Sharing is Caring, Especially When It Comes to Cleaning

DIY Holiday Gift Baskets

Gifts are always nicer when they come from the heart. Giving a personalized present to your loved ones doesn’t have to be a hassle with home made gift baskets.

Start by thinking about each particular person’s favorite things. For coffee or tea lovers, add a few different fair trade coffee/tea varieties. Top it off with a new mug filled with home made cookies.

Do you have a friend who loves to cook? Fill his/her basket with some gourmet salts, exotic spices, or a new apron. Throw in a cook book, or make a recipe book out of a pretty journal, or a beautiful box with index cards.

Spoil someone with a gift basket of organic soy candles, bath beads, potpourri and a nice lotion or new bathrobe.

Pick out a few baskets from a flea market or craft store. If the baskets are too big it will look empty, so pay attention to size. Wrap the baskets in shrink wrap, tying the top closed with a ribbon, and heat with a blow dryer.

Viola, the perfect present!

Christmas Cleaning Tips – 2010

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year – but it can also be pretty stressful. And if you’ve got family or friends visiting, you’ll probably be anxious to make sure that your home looks as clean and tidy as possible, Here are a five small tips to help you prepare, and make sure that by the time your doorbell rings everything is looking just as you want it to…

  • Make a list of what needs to be done – you can cross items off bit by bit and you will be less distracted throughout the day.
  • Try and de-clutter before you start cleaning, tidying away miscellaneous papers and bills. You don’t have to sort them out or file them away – just put them to one side, in a safe place.
  • Start cleaning at the top of the house (e.g. ceilings, where dust gathers) and work your way down, cleaning the floor last of all.
  • Dust off and wipe down your doormats, so that when your guests arrive the dirt and grime from outside don’t make it into your home.
  • Listen to some Christmas music whilst you’re working – it will make time pass and remind you of the purpose of the work!

Happy Holidays!