Week 1: Mopping, lots of mopping

So the Apartment Therapy Cure is set up in 8 week increments, with basic goals for each week. Week 1's main task, aside from setting goals, figuring out what needs to be fixed, buying fresh flowers (I failed that task, only went to the grocery store once, it was Whole Foods and their flower selection, while nice, was way too pricey), is to mop.

I didn't even own an actual mop until Wednesday. Yes, sadly for the past three+ years I have been "Swiffer Wet" mopping my entire house, which aside from the bathroom and kitchen tile, is hardwood. Probably not the best method to clean things, and definitely a waste of materials (those things just get thrown away, and dry out before my entire living room is done).

My darling boyfriend did actually mop the floors last summer while I was in Ireland, so it hasn't been three years since they've been mopped. But I was overdue.

Anyway, I sort of enjoyed myself. I moved all the stuff out of each room, pulled furniture away from the walls, broke out the Murphy Oil Soap, scrubbed the baseboards and mopped. My house smelled so good this morning. And it's crazy how good it looked! I didn't think something so simple would have such a big impact on the overall feel of my house. But I am sold on the idea, and there's no going back. I'm not quite done yet, I still have the VERY dirty kitchen floor and the very LARGE living room floor (which has also become the landing zone for my sorting and giveaway piles). I am hoping to tackle those on Sunday night after a weekend in the country.

Can't remember the specific tasks for week 2, but I know it has to do with getting the kitchen in order. I am excited for that too, since my teeny kitchen is completely disfunctional. Not that I cook or anything...but that's part of the plan, as well. I am supposed to start using my kitchen to cook meals in. As in the stove, and not as in boiling water for pesto pasta. Something about roasting a chicken I think. It could be interesting...especially if I don't allow the darling boyfriend/chef of the relationship to do it. Maybe I need to buy a fire extinguisher first... ;)