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Working Class Bourgeoisie; City Life on a Budget: HOUSEKEEP - CLAIM YOUR FREE CLEAN IN LONDON NOW!

Working Class Bourgeoisie; City Life on a Budget: HOUSEKEEP - CLAIM YOUR FREE CLEAN IN LONDON NOW!: I recently entered a Competition and won a runner up prize of 2 Hours Free Cleaning with Housekeep , a young Company that is growing fa...

HOUSEKEEP - CLAIM YOUR FREE CLEAN IN LONDON NOW!

I recently entered a Competition and won a runner up prize of 2 Hours Free Cleaning with Housekeep, a young Company that is growing fast.   When you enter a competition you are aiming for the First Prize but with Housekeep, it has turned out to be the better prize for me as Ive found something that I will find useful for a long time to come!

At first, I admit I was dubious.  I think of Cleaning services just for the very rich, professional type, or ladies-who-lunch; which isnt me at all.  But who it is really aimed at is all those who are time poor and I certainly fit into that category, as do most in London.   

Now, my bathroom was recently victim to a flood (the perils of basement living) due to a burst mains pipe (in fact the whole Street was affected).  Although I am living with it, I am painfully aware that, now it has dried out, the far wall needs a good lick of paint and it looks distinctly grubby in the aftermath.  I am forever apologising to those who need to answer the call of nature in my home and staring at a water stained wall, albeit dry now, whilst washing your hands makes me cringe with embarrassment.  So I nearly didnt claim my freebie as I thought "I dont have a fancy house, they are going to turn their nose up at my little apartment".  Then, the Northern money-saving side of me kicked in and I decided to be bold and take advantage of my prize; after all it was free plus I didnt need to use them again, did I?  

Yet, from the first call I relaxed.  The person I spoke to was chatty and friendly and we quickly worked out a convenient time for my cleaner to come along.  I wasnt apprehensive; all the housekeepers have previous experience, have passed a practical cleaning exam, speak English and are background checked and insured.   Sure enough, on my chosen day and time, along came a smartly dressed, well spoken and friendly Housekeeper who didnt bat an eye at my humble abode and the assorted permanent and foster Cats tumbling around. Armed with their own cleaning products (a small charge of £2.50 is added for this but you can provide your own items - I did!) and once I pointed out where I wanted cleaned, within a matter of minutes - all the while with no fuss or sneering! - they were quickly at work.    

My cleaner didnt take a break or stop to check their phone at any point; they simply cleaned for the allotted time.  I checked once or twice, but every time I quietly popped my head around the door they were busily cleaning so I left them to it and felt comfortable doing that.  At the end, all rubbish was put in a bag and the Cleaner took it away with them to dispose of outside.   There was no hard sell; the dreaded lingering and feet shuffling, asking when they should return before they left.  Instead, I received a smile and a pleasant "Goodbye" with no attitude whatsoever. 

My expectations were not too high; I didnt expect someone to come in and straight away clean at lightening speed, knowing instinctively all my little niggles of how I like things done, knowing full well I was getting a freebie.  But I did expect a quick, efficient clean.  Initially, I did wonder why the Bathroom took so long - until I went in to see the finished result.  Not only had they done the obvious - mirrors, bleaching & wipe around the sanitary ware, but!  they had done all the stuff you never have time for, such as all the White wall tiles in the bath area, all my skirtings were cleaned and dusted and the door on both sides had been washed down so no grubby spots were to be seen.  I was officially impressed!

So.. a few weeks on and I receive a phone call asking if everything was alright and if I would like to book again.  I said not right now, as funds are always tight after February (which is my worst month workwise) and the caller was pleasant and accepting of my reply with no pressure.    But... would I use them again?  Honestly?  My answer is YES absolutely!  Housekeep know the strength of their team and the quality of their work.  At a price of £12.50 per Hour for a vetted cleaner in London, you cant beat it.    They dont need to hard sell - you will want to use them again, I guarantee.   I know I will be doing so, once my bathroom has been repainted!

Also, once you have registered, any time after your initial Clean, you are put into a Rewards Scheme, which lets you earn points so you can get another free clean or if you prefer, something else, such as free Taxis.  There are also other services they provide you can take advantage of, such as  a keyholding service for your Cleaner.  Each set of keys is tagged with an individual code, but without the address on that tag, for security.    Just check out their website for further details.

Are you still in two minds?  Well, what if I said you could get a free 2 hour clean yourself if you are in the London area? Aha, I see you, sitting up and taking notice now!   So... heres how you do it....

1. Forward this code to your friends, family & arch enemies
2. They visit housekeep.com and book with code FZ16723 before 15th March to get £25 off their first clean (that's 2 hours of free cleaning!)
3. Telephone on  0203 434 3080 and book with code FZ16723 before 15th March to get £25 off your first clean 
4. You can also say you were recommended by LINDSEY CLARK from WORKING CLASS BOURGEOISIE Blog - when you telephone, ask for RACHEL on 0203 434 3080.

You can book and pay online or call 0203 434 3080 to get your visit arranged. Housekeep customer service team is available Monday to Saturday, 9.00am to 6.00pm.  Drop them an email at hello@housekeep.com or give them a call on 0203 434 3080. 

Where Housekeep currently operate

Central London, East London, North London, North West London, South East London, South West London, West London, Camden, Islington, City of London, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Barnet, Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barking, Hackney, Redbridge, Newham, Walthamstow, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster
W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, W14, WC1, WC2, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E8, E9, E10, E11, E12, E13, E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E20, EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, IG8, IG9, IG11, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N10, N15, N16, N17, N19, NW1, NW2, NW3, NW4, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW9, NW10, NW11, SW1, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SE1, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE8, SE11, SE12, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE18, SE23, SE26

Dont forget The Housekeep Promise!

"If you're not totally satisfied with your clean just let us know within 24 hours of your clean and we'll send someone to your home to re-clean the bits that weren't quite right first time. Simple, no fuss."

You have nothing to lose - call them TODAY or book online this weekend to take advantage of this offer!  if you are NOT in London, Im sorry, this offer isnt available to you at the moment.  But! dont rule it out; Housekeep are already winning Awards, amongst which is being named in the Startups 100 List 2014, so keep an eye out for them coming to your home town in the near future.

•  0203 434 3080
•  hello@housekeep.com
•  @_housekeep
•  Facebook

Note : I was not paid to write this review and it is all my own opinion.

Did you take advantage of this offer?  Please leave me a quick comment below if you called or went online to take it up, so I know if this is the kind of post you would like to see in the future.  Thank you!

HALLOWEEN OUTFITS PAST AND PRESENT!

FOR THE TOKYO LAUNDRY COMPETITION

Which one is your favourite?  Or let me view or know about some of yours!

Caledonian Hampers Competition

With the News full of the Scottish Referendum, plus my Scottish roots (born in Glasgow!) the competition on Caledonian Hampers Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/caledonianhampers  is right up my street.  A long time fan of Scottish fare, as well as being known for my fondness of food, how could I resist the chance to win a Scottish Personalised Food Hamper  http://www.caledonianhampers.com/  stuffed with the likes of Orkney Oatcakes, Arran Pear & Plum Chutney, Macaroon Bar and my personal favourite, Scottish Tablet.

Why not check out what Caledonian Hampers have to say about the referendum on their blog:

http://www.caledonianhampers.com/blog/Referendum%20reconciliation%20ale%20keg
and lets not forget the Personalised Cider Bottle too (Scottish Cider, of course!) in the Hamper, to which you can toast the outcome of the Scottish vote if its the one you favour (or not, if the love of Scottish taste and culture surpasses all!)   
SLA'INTE! 

#SleepHappy Competition with Wren Living.

This competition appealed to me as I do follow Wren Living via FaceBook. 

The strangest sleeping place I have ever heard about comes via my Brother.  In his wild youth during his University Days, he got so drunk one evening, lost his friends and ended up sleeping in a doorway next to the local Burger King.  He said it wasnt so bad, even though it was a cold October evening, as he woke up in the wee small hours to find himself covered in Burger wrappers and claimed it was 'insulation'.   Despite his nonchalance at the time, it is now a story I repeat with glee to embarrass him in front of prospective girlfriends (as only a Sibling would do, I might add!).  

However, as I recalled this, it got me thinking which led to the question :

"Where would I love to take a nap?"

Well, I know I would love complete luxury, so it would have to be in a top class Hotel.  One with a beautiful & breathtaking view, able to indulge my every whim (Money no object of course!). Preferably a Penthouse suite - and why not go the whole way and travel to the other side of the World to do this?  Result : Located on the top floor, the Presidential Suite in Four Seasons Hotel Sydney offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House.   Australia it is, then!

Sleeping in what though?  A bit of careful research found this....

Designed by Dutchman Janjaap Ruijssenaars, this 'magnetic floating bed' uses magnets to keep 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds) floating in the air. To make sure that the bed doesnt float away due to wind or weird movements, its tethered to the walls by four cables. Technically, the magnetic floating bed is for sale, but at a price of 1.2 million Euros.

Last but not least....  what item would I take with me from the Wren Living site?  Well, if Im going to go with a glamorous Hotel and a unique Bed, I would need a statement piece of furniture to fit in with it all.    So I choose The Shard Dusk Mirror Dressing Table   http://www.wrenliving.com/shard-dusk-mirror-dressing-table/87894   

Currently at £139.00, its the best bargain yet!  Who wouldnt feel like a Film Star using this!  Time to take a Nap I think.....

Footnote: This is my entry into the #SleepHappy competition over on LittleStuff.
http://www.littlestuff.co.uk/2014/08/win-300-with-wren-living-to-spend-on-bedroom-furniture/

Dream Room Competition

I spotted the above competition post on

 blog

http://www.littlestuff.co.uk/2014/07/bloggers-win-750-john-lewis-voucher-with-good-to-be-home/

It sounded right up my street; design your Dream Bedroom or Living Room.  Well, I have a myriad of ideas for that!  

I have always fancied, in my dreams, an ethereal type of  fantasy bedroom.  Of course, I would need the space, the budget and dont even get me started on the practicality of it all (all that floaty material with my Cats and their inqusitive natures and claws!) but if money was no object and dreams could be made true, then here it is, in all its glory....

A Bed sets the tone for the bedroom;

http://www.anthropologie.eu/

Forest Canopy Bed  £3,698.00

Tree Curtain from thrifted sheet 
marie gardeski

it is central, integral and the style in my dream Bedroom would be one element embodying another element; in this case, metal mimicking Wood.  

Matching Blinds, all floaty and dreamy echo the Enchanted Forest feel along with a clever Lamp to provide the fairy tale ambience.

http://calabarte.com/lamp/id:93-table-lamp-xii  POA

I was aiming for Pinks, Beige, Cream & White - all very girly, clean and pure & natural colours. 

White-Organza-Fairy-Light-Curtain-Drape
qualityukdiyweddingsupplies  £17.89

Vintage Lace & Ribbon
Portobello Market

Light materials such as Velvet, Organza, Silk & Netting to complement the ethereal and enchanted, almost Alice in Wonderland, crazy dream-like feel.

                                

                                       136X229cm 2pcs Sheer Curtains
                                      Net Organza Fabric  ebay £8.99

  http://www.aliexpress.com/
£12.54/pk 10

Reclaimed Windmill for Ceiling Fan

Metal Skeletal Wall Clock

          by Artisanti £44.99

 I also like the feel of Wood and would mix this with Metals so it has an Enchanted Forest blend of warm and cool shiny tones offsetting all the Pink and adding a little more futuristic feel encompassing all of the World's elements.  

http://www.wallpapered.com/
Bespoke  approx £280.00

Scottish charme - Chest of drawers HIGHLANDS

xtradefactory   £299.00

Atelier Charivariby decor8 

I like the idea of upcycling and using items that had a previous life, such as Suitcases becoming a Chest of Drawers, old school lockers becoming Wardrobes; a crazy, dreamlike, jumbled up room yet with some semblance of order so it isnt too clinical!   

JULIENNE DRAWER ORGANIZER 
Joss & Main $35

A Few statememt pieces - admittedly expensive, but as bespoke items they are in fact unique bargains; coupled with recycled materials completes the total effect I am aiming for.

       

BespOak Tree Shelves £300

Springbok Benches, Set of 2, $999.95 - anthropologie.eu 

        A Bookcase in the style           of  a Tree, a Seat in the                  form of Animals and a                  Mirror in a crazily shaped             Copper Tone add 
      to the look.....

                 

                http://michaelanastassiades.com/collection/
                            copper-mirrors     Limited Edition

Western Sculpture Horse Bookend

etsy.com  $210 

.....then a few ornaments & decorations in China & Wood along with a Metallic base to add to the colour palette and I'm all set for the bedroom of my dreams!

Copper Desk Collection - anthropologie.eu 

Magazine Holder £28.00

Copper Desk Collection - 
anthropologie.eu 
Letter Box £22.00

                                   

                                                                http://lolitasaysso.tumblr.com/
                          post/8992138470                          BY EMMA HOAREAU
     

              

                   Majestic Lion Figurine Table Desk Fan 
            by Deco Breeze  $120

Cholet Hollow Vases 

http://www.anthropologie.eu/ 

£12.95 – £14.95

So what do you think?  Do you like my Dream Bedroom, or is it too avant garde for your tastes?   Or is yours even more surreal?  What would your dream bedroom be like?  Let me know; if I like your idea, I may steal a little bit of it to add to my own eclectic mix; the only thing limiting us is our imagination!

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