Carpet Deep-Cleaning Plan

Since our rented apartment home is not that big and only our temporary home, my husband said that it is not wise enough to buy a deep-cleaner for our carpet. So I have to take care of it like a baby. But since I have a terrible-two years old toddler, it is expected that it will dirty compared before. And I don't like the idea of being it stained for long, yep, especially that I have a heart baby.

And off I go thinking of having this cleaned as soon as possible. I just have to find a good deal to have this taken cared of. It will also be Christmas soon, so it is best to have it done.

Good luck to me of when it will be and finding a deal. :-) After all, it is what the best to do. Have a great day! ~hugs~

Keeping Your Kitchen Rodents Free

Among all the places in the house, the kitchen should be one of the cleanest. This where we are going to
prepare our food which we are going to ingest every day. This place should be free from rodents, insects
and a lot more disgusting animals that might carry germs and other toxic substances. Even ants can
spread diseases because you’ll never know where they set their feet on.

In order to keep these creatures away from your precious kitchen, you should know how to store your
food. If you have a fridge, keep them inside. It is the place wherein you can be assured it is sealed.
Also, after using your utensils, see to it that you were able to clean it thoroughly. These creatures have strong
sense of smell and if they could sense that there are still food particles in your utensils, they would
immediately inform their clan to attack and grab it.

A House is a Home

A home is a house where you are comfortable living. 

Nowadays we can see people sleeping in the streets because they don’t have home. How lucky those who have their own home. A home where we can sleep, can relax and can make our own move . We have different perspective on what home we really mean to say. For me there is more wide meaning on it, when you got married and you don’t have your own home yet, one tradition in other countries like in my birth country, in this situation is you will be with the parents of either in the side of the husband or wife, where in you will going to deal with your in laws, a new home where a lot of adjustment must take.

A new home where to start the new chapter of your life. This is a place where you can mold yourself into a responsible husband/wife or even if you are in your single days then this will be more challenging. Decorating and checking on every angle of your home surely feel so relaxing, isn't it?

Unclog a Stubborn Sink by Cleaning the Sink Trap

Usually it is the housewife can notice first if the sink is clog because she’s the one who uses the sink most of the time. So, how what would you do if the water can’t drain fast because of the clog sink. Anyway, here’s a simple and yet effective solution to unclog a sink.
 
The problem usually lies in the trap, the curved pipe under the sink. If plunging doesn’t work, it is time to clean the trap. No one looks forward to this job, but it is not something to avoid like the plague. If you want to avoid germs and guck, however, pull on a pair of rubber gloves, and put a bucket under the trap before you start. Grip one of the slip nuts (the nuts that connect the pipe to the trap) with slip-joint fliers and turn counterclockwise until the nut is loose. Repeat with the slip nut at the other end of the trap. If your pipes are chrome or copper, slide the slip nuts down the pipe and remove washers. If the pipes are PVC, remove the slip nuts and the washers. Pull the trap loose and empty it into the bucket. You may have to use a stiff wire to pull out the clog. Wash the trap naturally, and reverse the process to replace it. Run some water to refill the trap. So, that’s the simple way to unclog a sink.

House Hunting

When you begin house hunting, take the time to find out as much as you can about the areas you are interested in, unless you are only investing it not as your own home soon. Nearly every city places has neighborhoods on the upward swing that promise increased home values in the near future. Here are some signs of a growing neighborhood:

• An increasing number of homes are being sold to people from other areas of the city or from out of town.
• New and existing homeowners in the neighborhood are investing in home remodeling and renovations.
• The majority of homes are owner-occupied, not rented. The neighborhood has an active community association.
• Transportation projects such as new roads, bridges, mass transit are under way to improve access to the area.

Don’t rely solely on the commute times given by neighbors you talk to on the street or the owners of particular home you are looking at. Make the actual commute from the neighborhood to your place of work, and back again during rush hour to find out how long it is really going to take.

Organizing Cleaning Materials

If everything is kept organize, it will be easier for you to work and you won’t waste time looking for something when you need it. This is so true, but there were times that I just put things on the wrong place especially if I have to run for my daughter. The good thing is we are living in the first floor in the apartment complex we live in. But if you are living in a two- or three-storey house, or should I say in the 2nd or in the higher floors of an apartment complex, it might be worth if you have these important things on every floor such as vacuum cleaners (or put it in the floor where you gonna used it often so that you can have them on the same floor whenever you want to use it, unless if you will going get it when your child is sleeping, the con is --- it would take more effort and time for you.

Also, it is good if all cleaning equipment and supplies in or near the bathroom, and it should be cleaned and dry as possible, so it is ready for the next use. Be sure that any enclosure where cleaning materials are stored has ventilation holes in the door to allow volatile materials to evaporate from cloths, sponges, and mops. Hang them to prevent premature wear, molds and deformation that result in loss of usefulness.

Store Your Clothes Carefully

I am a mom to my only child and a wife to my only husband. :) It is my responsibility to take care of them as much as I could. And since I stayed at home 24/7 a week, it is also my responsibility to take care of the house such as cleaning, cooking, and helping my husband to save money by minimizing my shopping expenses, taking proper care of our clothes, and more. Yes, I am a housekeeper and a homemaker.

Anyway, I have few suggestions on how to take care of your clothes properly. First, if you are using mothballs keep them in loosely fastened cloth bags so the chemicals in them do not damage your clothes. Second, store clothes in a dark area that is protected from temperature extremes. Choose a closet or chest, not an attic or basement. When you use wooden hangers, make sure your clothes do not touch the wood because it contains oils that can stain the fabric.

Countertops Cleaning

A quick wipe with a damp cloth or with a cloth containing a mild solution of hand dishwashing liquid will take care of most spills on laminated countertops. Be sure to remove any puddles immediately, to avoid warping. I never used an abrasive cleaner on a plastic-laminate surface, but for more difficult stains, the husband will take care of it. J

For stubborn spots like newsprint ink, I used undiluted liquid household bleach, and I make sure that I follow the label instructions for proper use. I let the bleach stand for no more than one and half minutes, and then I rinsed it thoroughly with warm water.

How about you, how do you clean your countertops? Do you know how to prevent damages to the countertop finish? Honestly, it is very simple. Just read the label instruction on any brand of the liquid bleach and your countertops will be saved.

Floor Cleaning

It is important to have a regular floor-care schedule, but I couldn’t do it regularly for I have a little baby that needs my attention most of the time. I could only work a little when Sarah is sleeping, or when she has lots of activities inside the crib.

Floors that are heavily trafficked will require more frequent maintenance than floors that get less use. I am just lucky that there are only two pairs of adult feet, and one pair of baby’s feet walking around the house. So, cleaning the floor is not really a hard job for me.

And besides, when Sarah spilled her food on the floor such as milk, baby cereals, juices, and even water, I cleaned it right away to avoid stain or spot on the floor. Anyway, my husband is my best partner. He also take care of Sarah while I clean our floor when he is at home.

Beach House

Becoming a champion for the Earth doesn’t have to take you out to the streets. In fact, you can start right inside your home. There is no better reason but why not try to improve your carbon footprint right now. Living in a beautiful beach house has become more popular than ever, thanks to real estate pacific palisades for helping the people to look for beautiful homes near the beaches. And if you thought that buying a vacation home such as condo, apartment, or buying a permanent residence near the beach is not an ideal place to live, then you are absolutely wrong.

You would be happy to discover that you can add green features to your home even if your home is located on the beach line. Plant trees, shrubs, bushes and vines to create a cooler environment around your home. Aside from the fresh air you get from the ocean, you also naturally shade and insulate your home from the heat, thus cutting cost from air-conditioning especially during the summer months. Don’t think that plants are the only ones that will benefit from sunshine. Making use of natural light is also a good way for you to enjoy the outdoors like hanging around the beach while you minimize electric consumption. I believe, buying a home near the beach is peaceful and relaxing.

All-Purpose Cleaners

A good all-purpose liquid cleaner should be able to handle a variety of chores but may not be really useful for all purposes. Most, for example, lack the special qualities required to clean windows and ovens or remove mildew. But all-purpose cleaners are versatile enough for mopping, washing, and spot-cleaning hard surfaces such as walls, floors, appliances, kitchen cabinets, and countertops. All purpose cleaners are often the type of product needed when water won’t do.

I don’t know about you, but I always used liquid all-purpose cleaner for it has stronger formulations and do better overall spot cleaning than spray cleaners. The top liquid all-purpose cleaners often contain oil, (dunno the exact name of this kind of oil), and according to Michael V., a singer, actor and a product endorser in my country, this oil is an effective ingredient for cleaning, plus the scent added to the ingredients make the impression of cleanliness.

Wood Furniture

Our neighbor back in my birth country has a furniture business. I learned a lot from him on how to take care of your wood furniture. He said keeping wood furniture clean should require a minimum amount of care, asserting that the oil or lacquer finish normally used on furniture protects the wood by sealing. He added that he original finish itself needs a protective layer, like using a wax, and it should be renewed periodically. The wax was supposed to feed the wood and help protect it. He mentioned to me which wax is good for wood, but I am here in the US of A now, and I haven’t seen that product here.

Anyway, there are several wax products at the local store, and all of them claimed that they have the best wax, or the best paste wax for wood furniture. I have tried some of them, and it wasn't bad anyway. Some were shiny after applying, and some were not. So, I just remembered which one has a shiny effect.

Attractive Pendant Lighting

During the olden times, when beautiful lighting is not yet existed, most homes used only an ordinary light to light their homes at night. In this day and age, of technological advancements, beautiful and well-designed lightings could be found either online or at the local store in your place.

Brought about by the needs of modern individuals, lighting manufacturers never stopped producing more beautiful and elegant lighting design. Just like this quoizel pendant lighting that I have found online, it is so beautiful, and it will certainly make your home more attractive if you have this hanging to your living room, patio or wherever you like.

I found it at Valley Lighting and Home Décor. For some that they have been looking for lighting, they might like to consider checking it. Aside from lighting, you could also find beautiful ornaments for the Christmas holiday. For home decorating ideas, you could also find high-quality antique design that is perfect for your style, rugs that could add life to your beautiful floor regardless of the floor types, and more. Valley Lighting and Home Décor is all you need when you shop for lighting and home décor.

Enjoy shopping then! :)

Home Decorations and Furniture

Decorations and accessories such as frames, curtains, furniture, fresh flowers, and potted live plants make a house pleasant and attractive. A home should be decorated to beautify your surroundings and to reflect your personality and lifestyle. A room becomes more interesting when it has different kinds of flowers in a variety of forms, shapes and textures. Flowers make our homes look fresh and colorful. They add life cheer and brightness to the surroundings. Flower arrangement is also a form of expression to our ideas and feelings.
 
Pieces of furniture and home appliances are furnishings that make the house more attractive and presentable. As a wise buyer, you should consider the following when choosing furniture:

• Buy furniture according to your budget.
• It could be used for a long period of time.
• It must be appropriate to the room.
• It is comfortable and suited to your lifestyle, and
• It has attractive total concept design.

Overcleaning

There are people take their desire for cleanliness too far and actually damage their homes. Over cleaning can often lead to shorten the life of components. Scrubbing sinks and tubs with abrasive cleaners, is a sure way to wear off the finish. It would be better if you head to a plumbing store or a well-stocked home-improvement store for a bathroom fixture coating that could protect the life of your fiberglass and ceramic surfaces.

Water spots can be easily removed with a soft cloth, so no need to scrub it with rough scrub. Over cleaning of your carpets like steam cleaning more than twice a year definitely damage the carpet. If doesn’t provide enough cleaning for you, consider putting inexpensive throw rugs over high-traffic areas. In addition, when replacing a carpet, it would be good if you could find a high-quality padding underneath, for it helps to enhance the life of the carpet.

Animal Print Design Bedding

When choosing a mattress for your bed, choose the ones that are made of a unique material that conforms to the shape of your body, rather than the other way around. Choose the soft, but firm for more comfortable feeling. A mattress that will let your body find its most comfortable position and support it there, giving you a feeling of complete weightlessness and the best night’s sleep possible. However, to enable your mattress will have a long-lasting life, you should cover it with bedding. It could help your mattresses to lengthen the color of the mattress, and it also gives a pleasant view if you cover it with beautiful bedding designs.

When it comes to a bedding design, animal print bedding is really attractive to me. I actually like to have
animal print bedding sets to which I ought to have one day soon. I am planning to buy one set this coming Christmas holiday as a gift for myself. I think the husband would have a big smile on his face if I will going to have animal print design for our bedding. He likes animal print, and even to our other stuffs in the house. He prefers animal designs such as zebras and horse designs. Anyway, visiting the link that I have provided would guide you to a site where you could find great animal print designs.

New Faucet and Clean Washing Room

I had been dreading in going to the washing room in the past months because it was crowded with some cob webs and dusts. There was even one time that I brought a broom and dust pan even if I was pregnant (yes, during my pregnancy period, tummy was about to erupt) that time because I can't stand doing laundry with such dusts and such which in fact, I can do something about it without telling the management. And so I did without any hesitation because that is for my own good as well as the people/renters in the apartment complex. I think nobody tried to do so because it is not their concern. Ooh well, it is already my concern because I can't stand with such. After all, I am one of the residents here. I am not complaining okay.

About two weeks ago, there's a maintenance (to which we were informed by letter) in the parking lot and I am so glad that the laundry room was one of the target of the management. Hooray! The laundry room is as well clean as the parking lot. Yehey! And to add, the faucet inside the laundry room, is now also working (before, it's only the faucet outside the laundry room which is so awkward to use because it's in the floor, it can only be used when there's a basin (or alike), in short, just to get a water  but not to wash a rug or so). And I can't be so happier. :) Hooray, isn't it? Smile. :)

Household Chores Schedule

Time can be managed properly by scheduling household chores and activities wisely. Prepare a household chores schedule to avoid misunderstandings and delay in doing the household tasks. Making a simple daily time and house chores schedule chart would be a great idea. The schedule of household chores can be done in different ways.

You can do light cleaning daily and heavy cleaning during weekends for the different parts of the house. For example, Saturday is cleaning for the kitchen, Sunday for the living room, and so on. Having a schedule of household chores will help the family see what has to be done and when. It also serves as a guide to see how things are going on and whether changes are needed. I have been doing this since I was single, although there were times that I couldn't follow some schedule due to an expected circumstance or the lazy bug attack on me.

What I like Most About My Home

Whenever we have family problems we discuss it openly and argue and debate on possible solutions. We do this a lot when we search for reasons. For example, whenever I do something off-beat, my husband would call my attention. And we would be into intense discussion, sometimes pushing us on the verge of quarreling with each other. In the end, though, we would come up with a consensus. The best solution, whoever suggested it, we would adapt.

I enjoy this setup. And I think my husband does too. Sometimes, when the husband came home from work, I told him that I missed him while he was gone for the whole day. The husband would answer me teasingly that I miss him including our good arguments. :-) It is a healthy discussion, you know. Aside from the give and take, I enjoy the simplicity of our way of life. I couldn’t ask for more. We are satisfied with whatever we have.

Bathroom Makeover

Having a cozy bathroom is what everybody need. Fancy one is another thing to which it is better. Who don't need the latter? :-)

I have mentioned from my other blog that we need to make some makeover of our bathroom. Since we are going to have, it is better to have a fancy one. We will going to consult the apartment complex manager. I think it is not a big deal because we are going to shoulder most of the expenses.  We have been saving money for this project. And since we are planning for a big and fancy renovation, we then think of a fancy bathroom fixtures, which is not a problem. Speaking of its fixtures, I like the type of fixtures which are neat and easy to clean. Anyway, aside from bathroom fixtures and accessories, I also plan to renovate our kitchen faucet and sink so more savings then. :-) For sure, it is worth it. :-)