When was the last time you cleaned...

Spring cleaning. Seriously, my second favorite time of the year.  My husband thinks I'm nuts, but I love that feeling when I can sit back and know that things are cleaned out, reorganized, and in their proper place. So as you are tackling your spring cleaning, here are some helpful tips to approach areas in your home that you may not think of.

...your hairbrush?
 The When: The best beauty experts recommend washing your brushes about every two months.
 The How: First, pull out all stray hairs with a comb or your fingers. If the brush has padding, boar bristles,  or a wooden handle, you want to keep it from getting waterlogged by swishing it back and forth in a sink full of soapy water. Rinse and tap off any excess water. Otherwise, soak it for 15 minutes in a sink filled with warm water with mild soap or shampoo.  Rinse and lay on a towel to dry.

...the inside of your coffee machine?
The When: It is best to try and clean your coffee machine after every dozen brews. Old coffee grounds and hard-water deposits can cause coffee to taste bitter.
The How: Insert a paper filter and fill the reservoir with two parts white vinegar and one part water. According to coffee expert and vice president of The American Barista & Cofee School, run the machine through a full cycle, then repeat the process twice with wold water and paper filters.

...your bed pillow?
The When: Every six months, your down or polyester pillows should take a spin in the washing machine.
The How: Wash them two at a time with detergent on the gentle cycle. Try an extra spin cycle to remove excess water and keep bacteria and mold away. Tumble dry on low, fluffing pillows every so often. Spot-clean foam pillows with warm water and soap. Lay flat to dry.

...your TV screens?
The When: Depending on the climate you live in and the kiddos and their fingerprints, but typically, your screen could use a good wipe-down every two to four weeks.
The How: For plasma screens, dust it gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Paper towels can scratch the surface of your screen. For LCD screens (which have glass fronts), use a soft cloth and a little water.

...the produce bins in your fridge?
The When: Scrub your bins every few months to keep produce flavors fresh.
The How: Empty the drawers, then take them out of your fridge. Dip a cloth in a mixture of 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water; wipe down the inside and outside of each bin. Avoid household cleaners which can contain harsh chemicals and cause your food to taste funny.  Rinse bins in warm water and dry.

I'm Back!! {With a new TGIM!}

Yes, I am still alive! I am sorry I have taken a little hiatus.  Things around the Pendergist's house have been a bit crazy and slightly overwhelming.  I am back! (Not that things have calmed down.) And I will do my best to keep the posts coming, regardless of the chaos!

For this week's truly great idea, I wanted to feature some truly great finds from ETSY! I just love Etsy! You can find about anything you are looking for (or aren't looking for) on Etsy. I "wandered" around this virtual flea market and discovered some hidden treasures that truly are great ideas!





Custom Birth Prints-

I think these birth prints would make adorable artwork for any nursery! Not to mention what a keepsake!

Chevron Stripe Outlet Covers-

I think these could be a fun accent to any room! Especially maybe a kid's room or a bathroom.

DIY Wall & Furniture Stencils-

Love, Love, LOVE these!! You buy these large scale wall stencils or furniture stencils with the DIY directions and you stencil any pattern on your wall or update an old piece of furniture. I seriously may have to try this... hmm... what needs a stencil face lift?

What about you?! What has been  your favorite Etsy find?

Amy

March Madness Contest

With all this unseasonably warm weather, spring is definitely in the air.  The fresh air and beautiful sunshine increases our cabin fever and suddenly makes us unhappy with our surroundings, hence our spring cleaning movements and neighborhood garage sales. Deep- cleaning and organizing your closet isn't the only way to bring a fresh feel to your home.  It is also a good time to shop your own home. Re-accessorize rooms with things you already own.  Often times, seeing our belongings in a new way can completely transform how we feel about them! So its time we "spring" into a new look! And that is why I am introducing to you...

at Amy Pendergist Designs!

We are giving away one free design consultation to each of our FINAL 4 winners! You don't want to miss out on this opportunity! Who doesn't want FREE design advice on freshening up a room in their home?! The contest is simple:

1. Visit my Facebook page: facebook.com/amy.pendergist (don't forget the dot between amy and pendergist!)

2. If you aren't a fan of my Facebook page, then please "Like" my page.

3. On my wall, post your name or the name of the person you are voting for to win the free design consult.

4. Tell as many of your Facebook friends about my March Madness Contest and get them to vote for you by "Liking" my page and then writing your name (or theirs!) on my Facebook wall!

I will announce a few days in advance when the contest ends. But until then, get to VOTING EVERYONE!!