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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
A lot’s starting to happen now that spring is finally here. Flowers are all abloom and the days are, once again, longer. Let’s not forget that the air is also fresher and warmer so this only means that the outside world is ready for your scheduled activities.
If you love making activity lists during the warmest seasons, then you’re not alone. Everyone’s getting ready to move on from the cold days and nights to the warmer, cozier days of spring.
Spring is tantamount to having a fresh beginning. During this time, leaves grow once again and the flowers start to show their colors so let’s see how you would like to take part in these activities –
Bike or Hike
Since winter may have left you cooped inside for a long time, then spring is the season for you to shake the coldness and to enjoy the warmth outdoors. This is the perfect time to ride a bike or to take a hike.
Biking is an aerobic activity so this translates to healthier blood vessels, heart and lungs. As you breathe deeper and perspire, you increase your fitness level.
Hiking also does all these. Before you ride your car to the nearest hiking trail, it is best to prepare and do the following first –
Inform everyone where you’d go on a hike.
Study, graph your hiking route, and then bring the maps on your hiking trip.
Determine, beforehand, your walking speed and factor in the elevation of the area to know how long the hike would take. And it’s also wise to know which among your hiking mates are the slowest.
Check the weather on the day of your hike then pack accordingly.
Head to the Beach
Be sure to tpick the right beach when you decide to go swimming this spring. What sort of experience would you want to have there? If you like lively crowds and water sports, then find the beaches that offer those.
For those who prefer quieter beaches, well, be sure to research first and find that sort of beach.
Always make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty when you decide to spend some time in a beach.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Purchasing from your local farmer gives you the opportunity to support agriculture in your area. You don’t just eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, you also become a helping hand in your local economy.
With safer foods and foods that are in season, you’re sure to have an interesting meal variety this spring.
You could also scour for a food festival near your area.
Get Clean and Organized
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Ladies Chest 1345-115: Spring means organizing stuff and doing some major cleanup.
Spring cleaning time. This is what spring is also famous for.
This is a season to rejuvenate so it’s time to get rid of the things that you no longer have any use for. ‘Time to put all your organizational skills to work. Decluttering is also hot, hot, hot these days so you might as well join the millions who have started to clean up their habitats.
Attend an Outdoor Film Showing
This began in New York City with a few other cities following as they hold outdoor productions and plays.
Check out the event listings in your area so you can plan your night out with family or friends.
Hold an Outdoor Party
Since it’s warmer out, it’s time to invite some friends over and have fun.
Organize an outdoor buffet of chips, veggies, salsa, and salads. Prep the cutlery by wrapping them in napkins or tying them with a pretty ribbon. Pick lightweight plates that your guests can eat on. Melamine dishes are a popular choice.
Don’t forget to create a table décor such as floating tea lights or some inexpensive lanterns. Lastly, make sure that everything is prepared before the big day such as the ice, beverages, and even the garbage bags.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor activities, spring activities, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Outdoors Style, Spring Season | Comments Off on 6 Fun Activities to Do This Spring
Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Power High-leg Recliner: Check the surface and underneath the fabrics of chairs. Be ready with your lint roller and gentle cleaning solutions.
The weather is yet to totally warm up but, hey, spring is here so this is your go-signal to open those windows and bring out the cleaning supplies out of the cabinet.
Yup. It’s that time of the year again. If you don’t even know where to begin, well, you’re not alone. A lot of people are prepping to do this activity lineup and most already have their to-do list on hand.
So, what spots have been neglected in the previous seasons? How do you think you can clean those up like a pro?
Deep Clean the Cabinets
Let’s face it, one of the things that a lot of homeowners fear facing are their kitchen cabinets. Over time, the buildup in there can get overwhelming more so if you do not run your exhaust hood over the range when cooking.
That exhaust hood is your best friend. Be sure to use it each time you cook so that grease won’t settle. If, however, you’re already facing this dilemma, then be sure to use cabinet cleaning solutions or a cream that will surely cut through the deep-seated grime.
The wood cabinet will even be moisturized when you use a gentle cream to clean it.
Deep Clean the Glass Windows
Don’t be contented with just wiping the windows and doors from the inside. Go outside and take the time to use a glass cleaner to remove all the smudges and spots that you often don’t have the time to clean.
Here’s another pro tip – wash the windows on a cloudy day so that the sun won’t instantly dry up the cleanser that you use.
Deep Clean the Granite
Here’s another task that you really must do this spring – sealing your countertops especially those made of granite. You should have done this right after the countertop was installed but if you have yet to do it, then this is the perfect time to.
You can then maintain by resealing the granite surface annually. Another way to take good care of your granite countertops is to wipe all stains and spills right after they happen. These accidental spills may not be serious to look at but, over time, they have their way of taking their toll on your countertop material.
Deep Clean the Wooden Floors
You might think that you’ve been dutifully mopping your wooden floors all-year-round so you’re good when it comes to floor cleanup. Unfortunately, this very chore, which you have been dutifully fulfilling, is the very thing that will destroy your beautiful flooring material.
Wooden floors can be cleaned once every 1-2 months. And since it’s spring, it’s time to deep clean them. Spot clean for the rest of the year.
Use wood protector on your floor this season. This is so you can avoid scratching. As for those lovely green plants, you can keep water damage at bay by having them placed on saucers or trivets.
Deep Clean the Bedding
Take a careful look at your bedding – is it still dressed up for winter?
It’s time for spring cleaning so have your pillows, comforter, sheets, pillowcases, and just about everything in your bedroom, washed and dried. Just be sure to read the manufacturers’ labels so that you won’t use cleaning solutions that are not meant for certain materials.
Deep Clean Stainless Steel
What is the whole point of having stainless steel kitchen stuff installed when they aren’t sparkling clean all the time?
There are specialty sprays meant for stainless steel surfaces. You can use any of these to leave the stainless steel surface grime-free. Don’t spray too much or you could also contribute to the messiness of the surface.
Deep Clean the Rest of Your Furnishings
Bring out that bottle of vinegar, lots of baking soda, sponges, brooms, and other cleaning materials to tackle the rest of your spring cleaning activity.
Be sure to clean the carpet, under the carpet, wipe down the chairs, and dusting off the rest of the knickknacks.
Tags: deep cleaning for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning tips, spring deep cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring (Deep) Cleaning 2019
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019
Redecorate your home this spring. Add these lovelyUttermost Accessories Spring Soldiers Bird Prints.
Do you ever see yourself cleaning your entire house during summer? But what could be more cumbersome than to work under the glaring heat of the summer sun? Imagine doing it in winter, though, and you know that mobility then becomes an issue. Fall is no better with its many fallen leaves. So, spring cleaning it is.
Welcome, Spring 2019. This is the season that you need to take advantage of in terms of getting all your cleaning projects done. And to make things a lot easier this season, here are some tips on how you can make the most of your cleaning time –
Clean the Windows
This may not be the most loved spring cleaning tasks of all but it does have its satisfying rewards. If you want to see sparkling clean windows this season, then just soak burp clothes into a bucketful of hot water. Mix two cups of vinegar into the water.
You can then use another burp cloth in drying the windows right after cleaning.
Here’s a pro tip – you don’t have to wait for spring just to clean your windows. For your family’s and your health as well as safety, you must make time in your calendar for window cleaning. This has to be done more than twice a year.
Remember that piling up your cleaning activities will only worsen the grime and dirt that you have dealt with. Plus, having the dirt pile up could have serious physical and mental health effects.
So what kind of health issues can you prevent if you’re able to regularly clean your windows?
First, there’s the respiratory issue. Pet dander and dust have their ways of triggering asthma attacks. This presents a significant issue especially among children in urban areas.
Environmental allergens can contribute to severe asthma attacks as can other triggers such as mildew, mold, animal droppings (e.g. mice, rats, and cockroaches), and dust.
Keep in mind to pay attention to your cleaning products, too, especially when you have family members with existing respiratory issues. A lot of products especially those with pine or citrus have VOCs or volatile organic compounds that can contribute to asthma attacks.
Pest-Proof Your Home
Spring is also a good time to pest-proof your habitat. Get rid of potential sources of food for rodents and bugs. Clean the china cabinet and the places where the food and dishware go.
Be sure to check for food debris and get rid of them immediately. Buy food containers that are sealed to make sure that your home becomes pest-proof.
You can also use vinegar and baking soda to get rid of tough stains in the oven. Just add a bit of water plus some effort on your part and you’ll have an oven that’ll look brand new.
Why, spring is also a great time to invite friends over and share your baked goodies.
Check for Water
Damp areas and water leaks are the breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Clean the damp areas with a diluted solution of bleach. Be sure to keep the room well ventilated so that you’ll be able to control the humidity and eventually discourage the recurrence of mold.
And since you just came from a season that’s cold and wet, better have your roofing and plumbing systems checked, too.
Clean the Indoor Stuff
Of course, don’t forget the stuff indoors such as the lampshades, fans, mattresses, the shower case, the grout lines in your bathroom tiles, etc.
There’s a whole plethora of spring cleaning duties to attend to so better be ready with your lint roller, wax paper, cleaning soaps, spray bottles, water, vacuum, squeegee, washer, baking soda, and be ready to harness the power of the sun.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring cleaning guidelines, spring cleaning tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring Cleaning 2019
Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Featured furniture pieces are from the Biltmore Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
Don’t you just love spring? This is your chance to draw the curtains and eventually open all of your windows. This is your chance to feel the breeze once more and to enjoy the streaming sunlight. So go ahead and let the fresh air in and start prepping for your spring cleaning 2018.
Here are the zones and things that you need to clean in the –
Foyer
It’s time to dust the lighting fixtures. They’ve been hard at work during winter so it’s time to clean them up. This is also the perfect time to wash the trim and walls. Clean also the knobs, doors, as well as the switch plates.
Dust the bench and other furnishings. If your seats come with cushions, then this is also the time to have them laundered.
Go and check the closets. The best way to tackle this is to empty it out. Sort the stuff you are ready to give or throw away.
Bedrooms
Right after opening the windows, it’s time to get down and dust the furniture especially the bed. Have the drawers cleaned out. Remove the items then place them back only once you’ve donated those that you no longer need and use.
Move the bed then sweep and vacuum beneath it. Check also the stuff that you store underneath your bed.
Have the curtains and bedding removed and replaced with fresh ones. Wash the duvet and pillows, too. Air out the mattress so you won’t have to worry about bed bugs.
Living Room
After letting in some breeze into the room, it’s time to vacuum the seats. Spot clean as much as possible. Dust all the shelves, decorative items, and furniture. Clean all the lamps, window sills, windows, and window screens.
Clean the electronic items as well and be sure to tidy up the wires. Spring is also the perfect time to sort your DVDs and music collections. Purge all the items that are no longer needed or wanted. Donate all the books and magazines that no longer suit anyone’s interest.
As for the toys, be sure to wash each of them with warm, soapy water. Rinse then allow to dry. As for the stuffed toys, have them dry cleaned. Again, donate those that your kids no longer play with.
Clean all the floors as well as the walls, trim, knobs, even the vent covers.
Dining Room
As for the dining room, you should take down and wash the curtains. Wipe the tables and chairs then dust every furnishing. If there are cushions or chair pads, be sure to clean those, too.
If you have time, polish the table then create a lovely spring vignette to welcome the upcoming season.
Shine the silverware and glassware.
Bathroom
Just like you did with all the other rooms, open the windows and empty all of the cabinets. Be sure to replace all the items that have been used or are expired. Wipe and clean the cabinets and vanities. Be sure to clean the bathtub and apply some wax if necessary.
Clean the shower drain as well as the drains on the sinks. Check the faucets and see if everything is working. Shine each one just as much as you clean and make the mirror shine.
Dust all the bathroom lighting fixtures. Reseal any grout lines that need a little retouching.
Kitchen
Just after opening the windows, remove and clean the window coverings. Check the drawers and cabinets then remove items that no longer have any use. Place any items back that you would still use.
Be sure to sharpen the knives and to clean and organize the rest of the cutlery. Clean also the stove top and remove any elements that just clutter the fridge and your freezer.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, preparing for spring cleaning, spring, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The 2018 Spring Cleaning Checklist
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
This dining room collection from Fine Furniture Design’s Brentwood is the finest that you could go to enjoy the beauty of spring outdoors.
Spring is not officially here until the 20th of March but this does not mean that you cannot get started on your spring activities. There are many house projects that are normally accomplished during spring so don’t make this year any different. It’s time to get started on spring cleaning.
Plan
It is best to make a list of all the projects that you will be tackling this upcoming spring. Whether your home would undergo some deep cleaning and decluttering or some bigger projects such as remodeling the kitchen, you always need to plan.
Have all your ideas plotted on paper and organize it into an idea checklist or guide throughout your spring cleaning and remodeling projects. Always tackle the most difficult ones first so that your task becomes easier as you go along.
Create an Inviting Bedroom
Restful and peaceful sleep only comes with an inviting and relaxing bedroom. So take the time to clear the clutter especially in this part of your home. Put some fresh sheets and give the entire room deep vacuuming. Don’t forget to clean the underside of your bed, too.
Bring in Houseplants
This is spring 2018 so it’s time to prep some greeneries that you can display all around your home. Pay the local nursery a visit and browse through their decorative plant collections. Pick up some potted plants and their plant foods then take them home, prepped and ready to be displayed this coming spring.
Check the Roof
It’s going to be okay to go out to check on the roof shingles soon. Be sure to examine those that were damaged or even lost during winter. If your home happens to have an older covering, then you might want to plan and create a budget for the replacement.
Remember that the summer sun is also a culprit for roof shingle damages so before you even reach the next season, check on any cracks or buckling. Even loose granules should be already be replaced. Find a qualified roofer to do the job.
Check the Gutters
The winter season brings with it many damages to properties. You might want to check on the drainage system and see if there are leaky or loose gutters. Prepare to do some repairs before the rains come and do more damage to your home.
See also if the downspouts have drained properly and that they are clear from any type of debris.
Find the Low Areas
See if there are some low areas right in your yard. These are those areas that are sometimes found right next to the foundation which can lead to flooding and damage. These tend to create water pools and in the summer, these could easily become the breeding ground for many kinds of insects.
Check the Chimney
There are ways to check whether your chimney was damaged during winter. Don’t underestimate leaks. Instead, think of these as signs that your chimney might need a repair specialist soon.
Water leaks are the absolute worst enemy of any chimney and the coldest winters can bring about freezing temperatures that can ultimately produce these problems.
Other telltale signs of chimney damage are missing bricks or mortar, discolored bricks, rust-colored stains on bricks, and damp odors.
The chimney parts that are more difficult to check are the chimney cap and the damper. These are situated at the topmost part of the chimney. Have them checked by an expert so that you won’t run the risk of wasting energy in the next months.
Move the Firewood
It’s going to be a lot warmer soon so it’s time to move the firewood that are stored near your home. Have them placed in a shed that is at least 18 inches off the ground.
Check These Also
Tags: checklist for spring cleaning, getting ready for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, spring, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring preparation, spring projects
Posted in 2018 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Spring Season | Comments Off on Prepping for Spring 2018
Thursday, April 6th, 2017
The Cynthia Rowley furniture collection features the most amazing pieces that are suitable to the fresh, crisp look of spring.
Okay, we’re onto this Spring series for 2017. After the deep cleaning and prepping blogs, now it’s time to create a checklist that won’t let you forget your to-do list.
This spring checklist will help you make your home come to life. Pick some tasks that you can take on from planting to porch swings and interior parts.
An Enhanced Front Door
The front door is your home’s welcoming tool. This is the focal point outdoors as people take one look at it and get to judge what they might see inside. Seeing a red door, for instance, could give the impression that you are a friendly host.
Apart from red, you can also use any rich hue to paint the front door. You can also hang a handmade craft or spring wreath to spice up the door’s look.
Dress Up the Fence
Keep in mind that the curb appeal should begin at the curb. Instead of planting within the borders of the fence or your stone walls, plant spring bulbs and perennials outside, too. This extra foliage layer and color both offer a sense of depth. This makes your front yard appear larger.
If you have not installed a fence, then plant perennials between the sidewalk and the curb. This will give a similar effect.
Visible House Number
Take a quick tour across the street and view your house number from a distance. If you are having a hard time seeing your house number then it’s time to replace it. The font must be clear to read even from a distance.
Place the house number where it won’t be blocked by porch railing, trees, or any other visual impediment. The most ideal place is beneath the porch lamp or the landscape light. This is so the number can still be illuminated even during the evening.
Group Flowers on the Porch
These are the easiest to add to make your home more beautiful. Cluster about three pots of flowers on your front porch. Fill them with the most luscious spring flowers to emphasize the beauty of the season.
Tend the Garden
If you happen to be blessed with a house that has a lawn, then make the most out of this feature. Reseed, add sod, and put mulch on flower beds. This will retain the moisture of your soil as you give the flower beds a more finished look.
If you happen to have a deep front yard, then consider setting up a hangout zone. Place a bench in the most comfortable spot that you can find, preferably beside a fire pit. This will instantly become the gathering spot for your family members.
Even the simplest garden bench is a beautiful addition to any front or back yard.
Check the Roofing
Another crucial thing that you need to check this spring is the condition of your roof especially when you live in areas that are plagued by snow during winter. See if a professional can take a better look. If you find shingle edges or bits that are crumbling, then it’s time for the pros to step in.
Ask for an estimate from three professionals before you hire the best one. Check also their references and past projects so you can compare.
Clean the Windows
Clean up the siding by washing off the dirt, cobwebs and road salt. For deeper dirt, be sure to use power washer or your regular hose but with a washing attachment for windows. Remember to clean also the inside parts of the windows.
Clean till the windows sparkle.
Check the Driveway and Garage
These areas take up a lot of wear and tear. These can help with the curb appeal, though, so make sure that they do not take on serious problems. A coat of paint ever year will freshen up these parts; add some sconce lighting and flower boxes to complete the curb appeal.
Tags: checklist for spring cleaning, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring checklist, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The Spring Checklist for 2017
Monday, April 3rd, 2017
Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Bedroom Door Chest 6020-2210: Clean through your closets by removing the clothes first and replacing them only after you have amply vacuumed and wiped each shelf.
Have you noticed how the sun has lovingly peeked in the last weeks? The coldness of winter has given way to the fresh blossoms of the season and it’s time for that ritual once again – spring cleaning. But would you go through it like it’s just another one of those cleaning projects in the past? It’s time to go beyond the usual vacuuming and mopping and for you to consider deep cleaning this spring.
Lamps and Other Lighting Fixtures
Table lamps, fans, lighting fixtures can all accumulate a great amount of dust over time. This can make the colors of these accessories duller, eventually, blocking the light.
Get those lighting fixtures gleaming once again. Use a soft microfiber duster or cloth.
Handles, Knobs and Doors
It can only take a few minutes for you to take a tour around the house and take a quick look at the often unnoticed door handles and knobs. Use a cleaning product of your choice to clean up these small door parts.
Give your front door its much-needed extra love by giving it some deep cleaning. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean up.
To dry, use a soft cloth.
Scuffs and Dings
Take a look at the walls of your home. Do you see those prominent scuffs and dings? Use a damp, soft cloth and wipe it into a dish soap. Wipe off the scuff marks with a product like Magic Eraser. As for those dings, use some paint for touch up.
Window Frames
The baseboards are likelier to catch your attention than the tops of window frames, right? So, this spring, be different by taking a look at the higher spots. Take out the stepladder then carefully wipe away the dust that has long accumulated up there.
Don’t forget to include the upper moldings.
Bookshelves
Books and knickknacks that are stored in shelves tend to accumulate dirt, too. Do this task one shelf after the other. Remove the objects first, then carefully dust the shelves before you return any of the books or other items. This is also the perfect time to check out some books that you might want to donate or store in the attic.
Uttermost Floor Coverings Zagora 5 X 8 Jute Rug – Beige 71062-5: Clean up underneath by thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping.
Underneath Furnishings
Try moving the furniture aside, you are sure to find a good amount of dust there, too. Roll up the rugs as well as the rug pads then vacuum everything underneath. This sure is a lot of work but once you see what’s down there, you will surely be itching to do it right away.
Upholstered furniture also tends to gather a lot of dust. Look under those cushions and you will see a lot of dust and other dirt. Rotate your sofa cushions to prevent early wear and tear. Be sure to vacuum before putting back the cushions.
Small Appliances, Oven and Range Hood
Go ahead and clean up the microwave, blender, toaster, mixer and coffee maker. Cleaning these up don’t take too long. After dusting and wiping them, you would surely appreciate the gleam that they can contribute to the overall look of the kitchen.
A bigger task to look into is the oven. To clean this, you will need a paste of baking soda made by mixing some water with the powder. Apply and leave the paste overnight. You can wipe off the paste the following day.
Dust and grease accumulate on your range hood. Use a step stool to make sure that you’re doing an effective cleanup. Use warm, soapy water to remove the gunk.
Grout
Grout is that yucky, light-colored thing that you often see on bathroom tiles. You can clean this up with the use of oxygenated bleach. No less than Martha Stewart advised that you can also resort to grout sealing and a weekly regimen of gentle scrubbing using a grout brush and some pH cleaning products.
Tags: deep cleaning for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring 2017 cleaning, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Deep Cleaning for Spring 2017
Friday, March 31st, 2017
Adding greens inside this bedroom provided the visual pop. Featured is the Harrison Upholstered Queen Bed from the Portfolio Collection of FFDM.
The winter season was bleak in some regions this year. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that these regions, along with many other places greet spring with such great pleasure. If you’re done with spring cleaning, you might want to consider some makeover ideas that will change the look of your home for this season –
Spring Color Makeover
It’s time to say goodbye to the deeper hues of winter and to begin embracing the lighter and more fun palette of spring. Take down those heavy window coverings and replace them with blinds or sheer curtains.
This is also the perfect moment to consider painting the walls with the hottest colors for the year – choose from pale aqua, crisp white, emerald green or invest in pastels for the season.
Let Spring Air In
After you’ve spent months being shut indoors, it’s time to turn the heater off and to bring some fresh air inside. You are sure to feel the difference of the stale air and the one that will be flowing through your home soon.
To add to the freshness of the indoor air, you can plant a few fresh herbs in pots. You can then display these small pots right by the kitchen window where you can catch a whiff of the herbs when you’re cooking.
If the kitchen window sills aren’t wide enough, consider installing rail with S hooks that can eventually hold small pots.
Clean the Windows
Another way to let more freshness in is to let in more light. Clean the windows (inside and out). Begin by spraying multi-purpose cleaner to the frames, hardware and the sill. Wipe the areas clean using microfiber cloth.
If there are existing decals, be sure to use mayonnaise to remove them, then use a regular credit or debit card to scrape them off.
As for the inside part of the window, be sure to spray with glass cleaner from top to bottom. If you want a homemade cleaner, then mix equal parts of vinegar with water.
Be sure to clean your windows during cloudy days so that you won’t create glass streaks.
A fusion of natural and ambient lighting made this room more chic. Featured is the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Auberose 52in Round Pedestal Table.
Clean Up Kitchen Counters
Cooking becomes a lot easier when you free up ample counter space for you to work on. It might have escaped your attention but stuff might have accumulated on the counter over the winter months. Now that it’s spring, it’s time to store the bags of coffee, the uneaten bananas, even the small appliances that have not been used for the longest time.
Wipe down and clear off the kitchen counters. Place only the items there that you use regularly.
Roll Away the Rugs
If you used a lot of area rugs during winter, then it’s time to roll them up and consider having bare floors during spring. Treat your toes to a cooler flooring this spring by removing your thick socks and storing away those woolen carpets for now.
Bring Nature In
Spring blossoms are a wonderful addition to your home. Get a cylindrical glass vase and display those colorful branches. Using really tall branches allows you to have the decorative element sit on the floor.
For another natural look, you can also snip some greenery and have them brought indoors. Spot some green foliage, snip it, put it in a mason jar, add tree leaves, then display your fresh arrangement in your hallway, living room or the dining room.
More on blossoms, you can also put in a pot, the most colorful bulbs of the season – daffodils, tulips and other blooming bulbs are great decorative elements to add this spring. Add some fountain to these colorful flowers and you have the most enviable space in your neighborhood this season.
Tags: decorating for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, spring cleaning, spring decorating, spring interiors
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Spring Season | Comments Off on Heralding Spring 2017
Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
The Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Fleur de Glee Bench is a perfect addition to your bedroom this spring.
For those of you who have a hard time getting rid of stuff, it might be time to do a little thinking. It is, after all, spring once again, so this is the perfect time to get involved in the so-called spring cleaning rituals.
Spring cleaning isn’t all about tidying up by storing sweaters under your bed or boxing up your donation piles. This means a lot more than these activities. First, you have to take the time to really sort through your stuff and to make sure that all unused items are stored away or donated. Make sure that the dust is cleared and the windows are washed, the countertops are sparkling once again, and the refrigerator contents are fresh.
Spring cleaning means having an effective strategy. You must formulate a plan that will keep the stress to a bare minimum and set up a cleaning system that actually works.
Declutter and Label
This is the first thing that you need to physically work on. Find out what needs to be swept, dusted or taken to the dry cleaners. Label the stuff that you will store, throw, and keep. After you have marked each bag or box, you can then give away, rehang, or store the stuff that you labeled.
Create a Cleaning Kit
Buy the right cleaning supplies. The basic things that you need are the following –
Store the most used supplies in a single container such as a basket or a shower caddy. This is so you can carry them around as you clean your home.
Invest in a vacuum cleaner. It pays to spend more on this piece of cleaning equipment because it can help you a lot. Find one that has 200 (or more) air watts. This will provide ample suction so it can provide a deeper clean.
Uttermost Accessories Abella Ceramic Flowers, S/3 04100
One Room to the Next
Trying to do everything at once isn’t the way to go. You would end up feeling stressed and when this happens, you might not be able to finish your task.
It is best to tackle one room at a time. You could begin in the bedroom where there is less clutter then go on to the living room the following day, then to the kitchen.
Every Nook and Cranny
Even when you sweep and vacuum regularly, you will find out that there are tricky spots to clean around the house. These are those spaces that you either tend to overlook or simply postpone cleaning. For those crevices that need some cleaning, use an old toothbrush and dip it in some vinegar. This can be used to clean behind the toilet and on the window tracks.
As soon as you have vacuumed the floor, use the nozzle to reach under the couch cushions; and make sure that you just don’t dust around furniture and accessories. Remove extra items so that you can clean the surface as well as the areas underneath.
Remember those antibacterial wipes or solution? Now use that to wipe the TV remote control so that bacteria won’t spread through that oft-used item in your home.
Clean Up the Fridge
Yes, a huge part of spring cleaning is to diligently throw away expired food and drinks from the fridge. There are also piles of condiments there – do check inside those bins – and be sure to toss out other stuff that have already expired.
Check also the freezer leftovers. Bring every bottle and canister out, then be sure to wipe their lids and bottoms before you store them once again.
Organize by putting the condiments on the door as this is the least cold area. The bottom drawers must hold the fruits and veggies while the middle shelf (the coldest part of the refrigerator) should be the place for perishable goods.
Bring Life to Your Home
Lastly, now that you’re done with your spring cleaning, buy fresh flowers or new potted plants and display them prominently in your home.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring 2017, spring 2017 cleaning, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring 2017 Cleaning
Sunday, March 20th, 2016
A home office such as this is a neat freak’s haven. Furniture set comes from the Brookhaven Collection of Hooker Furniture.
Has someone ever noticed that you arrange your books by color inside your shelves? They laugh at how organized you are but you have a deeper secret – they’re also arranged according to genre. You belong to the type of people who want to run their homes as they would a military – everything has to be in order or your day just wouldn’t be the same. Yet there is just so much clutter that can make even the tidiest homes, well, untidy. If you want to make a sense out of the messy world that the rest of the population lives in, here are some storage tips for all you neat freaks –
Every Little Thing Can Be Cleaned Up
To have a sense of fulfillment at the beginning of your day, you can start by making your bed. This simple act of plumping the pillows, putting them back near the headboard and carefully folding the blanket and bed sheet, can make a huge difference in jump starting your day.
Now take a look at the bottles and jars inside the cupboard and see if some of them have long been empty.
While for some it is true that out of sight is out of mind, in your case, it may not necessarily be true. A true blue neat freak knows that there is always something to clean up. This philosophy simply won’t apply to you at all. Even that cupboard door that keeps the clutter from spilling over is simply not tidy till it’s been emptied.
Imagine all the stuff that you can store in this wooden drawer. Featured furniture is from FFDM’s Vintage Classics.
Organizing Your Stuff
If some people are happy collecting stamps, the neat freak is happiest when she sees that her home neat and well-organized. Check the drawers in her home and you would immediately notice how stuff are color-coded and folded neatly.
A tidy wardrobe is also a stress reducer for neat freaks but this can also be a positive thing that others should follow. You can decrease the amount of time that you dress up if you have a well-organized closet to begin with. You get to save time because you also know where to look for a specific outfit.
The neat freak does not automatically classify stuff as clutter. In fact, she can also share her collections by displaying them. What matters to her is that they are all organized.
A Neat Freak’s Best Friend
If there are girls that collect bottles of different perfumes and you see them arranged on their vanity tables, then the neat freak also has her own products to stack. While she also knows the value of beauty, to her, it is a lot more than looking and smelling great. Cleaning products are a lot more important – especially disinfectants – as they can make homes free from dirt.
Another best friend?
Any storage unit such as a shelf, closet or drawer.
The Neat Freak’s Enemy
That family member who is a perennial bringer of chaos need not become your enemy. These minds, though they have wallowed in mess for so many years can still be educated. Tidying can be instilled especially among youngsters. Tell them that you will feel most comfortable in a place that is organized.
Be open; try to make every family member understand.
What If They Don’t Understand?
Untidy minds can be a bit difficult to educate and, sometimes, even your best efforts might not pay off. What you can do so far is just to lead by example. It could get upsetting if your tidy world is suddenly turned upside down by both human and animal activity. When this happens, just shrug it off, chant your little mantra, and just show everyone that you are tidying up.
Even the most committed neat freaks can become weak at some point. Let these inconsistencies remind you that it’s okay to break the rules of tidiness at times. After all, little Ms. Neat Freak, you’re still human.
Tags: decluttering, decluttering advice, decluttering system, decluttering techniques, drawers, home organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring duties, storage, storage advice, storage planning, storage systems, storage techniques
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | No Comments »
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