​Make a list of things to do that won't cost any money, to spruce up your home, and bring a little bit of sunshine, as well as Springtime, into our homes!

I have opened windows and doors to air out the house. I will need to clean out the fireplace soon, to get the sootie smell from creeping into the house. I've washed blankets and quilts. Already, I have hung clothes on the line to dry, hearing them "snap" in the breeze! March has certainly been windy as usual, and we will probably have another cool snap or two. But I have stored away most of our winter clothes, jackets, sweaters, heavy blanket and quilts, etc.

TIP: Place your favorite herbs such as Rosemary, Lavender, Spearmint, Juniper or Cedar rolled up in 2 layers of parchment paper and place between winter clothing and blankets.

I haven't got around to taking down the curtains and drapes yet for spring-cleaning, but will tend to that within the next week or two. Which brings me to another favorite thing to do come Springtime - switching out the dark colors of winter, for lighter colors! I love to be able to see through the windows while indoors, so I will place sheers and lace panels only, on most of the windows, with the exception of the bedrooms and bath - where I will install mini-blinds soon for privacy along with the sheers and lace panels. I will use a lace or floral valance also to dress them up a bit.

TIP: This week wash 2-3 windows per day, and clean the curtains. Switch up
curtains from one room to another if the sizes are the same. This will give us a nice change, without spending any money.




Cleaning windows is a big chore, but one I love to do!! There is nothing nicer than shiny, squeaky clean windowpanes!

HERE's WHAT I DO:
Dust everything first! Use a vacuum cleaner. 
Get the dust, cob webs, spiderwebs, bugs, off the windows, sills and facings.
Otherwise you'll just smear the dust and stuff and make mud.
If it is already mud, (damp dust) from humidity, condensation, etc., then get an absorbent cleaning cloth or paper towels and wipe it all away until dry. Be careful not to get things stuck in crevices. But if you do, use a butter knife wrapped in a thin piece of cloth or paper towel and run it through the cracks and crevices. Use cotton swabs to get out anything left behind.

If dust has turned to mud and dried in cracks and crevices, loosen it with a butter knife, or sharp tool such as a small screwdriver. Of course, be careful not to scratch the surfaces, or paint. Then vacuum it all up or brush it into something to throw it away. Don't brush it onto to floor and create another job. 
 
WINDOW WASH RECIPE
1/2 cup of white vinegar
1 gallon water
A few drops of your favorite essential oils <<<Here's a link to my favorite, Happiness, by Natures Truth.
A handful of cotton cloths or old rags, whatever you prefer.
Several old newspapers

Mix in a big plastic bowl. Dip cotton cloth and wring
out thoroughly. Wipe down inside and outside of windows.
Buff with a piece of wadded up newspaper.

NOTE: This same recipe can be used for cleaning appliances, cabinets, countertops (check your manufacturer), light fixtures, mini-blinds, what-nots, etc. 

 Are you a thinker or doer? Do you plan, plan, plan, and never actually get around to the  project you've been planning? I'm guilty of this, and the only way I can deal with the problem is to stand up, start moving, and don't let myself get distracted. Just the literal movement and starting to do something, anything, will get the ball rolling. As long as I sit and look for motivation, inspiration, and let it steal the hours out of my day, I have no excuse.