Sunday, September 03, 2006

Queen of Clean and a cup of tea!!!

I went to the library yesterday, to return the movies that were due. Of course, going to the library means that I can't just walk out, I always have to look for just one more book, just two more movies, just one more magazine.....you know how it is, there's nothing like the anticipation of holding a new book in your hands, waiting eagerly to read that first word, that first page, going on that adventure.

So I did what any other person would do, I walked out with another 5 books. Yes, another five to add to the ten I got just last week. Ahhhhhhh, wonderful!!!

One of the books that caught my eyes, is called Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter, and it's by Linda Cobb, someone that I'm sure a lot of us ladies have seen or heard of, either on TV or by word of mouth. I brought the book home and I'm ready to Conquer my Clutter, throw out the junk, organize the rest and feel great for being so organized.

If I hadn't stumbled upon Laura's Blog "An Organizing Junkie", I don't think I would have given this bo
ok a second glance, but Laura is so inspiring and she always has the best organizational tips to give, I want to be like her.....there I said it, I want to be an Organizing Junkie too. I'm all ready, first thing on the agenda??? Tackling my Wallet!!!! I even bought a new one yesterday, this way I can feel like I'm starting new.



After my wallet, you ask??? My purse. This is why I think I can do it, because honestly, I opened up my wallet at the store this morning, and out jumped receipts from last year, pieces of paper with stuff scribbled on it and other weird things that I didn't even know were in there. Now unless I'm planning on never returning home, there is no need to carry all this trash around. So there, I'm starting as a Princess and on my way to becoming a , not THE Queen, that's Linda Cobbs job.

Just so you all know, I'm having some issues leaving comments on your blogs. Not all, but some, blogger is not allowing me to post at all, I'm either going to start commenting anonymously (I'll let you know it's me though), or I'll start emailing you. So please, don't be scared if an email pops up from me, rambling about something you said on your blog....hopefully blogger sorts itself out soon.

By the way, who are these children in my house, and what have they done with my kids?!?!? Over the past two days, I've watched these two supposed kids of mine, fight and whine, and then whine and fight some more. They fight over who watches tv, who plays on the computer, who loves each other more, who sits where at the table, who takes a bath first, and then just to top it all off, they whine about the other whining about something. No wonder my eye was twitching last night, just give me some crazy hair and a white coat and stand back for Crazy Mamma!!!

I ended up not going to the thrift store yesterday, only made it from Walmart to the Dollar Tree, before the kids were acting out and I just wanted to offer them to the first person that walked by. I made it out of there with 2 candles, some embroidery floss and my sanity hanging by a small very stretched thread. Well BLEH!!!

Know what I'm in the mood for??? A nice cup of tea, one thing I miss about living in Europe, is the usual afternoon Tea. You always have tea and a sandwich, or scones or cookies or something. I remember doing this with my greatgrandmother and grandma, it was time to sit at the kitchen table, share a hot cup of tea, and talk, about everything and anything. It was around that kitchen table that I learnt a LOT about being a wife, how to cook, how to be a good mom, housecleaning and laundry and everything in between. Boy do I miss those days!!!

But speaking of tea, I thought I would share this recipe with you all. It's for a Hot Spiced Tea, perfect for the upcoming Fall and Winter months :)

Hot Spiced Afternoon Tea

4 pints water
1/2 level tsp. whole cloves

1/2 a stick of cinnamon

1 oz. tea
4 oz. sugar

1/4 pint Orange Juice Or squash
Juice of 2 lemons
Cinnamon sticks to serve

Add the spices to the water and bring to the boil. Pour onto the tea and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Stir, strain onto the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the fruit juices. To reheat before serving (if necessary) place over a low heat-do not simmer or boil. Serve with cinnamon sticks. Serves 12 people.

You won't mind if I step away from the computer, here in a minute, will you? I'm waiting for my water to boil so I can make my cup of tea, but I won't be gone for long. Actually, it's ready, I'll be right back...Oh here, go on over to this place while you wait, look at all the interesting household lists, I think that grocery list will come in handy. Go on, I'll be back in a jiffy.

Ok I'm back and this tea is really hitting the spot. Now since I said that I can't post comments on some blogs, I thought I would let you all know what they're talking about, I guess in a way I'll be posting my comment on here??? Think that works???


  • First, Barb at A Chelsea Morning, is playing along with Dawn from Home Sweet Home, and they get to name their favorite movies, Barb likes chick flicks, which I just love, so go check out her list. Also don't forget to read her post for today called "Sunday Meanderings", love her Food for Thought which talks about being Thankful. Barb and her husband are having to deal with something tough right now, but she's still being thankful, what an amazing lady she is :)
  • If you're on the look out for some wonderful new Fall purses or diaper bags, just run, I mean seriously RUN over to Carolina Rags.....or go check out her blog which I love reading, she's an amazing mom dealing with one of life's biggest curveballs.... Angie is SO creative and so talented and I'm just in love with her latest work....
  • Mrs C. over at Riverbend Ramblings has such a great blog, I just love reading her every morning. I can relate to a lot of what she talks about. But I mostly encourage you to go over and read this post, what a great idea. Too often I tend to overlook my hubby and what a blessing he is in my life, this post just reminds us to pray for them too, they deserve it :)
  • And finally, Lady Laurie at Rose Cottage...by the sea, is sharing a recipe for Scones. How perfect is that, I was just talking about tea time, so these will be great. Go on over and take a peek at the recipe, and while you're there, read through her other entries, she's a great lady ;)
Well that's it, I think I've babbled on long enough, I managed to finish off my tea while writing this post, that should give you an idea of how long I've sat here. I really do hope you all have a beautiful Labor Day Weekend. I'm off to post my recipe on my food blog and do some quick cleaning around this house. See ya tomorrow :)


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the interesting links - I will definately pay them all a visit.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

You come up with the most interesting stuff. I will have to check out some of the links.

someone else said...

Ahhh, cream tea and scones! We've travelled in England a lot and one of my most favorite times of day is when we can stop at a tea house and enjoy a cuppa.

Anonymous said...

As a Scottish girl I can appreciate your love of a good cup of tea!!

I've never heard of Linda Cobb...I'm a bit of a clean freak I'll need to check out some of her books!!

I've printed out the 31 days of prayers for hubby...he will love that...he is always asking me to pray for him. I'm a little behind though...I'll have to pray a few times for him today!!

Annie

ps. I was having problems posting on your blog.

Sandra said...

Addie - Glad you find it interesting :) How is sunny SA???

Michelle - Thank you :) I'm sure you'll enjoy the links, they're all wonderful ladies :)

Morning Glory - Is there anything better than Tea and Scones? I love it, it's a great way to spend the afternoon :)

Annie - I'm so sorry, this whole beta blogger thing is messing everything up, how frustrating it's been trying to post on everyone's blogs.

Barb said...

Thank you for mentioning me and saying such sweet things, Sandra.

Honestly, it's really really scary but Rob and I will get through this and so many people are offering up prayer for us, I can actually FEEL the calm entering my soul.

But on to something else. In five minutes I taking the lid off the smothered steak you posted on your food blog. My poor husband is pacing the floor, it smells so wonderful. Every single time I try one of your recipes I go up another notch in his esteem.

So thank you, thank you, yet again. I love this blog. It's always interesting and comforting. But I ADORE your food blog!

PS - I sooo have that same problem at the library! So many books, so little time.....

uuu said...

OOOH - another library lover - glad to see that!!! I love the library and that is one of the things I am looking forward to doing with both my children in school - spending a little time on my own just wandering through finding books!!! :) not worrying about my littles ripping books off the shelves as quick as i can get them put back. i am excited to check this book (queen of clean) out!!!! :)

well - i am off to visit the other links you shared - have a blessed Labor Day!!

Anonymous said...

This is my first visit and I see you've linked to my blog - wow! I started at your food blog (love it!) but had trouble posting a comment; I see I'm not alone. I'll try using anonymous.
~Mommy Dearest at Home Sweet Home

Laura said...

Hey Sandra, I'm so happy you are taking steps to tackle your clutter and I think starting with your wallet is a GREAT place to start. So much so that I think I'm going to post about that. Good job and thanks for being so sweet!
Well today was mommy/daughter date day and she chose to go to lunch and then are you ready for this..the library! She wanted to sit and read in the big comfy chairs without anybody bothering us. I certainly wasn't going to say no to that...lol. So Daddy stayed home with the boys and my daughter and I spent TWO hours in the library...it was heavenly and so relaxing. Laura

Laura said...

Me again, love your new header! Laura

Julie Julie Bo Boolie said...

So many wonderful things to comment about on this post!

I love being organized myself. Although it seems like a constant struggle when I have it going well (namely when Sarah is in school and I'm only picking up after Chloe) then it works pretty great!

I hear you about tea time. My inlaws have coffee time (4 oclock) which usually involves some kind of sweet. It's terrible for my diet but a great way to bond. Sadly that tradition fell out the window when Gunther started working outside the home :( I think I'll reinstitute it in the form of "after school snack" now that Sarah will be coming home from school at a decent hour again.

Thanks for the spiced tea recipe. I totally want to try that!

Here's hoping the kids are less whiny for you soon!

Cheers!

Christina said...

I am having the same comment problem. I hope they fix this soon. This one is a real pain in the you know what.
5 books? this is exactly what I do. I am moving tomorrow and I swore I would return all the library books first. Did I? No. I got more. How dumb is that. Now I have to make sure they don't pack them.
Tea sounds good. I love tea. I will have to try this recipe. Thanks

Christina said...

It's me again. I just wanted to ask where did you get Americas Most Haunted Inns? I would love to watch this one.