Anyone out there have lots of experience as a hostess? I wish I had a big house so I could receive family (most live far away) more often. But even with my small apartment, I think I could still do a better job on making it more visitor-friendly.Case in point: my older sister Andrea just came from Indiana yesterday to spend the weekend. And I'm happy to report that, despite my lack of hosting abilities, it's been SO fun - I'd forgotten how good it felt to to laugh in portuguese (our first language, though by now it's more like side-by-side with english). It also helps that she's enjoying having a break from her two girls (Brenna, 9, and Bailey, almost 2) too much to notice how dirty my floors are. Or carpets. Or the toilets. Okay, I'd better stop here.
It's not that our place isn't clean - it's just not "deep clean", it's more like "livable clean". It works for us, but I get embarrassed when other people witness it. I honestly don't know how other people take care of kids full time and still keep spotless houses. If you're one of them, how do you do it?? I'd like to know.
So if I disappear for a few days, it's because I'm enjoying my guest, or frantically vacuuming.
15 comments:
I can completely relate to the "livable clean". Our house is too small to host guests, as well, and I find myself wary that anyone coming in would criticize us. It is seriously hard to "deep clean" with a two year old! I spend all day just picking up after her!
Oh, I've heard of those women. Their secret? They pay a cleaner. Yes, you heard right!! LOL! That will be me... one day... :)
Stopping by from the Tea Party! Cute blog! And I love your life motto! :)
I have NO experience about being a hostess since I don't have my own place (sigh) hahaha. But I hope you have fun with your sister!
Stopping by from Lady Bloggers Tea Party haah :)
I also have the issue of having a small house and "livable" cleaning conditions so I know what you mean. So many of the people I know have large homes and so I guess that intimidates me a bit. But like you, I'm doing more hostessing and getting it in gear.
They have maids honey, don't let them fool you. Once a week is pretty cheap.
Visiting from the tea party.
Oh do I understand. We have our family of 4 and dog in 1100 sq ft. While I love my house, I have a love/hate rlsp when people come visit. It too is "livable clean." Hope you have a great time as hostess :)
Here visiting from the LBS Tea Party! :)
I am here from LBS Tea Party and LOVE the phrase "livable clean" that is how our house is 99% of the time too! I always say I want my house to look lived in!
Oh, honey I don't have kids and I can't get beyond "livable clean" sometimes.
Stopping in from LBS!
Frantic vacuuming! Hahaha! I love it. Stopping in and following your lovely blog from the LBS Tea Party. Would love a follow back!
Popping in from Lady Blogger.
Yes, it's about laughing and enjoying your guest. Life is too short :)
We too live in "liveavle clean" until people come to visit and then I become a crazy, frantic cleaning whirlwind who is no fun to be around at all.
As the title of a famous book says, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Many of my college friends who have just had their first child are epxeriencing this new mommy panic of not having the house "clean enough." However, I've noticed that the happier ones simply do the best that they can without breaking their necks. After all, baby doesn't care about how spotless the bathroom mirror or kitchen floor is. All that really matters is family and cherishing each moment because, as one friend says about her baby daughter, "She will never be this age again."
My house is pretty much clean 24/7, not necessarily "deep clean" - there's probably always dust on the baseboards, and if you look behind the blinds you'll probably find dead moths on the window sill, but in regards to dusting, vacuuming, keeping things clutter free, etc. - I'm OCD about it. I don't recommend that for everyone or even think all moms should aim for that, its not necessary, its just who I am, and what I need to function in my own home. I like clean/neat. It's easier for me just to speed clean frequently and often than to try to ignore the mess stressing me out ;)
Post a Comment
If you have problems leaving a comment, PLEASE email me at anneblf@yahoo.com (blogger has been giving me problems lately). Can't wait to hear from you!