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A fresh take

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day, and so begins (for millions of us) a resolve to lose those extra pounds, learn a new hobby, or visit a new exotic location. For the ambitious, it's all three!  In these resolutions we make, that usually never come to fruition, we should also consider a new look…for our home. I’m not sure how much any of you think about changing and starting fresh with your homes, but it is important and as easy as you want it to be!

 

In my last article I listed several ways to go about de-Christmasing, and like that there are several ways to freshen up your house for winter. The first is the easiest: open a window…or all of them if possible. Fresh air does some amazing things. It lightens a room, and usually our mood with it, and will help get rid of the stale, dry air that is a trademark of winter interiors. Granted, today is a bit cooler than the glorious day we had yesterday, but that’s no excuse! If you open a window, or two, you and your home will feel better. If you’re concerned about wasting heat, then turn it off for an hour or so. The insulation in your home should be able to handle it. 

 

Another simple freshening solution is to vacuum. It’s a necessary solution too! For those of you who used live Christmas trees vacuuming up the needles probably doesn’t top your list of fun things to do, but you can’t deny that the smell from them is fabulous! No, I’m not suggesting that you buy a tree so you can enjoy the smell of vacuumed needles. Alas, there is an easier way. All it takes are a few sprays of Frebreeze on your carpet before you vacuum.  If you need to do some spot cleaning first, dampen the spot with a little water then sprinkle generously with baking soda. You’ll need to wait about 15-30 minutes for the baking soda to loosen the stain, but that tactic works well for most spills. For a greener approach over all, nix the Frebreeze and go with baking soda all over. It will freshens just as well, and you won’t run the risk of overpowering your space with fragrance!

 

Those are two very simple and easy quick freshness tips. (Look for creative, detailed tips on Friday!)  As you’re evaluating your home, think about larger scale updating as well. Please don’t do anything that you can’t afford, and choose your vendors wisely, but now could be the best time to get that remodel you’ve been wanting done.  

For more info: Please contact me at amandajmays@gmail.com for questions of if you'e like me to cover a specific topic!