Well, now that the house is officially listed, I have a whole new daily routine. Much of this is based on what I don't like when house hunting. So I sat down and made a list of what I don't like then created a to-do list to help me achieve the things I like to see in a house. On my list of what I want to see in no particular order are cleanliness, sparkle, homey feeling and order. What I don't want to see is clutter, dust, pets, mess, dirty laundry or dirty dishes. The problem is while our house is up for sale, we are still living in it and that means certain activities have to continue. For that reason I have developed a couple of strategies. To see how I'm dealing with meals and the possibility of a showing during the dinner hour, check out my cooking blog, Mom's Cafe Home Cooking. I'll focus on my modified daily routine.

For awhile I tried Flylady techniques mainly because some of her tips make good sense. While I found it was a little too structured now that I'm home all the time, I still use some of her tips like a once a week 27 Fling Boogie and my dailies. She breaks home cleaning into zones but I had already developed my schedule. I also kept her idea of a 15 minute hot spot declutter. It works well for me. Most days I only need 5 minutes.

So I have a morning routine consisting of 5 morning dailies and an evening routine of 5 things I do before retiring for the night. Some of these things change depending on the season but for the most part most don't. These just make the house run smoother but for selling the house I needed something more so I've added 3 tasks to the morning routine and 2 to the evening routine. In the evening I set out the swiffer duster, 1:1 vinegar solution in spray bottle, 3-4 white terrycloth washcloths, vacuum cleaner and bring down whatever load of laundry I will do next. With the front loader I'm doing a load about every 10 days for dark and colours and once every 8 days for whites. What I do is put as much as possible for that load into the washer but leave the door ajar unless the house is being shown. In the morning, I do my regular routine then go through the house with the vinegar solution (shines & deodourizes) shining every possible surface including appliances. The swiffer duster makes quick work for keep dust under control. Then I vacuum and by then the house is ready at very little notice for showing. I think at most I'm spending an extra half hour in the mornings and about 5 minutes in the evening which isn't that bad if it helps sell the house. The other change I made was to try to run the washer, dryer and dishwasher in the late evenings so they aren't running during the times the house is most likely to be shown. This may sound like a lot of work but really it isn't and if it helps sell the house, it will be well worth it!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Dishcloth Pajamas

Presenting ordinary, practical items in different ways can be a challenge for gift giving. Dishcloths are one thing that no new homemaker or even a long time homemaker would ever say no to. They fall under the category of there's no such thing as too many!

Dishcloth Pajamas

I discovered a novel way give dishcloths from a vendor at a farmer's market. It was immediately apparent that these would make a really cute housewarming present. So I bought a set simply to take them apart to see how they were made. Besides, I can always use more dishcloths!

Pictured here are dishcloth pajamas that are just perfect for a novel housewarming gift. They are quite inexpensive and easy to make using simple folds and tacking them together with thread.

Folded

Materials Needed:

• 3 dish cloths
• 2 buttons
• thread
• needle
  
• glue (optional)
  
• cutsey verse (see below)

Fold the wash cloths to form the pieces:

sleeves: Fold one wash cloth in half to form a rectangle. Fold in half again.
pants: Fold 1 inch of an edge on one wash cloth. Turn so the folded edge in down on the table. Fold one edge to the centre and repeat with the other edge. Tack the cuff edges together using needle and tread.
top: Fold one wash cloth in half to form a rectangle. Fold each short end in to the centre of the rectangle. Turn down the top corners to form the collar. Tack into place with needle and thread. The original pajamas I worked from had the buttons glued on but I prefer to sew them on. Punch a small hole in the printed verse and attach when adding one button. On top of the pants as pictured and tack into place.

To assemble:

Place the sleeves long end facing you. Place the pants on top in the centre of the sleeves, cuff end facing you. Tack these pieces together with needle and thread. Place the top
Verse:

We look like pajamas
but really we're not
We are three little dishcloths
You'll like us a lot

For washing the dishes or
chasing the dirt
Just take us apart
It really won't hurt


Enjoy!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Enjoy!

Garden Gnome
©2007

If you have read my other blogs, you will already know there is a possibility of us unexpectedly moving. We are currently on waterfront property as is the house we want to buy. The problem is with waterfront property you have to act fast! So in less than a week we have viewed the house twice and the offer was put in on Saturday and is tentatively accepted. We will know for sure before 5 pm and if accepted our house will be listed this evening. That means everyone from their firm will be doing a walk through tomorrow. Thank goodness I have been doing spring cleaning! If all goes well, this will be our fourteenth move since we were married. I've learned a trick or two about moving in general and those little extras to do when you are selling your house that I thought I would share.

Moving is stressful as it is but if you aren't organized, it will be worse. Reduce whatever you can. There is no point of moving stuff you never use. Donate, give away or toss these items. Do not buy anything you don't absolutely have too unless it is something like appliances that will be delivered to your new address. Eat from your pantry and freezers. The less food you have to move the better. Put your normal food budget money into an envelop and save that for restocking after you are moved. Start packing early, just as soon as you know you are moving. Pack daily if at all possible, fifteen to thirty minutes at a time. Label the boxes according to what room they go into in the new house or apartment.

The biggest tip I have for selling a house is once it is on the market, consider it not yours. Look at it through the eyes of a buyer. You have to do what it takes to sell it. Presentation is everything! Here are some tricks I've learned over the years for selling your home:

1. declutter - Buyers want to see space and potential. They are trying to visualize how they would used the space. If you can't get the clutter moved fast enough, hide whatever you can in dressers or storage containers but not in closets or built-in storage. Make your house a bright and spacious feeling as possible.
   
2. pets - Sorry, your pet might be the centre of your universe and a very pleasant critter but potential buyers might not see it that way. Many people have allergies to cats and dogs as well as just aren't really into other pets like reptiles or rodents. These need to be out of the home when it is being showed and there should be no evidence of any pet odour. The only exception to this is a well maintained, sparkling fish aquarium that tends to be rather soothing.
3. air fresheners - Gone! All you need is a potential buyer to have an asthma attack or chemical reaction because they are sensitive.
4. personal items - Most people realize that you still have to carry on your life while your house is on the market. They don't want or need to see all your hair care products, dental stuff, your favourite nightie and house coat, or even your dirty laundry whether in a hamper or not.
   
5. cleanliness - Buyers aren't expecting perfection but they are expecting clean. The kitchen and bathroom(s) should be spotless though. Potential buyers will be turned off by a sink full of dirty dishes or a dirty stove even it is not included in the sale. Clean the stove and if you don't have time to do the dishes put them in the dishwasher or covered tote. Shine those sinks using baking soda, rinse well and dry. Shine up the taps with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water.
6. sparkle - Your house ideally should sparkle from top to bottom. Remember first impressions count especially when selling a house. Dust everything including light bulbs and keep it dusted while the house is listed. Wash all the light fixtures so they sparkle. Don't forget the mirrors and taps. Again, use a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Just before your house is being shown go through and turn on every light even if it is daytime.
   
7. appealing to senses - You really need to appeal to a buyer's senses with of course the most important being visual. However other senses come into play. Some real estate agents recommend baking something like a pie or bread. I can you we sold one house that way and because of the buyers lovely comments I left a plant and loaf of homemade bread for them on moving day. Quiet instrumental or classical background music can help too.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Hand Painted Saw
2007

Artwork makes a home from the scribblings of children proudly displayed on the fridge to posters and to anything we enhance our decor with. Artwork is special because it always captures a bit of the artist, constantly giving, evoking feelings and reminding us we are emotional beings. From previous entries, you have seen some of my needlework and bead work that is displayed in our home. I can't wait to display the artwork of our new grand baby on the fridge!

We collect artwork from a particular local artist. His work is absolutely gorgeous! His work is featured at several art shows throughout the year. He does not paint people or animals but his painting are so realistic that you become one with the painting. They take on a life of their own, changing with the lighting. The detail is amazing! We have four at home and one at the office, each signed by the artist who has become a very good friend. After his signature there is always a number that is the number of years he's been married. Each painting has a story behind it written on the back of the painting and comes with a pamphlet explaining in greater detail the painting. I just love going to their home and hearing the stories behind the paintings. What a wonderful gift he gives. Because of the expense (and they are expensive!) of these paintings, I cannot post pictures online as much as I would love to share with you.

So I'm sharing a picture of my husband's latest findings. He was at an event and saw the artwork of a local artist who's medium is old saws. What a remarkable way to recycle something that would have been tossed into the garbage! He loved the work and thought it would work well with our other artwork. It was love at first sight. The work is beautiful! Our great room is divided into four living areas, none of them having much wall space so this piece of artwork will grace the sitting room area.

Grace your home with artwork that speaks to your heart and soul. Let it touch your very being!

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

We have been seeing an increase in allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivity due to indoor air pollution in our homes and workplace. The problem is manufacturers convince us that our houses need to smell of the latest, greates scent du jour in order to be clean. An earlier entry focused on what chemical free cleaners I use in my home that don't harm our indoor air quality or the environment. Several recipes for cleaners follow.

Cleaners

My last entry didn't give a picture so I thought today I would post one. My favourite non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaner is Simple Green®. It can be used for so much! Since I make up my own solutions, I splurged and bought commercial spray bottles at Sam's Club but you can find similar at the dollar stores or if you really want to save, just put the word out to your friends to save their empty spray bottles for you. Notice, I do lable my spray bottles and that is important. The pile on the left is a small portion of my cleaning cloths. I bought two 25 packs of terry cloth wash cloths at K-mart for $2.99 a piece. I use these for wiping up spills and cleaning. The handheld steam cleaner is on the right and by far could almost eliminate everything else but the wash cloths!

Steam Mop

Let's see, floors - we all have them and somehow we have to keep them clean. I use three tool: swiffer, steam mop and carpet steam cleaner. My steam mop is likely the second most used cleaning appliance in my home. Floors are squeeky clean with no chemical or residue. It has more than paid for itself! Not shown in the picture is my Bissell Carpet Steam Cleaner. It is an older model earned though Z-Points years ago. It's still going strong and does a great job of cleaning carpets.

Ok, so you are all gun ho on going towards non-toxic cleaners BUT you don't want to or can invest in a handheld steam cleaner ($39.99), steam mop ($79.99) or Simple Green ($8.99). The first thing is to congratulate yourself on making one more step to a healthier home and you. The second step is to arm yourself with a few inexpensive supplies: vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, spray bottles, pure bar soap and bleach if you can use it. Total cost should be under $15. From there you can start replacing your regular toxic cleaners for more environmentally friendly onew with one or more of the following recipes. Your home will smell clean and be clean without you polluting your indoor air or your body.

Warning: Even homemade cleaners can pose a risk to children and pets. Always label your homemade cleaners including a complete list of the ingredients. Keep them out of the reach of children and in case of accidents, call your poison control centre.

All-purpose Cleaner
50 ml borax
125 ml pure soap
1 drop eucalyptus oil
4 L hot water
Mix thoroughly

Wall & Floor Tile Cleaner
125 ml shredded coarse soap
125 ml washing soda
4 L hot water
Dissolve ingredients in hot water. Use a stiff brush to scrub the tiles with the cleaner. Rinse well as soap based cleaners toend to leave a film. Dry.

Laundry Powder
250 ml pure soap flakes or powder
25 to 50 ml washing soda
*Do not use in high efficiency front loading washing machines!

Descaler
1 part vinegar
2 parts water
For kettles, pour the solution into the kettle, bring to a boil then let sit for a few minutes. Pour out solution and rinse well. For shower heads or spayers, remove and let sit 30 minutes in the solution, rinse and replace.

Window Cleaner
1 part vinegar
1 part water
Place in a spray bottle. To use spray then wipe.

Disinfectant
25 ml chlorine bleach
1 L water
Mix then pour into a spray bottle. Use for killing mould, germs and bacteria.

Non-caustic Drain Opener
125 ml baking soda
50 ml white vinegar
1 kettle boiling water
Pour the baking soda into the drain followed by the vinegar. Leave for 15 minutes. When the fizzing has stopped, pour in the boiling water.

Silver Cleaner
1L warm water
5 ml baking soda
5 ml salt
small piece of aluminum foil
Mix and place the silver in the cleaner. Replace the foil whenever it turns black. Be careful when cleaning silver plated items.

Oven Cleaner
25 ml dishwashing soap
15 ml borax
1 L warm water
Mix and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on dirty surfaces and leave for 20 minutes. You may need steel wool to remove some stubborn spots.

Scouring Powder
50 ml pure sop flakes
10 ml borax
375 ml boiling water
50 ml whiting (fine chalk powder available at art supply or decorating stores)
Dissolve the soap and borax in boiling water. Cool to room temperature and addwhiting. Pour into a plastic or glass container and seal well.

Garden Gnome
© 2007

Ten Ways to Go Green in Your Home

1. reduce
2. reuse
3. recycle
4. replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFL)
5. use non-toxic cleaners
6. use rechargeable batteries
7. seal air leaks
8. repair or replace leaky taps
9. insulate hot water pipes
10. wash clothes in cold water/cold rinse
    

Garden Gnome
© 2007