Monday, March 26, 2018

Host a Charming Easter Dinner


Courtesy of Courtney Whitmore
Photography by Evin Photography

Happy Easter Friends,

Throw a charming Easter dinner party this year filled with yellow and green accents, a delicious menu, sweet party favors and an adorable kids' table. Start with our featured Charming Easter Tablescape. Celebrate Easter by setting a dinner table full of charming details. Pick a color palette of butter yellow and grass green to usher in spring in style.

Beautiful Easter Blooms

Bring the freshness of spring to your table by arranging blooms of tulips, star of Bethlehem and maidenhair ferns into white vases like milk glass or Easter rabbit vases on coordinating cake stands for height.

DIY Dipped Flatware

Add a pop of coordinated color with hand-dipped flatware. Simply dip a set of flatware in yellow paint and let dry. Finish with a clear topcoat. The colorblock look gives a modern twist to a traditional place setting, and you will be able to use them for future occasions. Be sure to handwash only.

Festive Bunny Centerpiece

Nestle a bunny vase inside a rimmed bowl or wide vase filled with green grass to create a festive Easter centerpiece. Add coordinated yellow Easter eggs throughout.

Charming Easter Place Setting

Tie in pops of green by swapping traditional chargers for cabbage leaves. Stack white on white plates, and finish with coordinating napkins in a modern geometric pattern.

Bunny Soap Party Favor

Send guests home with mini bunny soap hand tied with white sheer ribbon and placed in fluted white mini bowls for the perfectly coordinated favor.

Mini Basket Decor

Scatter small white Easter baskets filled with mini yellow and white chocolate egg candies throughout the table to serve as decor, as well as an extra touch of sweetness. Let guests nibble as they enjoy company and conversation.

Brown Sugar Ham

Add a hint of sweetness to the traditional ham recipe by flavoring it with a brown sugar glaze. Brush traditional Easter ham with a mouth-watering brown-sugar glaze. Carve ham for easy serving. Display on a large tray adorned with fresh lemon wedges for garnish. Here's the the recipe>>

Ingredients:
  • 1 whole bone-in ham
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ham in roasting dish and bake ham fat side up covered tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes for every pound of ham. Bake one hour for a 3-pound ham and 2 hours for a 6-pound ham.
  2. While ham is baking, whisk together remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Remove from oven, and trim off any fat. Brush on brown sugar glaze, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Carve and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Courtney Whitmore

Honey Glazed Carrots

Serve a side dish of honey glazed carrots for the perfect accompaniment to ham both kids and adults will enjoy. The carrots are easy to make ahead of time; simply warm to serve. Here's the recipe>>

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups baby carrots
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
  1. In a medium skillet, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, nutmeg and salt.
  2. Add carrots, and cover to cook on medium low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Courtney Whitmore

Fresh Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade cinnamon rolls frosted with cream cheese icing make a great addition to an Easter dinner party. These also make a delicious breakfast treat for family and friends. Here's the recipe>>

Ingredients:
For the dough:
  • 1/4 ounce package yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
For the glaze:
  • 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 5 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees F) and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth.
  3. Add yeast mixture to milk mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Add additional flour if needed. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Place dough in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours. For a warm location to let yeast rise, turn on oven for one minute, then turn off. Set bowl inside oven.
  5. When doubled in size, press dough down using your fists. Roll out on a floured surface into a 9x15-inch rectangle.
  6. Spread softened butter all over dough. Mix sugars, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle over buttered dough.
  7. Beginning at the 15-inch side, roll up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 15-20 slices.
  8. Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter or baking spray.
  9. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes in warm location.
  10. Bake for about 30 minutes or until lightly golden.
  11. While rolls are baking, combine glaze ingredients using an electric mixer. Brush glaze onto tops of cooled rolls.
Cute Easter Kids' Table

Set a coordinated pink and yellow table just for the little ones complete with sweet treats, special basket favors and Easter egg touches.

Set the Table

Top white plates with pink ones for a perfectly coordinated place setting atop pink and white pompom fabric reminiscent of cute bunny tails. To make the bunny tail tablecloth, glue pom poms to a solid-colored tablecloth in a random pattern, or use double-stick tape to attach on a plastic tablecloth.

Special Hanging Treats

Give the kids a special treat by hanging edible bunny-shaped cookies on a miniature white tree that serves double duty as a cute, festive centerpiece.

Bunny Cookie Tree

Create your own mini tree by spraying a small branch in white and placing floral foam in a small planter. Adorn with yellow gingham bows and hanging bunny-shaped cookies. Finish by gluing fake green leaves.

Darling Easter Place Settings

Make each little one feel special with their own striped yellow Easter basket filled with yellow paper grass filler, pink and yellow Easter eggs and a gingham bow.

DIY Bunny Napkin Rings

Give the kids something to giggle about with little bunny ear napkin rings. Simply sew fabric in two ear shapes, stitch on to a napkin ring and glue on a bunny tail pom pom.

Mini Hot Cross Buns

Serve miniature hot cross buns during your Easter celebration this year. Kids and adults alike will love this recipe for traditional hot cross buns. Make them in smaller sizes, and display in a shallow Easter basket. Here's the recipe>>

Ingredients:
  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce) yeast
  • 1 cups warm water
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees F) and 1/4 teaspoon sugar and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, butter, sugar, salt, spices, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth.
  3. Add in raisins and additional flour (1/2 cup at a time) until soft dough is formed. Dough will still be slightly sticky.
  4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-6 minutes.
  5. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours. For a warm location to let yeast rise, turn on oven for one minute, then turn off. Set bowl inside oven.
  6. When doubled in size, press down dough down using your fists. Divide into small balls (30 regular size or 60 miniature size).
  7. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Cover with tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and water. Brush onto tops of buns.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.
  11. While buns are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a glaze. Pipe in an “x” pattern on top of buns.
Recipe courtesy of Courtney Whitmore

Sippin' Sweet

Serve milk in glass bottles tied with white raffia and finished with yellow- and white- striped paper straws to coordinate with the yellow and pink party table.

Colorful Table Setting

Be sure to add pops of color to the party table with inexpensive paper plates in coordinating colors like pink and yellow. Fill mini baking cups with yellow and pink chocolate eggs for a special treat.

Sweet Basket Favors

Send the kids home with their place setting baskets, and let them collect the cookies and edible eggs to place inside as treats for later. They will love this sweet basket as a memory of their Easter dinner.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, March 25, 2018

FREE Printable Easter Templates


Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Banner

Hi Friends,

Throw a memorable Easter gathering with these free printables, courtesy of The TomKat Studio. Kick off Easter with this Pennant Banner. Hang this "Happy Easter" pennant banner above an outdoor brunch dessert table or above the entrance to greet guests.

"Thank You" Tag

Don't let your guests go home empty-handed. Fill a bright bag with treats, and attach a printable tag to give as party favors. Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Favor Tags.

Modern Egg Hunt Invitation

A color palette of navy, Kelly green and sunshine yellow gives this invitation a fun, modern vibe. Silhouettes of a sheep, bunny and chick add a cute touch. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Invitation.

Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

This 11x14 inch sign is a great way to greet guests, and the colors coordinate with the egg hunt printable invitation. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

Colorful Happy Easter Banner

Download, print, string and hang this banner for a festive way to celebrate Easter. Download Printable "Happy Easter" Banner.

Animals Banner

This bunny, sheep and chick banner is perfect for a dessert table. Download Printable Easter Animals Banner.

Cupcake Flags

Bring color to dessert with printable flags and coordinating baking cups. Download Printable Easter Cupcake Toppers.

Party Circles

Dress up your menu items with cute animal circle labels. Download Printable Easter Party Circles.

Printable Easter Basket

Let the kids make their own basket by printing free basket pattern and folding it into a cute basket. Download the Printable Easter Basket.

Easter Treat Carrier

Carry your treats easily with this portable jar carrier. Assemble the carrier following the instructions on the free printable pattern, and adorn it with stickers, bows, glitter or anything else you love. Fill two milk bottles with your favorite small treats. Download the Printable Easter Basket Carrier.

Hope you have fun with these free Easter printables; thank you again, The TomKat Studio. The TomKat Studio is our go-to place for decorating ideas, they have everything you could think of and some you wouldn't dream was possible - but they have it. One of our favorite and most called upon to share information and creative resources for you, our valued followers.

Bookmark The TomKat Studio, today...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!




Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

1st Day of Spring!

Courtesy of Allison Norton

Hi Friends,

Spring is the most hopeful season of the year. Along with the warmer days and budding blooms that symbolize spring also come the hopes of dining outdoors, and the exciting feeling of trying new activities. Be an advocate of making seasonal to-do lists in order to keep life interesting. Here are a few ideas that will have you ready to embrace any adventure that comes your way before Labor Day. Without further ado, here are 10 Spring adventures that should go on your Spring bucket list…

10 Things to Try This Spring

1. Go to an outdoor music festival.
In the past few years, I have come to associate the month of April with Coachella. If you have never been, there is no better time to go than now (the lineup this year is amazing!). And if you've been before…do I even have to convince you? For those of you who don't live in Southern California, be sure to look into Mile High Music Festival, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, which are all in the summer.

2. Go on an impulsive weekend road trip.
The best kinds of road trips are the ones that happen in a spur of the moment decision. Pick a place you have always wanted to visit (I'm dying to go to Big Sur), grab your best friend or boyfriend, and just make it happen. Be sure to bring a cool camera to take snapshots along the way.

3. Create a cozy patio set up for springtime entertaining.
My apartment has a darling little back patio that is just begging to be used for an al fresco dinner party. This spring, I vow to add outdoor furniture, twinkle lights, and potted succulents to make the space inviting and useful. If you have a patio, I encourage you to do the same!

4. Springify your closet.
There's nothing like a bit of spring-cleaning to help get you excited for new warm-weather wardrobe staples. Donate items you haven't worn in a while, and reorganize the clothing and accessories you plan to keep for a fresh perspective. It will give you a good idea of what to add to add to your spring shopping list.

5. Hike to the highest spot in town.
Los Angeles has some pretty amazing hiking spots that are especially enjoyable on a gorgeous spring day. This season, take advantage of getting a good workout and enjoying the view by hiking to the highest spot in your town. You might even see your city in a whole new light.

6. Volunteer once a week.
Volunteering once a week this spring (and beyond!) is so rewarding, and it will enrich your life. I highly recommend researching a food bank, soup kitchen, or inner city school closest to you and lending a hand. It doesn't even need to be once a week-even going once a month will make a difference, and it will make you feel good in return.

7. Learn how to nurture.
Practice cultivating something this spring… Whether that means planting an herb garden, bringing home your first goldfish, or buying a puppy, learning to take care of something else will give you a broadened outlook on life.

8. Learn how to bake a pie.
I've always wanted to learn how to bake a pie from scratch, and this season I've decided to make it happen. Bake a pie with seasonal spring fruits like rhubarb, strawberries, or cherries.

9. Add a flea market addition to your home.
While you may be quite familiar with the flea markets in your area, a vintage splurge might not happen every time you make the trip. Promise yourself one special purchase at your local flea market that you will love in your home. It will refresh your décor for the changing seasons and get you excited about adding more new pieces in the future.

10. Add a few sun kissed strands to your hair.
In my opinion, one of the best parts about spring is that it leads into summer! Get your tresses beach-ready by adding in a few highlights. If your hair is chestnut brown, throw some golden strands into the mix. If you're a redhead, try a bit of strawberry blonde. And if you have golden locks, bright blonde is the way to go.

These are just a few ideas to get your started, compliments of Allison Norton but if you might also be inspired by Malavika Suresh with Spring Inspiration.

Spring Inspiration: Things to do this spring...

1. Go on a detox/cleanse.

2. Spring clean your home.

3. Have a yard sale (or an e-bay sale) to get rid of what you don't need anymore.

4. Rearrange the furniture in your home. Feng Shui up your life and bring in a newer and fresher energy.

5. Have fresh flowers in your home.

6. Take care of your legs (it's time to get those bad boys out!) and toes. Get pedicures and manicures often.

7. Update your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

8. Learn some new hairstyles.

9. Detail your car.

10. Start a brand new project.

11. Plan a summer trip.

12. Start a reading list.

13. Get a new hair style.

14. Take more walks in beautiful places.

15. Ride your bicycle.

16. Have a picnic.

17. Start running again.

18. Drink more water.

19. Wear lighter colours.

20. Start an outdoor hobby.

Both list are great, but whatever you decide to do this Spring have fun with family and friends...

Check back for more great ideas and enjoy this Spring from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Courtesy of The Holiday Spot

Hi Friends,

Found some history on St. Patrick from The Holiday Spot and thought we would share this information about the patron saint of Ireland with all of you.

Enjoy!

History of St Patrick
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.

Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably Maewyn Succat. Though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he was later came to be familiar as Patrick.

Patrick was the son of Calpurnius, a Roman-British army officer. He was growing up as naturally as other kids in Britain. However, one day a band of pirates landed in south Wales and kidnapped this boy along with many others. Then they sold him into slavery in Ireland. He was there for 6 years, mostly imprisoned. This was when changes came to him. He dreamed of having seen God. Legend says, he was then dictated by God to escape with a getaway ship.

Finally, he did escape and went to Britain. And then to France. There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain, the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training. And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God. The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain, in which one Victoricus delivered him a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."

So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings. There he converted the Gaelic Irish, who were then mostly Pagans, to Christianity. He was confident in the Lord, he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. And, in a diplomatic fashion he brought gifts to a kinglet here and a lawgiver there,but accepted none from any.

Indeed, Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. Through active preaching, he made important converts even among the royal families. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times,but escaped each time. For 20 years he had traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion. He developed a native clergy, fostered the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils.

Patrick's doctrine is considered orthodox and has been interpreted as anti-Pelagian. Although he is not particularly noted as a man of learning, a few of his writings remain extant: his Confession, a reply to his detractors, and several letters. The Lorica ("Breastplate"), a famous hymn attributed to Patrick, may date to a later period. By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become a legendary figure, and the legends have continued to grow since then. There are many legends associated with St Patrick. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; which refers to the combination of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Hence its strong association with his day and name Legend also has that, Saint Patrick had put the curse of God on venomous snakes in Ireland. And he drove all the snakes into the sea where they drowned.

True, these are mostly legends. But, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He died on March 17, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be an Irish Day '. And the Irish has borne it as part of their national tradition in everywhere they populated and prospered. The Catholic feast day for this most loved of Irish saints has become a holiday in celebration of the Irish and Irish culture. The leprechaun, a Celtic fairy, has become entrenched as a chief symbol for this holiday, as is the shamrock, an ancient symbol for the triple goddess Brigit. It is fitting that this holiday should fall at the time of the year when the return of spring begins to seem at hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Easy Cleaning Tips for Your Home's Exterior


Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

Washing off dirt and debris is a great start. Some pressure washers come with an assortment of color-coded spray tips. Each one has a different spray, from the high-pressure pinpoint spray to a wider, low-pressure spray. Siding can be cleaned with a low-pressure spray tip. Pressure-washing is also useful for removing algae stains from fencing.

Cleaning the Deck

Pressure-wash your deck with a tip that produces a spray about the width of a two-by-four with medium pressure. The trick is to keep the spray moving. Don't rest in one spot for too long or it could permanently damage the surface. Then apply a wood preservative to help prevent water damage and discoloration.

Spotless Driveway

Pressure-wash the driveway, then help prevent future stains by applying waterproof sealer. Using an extender pole on a paint-roller handle, start in the middle of the driveway and roll the sealer to all edges of the concrete. Allow 24 hours before parking on surface.

De-Junk the Gutters

Removing debris isn't only a fall chore in some yards; many trees such as black locust, oaks and maples drop litter in spring and summer. While you're clearing the gutters, also check for cracks in the seams. Use an old chisel to scrape the old caulking out and dry the area thoroughly. Use new bead silicon sealing to keep water from getting behind the gutters and rotting the boards.

Remove Faded Flowers

Photo By: DK - Dorling Kindersley Limited

Deadhead spent flowers in your planters and container gardens. Removing faded blooms does more than neaten things up; it directs the plant's energy away from making seeds and into producing more foliage and, in the case of many species, more flowers.

Haircut for Herbs

Photo By: DK - Dorling Kindersley Limited

Cutting back herbs keeps them from becoming leggy. It's okay to remove as much as half of the stem.

Quick Fix to Beds

Photo By: DK - Dorling Kindersley Limited

The fastest way to give a crisp, clean look to your garden beds is to add a fresh layer of mulch. Or, if the mulch layer is still about three inches deep, lightly rake the surface to get rid of that weathered, compacted look.

Home for Gardening Gear

Photo By: HGTV fan MeadowsweetDays

Corral your gardening tools and repotting projects into an attractive structure, like RMSer MeadowSweetDays' garden shed.

Make your home sparkle with these simple ideas for cleaning the driveway, gutters, garden beds and more...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Daylight Savings Time Begins!



Hi Friends,

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks ahead...

Check back for great decorating ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Clean the Dirtiest Places in Your Home


Courtesy of Carley Knobloch
Photography by Carley Knobloch

Hi Friends,

The kitchen sink area is one of the worst. Raw meat, raw fish, what’s left of dinner — the sink has plenty of growing bacteria. Give it a scrub with baking soda, then follow up with a white vinegar soak. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to warm water, or place vinegar-saturated paper towels in the sink for 15 minutes to completely sanitize.

Bathroom: Toothbrush

Water alone won't sanitize months of growing bacteria. Put your toothbrush in the dishwasher, or use a UV cleaner for 10 minutes to get rid of bacteria.

Kitchen: Refrigerator Handle

Germs can live on refrigerator handles for at least two days. Apply a small amount of dishwashing soap to a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away bacteria. Avoid using bleach or other harsh cleaners to prevent chemicals from getting in your food.

Living Room: Remote Control

Everyone touches the remote, often times while snacking. Use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean germs without damaging delicate buttons. Tip: Use disinfectant wipes to clean the remote in a hotel room.

Kitchen: Faucet

The aerator on your faucet, the little screen at the bottom of the spout, is a hotbed of bacteria. Remove and soak it in white vinegar every couple months to get rid of germs and lime buildup.

Every Room: Light Switches

Light switches are one of the dirtiest items in your home, which results in an abundance of germs. To clean, spray a cloth with all-purpose cleaner or a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. Gently wipe the faceplate and switch.

Bathroom: Walls

Nobody wants to think about it, but when you flush with the toilet lid open, nearby surfaces get contaminated. Your favorite all-purpose spray or hydrogen peroxide is a simple solution to this nasty problem.

Every Room: The Walls

While you're at it, go ahead and give all of your walls a good scrubbing. Wipe off any loose dust with a soft cloth, then gently scrub off any dirt with an all-purpose cleaner that's safe for your walls. (Test in an inconspicuous area first if you’re unsure.) Don’t forget the molding!

Kitchen: Cutting Boards

A clean cutting board is important since you place food directly on it. Using soap can wear down a wooden board, but vinegar will gently disinfect it. Scrub with a baking soda paste and salt for a deep clean.

Kitchen: Sponge

If the kitchen sponge smells, that's proof that it's harboring bacteria. Place a wet sponge into the microwave for a minute and a half to kill bugs, or run it through the dishwasher (and replace it regularly).

Kitchen: Garbage Disposal

Photo By: iStockphoto.com/-Oxford-
The garbage disposal can also produce a foul odor if not cleaned regularly. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes; then pour a bucket of hot water down the drain to rinse. Grind half a lemon in the disposal for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.

Kitchen: Oven Knobs

You touch oven knobs frequently while handling food, but how often do you clean them? Pull the knobs off, and give them a good cleaning with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. For stubborn stains, let the vinegar sit for at least 10 minutes.

Dog Bowls

To clean your pets' bowls, remove the food and water and run them through the dishwasher. Use vinegar to get rid of lime buildup, and wash with dish soap in between dishwashing cycles.

Home Office: Computer Keyboard

You touch your face. You type an email. You reach for your lunch. You type a report. You get the idea. To clean your computer's keyboard, unplug it first. Next, gently wipe with a 1:1 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water, but make sure not to get your keyboard too wet.

Bathroom: Shower Curtain

Getting rid of mold on your shower curtains is easier than you think. Spray plastic shower curtain liners with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water, and run fabric curtains through the washing machine once a month.

It's hard to find time to clean when you have a busy schedule but hopefully these tips on how to clean the dirtiest items in your home will make it a little easier.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne