Published by Crystal March 31st, 2008
in People and pets.
Here are simple things you can do to make each room of the house more comfy and inviting when guests are on their way:
First…
- Ask your guests ahead of time if there are any particular activities they’d like to do while in town. Then make arrangements in advance (purchase tickets, make reservations, etc).
- Make a copy of your house key for their convenience.
Clean and well-stocked bathrooms
- Start with clean counters, toilets, floors, tubs and shower walls.
- Add a stack of extra clean bath towels, and hang a hand towel near the sink.
- Fill a basket with extra toiletries that guests will appreciate (e.g., cotton swabs, hand lotion, tissues, air freshener).
- Wash your shower curtain and liner.
- Arrange magazines in a basket near the commode.
- Add a vase of fresh flowers near the sink.
Kitchen
- Clean out the cupboards. Make sure the cupboard where you store your glasses is free of dust and crumbs. Invest in a rubbery liner for this cupboard; it makes a big difference! Do the same for the drawer where you store your eating utensils.
- Stock up on snacks. Fresh fruit and granola bars are nice to have as quick snacks to offer your guests, as are pitchers of juice and iced tea.
- Make sure you have cooking staples. If you have plans to cook dinner for your guests, stock up on cooking staples (e.g., olive oil, garlic, onions, lemons).
- Procure coffee and tea supplies. Coffee and tea drinkers in the house? Assorted tea bags, fresh coffee grounds and a clean coffeemaker are essential. If they take cream and sugar, add these things to your grocery list too.
Guest room
- Clear the clutter by moving junk to the garage, attic or basement.
- Empty out a drawer or two for guests to use, and move clothes out of the closet so they have room to hang up their items.
- Make up the bed with fresh sheets, and provide an extra blanket and an assortment of pillows.
- Stack interesting books and magazines near the bed.
- Add a lamp. Make sure they have a light near the bed for nighttime reading.
- Place earplugs and a sleeping mask in the bedside table.
- Plug in a nightlight in the hallway so guests can find their way around.
Lawn and entryway
First impressions are important: Consider doing the following:
- Mowing the lawn;
- Trimming the unruly parts of your front yard hedges;
- Sweeping the front porch and front steps;
- Oiling the squeaky screen door on your front porch;
- Purchasing a welcome mat for the front door; and
- Ensuring that the entryway/foyer is clean and tidy.
Other ideas
- Front door organization. Consider installing an attractive set of hooks next to the front door, as well as a dry erase board for messages. Use the hooks for dog leash, keys, hats, coats, umbrellas etc.
- Sweep the debris off the back deck. Arrange outdoor seating around a table, to include a pot of flowers and an outdoor candle. This will make a cozy conversation area to share with guests or to relax in when you need a break from family!
Have additional thoughts or ideas to share? Leave a comment, or write to Crystal and let her know.
Published by Crystal February 10th, 2008
in Inspiration and People and pets.
One Sparkleize.com reader writes:
Dear Crystal,
What should I do with stuff that I feel an emotional connection to but don’t really need? Case in point: what to do with my deceased ex-husband’s ancient, really long skis?!
Signed,
Nostalgic in New Hampshire
Dear Nostalgic, here are some innovative ways to organize (or ship out) those items we truly cherish but definitely don’t need:
- Take a picture. I used to save all the free t-shirts I received when I signed up for local runs and walks. I thought it would be unthinkable to throw them out – I had earned them, after all! But years and years passed by and those shirts stacked up. Then I had an idea: I took a digital picture of every shirt and saved them where I could always look at them. I even plan to make a cool photo album (“Crystal’s Amazing Races, A Decade of T-Shirts”). Then I gave away all the t-shirts to charity, and I have never missed them since.
- Put it on display. Why hide some treasured item in a dusty box in the attic when you can show it off? Companies like this one can make memory quilts out of your t-shirt collection. Mount those skis on the wall of the den. Frame your children’s masterpieces with these art frames!
- Make something useful. Take your momentous items and construct new practical objects. For example:
- Create a “saying goodbye” ritual. Invite all your friends and make a party out of the occasion. Then get rid of the object. This will help you create new memories and replace any old ones you may not wish to keep. Consider it a new chapter in your life!
- Give the items a new home. Yes, I mean give them away or sell them. Someone out there in the world will very likely love to have your stuff. Maybe they even need it. Try Craigslist or Freecycle. Friends and relatives are also handy if you need others to haul your emotional attachment items away for you.
Have some more ideas? Write to Crystal and let her know!
Published by Crystal February 8th, 2008
in People and pets.
Before we got married, I told my husband that I would tolerate living with his cat, but only on one condition: that I wouldn’t have to see, smell or have anything to do with the litter. (I despise cat poop!)
Our solution: Hidy Tidy, a cat litter box disguised as a lovely, high-quality piece of furniture. We have Model A, in red. Our television sits on ours! It fools all of our guests, and I never have to think about the litter (or see it!)
How it works: The doors stay closed, and the cat enters/exits through hidden flaps on each side of the cabinet. Open the cabinet doors to change the litter.
Here are some pictures of the contraption from their Web site (business is owned by a retired couple in Arizona):
Crystal gives the product an A-. The only drawback is that the gadget is quite pricey. About $350 + shipping!
Here are a few less expensive options with the same idea:
- Kitty Washroom Cabinet by SkyMall
- Hidden Litter Box by Petacular
- The Litter Chest by Big Fat Kitty Cat
- Kitty Cabinet by Ace Cat Furniture
