Friday, April 25, 2014

52 Weeks of Printables: Week 17 - Exercise Log

The final printable for April is for a different kind of maintenance than we have had the last 3 weeks...the maintenance of you! Keep track of your workouts with this exercise log. Click the image below to grab:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkclZcil1jMVnNsVlFaNXliWWs/edit?usp=sharing

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Recycled Organization: Paintbrushes

Who says you need to go buy fancy supplies to get yourself organized? Check out this simple upcycled paintbrush organizer!


Supplies:
- empty Kleenex box
- toilet paper rolls
- scissors


1. Cut off the top of the Kleenex box
 

2. Insert toilet paper rolls (quantity will vary depending on the size of your box)

3. Organize your paintbrushes (or any other supplies)

If you have a less than pretty Kleenex box to work with, just cover it with some attractive scrapbook or wrapping paper.

Project Cost: $0

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-42214.html

Friday, April 18, 2014

52 Weeks of Printables: Week 16 - Vehicle Maintenance

We can't forget about the maintenance of our cars in this month of Maintenance Printables! Here's a printable for you to keep track of all those oil changes, new tires, brakes, and more. Click the image below to grab your copy:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkclZcil1jMbmY0N1RoV2kwdDA/edit?usp=sharing

Monday, April 14, 2014

Deep Cleaning: Pillows

Ever remove your pillow cases to throw in the wash and notice that the pillow itself could use a good cleaning? Is it turning yellow from sweat? Gross! No worries, here is how to clean them!

Washing
1. Remove pillow cases and pillow protectors. Check the tags to make sure your pillows are machine washable.
2. Set up your washer like you would for a normal load, but don't put the pillows in yet. I set mine on HOT, Regular Heavy cycle, and added a bit of detergent. (I have a top loading washer)
3. Let the water fill up and then put the pillows in. I usually do two at a time to balance the washer, but I have done three at time before.
4. Run the pillows through two cycles, flipping the pillows over before the second cycle.

Drying (can be done in the washer, or if it is a nice sunny day, set them out in the sun to dry)
1. Set your dryer on the setting specified on the tag (mine said Low/Delicate).
2. Add dryer balls, or take two tennis balls and place each inside a sock. This helps to fluff the pillows up.

My pillows usually end up slightly lopsided when they come out of the dryer, but I just move the filling around and they are back to normal. I love that they come out smelling clean and that all the gross yellow spots are gone!

Friday, April 11, 2014

52 Weeks of Printables: Week 15 - Deep Cleaning

I don't really have a set schedule for my deep cleaning tasks. I just keep track of the dates that I complete them. Besides my weekly cleaning that I shared last week, I do deep cleaning more on an as needed basis. If I look at the fridge and see that it could use a good scrub, I take care of it. I usually do my deep cleaning tasks on Saturdays and will sometimes do more than one in a weekend. Click on the image below to grab your copy:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkclZcil1jMQnlycXFkNkRuZlE/edit?usp=sharing


Friday, April 4, 2014

52 Weeks of Printables: Week 14 - Weekly Cleaning

Hello April! This month's printables theme is all about Maintenance. This week we are kicking it off with my Weekly Cleaning Schedule. I spread my weekly cleaning tasks over a two week stretch and it has worked well with our schedule for over a year now. I also only have tasks listed on Monday through Friday. I leave Saturdays open for my Deep Cleaning tasks (more on that next week), and Sundays are for spending time with family.

When I complete a task, I just put a check in the box for that week. If at the end of the week, I have not done a certain task for that week, I consider it a miss and put an X in the box. I can look at my check sheet to see when I cleaned the guest bathroom last in case it has been a while. Click the image below to grab yours:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxkclZcil1jMLWE0ZTVLazBuS00/edit?usp=sharing

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

15 Minute Bathroom Cleaning Routine

It's April! And when I think of April, I think of Spring Cleaning! I wanted to share my quick, 15 minute or less bathroom cleaning routine that I love!
  1. Make sure you have all of your supplies with you. I highly recommend a cleaning caddy, so all your products and tools are portable and right at your fingertips. I got mine from Bed Bath and Beyond. It is the Casabella Nesting Storage Caddy. It cost $5.99 and nests in a 4-gallon bucket. My bathroom cleaning tools:
    - 3-4 Microfiber Cloths
    - Toilet Bowl Brush
    - Swiffer Mop
    - Rubber Gloves
    - Toilet Bowl Cleaner
    - All-Purpose Cleaner
    - Glass Cleaner
    Time: 1 minute
  2. Remove trash can, soap dispenser, tissue box, and decor out of the bathroom so they are out of the way. Time: 1 minute
  3. Start with the toilet bowl. Squirt toilet bowl cleaner around the perimeter of the bowl and scrub with a toilet bowl brush. Place the brush between the rim of the bowl and the seat to let dry. Time: 1 minute
  4. Move on to the mirror. Spray with glass cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Time: 1 minute
  5. Next up is the counter top. Spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe clean with a different microfiber cloth. Make sure to get the faucet, especially at the base where dirt and grim often build up. Time: 2 minutes
  6. Go back to the toilet and spray the exterior (lid down) with an all-purpose cleaner (you will need to move your drying toilet bowl brush...I usually use the sink or a shower). Wipe exterior of toilet clean with a new microfiber cloth. Clean the bottom side of the toilet lid and then the seat, top then bottom side. And finally, spray and wipe the rim of the bowl. (I consider this cleaning from the cleanest part of the toilet to the dirtiest last.) Time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds
  7. Finally, clean the floor. I like to attach a clean microfiber cloth to my Swiffer and spray the floor with an all-purpose cleaner, or other cleaner, depending on what type of floor you have (all of our bathrooms are tile). Using a microfiber cloth and cleaner saves me money on those expensive refills! Time: 4 minutes, 30 seconds
  8. Return everything back to the bathroom. Time: 1 minute
If you add in cleaning a shower or tub, you can probably add about 5 minutes to this routine. But for a quick and easy cleaning, this routine works well!

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-4114.html