Saturday, October 13, 2007

The Art & Science of Keeping House

Yesterday I tried out my new Meyer's cleaners. Although the scent, Geraniumm is divine, I found myself going back to my old reliables. The cleaners that really work. I will still use the Meyer's for things like wiping the table before I put the tablecloth on, and cleaning up the counters for the night because, like I said the scent is so nice and it does a good job as a wipe away cleaner. But for things like soap residue and cleaning the potty after a little boy who is still perfecting his aim, well....those jobs call for some serious muscle!!!


One of the Meyer's products that I do recommend whole heartedly is the scented soy candle I bought at the same time I purchased the cleaners. I have placed this little jewel on the table beside my bed and even though I have not lit it yet, it has filled my entire bedroom with the lovely faint scent of roses. I know it calls itself Geranium, but I checked the label and it contains rose oil which is the predominate fragrance.


It is a lovely aroma to wake up to in the morning:)



This morning I visited Allison at The Brocante Home Chronicles. I love to go to her site and view the charming pictures and read about her life as a single mom and vintage housekeeper, she has such a way with words. As I was browsing I read her Manifesto, in it is a quote from Mrs. Beeton that got me thinking:


...so it is with the mistress of a house. Her spirit will be seen through the whole establishment; and just in proportion as she performs her duties intelligently and thoroughly, so will her domestics follow in her path. Of all those aquirements, which more particuarly belong to the feminine charcter, there are none which take a higher rank, in our estimation, than such as enter into a knowledge of household duties; for on these are perpetually dependant the happiness, comfort and well-being of a family....


What does my home say about my spirit....do the pile and stacks say that I am disorganized and flighty, does to sink of dishes mean that I am messy, does the dusty furniture speak of neglect or does it simply mean that I too often find something better or more interesting to do. Hmmm I wonder.


When I close my eyes and picture my home in a perfect state I see order and cleanliness. Everything in its proper place, dinning table covered with vintage linens and adorned with flowers, beds dressed with fresh coverings, clothes in closets and wardrobes, windows sparkling with sun light, surfaces decorated with just the right amount of accessories not too cluttered, beautiful wooden floors that glow with the character of 70+ years of age. In this setting my family and I truly feel at home.


A couple of years ago I found a wonderful book by Cheryl Mendelson that speaks to the vision of my perfect home. It is entitled Home Comforts; The Art & Science of Keeping House . Not only is it filled to the brim with useful cleaning tips. As she writes of her passion for housekeeping Cheryl weaves inspiration and storytelling throughout the pages. She writes:


When you keep house, you use your head, your heart, and your hands together to create a home....because keeping house is a labor of love....





16 comments:

BittersweetPunkin said...

Ok So I'll skip the Mrs. Meyers products! *except for the candle maybe.Loved the post today...very sweet.
Blessings,
Robin

Esther Sunday said...

Lovely post. Isn't our homes just the most precious thing? There is nothing like making a house and home.

kari and kijsa said...

Funny....when we close our eyes....we see the same thing...each day is a journey...home is where we love to be the best!

blessings, kari and kijsa

blessings said...

Not so much unlike how the Bible describes the domestic qualities God wants. Oh, and I also have a candle that I can't bear to light just because it smells so lovely without lighting it. Blessings... Polly

Meggie said...

The book looks inspirationl on many levels. I may have to look for it at the bookstore.

Scrappy Moments said...

The Candle Looks Divine, I have to try one. I hope that disarray means you found something better to do and not a reflection of me, or I'm in trouble,lol :)

Angie

Michelle E. ~ Vintage Pastiche' said...

Your post is very inspiring and I hope that I can get my home to that clean state sometime soon, seems to always be in a state of "destruction" :)

I gave you an award today, you can pick it up at my blog. :)

*muah*
Michelle

Nunnie's Attic said...

I have never heard of Meyer's products before. I wonder if I can find them in PA?? I'm all for keeping a clean house. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. BUT, when I have a chance to play with my family, the housework has to wait!

Love,
Julie

Kathleen Grace said...

Where do you get the Mrs Meyers brand candles? I keep hearing about them and now I am curious!
I don't have a passion for housekeeping, but I do have a passion for making a home! I try to keep things as clean as possible, but I can't help but think there are so many more important things than being able to eat off my floor! (Don't even try it!LOL) I have a dear cousin who is obsessive about keeping her home clean, and she just expressed to me that people often feel uncomfortable in her home because they are afraid they will mess it up! I always feel a bit better when I see some dust here and there at someone elses home. It makes me feel that they are more likely to accept my housekeeping failures and just enjoy me as myself:>)

Scrappy Moments said...

Hi Rhonda :)

Have a little suprise for you at my blog when you visit :)

Angie

Back Through Time said...

Great post! After getting my home clean and cozy it is a great rewarding feeling!
did you get it all done??
Michelle

Flea Market Queen said...

Housecleaning yuck!
Hate it but I do it...
I do like organization, but it doesn't always show!
Priscilla

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

This post touches every women blogger I think! I am not fond of house cleaning, but I adore a clean home! I have learned to see right through little messes - lol..
Penny

Linda said...

Hi Rhonda...please come visit me .....I nominated you for an award :). Linda

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I love this post!! I often wonder what other ladies use to clean their homes..what is their favorite product..what gets white grout really clean...but I will have to see if I can find this book and read about The Art and Science of my not so favorite thing to do. Thank you for sharing and also thank you for stopping by and leaving me a sweet comment! Becky

Sharon said...

This post makes me want to put an apron on and get busy. Thanks for sharing many good ideas and now I have to get busy........Sharon K