Warm weather is finally here to stay! Use our best tips for keeping your house cool and organized for the upcoming summer, and prepare your yard to be a retreat.
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When furnishing an outdoor space, think comfort, function and style, just as you would when designing indoors. Pull pieces from inside your home to the exterior; just make sure that furniture and accessories are protected from the elements.
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Vacuum inside closets and watch for signs of insects. Be sure that the area is also free of anything that bugs might find delicious. Dust, other insects, crumbs or food and beverage stains are all attractive to pests.
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Mow frequently enough so that you never remove more than one-third of the height of the grass blades at a time. Let the clippings lie to return nitrogen to the soil. If you waited too long between mowings and the clippings are clumped up, rake and compost them.
Here's one way to speed up those remaining spring cleaning tasks: Make a tool belt so you won't backtrack while cleaning. Equip it with a heavy-duty liquid cleaner, a light-duty liquid cleaner, cotton cloths, a toothbrush (for hard-to-reach corners), and a scraper (for dried food).
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After all that wind, rain and harsh weather your decks and porches may have accumulated branches, garbage or worse underneath. Use a rake to clear out the space completely. Less clutter means more safety.
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Shabby chic offers a charming mix of old or distressed finishes combined with sturdy forms. Layers of chipped paint, vintage linens and rose patterns are the hallmarks of this romantic design, also referred to as cottage style.
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Since 1950, family sizes are smaller, but house sizes have doubled.
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Clean out your winter car kit (if you have one) and replace your cold weather gear with emergency essentials for a hot day: bottles of water, packaged snacks (including chocolate which is good for shock), jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit and a blanket.
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Deadhead spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils as the flower go past prime. Be sure not to cut off foliage before it has a chance to feed the underlying bulb and then wither on its own. In the North this may take until as late as early July with some varieties; be patient.
It's nearly time to turn on the A/C so make sure the unit is in working order and clear of grass, dirt and debris.
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Now is the time to call a painter to schedule the job—or start prep work yourself. It's not as fun as hitting the beach but this summer activity will reap rewards in the long run. Paint actually helps preserve your home as a protective coating.
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"Home sweet home. This is the place to find happiness," says M. K. Soni. "If one doesn't find it here, one doesn't find it anywhere."
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Today is the day to wish mom the best! Remember to give her something from your heart (moms always love that) like a delicious homemade meal.
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Sometimes comforters, blankets and pillows don't need to be cleaned, but they do need to be aired out after a long winter in your closed-up home. Take them outside and hang them on a clothesline for a day.
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To ensure even coloring and wear, spin your lampshades today. You'll be surprised by how much the sun fades the window-facing side. And don't forget to give the shades—and the bulbs—a thorough but delicate dusting.
Nothing says summer clean up like a yard sale. Start sorting through books, clothes, dishes and sporting equipment now. Get your signs ready, find out how to advertise in the local paper or online. Tip: Expect more visitors in the mornings and prepare to haggle in the afternoon.
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The kids will be out of school soon so now is the time to spruce up a play space for summer.
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It sounds like an oxymoron but even your trash bins need refreshing every once in a while, especially the one in the kitchen. Remove liners and fill with warm water and soap. Scrub as needed, rinse and dry upside down outside. For outdoor garbage bins, use a drill to add 2-3 holes for drainage in the bottom if needed.
Sow short repeat rows of certain vegetables and herbs — including bush beans, carrots, beets, salad greens, radishes, cilantro — every two weeks for a steady supply all summer. Staggering the planting means tender veggies in manageable amounts all summer long.
Now is the time to give your windows a thorough scrub inside and out. Then install your screens, making repairs as needed, for warm weather ahead.
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Once a year, take the grill apart and give it a good scrub and inspection. Clean briquettes then check burners and cooking grids for rust. Baked-on food clouding the cover? Use oven cleaner and hose away the mess.
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When planning your spring and summer parties, don't forget the little ones — and plan creative ways to keep them entertained. A table just for the kids is a good idea; cover it with white butcher paper and have crayons available so they can draw to their hearts' content.
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Shaving cream is a nontoxic solvent and cleaner, perfect for use on plastic patio furniture. Spray furniture liberally and let the cream set a few minutes before scrubbing it off with an old toothbrush.
If you usually need pest control during the summer months, call now and schedule an exterminator's visit.
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The compost heap requires not just raw material, but also air and some moisture to "cook" properly. Turn the pile to aerate, and water periodically so that it's moist, but not sodden or swampy. Remember that a good mix of ingredients that are both green and brown makes for the best results.
Most ants live for only 45 to 60 days but queens live a lot longer, according to Life 123. Sometimes up to 20 years.
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If you're expecting company this summer, make sure the guest room bedding has been updated for warm weather with crisp cotton linens and light blankets. Add a fan and a big bottle of water to the nightstand, plus books about the area, slippers and a sweet treat or two.
FUN FACT: The world's longest barbeque marathon included 489 BBQ dishes (both meat and vegetarian) for 24 hours and 5 minutes, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The event was held in India and hosted by Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni.
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Remove built-up mildew quickly and easily with rented equipment or splurge on your own to use year after year.
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Not only do stray branches take away from your curb appeal, they're a fire, wind and pest hazard. Use a long-handled pruner to clip back overgrown trees or branches or hire a landscaper to whip through the project safely and efficiently.
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Having an outdoor dinner party? If your gathering will last into the evening, add a little romance with lighting. Strands of small, clear lights look wonderful woven through trees, shrubs and fences and they are available in lots of different shapes and styles.
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