"I didn't get everything I wanted to accomplish in the kitchen completed (changing out the light fixture, for one), but what I DID accomplish has made such a difference in the aesthetic of the space, and more importantly in how I FEEL about my once-hated kitchen. It is so cheerful, now! I don't dread opening the cabinets anymore because everything is so clean and organized."
-SaraLeeAnn
We were thrilled to see this comment from SaraLeeAnn because it gets to the heart of what the Cure is really about - making your home a place that is organized and clean and comfortable, so that it becomes a space that you enjoy being in.
All of you SF Curers are doing great! We also loved this comment from jessica anne matthies:
"I'm really feeling surprised, motivated, and successful with how much work i'm getting done right now." It is amazing how getting a few things accomplished can be so motivating - once you fix up one area doing another isn't nearly as daunting.
So are we ready to move on to week three? For those of us working on Deep Treatment, it's landing strip time. Having a landing strip really does create a big change in your house - keeping clutter, dirt, and all those outside distractions at bay. We have one already, but are going to reevaluate and fine tune it.
Week Three Assignment (Deep Treatment):
- vacuum, dust, and mop (wet or dry) throughout your home
- clean your entrance and any related closet
- arrange to have all repairs taken care of in the next three weeks
- declutter your entrance
- move all old mail, catalogs, and magazines to the outbox
- look into what you would need to create a landing strip
- cancel any unused subscriptions
- identify cool rooms and warm rooms
- apply the 80/20 color rule
- cook two meals at home this week
- design an invitation for your housewarming
Week Three Assignment (One Room Remedy):
- research your shopping list
- start a list of proposed interior changes
- identify cool rooms and warm rooms
- determine whether window treatments are necessary
- apply the 80/20 color rule
- research and call in help this week
So, going into week three, who's still out there? Who wants to keep going but needs some encouragement? Any big accomplishments this past week, or hurdles in the week ahead you're trying to figure out how to get over?
Don't forget about small projects with a big impact - 
I can honestly say that I have never worked this hard nor been so rewarded by any project I've undertaken (except maybe for childbirth/rearing) and the Flickr groups are such a big support and inspiration. Thanks, fellow-curers, for your words of encouragement and suggestions. Blessings to you and your homes! http://www.flickr.com/photos/saraleeann/sets/72157604037420191/
view saraleegriff's profile
I'm still working, but I had major computer problems and had to rebuild my machine and now I can't remember the password or id for my flickr account, so I can't participate there again until I make a new account. But I've been getting things done on my one room project.
view monstertown's profile
Whew...
I've gotten more done this cure than any other...
I've finally gotten so SICK of my kitchen I 've just bucked up and DONE IT. :p
It's kinda interesting to be doing a one-room deep treatment, and adapting each week's assignment to that one room. This week will be easy to do all in the kitchen.
"It will be clean, it will be clean, it will be clean..."
view staciaD in N.Cal's profile
Good going, people! I will probably be dwelling a bit more in the kitchen as we had houseguests for most of last week.
I cleaned our fridge coils today and it was nasty. This task is not simple as the screws and grill that cover the coils on our KitchenAid Superba are hard to manipulate. There was a mass of dust in there. I now hope to check on the situation at least twice a year with lighter maintenance when we change our water filter.
Payoffs for clean coils include lower utility bills, less impact on the environment, and a longer life for the appliance.
view wig3000's profile
Wow. my fridge was disgusting... But!, it's clean and practically empty. So nice. Vacuumed a lot underneath and tried to clean the coils as best I could. I hope it helps it run better. (It's decades old - but does the job. I rent)
It was hard to get to them for me as well; and I might do it again this wkend as they're still icky. Bleeeccckk!
I have this one really clean corner amongst the horror and it's great because now I'm really motivated to spread the airy, sunshine-y clean through out the whole room. Hey. I may be a usable kitchen soon! Yay!
view staciaD in N.Cal's profile
My kitchen felt great (but gets so dirty all the time with a toddler eating every day)...oh well! Cleaning out my cupbords and editing down the containers, cans etc was an awesome feeling.
This week is more challenging. Living in a small bungalow, I don't have a natural landing strip. The door opens directly into the living room. I have a back hall where we hang coats, and the built in hutch in the living/dining functions as the landing strip. I am very good about throwing any junk mail (most of it!) in the recycling on the porch before it even gets in the house.
Anyone have ideas for landing strips in bungalows with no entry ways?
I am getting quotes for interior painting (LR, BR, GBR, hall - can't do it myself because I'm 6mo pregnant), however and that feels great. I'm also making (slow) progress on my drawer upholstering project.
Also need to do the general cleaning. Progress!
view piachka's profile
The kitchen went quite well, likely because we only moved in a few months ago. It was nice to get everything labeled and within arms reach, rather than digging through shelves stacked semi-disorganized. We're still looking for a table that can seat 6-8 and have been scouring craigslist for a white expandable pedestal that should look great next to our recycled red ikea chairs...anybody sees one, let us know!
view maryeats's profile