Today’s blog is brought to you by Shandy Showers
I am so excited! We are halfway there, and already the hardest part is behind us! That’s very encouraging!
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As I write this, I am listening to my Michael Buble© Christmas album. I am feeling joyful, at peace, and excited for Christmas as I listen to my favorite crooner sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” There is nothing like Christmas. It makes me overflow with happiness and nostalgia.
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Speaking of Christmas… it is less than 2 months away! Time to start planning if you haven’t already, so today, after you read your cleaning assignments for the week, be sure to head over to our Facebook group for some free printables to help you get ready! (I just love printables. It’s an addiction, really.)
In week one, I had you get a 3-ring binder. You will start to put it to good use today! And be sure to share your pictures from this past week! We want to “oooh!!!” and “ahhhh!!!” over your organized pantries and sparkling appliances!
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Let’s pray:
Lord, as we prepare our homes in anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, let us do so with joy in our hearts. We know you love a cheerful giver, and it’s my prayer that as we make out our gift lists, you put it on our hearts to happily give to those in need, Lord. Christmas isn’t about the latest gadgets and games. Help us to keep the focus on You, Jesus. Help us to remember the “Christ” in Christmas. Give us the desire to serve others and to help spread Your love and the joy we have because of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your assignment:
***For some fantastic cleaning and organization ideas, go to our Saturdays with Shandy board on Pinterest! You’ll find all kinds of tips relevant to this week’s assignments. http://pinterest.com/gchministries/saturdays-with-shandy/
Today – Time to clean out those kitchen cabinets. Take everything (yes, EVERYTHING) out of your cabinets and put them on your table or kitchen island. Use hot, soapy water or cleaner of your choice to clean the insides of your cabinet. Then take a clean towel to wipe them dry. Put in new shelf liner if you wish. Throw out all the things you never use. (How many empty whipped cream containers does one need anyway?) Then put everything back, organizing as you go.
Monday – Today we will tackle our kitchen drawers. Follow the same procedure for cleaning the cabinets. Be very selective in what you choose to put back in the drawers. A place for everything and everything in its place. Make that your mantra, and you won’t have a junk drawer.
Tues – Now that the insides of our cabinets and drawers are clean and organized, we are going to focus on the outsides. Get some hot, soapy water to clean them. Don’t forget the top of your cabinets and any decor that’s up there! Dry with a clean towel. And to really make a difference, use your favorite oil, or product like Old English furniture polish, to make them shine! (There is a DIY furniture polish on our Pinterest board!) Once you’re finished with that, take the time to wipe down your walls & switch plates. Use touch up paint if needed. And lastly, dust wall hangings and other decor.
Wed – Time to make those windows and patio doors sparkle! We are cleaning the windows, blinds, and window treatments today. (*Hint: crumpled up newspaper works like magic to shine those windows!) Then, move on to the sink and make it shine! I like to disinfect mine with bleach water. Then I rinse it out very, very well before freshening up my garbage disposal.
Thurs – Today, we are cleaning light fixtures and replacing bulbs if need be. Next, wipe down your counters. Now move on to the baseboards, then sweep and mop. (My plan is to get down on my hands & knees and give the floor a good scrubbing since we’re deep cleaning.)
Fri – Today is a good day to clean out your garbage can, inside and out. Recycling bin if you have one in the house, too. Catch up on anything you haven’t completed. Step back and admire your work! Then, enjoy your evening!
Blessings,
Shandy
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You can visit Shandy’s personal blog at: http://aprons-n-pearls.blogspot.com/
some wonderful tips, shandy; thank you! there are many things in our lives that bring us joy and satisfaction…having a clean, tidy, organized is one of the best! <3
Thanks, Coleen <3 A clean home is a happy home! 🙂
As soon as my calls are finished this morning, I'm inspired to start cleaning and organizing! GREAT inspiration here, Shandy!
Thanks, Christi! I will be cleaning and organizing right along with you 🙂 Feels so good to be doing this in advance rather than trying to get it all done in the couple of days before Thanksgiving!
It sure does!! I can't wait. I seriously need to organize my kitchen!
Thank you for breaking it down day by day – makes it much less daunting!
It sure does! 🙂 So happy you're finding it helpful!
I like the day by day approach, too. Shandy. I have to look at the big picture in tidbit pieces; you are helping me do that.
Thanks, Martha! I'm so glad it's of help to you 🙂 I find it so much easier to break a big project down into bite-sized chunks. Keeps me from getting overwhelmed!
Oh gosh! I just found this but I'm going to try to get caught up with everybody!
Hi Chris! Welcome aboard 🙂 You still have plenty of time to get your house in order. Thanks for joining us, and if you have any questions along the way, just let me know.
Please include me in your printable guides. Super tips. Thank you.