Tag Archives: chores

Mar12

Spring Cleaning In Small Doses

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Spring Cleaning In Small Doses

Howdy! During my last bout of Spring Cleaning, I had a GREAT SUCCESS because I located one of my favorite tank tops that has been missing for literal years. It was a simple black tank top by Rachel Zoe but it fit so perfectly, went with everything, and was one of my go to tops in the summer. I truly thought it was gone to the world and was beyond happy when I uncovered it amungst the clutter. I have to admit that, since then, my cleaning only went as far as necessary chores but I got back into the swing of things this weekend, baby! I have been using the Small Doses approach to get my apartment back in tiptop shape and this is what has helped me because, let’s be real, Spring Cleaning can be kind of overwhelming:

First Things First:

Sometimes, you just might not have the energy to clean and that is okay! If you planned on deep cleaning after work and had a long day, relax instead. At this point, one more day or two isn’t going to make a difference and you can get back at it better rested. This is something that isn’t worth beating yourself up about so take care of you and you can take care of the rest tomorrow. I have been really worn out recently and every intention I had of cleaning after work went out the window. At first, I was definitely mentally berating myself lol. However, this wasn’t doing me any favors and I made plans to clean this weekend and followed through.

Baby Steps:

I have been cleaning little by little and I love the instant gratification I feel from it. It’s so rewarding and it makes me want to clean more! I also find that I achieve a deeper, better clean when I focus on one thing at a time. I start by targetting one area that I would like to see improved and go from there. This past weekend, there were three things I wanted to do: Clean the bathrooms, clear off my catchall kitchen table, and clear through and consolidate our bedroom closet. I did two of those tasks on Saturday and completed my list on Sunday. Despite the fact that these were smaller chores, the difference was so noticable and it felt good!

Donate/Trash Liberally:

What is your spring cleaning goal? Is it a sparkling home from top to bottom? Getting your yard in pristine condition? In my case, my main goal is clearing clutter. Listen, Johnny and I are packrats lol. After being together for over five years, we have compiled a lot of stuff and we simply don’t need it. By establishing my objective, it definitely made it easier to add to the trash/donate bags and create more tasks with my goal in mind. This is why my next items on the To Clean list are going to be clearing off our coffee table and TV stand as well as going through our multitude of clothing to donate.

Regular Upkeep:

I like the Small Doses approach because I think it’s totally easier, but also because it gives me a chance to make better choices with the upkeep. Doing a little bit at a time helps me establish good habits with what I have already done and gives me the opportunity to practice them before adding something new. For example, after getting home from work I put everything back in its proper place rather than all over my catchall table. I am also putting all of the clothes away immediately after doing laundry to prevent any pileups. Once again, small chores but a big effect!

Spring Cleaning isn’t just about cleaning, but about making better habits too. I am really happy with my progress so far!

Have you started any spring cleaning? What is your least favorite chore? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan4

Spring Cleaning Tips You Need For 2024

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Spring Cleaning Tips You Need For 2024

We’re moving into a new year which means that you have to start thinking about how you want it to begin. Some people want to start their new year with a huge bash but who wants to start with a house they have to clean up?! Getting your home cleaned at the beginning of the new year can make a huge difference to your health and well being but it can also make a difference to the way you choose to get organized.

We may still be in the midst of winter and spring is a few months away, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get the house cleaned up and ready to go for the season. In fact, with the tips below you can ensure that every inch of your home is cleaned out and is ready to feel great. Let’s take a look at some tips that’ll help you to kick off well:

Start from the ground up:

The first thing is to get the vacuum cleaner and rid your home of dust and that starts with the floors. You need to vacuum everything from carpets and tiles to window tracks and skirting boards. Cleaning along all of these areas prevents the dust building up any further than it already has. Go cordless if you want to get everything done but always have a corded vacuum cleaner in the background just in case!

If your carpets have ground in stains or are a far cry from their original color, vacuuming alone is not going to give you the deep clean you are looking for. If this is the case for your home, simply enter a search for “Carpet Cleaning in Round Rock” (or your local area). You will be amazed by the results when your carpets are looking as good as they did when you first moved in.

Wash the walls:

Not many people think that their walls need to have anything done to them but washing the walls down is a great idea. Mixing a sugar soap solution in a bucket of warm water is the first step, the next is a flat mop. This will help you to wash the walls top to bottom without streaks being left anywhere.

Clean the bathrooms:

Bathrooms are germ cesspits and yours is no different no matter how often you clean it. Don’t just clean the bath and shower or the toilet, but clean the extractor fans, too, as this will stop any dust flying through the air and misting your bathroom with more dirt.

Bring in the carpet cleaning experts:

You can either hire someone to do it for you or you can hire a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself. This should be done every three to six months because of dust and mite build up in the fibers. Cleaning out the carpets can also be done with steam cleaners and shampoo, but you need to make sure you don’t over wet it. The last thing you need in your quest to clean up is mold growth in the carpet and that musty smell that follows.

Sparkling windows:

When was the last time you had your windows professionally cleaned? It could be a great gift to yourself this year to have them cleaned on the inside and the outside. You won’t really notice how dirty the windows have become until you give them a proper clean. You can vacuum the tracks and then go through with warm water and detergent to scrub the windows, tracks, and the windows themselves. Always use a squeegee to remove any water so that you can get rid of any streaks.

Kick start your spring cleaning now for a squeaky clean home to welcome the new year with!

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Dec18

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

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5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

You might think that there isn’t anything that could go too wrong with your laundry. However, if you want to keep the quality, color, and reliability of your clothes, then you had better be ready to offer them the care that they need. Here, we’re going to look at all-too-common mistakes people make when doing laundry, and what you can do to prevent them:

Not sorting them by color:

Yes, you still need to sort your clothes by color. Dark clothes should be washed with dark clothes, light with light, and white with white. We have heard a lot of people saying that many modern t-shirts don’t really require this as much because production doesn’t use dye that can come off in the wash. Unless you know precisely how each piece of clothing is going to act when swirling in hot water together, don’t chance it.

Not following the instructions on the tag:

You might think that the instructions on the tag are just a suggestion and that nothing bad is likely to happen if you don’t follow them. Or, you might be like many people who never check the tag at all when washing clothes. If that happens, then you should expect tearing, shrinking, or stretching as a matter of course. If you want to keep your clothes like new, you have to follow their instructions.

Neglecting to check for optical brighteners:

This is a tip that a lot of people don’t know about. There are laundry detergents out there, sold with the express intent of washing clothes, that don’t really wash them too well. Optical brighteners are a somewhat common ingredient. Rather than focusing on washing them, getting out stains, and keeping them fresh, these detergents act as a sort of dye, brightening the laundry instead. Needless to say, most people want their clothes washed, not just having the appearance of being washed.

Keeping the temperature too high:

Another common mistake is thinking that “hotter is better.” Yes, in higher temperatures, dirt and stains might be able to dissolve more easily. However, this is also worse for your clothes, making them more likely to stretch and lose their consistency, as the high temperatures also add wear and tear to the mix. A cold wash can do your clothes a lot of good and uses less energy than usual.

Not cleaning your washing machine:

You have to take care of your washing machine for it to take care of you. Mold, mildew, detergent residue, and hard water buildups can begin to affect the effectiveness of your clean, as well as the health of the machine. A self-clean cycle with a good washing machine cleaner is all you need.

Many of the mistakes above can be a force of habit, so you might not realize exactly what the problem is until you stop it, and find the alternative a lot better. These tips will help you end up with cleaner, fresher clothes, that don’t suffer any unexpected changes in the process of washing them!

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Aug25

Mental Health Day

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Mental Health Day

Hello!! This past Monday, I enjoyed my first mental health day in I don’t know how long. Granted, it wasn’t necessarily my choice but it still counts lol. This weekend, I was in a crazy freak accident – no one was hurt, but my car was so I was out of commission to get to work anyways. I would have loved to have had a mental health day under different circumstances, but I guess I’ll take what I can get? Haha and I used my time off well!

On Monday, I slept in until… SIX AM!!! It was great and definitely beats my normal wake up time around 4:30. Melvin and Penelope weren’t thrilled to have postponed their super early morning outing, but once I was up they got to hang out outside of their hutch almost all day. I also was able to get my car set up for its repairs because who knew auto body shops were closed on the weekend? Not me and it was a big relief to get all of that sorted. Also, I took my car to a mom and pop shop and the owner was just adorable. 🙂

Once I was home from my errands, I got to work doing lots of cleaning and that felt fantastic. When my life was really crazy, it was hard to find the time or energy to do a good deep cleaning of the apartment. I got to do that and more with my day off and I felt so accomplished and proud of my efforts. Maybe I needed this day for me more than I realized because I knew it would be nice to clean, but I didn’t appreciate how nice until I proudly surveyed a sparkling space.

After my chores were done, I completed the last item on my agenda which was finishing my Independent Provider annual training. Every year, we must do eight hours of additional online training to maintain our certification. I was on hour six of mine so I didn’t have too much left to do, but it was cool to not have to do it once I was home from work. I also don’t mind the online training at all because they’re always super interesting and it’s fun to learn something new!

Once all of my checklist for my day off was accounted for, I got to spend the rest of my afternoon FaceTiming with my bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. It was the perfect way to end my Mental Health Day. If you are feeling like you need a day for you too, then I can’t encourage an MHD enough. We all need one from time to time and it’s important to listen to what your mind and body needs!

How do you like to spend a day off? When was your last mental health day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug22

Steps Of Growth: Responsibility & Life’s Challenges

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Steps Of Growth: Responsibility & Life’s Challenges

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been confronted with the question: “How can we teach our lovely little ones about responsibility?” Now, raise your other hand if life’s unpredictable challenges make you feel like you’re herding cats. Yep, thought so. Both hands up in the air! Here’s a little secret: there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to this. But there are a few things that might help you teach your kiddos about responsibility and the art of embracing the challenges life sometimes throws at you:

Plant A Garden And Watch It Grow:

Gardening, apart from being therapeutic, can be an amazing teaching tool to allow your kids to understand that even the littlest flowers need love, care, and patience. Let your little one pick a plant or flower they’d like to grow. Let them water it, take care of it, and patiently watch it bloom. Through this, they learn that consistency, responsibility, and love can lead to beautiful results. And when pests come along or when the weather isn’t ideal, they will learn to understand that challenges are natural parts of life.

Add A Little Twist To Everyday Chores:

Ah, chores! The word itself probably makes your kids want to run for the hills. So how about creating a chore chart that’s actually fun? Add some glitter, stickers, and quirky tasks. Muddle the regular chores like tidying up toys or setting the table with something fun, like the floor is lava or last one to tidy up is a rotten egg. This way, while they’re diving into whimsical adventures, they’re also learning the art of daily responsibility.

Share Stories From Your Book Of Life:

We all love a little story. And children even more so – they adore stories, especially real ones that involve the people (or characters) they actually know. Share tales from your family’s past, about a time when you overcame challenges or how you learned from mistakes you once made. You might think these anecdotes are mundane, but for young ears, they’re exciting tales of adventure and learning.

Pass On A Job Of Personal Responsibility:

You might be tempted to protect your little ones from the big, vast world out there, but every once in a while, you need to trust them with just a smidge more responsibility. Maybe it’s letting them decide the menu for the family picnic, taking care of a new puppy companion, or even managing their pocket money without being told they’re wasting it on something they don’t need. These small steps of trust can work wonders in teaching them about the responsibilities of life. And don’t worry if they stumble a bit. Those mini missteps? They’re just stepping stones towards their remarkable journey of growth and understanding.

Lastly, remember to shower your kiddos with loads of love and encouragement even when it feels tough to do so because you’re frustrated by your circumstances. Let them know that every challenge they face is an opportunity to grow!

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Oct13

Revamp Your Laundry Room

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Revamp Your Laundry Room

The laundry room is, easily, one of the most forgotten rooms in the home even though it serves such an important purpose. Often tucked away in the basement or a “junk room” the washer and dryer tend to go unnoticed and unappreciated despite using it almost every day. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! Turn doing the laundry into your favorite chore with these simple fixes:

Evaluate The Space:

First things first, let’s do a quick check on your appliances. Take a look at your washer and inspect your dryer and avoid potential dangers. All good? Perfect! Now, does your laundry room have the space for some additional shelving and maybe a small table to assist with folding? If so, you are well set! If not, you could designate a different area in your home for folding and placing your freshly laundered clothes. This leads us to our next point…

Shelving Or Cubby Shelves:

Standard shelving units in your laundry room or elsewhere are fantastic. This is ideal for storing your detergent, stain remover, laundry bins, and dryer sheets. However, a cubby shelving unit might be just what you need if you want some extra assistance with the chore. Once the laundry is folded, you could place each piece in the cubby for your partner or children. Then, it is up to them to put it away themselves. Don’t forget that your laundry room can also be used to house shoes with a door fixture or other odds and ends like cleaning supplies!

Add Some Fun:

Time and time again, I hear that doing laundry is a least favorite chore. You can change this, though! There are all kinds of things that you can do to add a touch of fun to your laundry space. Bring in a radio and listen to your favorite songs, add some essential oil to a diffuser and enjoy some aromatherapy, or paint the walls a peppy shade. No one loves doing housework but you can make it tolerable, at the very least!

Hone Your Craft:

Maybe, you don’t like doing the laundry because your folding skills aren’t quite up to snuff. That’s okay! Purchasing folding boards can give you perfectly folded T’s in no time. A clutter free table can also be very helpful. And, if all else fails: Have a lot of clothing hangers handy to just hang things up – no wrinkles required!

Give your washer and dryer the space that they deserve with the tips above. Who knows? You might just love doing laundry yet!

Aug13

Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

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Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

Hello!! This past week has been an awful, stressful time for yours truly. And, let’s be honest, these past couple of years have been an awful, stressful time for everyone. COVID, losing your job, and inflation are enough to make anyone go crazy! In times like these, we all could use a helping hand and these are some of the things that I have been implementing in my own family over the past week and change:

Cook A Meal:

When a crisis arises, one of the last things that people think about is having a home cooked meal. There’s nothing wrong with takeout or fast food but nothing hits quite as much as a meal made with love! Someone struggling could really use a good meal so why not bring one over? You could provide all of the fixings for a spaghetti dinner, tacos, or any of their favorite dishes. A meal that has plenty of leftovers is also one that will be much appreciated.

Clean Up:

Another thing that falls by the wayside during difficult times is housework. We all know that a cluttered and unclean environment can make things even more stressful and it is so easy for all of the household chores to start piling up. You don’t have to give a Merry Maids level clean but doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or the dreaded cleaning of the bathrooms will give the person you’re helping one less thing to think about.

Pet Care:

Pets definitely know when something is up because it effects them too. Something as simple as taking the dog for a long walk, playing with the cats, or cleaning cages can be a huge help. You can also keep an eye on their supply of food and replenish it as needed so they will never go without.

Spend Some Time:

Someone going through a lot will surely benefit from just having you as company. You could lend your ear, be a shoulder to cry on, or simply be around and not talk at all. Things like watching a funny show, doing a puzzle, or playing a game can provide some much needed relief when their focus is shifted to something else for a bit.

From big gestures to small, all of it will be so very appreciated. Please keep my family in your thoughts. ❤

How do you provide a helping hand? What helps you to feel better? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

How To Lower Your Home’s Dust Levels

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How To Lower Your Home’s Dust Levels

Dust is a significant problem in many people’s homes. It seems like no matter how much time you spend cleaning and dusting, it is never enough and the dust never stays away for long. This can be a problem because not only does it look unsightly, but if you suffer from allergies, dust can cause you to feel less than your best! Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to lower your home’s dust levels once and for all:

Make sure you have door mats:

Door mats are a simple solution that helps to prevent various debris from being tracked into your home. If your guests wipe their feet before entering, they will not bring in dust and dirt that can cause problems in your house. It really is that simple.

Install new windows and doors:

If your windows and door are older, then talking to a replacement windows and door company about installing a new set that fits more snugly could be a good move. The tighter the seal in your windows and doors, the less likely it is that various debris, including pollen and pollution from outdoors will get inside your home where it can turn into dust and cause your allergies to flare.

Wash sheets every week:

A lot of dust in the home comes from our own skin. Our bed sheets and pillows are a prime location for this dead skin to accumulate and turn into dust, while also providing dust mites with a nice meal. Hot washing your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week is a good way to keep dust at bay.

Wash pets regularly:

Pets can also cause a lot of dust with their skin and dander, so washing them and grooming them at least once a month will help to lower dust levels in your home. Vacuuming daily when you have pets is also essential if you are serious about keeping things dust free.

Get rid of carpets:

Carpets and rugs may look cozy but they are a breeding sport for dust and bacteria. When you walk on carpets, whether in shoes or barefoot, you will deposit, dirt, skin, and other debris into the fabric, which is very difficult to move without lots of regular vacuuming and dusting. On the other hand, hardwood floors and tiles can be wiped clean in seconds, removing all of the accumulated dust quickly.

Invest in an air purifier:

An air purifier is a simple device that is able to filter dust and pollution particles out of the air. Having one in as many rooms of your home as you can will make the problem much less significant.

As you can see, it is possible to lower the dust levels in your home significantly, to the point where you will not notice it nearly as much, nor will you need to spend as much time removing it!

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Nov16

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hi! Johnny and I rarely take time off of work except for holidays and vacations so when he took a day off last week it was very well deserved. Although, it was painful for me to go to work when he was hanging out at home! Shockingly, my husband didn’t just play video games all day and I returned from work and getting my nails done to the best surprises ever.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Johnny took all of the trash out (which I hate doing), did multiple loads of dishes in the dishwasher, and tidied up the living room. But wait – there’s more! After singing his praises, I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner because I was starving and he told me that was already taken care of too. Johnny did his own version of cooking and by that I mean he ordered us pizzas which were en route!

Needless to say, I felt spoiled absolutely rotten by my husband and all of his hard work on his day off. It was so nice to have to do nothing but kick my feet up, relax, watch Criminal Minds, and wait for dinner to come to us once I got home. I love to cook so we don’t order out too often but whenever we do it is such a major treat. Not having to do any chores after work was the best of all, though. 😀

Johnny and I like to treat each other often with little gifts from the store but this surprise definitely took the cake. My husband gave me an evening off that was fit for a queen and I am so lucky to have him! ❤

What makes you feel spoiled? How do you treat your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep21

Home Maintenance Chores To Tackle In The Fall 

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Home Maintenance Chores To Tackle In The Fall 

Taking great care of your home involves many different maintenance chores, some of them might be a little boring, but they are important! As the summer comes to a close, there are several essential tasks to complete around the house. To get your home ready for the fall, try tackling these chores:

Bleed your radiators:

If there is trapped air in your radiator, then you’ll find that you get random cold spots across the radiator. Before the weather turns cold, it’s a good idea to bleed your radiators. Look at the top of the radiator to locate the radiator valve. Next, you can use a radiator key, (turning the key counter-clockwise). Keep turning the key until water drips out, this process will release any trapped air.

Inspect your furnace:

The end of the summer is a great time to inspect your furnace. The first step is to look at the filter, if it’s dirty you should replace it. If the filter is dirty, this means that the airflow may be restricted. If the airflow is restricted, less heat can pass through the heat exchanger. The result is that your furnace may get hotter than normal. Over time, this can cause the furnace to fail and shut down.

If you suspect that there is a problem with your furnace you’ll need to call in the professionals. It’s especially important to do this if you notice a burning smell from furnace. Whether your furnace check is strictly maintenance or perhaps getting a new one, this is such an important task to complete come cold weather. Local professionals in your area or furnace installation in Denver will be able to assist in keeping your home nice and warm all winter long.

Protect your pipes:

During cold weather, it’s not uncommon for our water pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent this from happening, there are several things you can do to protect your pipes:

  • Use Insulation: To protect your pipes you can purchase pipe insulation, which is usually made from fiberglass, foam, or polyethylene. Some of the best eco-friendly insulation materials include aerogel, denim, or sheep’s wool.
  • Run the faucets: If you leave one tap trickling a small amount, this can ensure that your pipes don’t freeze.

Clean out your gutters:

Now is the perfect time to clean out your gutters. If there’s a build-up of debris, this could cause problems with drainage and cause your roof to leak. If you can’t get on the roof yourself, you can call gutter cleaning services to do this for you. Ensure that there are no cracks in your roof or any shingles that need replacing.

Fertilize your lawn:

If you want a beautiful lawn, then you should definitely fertilize it as the weather gets cold. Applying a lawn winter fertilizer will give your lawn the nutrients it needs and the grassroots will multiply before going dormant. During the winter the roots will store food and you’ll find that you’ll have a lush lawn by the springtime. If you are lacking a green thumb, you might find you do a bit of a botch job of preparing and kill off some of your grass over the winter. If this happens to you, don’t despair! These days it’s easy to get in contact with a reputable lawn installation company that can fill out those weary areas of your garden with fresh, high quality sod come spring. This can help to give your lawn a more uniform look ready for the warmer months of the year, allowing you to enjoy it without the stress.

Preparing your home for the fall will help you to stay safe, warm, and relaxed. Once you’ve got those chores out of the way you might like to work on your interior design. Fall time is the perfect season to paint in warm colors and add bright accessories. From home maintenance to DIY projects, there are so many ways to create a beautiful home.

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