Friday, May 18, 2012

Products I Love: Lush Coconut

...as a tribute to summer I'm going to do a 'products I love' series.  Each week, I will feature at least one (most of the time more) product review.  I'm going to feature all time favorites + new products I'm trying.  Something about summer time makes all things cosmetics and nail polish way fun.

First up: YSL Volupte' Sheer Candy Lush Coconut 01

YSL is my favorite lipsticks. If you've never tried them, they are SO worth the splurge! They feel like the most moisturizing lip balm ever.  Totally addicted.  This color is so 'summery.'  It's the perfect blend of nude (which I'm in love with all shades of nude), gold, bronze and even a hint of coral.  It goes on pretty sheer, and I love the sheerness for summer.  This by far has my vote for favorite everyday lipstick. 

Well done, YSL!

What's your favorite lipstick/lipgloss for summer?

love, the Blair Abode

The Dreaded Cleaning Day!

Why is it so hard to get motivated when it comes to cleaning?  Some days I'm chomping at the bit to get goin', but other days I'm moving.so.slow!  I try to do a deep clean in our house once a week.  Usually, this is on Saturday or Sunday morning.  We try super super hard to keep our place picked up during the week.  This hopefully means that on the weekend we are ready to scrub, and then we are DONE!  We don't always do our best at keeping things picked up but that's life, right?


This week has been much different than what my typical week has been like since January.  I finished my semester long Internship in a 4th grade classroom this past Tuesday.  So, I've had Wednesday, Thursday and today off.  It has been totally wonderful. I could really get used to being at home everyday.  But, I begin working at the preschool Monday.  This is my summer job, and I'm waiting to hear back from an interview with a 4th grade position. Fingers crossed!


Back to cleaning.  I have the opportunity to get my deep clean in today.  Meaning, the weekend is much more relaxing.  I also have the house to myself all day.  That means I'm able to get way more done...  


In order to get myself motivated I'm going to show you my list of things to tackle today.  I find I do a better job with cleaning when I have a list to keep me on track.  Also, it's really fun to cross things off of a list. :)


Here we go!
Deep Cleaning Schedule:

Floors- sweep, mop, vacuum all floors.
Bathrooms- sink, counters, shower, toilets and mirrors. Launder bath mats.
Bedroom- dust surface areas, sort all clothes, wipe everything clean
Kitchen- sink, counters, stove top and microwave.  Wipe cabinets, sort/get rid of any piles on table/counters
Breakfast nook- clean glass top and  dust buffet
Living room- dust all surface areas, roll couch, and put away computer cords
Entry way- pick up green cabinet and stick shoes into basket
Laundry- towels, sheets, jeans, miscellaneous clothes

Do NOT forget: baseboards, vents, blinds, windows, ceiling fans, wipe drawers! 

It's so much fun using this list as a guide in every room.  I feel way accomplished when I just take it room by room.  I will begin by starting laundry and then keep my loads going while I'm cleaning the rest of the house.

Anyone else having to dig for some cleaning motivation this morning?  I will say that I love getting new cleaning products though.  Funny how that works?  Just for a little something fun: Here's two of my favorite cleaning products...

My favorite all-purpose cleaner.  Smells SO clean, but doesn't require much at all.  I usually mix up a bucket of this stuff + water for various cleaning throughout the house.  Typically, I mop with this mixture also.

Mrs. Meyer's counter-top spray is to die for.  My personal favorite is the lemongrass.  But, I have basil right now and it's pretty good too.  It's so refreshing and a perfect go-to product for throughout the week wipe downs.


What are your favorite cleaning products?  Well, wish me luck today because it's slow goin' around here.  

love, the Blair Abode



Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Small, adorable desk...

...that's what has been on my mind lately.  I love small desks/built-ins worked into kitchens. I've been dreaming of a spot like this off of our kitchen.  Our town-home isn't the most spacious, but I think I could make this work.  It would require some rearranging, which I think is what is causing me to ponder instead of running 100mph to find that perfect desk.


Let's talk about some of the uses for a desk by our kitchen.  I'm talking a small, "airy" desk.  Preferably white, or a pop of color:

  • Creating grocery lists/menu planning
  • Any type of computer work
  • Grading papers/lesson planning
  • Totally adorable
I think those would be my top four uses of a desk by the kitchen.  I won't lie.  Maybe the totally adorable factor is #1 on my list.  There's nothing wrong with that is there?  I love a cozy, warm area.  I'm always decorating/re-arranging/adding to.  

One thought that has entered my mind is the possibility of moving into a home that doesn't have a spot for the desk near the kitchen.  Problem solved: place the desk in a guest room/Baby Blair's room. Baby Blair does not exist yet, but one day he/she will! I love desks in kids room, so I'm not worried about the idea of not always using it in the kitchen.

One thing that I'm not sure about is space.  The desk would go in the spot where our green cabinet currently lives.    The green cabinet would have to find a new home, but still close to the front door.  Our green cabinet is our "catch-all" spot. We can't move this piece away from the front door.  I'm worried that the entry area would become cluttered.  Thoughts?   


Now, for the best part. Pictures.  I've put together a few pictures so that you have visualize the look I'm wanting to achieve...

Basic Sawhorse Desk from Pier 1 on sale for $160. 


I love the lightness and texture of this wastebasket.  Not even sure I'd use it as a trash can, but possibly as storage (I'd sit it on the floor next to the desk either way). Wastebasket from Pier 1 for $20.

I love this! I would totally add this to the left/right corner of the desk to hold all of those wonderful office supplies.  Basket from Pier 1 for $18.


Love this lamp.  The best part is that I already own this lamp, and haven't found a spot for it since moving.  How perfect is that?


I'd either go for a chair like this (such a fun color), or a vintage colored chair.  Right now, I'd just snag one from another room in the house!

The price break down adds up to roughly $200 total for a new desk, wastebasket and organizer.  Not too bad if ya ask me.  What are your thoughts of my desk dilemma?  I'd love to hear your ideas on what would be best for the space.

love, the Blair Abode