Magical Chianti Countryside Villa

Rising among a carpet of vineyards blanketing the undulating hills of Chianti, this breathtaking villa has everything Tuscan dreams are made of: a captivating 14th-century

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April 4, 2022 No Comments

It’s that time again! Spring has arrived and so has the need to freshen things up a bit.

5 Ways To Spring Into Cleaning

It’s that time again! Spring has arrived and so has the need to freshen things up a bit. Whether you’re planning a total home makeover, or you just want to declutter, organize and refresh some spaces, we’ve got a few ways to get you started.

Before you spring into action, make sure you have the right cleaning products. There are a ton of eco-friendly, non-toxic options and it’s worth a little extra research to find the right ones.

 

Clean in chunks. Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. Start by making a list of everything you want to get done and then break it down in 30-minute chunks. Need to dust, vacuum, sweep and mop? You don’t have to do it all in one day. Start with dusting first and see how far you get. Think floorboards, celling fans, corner walls and windowsills. That alone will help freshen everything up.

 

Hit the washing machine. There’s nothing better than fresh, clean linens. Take some time to clean stains before you throw them in the wash. You could also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, so they smell even better. If weather permits, hang them outside for the most eco-friendly way to dry your linens. And, while your linens are washing, you can go back to some of that sweeping and mopping.

 

Focus on the bathroom. When the last time you disinfected your shower head? Showers and shower heads are magnets for mold and bacteria so make sure and use an antibacterial and anti-mold solution for those areas. When it comes to the sink, tub and toilet, there’s nothing a hefty scrub brush can’t take care of. And don’t forget to use it on the grout, you’ll be amazed at how great it looks afterwards.

 

Got carpets? Spring is the best time to deep clean those dirt-filled carpets and rugs. If you’re more of a DIYer, you can run up to your nearest hardware store and rent a cleaning machine (this will cost less, too). Or you can find a reputable carpet cleaning company and let them take care of it. Either way, your house will smell and look a million times better with freshly cleaned carpets!

 

Sparkling windows for the win. Windows both inside and out tend to get very grimy without you even noticing. Power cleaning them is probably one of the most satisfying things you can do. Use a streak-free window cleaner and a microfiber towel to quickly wash away all that seasonal build up. You might also want to clean your blinds along the way, as they tend to accumulate a lot of dirt as well. You reward? A beautiful, clear view to the outside.

Finally, if it’s warm enough, don’t forget to open up all the doors and windows and let that fresh spring air circle through. There’s really nothing better than a sparkly clean home to enjoy on a gorgeous spring day.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     MAR 16, 2022

Earth Day is on April 22, and there are so many ways to join the movement.

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is on April 22, and there are so many ways to join the movement including these 52 tips to invest in our planet. Looking to celebrate and help at the same time? Here are five tips that you can try from the comfort of your own home.


Reuse and repeat. Plastic bags and single-use bottles often end up in landfills or in our oceans, rivers and lakes. Reusable bags and bottles offer a stylish and eco-friendly alternative that you can easily refill and reuse. Find the perfect spot to store them in your home or car, so you can take both on the go to grocery stores, running errands and to your kids’ soccer games.


Hit the great outdoors. With so many distractions today, it can be hard to find time to get outside. Earth Day is simple reminder of just how beautiful our planet is. Spend an afternoon on your backyard patio with friends or family, take a long walk around the neighborhood or visit a local hiking trail — you can even register to be a part of the Great Global Cleanup in your community.


Try an organic garden. It feels good to be self-sufficient. While we can’t always be that way, a little starter garden doesn’t take up too much space. You can even have a portable garden on your porch or balcony. And with pollinator gardens, the kiddos can see how bees and other pollinator populations are crucial to our habitat.


Plant a tree or two. Did you know trees can reduce a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25%? By adding a small tree to your local neighborhood’s tree canopy, you can help save money and provide a vital wildlife habitat for years to come. Studies have shown that trees are great for our stress levels and mental health, too. So, plant one!


Window shop instead. Shopping secondhand or simply reducing your purchase volume is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. When it comes to home décor shopping, it’s easy to fill up on new and mass-produced items that often end up in a landfill when you tire of them.  This year, discover something new that’s old while at consignment shops or vintage outdoor markets.


 However you choose to celebrate Earth Day this year, try it at home with friends and family. Spending time with loved ones can remind us just how lucky we are. And treating the planet like your home is a great way to give back.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                         MAR 16, 2022