April 4, 2016

Do Your Thing This Spring

Spring. That word conjures up so many thoughts, doesn't it? I have certain things I think about every time spring rolls around. And I'm sure you do too. Among them...Spring Cleaning. Ahhh. The dreaded phrase. But this post will not be about that. You know why? Because this mommy doesn't do that anymore. I used to, back in the day. I read blogs about moms who made printables and charts and designated certain days for certain areas. I got excited and printed them out and planned and tried and became discouraged when their plans didn't work here in my home. Now...I realize why. They were just that. Their plans. Their homes. Their circumstances. Their standards. How could they work perfectly in my home?

As I grew older, and became more confident in my own ideas and thoughts, I realized that if we kept after our home on a weekly and monthly basis, we really had no need to do a major down and deep spring cleaning. I mean we do wash the mattress pads and change out the closets. And that's about it. And guess what? It works for us. That, my friends, is my unsolicited piece of advice for you today...Do what works for you. Don't feel badly or incompetent or lazy if you don't take a toothbrush to the edges of your carpet. Don't worry if your oven doesn't get scrubbed until it sparkles. Or if you want to, get those gloves on and start scrubbing! Do your OWN thing this spring. Whatever that is. And be happy. : )

Here are a few things I do to welcome spring.

I always wash the mattress pad and change out the sheets on the beds. Bye Bye soft, cozy flannels. See you in September. : )

I also change our blanket to a lighter one. But I stop short of ironing the sheets.

I stock up on outdoor toys like bubbles, chalk, and Play-Doh. I don't know about you, but where we live, when we are needing these things around the middle of July, they are nowhere to be found. School supplies and Halloween candy fill the isles.
Not that I don't LOVE that stuff, but really?

I also treat myself. Yep. I usually stock up on basic essentials for my colorful wardrobe. I always get white and grey tanks, a new pair of white jeans, and a light cardigan. This year I went wild and got grey instead of white. : ) I find that Gap has comfy, quality clothes at reasonable prices.
And they are always having a sale of some sort. : )

And then I go out and check the progress of the trees that line our driveway.
I love them so...in every season, but spring is when they show their real beauty.

There you have it.
My take on spring.
Enjoy yours, my friends.
And do YOUR thing this spring. : )










15 comments:

  1. Great advice, I decided to do my own thing many moons ago and it makes me a much better person because of it. Take care.

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  2. I love your advice. It seems with the advent of modern cleaning tools the old idea of spring cleaning isn't the same. I remember my aunt taking everything in her den outdoors, furniture and all and beating the rugs... But if she had a vacuum... :)
    Your home always look sparking, warm and welcoming. Wishing you a happy week!

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  3. Good morning Billie Jo,

    I had to get my cup of coffee before settling in to read your post :)

    I really love your little piece of friendly advice. Everyone should do what works best for them. I used to work really hard for perfection, and now I am very content just living my life as it comes. If I get everything done, that's lovely; if I don't, life goes one, and I am still happy.

    How exciting - fresh white pants and shoes and the lovely sweater and shirts - I love it! You inspire me :)

    Have a wonderful Monday, dear friend.
    ♥Hope

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  4. I always love your posts. They encourage my heart! And I love your ideas. Happy Monday!

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  5. You are so right, you have to do what is right for you and just because it works for someone else doesn't mean it will - or should - work for you. Glad you have found what is good for you and that you are looking forward to spring and summer! Love your new blog look! xx

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  6. I love how you do Spring Lady! I think were pretty similar. ;) Great advice. Happy week ahead my Dear! xoxo

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  7. Great advice. I love how wise we get the older we get.
    Happy spring my friend.

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  8. I love this post! Because you've taught me soooo very much. I too tried all of that and someone else's chart never ever works for me. Some springs I pen and paper my own or some springs when it 'hits' me I go crazy cleaning. But I've learned... from you... thank you... that I need to do what works best for me! Love it here!

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  9. Hi Billie Jo~

    I so agree! I've tried all the charts and check lists as well, and I've come to the conclusion that either these ladies have lots of time, or they don't have children, pets, grandchildren, friends . . . or much fun . . . :0) Or . . . they are way more organized than me!

    I have certain things I do each spring and fall, kind of like what you do. I deep clean when it's needed, whether it's summer, winter, spring or fall. This year, it needed it NOW!

    I love your new springy - summery clothing, I love black and white, can't go wrong with that combination!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  10. Love your spring ideas! I'm always feeling guilty about keeping up with spring cleaning, etc. and really, our house is clean enough, so am giving myself a break! Love seeing the trees blossom too! Great idea on the summer stuff -- must get bubbles soon! :)

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  11. One of things I've gotten away from for some time was to always buy new (needed) seasonal clothes for some of the kids, but not for David or myself. Why?? This spring, I refreshed my spring/summer wardrobe and it feels so full of life now! Good for you for engaging in that personal retail therapy ;)

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  12. I love your new background!
    Thank you for this! Seriously! May sound silly but I have been feeling guilty lately for the fact that while I can manage to keep the house relatively neat and in some semblance of order, it is by no means "clean"! :) Washing the bathroom while the boys bathe and changing the sheets any time someone has an "accident" (which is at least once a week) is my standard for now!

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  13. Amen! girlie Amen! I couldn't have said it better myself! like the song goes..."It's your thang, do what you wanna do!"

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  14. LOVE THIS!!! I gave all that up too. Only just recently did I realize that my frustration was coming from trying to follow someone else's plans and their lives are totally different. I love GAP!!!!

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo