I Sold My Car - Now What?!

Yes, you read the title correctly… I sold my Jeep Patriot. I loved that car so much and wow it was my first big purchase on my own. I drove my Patriot to Florida with all my belongings and traveled countless road trips with it - so why did I sell? Read and find out.

If you’ve been following me on social you would have known back in December 2016 I picked my 2017 Jeep Patriot out. I went to the dealership and actually selected it off the truck! It was such a wonderful and unique experience. Over the years I have had some highs and lows in that car. From having unexpected flats to traveling in snow covered roads to visit family at Christmas during the Pandemic! It has been such a joy to have but as I paid it off and 100% owned it with no loan attached I realized that the chapter of my life has shifted. From current events to wanting a more sustainable future. I simply sold my Jeep for a change that will have long term benefits for me. Bryce and I have been debating about where we want to live on our future - which having a car or not plays a big role. Also, with the amount of traveling I do I need a car that can handle the miles, drastic shifts in weather and climates. I also want to go in the direction of a battery powered car for a longterm benefit for my family. 

Though this Jeep has a special place in my heart - I have always made sure to take the best care of it with the end goal to sell and get something new, different, and a step up. 

Is the car a problem? No no 100% no. Its a perfect car. I’ve always worked hard on making sure it was taken care of the way someone would an exotic sports car. No wreaks, no damages, no problems at all. In fact whoever gets this car is going to win the lottery. It has so many new upgrades added to it that I feel its literally a brand new car. 

How we sold the car:

We requested quotes from Carmax and Carava. I considered Cars.com but their website seemed to be a bit picky with the number of miles my jeep had - my jeep had less miles than predicted based on the year model and the website said my mileage was incorrect (odd right?). Carvana quote was over 1.4K more than Carmax. Sadly I am having to pay $290 for a delivery service but still the price and value was A LOT better on Carava

Have you sold your car recently? How was your experience? For us we opted to reach out to multiple car selling companies (carmax, carvana, etc) for the best quote. 

5 Home Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!

Since my husband brings home the bacon (that money honey!); I took the role of all the home responsibility. Which is alright in my book, I enjoy cleaning and I enjoy having a solid system in place at home. With my Hubby and I preparing to move from Condo-life to a front pourch and fenced in yard life; I decided today I'll break out the 5 Home Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!

Continue reading to hear what my picks are for the 5 Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!
* These cleaning tools are PERFECT for anyone and any living situation. From the apartment, townhome, dorm room, or a house!


1. Swifter Mop Collection
The entire Swifter Collection is in for the win. From the duster with the extending handle to reach high places to the dry mop, and the wet mop. I personally love the wet mop because it works on hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring. It leaves the floors clean without the bucket of water.

2. Mr Clean Magic Erasers
This is a must for everyone. If you're cleaning to move out of an apartment you can use this to clean any scuffs and get that security deposit back. If you have a Tot that colors on the walls; yes this cleans crayons! If you need help cleaning the tub grim it even works there! Seriously one of these erasers can clean any part of your home.

3. Disinfecting Wipes
These are perfect for cleaning areas quickly and it removes those germs. I especially use these on door handles, remote controllers, and all of Holly's toys. Double points if you get ones that are plant-based and can be tossed in a compost!

4. Rubber Gloves
I'm a firm believer in protecting your skin, especially your hands. I always wear rubber gloves when I do ANY form of cleaning. The chemicals in all cleaning products can be harmful to your skin/delicate areas like fingernails.

5. Dyson Vacuum
I love the Dyson we own (Image above is our vacuum which you can purchase from QVC.com). And I know these vacuums hold up well but can be costly. If you can't afford a Dyson definitely find one with the same qualities like this one (lightweight, easy to empty, powerful suction, etc).

Cleaning Tips! *Daily Chore Log Idea Too!*

When people visit our home I often hear “This place is so clean… How do you do it all?” Then I get the rundown on how much I have on my daily plate. Which are a lot and I know that.

The mass majority can’t stand cleaning (a good example is my husband) but I’m one of the few who loves to clean. I’m in charge of all the cleaning. Bryce spends all day at the office; it just doesn’t seem right for him to work all day and then come home to do chores. Don’t get me wrong, my job isn’t easy. I’m in charge of tending to Holly all day and night during the week so Bryce can rest, plus all the other projects I have. But I’m very fortunate that Bryce works a job that can support me being a “FTM”.

Anywho, cleaning is the best stress reliever for me. I have a weekly chore log that’s broken into daily cleans. The breaks help so I’m not overwhelmed, doing the same thing every day, and still have my weekends to relax. My cleaning list might not work with everyone’s lifestyle but I’m happy to share for anyone who needs ideas on how to create a cleaning log.

Daily:
Make the beds
30 minute pick up before Bryce comes home and/or pick up before bed
fold bathroom towels after baths

Monday
Laundry
Mop floors
Clean kitchen

Tuesday
Clean bathrooms
Clean towels

Wednesday
Dust
Vacuum
Clean livingroom + office
* Once a month (normally the last Wednesday of the month) I dust the baseboards, crown molding/molding around the doors, etc. This takes a lot of work but its a chore you only need to worry about once a month to get the extra dust. 

Thursday
Recyclables ( I take our recyclables to a center because this Condo we currently live at doesn’t provide recycling; and personally I’m a big supporter of helping the planet)
Clean bedrooms
Clean bedding sheets

Friday
Mop floors
* I try to do the least amount of work on Friday’s so I can relax for the weekend!*

Saturday
This is a day we relax. Bryce normally goes to the gym and I can have “me time”. It’s also a day we head to Destin, Seaside or visit family.

Sunday
Meal plan for new week
Grocery shop for the new week
We mainly relax on Sundays as well. We almost always do our grocery shopping this day but sometimes we bump grocery day to Monday. 

Extra tips: 
- When cleaning an area do everything within that area. For example: when I plan to clean the bathrooms I always throw the bath towels in the wash first. Then by the time I have the entire bathrooms cleaned the towels will be clean/dry as well.

- If you have small children like me do the bulk of your cleaning during their naps. I also knock out some good cleaning when Holly is having her ‘tv time’, eating lunch in her high chair, or when she’s having her “alone play time”.

- Keep the clutter down -> clutter is the root of all evil. We trash and recycle as many items as we can. When clothes and shoes are worn out, we pitch em. If it's something we never wear, we donate.

- If you have a busy week, meal prep or make large portions to have leftovers. Bryce isn’t big on leftovers but I grew up on leftovers. I think for families large portions + leftovers help keep the stress of meal planning under control.

- Do a deep clean day once a month. For people with children try to have a relative watch the kiddos so you can focus on deep cleaning with the products needed. Take advantage of a rainy day to do the deep cleaning too! 


My Cleaning Products:
Here's a photo of the cleaning products I use when cleaning. DISCLAIMER: These products are the ones I select and use. They fit my personal lifestyle and I’m not pressuring anyone to purchase these. 

For cleaning tools, I use the rubber gloves I have shown below (purchased at Dollar Tree!), A few brushes and sponges (from Dollar Tree as well) and some paper towels (We get whatever is on special) and/or some reusable towels.