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7.06.2011

My Campaign for Domestic Happiness

So, as you all know {probably because I talk about it way too much...}, I have a not-so-secret goal of becoming well-educated in the art of domesticity.

I’m taking a short blog hiatus in the next few weeks, and one of the reasons is so that I can start working on some of my domestic ambitions. Before I do so, however, I wanted to share with you my “plan” for working on this lofty goal.
{image via Pinterest, book by Isabella Beeton}

Follow my household cleaning schedule and amend it as necessary.

I created a household cleaning schedule, in which I dedicate each day of the week to a specific household task. I’ve read in many blogs and books that this is the easies, and most efficient way to ensure that your house {or, in my case, apartment} stays neat and clean, without the stress of having to dedicate one day a week {and many hours} to doing it all at once.

I’ve already created this schedule, but it’s important that I keep an open mind and realize that things may need to be added, amended, or rearranged. The goal is just to find a routine and stick to it.
 

You can find my cleaning schedule here.
 
Continue reading Home Comforts.
 
This book is seriously the bible of homemaking and housekeeping. It’s pretty ridiculous at times, such as when it suggests that the only acceptable family dinner is one that includes at least three courses and a detailed tablescape. Obviously I don’t take everything to heart in this book, but it really does offer good information and advice. I’m reading it cover to cover, and I’m actually thoroughly enjoying it. And while there are plenty of sections that are not relevant to my home at this time, I know that it will be an invaluable resource and reference later in life.
 

Focus on cooking.
 
A few weeks ago, I shared my goal of cooking dinner at home five nights a week. I also aimed to make one vegetarian meal per week, and one meal with fish. So far, I’ve made really good progress on this goal, and I hope to really focus on it in the next few weeks. I’m sure that I will have plenty of recipes to share with you when I get back.
 
Cooking truly is one of my passions in life and it’s very important to me that I focus on the places in my home that make me the happiest. So, obviously, cooking is a top priority in this plan.
 

Other areas to work on:
 
Sewing
 
We have a discount fabric store that I like to go to when we visit my family in Orange County. it has bolts of fabric for $2 to $8 a yard, and they always have such beautiful fabric. I went with my mom and aunt this past weekend and got way too much stuff, but now I have the motivation to start using my sewing machine more.
 

Home Design and Decorating
 
We’ve lived in our little apartment for over a year now, so we are obviously pretty settled in. I don’t know that I’m the biggest fan of the decor in here, though it’s comfortable. I am going to try and figure out a few ways to redecorate using what we already have, by rearranging furniture and re-purposing used items.
 

Organization
 
I’ve actually been really good at organizing my home and life these days, but I want to work on it a little bit more. I created my home office a few weeks ago, and it’s still fairly organized, but I want to use that motivation and inspiration into the rest of our home. 


{all images via Pinterest}

And here are some resources that I've already found to help me along the way:






This isn't all I'm focusing on while on my blog vacay, but I will definitely be spending a good portion of my time baking cookies and scrubbing the sink. I promise a full recap once I'm done. 

But until then, if you have any good resources or advice, please send it my way. I would really appreciate it! And I hope you all enjoy the guest posts that are coming your way. 


{and I give up on the spacing of this post...why is blogger so wonky??}

Love you all!

13 comments:

jillian :: cornflake dreams. said...

good luck lady! i cant wait to see the recap once youre done. remember to have fun too :) xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams

Holly said...

I admire your dedication to this!!! I'll be thinking about you during your hiatus and hope that everything works out as you want it to :) Good Luck!!!

KT @ KT's Refinishing School said...

I love this post and I can't wait to hear all about your progress! You are such an inspiration--thank you for sharing your journey with us :)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THIS. You have inspired me!

Sarah said...

I LOVE your cleaning schedule. I'm so inspired to keep things organized, and keep saving up for my dream home! Thanks!

Alisha said...

Good luck, sweetie. Love your plan to reorganize your apartment and your life with your blog hiatus. It'll be good for you :) Just be sure to come back, ok?!

Christi said...

blogger has been wonky on me lately too!! enjoy this time off and working on your home life! i think this is a great goal to have! i get so much joy in keeping and making a home that is comfortable for all!

The Michelle Show said...

Good luck! I never thought of myself as a particularly 'by the book' housewife until I moved in with my boyfriend. Suddenly I'm the master of laundry, cooking, bed making, and all things house wifey... maybe it just took the right man (and the messiest man-house I have EVER seen in my life).

a_jorgenson said...

Good luck!! Don't forget to enjoy yourself too!!!


<3
aj
Cashmere&Candy

Casey said...

Good luck on your domestic adventure!

When you get back, come check out the blog award I nominated you for!

Amanda said...

Good luck with your blogging hiatus! Hope it's successful!

Carolynn Cecilia said...

I don't think there is a enough flour in New York City to sustain me baking a cake for each feeling of doubt.. but that won't stop me from trying!

Courtney B said...

Oh you are SO awesome! I just know that my hubby would love for me to do this as well :)
I've got the cleaning schedule down well but what I have a problem working in is the deep cleaning. I avoid that at all times of the year...including spring :)
I also need to get better at baking. Maybe I'll like it more if I'm good at it?