Making Spring Chores Fun

Spring Projects Overwhelming?

Here are so me tips for making your “to do” list “to do-able” (and more fun).
 
Does it seem like someone flipped the “on” switch for spring?  All of a sudden you have a million things to do and they all need to get done right now!  It’s easy to see the whole list as a giant never ending chore list.
 
Here are some simple and practical tips to help you manage these tasks, have fun doing them, and still have some enjoyment time left in your spring and summer.
 
Make it fun (and it gets done). Why is it that we get so serious around chores? What if, like a young child, we could turn the task into a game? Here are some ideas for games you could play:
 
Beat the clock

Set a timer (with a buzzer) for 15 minutes. Chose a task and see how far you can get in 15 minutes. Decide in advance what prize you will get when the timer goes off whether or not the chore is actually finished!
 
Once you’ve completed the first 15 minutes and collected your prize, you can set the timer again or move on to something different.  Don’t be alarmed if, in 15 minutes you made a big dent in the work or you actually finished it!
 
 Wheel (or Jar) of Fortune
 
Make a list of all of the tasks you need to accomplish in the next week or so. Write each one on a slip of paper along with 3 or 4 fun things like “take a walk” or “relax with a cold drink for 15 minutes” – whatever would be fun for you. When it’s time to get started draw ONE slip of paper out of the jar. No cheating and putting it back! Whatever it says, that’s what you have to do.  
 
You can combine this with the timer if you like for extra fun!
 
Circus Cookies – How Can You Eat the Elephant?

Just how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. A big job can be broken down into smaller parts. If, for example you were going to plant a raised bed garden you could break it down into parts: 

•  Measuring
•  Purchasing supplies based upon the measurements
• Clearing the area
• Assembling the walls of the garden
•  Laying the weed barrier
• Pouring and mixing in the soil
• Erecting the fence
• Choosing what to plant
• Planting
• Watering
• Fertilizing

Sure it’s quite a few steps, but each one gets you closer to completion. How to make it fun? You could:

• Take pictures of each step
• Celebrate the completion of each step by doing something you enjoy
• Reward yourself by hiring someone else to do some of the tasks you REALLY don’t want to do around the house

Imagine how fun it would be to have that deck repaired – as if by magic?? OR

• That motion detector light you’ve always meant to install
• That door that doesn’t quite close right
• That (fill in the blank) fixed

You get the idea. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of time! Let me help you with that.Remember our May Special is available to help you get that spring list out of your way so you can enjoy the summer weather! Click here for our special May offer.

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Spring Has Sprung…

Now Where Did I Put My Gardening Gloves?

Ah Spring! That time of year when all of the amateur gardeners, weekend warriors and otherwise outdoorsy fix it types venture outside to conquer the great outdoors.
 
“Roll out the lawn furniture Ethel; we’re going to have a barbecue!” Except…
 
Where, exactly did we put the lawn furniture, gloves, tools, charcoal starter, barbecue, lawn mower…?
 
That’s the trouble with all this outdoor activity stuff – unless you want to buy everything all over again, you need to have stored it properly and actually remember where you put it!
 
Whether you were organizational royalty last fall, or you just stashed and dashed, there are still some things you need to do to maintain those items you only use when the weather is nice.
 
Here are some helpful tips for your outdoor “stuff.”
 
Patio Furniture
 
Sun, rain, outdoor pools, and lotions can all cause havoc on your outdoor furnishings. The good news is that you have options. Finding replacement parts (glides, springs, etc) is usually an easy task at the local hardware store. Even the slings can be replaced with kits you can find online.
 
If properly stored, furniture pads can be dusted off (or if it’s made of the right material. rinsed off) and look as good as new. If your cushions are in good shape consider using a spray on protector made for outdoor furniture. Sometimes it’s just time for something new. Furniture pads, covers and pillows made for the outdoors are an affordable way to update your outdoor “look.”
 
The actual frames can be updated too. Tired looking frames can be sanded and painted. Use a coat of anti rust paint on wrought iron. Is the aluminum looking dull? Wash it and coat it with car wax.
 
Simple fixes can make such a difference!
 
Barbecue Maintenance
 
Your barbecue should be cleaned thoroughly twice a year. Start by combining part distilled white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle, and then coat the interior of the grill. Close the grill lid and allow it to stand for one hour. This solution will break up that burned on “gunk,” so that it is easier to remove with a grill brush. You can wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
 
Use a sponge and dish soap to clean the grate, or you can use a commercial spray on grate cleaner or oven cleaner. Just be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use oven cleaner on any surface other than the grate, because it can damage painted surfaces.If your barbecue has rust on the outside, use a fine steel wool pad to gently rub the rust spots away. After you’ve removed the rust, spray with paint made specifically for grills.
 
The best maintenance for the grill, however, is regular maintenance. Purchase a grill brush to scrape off bits of food and char after each use. (If you’re on a budget you can also do this with crumpled aluminum foil.) Before lighting the grill, spray on grilling oil or, using a sturdy paper towel, rub on cooking oil that is safe at high temperatures.
 
Gardening Tools
 

Lawn mowers should be sharpened and balanced each year. Loppers and clipping type tools should be kept sharp. Inspect these for sap or plant residue after each use. Clean with mild soap and water if needed. Garden tools can be lubricated with olive oil or mineral oil. Shovels too, work best if their  blade is sharp.
 
The best maintenance for all tools is to be sure they are clean and dry before being put away. Remember “a place for everything and everything in its place?” Yes, your mother probably said this when you were a child, but it’s also excellent advice for your tool shed.
 
“But I just want to get out there and do yard work! I don’t want to overhaul the entire garage just to find my stuff and get started!”
 
Good news! The Fix-It Professionals are here to help! Let us help you organize your garage or your tools shed. We’ll even haul away* all that stuff that you swear you had no idea where it all came from. Read on for our Garage and Shed Clean Up Special.
 
*hauling does not include dump fees

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