my new 'Type A' personality

We're so thankful for our new house. It's been officially ours for 3 months now, and the longer we stay the more we love it.

I'd be posting pictures all over the place if we weren't so far behind in getting everything put together. We are notorious procrastinators, especially when it comes to cleaning and organizing.

Which is why I'm on a mission to become OCD about all things clean and organized. I realize that this is a huge change (for the both of us), but I'm really excited about the possibilities. I actually get quite giddy when thinking about a future when someone asking to 'stop over' doesn’t send me into a panic. And as with all big projects, certain tools are helpful. 

This is where I share what I’ve found to be invaluable in my quest for clean.

Method's Lavender All Purpose spray. Smells wonderful and is the perfect clean and green cleaner.

Scotch's Fur Fighter sweeper. With so many animals, fur is our #1 problem. This has replaceable felt-like sheets that grab fur like no other. Ever try to sweep up cat hair with a regular broom and have the fuzz fly everywhere or get stuck on the broom bristles? Never a problem with this baby.

A well stocked and organized cleaning caddy (doesn't hurt if it's super cute too). Ours is stocked with non-harsh, environmental friendly, no-animal testing products.

The best in class, dreamy Dyson dc28 Animal Vacuum. This thing is a beast and has been on our wish-list for a very long time. And it's now ours, after help from a wonderful anniversary gift and some bartering at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I've never been more disgusted yet satisfied as I was when emptying out the collected dirt/fur after one round of vacuuming.   

I'm sure once we get this under our belts, a baby's going to show up and we'll have to start all over again from square one. Or learn to deal until they're out of the house...

Does anyone ever really get this down perfectly?

B

high living at the county fair

Maybe it’s because I’ve been so overwhelmed with the adult world.

Or perhaps it’s because my recent return to journaling has made me incredibly nostalgic…

Whatever the reason, I can confidently say that today is one of my favorite days of the year.

It’s the opening day of the county fair.

Why do I love the fair?

Because I can see it from the front yard of our new house.

Because I can talk to people who know chickens. And Jersey cows. Which is important, because we will someday have chickens, and a Jersey cow. And it’s never too early to start preparing.

Because I can disappear for hours at a time in the horse barn, fantasizing about my return to riding. Admittedly, I struggle with jealousy as I watch little kids prepare their horses for show. I hope they know how incredibly blessed they are. They say memories are most closely tied to your sense of smell; the smell of a horse barn moves me like nothing else.

Because I can spin myself nauseous on the craziest of rides.

Because of funnel cakes.

And because of cotton candy, my favorite food in the whole wide world. Look at this fatty – he’s with me.

Don't take my word for it;  take a trip down memory lane and listen to this sassy goose.

It’s refreshing to spend time with ‘normal’ people. By normal, I mean salt of the earth. And by salt of the earth, I mean people who appreciate honest living and simple pleasures (I’m not counting the completely different type of ‘earthy’ people found at the DMV and dog fights…). The wealth and sterility of the suburbs can be mind-numbingly exhausting. Give me greasy food and manure to cleanse the palate from Escalades, 2.3 kids and Jimmy Choo’s.

All this to say: After 3 years of St. Charles living, I’m happy to report that there are indeed places to find anti-suburban activity. They’ve been difficult to find, but so totally worth the effort.

And for the record, I’m not saying I’d turn down a pair of Jimmy Choo’s….

B