Swiffer/Bissel Steam Mop

UPDATE 8/25/15: Loved the Swiffer Bissel while it lasted. Unfortunately that was only about 3 1/2 months. It just didn't work one day. So bummed. We now have a Shark Steam Mop. It doesn't seem to put out as much steam as my Bissell did, which is surprising but it does clean well and I do love a steam mop. They will rock your world. Six months and going strong with the @SharkSteamMop. 

#SharkSteamMop #OutLastBissel #BisselSteamMopDidnotLast

Original Post: 12/7/13

I am loving this little Swiffer/Bissel Steam mop! I've been wanting a steam mop and looking at various options and on impulse a few weeks back bought this. Loved that I could get it at the grocery store.

It is very easy to use. Leaves the floor feeling very clean and makes quick work of sticky spills and stubborn dirt. I really like the little light on the front that lights up the shadow areas in the corners.  It will make neat nick's heart go pitter patter and for those who procrastinate and dread cleaning enjoy the task. It's easy and fun to use.

What I would love to see changed in a new model is the water reservoir.  It needs to be bigger! I don't live in a tiny apartment. I'm in a good sized home with tile and wood floors. I use my mops. I also have a family of 6 and several fur babies so sweeping and mopping are a daily task.  I would like to not have to refill for each room and sometimes in the middle of the room.  What do you think Swiffer? Can you and Bissel knock out a design with a bigger water reservoir?  Also would love to have a little more steam. The out put is decent and definitely cleans but having a wider mop surface would allow for more steam and make the job a bit faster.  Just a thought.  However, if nothing changed I would still be happy with this product. It is easy to use, affordable and has a nice length on the cord to ensure ease of use.

Good idea Swiffer/Bissel!

Updates...

I recently had the privilege of being hired by a client who had a meticulously maintained home that was ready for some updates!

This home was full of history and memories and a life time of love and family...so the challenge was to honor the memories and family that lived there and give them an updated look to their home that still reflected "their" memories and make room for future ones.

Here's where we started.

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

Texas Revamped © 

The home was a monotone sea of pecan finished wood. The copper tile back splash was all the rage in the 70's and the Tapan oven was top of the line in it's day. The gingerbread moldings were everywhere and lovely with an old fashioned charm. Time marches on and what was oh so fashionable then just left the space looking a little dark and showing her age for today. A face lift was needed!

So, with a lot of discussions of what the home owners loved about their home. The beautiful beams in the ceiling, the swirled texture in the plaster, the lovely wood floors, the flow of the room and the terrific built in's, it was time to address the things that no longer worked for them. The dark enclosed feeling in the space, the appliances that were no longer working at their best, the heavy feeling of the rooms compared to other areas of the home and the reality that no matter how well you maintain sometimes things begin to wear out. This also opened the door to address a few modern ideas.  New built-in pantry shelving to their mud room, a water line run to the refrigerator for an ice maker and sliding shelves added to the cabinet spaces to add to the form and function of the space. 

We still have some things to do...but, I can't wait to share how beautifully she has transformed. Soon there will be new bar stools, window treatments, and a bit of Christmas cheer but I think we're far enough along to show you our progress!

First we had to mess up a little...

Then we needed to do a few field trips. Our favorite was to the granite yard!

So many beautiful choices and we found the perfect choice for this home.

The painting was finally done, the hardwood floors were refinished a richer color to compliment the existing wood tones while still making a statement of their own, the kitchen flooring was ripped out and a new choice was chosen, the granite and new stainless appliances were installed. Now she was ready to be loaded!

Can you say CHA, CHA, CHA, CHANGES?! ;) I can!

With a new furniture layout, lighter walls and cabinetry you can now appreciate all the beautiful furniture and collections in this home. Furniture was moved in a bit to make the seating area inviting. The bookshelves were re-loaded with a mix of books, photos, and collectibles. An update from the dishes and glassware that was there before. The office nook is now showing off without furniture blocking it from view and a few personal accessories added to warm it up and keep it inviting when you need to sit down and pay a bill or two. The China hutch turned out lovely with it's new trim work and crisp white color pallet, the home owners collectibles sparkle and show off to their finest! I love it and loved working on this project. I hope you love it too.  We are doing a restoration to the master bathroom and a face lift to both secondary bathrooms that I will share soon.

While working with this home the goals were keeping the best of the character and charm, while brightening up the space. Adding some beautiful updates expected in today's homes and improving the function for the home owners needs. All combined to make a warm and inviting space.

Clean it up and clear it out!

Decluttering a home, work space, or storage area can be liberating.  In today's society of hurry, hurry, hurry and gadgets being outdated as soon as you buy them we tend to gather a lot of things.  Putting them in a closet, box, drawer, or storage area are easy solutions.  But as those things creep into our world and take over our space they also weigh down our minds and add unseen stress to our lives. You can start to make a difference today!

Pick an area - start with just one. Then evaluate the space and what you need it for. Then start one piece at a time and evaluate if the item is still current, in good repair, or useful. Then make 3 piles, keep, donate, trash, with the goal to decrease the clutter by 1/4. After you decrease the pile by 1/4 go through the remaining keep pile with a mind set to decrease it by another 10%.  You will be amazed at how much you can truly let go of if you look at it objectively.

I always encourage clients to start with the proverbial junk drawer. It's a quick, easy clear out that will give you a sense of accomplishment.  The right motivation to move on to a bigger project!

Once you gain control of your clutter you will feel energized and stress free! Make this the year that you will take control of your spaces. Find more room in your home, make use of the items you have and let go of the ones you no longer need. 

Paying it forward. Dream builder. Mentor.

These are terms you hear often. How often do you incorporate them in your life?  Four times a year I enjoy doing a week long personal event I call Random Acts of Kindness. I pay for someone's Starbucks or an oil change, etc. It is anonymous and no credit is given or expected but it truly boosts my spirits and moral because I am lifting someone else up and giving them a chance to look at their day or life through that small gift.

There is a reason God teaches us to give and to look outside ourselves. Those small moments when you teach a child to read, or you help someone with a flat may be the moment in that persons life that opens the door to fully see who they are or what they can be. It may be the moment they learn how to live differently and give back to others.

Yes, your life may be happy. Yes, you may have a good life but until you give back or reach outside your own boundaries to teach, give or uplift someone else you can't see the full benefits God has available for your own life.

A few days ago, I was the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness.  I had been working on our yard work and depend on my son to help me keep this acre+ lot looking great. However, he and his sister were sick and my life seemed to be snow balling with to do's. A sweet neighbor was talking to me on the phone & listened to what was going on.  She said I will be there in 10 minutes with my weed eater! I said you don't have to do that. She was in my yard 10 minutes later edging my yard!! This sweet neighbor and friend uplifted me when life was a little too full. She gave my heart a huge smile and the energy to work with her to complete the task at hand.  It's wonderful to see God's amazing Grace at work. It's also so rewarding to see how he provides.

So this week when you are busy with your daily routine and own busy life don't forget to take a few moments to look for ways that you can be an instrument to  enrich the lives of others.