] Water Delivery
	[ ]	Check your furniture for damages - note damages on your inventory
	[ ]	Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
	[ ]	Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
	[ ]	If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation
	[ ]	Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
	[ ]	Try and use up perishable food
	2-4 Days Before Move
	[ ]	Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork
	[ ]	Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
	[ ]	Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented)
	[ ]	Prepare for the moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)
	[ ]	Continue cleaning the house as you are packing
	[ ]	Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
	[ ]	Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc)
	[ ]	Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials
	[ ]	Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you'll have room)
	Moving Day
	[ ]	Remove bedding and take apart beds
	[ ]	Go early to pick up the truck if you rented one
	[ ]	Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do
	[ ]	Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind - look behind doors
	[ ]	Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
	[ ]	Take inventory before movers leave, sign bill of lading
	[ ]	Make sure your movers have the correct new address
	[ ]	Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
	[ ]	Use a padlock to lock up a rented truck
		At your new place …
	[ ]	Verify utilities are working - especially power, water, heating, and cooling
	[ ]	Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
	[ ]	Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
	[ ]	Direct movers/helpers where to put things
	[ ]	Offer drinks and snacks, especially if the helpers are volunteers
	[ ]	Assemble beds with bedding
	[ ]	Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom and other essentials
	Moving In - Weeks 1-2
	[ ]	Check for damages while unpacking - be aware of deadline for insurance claims
	[ ]	Replace locks if necessary and make at least 2 copies of your new keys
	[ ]	Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
	[ ]	Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled
	[ ]	Complete your change of address checklist
		[ ] Bank(s) [ ] Credit Cards [ ] IRS [ ] Loans [ ] Insurance [ ] Pension plans
		[ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Physicians [ ] Family support
		[ ] Newspapers [ ] Magazines [ ] Licenses [ ] Memberships
	[ ]	Schedule a time to get a local driving license and update vehicle registration
	[ ]	Get local phonebooks and maps
	[ ]	Find new doctors, dentists, etc, depending on your needs & insurance
	[ ]	After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms
	[ ]	Update your renters insurance or homeowners insurance if needed