Are you a clean freak?

 I recently read a post by thrifty decor chick, that really prompted my thoughts about keeping house. Because in between blog reading today, I was doing just that, cleaning house.

First of all, let me just say, I have never been one to judge someone for the way they keep their homes, whether really clean and tidy, or messy and toys all over.  I have always felt it does not affect me either way, so why do or would I care?
I don't, so let's get that straight!

 I have always been a tidy, clean housekeeper type. Even as a young girl, I loved to clean. My sister said I should have been born with a dust buster attachment to my hand .
I vacuum every day, mop once or twice a week, and  faithfully dust once a week, sometimes twice.

This is usually out every day in the middle of the room, it's the norm.

 I pull the couch out once a week and get all those lovely dust bunnies, I clean the toilets at least two, three times a week,

etc. etc....you get the gist.
I am not telling you all this to make you feel less adequate or how do I do all I do?, blog, take care of my family and have a clean house all the time...

WHY, am I compulsive, do I have a problem?
don't answer that!

Simply because I really like house cleaning. It's like a hobby to me at this point.
It truly is a personal like of mine and always has been.
( I do not want to clean other peoples homes though, so don't ask)

I know shoot me now and put me out of my misery, who likes to clean? 
Please tell me someone.... you do too!

Laundry is another story...I HATE it!
I mean HATE it!

I have two sons, a black shedding dog and my husband. 

People have often asked me, is your house always this clean?   Well on the surface it may appear that way, but I am not an ANAL cleaner let's say. Windows are gross, sills are dirty and dusty and have spiders and webs, and all that good stuff. So don't hate me because I appear to be just that clean.

The norm once again to have something cleaning related on the counter. But is this normal? Probably not so much, but again it's my hobby. And who is really to say what is normal and what is not. It is what makes you feel comfortable and OK. I did not stage this photo whatsoever, I was seriously in my usual mode, and took a picture.

When my boys were little, I had a routine for play time and toys being out.  Every morning they would get up and head right to their toy box that I kept in our family room.  It was pretty big and looked like part of the decor in style as it was a huge wicker tall chest.

Toys were scattered all about, friends would come and play and all was good.

My boys have never felt my cleanliness to be in the way, or have ever said to me Mom just chill!
I do not think they know any other way.They have seen me be this way all their lives.
  And let me say people are very comfortable when they come here. They have no problem flopping on the couch and putting their feet up. I suppose it is how we make them feel, not how our home appears.
And for my boys,  like me, do not judge friends homes if they are not as tidy or clean. They have NEVER said a word to me about it.  Which shows me, they too do not judge someones home. It really is .no big deal, who cares in the grand scheme of things.

I just love to clean! and  have always managed to keep up.. even when they were small.

Now I will say dirty socks are scattered about just about every day, and I told them one day I will make them eat one, and I swear I just might.

Now just so y'all don't think I am miss tidy, clean perfect over here. 

I will share just a smidge of my lack of organization.

In my previous life I was an office manager, and organization was my strong suit...

well that has since changed.

I really think I need to start working on some cupboards soon.
I am all about what you don't see can't hurt ya. Don't dare look under my beds or open a closet.

So tell me are you a clean freak? 
or do you think I'm a freak? Please tell me yes, to either one!
We don't have to do it all..do what you want how you want it, and enjoy your life. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Hey I've got a toilet to clean.
Have a great night.

GoinG GreEn~~~

One of your suggestions where home made cleaning products.  I found a very user friendly web site with some really EaSy solutions.  PleasE see a liSt below.....

 SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent


ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water


FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.
Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

MOLD KILLERS
Tea Tree Treasure
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.
Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

***All information provided by Care 2 make a difference website.  ***