Chaletmomma Designs

We’ve been stewards of the Chalet for 23 yrs this month and starting this spring we tackled a ton of outdoor projects. Our focus on curb appeal. We started with a new garage door and a fresh coat of paint. My husband gave a few of the balusters on the side gallery the attention they needed - repairing and painting them. The brick walkways were power washed and look great.

We pulled out several overgrown bushes. I discovered I’m allergic to Holly when my left hand blew up and I ended up in the emergency room! We pulled tons and tons of weeds. Oy with the weeds! We planted deer resistant bushes and plants and then we mulched and mulched and mulched. We shrank a planting bed and replanted grass there. We also replanted grass in another bed that was in tough shape. We expanded a planting bed.

I love any excuse to have hydrangeas near me… and you can see this blue and white vessel is filled to the brim!

The components of the patio have grown over the years. I like to continuity of the same umbrellas and the rugs. To help it feel a bit pulled together. If I could have all the same color cushions I would but, I bought the loveseat and chairs a few seasons ago and the dining set only last year. Maybe one day they will match but friends I won’t spend money to make that happen at the moment. We added a solar fountain on an old Beech Tree stump.

The Chalet does look lovely at night.

This year we decided to add lights to the back of the patio fence. It gives the area the loveliest glow up!

We also added solar lights to the side walkway. (Image taken prior to rejigging the side beds).

This summer really has me focused on home! I’m blessed to live with loved ones in my little dream house. Be well friends and please pop by Instagram to connect with me every day!

It’s that time of year friends… time to throw open the windows, remove the extra bedding and tackle one of my favorite activities - SPRING CLEANING! Here’s my CHECKLIST - All my advise about cleaning, flowers and hanging art are on my Tips page all year long. Happy Cleaning!

SPRING CLEANING CHECK LIST

Supplies:

Rooms: Dust rag, swiffer, cleaning polish, vinegar, vacuum.
Kitchen: vinegar, baking soda, bar keepers friend, stainless steel polish, granite polish, rubbing alcohol, vacuum.
Bath: vinegar, baking soda, bar keepers friend, seventh generation spray, vacuum.

Grab your supplies and your air-pods or speaker choose some music, a podcast or an audio book to Enjoy! Open the windows and get busy!

Rooms

Clean shelves by removing all items/books dusting each and shelf.
Clean framed artwork/photos - removing from wall if possible. Spray solution on cleaning cloth not directly onto glass.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside, wash or clean professionally.
Clean windowsills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Dust ceiling light fixtures, lamps and lampshades. Carefully vacuum lampshades with hand-held attachment. A lint brush can also be used. Remove from lamp for cleaning.
Move furniture to vacuum carpets. Use attachments to vacuum under beds. Shake out Area Rugs - preferably outside. Could it be time to have Area Rugs cleaned?
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar. For hardwood floors I use liquid sparingly. I caution the use of spray-jet cleaners or steamers. You can harm wooden floors with too much liquid. I use a slightly damp w/water towel.
I use a slightly damp w/water towel.
Clean and sanitize garbage receptacles.
Air out pillows.
Swap-out heavy winter bedding. Wash or clean professionally and store. Remove mattress pad and launder, flip mattress if applicable.
Hall / Stairwell
Dust air vents / Thoroughly clean the A/C Return Vent.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside, wash or clean professionally.
Wash windows, windowsills and baseboards.
Clean framed artwork/photos - removing from wall if possible. Spray solution on cleaning cloth not directly onto glass.

Kitchen

Clean the kitchen from the top starting with light fixtures.
Clean cabinets tops or open ledge areas.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside, wash or clean professionally.
Clean windowsills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Wipe down cabinets.
Wash small counter or stove items: Fruit Bowls, Teapots.
Polish appliances, faucet and sink.
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar. For hardwood floors I use liquid sparingly. I caution the use of spray-jet cleaners or steamers. You can harm wooden floors with too much liquid. I use a slightly damp w/water towel.
Remove everything from the refrigerator and clean interior.
Organize pantry reevaluate food items.
Clean under the kitchen sink.
Clean and sanitize garbage can and recycling receptacles.

Bath

Clean the Bath from the top starting with light fixtures.
Dust air vents.
Remove draperies/curtains. Shake out/air outside, wash or clean professionally.
Clean windowsills and baseboards.
Wash windows.
Wipe down the shower walls.
Wash shower curtain. Wipe curtain rod. replace shower liner if needed.
Wipe down cabinet.
Polish faucet and sink.
Clean the toilet starting with the top and moving down the back and around the base finishing with the cover, seat and interior.
Remove toilet seat and clean under the attachment point and reattach.
Clean floors with vacuum hand-held attachment. For tile I recommend vinegar.
Clean and sanitize garbage can.
Clean toothbrush holder.
Wipe down soap dispenser.
Wipe down towel bars.

Post Cleaning

Organize linen closet reevaluate items - especially towels.
Remove clutter to a central location. Create a donate pile. Get family involved - spring cleaning/decluttering is not a solo endeavor. Put items on Facebook - a few options: local Curb Alert/Buy Nothing Page, Freecycle or local Selling page. Take to Consignment, Goodwill or Swap.
Clean your vacuum and filter. Change bag if there is one.
Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replace fire extinguishers if needed.
Update first aid kits.

Seasonal Clothing

If you live in a climate that changes with the seasons. Start with your family coat closet. Review items for cleaning. Organize any hats, scarves and gloves. Check for usefulness for the next year.
All coats/ jackets should be kept on the same type of hanger. Zipper/Button all coats/jackets. If you swap out clothing seasonally tackle this next. Pull winter wardrobe from closets/cupboards/dressers. Review what should be washed/professionally cleaned before it is stored. Moths attack dirty items. Review all clothing and donate what you will not use. If you never wore last winter chances are its usefulness is over.
As you place your lighter wardrobe in its home for the season take the extra time to straighten and organize. Use the same type of hanger. I liked flocked hangers. Use the upright folding method - it makes it a breeze to find a particular item - You know what they say: We only wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time - we need to see our choices. Use small bins in closets for ease of locating such items as: belts, bathing suits, cover-ups, pj’s, scarves, small purses/wallets and any out of season hats and gloves.

The history of spring cleaning

What is spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning is the annual tradition of deep cleaning your home from top to bottom. This includes areas you do not clean on a regular basis, such as cleaning beneath carpets, furniture, the tops of bookshelves, removing draperies and having them cleaned. This might also include washing and swapping out heavier bed linens and coverlets for lighter versions for the warmer weather. This time of year is also when people switch out their heavy winter wardrobe for lighter clothing.

Where does it come from?

During the 1800s, people would clean each room to rid their homes of dust and soot that had built up during winter. A thorough cleaning meant opening windows and letting in fresh air, something that could happen only in the warmer months.

This ritual has roots in a number of religions and cultures:

The Iranian festival of Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, happens on the first day of spring. It’s celebrated by “khooneh tekouni” or “shaking the house” when people spend time cleaning their homes.
In Jewish custom, people clean their homes in preparation for Passover, which happens in springtime. It began as a way of removing any yeast bread or chametz crumbs from the home.
The Catholic Church cleans the altar after Holy Thursday mass prior to the Easter Vigil.
The Greek Orthodox Church spring clean on the first day of Lent, known as Clean Monday.

Is spring cleaning in our human nature?

Spring cleaning has a lot to do with human biology. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere your brain produces less melatonin because of lack of sunlight and more darkness. We simply may not have the energy to clean. When the days grow longer and the weather warms up - we feel energized to tackle this job.

Why should you do it?

There are several advantages to deep cleaning - not just aesthetically, it can also provide health benefits.

Supports your immune system – indoor pollution - spring cleaning gets rid of allergy triggers, such as dust, mold, germs and pet danger.
Increases your productivity – when we feel good about our surroundings, we are more productive. Cleaning and decluttering can lead to greater work output.
Reduces your stress levels – for many cleaning is a happy task. The sense of a refreshed environment brings a sense of accomplishment. Taking action to remove excess items from your home can provide not only joy but enables calm.

“To spring clean means to clean up dirt from your ceiling all the way to your floor.”

Please know if I ever feel overwhelmed by possessions I move them and sort somewhere else - even if it’s from a bedroom into the hall - be it clothing or other items. Books, Blankets, Pillows… A change of scenery can help and the other motivating factor is that those items can not live there. Til next time friends be well and I wish you a sense of calm that a freshly cleaned and organized home instills in all of us.