Spring Cleaning for Dummies – Call 225-224-3909

May 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

196752_glovesWorried about forgetting something when you do your Spring cleaning this year? Or have you not done it in so long you aren’t sure where to start? Take a look at this article and get off on the right foot.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge cleaning service! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

I *LOVE* spring cleaning. It is an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy and efficient spaces. Don’t be daunted by the size of this list, many of the jobs are small ones that will go by quickly, and you’ll be so glad you took the time to do them!

FOYER

  • Dust lighting fixtures.
  • Wash walls and trim
  • Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
  • Wash bench or other furnishings. Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
  • Empty out coat closet. Wash walls and floor, if needed. Sort items as you return them to the closet. Store out of season items, donate unneeded items.
  • Clean or replace entry mat.
  • Sweep and scrub floors.
  • Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

BEDROOMS

  • Open windows
  • Dust furniture.
  • For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly. Donate Items you no longer need.
  • Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly. Donate items you no longer need. Try not to store things on closet floor.
  • Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed. Try not to store things under bed.
  • Put bed back. Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up.
  • Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
  • Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
  • Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
  • Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim as needed.
  • Wash mirrors or dust art.
  • Wash doors and doorknobs.
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
  • Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

  • Open windows
  • Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
  • Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
  • Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
  • Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
  • Clean sink and drain.
  • Shine faucets.
  • Clean mirror and frame .
  • Dust light fixtures.
  • Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
  • Wash switch plates. wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs.
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
  • Sweep and wash floors.
  • Reseal grout lines if necessary.

KITCHEN

  • Open windows.
  • Remove and clean window coverings. Click here for instructions on cleaning mini blinds.
  • For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly. Donate unneeded items.
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards
  • Sharpen knives
  • Wash cabinet doors and knobs
  • Clean and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates.
  • Clean oven.
  • Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
  • Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates.
  • Clean under fridge and stove.
  • Vacuum refrigerator coils.
  • Clean microwave.
  • Clean crumbs out of toaster.
  • Clean and descale kettle.
  • Wipe down any other counter appliances
  • wash counters and back splash.
  • Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.
  • Clean Dishwasher.
  • Dust light fixtures.
  • Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screens and wash.
  • Wash switch plates.
  • Wash walls and trim as needed.
  • Wash doors and door knobs.
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers
  • Sweep and wash floor.
  • Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

DINING ROOM

  • Open windows.
  • Wash curtains.
  • Wipe down table and chairs.
  • Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
  • Clean chair pads, if applicable.
  • Polish table, if necessary
  • Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
  • Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
  • Launder table linens.
  • Shine silverware.
  • Dust art.
  • Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
  • Wash switch plates
  • Wash walls and trim.
  • Wash doors and door knobs
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
  • Clean floors.

LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

  • Open windows.
  • Vacuum sofas.
  • Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
  • Launder throw pillows and blankets.
  • Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
  • Clean lamps and lampshades.
  • Wash windows and window sills.
  • Take out and wash window screens.
  • Clean television screen.
  • Carefully dust electronics.
  • Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight. Label them, if practical.
  • Sort through music and DVD collections. Purge things that no longer suit your families interests. Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
  • Sort books and magazines. Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
  • Wash hard plastic children’s toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
  • Wash switch plates.
  • Wash walls and trim as needed.
  • Wash doors and knobs.
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
  • Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

  • Open windows.
  • Wash windows and window sills.
  • Take out and wash window screens.
  • Wash cabinet doors.
  • Wash inside cabinets.
  • Wash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drains.
  • Wash outside of washer and dryer.
  • Wash inside of washing machine.
  • 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.
  • Wash switch plates.
  • Wash walls and trim.
  • Wash doors and door knobs.
  • Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
  • sweep and wash floors.
  • Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

STAIRWELLS

  • sweep/vacuum stairs
  • Spot clean walls.
  • Wipe down handrail.
  • Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

  • Sweep porches and walkway.
  • Wash thresholds.
  • Wash exterior doors. Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
  • Clean or replace welcome mat.
  • Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

  • Clean blades of ceiling fans.
  • Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
  • Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.

Happy Cleaning!

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SIDENOTE: Need more tips for Spring cleaning? Checkout this article with more helpful tips for Spring Cleaning for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Housekeeping & Maid Services, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Ways to Wear a Scarf – Call 225-224-3909

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Now that it is actually starting to get chilly outside, it is time to whip out the “heavy” accessories, like scarves. My relationship with scarves is love/hate. I feel like I look like I am being attacked by a boa constrictor while wearing one. I could never figure out how to tie it or make it look less frumpy.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge housekeeping! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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Thankfully, like for most anything that I need help with, the internet is an excellent resource.  I’ve narrowed down the best tutorials, so that you don’t have to hunt as much as I did to find the most fashionable and functional ways to sport a scarf.

Tie and Wear Tips:

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SIDENOTE: Know how to throw a dinner party? Checkout this article and learn how .
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And for those new the “scarf-ing”, like me:

I hope these scarf tips inspire new ways to boost up your winter wardrobe without having to spend a fortune, all while keeping your neck warm.

Stay warm, friends. Hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, doctor’s orders!

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clean Your Toilet With Coke – Call 225-224-3909

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

971009_aluminium_can_4Toilets get dirty and need to be cleaned often but I bet you’ve never thought of cleaning it with Coke. Read this article and become a believer!

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge maids! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

Is your toilet full of limescale and other stains and you don’t have a chemical toilet cleaner on hand? Or are you looking for less expensive and/or non-toxic cleaning solutions? Don’t worry, just reach for the fridge, and grab a Coke!

1. Pour Coke into the bowl. Pour it around the rim so it flows over the stains around the inside of the bowl.

2. Let it sit for at least an hour. The acids in the Coke will break down the stains. [1][2]For extra cleaning power, let the Coke sit in the toilet overnight.

3. Optionally, clean the toilet with a brush. If there are lots of stubborn stains, you may need to use a brush to further loosen them before going to the next step.

4. Flush. At least some of the limescale buildup should be dissolved by the phosphoric acid in the Coke.

5. Try conventional natural toilet cleaners if problem persists. While Coke can remove some sludge and buildup caught in your toilet bowl, it’s not the most effective cleaning agent. The sugar in the Coke can also leave the toilet bowl sticky and be a vector for other bacteria. Here are some other natural cleaning solutions that you can try.

  • Try mixing 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) jug of water. Store and apply to toilet bowl, scrubbing and waiting an hour before flushing.
  • To attack mold, try mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray onto moldy surface, let wait at least one hour, and scrub until mold dissolves.
  • Try a mixture of two parts borax and one part lemon juice for another versatile cleaning agent. Apply to toilet bowl, let rest an hour, and scrub off deposits.

Tips

  • Since it’s the phosphoric acid that does a lot of the work in cleaning the toilet, it’s just as effective to use soda water, and it might be better because it won’t have a sugary residue.
  • This may not work for oily stains as proven by Mythbusters. It only cleans up mineral stains.

Warnings

  • If you have roommates or a spouse, be sure to inform them about what you are doing. Otherwise, they may think you had some sort of “black thunder” diarrhea and failed to flush, and will flush it for you, thwarting your altruistic cleaning efforts.
  • Since Coke has sugar (or high fructose corn syrup) in it, be sure to rinse the toilet afterwards. Bacteria love sweet stuff, and might be all over the Coke residue.

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SIDENOTE: Looking for other weird ways that work? Checkout this article with more cleaning ideas for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Housekeeping & Maid Services, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Learn Weird Cleaning Techniques That Really Work – Call 225-224-3909

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

1091783_washing_spray_2Cleaning is something that is required in every home and office but there are certain stains that are difficult to get out. We found this article with strange ways to get out those stains. Enjoy!

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for a Baton Rouge housekeeper! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

  • For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze. (Wish I had known this for the last 40 years!).
  • To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
  • Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
  • Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
  • Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get ‘sharpened” this way!
  • Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL
  • Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don’t wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
  • Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on. Be sure light bulb is cool before spraying it.
  • Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
  • Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
  • To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
  • To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
  • Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains. I do this all the time and it works great!!
  • Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
  • When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
  • Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. (I prefer to soak the lime in Gin and rub it on my tongue first) AMEN!!!!
  • Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces…Left over wine? What’s that? :)
  • To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
  • Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself. You can also use comet, will do something. Works for me.
  • Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
  • When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. True!
  • Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer…Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
  • Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water, and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
  • Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
  • Clean a thermos bottle.. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (Or longer, if necessary).
  • Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

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SIDENOTE: When cleaning do you get everything? Checkout this article about one place that is almost always missed for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article: http://www.sodahead.com/fun/strange-olde-household-cleaning-tips—who-knew/question-2438425/

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Housekeeping & Maid Services, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Looking for a Maid Service? Choose the Best One for You! – Call 225-224-3909

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

1193877_clean_home_2Thinking about hiring a maid service but not sure which company to choose? Take a look at this article and then decide which is the best one for you and your family.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge house cleaning! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

Consider whether the service is trustworthy. When you choose a maid company, you will leave your entire home in their hands to clean. So the big question is – Can I trust the maids who will come and clean my home in my absence? You can definitely get some references from your friends or family members who hired them before. They can let you know if they faced any sort of theft incidents or general damages to the house. And moreover, you can contact a local police department to know if the maids working with the company have clean criminal records. After all, it is a question of home safety and you need to take this seriously.

Shortlist a couple different companies. You can’t always choose and take decision with one maid company. You need to shortlist a few of them who can provide you quality house cleaning service. Once you shortlist some providers, ask their representative to visit your home to inspect the area you want to get cleaned. This is very important to ask them to inspect and quote the cost accordingly. In many instances when this is not done by many home owners and this result in paying too much for services that were not done. Always confirm the cost the maid company will charge you for the particular rooms or baths. Cleaning cost matters largely on area of rooms and baths.

Take advantage of discounts. The maid service provider would offer for weekly or monthly housekeeping services you hire them for. Normally the cost of single cleaning will be higher than what you hire them for weekly and monthly cleaning. For follow up cleaning contracts, the cost will be low and always insist on this. But also to be kept in mind is don’t get blown away by the discounts they offer. The best decision is when everything is balanced.

Consider the quality of the maid service. An important aspect of hiring a housekeeping services company is they clean your home the way it looks as if you bought a new home. The maid company must have an insured and bonded team of maids. They must be professionally trained and using new cleaning equipment so that cleaning done is up to mark and the way you wanted. Once you use these tips you will find a reliable and worthy maid company.

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SIDENOTE: Struggling with the idea of hiring a housekeeper? Checkout this article with one person’s story for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Maid-Service

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Breakfast Meals Your Kids Will Love – Call 225-224-3909

May 10, 2013 By

1414945_breakfast_wafflesBreakfast is the most important meal of the day but it is also the most difficult meal with people running in circles trying to get out the door. Checkout these breakfast ideas that your kids will love.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for a Baton Rouge maid! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

Feed your children and get them out the door in a flash with these kid-friendly breakfasts that take 20 minutes or less.

English-Muffin Egg Pizzas
These mini breakfast pizzas will soon become a family favorite. You can hard-cook eggs in advance and store unpeeled in the refrigerator for a week, which will shave off plenty of prep minutes in the morning.

Yogurt and Granola Parfait
Layering the ingredients in a pretty glass will make your kids think they’re eating dessert, not breakfast. They’ll get a much-needed dose of calcium and a big energy boost to start off their day.

Prosciutto and Egg Panini
There’s no need for fast-food breakfast sandwiches when you can prepare this upscale version in just 15 minutes. Kids don’t like prosciutto? Substitute salami or ham instead.

Bagel and Cream Cheese With Tomato and Cucumber
Liven up a boring breakfast by creating faces out of healthy ingredients. Better yet, give the little ones an assortment of vegetables and let them play with their food.

Eggs With Ham, Cheddar, and Chives
Children will gobble up these not-quite-green eggs and ham. It’s much easier to put together than an omelet but packs in the same flavors.

Easy Chocolate Croissants
Yes, you can make croissants in just 20 minutes. You’ll only spend five minutes assembling them from refrigerated crescent rolls and chocolate chips before popping them in the oven to bake.

Eggs With Tortilla Chips, Salsa, and Cheese
This scaled-down take on huevos rancheros has plenty of Mexican flair, thanks to folded-in salsa and crushed tortilla chips.

Egg in a Hole With Berries and Yogurt
Kids will love this fun take on eggs and toast. Rounded out with yogurt and fruit, this breakfast is a well-balanced meal.

Quick Sticky Buns
These sweet treats have a surprise topping—thinly sliced bananas, along with chopped pecans and melted brown sugar. It’s easy to create individual buns using a muffin tin and pre-sliced refrigerated biscuits.

Farina With Apricots and Almonds
A refreshing change from a bowl of oatmeal, this warm, comforting dish is perfect on a cool morning. The sugar will melt as it comes in contact with the hot farina, creating a delicious syrup that kids will love.

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SIDENOTE: Need some fun snack ideas? Checkout this article with more fun food ideas for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/easy-breakfast-recipes-kids-00000000038639/index.html

Filed Under: Family, Guarantee Girls, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Learn How To Get More Time Out of Your Day – Call 225-224-3909

May 7, 2013 By

137566_stress_or_whatMoms are busy. We’re pulled in a million different directions at once and most of the time have a hard time making heads or tails of most situations because we’re so stressed out. We found this article with several helpful tips that we hope will allow you to be more productive with your time.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge cleaning service! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

1. Identify your time wasters
You climb out of bed ready to put a dent in your to-do list right after you check in on Facebook and Twitter and then google the name of that actress you couldn’t remember last night. And ooh! Free shipping at your favorite clothing store and then you look up at the clock and realize you’ve wasted half a day surfing the internet. An easy way to find more free time is to identify where you’re wasting it and make an effort to steer clear of potential time sinkholes.

2. Don’t sacrifice sleep…ever
I recognize that as a mother uninterrupted sleep is the stuff of fairytales. Middle of the night feedings are non-negotiable, but how often do you find yourself delaying bedtime to perform menial household chores that can really wait for morning? Losing that extra hour can make an impact on the next day’s mood and productivity.

3. Shut the door … and lock it
All those bathroom trips with an audience are piling up. It’s time to cash them in with a little relaxation behind closed doors. If your children are unwilling, let your husband know he is up and lock the door. Sometimes all a woman needs is a little time in an empty room.

4. Schedule around peak hours
Standing in line at the post office, sitting in rush hour traffic, navigating the crowd at the grocery store on Saturday afternoons — these are everyday annoyances that chip away at our free time. Make it a habit to live your life “off peak.” Arrive at and depart from work an hour earlier to shave time off your commute. Drop off that package or pick up your groceries during less trafficked hours. Less time spent waiting is more time available to devote to the things you love.

5. Group like tasks
Save time by grouping like tasks together. Instead of sprinkling phone calls throughout your day, try blocking out time to take care of them all at once. Check email only twice a day instead of all day long. This will allow you to accomplish more through the increased ability to focus on one task for an extended period of time.

6. Unplug
In a world saturated with smartphones, we find ourselves constantly connected. We can receive an e-mail, a text message, and a phone call all without straying from the dinner table. We have to make an effort to be unavailable and it is an effort worth making. Everyday set aside some time to let your brain recharge in a room away from your electronic devices.

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SIDENOTE: Need more tips in order to get more time out of your day? Checkout this article with more tips for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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View the entire article here: http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/6-time-saving-tips-working-moms-225500719.html

Filed Under: Family, Guarantee Girls, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Learn How to Plan Dinner Party Here! – Call 225-224-3909

May 3, 2013 By

823976_candleDinner parties can be so much fun but they can also be a lot of work. Learn how to plan a dinner party and not forget anything in this article we found.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge housekeeping! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:

How to Plan a Dinner Party: On Your Mark!


First decide on the date of your party, guest list, and theme. If you choose to entertain around a holiday, many of your decisions will be easier, if you incorporate traditional decorations and food. Invite guests to your party early, preferably two or more weeks ahead of time. This will give them time to RSVP and will give you more time to plan. The comfort of your guests is your primary goal, so think about compatibility, tastes, ages, and the ambiance you want to create.
Make a realistic assessment of your cooking and baking skill levels, and the time you’ll be able to commit to the party. There are ways to make things easier – takeout and deli foods are absolutely acceptable, and you can have a cookout, picnic, or a potluck party if you are really busy. A sit down dinner party is more formal than a cookout or a buffet, so think carefully about what type of party makes you the most comfortable.

Get ready to make lists! Lists are absolutely essential for any party, as you can jot things down as you think of them. Once you have the basics well planned and written down, your mind will be free to be creative with the food, fun, and decor.

Make your guest list and invite them. Calling is the easiest way to invite, and you will most likely get an immediate response. Another advantage of calling is you can ask (as I always do) if your guests have any food allergies or preferences. For larger parties, like a surprise birthday party, you can send out invitations.
Plan your menu. Have fun with this, but don’t overreach! If you are a beginning cook, choose a main dish that you have made before and enjoy, then build upon it by buying dessert, a premade salad, and some fabulous crusty bakery bread. It’s a good idea to never make a recipe for the first time for a party. There’s nothing worse than struggling with an unfamiliar recipe when you can hear your guests having fun in the next room! Try to plan a mix of make ahead recipes and those that require last minute baking or preparation. I really prefer having everything done, and ready to just pull out of the fridge and serve, or pop in the oven or on the grill.

Take inventory of your supplies: table and chairs, serving pieces, cutlery, crystal, plates, candlesticks, serving areas, and of course your kitchen. Think about renting or borrowing items you don’t have. Make sure the things you own are sparkling clean and in good repair.

Think about how you want to decorate. Decorations for a party can be as simple as candlesticks on the table, or more elaborate streamers, balloons, flower arrangements, tablecloths, and even chair slipcovers. Decorate with the seasons too. Fresh flowers in the summer, a bowl full of polished apples and spruce twigs in the winter, or a vase with colorful leaves and cattails in the fall are simple, inexpensive, and beautiful.

Get Set for the Party
Think carefully through the entire party menu. If you have only one oven, don’t plan two baked dishes that require different cooking temperatures that need to be baked just before serving. Match your food to the type of service too. Foods for a sit down dinner party may be difficult to handle at a buffet. If you cook the foods you love, your guests will love it too.

Now plan your countdown. Block out time on your calendar for house cleaning, shopping, decorating, and setting the table. Make sure to save some time before the party so you can get ready and relax before your guests arrive. Check which recipes can be made ahead, and make sure you have freezer or refrigerator space to store them. You may be able to borrow space in a friend’s refrigerator or freezer before your party – especially if you invite them!

Go over your menu, gather your recipes, and plan shopping lists directly from the recipes. Don’t rely on your memory for this! Check your pantry too. If you are low on staples like baking powder, sugar, or flour, add those to your list.

Notice that I said lists? Shop for foods and supplies that can be purchased in advance (like staples), those that need to be bought the week of the party or special ordered, and the last minute purchases like fresh berries.

Plan for heavy cleaning, if needed, well ahead of party time. If you need carpets shampooed or windows washed, take care of those chores at least a week ahead of time.

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SIDENOTE: Got spring or deep cleaning on the brain? Checkout this article with cleaning checklists so you don’t miss anything for busy parents that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://busycooks.about.com/od/dinnerpartymenus/a/planadinnerparty.htm

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Holiday Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Looking to Make Your Weekly Cleaning Easier? Check This Out! – Call 225-224-3909

May 2, 2013 By

1209090_broom_1Cleaning can be such a pain especially when it feels like your just going in circles. Checkout this article that we found that we hope will help your weekly cleaning go faster!

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for Baton Rouge cleaning service! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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From the article:


It’s easy to stay on top of cleaning when you create a routine that works for your lifestyle. Complete these simple cleaning tasks once a week to ensure a tidy home and avoid marathon cleaning sessions.

 

Start with the Kitchen
In the kitchen, it pays to get the hardest jobs out of the way first. To keep your kitchen sparkling clean, stay up-to-date with these weekly tasks.

  • Mop the floor.
  • Clean the exteriors of appliances.
  • Wipe the counters and cabinet doors.
  • Scour and polish the sink.

Clean the Bathroom

  • When cleaning your bathroom, take time to give your fixtures a little TLC.
  • Use general-purpose spray cleaners or mix vinegar and water to scrub your sink, toilet exterior, tub, and faucets.
  • Use an antibacterial cleaner for heavy-duty disinfecting in the toilet bowl and baking soda paste on tough grime.
  • Remember not to use abrasives on scratchable surfaces.

Dust Furniture and Shelves

  • By eliminating dust, you’ll protect your furniture and improve your home’s air quality.
  • Remove accumulated dust from furniture and other problem areas.
  • For dusting, we love soft, non-scratching cloths that pick up and hold dirt.
  • For fine wood furniture, use dusting cloths in place of silicon sprays.

Shake or Vacuum Area Rugs

  • Keep your large area rugs in tip-top shape by caring for them as you would wall-to-wall carpet.
  • For small rugs that are difficult to vacuum, take them outside and shake them vigorously, or hang them over a clothesline and beat with a broom to remove dust and dirt.
  • Consult care labels for small rugs to determine whether they should be dry cleaned, spot cleaned, or laundered.

Vacuum Living Areas

  • Vacuuming your living areas once a week controls the unavoidable accumulation of dust and debris.
  • Before you vacuum, pick up large debris, scraps of paper, buttons, and objects that may damage your vacuum belts and hoses.
  • Try vacuuming steadily and evenly in overlapping parallel patterns.

Mop Hard-Surface Floors

  • Mopping is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to keep your home clean.
  • Wet mops are used for scrubbing and for applying sanitizing solutions to bathroom and kitchen floors.
  • They work when pressed firmly to the floor and moved in long, overlapping strokes.
  • When mopping, make sure to wipe up excess liquid because standing water can damage wood surfaces.

Change Bed Linens

  • We recommend changing and laundering sheets and pillowcases once a week.
  • For even wear, rotate your sheets, storing fresh sheets at the bottom of the stack in your linen closet.
  • For best results, wash your sheets in warm water and use non-chlorine bleach when needed.
  • Wash all-cotton spreads, blankets, and coverlets in cold water to avoid shrinkage.

Sweep Front Entry and Steps

  • Don’t forget to give your entryways a little attention every week.
  • Try using a utility broom to clean large areas that require heavy-duty sweeping such as decks, patios, and driveways.
  • Use a classic, natural-bristle brush for general sweeping with a dustpan.
  • Choose the best-quality broom to avoid bristles that shed when you sweep.

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SIDENOTE: Is cleaning that can fall by the wayside for you? Checkout this article on specific areas that are consistently overlooked for busy parents article that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/cleaning-and-care/cleaning-advice/weekly-house-cleaning-made-easy/

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Housekeeping & Maid Services, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Keeping Your Resolutions: Four Tips for Eating Healthy – Call 225-224-3909

April 29, 2013 By

The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to begin healthy habits.  If you are like me, it’s not so difficult to eat more fruits and vegetables, but it is difficult to resist the temptation of unhealthy convenience foods.  Making healthier choices seems easier to me when I have good alternatives available.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: Are you a busy parent that needs help maintaining your family’s home? Look no further! Guarantee Girls is your #1 Choice for a Baton Rouge housekeeper! Call us today at 225-224-3909 for your FREE, No-Obligation quote!
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bellpepper slices

Bell Peppers

A good friend of mine introduced me to the idea of asking for bell pepper strips with the salsa at Mexican restaurants.  The peppers are a tasty and healthy alternative to chips.  They are also excellent with hummus.

Nuts

A package of almonds or peanuts can go anywhere with you—the car, the office, your purse or gym bag.  Nuts provide a convenient source of protein, which I sometimes need mid-morning.  They also help to satisfy my cravings for a crunchy, salty snack.  Try the lightly salted version if unsalted does not suit your tastes.

saladwithorangesFruit

If you are trying to stay away from desserts and refined sugar, fruits can help to curb your cravings for sweets.  Pack an apple, tangerine, or grapes to eat along with your lunch or as a snack.  Toss dried cranberries and orange sections into a salad.  Mix berries into vanilla yogurt in the morning.

Protein Bars

I almost always have a high-protein granola bar with me, such as Kashi brand.  If I am too rushed in the morning for breakfast or too busy during the day to stop for lunch, the bar keeps me going.  If you are very active or have a big appetite, Clif brand bars might be more to your liking.

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SIDENOTE: Looking for more ways to get exercise in your busy day? Checkout this article and learn how to easily add more exercise in your day that could be of interest to you. Either approach can work as long as your plants receive adequate sunlight and water.
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What are your favorite ideas for healthy snacking?  Leave a comment & let me know.

Filed Under: Guarantee Girls, Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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