One Clean Casa

It's traditionally Italian to keep a very clean home, meticulously so. Also, traditionally, the Italian mamma tends to keep her fairly simple home well-maintained so it can be passed down to family for generations and that items inside do not go to waste. Things are not so plentiful nor disposable as they are in so many American households. The casa is significant because it's the backdrop for the all-important family life and thus should be treated with respect. Plus, there's the value of putting one's best foot forward in everything, fare la bella figura (literally "to make a good figure").

I grew up in a messy house, full of collections of things, ...with marathon cleaning sessions right before welcoming visitors, but as an adult, became neat as a pin! In college, my roommate happened to be neat and she was an influence. Living in a dorm and a very social atmosphere, we also didn't live in a pig sty because friends would often stop by, even if just to collect us for the next meal in the caf. We needed our small room to be presentable enough for company. A made bed served as seating, for example. Wherever I've lived since, I've always made my bed and kept my space straightened.

I like to live in a nice and neat environment, plus I prefer to incorporate a little cleaning as part of a routine, not a monumental chore that bogs down an entire afternoon, which is not so much fun! My co-workers tease me because my home can be ready for show at nearly any time and stands out on property for its cleanliness. (As a Leasing Consultant, I show apartments for a living.) I actually keep it very straightened at all times, but not so clean it sparkles all the time, with my busy work and social schedules. Every single item has a home and I exercise discipline to return everything to its appropriate place when not in use. I try my best to keep everything clean as in disinfected, washed, dust-free, stain-free, hair-free, vacuumed, freshly laundered and smelling pleasant on a regular basis. I do keep it pretty clean, if I do say so myself. This way, I don't knock myself out cleaning immediately before I entertain. Furthermore, I am more likely to spontaneously invite someone over to a clean space. I love my apartment and it shows. It's nice to enjoy such a nice place while currently snowed in (instead of being out and about as usual on this Friday evening).

I also only own things I love and actually use. Since I don't have so much stuff, that makes straightening and cleaning easier and helps keep everything in check. It's not very Italian of me to use so many disposable cleaning products, as well as some paper napkins and plates and plastic cups. Maybe I'll use my cloth napkins more...

a recent picture

My living room nearly always looks this good!

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