Cynthia Ewer's Blog, page 42
April 2, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Front Porch Week Wrap-Up
This week, our focus has been on the front porch: the place where home meets world.
Today, wrap up any remaining items to bring a fresh feeling to the front porch--bringing our Cleaning Challenge to an end for this year.
Say what? There are still items on your to-do list?
Not to worry. Tomorrow, we'll start a final "finish up" week, designed to provide time to complete those last few items.
Along the way, we'll review basic routines, and focus on ways to keep your Challenge-clean home in go...
April 1, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Be Ready For Guests
When the doorbell rings, will you be ready?
This week in the Cleaning Challenge, we've freshened the front porch ... and now, it's time to prepare to welcome visitors and friends.
Lay out a cheery welcome mat. Add extra coat hangers to a nearby coat closet, and find a space to hold guests' umbrellas or overshoes.
Most of all, prepare your heart! A welcoming home needs little more than that oldest and best greeting: "You're here! Come in .... and welcome!"
March 31, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: What's Your Number?
Focusing on the front porch this week in the Cleaning Challenge, it's time to ask, "What's your number?" Can your house number be seen clearly from the roadway ... day and night?
Safety experts tell us that a clear, visible house number is vital to first responders--and it's just plain convenient for everyday visitors, too.
Today, check to be sure your house address number is easy to spot in any lighting condition. Will it need to be moved to a better-lit location?
March 30, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Let the Light Shine
Nightfall comes ... and on come the lights!
Today in the Cleaning Challenge, it's time to assess outdoor illumination.
Take a good look at the light fixtures on the porch, path and driveway; do they shine a welcome light on your front porch? Dust down the fixtures, clean the diffusing glass, and replace any dim or burned-out bulbs.
Next, survey the front of your home from across the street. Do you need to add exterior lighting? Consider easy-to-install options like solar lights to beef up...
March 29, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Spiff Up the Front Door
What's the focal point of the front porch? The front door! It's the portal where home meets world, so does it spell a warm welcome to friends and family?
Today in the Cleaning Challenge, it's time to spiff up the front door. Banish the dust and brighten the windows. Polish the doorknob and put out the doormat.
Door wreaths or seasonal decorations bring a cheery touch; consider using Command-brand adhesive hangers to mount decorations without marring paint or creating nail holes.
When you're d...
March 28, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Check Your Curb Appeal
The front porch: it's where house meets world--and where visitors get their first impressions.
What does your front porch say about your home? Realtors call this factor "curb appeal": that flash of first impression of any home.
Today in the Cleaning Challenge, it's time to step outside your door, and check your curb appeal.
From the sidewalk, appraise your front porch as if you had never seen it before. Is it crammed and cluttered, or clean and serene?
March 27, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Front Porch Week
It's the place where your home makes a first impression: the front porch.
Whether you have a small apartment landing or wrap-around farmhouse porch, this is the week to declutter, clean and organize the entry area to your home.
It's a last "cherry on the cake" assignment at the Cleaning Grand Plan: putting the finishing touch on the hard work of the last 12 weeks creating a lovely entrance area.
Ready? It's Front Porch Week in the Cleaning Grand Plan!
Printables:
cleaning_checklist_13_...
March 26, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Garage/Storage Week Wrap-Up
Did you get going in the garage this week? The Cleaning Challenge took on garage storage areas to prepare for warmer weather.
Today, take the last steps to bring the garage to a state of clean and orderly..
Tomorrow, the New Year Cleaning Challenge enters our final week, focusing on the doorway to your home: the front porch.
Today's Assignment:Wrap Up Attic/Storage Week
This week, we've taken aim on clutter and disorganization in garage storage areas. Goal: make room for the car!
March 25, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Plan A Garage Sale
Need to clear some space and score some cash? Hold a garage sale!
The yard sale is a traditional rite of Spring, and has many advantages. Holding one can be a good incentive to cut clutter and create space in storage areas. Turning trash into cash is an added incentive!
As we near the end of the Cleaning Challenge, consider holding a yard sale to rid your house of unneeded items.
To keep things organized, try this complete garage sale guide, printable garage sale checklist and yard sale signs...
March 24, 2016
New Year Cleaning Challenge: Take Stock of Sporting Goods
Spring is here ... and sports season is upon us. From baseball bats to bicycles, golf bags to basketballs, sporting goods take center stage in the garage.
Today in the Cleaning Challenge, it's time to cut clutter and bring order to storage spaces devoted to sporting goods.
Look over the family's sports equipment, culling worn-out or outgrown items. Need replacements? Add them to the shopping list.
Finally, reach for efficient storage solutions. Specialty organizers, while pricey, can keep eq...
