Cleaning Guide for Every Room

For some people it comes easily to keep everything organized and spotless but for some of us it can be overwhelming! Some people can do things off their mind but for some of us it's easier to follow a list! So that's what I came up with, a list to clean every room in your house! Trust me once I start cleaning and following this list I don't stop until I complete it! It motivates me to keep going & finish! The list may seem pretty long but trust me a lot of the tasks are very easy to get done and wont take you any longer than 1 minute! I also listed everything in the order I clean my home but of course you can always customize that!

DO THIS WITH ALL THE WINDOWS IN ALL ROOMS:

• Open all windows!
• Wash curtains.
• Wash windows & window sills.
• Take out & wash window screens.

LIVING ROOM:

• Dust all furniture, decor, & electronics.
• Polish all wood.
• Clean mirrors.
• Clean lamps & lampshades.
• Vacuum sofas.
• Clean sofas (wash if you can).
• Wash throw pillows.
• Clean doors & knobs.
• Clean vent covers.
• Clean floor.

DINNING ROOM:

• Wipe down table and chairs.
• Polish table.
• Wash linens.
• Dust & clean serving dishes, display china or silverware.
•  Put everything back in place!
• Clean doors & knobs.
• Clean vent covers.
• Clean floor.

KITCHEN:

•  Do this for each cabinet and drawer: Remove all items, clean them, clean cabinet/drawer, place items back organized & donate what you don't need!
• Clean and organize pantry, throw away everything that has expired.
• Clean stove top, remove burners & drip pans clean and put back.
• Clean Oven.
• Clean Microwave.
• Clean all counter appliances.
• Clean & organize fridge & freezer, throw away the food that has expired.
• Clean under fridge and stove.
• Wash counters & disinfect.
• Wash sink!
• Clean dishwasher.
• Clean doors & knobs.
• Clean vent covers
• Sweep and mop floor.

BATHROOMS:

•  Do this with all cabinets/drawers/vanity: Take items out, wash the inside, re-place items neatly, throw away things you no longer need.
• Wash shower curtains, bathroom rugs & towels.
• Clean the outside of cabinets/drawers/vanity.
• Wash tub.
• Clean toilet, inside and out.  Remove seat and clean around seat bolts. 
• Wash sink & drain.
• Clean & shine faucets.
• Clean mirrors & frames.
• Dust & clean all decor including wall decor.
• Sweep & mop floor!

BEDROOMS:

• Wash curtains, bed linens, pillow covers & blankets.
• For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
• Move bed.
• Put away anything that was under bed.
• Clean floor under bed.
• Put bed back in place.
• Wash mattress & sprinkle some baking soda, then pick up with vacuum to freshen it up. 
• Dust lights & lamp shades.
• Dust & clean ceiling fan.
• Dust all furniture & polish.
• Dust & clean all decor & wall art.
• Clean doors & knobs.
• Clean vent covers
• Clean floor.

 CLOSETS:

•  Take out everything from closet.
• Donate what you don't need.
• Sweep & mop/Vacuum floor.
• Organize everything and put back in place.
• Try not to store things you have not used in the past 6 months and will not need in the near future!

LAUNDRY ROOM:

• Clean outside and inside of cabinets including cabinet doors and knobs.
• Wash laundry sink & shine.
• Clean outside of washer & dryer.
• Wash inside of washer.
• Clean inside of dryer, Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
• Dust & clean all decor & wall art.
• Clean doors & knobs.
• Clean vent covers
• Clean floor. 

STAIRWELLS:

• Sweep/vacuum stairs
• Clean walls.
• Wipe down handrail.
• Dust art & light fixtures.

 OUTSIDE

• Sweep porch & walkway.
• Sprinkle water and wash porch, walkway & driveway.
• Wash thresholds.
• Wash exterior doors.
• Clean or replace welcome mat.
• Wash siding. 
• Wash all outside decor.

How to Have Glowing Skin

 
1. Skip the long, steamy showers and opt for shorter, cooler sprays. Long, hot showers strip skin of its moisture and wash away protective oils
2. Check the dryness of your skin by scratching a small area on your arm or leg with your fingernail. If it leaves a white mark, your skin is indeed dry and needs both moisture and exfoliation (that is, removal of the outermost layer of dead skin cells).
3. Treat your neck and chest like an extension of your face. Your neck and upper chest area is covered by very sensitive skin, making it a prime spot for telltale signs of aging such as dryness, sun spots, and wrinkles. To keep this area youthful, use facial cleansing creams that hydrate and cleanse gently rather than deodorant soaps, which can be drying. Top it all off with a good facial moisturizing cream. If this area is extra dry, use a facial moisturizing mask twice a month.  
4. Run a humidifier every night in the winter to moisturize the air in your bedroom. Not only will it ease itchy, dry skin, you’ll be able to breathe the moist air more easily.

 

Glow in the go:  If you rarely have time because you have a pretty busy life, here ares some things you can do to keep your skin healthy and glowing "on the go".   

A facial mister filled with pure spring water will help  your face stay fresh.

Water, you should drink water every hour to keep your skin hydrated remember water makes your skin Glow & Healthy.

A creamy moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from environmental stressors in the air.

Vitamin C tablets and some echinacea, to boost your immune system.

Antibacterial hand wipes so you can have your hands clean when you forget you're not supposed to touch your face since you touch everything else, that gets bacteria in your face.

NEVER:

Never drink alcohol, smoke or tan!

Never pick at your blemishes.

Never go to bed with makeup on.

Never ignore your neck: the routine for the face should extend to the neck.

Never leave the house without sunblock on your face, neck, chest, and hands.

Never touch your face during the day unless your hands are clean.

10 Fun Ways to Get in Shape

Did you know that if you do 20 minutes of cardio three times a week it helps your heart, lungs and vascular system work efficiently and your muscles also get the oxygen and blood they need! So I decided to make a list of some fun ways to exercise and the benefits from them! I also listed how many calories it will help you burn!

1. Running

Running is one of the best ways to exercise and it doesn't require any special equipment besides shoes and you can do it anywhere! The best part is that you burn a lot of calories especially if you run on a hill and sprint. A 145-lb person can burn 300 calories running at 5.2mph in 30 minutes.

2. Cross-Country Skiing

 

Cross country skiing is an amazing cardio exercise. One of the best things about it is that it involves your upper and lower body so it doesn't take much to get your heart rate soaring.A 145-lb person can burn 330 calories after skiing for 30 minutes.

3. Bicycling

 

Cycling gives a great cardio workout especially for your legs because you will increase endurance while burning a lot of calories (250-500 in 30 minutes depending on how fast you're going). You can also do it inside with a cycling machine or outside with your bike!

4. Elliptical Trainer

 

The elliptical trainer is a great way to build endurance while protecting your aching joints from high impact activities. Plus, if you use one with arms, it's just like using a cross-country ski machine.  A 145-lb person burns about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

5. Swimming

Swimming  is a full body exercise. The more body parts you involve in your workout, the more calories you'll burn. Spend 30 minutes doing the breaststroke and you'll burn almost 400 calories. Best of all, your joints are fully supported so you don't have to worry about high-impact injuries.

6. Step Aerobics

Step is one tough workout that targets your legs, butt and hips while burning almost 400 calories in 30 minutes (during high intensity sessions). Though it might look complicated, step is easy to learn if you start with a beginner class or video.

7. Rowing

 

Vigorous rowing can really get your heart rate up while working your arms like crazy. Plus, it's probably not something you do very often which means you'll burn even more calories. In 30 minutes, a 145-lb person can burn about 300 calories.

8. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing burns 380 calories in 30 minutes. Though you use strength and power with your arms and legs, rock climbing has a high learning curve and requires lots of special equipment and techniques so you don't hurt yourself. 

9. Walking

If you put a little oomph into it, walking is a great exercise, burning about 180 calories in 30 minutes. Adding hills, sprints or even a few minutes of jogging can increase the amount of calories you burn. Make sure you walk briskly--pretend you're trying to catch a bus--and keep you head up, back straight and swing your arms.

10. Handball

Similar to racquetball (but without the racquet), the side-to-side sprints will get your heart rate up as well as strengthen your legs. The learning curve is high, so plan on practicing a lot before you can even hit that little ball. A 145-lb person burns over 400 calories in 30 minutes.

How to Take Care of Your Nails

So I've written this blog on my website before but I thought it would be a great idea to re-post it here on my blog since lately I've been a lot more on here. Winter is here and usually around this time of the year because of the cold weather our nails tend to get brittle! So here are some great ways to prevent that Oh! and a guide on doing a manicure on yourself at home!
 

1- Eat healthy! Our nails are a reflection of what we eat. Our nails are composed of many minerals. 

•  Drink and eat plenty of milk products.
• Take vitamins that contain calcium, vitamin A, phosphorous, zinc, folic acid, silica, vitamin C
• Eat vegetables
• Almonds
• Fruits
• Lots of water!
• Vitamin B12 leads to dryness and darkening of nails.

2- Personal Hygiene! Obviously this is very important, you want to make sure to keep your whole self clean, but you cannot forget about one of the most important places in our bodies that we need to keep clean, our nails! Nails carry tons of germs and disease causing bacteria of stuff we've been touching.

•  Trim your nails regularly!
• Wash your hands and massage soap near your nails and cuticles.
• Remove dead skin around nails using a pumice stone.
• Do not wash your hands with either too hot or too cold water.
• Have a monthly manicure done by a professional.

3- Keep nails well moisturized! Moisturizers containing collagen and vitamin E which are really good for the nails. They are most effective if put on after soaking your nails in warm water and patting dry

• Apply moisturizer while watching T.V., after dinner, in the morning, after taking a shower etc.
• Try massaging hot vitamin E oil or castor oil once a week for smoother fingers and nails!
• Massage nail serum which stimulates circulation and helps nails grow faster.

4- Avoid harsh chemicals! harsh chemicals make your nails brittle and weak.

•  Use a base coat before applying paint.
• Use non-acetone nail polish removers and use acetate nail polish removers instead.
• Apply vinegar on your nails to make nail polishes last longer!

5- How to get a manicure at home! Sometimes we feel lazy to go out, or we don't trust others with our nails, just like sometimes we don't have enough money to go and pay for a $40 manicure at a nail salon. That's why here are some steps and tips on how to make yourself a manicure at home!
You would need:
1. Warm water
2. Cuticle cream
3. Manicure scissor
4. Nail cutter
5. Nail filer
6. Nail brush
7. Nail polish remover
8. Base coat
9. Nail polish

• To begin with, make sure all your tools are clean and sterilized.
• Remove your old nail polish, using cotton ball and nail polish remover(prefer non acetone nail polish remover)
• Then proceed towards shaping your nails, never file your nails when wet (they can break too easily).you can shape your nails in either of these 4 basic shapes: round, square, oval and pointed. The shape of the nail should conform to the shape of finger. File your nails in one direction. Back and forth motion is a big no no.
• Soak your nails in soapy lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes, you can add e few drops of essential oil of any fragrances of your chance (my personal favorite is vanilla!), Epson salt and few drops of lemon juice (it doesn't stain your nails).
• Apply cuticle cream or Vaseline and push your cuticles back with help of ear bud. Apply cream or Vaseline and massage your hands well. Avoid cutting cuticles because It's painful and may cause infections.
• Wash your nails using a nail brush.
• Exfoliate your skin taking soapy water and sugar to get rid of dead skin.
• Soak your hands again.
• Pat dry your hands and massage with good quantities of cream.
• Apply base coat, let it dry follows by nail color of your choice.

Voila you have beautiful looking, smooth and soft healthy hands!

8 Bad Habits Preventing You From Having Flawless Skin

I always get compliments about my skin looking soft and even, a lot of people even think I over do editing on my pictures! But honestly....I do.. I mean I edit the resolution and the colors of the setting and what not but I don't edit my skin! I actually got rid of horrible habits i used to have and that's how I get my pretty skin! A lot of us don't realize many things we do that hurt our body and skin so I decided t o write a blog about this horrible habits you should watch out for if you want a flawless perfect beautiful complexion!

1- SMOKING
If you smoke and you're worrying about your skin then Quit! It's not only bad for your health but it's really bad for your skin! The longer you continue to smoke the sooner wrinkles will start appearing in yv our skin making you look older and you increase the chance of having ugly spots in your face.

2-NOT CLEANING YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
Okay fine. I still have trouble following this tip! I mean before I noticed I just fall asleep without washing my face, and is it healthy? No! So take time to clean your skin before you go to sleep! The result of not cleaning your face is an accumulation of dirt on your face and your pores will get clogged, what makes you get pimples or irritations.

3-SQUEEZING PIMPLES
Many people have the bad habit of squeezing pimples, not knowing that it only gets worse if you do so. If you squeeze a pimple you push the bacteria further into your skin which can cause an infection or a scar. We obviously don’t want that! But believe me I know the feeling when you really want to squeeze a pimple and you end up doing it!  So if you really want to squeeze your pimple, at least make sure that you use a clean tissue.

4- SCRUBBING TOO OFTEN
A nice scrub once or twice a week is very good for your skin, it removes the dead cells you have and it leaves your skin soft and smooth. But, if you scrub too often your skin can get irritated which is bad for the oil production. Result is that you get pimples and you’re spreading bacteria’s.

5-NOT WASHING YOUR HAIR FREQUENTLY
If you don’t wash your hair often enough it will get oily and if you have long hair or a pony it touches your skin. If you already have acne problems or an oily skin you better avoid oily hair, because it will only get worse.


6- NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
Make sure you sleep enough. If you don’t, it can cause stress, and stress isn’t that great for your skin. So relax! Otherwise you risk getting pimples and eczema.




7- TANNING TOO MUCH
Fortunately I don't have to tan! But for those of you who like tanning be careful! Because tanning too much is really bad for your skin and it increases the risk of skin cancer. Plus it causes you to get wrinkles faster.


8- EATING JUNK FOOD
Have you ever heard that phrase "You are what you eat"? Well it's truth! Eating too much junk food can have a huge impact on your skin since junk food has a lot of sugars, oils and fats causing you to have acne and other skin problems. Test it! If you have acne and eat junk food, stop eating junk food for one month and notice the difference!

Homeade Autum Aroma

I've tried many things to make my house smell good. I went to Kirkland and I bought their amazing aroma packets and they smell great but the scent only lasts for a couple of days and then you have to go back and buy more. I also tried their candles which I absolutely love but they would only last for 1-2 weeks if I lid them everyday. I've also tried many other things like oil diffusers, sprays, candles, gels and more but nothing seemed to satisfy me! Everything either costs too much or doesn't last long! So one day I decided to try something at home! and to this day I've done it every day since! and everybody that visits me notices the amazing smell and they love it! And believe me it doesn't cost a lot of money and it last for as long as you want! All you need is Cinnamon and your favorite fruit (I add oranges or apple)! Set it all to boil in a pot (with no lid) on low all day long and believe me ALL of your house will smell amazing!!! Even when I turn it off at night it still smells in the morning! And the best part is that you can just keep adding water to it and a little bit more of Cinnamon and the smell continues!

Vanilla Guys?

This is weird.. believe me I know! I'm seriously blogging about a soap! But I'm just very curious about what is it about this soap that makes guys fall in love with it?! When me and my husband moved to our first apartment I bought a lot of soaps from Bath & Body Works and they all had a different scent. I bought Sweet Pea, Japanese Cherry Blossom, Strawberry, Vanilla and many others that I honestly don't remember the scents! Anyways, my husband wanted to pick the kitchen scent and he tried them all but he fell in love with the Vanilla soap and every time he would go to the kitchen he would wash his hands and he still does to this day in our new apartment! The weird part is that ALL of his friends have fallen in love with that soap too and when they come to visit some of them go straight to the kitchen to wash their hands with that soap! Out of all the soaps Vanilla is the first one to finish and I always have to buy more because my husband is in love with it! I rarely ever use it, in fact I probably use it once every 3 weeks. So try it! buy a Vanilla soap and see if your husband or boyfriend fall in love with it too! I would love to know!! So let me know! (: