Spring is finally here! Here are some other things making me happy right now 🙂
Oysters and Champagne on a Saturday afternoon
A hike along the coast on a sunny day in Santa Cruz
Sauvignon Blanc (my new wine obsession) and ripped denim
The most decedent sushi roll… if you live in the Bay Area – Omee J’s has the BEST sushi. Trust me.
I used to think my college living scenario was clean until my mom came to visit. Somehow she could spend a day scrubbing what I thought to be a clean space. As I’ve come to take care of my own home (and learned from her cleaning sessions along the way), is the most most used/obvious areas in your home, often are the ones that don’t get cleaned. Yes, we remember to “clean the toilet,” “mop the floors,” etc. but I have a few tips of the places you forget to think of (unless you’re my mom)…
NationalGeographic.com
Door Knobs: Just clean them with antibacterial wipes. Also, while we are on the topic of knobs, don’t forget to clean your stove knobs (sorry for that HORRIBLE segue). Just pop them off, wash them in soapy, warm water, let dry and put back on!
BHG.com
Cutting Boards: If I am cutting meat I ALWAYS pop it in the dishwasher afterwards. No matter what you are cutting make sure to wash it with hot soapy water and rinse. Also a disinfecting spray (ie bleach solution) is great to spritz on after each use. If your cutting board has too many deep grooves/cut marks in it – get rid of it (bacteria harbors in there and it is not pretty).
Flickr.com
Ice Maker: Ice absorbs odors, so once a month it is recommended that you empty the bin and start a fresh batch.
Love Vintage Finds
Pillows: I have a confession. I don’t wash my pillows. Well I didn’t. When I started researching/brainstorming for the post, I realized I have a million “How to Wash Your Pillow” pins on Pintrest and never once used them. That being said… I had to give it a go – for the blogs sake! Apparently if you can fold your pillow and half and it stays, it is time to wash it. Some say twice a year… either way, wash 2 pillows at a time (helps with balancing your machine?!) with mild liquid detergent (no powder!). Dry on low (not high heat) with tennis balls in socks (or just clean tennis balls) to help fluff them up. Note: I do wash my pillow case on a weekly basis.
TheGadgetFlow.com
Faucets: Another easy fix for a potentially destructive germ-harboring zone = antibacterial wipes. If you haven’t realized this, I’m a huge proponent of them. You can buy them in bulk at Costco, or here. Just stock up on them… they make kitchen clean up SO much easier.
I am going to start a little series called “Spring Cleaning” (original huh?) with some of my favorite cleaning tips I’ve picked up along the way… First up? How to de-gunk your baking sheets.
I always forget to line my baking sheet with foil, thus eliminating the need to clean it 99% of the time. So if you are like me, your cooking sheets may be a little grimy if you’ve had them awhile…
Have no fear! In a few easy steps you can have your sheets (almost) like new!
*Note: You don’t want your sheets looking like how they did when you bought them… a well seasoned baking sheet is important, but that being said chunks of food (for lack of a better phrase), or stubborn stains can be off putting, so this method helps with getting rid of some surface stains without removing the yummy seasoning you have worked hard to create!
Click here and here for more cleaning tips!
Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler – I read 6 new books over my family vacation last month and this was one of my favorites. Her ridiculous adventures and hilarious group of friends kept me laughing out loud every time I turned the page… if you want an ab workout AND a good (goofy) ready, this is for you.
Glossybox – I’m obviously a huge fan of PopSugar Boxes, but recently decided to give it a go with their latest incentive (use coupon code GBFRESH to get a free Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with your first box – this cream is another one of my FAVORITES. I’m obsessed). You get a handful of deluxe and full size beauty products in each shipment, but my favorites for this past month were Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask (full size value is $158!) and a Jelly Pong Pong lip stain in the prettiest petal pink color.
GrandLash MD – I had lash extensions put on for my wedding and was obsessed, but with $200 a session and the fact I’m not TOTALLY sold they are great for your lashes long term, has hindered my ability to keep getting them done. My sisters, mom and I have started using this product and are having great results. Between the 4 of us there, some are having more “impressive” results, but overall we all have long, luscious lashes, and for under $50 (it will last you many months)… it really can’t be beat (see ya fake lashes!).
Dollar Shave Club – I love Venus razors and pretty much have used them my whole life. Yes they cost a small fortune (almost $5 a razor blade!?!), but they do the trick and I know they work. Where am I going with this? Well my mom has been on the “Dollar Shave Club” wagon for awhile, and won’t stop talking about it, so I finally decided to join her. For $1-$9 a month you will get 4-5 cartridges a month (plus the razor handle) and they are shipped straight to your door (no having to remember, order, go to the store – nothing!). The quality of the product is amazing plus the fact I have 1 less thing to think about is a win for me!
Walking – I am having a new found love for walking. I’m learning that a 2 hour walk or hike with someone else makes the time go by quickly and can get your blood moving… Plus a nice backdrop (a pretty neighborhood, luscious park, etc.) doesn’t hurt either! It’s amazing how easy it is to talk (or not talk) walking next to someone. With the weather getting more and more beautiful, my goal is to walk at least 30 minutes a day (preferably an hour or two)… a couple weeks in, and I’m holding true! Whats your workout of choice?
There is nothing like laying next to extremely fit people in a swimsuit to jump start the need to workout. The joy of vacationing is that you don’t need to be anywhere, so there really are no excuses to get out and move (although that doesn’t keep me from trying to make them).
My sister Taylor kicked our bootys (booties?!) shore side and I wanted to share her workout – do if you dare!
(click links for how-to videos)
5 Minute Warm Up
–
Bench Work
20 each x 3 rounds
(find a nearby bench or chair)
– Burpees
– Jack Knifes
– Twisted Mountain Climbers
(mountain climbers but with your knees crossing over your body)
(rest elbows on the bench, with your body in plank position, do jumping jacks with the lower half of your body)
*Jump rope in between each round for a minute
–
Leg Work
10 each x 3 rounds
– Pacquiao Lunges
(left/forward/right lunge – alternate legs after each set)
–
Core/Ab Work
1 minute each
– Push Ups
– Plank
– V Ups
What is your vacation workout regimen? Any tips?
For more workout tips and some killer playlists check out one of my favorite blogs – Sweat and the Sweet Life!