Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Intentional Home, Week Two: Tuesday

For an Introduction and Table of Contents for The Intentional Home, click Here.

Week Two: Tuesday


But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
 but shows favor to the humble.
James 4:6



I hope you’ve recovered from squatting down on the ground getting into those bathroom cabinets. I’m going to give your knees a break today. Let’s turn our energy to the bathroom counter. Start by removing everything from the counter. While it’s cleared off let’s go ahead and wash it down well.

You can use that simple cleaner that I gave you last week (one cup of water, one cup of vinegar and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle).  Some other options would be baking soda or for a really tough job a powdered bleach. If using the last option, wear gloves. Scrub the counter and sink with the cleaner using a rag or sponge. I like to dry mine with paper towels. I will usually clean the mirrors right after scrubbing the counter and then use those paper towels to dry the sink. Cleaning mirrors and glass will be a once a week chore on Tuesdays from now on (more on that below).

Now, that that the counter is clean and cleared off, how nice does it look? Try to keep that in mind as you begin to add items back onto your counter. I find the less items that I have to remove while cleaning the counter, the easier and faster the job will become. So, if what you normally have on the counter can be stored in a drawer, medicine cabinet or bottom cabinet, that would be preferable. I would keep decorative items to a minimum, no more than one.

Once again, repeat this process for multiple bathrooms.

I mentioned above that I will now be giving you a rotating daily chore in addition to your consistent daily chore. Throughout this process, I will have exactly what you need to do listed at the bottom of the days challenge. In the last week (no skipping ahead), you will find a layout for you to print and stick on your fridge for future reference.

You have also just completed your new daily chore: wiping the bathroom counters. Now that your bathroom counter is sparkling, it will be super easy to maintain. Store a few cleaning rags or a sponge under the counter to make this a speedy daily chore. After you do your morning bathroom routine, just grab the rag, dampen it and wipe the counter and facets. It’s that easy. You can also use a cleaning solution once or twice a week. You will thank yourself when a friend comes over and you don’t have to be afraid to let them use the bathroom!

Daily Chores:
One load of laundry from start to finish
Make your bed
Unload the dishwasher in the morning, load and run it at night
Wipe down the kitchen counters and sink
Wipe down the bathroom counters and sinks


4 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer, I am brand new to your blog and LOVE this idea of the intentional home. It is something I have been praying over for a long time and this 7 week challenge has been an answer to prayer. I am behind:) but just having the daily chores to focus on has made a huge difference in my mentality. I wanted to Thank You for posting this and taking baby steps with us.

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    1. Lacey, this is so good to hear! Take your time and repeat weeks if you need to while doing your best to keep up on your daily chores! I'll be praying for you!

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  2. Jen, after missing your class last Wednesday I decided I needed to just find your blog and do it! I know life is busy now and no, I don't want to add more to the to-do list. However, I'm doing the home stuff anyway, just in a i-don't-know-where-to-begin manner most times. I get stuck on piddly stuff and miss the bug stuff or I do the big stuff and clutter mounds up on my counter, etc. Anyway, I LOVE how you start so simply and how easy a basic plan is! Thanks for helping me organize myself and my house! It may take me longer than 7 weeks and I'm ok with that. But I'm committed!! :) Love ya, sweet friend! Thanks for sharing this!! --Candice B.

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    1. Yeah Candice, I'm so glad you're going to give The Intentional Home a try! Let me know if I can help encourage you in any way! You will love your new clutter-free space! :-) Love ya, Jenn

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