Have You Done It Lately?

Have You Done It Lately? Gentle reminders of some to do's and a great New Year organizing plan by my favorite Martha Stewart online resource. To see this article and others like it visit www.marthastewart.com.

Have You Done It Lately?

If you have stone floors, you should reseal them about once a year. Porous materials such as brick and slate will absorb spills and dirt if not coated with a masonry-floor sealer. First, clean floors thoroughly with a scrub brush and detergent. Rinse, and let dry completely. Then apply sealer according to package instructions.

Indoors
--Write thank-you notes for the holiday gifts you received. Etiquette dictates that these notes should be sent by the middle of January.

--Take down and store holiday ornaments and decorations. The boxes that your ornaments came in are best for storage; if you didn't save the originals, you can wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue paper, and pack them in a sturdy, compartmentalized box (or use paper cups to keep ornaments separate). Be sure to store the box in a stable environment, such as a closet; fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels in attics and basements can be harmful to the decorations.

--Update your personal calendar, making note of important occasions throughout the year. Don't forget the birthdays of friends and loved ones.

--Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Soak removable pieces in warm, slightly soapy water; loosen hardened spills on fixed parts by covering them with a damp sponge or cloth. Don't use bleach or ammonia, as these can damage some materials. To eliminate odors, wipe down all interior surfaces with a baking soda and warm water solution (one or two tablespoons soda per quart of water).

Outdoors
--After snow falls, clear driveways and walks. If you let snow sit too long, it will become dense, eventually turning to layers of ice, which will be much harder to remove than fresh powder. You should also clear heavy, wet snow from the tops of bushes and shrubs with a broom to prevent branches from breaking under the weight.

--Avoid walking on the lawn when it's covered with a layer of frost or icy snow. Blades of grass can be easily damaged when frozen.

--Spring feels a long way off, but now is the time to start planning your flower and vegetable gardens। Browse seed catalogs and begin placing orders and plotting out your plantings.

I can not take the credit for writing this artice but of course I can say I have done most of these and feel more organized and on top of things! Hope you feel that way too!