As I established oh so clearly last week, I have a real love hate for the holidays. The commercialized version, that is.
I want to sit in my fluffy pajamas and eat all the things and watch all the movies. I don’t want to address all the Christmas cards and attend all the obligatory things and die in a stampede at Hobby Lobby. Is that so bad? Then there’s that other element of the holidays, and it’s entertaining. As glorious {and fun} as it is to style my house and make it pretty and warm and inviting and colorful for guest and well, photo shoots…
There’s always that element of reality. With five people who have lived in 1700 square feet for over a year now, it’s been fun and also necessary to have a plan, especially when the holidays kind of escalate all things insanity, a little.
So how do I survive the holidays with three messy children two muddy dogs and a renovation in a pear tree? {See what I did there? #earworm}
I have a secret arsenal of my favorites.
If the world were ending and the zombie apocalypse had finally arrived, and I could only pick three things to contribute to the new dystopian society before joining a team, it would be these things. Yes, that was a very specific situation.
Because I may not be awesome at wielding a flame torch and slicing through zombies, but I could make the underground bunker pretty and clean. Too far? Look y’all, it’s important to think ahead, and we all have our talents. I would love to be a Carol but in reality, I’m totally the extra who gets eaten in season 1.
I’m still necessary in the new world, okay?
Since the holidays can sometimes feel like a holidaisical apocalypse, Here’s my faves anyway: My three favorite Swiffer tools {especially for surviving the holidays}.
It’s like Oprah’s favorite things except it’s me. Get excited.
1. Swiffer Sweeper Vac
I started using one for the first time, as soon as we moved into the house last year. I knew two crazy cattle dogs {who honestly, should be living on a farm- they’re our rescue pups – White Pyrenees + Red Heeler = Pyreheelers} would need serious, heavy duty stuff to pick up all the hair. It’s the absolute best for picking up dog hair.
Just this morning, since Nashville is currently Seattle and I can’t even, they went outside and immediately came back with muddy paws. Except we didn’t realize their paws were muddy because coffee and because I don’t know why else and I’m blaming Jamin. We were distracted with school prep, I guess.
It really was no biggie. We swept it right up {yes, even the obnoxiously tiny mud chunks, after sending them outside for a paw hose-down per Jamin} and then resumed with the morning.
We have friends all the time who complain about cleaning their floors, and I chime in with a haven’t you people ever heard of a freaking Swiffer Vac? {Another ear worm to cancel out the first ear worm… you’re welcome.} But seriously. I live my cleaning mantra life by it.
If you have any of the following at your place of dwelling: Dogs, children, hardwoods, linoleum, tile… or any of the combo… get one yesterday. It will rock your world.
2. Swiffer Wet Jet
Stop making your lives so miserable by using a mop, okay? Just stop it already. Because the next on the list would be a swiffer Wet Jet.
Our kids are a little hyper this morning. And by this morning, I mean this month- JEHOSEPHAT help us. It’s like we have no idea what has gotten into them. It’s probably the Seattle weather and all things Christmas, but They’re out of control.
So after Jamin had a hose down in the mud wth the pups, he was carrying his shoes from the back to the front door, through the house. One child was at the moment, impaired with an out of control, flailing limb. Said child {who also happens to be our catastrophic one} knocked Jamin’s shoe out of his hand, right in front of the door. Said shoe imploded and mud chunks that went everywhere.
You know what I did? I didn’t bat an eye. I kissed them goodbye and then used my two secret weapons to first vacuum and then mop. Tada! Fresh floors + good as new.
No prep. Just the press of a button and done.
Fluffy dog butts photobombing my ‘glamor’ shot aside, I’m here to tell you my children will inevitably seek less counseling and have an even lesser chance of writing a memoir on all their issues, because we own Swiffer products.
True story.
3. The Swiffer Duster
Once upon a time I was going from glass to wood and back to glass again with a rag and all the spray-ing stuff and it would smear the glass and then I would have to break out the glass cleaner and then back to the smelly dusty stuff again.
First world probs, but aintnobodygottimeforthat.
I do a quick walk through of the house, and go over all the surfaces. With this little gem in hand, I have no excuse for dust. Bonus: when you shake it, the already cleaned dust particles don’t come lose. I’m sure there’s a scientific statement I could add here but you totally get what I’m saying.
And double bonus: if the kids are home, I get them to walk through the house, because Swiffer products are fun. But also this is why we had children. Duh.
It helps when they think it is so fun, that they fight over who gets to do which chore.
Winning. On top of winning.
What I’m about to tell you may sound like the dumbest thing ever, but for some people, it’s the little things. I kid you not, if I want to trick myself in believing the house is totally clean, I make the beds, use the swiffer sweeper and then bust out the duster. I light a candle and I’m done.
For bonus points, clearing the dishes out of the sink also helps, but I think there’s a lot to be said about not having a perfect house all the time, but a manageable house.
So these are my three favorite Swiffer tools. Not only for surviving the holidaisical apocalypse, but every day chaos, too.
What are some of your favorite tricks you have up your sleeve for keeping your house manageable?
I’m still searching for Alice to come wash and fold my laundry three times a week. ;}
Have an inspired day!
(We partnered with Swiffer for this post. For more on our partnerships please visit here.)
AmandaKB says
Strangely enough, I was just wondering last night if Swiffer has some type of light dry vac. Then, I read this post today. I think it’s a sign. Ha,ha. Have fun with all of the Christmas festivities around your house!
Suzanne says
I just put the Swiffer Sweeper Vac on my Amazon wish list. WANT.
Also the duster. London will love that!
I already have the Wet Jet and the regular Swiffer and they make me happy.
I want that “house feels clean, light a candle, done” feeling.
Thank you, dear one!