It’s extremely windy today and the power is flickering. I’ve put on a huge kettle to keep hot so I can still have hot tea for a time if the power goes out. I’ll have to drive to a nearby Tully’s or Starbucks to get some computer work done if the power goes out, but it’s kind of nice to get out of the house from time to time.
QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY:
- Need to do any handwashing of laundry? Stockings, perhaps, or lingerie?
- Tonight, will you be sleeping in freshly laundered pajamas or nightgown?
- Try to toss out one ratty old T-shirt. I bet we all have five or six we could get rid of if we were determined enough!
- Slice fresh fruit and leave it out on the counter for yourself and your family to enjoy today.
- It only takes about 5 minutes to stir a box mix of muffins or banana bread, 10 seconds to pop it into the oven, 10 seconds to take them out when done, and a couple minutes to clean up. Have you baked fresh muffins for your family lately?
TODAY’S PROJECT: Spring Cleaning Preparation
I’m still feeling a bit sick today, so I’ll mostly rest and not overtire myself with housecleaning. Still, I want to do something productive because just lolling about in bed. So I’ll take inventory of my spring cleaning supplies and products.
I know I have plenty of floor cleaner and Lysol, and I just bought a bottle of dusting spray. But I’m not sure how I’m doing on granite cleaner, glass stovetop cleaner, oven cleaner, or Febreze for my curtains.
Besides gathering up my cleaning products, I’ll get out my brooms, mops, gloves, sponges, clean rags, buckets, and the extender that helps me change lightbulbs and wipe cobwebs off the ceiling.
Tomorrow when I’m feeling more energetic, I’ll have everything I need to start my spring cleaning projects.
LOVELY BEVERAGES: Tea Forte’s New Herbal Teas for Spring
Tea Forte’s lovely new ribbon box of herbal teas contains their fun new flavors: Apricot Amaretto, Blueberry Merlot, Cherry Cosmo, Mojito Marmalade, and Kiwi Lime Ginger. I’d like to stock up on one for my own home, but it might also make a nice hostess gift next time I travel this springtime.
Herbal Retreat Ribbon Box, at Tea Forte
LOVELY BLOGS: Kitchenisms
This fun London-based “cool kitchen finds” blog is not chock full of affiliate ads like one might expect. Instead, they feature photography spreads from home decor magazines, interesting finds from Etsy, some restaurant design pics, and showcases of beautiful dishes they’ve found. I will certainly bookmark this nice blog and check back often to see what else they’ve discovered.
LOVELY FASHION: Vintage Style Aprons
I don’t usually putter about the kitchen in an apron. I’ve just never really enjoyed sashes or things that tie at the waist. I need to rethink this though, as my clothing always gets dirty as I cook right before a dinner party. Running up to change into a party dress every time, I wonder why I don’t own an apron. These adorable vintage style aprons, new from Sur la Table, might change my mind. I love the designs, which include teapot themes, flowers and bees, desserts, and lemons.
LOVELY HOME: Baskets
I absolutely love these inexpensive storage baskets! I use them by the door to store our shoes (and protect them from chew-happy dogs who seem to only chew shoes, not baskets). They’re also used to hold magazines in the living room, store toys in the nursery, and organize bills and papers in my office. By my bed, they hold letters and cards I’m working on sending. Their natural beige liners are a bit boring, but they match every room I use them in!
Isabella Dark Brown Baskets, at Cost Plus World Market
LOVELY TV: Upstairs, Downstairs
I am so excited to see the BBC’s new “Upstairs, Downstairs” continuation. Set in the 1930s, it still features Jean Marsh as maid Rose Buck. I remember my mother loving the original series. I was too young to find it interesting at the time – how I wish I could watch it with her now!
PBS airs “Upstairs, Downstairs” on April 10, 17 and 24. Meanwhile, you can watch the first episode on YouTube, uploaded in several parts.
LOVELY LINKS FOR TODAY:
A Big Easy Mardi Gras (Epicurious)
Afternoon Snack: Sun-Maid Mediterranean Apricots (Glamour)
A Modern Irish Feast (Epicurious)
