Home › Blog › Page 18

Spring Into Successfully Cleaning Your Home

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Cleaning, Spring

Spring Into Successfully Cleaning Your Home

Despite the unprecedented time in which we currently find ourselves, some things never change:  it IS that time of year. Time to do spring cleaning. I know here in the Northeast we have actually seen snow in April. Though the weather may indicate otherwise, here’s how to spring into successfully cleaning your home. 

Decide where you will start and how long you will spend. –Spring cleaning is about going that much deeper in your cleaning, encompassing areas that you normally do not clean. Do you want to start from the top down or to begin at the lower level of your house and work your way up? If you live in a one-level house, do you want to start in the front or in the back of your house? Create a list of what needs to be done in each area of the home, and then decide how long you will spend tackling it.

Gather cleaners, buckets, brooms, and dust rags in advance. — It will be hard to clean if you don’t have the proper tools to use. Do an inventory in your planning stages to ensure you have the proper implements. Using the list you have created of tasks to be done, you will more easily be able to access required tools. Before rolling up your sleeves, order the items online, or do a run to the store to buy or to stock up on the cleaning supplies. 

Assign each family member a specific task or a specific room – Enlist your family in helping with spring cleaning. Have one person do the vacuuming; then assign another family member a task such as dusting all surfaces in the house including tops of doors and window frames. Alternatively, if it is easier to assign an entire room and all that it involves to a family member, try that as another option. Even if it means each person is responsible for deep cleaning their own bedroom, that person may be more invested in the project. 

Create a schedule –  Rather than leaving the cleaning to chance, create a schedule for when tasks will be done, in what order, and by whom. 

Reward time – Plan to do something fun when the cleaning is done to reward yourself and your family. You all have worked hard. Now celebrate! 

Getting this spring cleaning done will not only make your home sparkle but will also lift your spirits. You’ll fall in love with your home again! Let the sunshine in through your clean windows and highlight all those newly clean areas in your house. 

Photo by Crystal de Passillé-Chabot on Unsplash

How To Organize Your Home For An Emergency

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in COVID-19, Emergency

How To Organize Your Home For An Emergency

Never before has it seemed more important to organize your home for an emergency. While we are all dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, did you actually feel prepared to shelter in place? Should this re-emerge in the fall or should another disaster befall us, let me try to help you organize your home for an emergency with these helpful tips. 

First aid kit – You may have a few items in the house already that belong in a first aid kit such as band-aids and antibiotic ointments, but you should also add items that the Red Cross recommends for a home. As an aside, while you are at it, you may as well assemble a duplicate kit for the car or camper if you own the latter.

In-home activities – Your home probably houses several books, movies, or video games to keep you and your family occupied for a bit, but when one is ordered to shelter in place, having a few other activities on hand will be viewed then as lifesavers. Coloring books have come a long way since we were children… both for our own and for us! Buy books to have on hand, or you may also want to print out pages to color in advance. Play charades, grow an indoor garden of herbs, do yoga with your family, organize a scavenger hunt. Having an indoor picnic or camping indoors overnight, watching old home movies, and hosting a dance party via Zoom or just with your family are all fine ways to pass the time. Planning these things — or directing the kids to do so — are healthy emotionally and mentally and have the added benefit of bringing the family together, creating memories to share for years to come. These are just a few creative activities to keep your family inside and to avoid boredom. 

Stock-up items – We all know that there were shortages of toilet paper as well as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and wipes when COVID-19 first hit. When the immediate pandemic is over, make sure your home is stocked with those items. Were you prepared in terms of a well-stocked pantry and freezer? Hmmm… Grandma’s old adage about being stocked for three months rang true, didn’t it? Try then to keep at least two weeks of food and ingredients in your freezer and pantry to prepare favorite family dishes. Seriously consider prescription drugs for everyone in your household, food for your pets, and items you cannot live without. Why not involve the children and your spouse in this now at a “family meeting”? Make the lists and then shop for those items together to have everyone feel a part of the planning. 

Checking on websites such as cdc.gov and local websites will keep you up to date on what is allowed in terms of sheltering in place, essential jobs, and up to date rules on just about everything. Knowledge and a sense of control when all around us seems so confusing are key when managing a crisis. These simple steps well in advance could just be the tickets. Besides, we never know when the next major snowstorm or Nor’easter will strand us inside…

Photo by ?? Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

How to Adopt the Perfect Pet

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Pets

How to Adopt the Perfect Pet

Now that we have all more or less adjusted to our “stay at home” situations, you may just be thinking about adding to the family….

Adopting a pet into your family is more than just hitting up the local shelter, breeder, or pet store. Most people don’t realize that bringing said pet home necessitates purchasing supplies and doing some basic training. As a result, many pets get turned in as owners are not prepared. That’s why shelters are so packed these days. In fact, when animals are not what owners want or don’t behave the way they expect, pets do get turned in. To forestall this unfortunate scenario, I am sharing the following tips on how to adopt the perfect pet. 

Research – Do your homework in advance. Decide what type of pet, particularly, what sub-type or breed you want. Read up on it at the local library and online. I remember when my young nieces and nephew did research to find the best breed for their family and lifestyle, presenting the facts to my brother and sister-in-law, turning the whole endeavor into a joyful, unifying family project before even beginning their search for what turned out to be the most loving, adorable dog, Lakota, a fluffy white American Eskimo breed, whom we all came to love.

Look Ahead – Look down the long road at what a pet may or may not need. A colleague and her husband were shocked and annoyed, but prepared and, therefore, unperturbed, by their boxer needing major knee surgery a mere three months after he first came home. Our own childhood pet, Caesar, a mild-tempered, loving black Lab, sat on his tail one day…..if you can imagine!  Who knew it was even possible, let along how costly the vet bills were to care for the poor dear.

Train – Consult with a dog trainer and have a plan for training and socializing (dogs) your pet. 

Ask Questions – Don’t fall in love with cuteness. Puppies and kittens are adorable. So are some of the dogs and cats on a rescue’s web pages. Ask questions about vet bills, pet origins, and habits as well as reactions to people and children before you adopt. Don’t be scared off by red flags such as ‘Has accidents every day’ or ‘Pees outside the litter box’. You can learn to remedy these by investing time in training your pet to stop. You just need to be prepared that this will definitely require your time and patience.

Living Situation – Consider your living situation, particularly if you rent. Consult your landlord and/or homeowner’s insurance agent before you even go looking. Cats and certain dogs may not be allowed in apartments or condos. To bring this to light, pitbulls and staffordshire terriers are two dog breeds specifically excluded on homeowner’s policies. Before even beginning your search for a pet to enhance your family life, determine what, if any, you are allowed to adopt.

Have Fun – Pets are adorable, funny, and a ton of fun. Their loyalty and unconditional love can bring hours of loving enrichment to your family as well as years to your life.


Knowing all that you may be in for in advance and doing your research will give you the pet that will best fit into your now newly expanded family.

Photo: Adobe Stock Photo

How to Buy Big Ticket Items

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Budget, Finances, Home Improvement

Buying Big Ticket Items

While I’m sure that the first thought on your minds in the age of COVID-19 is not making big ticket purchases, the economy is bound to get better, and life will go on. You may, indeed, be thinking of such because of spending so much more time at home, so …. consider the following in between Zoom classes and Skype meetings and what not. To assist you, here are ways to help you decide how to buy big ticket items.

Features – List which features you would like to have in your replacement or new item. Do you need a dishwasher that can sterilize baby bottles? Do you need a dryer that can make your husband’s shirts look like they’ve been ironed? First identify what you need from the item you are purchasing. 

Longevity – Decide how long you want the product to last. If you are shopping for a couch and regularly update your living room décor every five years, you don’t need a couch that will last more than that. If you are shopping for a washer/dryer and are planning to move into a condo or to downsize in a couple of years, you don’t need to buy something with a 10-year warranty. If, however, it’s a hot water heater you are after, you may want to buy one with a long warranty as that will be a good selling point if you do decide to list your home.

Wear and Tear – Figure out how much wear and tear the product is going to take. For instance, if you are shopping for a vacuum, are you sewing a lot and need a vacuum that will be able to suck up threads that get caught on the roller on a regular basis, or do you have pets that shed a great deal? Knowing the way you will use a product will help you narrow down the selection. 

Budget – Decide how much you want to spend or are able to spend. Do a google search on what you are shopping for, including all of the features you want it to have, and how long you expect it to last. The results will tell you the highest, lowest, and median price for that item. Now it will be easier to choose.

Research reviews – Visit the websites of reliable local retailers such as Best Buy or Home Depot. Specifically, search for products with 4 stars or more. Then also be sure to read the negative (2 stars or fewer) reviews. Look to see what problems are repeatedly mentioned.

Warranty – Read carefully to determine what, if any, warranty comes with the product. This will also give you an indication of the product’s life and the manufacturer’s confidence in it. 

Purchase – Now that you have done your research and know what you want to buy, purchase it. 

Making sure you are purchasing the most appropriate big ticket item for your particular needs may necessitate a bit of your time, but in the long run, you will be satisfied that you obtained the product that fits your individual requirements and budget.

Photo: Adobe Stock Photo

How to Work From Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in COVID-19, Work

Are you transitioning to working from home due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)? For most of the population, this is a new concept as workers typically commute to their places of employment.  It can be advantageous to work from home as there is no commute or any of the hassles of leaving the house. However, there are plenty of distractions in your home that you need to be aware of in order to truly be productive.

Technology – If meetings are being held virtually, do you have all the apps needed to attend remote meetings? The most popular ways to connect with people are FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom. If your employer isn’t helping you navigate any new app, head over to YouTube to get a tutorial. Connect with a co-worker if you need help.

Be Present – Just because you are home doesn’t mean it’s a free day. You will need to be present and available and not wander off to do the laundry or clean the bathroom. I am sure your employer expects you to be around and respond in a timely fashion and to do your job. This will require some discipline on your part to separate yourself from your day to day life activities when you are home vs. actually working from home.

Schedule – Make a schedule and stick to it. Using timers may help you stay on track and then allow a coffee break (again set the timer) and get back to work. Stick to your regular routine in terms of waking as if you were leaving the house, shower, get dressed (you don’t want to get caught in your PJs if you have to jump on a video meeting), and “commute” down to your computer to start your day. End your day as if you were in the office by walking away from your computer and work tasks. For some of you, it may be tempting to continue working while you are in the swing of it. Don’t do it. You don’t want work burnout to occur.

Breaks – Since you may be alone in your house while working you may crave socialization. Schedule a time to talk to a coworker as if you were just walking down to his office to chat and stretch your legs. Be mindful of getting up every hour to force yourself to look away from your computer and not get stiff and sore. Do take a lunch break; just alert others of a specified timeframe if you are supposed to always be available.  Communication is key in a remote work environment.

I have addressed the how to’s of working at home in an earlier blog. Please check that blog out to gain more tips on managing your remote work life.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, look to experts such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)

Photo: Pixabay

5 Things You Didn’t Know Could Be Freecycled, and How to Do So

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Books, Clothes, Downsizing, Eco-friendly, Groceries, Pets

We all try to do our best to recycle paper, glass, tin cans, and plastic grocery bags. There are other items that can be freecycled that you may not be aware of. Here are a few of just those items and how to freecycle them.

Books – If you are lucky, there are places to donate books such as Goodwill or a bin marked especially for books. However, did you also know you may be able to donate books to your local library? Some libraries collect books during the year and have an annual book sale to help fund special library projects. You may also be able to donate to a local bookstore and received store credit for your book purchase, or sometimes you have the option of receiving cash (but at a lower percentage).

Pet items – Unopened pet treats and toys as well as gently used items can be donated to your local animal shelter. I take old towels and sheets to mine as they are always in need of these items. Call ahead to see what they do or do not accept or look at their website to see if there is a current list.

Formal Attire – Once prom and wedding seasons are over, one is left with the dress. Rather than just hanging it in your closet for years, try to consign it while the style is still current. You may also be able to donate it to a local charity that helps those that can’t attend prom due to the cost of a dress.

Business Suits – If your job no longer requires you to wear business suits or if you have far too many, consider donating them to a local back to work program. Google ‘where to donate suits to charity’ to see a list in your area.

Unexpired Food – People are always amazed at how full their panty becomes in a blink of an eye. Next time you are putting your groceries away, take a moment to look at what you have in your pantry. If you see you have an abundance of one category, consider donating excess unexpired items to your local food pantry. Most supermarkets have a bin in the front entrance of their store into which to drop food. The same goes for unexpired hygiene items.

Any little attempt at making sure we aren’t just throwing items that still may be used by others into a land fill is a win-win for all of us. Let’s aim to be better about not using the trash as our first go to. Rather, try some of the above.

Photo: Pixabay

Planning to Pop The Question on This Valentine’s Day? Try These Ideas Considered Off the Beaten Path

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Holidays, Valentine's Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you planning to pop the question? We all love to hear stories of how people got engaged. There are so many ways to propose. Would you like to try one of these ideas that are considered off the beaten path?

Use your pet – If you or your intended have a dog or cat, you could put the engagement ring on the pet’s collar and bring in a glass of wine or champaign and propose as you hand her/him the glass. Your pet will be close by and you can then remove the ring from their collar.

In a book – You could present your loved one with a book of poetry or a book by their favorite author. By cutting out a section of pages in the middle of the book you can put the ring in that carved out area. Glue the pages together so that when he or she opens the book, it will open to that spot where the ring is located. Ask as your beloved sees the ring.

Board game – If your Valentine enjoys playing board games, why not choose a game where you each have to have a playing piece. While you are setting up the board, make sure your ring is in your pocket and when he/she picks their piece, you can take the ring out of your pocket and tell him/her that this is a better piece chosen just for the occasion!

Candy – Buying a box of candy for Valentine’s Day is not unusual. But slipping in the engagement ring will be a surprise to your loved one. Or consider ordering personalized candy such as M&Ms on which you can customize the printing.

What are other ways you or someone you know has proposed?

Photo: Pixabay

Get Organized for the IRS by Gathering Your Tax Return Information Early

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Finances, Taxes

Just like every other aspect of your life, “doing your taxes” can be vastly improved by a bit of planning and organization. The best time to get organized for the IRS is BEFORE tax documents start landing in your mailbox, or online accounts. Spending 15 minutes the first week of February will save you time when it comes to meeting with your tax preparer, certified public accountant, or sitting down with TurboTax. It will also help avoid potential refund delays or IRS penalties if you end up owing this year. Here are some tried and true tips on getting organized for the IRS.

  • Make a List. Write down a list of all of the tax documents you know you will need to file your tax return, including those receive from employers, clients, health insurance companies, investment brokers, mortgage companies, and the like. Note the source of each document next to it on the list. Does your employer mail W-2s, or post them on an HR website? Will your investment broker send you a paper statement, or an email with a link? Having a list of what you need and where it will come from will ensure you don’t forget something important when you sit down to do your taxes.
  • Create a Capture File. Use a basic file folder, hanging file, or folder with pockets to hold your tax document list and hold paper copies of your important tax documents, including any receipts you may need. Each time a document comes in, put it in the file and cross it off the list. This way you will be able to see immediately anything you are missing when it comes time to file your tax return.
  • Book Early. If you plan to use a third party to complete your tax return and file your taxes, make an appointment to meet with them as soon as you can. It’s okay to make a future appointment before you have received all of your tax documents. Just make sure the appointment is for after you know you will have everything you need. Tax professionals’ calendars fill up early. You don’t want to risk not getting an appointment.
  • Provide Complete Information. Whether you are using an online tax return filing program, a professional tax preparation service, or a CPA, provide complete, accurate information when preparing your tax return. If you’re using software, have everything you need in front of you when you sit down at the computer. If you are using a tax preparation service or a certified public accountant, take your complete capture file with you. Do not leave anything out. Doing so could delay filing of your tax return, delay of your refund if you are eligible, and potentially result in penalties if you owe taxes. Having complete information when you file your return will help ensure it goes through without a hitch.
  • Don’t Embellish. Provide only correct information to the IRS, no matter how you file your tax return. Do not try to save money by claiming tax deductions you do not have documentation for. These include charitable donations of material goods you don’t have a receipt for, use of a personal cellphone for business, or business expenses you don’t have receipts for or that were reimbursed by your employer. The IRS is known for coming back and challenging such deductions. If you don’t have documentation, you could potentially delay your tax refund, receive an IRS notice for more information, or be subject to tax penalties. Being honest is the best way to go.
  • When In Doubt, Ask An Accountant. If your tax return is more complicated than a couple W-2s and a few interest statements, you may need a professional. You should also consult with a tax professional to answer any questions you may have about your taxes. Certified Public Accountants undergo regular training to keep them informed of the latest tax filing laws. They also have access to extensive tax research databases. Doing so will potentially save you headaches in the long run and could potentially save you money as well.

Do you have a great tip for preparing and filing your taxes? Do you know of an Accountant in the local area who excels? Tell me about it in the comments!

Today’s blog is from Cristina M. Miller, Freelance Writer and Editor and Proposal and Grant Specialist. Learn more about her work by visiting TheWriteStrategy.org.

Photo Licensed from Adobe Stock.

How Do You Handle Unpacking After a Trip?

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Travel

I just returned after a two and a half week vacation. Do you think I still have my suitcase packed or unpacked? 

As I arrived home at noon, I did spend the time to unpack my suitcases. I usually do as I personally do not like looking at my suitcases just sitting around. I also need certain items that night like my glasses so I can take out my contacts to name an example of items that I do not have duplicates of for traveling. How do you handle unpacking after a trip?

A client of mine shared an interesting article that gives great suggestions. Rather than repeating her ideas, I will share this post with you. Enjoy!

From the Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/completely-correct-guide-unpacking-after-trip/

Photo: Pixabay

Tips for Getting Organized To Send Holiday Cards

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Holidays

Whether you send cards to family, friends, business associates, or clients between Thanksgiving and New Years, being organized will streamline this important task.

  1. Enter the names and addresses of the people to whom you send a card in a database program. You may already have such a list, and keeping it updated is an important task to maintain through the year.
  2. Don’t hand address each card. Use your computer to print out the mailing addresses on label paper.
  3. Order your holiday cards with your message and/or photo already on it to save time writing an individual message or attaching/inserting a photo on every card.
  4. To save even more of your precious time, don’t wait in line at the post office. Go to shop.usps.com and order your stamps.
  5. Finally, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get around to sending holiday cards this year; rather, resolve to begin inputting your contact information now so that it is ready for you next year.

When you have the addresses printed out on labels, cards with message and/or photo, and stamps, it will be a cinch to get your cards in the mail!

Photo: Pixabay

Top