Spring Cleaning Tips

Photo credit to Unsplash As the winter chill fades to a distant memory and the sun begins to warm our days, there's no denying now is the perfect time for a fresh start. Spring is the season for throwing open the windows, letting in the fresh air, and setting off on the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. Whether your house is mostly in order or needs a full deep clean, these simple tips will help you tidy up your home and have a fresh start for the spring and summer seasons.   Make a plan: Spring cleaning may feel overwhelming at first with so many different rooms and areas that need tidying. Splitting up your home into different sections and planning out which areas you will tackle first makes the task much less daunting. Do a quick walk-through of your house and assess which areas of your home need the most attention. Then, make a checklist to help you stay organized and ensure every room gets what it needs. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a spotless home! Photo credit to Unsplash   Declutter and Donate: Decluttering your spaces before you get gloves deep into cleaning will make the whole task much more manageable. Rid your home of any unnecessary items that have accumulated over the colder months. Donate or recycle items that are no longer needed, and don’t be afraid to be ruthless when deciding what to keep or donate. Here are a few local donation centers that would gladly accept your no-longer-needed clothing and items: Saver’s Community Donation Center. Located at 10475 W Fairview Ave and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Saint Vincent de Paul. You can drop off donations at any of the five locations in Boise, Caldwell, and Meridian. Hours vary based on the location, so make sure you check before you go. Photo credit to Unsplash   Work from top to bottom: When cleaning a room, starting from the top and moving down will eliminate the need to go back and reclean. Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving on to surfaces and furniture. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls while cleaning is captured and removed as you work your way down. Don't forget to pay special attention to often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, door frames, and behind appliances. Vacuuming the floor should always be your last step. Photo credit to Unsplash   Don't forget the windows: Clean windows can truly brighten up your house and give it a fresh, airy feeling. The insides of windows can build up dust and dirt over the months. Removing this gunk and brightening up a room is as easy as grabbing your window cleaner, a squeegee, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Don’t forget about the exterior too, as winter can lead to a build-up of dirt and streaks on the outside of your windows. Just as with the interiors, clean exterior windows are essential for enhancing the outward appearance of your home. Consider hiring a professional for second and third-story windows, or tackle them yourself with a ladder! Photo credit to Unsplash

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Markets Throughout the Treasure Valley

Spring and summer means spending Saturday morning wandering around your local farmers market. There’s nothing better than going from booth to booth, smelling the fragment aromas of fresh food and ingredients, purchasing just-harvested produce, and connecting with the local farmers who grow it. From seasonal fruits and veggies to artisanal cheese and baked goods, these Treasure Valley markets have something for everyone!   Capital City Public Market: This local market focuses on pre-made food, art, and locally-grown produce. When: Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Where: The Grove Plaza in downtown Boise.   Boise Farmers Market: This market features local farmers, butchers, and baked goods among other items. When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Where: 1500 Shoreline Drive, Boise ID.   Eagle Saturday Market: This market has delicious food and amazing crafts accompanied by live music. When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Where: Eagle City Hall   Meridian Main Street Market: This market features fresh produce, artisanal products, food trucks, and live music. When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: 33 E. Broadway Ave, Meridian ID.   Nampa Farmers Market: This market features fresh produce, with everything sold being grown within a 100-mile radius! When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Where: Lloyd Square Park, Nampa ID.   No New Vintage Market: This vintage clothing market is located in the Linen Market and showcases a variety of vendors with unique and sustainable fashion choices.  When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Where: 1402 W. Grove St, Boise Idaho    

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Tips to Revitalize Your Home This Spring

Photo credit to Unsplash Spring has sprung and it is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home after a long winter. As the weather warms and nature reawakens, take the opportunity to revitalize your living space and enhance your curb appeal. Whether you're focusing on refreshing the interior of your home or sprucing up the exterior, here are some tips for reviving your home this spring.   Interior: Photo credit to Unsplash Clean and deodorize carpets and fabric furniture. Over time, carpets and fabric furniture can accumulate dust, dirt, and odors. Start your spring refresh by giving these areas a thorough cleaning. Try renting a carpet cleaner or hiring professionals for deep cleaning, and make sure you use fabric-safe cleaners and deodorizers to freshen up furniture. Wash windows. The inside of windows can build up dust and dirt over the months. Removing this gunk and brightening up a room is as easy as grabbing your window cleaner, a squeegee, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime.  Dust commonly missed areas. While regular dusting may cover the basics, there are often overlooked areas that could need some attention. Take the time to dust these areas which can accumulate dust quickly and impact air quality. Examples are: Ceiling fans Bookshelves Top of picture frames, TVs Let fresh air in. After a long winter of closed windows and indoor heating, your home can benefit from a breath of fresh air. Open windows to let in the spring breeze and allow stale air to circulate out. Not only does this freshen up your space, but it can also reduce heating and cooling bills. Add a vase of fresh-cut flowers. Nothing says spring like the beauty of fresh-cut flowers adorning your kitchen or dining table. Choose seasonal blooms in vibrant colors to add a pop of color and a delightful fragrance for a simple yet effective way to brighten up any room.   Exterior: Photo credit to Unsplash Wash windows. Winter can lead to a build-up of dirt and streaks on the outside of your windows. Just as with the interiors, clean exterior windows are essential for enhancing the outward appearance of your home. Consider hiring a professional for second and third-story windows, or tackle them yourself with a ladder!  Weed garden beds. Prepare your garden and flower beds for spring growth by removing any weeds that have taken root over the winter. To prevent regrowth and get a tidy appearance, pull weeds from the root. Place fresh mulch in garden beds. Mulch not only adds to the visual appeal of your garden beds but also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Spreading a fresh layer of mulch evenly throughout your garden beds helps refresh your yard and provides a clean backdrop for new growth. Touchup paint on trim. Walk through and inspect the exterior of your home for any areas where the paint may be chipped or faded on trim and accents. A quick and easy touch-up on trim with matching paint can greatly improve the appearance and protect against weathering. Repaint the front door. Your front door is the focal point of your home's exterior, so adding a fresh color can greatly improve the curb appeal. Consider repainting it in a bold color that complements your home's style to give your residence a new look. Be sure to properly prepare the surface and choose a durable exterior paint for lasting results. Plan and plant the garden. Spring is the perfect time to plan and plant your garden for the season ahead. Start by researching suitable plants for your climate and soil conditions, or talking to local experts about what grows best. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, a well-planned garden can greatly enhance your outdoor space. Add beautiful flower pots to the entry. Add a splash of color and elevate your home's curb appeal by adding decorative flower pots to your entryway. Choose different-sized pots in coordinating colors and styles to complement your home's exterior, and fill them with seasonal flowers or greenery for a vibrant entryway that welcomes you inside.  

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