Detailed Home Cleaning List

I am very OCD about my home & its upkeep. None of my domestic duties satisfy me as much as cleaning my house. I am kne of those rare people who get true joy out of cleaning. I was raised by a mother who owned her own home cleaning business so I have been taught from an early age the importance of cleaning and upkeep of a home. If you do nkt take care of your castle, it will surely crumble. I have probably Googled "detailed cleaning lists" more than Ive Googled "how to be the perfect homemaker." The closest Ive come to being satisfied with a cleaning list is on FlyLadys page. Otherwise, no one elses lists are as detailed as the ones I already have for myself. She breaks them down into zones & I kinda do the same thing. I break them down by rooms in my house. Now, everykne has different rooms, but hopefully this will get you motivated to get down & dirty in your house & end up with a home that sparkles!!

Here's (the minimum) of what youll need to clean your house:
An all purpose disinfectant, like lysol cleaner (not the spray although you need that too)
lysol spray in the can
something for mildew in the showers and tubs
glass cleaner. i like windex but use newspaper instead if rags to wioe with, it doesnt leave streaks!
wood polisher
if you have granite countertops you will need a special kind of cleaner made for them. you can find this anywhere.
a sponge
old toothbrushes to clean hard to scrub spot like around the faucet (i have 3: labled bathroom, kitchen & other so that I dont spread bathrooms germs to the kitchen, ect)
febreze
air freshener
vacuum
carpet deoderizer
broom or bissel (i dont sweep my kitchen floors, i vacuum them. way easier.)
mop
stain remover for carpets ( i love spotshot)
stain remover for clothes (i use resolve, but spo shot works on really tough stains!!)
bleach

I think thats it for the bare minimum of cleaners. I dont believe in those "one bottle for all surfaces" things. none of them work as well as the individual product does. I suggest getting a bucket, or little carrier to hold all of the oroducts needed for your project as well as the rags and bags for trash and such. THis saves you trips running back and forth to grab something else you need. Okay so now that you have what you need, this is the time to throw your hair up, put kn those old raggy clothes, cleaning apron (whichnis always seperate from your cooking apron btw) and gloves and get to work. Bare with me, this list is extensive. If you havent deep cleaned your house before, it may be best to take on only a few rooms at a time until you get each kne established.

*Before you deep clean anything, throw out clutter! Throw out that stack of magazines. Put away that pile of office papers. Donate those old toys and clothes. The less stuff you have, the less you ave to clean*

GENERAL CLEAN: this is done every day.
load and unload dishwasher
scrub out sink
wipe down countertops in kitchen
bissell kitchen floors
start laundry
make beds
swish and swipe bathrooms
general tidy of out of place items
vacuum carpets and stairs
quick wipe of dirty spots on windows ( or cleaning my dogs nose art as i call it)
wipe tables with lysol spray to clean and disinfect
freshen carpets & vacuum
febreze couches and throw pillows

I also do "zones." ypu can choose to do them in whatever order youd like. You can do a few a day, one a day, then start again...or do them all in one day! You can do a few a day so you get a few days off toward the middle or end of the week depending on how you break them up.
ZONE #1: Entryway & Stairs (I have a split level entry way btw)
--straighten show basket
--beat rug, vacuum it and sit it out to sun
--bissell hardwood
--bissell linoleum in front of garage door
--disinfect railings and dust in between
--dust vent
--Murphys hardwood (murphys is a hardwood cleaner)
--clean windows and sills
--wipe down door & lightswitch for dirt and fingerprints
--freshen carpets on stairs
--wipe down entryway table, dust knickknacks, dust hanging pic frames
--return rug

ZONE #2: The Living Room
--thorough dusting
--wipe tables/disinfect
--knick knacks to dishwasher (they come out so clean this way!)
--straighten under coffee table (i have baskets for extra remotes, board games, books, ect)
--de clutter any "hot spots" (these zre areas that need extra attention, our is our pack & play. i put everything in it, but my baby.)
--straighten throws and curtains
--clean windows & sills
--vacuum inside and outside of couches
--vacuum carpets
--freshen and febreze

ZONE#3: The Dining Room
--thorough dusting
--windows/sills
--straighten curtains
--wipe down dining room tables and chairs
--straighten place settings
--check flowers to be watered or thrown out
--water plants
--windex mirrors on wall and dust
--vacuum carpets
--febreze and freshen curtains and carpets

ZONE #4: The Kitchen
--clean out fridge
--load dishwasher/do dishes
--trash/wash cans
--straighten pantry
--scrub out sink
--wipe counters
--wipe cabinets
--dust
--bissell floor
--mop floors
--clean appliances
--knick knacks to washer
--windows/sills/blinds
--clean bar and wipe off place settings, straighten
--wioe bar stools
--clean stove with a focus on knobs (they get nasty!)
--clean island and straighten
--disinfect everything!
--ckean inside and outside of microwave
--put burners in washer to get all crustys off
--clean inside and outside of freezer
*i like to spray a lil bleach on my floors and wipe with mop to get that delicious very clean smell. i lovvve the smell of bleach. also, i use spray lysol around the sink & trashcanbc it gets very germy there.

ZONE#5: Hall Bathroom
*in my opinion, a bathroom should be as disinfected as a hospital operating room. im a christian & i try not to judge...but i find it very difficult not to when i go into someones house & their bathrooms are gross.who wants to see someones pee stains on the toilet, hair in the sink or used tampons in the garbage?? BARF!!!
--wipe mirrors
--dust
--wipe counters
--wipe sinks and faucet. use your toothbrush to clean around sinks & faucets
--clean toilets with bleach
--wipe out tub
--straighten up the babys bath toys, put them back in their basket & put under sink
--wipe down shower curtain with anti mildew cleaner
--bissell floors (i have long hair and my hair gets everywhere so this needs to be done often)
--wash rugs & towels
--put out fresh towels (no one wants to wipe their hands with a mildewy towel)
--disinfect everything!! i spray a coating of lysol spray on everything
--wipe down cabinets with disinfectant then wood polish
--take out trash
--mop floors...again i spray bleach to get that yummy clean smell mmmm :)

ZONE#6: MASTER BATHROOM
same as hallway bath, but also restocking bc I keep all toilet paper, ect in the master bathroom so I see it often and know when to re stock at the grocery store.

ZONE#7: Master Bedroom
*I am a minimalist, so there isnt too much in our bedroom. Its an easy clean.
--dusting
--strip bedding, febreze mattress and pillows
--wash sheets
--straighten room
--de clutter any hot spots (my hubbys bedside tabke collects things like change, his watch, ect.) I tried putting a bowl inside the drawer for him to put these things, but hes a man, and he doesnt use it :\
--wipe furniture
--straighten curtains
--wash windows and sills
--vacuum floor
--febreze and freshen

ZONE#8: Hallway & Laundry Room
*My laundry room, unfortunately, isnt a walk in room. Its one of those large closet thingys in the hall with a sliding door.
--dust pics on wall
--remove fingerprints from wall/doors
--vacuum carpets
--dust hall vent
--clear any clothes from laundry room
--straighten laundry room shelves (i have baskets for things like cleaners, clothespins, hangers, ect)
--wipe down the washer...it gets yucky under the lid!
--wipe down dryer
--check to make sure they are in or empty (im awful about putting clothes in the dryer & forgetting to turn it on!)
--sweep out between washer n dryer
--take out trash
--restock if needed

ZONE#9: Babys Room
*she is only 2 months old so she doesnt mess this room up yet. modify if your children are older*
--general tidy
--empty diaper genie
--wash sheets
--disinfect
--straighten drawers
--windows/sills
--vacuum
--dust
*i dont use a lot of chemicals in her room or our bedroom bc thats where she sleeps & i dint want her little lungs breathing that. however, i dont like those "green" cleaners. they dont work as good and they stink. i use simple cleaners for those rooms with mild smells ir just a damp rag.

ZONE#10: Guestroom/Office
*we combined the two*
--straighten desk & put important papers into the appropriate file folders
--dust
--make bed or aur out if no guests for a long time & bed hasnt been pulled open
--windows/sills
--vacuum
--febreze & freshen

ZONE#11: Porches
*i have a medium sized front porch & a large screened in backporch that has furniture on if*
--sweep
--water plants
--wash daybed bedding
--wipe tables
--straighten chairs
--dust
--clean outside winsows
--wash curtains
--straighten throw pillows

* i dont clean my downstairs bc my brother in law currently resides there :) he cleans that area and the garage so i dont have to! he also does all the yardwork. remember, your efforts in your cleaning are diminished if your yard looks like poo.

-- chores to be done monthly: baseboards, dust door and window frames. declog drains. dust light fixtures.
--wash indoor curtains every 3 months...kitchen curtains may need this monthly

So there it is! One of the most detailed cleaning lists out there! Be proud of your home & treat it like the prized possession it is!

Introduction to Cooking

If you arent the worlds best cook, thats okay. No one is good at everything...but as long as you putting forth effort to try to better yourself & your skills, thats all we can ask for! That is also why God invented crock pots ;) A crock pot (or slow cooker) will your very best friend and a life saver if you arent the best cook, or if you just dont want to soend all day in the kitchen. You can pretty much make anything in the crock pot as well, even breads and desserts. I have 5 & use them often! I can put a main dish in one, sides in another, dessert in another and a hot beverage (such a cider) in the last. So if you cant cook, here are a few things that I think every wife should know how to cook/bake/make that are basic and will get you started. You should know how to make homemade biscuits. Homemade biscuits is a recipe to perfect and experiment with. You can add garlic, cheese, jalapenos, or make your own gravy! Gravy also comes in oackets in the seasoning aisle if you arent too confident. But theres no harm in trying!! :) remember, you want to push the limits youve made for yourself. if you dont, you wont progress! HOME MADE BISCUITS: 2 cups all purpose flour 1tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 c shortening 3/4 c milk --preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Pour in the milk slowly while stirring with a fork. dough should be moist and pulls away from the side of bowl. Roll dough til half inch thick and cut with cookie cutter. Roll unused dough up and repeat until all dough is used. Place biscuits in lightly greased pan and cook for about ten minutes or until golden brown. Serve with butter or jams. *remember that biscuits arent just for breakfast! They pair well with many meals such a souos or stews or southern chicken dishes. Heres a recipe I found that is not only delicious but very easy to make. It looks imoressive when finished too! CRISPY CHEDDAR CHICKEN: a few chicken breasts a sleeve of ritz crackers a bag of shredded cheddar cheese 2-3 eggs a 10oz can of cream of chicken soup a few tablespoons (2-3) of sour cream depending on your taste dried parsley Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs and place chicken breasts in egg mixture and coat. crush ritz crackers in another bowl and mix with the shredded cheese. you decide how much cheese youd like! take the egg coated chicken breasts and place them in the cracker cheese mix. coat well. pkace coated chicken in lightly greased pan. i like to top the chicken in a little more of the crunchy cracker mixture to add a little more flavor! place the pan of chicken in oven and let cook for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. while that is cooking, its time to start the sauce! put the can of cream of chicken soup in a saucepan, and let heat through. then add 2 tbsp of sour cream, add more if youd like the sauce to be a bit more tangy. let simmer until chicken is done...stir frequently, you dont want it to scorch. if it gets too thick, add a little milk. once chicken is done, put on a dish to serve, add a coupke spoonfuls of sauce over the chicken and then top with some dried parsely. enjoy!! BALSAMIC CHICKEN (a crock pot meal) this is one of my fave meals! its so easy and is my go to meal when I dont know what to cook that night and havent planned ahead bc i almost always have these ingredients on hands. lets get started! 3-4 large chicken breasts 2 large onions 2 cans of diced tomatoes 1/2 cup strong balsamic vinegar egg noodles or rice Throw all of this in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hrs or on high for 3-4. you want the chicken to shred and be very tender. *remember, if you want more onions, add them. less tomatoes? use one can. ive also added extra things such as green peppers or mushrooms to this dish as well. make it your own! serve over egg noodles (my favorite) or rice if you dont have egg noodles. BEEF STEW: (another slow cooker meal!) 2lbs or so of beef, cut into chunks 2 potatoes, cut into large chunks 2 onions in large chunks 1/2 bag of baby carrots, whole beef stew seasoning packet throw it all into crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. id suggest the longer time setting, its more tender that way. make those biscuits with it, or cornbread. i lovenusing the jiffy cornbread muffin mix found in the baking aisle. theyre super cheap, super easy and come out delicious!! bake them in muffin cups bc they stick to the pan real bad. A good cook needs to be diversified so lets throw a fish dish in here too. BROWN SUGAR SALMON: all you need for this is some salmon filets and some brown sugar! thaw the filets and rub a few dashes of brown sugar on too of the filets. a little bit goes a long way here. a couple sprinkles will suffice! spray down a pan with Pam cooking spray and bake for about 15-20 minutes on 400 degrees. the fish should flake easiky with a fork when done. i like to serve this meal with steamed asparagus and wild rice. CHICKEN POT PIE: Ive been told my chicken pot pie is this best that theyve ever had and I am very proud of my recipe. Idk what exactly makes it so delicious, but Im not changing it! Its not hard. 2 chicken breasts a half bag or so of carrots, chopped a couple stalks of celery, chopped small a cup of chicken broth can of peas 2 10oz cans of cream of mushroom soup pre prepared pie shell put all of this in a crock pot and let cook for about 3 hours on high. make sure carrotts are tender when youre done! if they arent, cook til they are. place crock pot mixture in the pre made pie shell, cut a few slits in top shell and bake according to package cirections or until crust is golden brown. allow to cool 10mins, and serve! i dont pair this with anything...its ine of those dishes thats great all by itself :) Now for a dessert. An easy dessert that requires little effort are strawberry shortcakes. You could make them with those pre made little shortcake bowls, or, for an added "ooomp" you should make them with the biscuits! they are prettier and show that you can actually cook! lol *I will be adding many more recipes to this blog, trust me! I love Pinterest and have found so many yummy new foods to cook. I do really enjoy cooking bc I really love eating! HA! Of course, we cant go around eating fried chicken everyday...Id like to live to cook another day ya know...so I have a lot of low fat recipes and healthy dishes I make, with the added fried deliciousness every now and then! You cant be a perfect wife if youre unhealthy!! ;)

a few things to get you started...

Lets start with a few things that you need to know to be the perfect wife & homemaker...its okay to not know how to do them all, but you shoukd be striving to learn them & become good at them. 1. the most important thing is knowing how to cook. every other thing you dont know how to do can be forgiven by a hubby once a big plate of freshly cooked, delicious food is placed in front of him. learn what his favorite foods are, & become the master at those meals. a word if advice, id never try to out do his mothers specialty. it will never come out the way she makes it, & youre setting yourself up for failure here. let that be hers & you move on to something else. 2. go out of your way to make yourself look pretty for him. wake up early and do your makeup and hair. by all means, if you would like to go all here, do so. but some foundation, blush and mascara will suffice. take care of your body. dont let yourself go, you arent "off the market," you are prized!! treat yourself as such. get your hair and nails done. and for goodness sake, shave your legs...and everywhere else for that matter!! 3. know how to clean your home! this is so very important. anyone who comes into your house will judge you on whether your home is neat and tidy...i dlnt care what they say...they will. if you want to be seen as the perfect homemaker, not only should your home be clean, but it should also be organized and well decorated. invest in home cleaning products. i lovvvvve to have multiple cleaners to make sure im prepared to handle any mess. i have a hubby who works outdoors, a baby, and an 80lb american bulldog...things can get messy. but youd never know it walking into my home! i will be posting a very detailed cleaning list within a few days so you know exactly what to do! 4. you should know some kind of needlework. crotchet, sewing, or quilting should be a trade you learn quickly. this is a skill that shows you know a little more than the average woman here. and shows your husband that you are aking time to learn something valuable. not everyone is going to be good at this. but practice a few patterns that would be useful. you could learn to sew socks or blankets. this is different than knowing how to sew for repair or maintenance of an item, such as a loose button or pants that need hemming. sewing for repair is a MUST know skill. there are plenty of tutorials online. im talking here about sewing or quilting or crochet to produce goods for your family, like blankets or socks for example. a good place to start, i think, are aprons with matching oven mits and potholders. 5. i mentioned this earlier, but organization is so key!! going the extra mile is what makes you the "perfect" homemaker, not just a homemaker. i will include more later on ways to organize specific places in your home. 6. one thing the perfect homemaker needs to do well is entertain. whether it be for a large group on superbowl sunday, or tea (more like margaritas!) with the girls...it needs to be done tastefully, leaving your guests wanting to do it again. like with the above mentioned, i will include alk the info you need on entertaining in a later post. 7. this is quite specific, but, get a clothesline. nothing says "sweetest lil housewife ever" like a clothesline. 8. pay attention to your husbands needs. is he making his own lunches to take to work? if so, thats compketely unacceptable!! this is somethong you should be doing to make his life easier. you are his partner! what are you doing to make his life as happy as possible? does he need his work shirts ironed? does he need his truck cleaned out but doesnt have time? these are little things that you can do to show him you care and that you are going the extra mile. make a list of things you can do to make your husbands life easier and more enjoyable. 7. do not be a complaining or nagging wife. no one wants to be around this kind of person...and surely not married to them. look on the bright side of things and keep a smile on your face. always communicate if theres a problem, but do not constantly gripe about lifes everyday problems. 8. laundry. keep it done and do it right. do not let it pile up! these are just some things to get you started. i will post more in depth on each soon!

About Myself & What I Can Teach You

I have Googled many times "how to be the perfect wife," or "how to be the perfect homemaker," & the same old things come up everytime. Never anything I wasnt already doing or knew. Other sites were making fun of the idea or telling you ways to make it look as though you did a job well done, when really you just skipped your way around the work. This is not that blog. Im sure other people are looking for guidance & since I feel as though no other blog was giving any advice that I didnt already know or doing as good of a job as I would do, then why not become an authority on the matter? I am a wife, a mother & a Christian who believes my family deserves the very best I can give them. Being a SAHM is my job & I would give any other my best, so why not do that with the one job that will effect everyones lives around you, everyday? I would be lying if I told you that I didnt thoroughly enjoy being seen as "wonder woman" or "Mary Poppins" (as Ive been referred to as both.) I am a young wife & mother, I am only 25, but I do a better job at owning those titles than most women I know who have been married for 20 years with 3 kids! WhatI believe sets me apart is my desire to be the best I can be. I love being seen as the woman who can do it all! Taking care of her adoring husband, being a wonderful mom to her daughter, putting a delicious homecooked meal on the table every night, scrubbing the house to where it doesnt just LOOK clean...it IS clean, throwing fun parties, teaching Sunday school each week...& looking fabulous while doing it. This blog will help you become the kind of wife & homemaker that every woman around you will aspire to be! The way I do things may be a little dated, but I believe it is deeply rooted kn strong beliefs as to the way the home should be ran...with love and attention to detail to create an environment that everyone will acheive their ultimate potential to learn, grow, be happy in, and to love in.