Boston Personal Concierge Services

How to Start a Successful Vegetable Garden

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

If you are new to gardening and are inspired to grow some vegetables, here are five important "s" elements that you will want to consider:

Sun
Fruiting vegetables (e.g., beans, tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant, cucumbers, etc.) need at least six hours of direct sun a day. All others can make do with as little as three to four hours of sun, but more is almost always better. Trees, buildings, and other structures in your yard may cast shade on your garden. Check the amount of shade and sun on your proposed site, and remember that it will change as the seasons change.

Soil

Test your soil to determine its fertility needs. Add amendments as recommended. Also determine how well the soil drains. Be sure to let the soil dry out in spring before working.

Site

Build the garden close to a walkway or house so you're encouraged to visit it frequently. Make sure there's a water source (such as a faucet) close by. Protect the garden with a fence or barrier if cats, dogs, or wildlife are an issue.

Size

Start small. A 10' by 10' garden (100 sq. ft.) is a manageable size. Use fences, trellises, containers, and hanging baskets to save space and get more production from your garden.

Selection

Grow crops you like to eat. Plant a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The more diversity, the fewer problems you will have with pests. Look for varieties described as "disease-resistant."

This guest blog was written by Sharon Gannon.

Image Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilian

7 Tips for Eco-Conscious Living Without Sacrificing Comfort and Style

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

You know the importance of recycling more, to bring your own bags on shopping trips, to walk more and drive less. You certainly have heard of the language: Eco-friendly. Go green. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The environment has been a hot topic in recent years. In the more than forty years since the first Earth Day was held, however, it never occurred to many people that their actions could lead to environmental consequences…until now.

Hurricane Katrina. Superstorm Sandy. Record-breaking hot weather. Major flooding. Strong tsunamis. Record snowfall. Destructive tornadoes.

You don’t need to be a climatologist to know something is out of whack.

But instead of focusing on dire environmental predictions and the damage that has already been done to the planet, we can still win this environmental ‘fight’ by making small changes in our own lifestyle. You do not need to take drastic measures or compromise aesthetics and comfort in order to make a difference.

Here are some of our favorite eco-conscious choices that can make a real impact. They are small things we all can incorporate into our daily living.

Ditch the Paper Towels

The next time the kids and the dog are tracking dirty foot and paw prints into the house, instead of reaching for another wasteful sheet of towel, buy a well-designed recycled plastic bin (I prefer the Container Store’s stylish Curver Eco Life bin) and stash a dozen neatly-folded lint-free towels, ready to use and toss into the laundry bin.

Rid the Disposables

Kids’ birthday parties. The backyard BBQ. The school picnic. The food may be different at each event, but chances are the food is served using disposable (and unrecyclable) paper plates, cups, and cutlery. Cut down on the garbage by using compostable bamboo plates, wrapping sandwiches in cloth napkins, and reusing BPA-free cups and utensils.

Collect Rainwater

Instead of using your own tap water, invest in a plastic rain barrel (or buy a Home Depot orange bucket) to collect rainwater for garden use. When it is time to hydrate the garden plants, pour the collected rainwater into a watering can and use.

Join a Freecycle Group

Instead of sending usable items to the landfill, Freecycle members can post donatable items that others can reuse or look for items they want, all for free.

Carpool

Help take a few cars off the road. Use eRideShare.com to locate someone who has a similar commute as you and sign up to share the ride. You will not only cut down on emissions and save on fuel costs, you may even gain a new friend.

Say No to Coffee Cups

The next time you head to Starbucks for a caffeine fix, bring along your own travel mug. Doing so will mean fewer paper cups and cardboard sleeves ending up in a landfill.

Say Yes to Family-Size Portions

When grocery shopping, stocking up on single-serve food items (such as yogurt and cheese sticks) is a convenient practice. However, this extra packaging is extremely wasteful and costly. A greener and wallet-friendly solution is to buy family-size portions, then portioning out snack-size amounts into reusable containers for consumption later.

From simple changes such as replacing incandescent bulbs to CFLs in your home to bigger commitments such as harnessing the power of wind to create electricity, we all can make a positive impact on the planet. After all, the health of future generations depends on the choices we make now.

Images credit: Michael Lorenzo; Susan Ho

How to Clean Up the Garden for Spring

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Late winter is an excellent time to start thinking ahead about the home and garden projects that will surely fill your to-do lists in the weeks to come.

As spring makes its way here in New England in a few short weeks, start early by clearing up leftover dead greenery and making way for new plant growth. This very short video, part of the eHow At Home series, is an excellent demonstration on how to clean up your garden just in time for warmer weather, no matter where you live.

Video by eHow Home & Garden

Potholes: A Late-Winter Driving Nuisance

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

I was driving down a high-traffic street in Newton the other day when I came upon it. In fact, there was not one, but a cluster of small and big ones along my path that I could not avoid running over unless I steered my car into oncoming traffic.

What are they? Potholes.

Driving in Boston during winter is dangerous enough with the presence of snow and black ice, and slipping and sliding.

Potholes are road hazards that crop up a lot this time of year, getting on the nerves of thousands of drivers. These mini-craters suddenly show up and can ruin an otherwise uneventful, smooth car ride. They wreak havoc on your tires and suspension, forcing you to spend extra money on repairs and time at the auto body shop. And sometimes it seems the deeper the hole, the worst the damage.

This very short video demonstrates how much money these holes are costing some of America’s major cities:

Winter driving not only requires lots of skill and experience, it also requires you to stay alert to the endless array of hazards that crop up anytime, whether they are the result of traffic or Mother Nature. Doing so may help ward off car trouble later, saving you time and expense at the auto body shop, not to mention a major headache.

Image credit: Andrew Hildebrand

Video by CBS Television

7 Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Aching backs. Stiff wrists. Strained shoulders. The result of too much lifting? Lifting too many shovelfuls of snow, to be more accurate.

Winter in Boston is simply magical and it is especially true when there’s snow on the ground. Fluffy, white flakes blanket the city, untouched and glistening in the sun. The landscape, once an ocean of greenery, is transformed into a sheet of beautiful, sparkly white.

If you ever had to dig out your driveway or sidewalk after a snowstorm, then chances are good you ended up with some aches and sore muscles.

Shoveling snow is a physically demanding activity. It is also a well-known trigger for heart attacks, especially if you are a generally inactive person. Even pushing a heavy snow blower can raise the blood pressure and heart rate significantly. So, go easy on yourself, get the kids involved, or hire someone to do the hard work for you.

Sooner or later, we all have to get out of the house. The next time you pick up a shovel after a snowstorm, consider these tips for safe snow shoveling:

1. Warm-Up

As with any physical activity, you need to prepare the muscles for the work ahead. A proper warm-up is to help get the blood flowing and the muscles ready for action.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of clear liquids, as you will be working up a sweat.

3. Take Frequent Breaks

Avoid wearing yourself out. Head indoors to stay warm and dry off, and eat a nutritious snack to refuel your muscles.

4. Light Loads

Shoveling many light loads is less taxing on the body than shoveling fewer heavier loads.

5. Lift Properly

To avoid back trouble, lift a shovelful of snow with your legs, not your back.

6. Listen to Your Body

If shoveling snow leads to symptoms of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and/or chest pains, drop everything and seek medical help immediately.

7. Don’t be Perfect

Don’t feel like you need to remove every speck of snow. It is a waste of time and energy.

The next time winter throws a few of its snowstorms your way, take steps to protect yourself and you will greatly minimize the common aches and pains of digging yourself out of the snow.

Image Credit: Susan Ho

8 Tips for Celebrating a Solo Valentine's Day

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Valentine’s Day … images of candlelight dinners, flowers and candy, and couples in love come to mind. That is all good and fine if you are in a relationship with someone, but what should you do if you are single on Valentine’s Day? Start by loving the most important person in your life: YOU, and celebrate the holiday alone. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Be your own best partner and indulge yourself with a gift that reminds you of how special and awesome you really are.

2. Instead of just focusing on you, reach out to someone whom you haven’t spoken to in a long time.

3. Go on a date with yourself. Plan an itinerary of your favorite things to do and do them all. Eat at your favorite restaurant. Watch your favorite sport, or play it. Go on a day trip. Get a massage. Pamper yourself.

4. Host a party at home and invite your friends to come over to celebrate with you. Your friends will only have a deeper appreciation for you.

5. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers and box of candy and have them delivered to your office. They will cheer you up every weekday morning when you arrive at work.

6. Skip the romantic movies and love songs. Skipping movies altogether and sticking with reality will help you stay positive and free you up for much more enjoyable activities.

7. Take a mini vacation by yourself. Drive to a town you've been meaning to explore. Hop on a cheap flight to whatever fits your budget, and then tour the sights. Grab your gear and head out to the forest or countryside and camp out. You don't even have to leave town; book a night at a local bed and breakfast and be a tourist in your own town.

8. Feel the love by giving some love away. Volunteer for a cause you like. Buy some flowers and hand them out to people at random. Open your heart to strangers and see what happens.

Valentine’s Day is a day for sharing the love between two people and the love of self. If loneliness is difficult, celebrate you and be reminded throughout the year that you are awesome.

Image credit: Chris Jones

6 Tips for Planning a Chinese New Year Party

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Known as the Spring Festival and considered the longest and most important festival in China, the Chinese New Year is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated throughout the world in countries with large Chinese populations. Like a traditional New Year party, the holiday is about celebrating new beginnings, new hope for the coming year, and family. You do not have to be in China to take part in the 15-day celebrations to usher in the New Year. Join in the festivities by hosting a Chinese-themed party in your house regardless of your location and have friends and family talking all year long. Here are six tips to get you started:

Invitations

Send invitations before the start of the Chinese New Year (the date is determined by the lunar calendar). In 2013, it falls on February 10. Ideally, the invitation cards would have an animal zodiac sign, red in color, and printed in gold. Red and gold are colors of fortune, a message you want known throughout the celebrations.

Housecleaning

The Chinese New Year brings new luck. By cleaning the house before the New Year, all the old luck of the previous year is swept and washed away. After cleaning, be sure to store the brooms and dustpans out of sight. Cleaning on New Year day is bad luck, as you will be ridding your home of good spirits and fortune.

Decorations

A Chinese New Year party without decorations is simply not lively. Adorn the doorway and walls with Chinese couplets. Hang lanterns. Flowers and plants such as sunflowers, bamboo, narcissus and plum blossom symbolize prosperity, abundance and health - things you want for your family, friends and self.

Red Color

Red is found everywhere on Chinese New Year. Blend this color with gold and black and spread joy, wealth and luck to all your guests.

Food

Plan the party menu around foods that are symbolic in the Chinese culture, such as long (uncut) noodles symbolizing a long life, whole chicken which represents family unity, whole fish which represents abundance, and decorating the dining room table with oranges and tangerines, symbolic for good luck and wealth.

Gifts

Traditionally, Lai See red envelopes are given from an older adult to children and the unmarried. The red and gold envelopes have money inside. Gifts of food such as sweets and bamboo plants also make great gift ideas.

After enjoying a New Year celebration at home, go out and enjoy the traditional fireworks display and lion dance troupe as they usher in the Chinese New Year and ward off the evil spirits!

Images credit: Miguel Ugalde; Susan Ho

A Boston Personal Assistant’s Story: Clutter Control

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Today, my travels took me to Brookline Village in the town of Brookline where I started assisting a lovely woman with limited mobility due to a recent hip fracture. It was an unfortunate situation for this highly independent, career-driven woman who always had things under control.

The tasks I was asked to help her with included walking her pug, doing the laundry, loading the dishwasher, organizing the kitchen counter, and cleaning out the refrigerator among others.

In between replacing the cat litter and mopping the kitchen floor, I came face-to-face with my newest challenge: clutter. In this busy Boston household of two, there was a lot of it. Extreme clothes clutter to be more specific. Taming the clothes monster became my mission of the day.

I am not talking about a mound of clothing sitting on the bathroom floor that somehow missed the laundry basket.

I observed mounds of clean clothing and bed sheets all balled up on the bedroom floor, crumpled up in numerous plastic bins, and forgotten for who knows how long. The floor was so jammed with clothes that one of the dressers was completely unreachable. As clothing got picked up off the floor and I started folding each piece, not surprisingly the majority were heavily wrinkled and in dire need of ironing to soften the creases. The photo on the left is an example of a lovely but deeply wrinkled blouse.

As I created systems for organizing my client’s clothing, I was amazed by the sheer volume of what was found: over 50 different types of scarves, over 80 different kinds of sweaters, over 40 pairs of pajamas and loungewear, nearly 25 swimsuits, more than 20 pairs of jeans, and more.

While emptying out the contents of the dresser drawers, I discovered a collection of summer clothing that should have been replaced with warmer winter wear last season. With the help of Space Saver bags, the t-shirts and shorts found a new temporary home where they will stay until the hot weather arrives. Every dresser drawer can now house one type of clothing: one drawer for undershirts, one drawer for light sweaters, one drawer for socks, etc. The photo below shows a completely reachable dresser after the clothes clutter got picked up.

Although the closet was filled to capacity on both ends with enough evening gowns and dress suits to last a lifetime, there was extra shelving on the top and it was underutilized. This area was the best spot for the client’s extensive sweater collection, in particular the bulky sweaters.

As the clothes clutter became more manageable and the client realized how much she really had, it was agreed that the next step would be to go through her entire clothes collection, remove anything unworn, and donate them. I couldn’t agree with her more.

Images credit: Susan Ho

8 Energy-Saving Tips for Winterizing a Vacant Home in New England

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Although winter conditions vary greatly across the country, New England residents are more likely to face severe weather compared to people living in other areas. Furthermore, winter storms, which range from moderate snowfalls to wind-driven ones that last for days, can hit the region when least expected.

Freezing rain, ice, strong winds and dangerously low temperatures can cause lots of trouble in and around the house. Thus, if you intend to leave your home for warmer climates during the winter, it’s very important to know how to winterize your living space properly. In New England where the winters are long and bitter, it is best to start preparations during the fall season.

The most essential thing about winterizing is to help keep your home warm without turning up the heat. That's important considering that your home will be vacant for several months. Before you leave, prepare your home with some of these tips:

Alternative Energy Technologies
Geothermal heating, solar panels, and wind turbines can help keep your home warm while saving a lot of energy. To prevent specific disasters related to frozen pipes and formation of ice dams on the roof, choose a minimum setting for your furnace thermostat.

Home Energy Audit
An audit can discover any leak, furnace, insulation and duct work issues, helping you determine where your house is losing energy.

Extra Insulation
If your home fails the energy audit, consider adding more insulation between the walls. Make sure you also cover the basement ceiling and attic floor properly. Various window insulation kits can boost your home’s ability to hold the heat inside. Pipe insulation is to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Burst pipes can be disastrous when temperatures rise. If pipes lack proper insulation, try using pre-slit polyethylene foam.

Energy Conservation
The easiest way to conserve energy is to seal ducts and dodge the drafts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of energy use is wasted because of unsealed ducts and drafts. Using proper duct insulation and draft snakes can help you conserve energy.

Weather Stripping and Caulking
These two insulation options allow you to seal any gaps, which lower the energy efficiency index of your home. To discover these gaps, take a close look at places where two or more building materials meet, such as along the foundation and corners, where wires and pipes enter or exit the house, and around chimneys. Weatherize the doors and windows to minimize heat loss.

Furnace Maintenance
Although the furnace will not reach its maximum capacity during the winter, it’s essential to keep it lubricated, clean and properly adjusted if you wish to lower energy consumption. Choose a minimum setting for your thermostat to save more energy. Check filters and replace if needed.

Water

Prior to leaving your home, turn off the water and completely drain all the pipes. However, if you do not plan to drain the pipes, a constant trickle of water will help prevent pipes from freezing.

Home Heating

From an energy standpoint, keeping the heat on in a vacant home may seem wasteful but bringing the heat down to the Low setting will keep the pipes from bursting and prevent temperatures inside from freezing.

Homeowners can avoid costly mistakes by adequately preparing their homes for cold winter weather, especially if their home will be vacant for long periods. In addition, the presence of a trustworthy house sitting service will ensure the safety and security of your home while you are away.

Image credit: Lize Rixt

Top 8 Most Romantic Places to Propose in Boston

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

One of the oldest cities in the United States and the largest in the New England region, Boston’s rich history and culture attracts tourists and visitors from near and far. A little of everything is offered here: from world-class dining to renowned performing arts, from historic architecture to tranquil green spaces.

It's the season of love. If you're ready to make a marriage proposal, you will find there is no shortage of places to pull one off in Boston. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we offer our list of the most romantic places in Boston to pop the big question:

Arnold Arboretum
A National Historic Landmark owned by Harvard University, the Arnold Arboretum sits on 265 acres in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 1800’s. Whether you or your beloved are nature lovers or not, the peaceful grounds and ponds set the perfect stage for a marriage proposal.

Jamaica Pond
A popular destination for walking, fishing, and sailing, the pond is considered the largest source of fresh water in Boston. Take a walk around the perimeter with your beloved or relax by the bench overlooking the tranquil pond.

The Public Garden

Considered America’s first public botanical garden, this 24-acre piece of land is a quiet oasis surrounded by Boston’s towering buildings. Stand on the world’s smallest suspension bridge; the bridge is a popular spot for many wedding photographs as well as proposals. Take your beloved for a Swan Boat ride, a cherished tradition since the late 1800’s.

Charles River
The Charles River borders between Boston and Cambridge, and is well known for recreational and competitive rowing, dragon boat racing, and sailing. Take a casual stroll along the banks, or sit back and soak in the city views. The Charles is especially picturesque at sunset.

The Beach
Whether watching the planes take off and land at Logan International Airport at the beautiful Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront or enjoying a romantic stroll along the dune-lined beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts boasts some of the best beaches in the Northeast. The coast creates the perfect backdrop for special memories.

Fenway Park
The oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use, Fenway Park is the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox. If your beloved is a Boston sports fan, the legendary ballpark makes the ideal setting for a marriage proposal and getting her name put up on the big screen during a game makes it truly special.

Top of the Hub
For the most impressive views of the city skyline, this famous restaurant has it all and is not to be missed. Come to the 52^nd floor of the Prudential Tower, the second tallest building in Boston, and make your special occasion the ultimate romantic dining experience.

Stonehedge Inn & Spa
Considered one of the best romantic resorts in New England, this country inn about 40 miles north of Boston is the ultimate weekend getaway for couples in need of pampering and alone time in a serene and picturesque setting.

Boston is a tourist magnet and the crowds are everywhere, but that should not put you off from your task at hand. Sometimes, planning for that big moment can be all consuming. From carrying out your unique proposal idea to arranging a romantic weekend getaway, our assistance will help ease your stress and have her saying ‘Yes’ in no time.

Images credit: Susan Ho; John De Boer

How to Organize a Ski Trip to New England

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In the northeastern region of the U.S., winter sports enthusiasts need not travel far to experience some excellent destination options and many of them are found in the New England states.

A ski trip to any snow-covered mountain resort is an exciting adventure. Like with anything else, ski travel requires a lot of planning well before packing the bags. Plan for success by following these tips:

1. Where to Stay

Some of New England’s best areas for skiing and other winter recreation are located in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, but there are also plenty of good trails in Southern New England states. Research resorts that offer a variety of activity options, such as snowshoeing and snow tubing, and discounts for new skiers.

2. The Weather

Winter in New England can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the weather conditions prior to your trip and allow yourself a couple extra days as a cushion, giving you the freedom to stay a little longer or leave a little earlier. Bad winter storms can make the ski trip less enjoyable and even dangerous.

3. When to Go

To avoid the crowds and to find cheaper lift ticket prices, less costly accommodations, and favorable equipment rental prices, plan for a mid-week ski trip.

4. The Equipment

If you do not have your own ski or snowboarding equipment, be sure to check the rental supply at the ski area you will be staying before your arrival to avoid disappointment.

5. What to Pack

Be sure to pack the right clothing for warmth and ease of movement. Bring a few extra change of clothing as well as thermal underwear as an added layer. Have on hand extra non-perishable food and drink in the event you get stuck in bad road conditions.

6. Let’s Get Physical

Skiing is a physically demanding sport that works every major muscle in your body. If you are out of shape or have not exercised regularly, consider beginning an exercise regimen a couple months before the ski trip to build up aerobic fitness.

Some of the best in winter recreation and adventure is found here in New England. By carefully planning out every aspect of your ski trip, you will be far more relaxed and better prepared for whatever the slopes will bring. Of course, our trip planning service is also available to take the guesswork out of planning your weekend getaway!

Image credit: Nik Thaele

New Year’s Resolutions: Why Resolving To Do Less is Better

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

I checked my email first thing this morning and I was hit with a load of reminders:

If I want to achieve that body, I need to join XYZ gym.

If I want to avoid late fees, I need to send payment by XYZ date.

If I want that designer jean, I need to buy now.

Reminders help keep our eyes on the prize.

Chances are, you’ve made resolutions for the New Year. Chances are, you are also firm about the commitments you’ve made for yourself. Change is good. It moves you forward. But, no matter how many times you’re reminded to take action of something, life somehow gets in the way. Because when you have too many other things to do, you end up forgetting all about what you set out to do.

I can relate to that. After years of broken resolutions, I decided to scale back my commitment list and focus on less rather than more. I will learn to sew. I will organize the closet. I will learn Italian. Even new research supports the argument that adding more obligations to your life will mean falling behind on existing ones. Here’s a time I focused on one goal for an entire year:

After I had my daughter, I realized how difficult it was to lose that last ten pounds of post-pregnancy weight. I even had a plan in mind on how to shed them. But, life got in the way.

Then I received news my god sister was getting married. Was fitting into that nice dress motivation enough to get me to finally shed that extra post-pregnancy weight? No. Actually, it was all about the deep desire to grow old healthy and disease-free and to have the energy and stamina to keep up with my daughter and to see her grow up. Starting with daily 4:30 AM brisk walks coupled with a sensible eating plan, I met and exceeded my weight loss goal three months after I started and kept it off ever since. No email reminders; just a goal for personal improvement and why I needed to do it.

This year, my resolution is to not sweat the small stuff. Let things go. Focus on the big picture. Stop worrying about trivial things. See the positive side of everything. Why should I not sweat the small stuff? Because doing so will hinder me from moving forward in many areas in life.

On New Year’s Eve, I took my family to enjoy the early evening fireworks at the Boston Common for First Night Boston. About two yards from where we stood, a young mother with three children under age ten was smoking a cigarette in full presence of her children. While I normally would have criticized her under my breath for setting such a bad example to her children, I made the decision to hold my tongue. It was a very happy occasion (new year's eve). Her smoking wasn’t affecting anyone other than her family, and my family’s health wasn’t compromised. Stop worrying about trivial things. Maybe this mother normally did not smoke in front of her children; I would not know. For all I know, she appeared loving and was fully engaged with her kids. See the positive side of everything. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

A year from now, it would be interesting to see how well I did.

So, let it be different this year. Focus on less rather than more. And keep your eyes on the prize.

Image credit: Billy Alexander

A New Year’s Clean Begins at Home

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For generations of families like mine, it is a tradition to “sweep away the old and usher in the new” by getting the house in order.

Our annual ritual begins just before New Year's Eve. The home is a sacred place where love is shared and relationships are strengthened. After weeks of nonstop activity from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the house is a chaotic mess. Now that Christmas has come and gone and the dust has settled, I arm myself with a broom and dustpan to "let out the old and let in the new." Here's how:

1. Windows

Despite the winter chill, while cleaning I open the windows. Doing so not only helps to improve indoor air quality but an opportunity to remove the buildup of leaves and dirt that accumulate all throughout winter.

2. Laundry

No matter how much there is, this needs to get cleaned, dried, folded, and put away. What can be worse than not having fresh clothes to wear on New Year’s Day? Yesterday’s dirty clothes belong in the old year.

3. Closets

Next order of business is to raid the closets and to separate the goods into two piles: to keep and to donate. If it hasn’t been worn or used for a year, it’s time to chuck it.

4. Toys & Games

If these haven’t been touched in a while, it’s time to donate them so others can enjoy them.

5. Bath

The bathroom is a high-trafficky place. I focus on the spots that need the most attention, including the bath tiles and shower curtain. The towels and mats are replaced with clean ones.

6. Dust

The entire house including furniture gets a good dusting. As my mother used to say: “You can’t start a new year fresh by holding on to yesterday’s dust.”

7. Pantry

I raid the kitchen pantry and check the expiration dates for any canned food item or other dried goods that haven’t been consumed yet. Those dates creep up fast.

8. Bedding

These get changed and replaced with clean ones. Clean linens and bed sheets make for better sleep.

9. Clutter

To keep from getting overwhelmed, I tackle one decluttering project at a time and depending on how big the task is, I break it up.

10. Floors

These are cleaned last. It’s estimated that we track 85% of the dirt in our homes from the outside on our shoes, so having a clean floor is a must going into the new year.

Regardless of how you usher in the New Year, whether it’s singing ‘Auld Lang Syne” or putting a penny on a windowsill, may it bring you a year of hope and good luck! Certainly, as you plan out your activities throughout the year and you find yourself juggling multiple tasks and running in different directions, call on our services to provide valuable relief to your overwhelmed household.

Image credit: Shondra Hull

9 Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe During the Holidays

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The holiday season is brimming with crowds, festive parties and family gatherings, and an extra helping of stress. While you should always keep healthy and safe throughout the year, it is especially important to be vigilant this time of year. Add one more gift to your gift list this year: the gift of good health and safety for you and your loved ones.

Food Intake & Activity

Temptations are everywhere on the buffet table. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse for overindulging. Watch portion sizes and limit foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt content. Limit alcohol intake and caloric-heavy holiday beverages such as eggnog. Get up and move. Even moderate amounts of activity can burn up extra calories that would otherwise end up in the waistline.

Hygiene & Vaccinations

Cold weather season means an increased likelihood of coming down with an illness. Get a flu vaccine every year. Minimize the spread of germs by scrubbing hands with warm water and soap, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer gel. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your shirtsleeve, not into the hands.

Clothing

Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems; infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable. When exploring the outdoors this winter, stay dry and cover exposed skin as much as possible in hats, scarves and gloves. Layers of loose-fitting clothing are best.

Stress

Limit commitments and be mindful of overspending. Balance recreation, home life and work obligations. Welcome the support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed, positive outlook. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Aim for more sleep.

Road Safety

If you will be enjoying one too many cocktails, designate a responsible driver and never allow a loved one to operate a car when intoxicated. Fasten seat belts on every car ride, no matter how short the trip, and ensure children are buckled up in an age-appropriate child safety seat or seat belt.

Tobacco Smoke

Whether a cigar or cigarettes, the dangers of lighting up are well documented and it is equally dangerous to be around secondhand smoke. Avoid both. If you are a smoker, seek professional assistance to help with quitting, for your health’s sake.

Child Safety

Despite all the distractions, parents with young children should be alert for potentially dangerous food, toys, and other objects that can become choking hazards.

Fire Safety

House fires are very common during the winter months. Minimize fire hazards by never leaving holiday lights, candles, heaters, or the fireplace unattended. Inspect holiday lights for excessive wear before putting them up. Never place a lit candle near the Christmas tree. Be sure to have a home fire escape plan in place and practice it often.

Emotional Well-being

The holiday season is chock full of happy moments, from family gatherings and endless feasting to giving that perfect gift and seeing the smiles on our children’s faces. For some people, however, the holidays bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and tremendous stress. Don’t avoid those feelings; acknowledge them, and share them with those around you in a positive way.

The holidays are stressful enough without an unexpected accident or illness. Socialize and celebrate good times with friends and family, adopt safe behaviors, and create habits that stay with you all year around.

Image credit: Alfred Borchard

A Time to Slow Down and Reflect

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It is so hard to let go of the news of the terrible elementary school tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and I am sure we all have our own thoughts about it. So many lives lost but in particular, the very young children who had their whole lives to look forward to. Gone in an instant. This is every parent’s worst nightmare.

Totally senseless.

As a parent, the worries never seem to stop. It used to be about getting enough to eat, warm clothes to ward off the cold, a roof over their heads, and getting a good education. But, gun violence in our communities and schools? When will this madness end? Indeed, being a parent can be a person’s greatest joy and greatest sense of anxiety.

That night, my husband and I were faced with the daunting task of explaining to our 8-year-old daughter - in an age-appropriate manner - about what happened in that little school 150 miles south of Boston. I had long shielded her from all these anxiety-inducing subjects, not wanting to shatter her happy view of the world. But talk we must. And we did.

Not surprisingly, she took it all in very well.

Our hugs were tighter, our words reassuring, our presence to each other all the more meaningful. Having each other is the greatest feeling.

A painful tragedy like this stops us all in our tracks. We grieve for lives lost. We start to reflect on what is most important in our lives.

This Christmas season, I hope you will find time to slow down and reflect on what really matters most.

Image credit: Katharine Evans