What does clean smell like?

For the longest time, I thought cleaned smelled like bleach, Mr. Clean and Pine Sol. You know the smells. They kinda hit you over the head when you open the bottle.

Now, I think I know what clean really smells like. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. And I LOVE it.

In my goals for 2011 post, I said I was going to live greener and start making my own household cleaners.
Well, this is week #2 of cleaning with a vinegar and water mixture and baking soda. I mixed up the vinegar and water and added about 200 (ok, maybe 30?) drops of orange oil. Instead of our bathroom smelling overwhelmingly like bleach when I'm done cleaning, it smells like nothing (not even orange vinegar). 

Ah, I can take a deep breath while cleaning and not go into a coughing fit from the nasty cleaner I used to use.

I went the cold turkey approach. So, I've still got a few bottles of cleaners that I'm not really sure what to do with.

Here they are (along with some stray bread crumbs). My grime fighting teammates. I love 'em.  After reading this post from DIYLife, I might recruit apple cider vinegar to be part of my team too. We'll see.

What does clean smell like to you?

Happy New Year! What is 2011 going to bring?

I'm not usually big on New Year's resolutions. They don't really fit me. I'm also not very good at setting goals.  I have things I'd like to do, but never write them down. If I write them down, then (horror of horrors) I might actually have to do something about them!


But, 2011 seems like a good year to try! We had some big changes as a family in 2010 (moving back to North Dakota, new baby, new house) and those changes have given me a new perspective. I'm ready to take some more risks and live life to the fullest. I think I've been a wuss when it comes to living life so far. I want to start changing that in 2011. I'm not saying I'll be jumping out of airplanes, but I think it's time (I'm 35 for crying outloud) to start putting myself out there more.

So, here we go...my goals for 2011.


1. Get back into shape

I lost 50 pounds last year before I got pregnant. I felt great and want to get back there. I figure now that Baby Peach is 4 months old, it's time to get back on that horse. I've signed up to run a 10k in May to give me a kick start.

2. Take my blog to the next level (Inspired by Life Your Way)

I'm going to post at least once a week. I know that many post every day, but that's just not realistic for me. Once a week is doable, especially with all the remodeling we've got going on at the new house. (Pics coming soon!)

3. Learn to take great pictures 

I've had a Nikon D70s for 4 years. And haven't used anything but the auto setting. Horrible, I know. A great camera going to waste. So, I'm going take a picture a everday in 2011 (365 Project). I'm hoping this will help me not only learn to take great pictures, but also teach me to use my camera!

4. Live greener (Inspired by Life Your Way - Green Goals for 2011)

I'm going to start using homemade household cleaners. It's all stuff I have around the house anyway. And, I found some Orange and Peppermint essential oils that I bought a while ago. So, I'm ready! I'm also switching to Dr. Bronner's soap. We've been using antibacterial for years, but I've been convinced to change! These are small steps, I know, but I can't bring myself to use soap instead of shampoo.

5. Do something that scares the shi crap out of me.

I'll be honest. I have no idea what to do here. I think I'll know it when it comes up. I'm hoping I know it. And when it does, I'll take a deep breath and try not to ignore it.


Ok, that was scary. It's out there in web land for everyone to read and ask me about. Sigh. I guess I'm committed now!