Top 10 Spring Cleaning Tips

Like it or not, it’s time to think about spring cleaning. Unless you’re one of those annoying, compulsive year round cleaners, this once-a-year task can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be if you break the entire job into smaller, “do-able” tasks that can be completed separately and over the course of a week or two.

1. Go from top to bottom: Always start at the top and work your way down. Start on the upper level of your home. Also, start at the top of a bookshelf and work your way down. The final step should be to clean floors or rugs.
2. Take one room at a time: Do not attempt to clean the entire house at one time. This will save your sanity, and ensure that the job gets done at your own pace.
3. Declutter: Divide unwanted items into piles of things you’ll give away, sell, trash or keep. Cleaning is an easier when you don’t have to navigate around piles of junk.
4. Hard-to-reach places: Whether you have hardwood floors or carpeting, move all furniture and give the hard-to-reach places behind and beneath the furniture a good cleaning.
5. Under the refrigerator: Use an automobile snow brush to get crumbs and dust under the fridge.
6. Window washing: Wash windows horizontally on the inside and vertically on the outside. If they streak, you’ll know which side to redo.
7. Musty odors: Put unwrapped soap bars or fabric softener sheets in drawers, suitcases and storage boxes to get rid of musty and stale odors.
8. Pillows: Freshen pillows by putting them in the dryer on a low setting for about ten minutes.
9. Store away winter clothes: Blankets, sweaters and jackets can be bulky and take up a great deal of storage space. Use a compression storage bag and vacuum out the air. By utilizing these handy dandy storage bags, you’ll free up a considerable amount of storage space.
10. Be happy. Nobody really likes spring cleaning, but it's a necessary evil. Why not make the most of it by turning on some "happy" music to remain upbeat? Think about the fun things you will do once your chore is completed.

Top 10 Gifts for Busy Moms

When it comes time to choose a birthday or anniversary gift for that busy mom on your list, choose one of the below gifts to earn Brownie points. Not only will she appreciate the thought that went into it, she’ll also appreciate the time it saves her.

1. Portable Jewelry Cases by Keli’s Kreations: When traveling, it’s incredibly time-consuming and frustrating to untangle necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The Dive Deluxe, Diva Lite and Diva Petite ensure that her jewelry arrives just as she packed it: organized and untangled. This is a great accessory for moms who travel frequently, or jewelry divas who can’t leave home without their accessories.
2. A Homemade Coupon Book - I have made these for both my husband and children, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. You can make one on your computer, or even handwrite one. Good ideas for coupons include: One Full Day of Total Control of the Remote, Three Uninterrupted Hours of Reading Time, One Full Day of No Whining, One Free Foot Massage, etc. Make it completely personal, and she’ll treasure it.
3. Flip Video Camcorder: The Flip Video Camcorder is ultra-convenient and features an easy flip-out USB arm that lets her capture video, and then connect directly to a computer quickly and easily. No more need for confusing cords.
4. Kindle™ or Sony Reader™ Digital Book - The newest digital books are ultra lightweight, and as slim as most magazines, plus they can deliver books wirelessly in less than 60 seconds. Most major writers, from the highly scholarly to the contemporary and popular are discovering the virtues of "on-line" distribution.
5. Digital Video Recorder (DVR) - Moms like to unwind with their favorite TV shows, but they can’t always catch the latest episodes because of their busy schedules. A DVR device will allow her to easily record her favorite shows, and watch them after the kids go to bed. Prices have come dramatically on DVR’s, and some satellite companies are even offering free upgrades to a DVR unit.
6. Portable GPS Receiver - Because moms usually double as taxi drivers, a GPS unit would make her life on the road so much easier. There are many different units from which to choose, and the prices have dropped dramatically. All are very easy to use. Simply plug in your end address, and the GPS unit will direct mom to her final destination.
7. Travel Pro Auto Safety Kit: Because mom spends so much time in her car, give her a sense of peace and security with the Travel Pro Auto Safety Kit. The 50-piece kit includes almost everything she’ll need in case of an auto emergency, including a complimentary membership to roadside assistance, roadside services (towing, tire change, lockout, jump starts, fluid delivery) available at no expense up to the program limits.
8. Bath Products:
 Nothing says “time to chill” like a nice hot bubble bath. You can find inexpensive bath salts and bubbles at any corner drugstore, like Walgreen or Rite Aid. Bath and Body Works is a delightful store found in most malls and carries the most aromatic bath products. These are sure to bring a smile to the face of any busy Mom.
9. Roomba Vacuum Cleaner: Busy moms may not always have the time to clean the house that they’d like. The fully automated Roomba vacuum cleaner is both a time and back saver because it does all the work! Simply press the "clean" button and the unit will vacuum the whole floor, adjusting automatically to any floor surface including wood, tile linoleum, and low-to-medium pile carpet.
10. A Spa Certificate: This is the ultimate pampering gift. You can "Google" your closest spa, and study their website for pricing and specials. A day, or even half-day, is enough to renew a busy mom's spirits and senses.