In 2 days time...

The FlyLady bathroom cleaning objectives for the last two days were to clean the mirrors and shine the shower. I did one task each night. Both were quick and easy. I now keep a spray bottle with Windex and some paper towels under the sink for easy access whenever the mirrors get spotted again.

In the meantime, I did about 25-30 minutes worth of cleaning in the utility room and basement both tonight and last night. Last night, I listened to my Styx channel on Pandora and tonight it was my Lady Antebellum channel. That was just for the utility room. I straightened the shelves some more and started putting aside stuff for my husband to look through. I cleared up a lot of floor space, as well. I also got started on one of our few walk-in closets. We use it to store clothes that need ironing, extra linens and luggage. I went through the clothes and separated them into piles to wash, take to the dry cleaners or freecycle. I'll probably freecycle some of the items I'm washing too. Speaking of which, our sitter took home some of the items I already put aside for freecycling, leaving more room in the box to add items tonight.

In the basement, I listened to Faith Hill last night and Jill Sobule tonight. I cleared the central carpeted area and went through the toy box that's next to the large shelves. I found some items I thought I'd never see again, including the device that plays the phonics magnets. I organized more items into their proper places and put all the games on the back shelves. I also straightened up the books. I still have a few more target areas upon which to focus, but the basement is looking good compared to the disaster that befell it during my younger son's party.

I don't know if I'll get a lot of cleaning done this weekend, but anything is possible. Our cleaning lady is coming next week to help us get ready for Pesach. I feel that through the FlyLady system, I don't have to rush around the night before "cleaning the house for the cleaning lady." When I was younger, my mom would always say "clean your room, the cleaning lady is coming." I thought that was such an annoying phrase. What was the point of having a cleaning lady if I was going to clean my room anyway? Now I totally get why my mom would say such a thing and feel like my bedroom wasn't such a big deal as compared to an entire house!

In any case, I really hope I'll have time to put away all the chametz and set up the counter space for Pesach soon. I usually procrastinate because I feel more productive when I actually have to get it all done, even at the last minute. I hope I will have some time to relax before Pesach though.

Nifty and Thrifty

I have a confession to make…I love shopping at the thrift store. I was there on MLK day and they had a 50% off sale on EVERYTHING. I shopped like crazy! They have cute items in good condition. Why should I have to spend a fortune when I can get name brand clothes at 90% off the retail price. I don’t care that it has been used, I just run it through the washer or have it dry-cleaned. They have incredibly good deals on books and videos (for adults and kids), toys, bags, etc. I introduced my mom to the store a few months ago and she wants to go back when she comes to visit. I will definitely accompany her on that trip! Aside from thrift stores, I love freecycling. What’s better than getting something I want for free. I’ve received so many clothes, toys, movies, and other items I wanted that way. Recently, I got a webcam through Freecycle and it’s been helpful for Skype. :) In this economy, I’m not ashamed to say that I am saving a fortune and still making myself, my husband and my kids very happy.