Its in his kiss... thats where it is!!

So in the movie date night, another reoccurring theme was "lighting it up." And how at the end of the day when you have worked, cleaned, cooked, cared for children... just getting yourself in bed takes every last bit of energy.  Much less "Lighting it up."  We can all get stuck in routine sometimes but just doing something completely different , even something small, shows that you are making an effort to light it up.  What may work for me and the CEO of his business may not work for you and your partner.  For example, I have found that just changing my "PJ's" or lack there of... has "lit him up."  I am not talking about trashy just simple... classy lace or tad see through.  It is pretty... I feel pretty... and he tells me just how pretty he thinks I am :) I have always said that I am more the "funny girl" and less the "kitten"... but he finds funny girl sexy so there you have it!! Listen to what he wants... maybe he does NOT want you to wear a lot of make-up, maybe he wants you to wear make-up, maybe he likes a certain outfit, maybe just dress up for no reason, maybe he likes a massage, a fun text, or a love note.  Whatever it is... as "CEO of my house" it is your responsibility that your partner gets a proper ROI (return on investment).  Just as he should light it up for you and do special things that you like... flowers, communication, massage, surprise spa day, a cute little note, a fun text, a lovely love affirmation... And please do not forget to kiss each other!!! My friend told me once that kissing just did not happen anymore after 5 years of marriage and it scared me.  As CEO of my house I put kissing in the "mission statement" and am keeping my fingers crossed that it stays an important part of our relationship.
Visit Victorias Secret, by a new shade of lipstick, use a new perfume, break out the markers and make a love note. Whatever you do, it is springtime... get some pep in your step... wake up and smell the roses :)

Have a beautiful day

When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie... That's amore

We went to see the movie Date Night last night...it was funny!!!  There was a reoccurring theme in the movie... he never closed a drawer and she let it all out about the day to day things that are done around the house.  In this house, that also seems to be a reoccurring theme :)  Why is it that we are always closing drawers/doors, picking up clothes and tidying all of the time... because we care!!! I feel that this house and its appearance is a good representation of my"self"... ourselves.  I feel that often there is a fine line between being a maid and being "CEO" and that fine line is you don't get paid and you don't get to leave :) All kidding aside, the fine line is pride, maturity and getting respect from your partner.  After all, if he treats you like a maid then you probably are... "perception is reality."  I am proud of the CEO of his business and the roof that he puts over our head.  I want people to feel comfortable and be in a clean environment when they visit... we are all grown up and don't live "frat house" style anymore.    Respect and appreciation from your partner makes you feel great... similar to positive reinforcement you get from coworkers or your boss.  However there always seems to be some left field comment the CEO of his business can come up with like "Why did you use my brush and not put it back?"... Ummmm hello "why do you use everything in the house and not put it back?"  Some may say we are OCD but I am not sure why we need to make everything a disorder or disease... why can't we just be clean, organized and proud of what we have big or small.   In the movie another couple was shown in living a completely different lifestyle arguing about the same stuff.  My friend once said "We have similar emotions just different lives."  It always seems that there is a "breadwinner" and a "homemaker" one from Mercury the other from Pluto.  "Agreeing to disagree" and "meeting in the middle" are very much terms to live by when you are with another individual who will not always have the same views, perspectives and/or opinions and that is OK!!! If we all thought the same way life would be boring.  This goes for friends too... there will sometimes be arguments but with a little compromise and respect... the love is there no matter what.  
THAT'S AMORE!!!!  

Have a beautiful day

comfort food

The weather has been cold and gloomy here and that really calls for comfort food.  The CEO of his business loves Shepherds Pie and Rachael Ray makes the easiest and best version.  I also added an easier step that makes this a fabulous recipe. 

• 2 pounds potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or softened cream cheese
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup cream, for a lighter version substitute vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
• 1 3/4 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef stock or broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire, eyeball it
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, a couple of handfuls
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Skip making the potatoes and pick up mashed potatoes in the deli section (whole foods has a mind blowing truffle mash!!
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes and pour them into a bowl. Combine sour cream, egg yolk and cream. Add the cream mixture into potatoes and mash until potatoes are almost smooth. 
While potatoes boil, preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to hot pan with beef or lamb. Season meat with salt and pepper. Brown and crumble meat for 3 or 4 minutes. If you are using lamb and the pan is fatty, spoon away some of the drippings. Add chopped carrot and onion to the meat. Cook veggies with meat 5 minutes, stirring frequently. In a second small skillet over medium heat cook butter and flour together 2 minutes. Whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Thicken gravy 1 minute. Add gravy to meat and vegetables. Stir in peas.
Preheat broiler to high. Fill a small rectangular casserole with meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon potatoes over meat evenly. Top potatoes with paprika and broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat until potatoes are evenly browned. Top casserole dish with chopped parsley and serve.

Have a beautiful day

Bright Ideas

I am constantly amazed at everyday inventions that make our lives so easy.  When "why didn't I think of that" crosses my mind... It often makes me wonder who did!! For example I was thinking about the fitted sheet and I looked it up... Giselle Jubinville, a Canadian,  invented the fitted sheet in 1990!! YES... 1990!! I was so amazed at this fact and how new the invention was that I thought is was definitely blog worthy.  A major linen company paid her $1 million for her idea.  Your ideas could be great too!!

Have a beautiful day

for those of you who still shave....

I will never use a lady razor again!! Men's razors are made so much better... and I am not sure why that is?!? I understand packaging to women and men and that is wonderful.  We want to feel feminine and they want to feel masculine... but cant we have the same razor? The CEO of his business has a Mach 3 and I LOVE IT!! It is about 500% better than my Venus razor... so I finally broke down and bought my own :) Now we can by the 100 packs at Costco and use them up together and every time he wants to shave his face it will not be dull from me :)

Have a beautiful day

Staying cool in the hot seat...

"Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are."  ~Chinese Proverb
 Every CEO (home and business) should "clock out" and enjoy life.  It is hard to let someone come in and stir things up especially when you know that you are going to have to clean up the mess.  But without life's little blunders... what would give you experience?  A new CEO is like someone with new money. They want to flaunt the power and ego uncontrollably... unknowing that they could loose what they have at any minute.  An experienced CEO has grace and moves fluidly without haste or bother... seamlessly getting the job done.  These are extremes of course and I think the greatest CEO sits right in the middle "controllably uncontrollable."   Everyday you are still learning, but are able to show what you have learned.  I have grown up watching and being very close to successful CEO of the house and business... and as a new CEO I am learning how stress and attitude gets you nowhere fast.  I have had a very stressful last two weeks with people in the house, new puppy and travel.  I have lost my cool on occasion and realize that if I had it all to do it over again... I would have taken a deep breath, put on a happy face, and ENJOYED life a little more.  My fault and greatest attribute is in planning and details.  When it involves our home, I completely fall apart when something is not prepared or I have not had time to think about it and organize the basics.  Today is a new day and I am starting to be recharged and things are getting back to "normal."  I work great under pressure because I am prepared... but stress is not a friend of mine.

Forbes.com Battling CEO Stress (side comments provided by CEOofMyHouse)
1) Find an outlet (shopping, exercise, beauty...something for you)
2) Get a massage (yes!! mani/pedi count... go pick color!!)
3) Get your zzzzzzzzzzz's
4) Have a sense of humor (laughter is the best medicine)
5) Lead a healthy lifestyle
6) Have an understanding spouse or partner (appreciate each other)
7) Learn how to delegate (we all need help)
8) Make money (CEOofMyHouse may or may not bring home a "paycheck" but our work is priceless... especially when you raise children)
9) Meditate (even if it is when you are putting yourself to sleep)
10) Schedule vacations (if you do not have a large budget have a day vacation... it cuts down on hotel bills and travel expenses)

Have a beautiful day

girls just wanna have fun

I was in Sur la Table and spotted these shoes across the store... immediately ran up to them and said are these for real?!? The guy that works there said... you would be surprised how excited some women get!! I replied... I am definitely that girl!!

Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers for $12.95.  These are practical and so much fun... I love sliding around from room to room on them!!

V is for Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is a must have for your home!!!  My dad always used vinegar to clean the floor and although it was not the greatest smelling at first it always got the job done.  Now I am learning why he thought so highly of it in the first place.  I have been seeing a trend in how often I have been using vinegar in very different ways.  When I started looking up more ways to use vinegar... I was amazed.  Vinegar works with laundry, garden, cleaning, your health, cars, pets, and cooking.  Because of the high level of acidity,  vinegar kills most mold, bacteria and germs.  Vinegar makes things shine, deodorizes, removes stains, build up, and even removes stickers and decals off walls and doors.  Vinegar works with pets!!  There are a number of ways that vinegar can be used for training your pet not to bite, to help with housebreaking and to stop barking.  White distilled vinegar is becoming my household "go to" product.  If I were "mayor of my house" I would give vinegar a key to this city. 

Have a beautiful day

Skin soooo Soft

The secret to soft glowing skin is exfoliate, circulate and moisturize.  You can not moisturize dry skin!!!!  You must remove it and protect the healthy skin.  I have worked at some of the best spas in the US and I can promise you this is secret information.  You do not need to buy the real expensive gadgets to get the skin you have dreamed about.  Use a dry brush before you get in the shower. Work in the direction of your heart... feet to chest, fingers to chest, neck to chest. The dry brush works double time because as you brush each stroke (same stroke as shaving) toward your heart you create friction which causes circulation.  Circulation brings fresh nutrients to the surface of your skin...tightening, toning and increasing cell renewal. We take care of our face by buying fancy creams and exfoliating, but leave our body "hanging."  As CEO of your house I know that time is valuable and the benefits from this 3 minute addition (every other day) to your morning routine will be priceless. 
My favorite treatment in the world is the Body Enzyme treatment from ARCONA.  This is an amazing product that will leave your skin soft like butter and glowing for weeks.  At home, try a sugar scrub (once a week) from the store or make one yourself.
Do your body a favor and pick up this brush the next time you are at the drug store.  It is summer and you will want to show off your glowing healthy skin!!!

Have a beautiful day

sponges should be for sponge cake

I can hear my grandmothers voice in the back of my head as I pull the paper towels from the roll... "why don't you just use a sponge."  I know in this day and age it is not very "green" of me to dislike sponges BUT... I feel as if I am just wiping bacteria all over the counter.  The smell after a couple of days is just gross and then it stays on your hands even after a good washing.  People say put it in the dishwasher (and this seems to be the best method) but I just do not like sponges enough to give them all of this special attention.  I love the scrubby brushes with the dish detergent in them and a nice paper towel.  I will use a sponge for certain things but i toss them after a couple of uses.  I keep a sponge that is just dedicated to the wooden cutting board (no meat on the wooden cutting board) and use salt (and sometimes lemon) to keep the cutting board clean.

Have a beautiful day

finding a rhythm method

So the song "Money" by Pink Floyd keeps going through my head!! Not the lyrics but the beat.  I keep going from one thing to the next to the tune of the cash register in that song.  Chez "my house" is under construction!!! Unpacking from such a wonderful trip, still potty training the pup (who is getting into everything) and making sure the future mother-in-law is having a lovely visit.  That translates to lost of laundry, cleaning, organizing, folding, putting away, and cooking!!! At least I have found a rhythm for this project... thanks Pink Floyd!! I think music helps so much when taking on a larger than normal task around the house!!

have a beautiful day

Calgon take me away!!!!

I will start new posts on Tuesday April 13th.  I am in over my head and to my great dissatisfaction... I am having to admit it.  I am stressed out and have too much going on... there I said it.  After house guests for the last week (did I mention that we have one bathroom and half?!?), new puppy, no sleep, my face is breaking out from stress, no internet connection, future mother in-law staying in house, and packing for a trip!! Calgon take me away!!! Now for the positives... I have a loving partner who has been amazing through this emotional, stressful time for me and I get to look into the eyes of the cutest, sweetest puppy in the world.  That being said... I need order and routine to be restored in this house.  Hotel "this house" needs to be closed for remodeling.

Have a beautiful day

and puppy makes three!!!

We got our puppy last night!! She is a 5lb, 8 week old goldendoodle and I am in love.  She is already teaching me so much.  It has been a long time since I have had a brand new puppy.  This is going to be a great exercise for me in paying attention to the smallest details. 
Have a beautiful day!!!

Bathroom Etiquitte

The smallest room in the house seems to require the most attention.  As CEO of the house we keep the toilet, sink, tub, tile, fixtures, and floors clean... and delegate the "little" things that should be done by everyone in the house such as... pick the towels off the floor, put the dirty clothes in the hamper (not beside the hamper but in the hamper), taking the empty TP roll off and replacing it with a new one (not just leaving it out), flush the toilet (not a fan of little surprises... but it happens), put grooming products back in the cabinet (or wherever they live), close the shower curtain (this prevents mold), use the trash can, if you trim your hair over the sink wipe it off with a little water, put toothbrush back in the holder, and please put the toilet seat down if you lift it.  "little things make big things happen."  The man of "this" house is pretty good about doing his part but I still find myself doing a lot of it day after day.  We are like starting a new business (family).  Right now I can do most of it by myself but when this business starts to grow (i.e. pets and/or children) and responsibilities grow... one person can not do it by her/his self.  As CEO I should feel comfortable asking for help and delegating responsibilities... even though this is difficult for me!! I trust my partner and know that we are constantly working together to build a successful business with big bonuses and great benefits :)
Have a beautiful day!!

reading the labels

I mostly drink water but...when I am at the grocery store I usually treat myself to a cold diet mountain dew.  I do not feel guilty because I was once told that it is actually a "morning beverage."  After all, the second ingredient after water IS orange juice!!! And also for inquiring minds... Dansani water has an ingredient list on the bottle that includes salt.  Those sneaky guys at coca cola added salt to water to make you more thirsty.  I love Windex...there really is no substitution!! It makes everything shine!! Today, we were in Home Depot and I saw the new Windex "POWERIZED" and I had to have it.  I am not sure how what makes it powerized but it sounds great!! My personal favorite is "new and improved"... If it is new then how can it be improved and vice-versa.   Just a couple of funny things because I love reading labels and how marketing is used to persuade us to buy this or that.  I appreciate the really great ones!!  Its Sunday... Its Easter... and we just had an earthquake!!! Hope everyone is safe!! I love my family, friends and fiance very much!!! Thank you for reading my blog!!

Have a beautiful day!!!

Airing my dirty Laundry

I received my first request to talk about my crazy laundry methods!! You may think it takes up too much time but I have been doing laundry this way for so long I can not imagine doing it any other way.  I think it saves time because colors and similar clothing/other items are all together and make putting away these items more efficient.  I believe this saves your clothes and keeps them looking better longer.  If you invest in quality items you should invest in the care.  I think quality products produce quality outcomes.  With so many products on the market... eco friendly, sensitive skin, natural products, etc it really depends on your personal perception of quality.  It may seem to be a bit costly with the initial investment, but with the extension of the life and quality of your items... I think it is all a wash (pardon the pun). Here you go...

The Products
Tide
April fresh Downy (blue liquid)
Aloe Downy (the white liquid)
Bounty dryer sheets (these also work well to pick up dust and freshen a room)
Bleach (i am horrible with bleach and get it on everything but it is necessary)
The least expensive detergent (look for sales and buy one get one)
Woolite
Woolite Dark

Is there method to my madness...

I separate whites, lite colors, bright colors, dark colors, blacks and navy, jeans, Juicy (i wear a lot of juicy it is like my house uniform... cute and comfy), bath towels, bed linens, light delicate, dark delicate, bath mats, dish towels, cleaning towels.  Sometimes I will consolidate upon my discretion and the correct products will be determined.  Dry clean only and shirts go to the cleaners.  I do not Iron. 

*Whites, bath towels and bed linens (which are all white) get Tide, Aloe Downy, Bleach and dryer sheets.  Bath Towels and bed linens get sanitary setting.
*Light colors, bright colors (reds, pinks), dark colors (everything except blue and black) get Tide, white or blue Downy and dryer sheet.
*Blacks and navy get Woolite black, blue Downy and a dryer sheet.
*Juicy gets seperated into light and dark.. and delicate clothes are thrown into this pile as well. Woolite for the light and white pile, and Woolite dark for dark pile plus dryer sheet.
*Jeans get Woolite dark and an extra spin cycle.
*Bath mats, dish towels and cleaning towels get the cheap detergent and bleach.

Have a beautiful day!!

coming undone at the seams....

I am convinced that the difference between the girl who wears a dress and the dress that wears a girl... is a seamstress and of course confidence.   There are so many great sales but often they are on sale for a reason.  SO... make friends with your seamstress!!! Or better yet take a sewing class (on my "to do" wish list). If you find yourself saying, "I would love this but the pockets are too bulky"...have them removed.  If it is too long... have it shortened. If it needs to be fitted to your body type... then have it fitted.  If something does not fit you the correct way then you do not feel confident... and if it is too tight please put it in the trash or back in the closet!!  I just racked up on savings at old navy.  The summer dresses are $15-$20!!! Great fabric, great ideas and a cheap china (or wherever) manufacturer that just did not make it "great."  I took them to a seamstress and had the pockets removed (the pockets just added bulky material around my waist, where I did not need it).  It cost me $5 (plus the original $20) and looks great.  I also have empire waists shortened so that it is an empire waist and not the hemline that extends to the top of your natural waist line.  I have a crazy rib cage and that cut just does not work for me, but they love it at Jcrew and I love Jcrew!!! And I have dresses shortened... not age inappropriate but not tea length... This is a length often on sale because it is extremely unflattering on most!! So come undone at the seams and add your special touch to a new dress or a dress in your closet. You will look great and feel confident... because it was made for you!!  Oh and while you are there you can drop off or pick up the dry cleaning... multitasking is such a important part of being CEOofMyHouse. 

Have a beautiful day