Little Black Guidebook

Pardon the lack of posts. Will be recapping NY trip and Spokane photos soon. In the mean time, take a look at this electric tea kettle. I know it takes far less energy to put the kettle on by plugging it in, but most electric kettles are quite ugly. I’ve been on the hunt for a cute one for a long time. Here is on from Bodum that manages to be cute. The price is high ($119), but I’m tempted.

Currently on sale through Rue La La. Here is an invite link if you want to check it out. It’s also on sale at Amazon: Bodum 10552-16US Ottoni Cordless 51-Ounce Electric Water Kettle.

via: Marie Claire Mason

View From the Top of the Rockefeller Center Looking South, NYC, originally uploaded by WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com).

1 day, 2 nights in New York City with lodging already fixed near Grand Central Station. Any suggestions?

via: Corrie Bond

“The act of travel doesn’t make us as happy as the plan of travel. Here’s why…” New York Times

I enjoy planning travel a lot, but I am pretty grounded in reality so I don’t imagine myself sitting on a beach with no distractions and then find myself sitting amongst mosquitos with old oily men and being disillusioned. Interesting read though.

via: http://mrsamberapple.tumblr.com/

I think tonight is the time to plant my herbs so I can make some mint ice tea soon.

via: Umbra

It’s time to start using words like neo-cubism again. Its been too long since I took art history. This “shatter teapot” gives me an excuse to even use it in context, what with its neo-cubist three-dimensional form and all.

via: Sarah Rhoads photography

Unexpected last minute trip to Spokane, Washington of all places. I’m using a companion ticket and bringing hubby along. Stir crazy wander-lust will be assuaged. Hoping that the cute little Greek restaurant we went to last time we were in the area is still there.

Last room of the house to receive my obsessive spring cleaning pass before officially declaring it to be summer was the laundry room. After clearing out all the garage sale items which were being organized in there last weekend it wasn’t too hard. Phew, nice to be done with something. Now time for a new list…

Laundry Room Overachievers Spring Cleaning List via Real Simple

The Washer

• Run white vinegar through the washer. This will sanitize the inside and clear away soap scum.

The Dryer

• Empty the lint trap. Wipe off fuzz with a damp cloth or a used fabric-softener sheet. Or wet your hands and run your fingers over the mesh screen to scoop up the lint. Fabric softener can cause a waxy buildup on the screen, so wash it out in a sink or vacuum it.
• Wipe the interior walls of the dryer. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Scrub any linty residue around the trap opening with an old toothbrush, if necessary.

Both Appliances

• Wipe down the outside of each appliance. Clean the fronts, sides, and tops using a cloth dampened with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner.
• Clean behind the appliances. On a low setting, with a brush attachment, vacuum the backs of the washing machine and the dryer and the flooring underneath. To reach behind the units, move the machines using appliance wheels or casters (available at hardware stores). Be careful not to stretch the dryer hose. If the hose looks too short, disconnect it first.

The Sink

• Wash with cleaner and a cloth. Then shine the faucet with a microfiber cloth.

The Countertops

• Clean the surfaces, shelving, and bins. Wipe them down with a cloth and cleaner, and then do the same with the cabinet fronts.

The Floor

• Mop or vacuum. Start from the farthest corner of the room and work toward the door, from left to right. Launder rugs, if possible, or vacuum them. Run a dust mop underneath the washer and the dryer, if it fits. Airborne lint can get kicked underneath the appliances and create a fire hazard if it piles up.

The Dryer Hose

• Run an extendable duster around the inside of the dryer hose. Or vacuum it with a crevice attachment. Either method will clear away the lint that accumulates on the walls of the hose.

The Vents

• Using a brush attachment, vacuum the vents on a high setting. Dust and lint, particularly in this room, can clog the vents, reducing airflow in the room. Wipe the vents’ grates with a damp cloth.

The Window(s)

• Spritz glass cleaner on a cloth. Or try dishwashing liquid and water. Pass over the sill and the frame with the damp cloth. Vacuum curtains, if you have them, with a brush attachment.

The Iron

• To clean mineral deposits and spray-starch buildup make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to a cloth, and wipe down the iron. Circle the holes on the soleplate with cotton swabs.

“You are excited, thrilled, and can’t wait. You are about to move overseas indefinitely for the dream experience of a lifetime. You now need to detox and simplify every corner of your home and life like never before. Many things need to be eliminated, then eliminated some more. Your things need to be streamlined and re-organized. This time you’re not overwhelmed with the thought of clearing clutter and simplifying your life because you have the adventure of an overseas destination waiting for you.”

So ends round one of We’re Moving Overseas! Do I feel ready to move?

Physically, we’re getting close. If we actually had to move we would sell our major furniture pieces, eat our perishables, donate our cans, and pack up; probably with another big garage sale for the practicality sake of expense of moving.

Emotionally? Hell no! I’m a planner and an actual overseas move would take months of agonizing details, job searches, etc. But I am in a better place. Having purged a lot of material attachments, I find I am more mentally prepared to handle changes. I could actually contemplate moving when hubby gets out of the Army Reserve and we are free to live where we like. I could see actually moving beyond the dreaming phase to the action phase and plan on keeping the house and our lives as uncluttered as possible to allow opportunities like this to be taken advantage of.

Whether the future holds 50 more years in Alaska or moving to France in 2012 I don’t know, but we’ve allowed room in our lives both physically and mentally for more possibilities through this process. I would highly recommend it.

Thank you unclutterer for posting the original inspiration for this series.

Available modes of transportation to us:

• 2010 Subaru Forester, see No Spending Month = Most Expensive Month of My Life
• 2002 Hyundai Elantra
• Bikes (2)
• Public transportation bus system (limited, but available)
• Walking paths (1.5 miles is pretty much walking distance and that’s how far away my work is)
• Friends with cars

With all the options we have is it really necessary to have two cars? NO! In fact, since we got the Forester, we’ve driven the Elantra a grand total of (TWICE in 2 months). And this summer we are going to bike our commutes.

This month we’ll be conducting an experiment. We aren’t going car-free, but car-less (although this family does go car-free).

Normally we drive 15 miles round-trip every day. The 2010 IRS mileage rate for business mileage is 50 cents. So for every two miles under 465 that we drive this month we’ll be transferring $1 to the travel fund. If we drive 0 miles this month that’s $232.50, practically a 3-day German train pass.

Its easy to go car-free in some cities, but in Alaska its not that easy. How easy would it be in your home-town?