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Spring Cleaning: Heart and Home

I have been on a journey to be the best version of myself.  I have been working on my health and taking the time to really listen to how my body responds to nutrition, water, exercise and stress.  I have learned so much and am finding myself in one of the best places I have been in for years.  It's not a complete redo, but it is definitely a make over!

While I have been reading about a "spring clean of my soul" I have also been thinking of the spring cleaning of my home.  One of my favorite book series, the Little House books, often talks about taking everything out of the house, cleaning everything and then bringing everything back in.  Thank goodness we don't have to do that any more, but it is a time to change the the batteries on the smoke detector, sort the clothes we no longer wear, and get ready for your neighborhood's annual garage sale.  Getting rid of clutter is the prime focus of many books, my favorite being The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, and feels so amazing!  My dear friend also found this process of throwing    Decluttering your home is important, but also declutter your life.  What projects are you involved in that isn't your heart?  What things should you pass on to someone else who might need the chance to shine?  Make a commitment to examine your commitments and pass the one(s) that aren't priority to some one else.

I am also always eager to freshen up my decor.  I often see what I don't like, instead of looking at the good bones.  So when evaluating your decor (whether that is home or heart) remember to look at the good structure and enhance it!  New pillows for a great sofa?  A different color of candle with a spring scent?  Refocusing energy to those activities where you really shine?  Do what gives you energy, not what saps what energy you have!

For me, I cannot have a routine!  I guess my routine is to not have a routine.  I need to mix it up or I get easily bored.  My dad always told my sister and me that we were in charge of our own entertainment.  There was no reason ever to be bored.  If you find that you need a change, look at what you can tweak to create more interest or what you need to totally revamp.  Even the smallest change will help you feel better!

Enjoy your spring!  Watch the flowers bloom, the birds dart around and the showers of April.  The trees start to blossom and baby animals are all around.  While appreciating all the benefits of spring, consider if you are giving that same appreciation to the people in your life.  I like to share my treats with my neighbors, write notes to my husband, and call my mom at unexpected times.  These little pleasures that come from your home also brighten your heart.

I was inspired by an article I saw in the St. Charles StreetScape magazine, written by Nikki Peters.  

Would you like to comment?

  1. It's funny you said you have no routine because we have a tight routine in our house. We would be completely lost without it. I mean COMPLETELY lost.

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  2. I don't have a routine either. This spring I have a few projects for the home and some spring cleaning I need to do. Already did the closet!

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  3. I need to get started on my spring cleaning. I have great intentions every morning, but the kids have other plans lol

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  4. I love lightening things up in my home for Spring. I just put out my spring wreath and now I need to go get some flowers!

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  5. Girl, I am totally with you on trying to be the best version of myself. I also want to really add in that water to my day to help hydrate to then reduce stress. And, of course, would love to spring clean and add new decor to my home! ;)

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  6. We have some what of routines. We homeschool, so part of our day is strict, the other part is pretty lax. However this week, things have happened outside of my control, and I'm just falling apart!

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  7. Cynthia9:29 PM

    I remember my mom and her mom each doing major spring cleaning. While I do several big chores twice a year, I try to schedule most of the tasks through the year.

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  8. Spring cleaning never ends around here. With so many kids it seems like I'm constantly doing the same stuff over and over. I need to fix up my routine I think. - Jeanine

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  9. I'm very much a routine person but can totally appreciate when people can't have one. I'd be lost without one - I already am and I do have one haha! And totally agree that decluttering of one's life is just as important as decluttering of one's wardrobe :) x

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  10. I've heard so much about the Koni Mari method and have even watched a few videos on it, but I have yet to buy the book. One of these days I will. I did do a purge of some of my stuff after learning about Mari Kondo and if felt really good. It inspired me to continue decluttering whenever i can.

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  11. Same! I like a bit of a routine but I like to mix things up otherwise like you I tend to get bored xx

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  12. Marie Kondo's folding method was a lifesaver for me. Being able to see all of my clothing, once folded as she recommends, helped me to get rid of over 50% of my closet before I moved in with my boyfriend! I highly recommend it.

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  13. I have to spring clean and get some work done. It's hard to do with two kids now. My mom really has to help me out and watch them.

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  14. I got the tidying up book too and love lots of the ideas. My husband is not a fan since it recommends folding tee shirts in such a way that he cannot see what is on the tee shirts or differentiate one from another.

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  15. I'm a big believer in de-cluttering physically and emotionally. The important thing is to not return to a state of clutter shortly after! Question whether you really need something before you bring it into your home (or your life).

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  16. I love making little changes to my home's decor when a new season comes too! It really does freshen up the space!

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  17. Hahaha! Love this. Routines are not my favorite either. I totally get bored too!

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  18. Spring flowers definitely help with Spring cleaning in our house. The smell of anything fresh helps.

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  19. I am really enjoying spring. I'm trying to slow down a bit and just enjoy everything. I agree though its a good time to spring clean more than just your home.

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  20. It is so important to not only focus on your home, but on yourself too. My routine is a bit hit and miss at times, unless I'm at work. I crave more time to myself, to do what I love when I want, but that can be hard with a full on daytime job.

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  21. I don't really have a routine when it comes to spring cleaning. I like to do it but at my own pace. I still have a lot to do this spring in our home.

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  22. I like the concept of spring cleaning out yourself and get rid of tasks that are the unnecessary or stress inducing.
    Thanks for the reminder.

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  23. Anonymous3:28 PM

    I wish I could pull off the no routine thing but I'd go crazy! It's part of my self-care plan to have a routine for this or else I'm completely bonkers lol

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  24. Lydia6:56 PM

    I need to have a routine, it keeps me organized and sane! Haha.

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  25. we just did a good spring cleaning here too. for me it helps keep everthing fresh.

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  27. Nothing feels very as fulfilling as returning home to a house that shines. Since cleaning your home start to finish can be overpowering — also, tiring and tedious — take it room by room or apparatus by machine with these spring cleaning tips from getting sorted out and cleaning professionals. Regardless on the off chance that you just have five minutes to spruce things up or a whole end of the week to save, give the entirety of your home's pain points a genuinely necessary revive with these cleaning how-tos from Jeffrey Phillip, putting together master, and Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. While there are a few givens on this rundown (how to clean your microwave or sleeping cushion, for instance), there are additionally a couple of spots that frequently go unrecognized, similar to mats and roof fans.

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