The Elf Blog

Knowing How You Like to Work

It's very helpful to know how you prefer to work.  Knowing that can help you organize and plan your weekly tasks.

For example, if you like to do things a little bit at a time, it's most efficient to assign a single chore or two to each day.  Once you've finished that day's work, you're done. On the other hand, if you'd rather work very hard for a few hours and free up all your other time, it behooves you to block out larger chunks of time when you can work uninterruptedly.

Whichever works for you, now's the time to plan your spring cleaning!

Spring Cleaning

I know, I know.  You don't even want to THINK about spring cleaning. 

I'm not going to argue that you need to clean your house from top to bottom (though it's never a bad idea).  But even if you are short on time, energy, and patience, here are some basic things you really need to do:

• The first nice day that you are home, open all the windows you can and let fresh air flow through the house.  It's amazing home much difference that can make for so little effort.
• Try to declutter the main living areas, especially areas where you are most likely to have guests.
• Tidy up the yard and prepare the grill and patio for outside time.
• Put away winter clothes and gear, taking the time to donate what you don't plan to use any more.
• Consider refreshing all the bed clothes, using lighter quilts and flipping or turning mattresses as appropriate.
• Stock your fridge with spring goodies like fresh greens, fruit, pitchers of ice water with citrus, and herbal iced teas.

Spring Fever

I have to admit, I have spring fever.  I usually enjoy winter -- lots of long evenings at home doing crafts and watching movies and eating yummy foods.  But this year, I can't wait for the warmth and longer days of spring.

I'm trying to keep up with my crafting projects (which are quite behind) and look at ways I can get ready for spring.  My primary focus has been on my need to reduce clutter.  I just have too much stuff piled up.  Now, in the winter, that's less of a problem since clutter can make you feel cozy.  But for the spring and summer, more open spaces feel fresher and cooler.

So, in the coming weeks, I'll be wandering around my  house trying to clear away the excess and make room for spring!

Think Spring

The wind chill was 15 degrees when I left for work this morning.  All the more reason to begin planning for spring!

Here are some tasks to help you get ready for when days grow longer and the air grows warmer:

• Block out a few days to do your spring cleaning, indoors and out.  You'll want to de-clutter and deep clean all those things that get passed by when you do your Friday tidy.  If you've had harsh weather this winter, your yard will need some cleanup as well.
• If you have children, you'll want to make summer arrangements now.
• If you garden, now is the time to plan your garden and order seeds so that you'll be ready for first planting.
• Take an evening or two to look through your spring and summer wardrobe to see what needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Look at your summer recreation equipment (sporting equipment, beach gear, hammocks, lawn chairs, grills, etc.) to make sure everything is in good shape and ready for use.

Don't you feel warmer already?

Spring Lists

It's no secret that I love lists.  It goes without saying that now is a great time to prepare your spring list.

The second quarter of the year began last Thursday.  Here are some lists you may want to make:

• Spring cleaning tasks.  (How in-depth will your cleaning be?)
• Clothing transfer. (What clothes need to be stored?  Do items need to be cleaned or repaired before storage?  What should be discarded or donated?  What needs to eb replaced?)
• Spring menus that make the most of new produce.
• Outdoor tasks to get your yard ready for good weather.
• Things you need to do now to be ready for summer.

What else do you need to plan?

Fresh Air

Here in the mid-Atlantic, the weather has been absolutely lovely the last few days: sunny and warm with a gentle breeze.

As soon as you are fortunate enough to have lovely spring weather, make it a point to open the windows in your house for at least a few hours each day.  If possible, pull back curtains and blinds and open the windows wide to get a nice cross breeze.

When you let in the fresh air, it's amazing how much energy you will find to tackle all those annoyong tasks that will help you move into spring and summer:  cleaning, decluttering, etc.

This week, we'll look at some of those tasks to help you move into spring with energy!

Spring is Coming

The last few days, the weather has certainly shown signs of spring.  (Though technically spring doesn't arrive for another 10 days.)

Now's the time to move past planning and start executing your spring projects:

• As you take winter clothes to be cleaned before storage, make any repairs needed.
• As you switch wardrobes, it's a perfect time to get rid of things that no longer fit or that you just don't wear.
• Try to declutter a little bit every day.  Less clutter gives an airy feeling of space and lets cool air circulate more freely.
• Clear out the fridge, freezer, and pantry so you'll have more space for spring and summer produce.
• Whenever possible, open the indows and let fresh air in!

Thinking Spring

I actually got into the 40s here in DC today.  That made me start thinking spring.  It's not too early to start planning:

• Begin stocking up on the cleaning supplies you'll need for your spring cleaning efforts.
• If you plant a garden, you need to purchase your seeds and develop your garden plan.  You'll also want to make sure you have sufficient stakes, tools, ferlizers, and natural pesticides.
• As you pull you spring clothes out of storage, decide what you don't wear anymore and donate it away.
• Make mending and cleaning piles of winter clothes so that they will be in top condition before you store them.
• Check out the farmer's markets in your area.  My favorite resource is www.localharvest.org.  Many of these markets are operating now.  Others will have early spring produce in a bit over a month.  Make it a habit to visit a local market regularly so that you can enjoy the flavors of the season and support local growers.
• List any repairs/improvements that need to be made to your yard so that you can entertain outside when the weather gets better.  Think cookouts, afternoon garden parties, and kid's playtine.

Yard Clean Up

As the weather gets better, you and your loved ones will probably be spending more time outside.

If the weather is nice this weekend, take some time to give your yard a good once over.  Clear out any trash.  Tidy the flower beds.  Prune hedges. 

Make your outside as lovely and welcoming as the inside.

The Friday Tidy

By the time my work week ends at 5 on Friday, I am ready for the weekend.  I'm tired and my brain is tired.  But I still want to be ready for whatever the weekend might bring.  If a friend calls and wants to stop by, I don't want to be in a panic.

So, I started the Friday Tidy.  When I come home from work, I spend 30-60 minutes doing a quick once-over of the main part of the house.  Here's what I do:

• I run a cleaning wipe over the fixtures in the bathroom and clear away any used towels.
• I do any dishes that are in the kitchen sink.
• I empty the garbage cans and take the garbage and recycling outside.
• I sort the laundry if necessary.
• I go through any mail that's stacked up and separate things I need to handle from the huge amounts of junk I can toss.
• I put away clothes and gather any dry cleaning.
• If I have a minute, I might run the vacuum or run a dustcloth over furniture in the living room.

By the time I've finished with these things, whatever I tossed into the oven for dinner is done -- or the pizza has arrived.  And I've earned a nice glass of wine and an evening of reading and watching movies -- without worrying about who might stop by over the weekend.