From Chaos to Calm: Day 55
Scripture Memory: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3,4
The Living Room is very often the room that we take guests who come to our home. In my house we also have a “Family Room” downstairs. The rule in my house is that the children do not play with their toys in the “Living Room” but they can in the “Family Room.” By enforcing this rule, I never have to fear guests dropping in unexpectedly because the Living Room is always neat and orderly.
If you only have one Living Room, make that space friendly for the children as well as comfortable for your guests. There are many books available that offer creative ways for making your living space pretty as well as functional. If you feel challenged in the way of decorating, get a few books from your local bookstore and study how rooms are decorated and maybe your creativity will be sparked.
Any room always looks nice if it is neat and clean – even if you do not have much money to spend on furniture or decorating. Clutter always gives an unpleasant feeling. Use pretty baskets with fabric linings to hide toys, magazines, books, office supplies, and other items in your home that would otherwise look cluttered. Pretty patchwork quilts or handmade afghans always give a warm, cozy feeling – and if you are able to make your own that is even better!
Artwork can be pricey, but creating your own work of art with watercolors or by cross stitching is just as pretty – or prettier! And you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you labored in love for your home and created something pretty. Family photos – especially good photos are wonderful to decorate with and they bring back happy memories at the same time!
Here’s a handy “How to Clean the Living Room Checklist” that you can use daily, weekly and monthly to stay on top of your living rooms.
How to Clean the Living Room Checklist
Cleaning the Living Room: Daily:
1. Pick up clutter.
2. Fluff pillows.
3. Straighten quilts or throws.
4. Vacuum or sweep floor as needed.
Cleaning the Living Room: Weekly:
1. Vacuum or sweep floor.
2. Dist tabletops, bookcases, shelves and piano.
3. Throw out accumulated clutter.
4. Vacuum upholstery if needed.
5. Remove musty odors by washing slipcovers and blankets. Or, use a product such as Febreeze®.
6. Clean windows and mirrors.
Tips:
1. Placing a fragrant air freshener such as Glade Plugins® or a Tart Warmer or candles in the room will ensure that there is always a welcoming scent in the room for friends and family to enjoy. I personally prefer a cinnamon spice fragrance all year long – it reminds me of pies baking or cider bubbling on the stove. Always yummy!
2. If you have a pet that lives indoors, you may not be aware of the odor in your home. However, guests will notice! Never allow pets to sleep on the upholstered furniture without a washable cover underneath them. Wash it frequently to keep odors from building up. If you have a dog, bathe him/her often. Vacuum fur up daily or use a lint brush in between vacuuming. Allowing your guests to leave your home with fur on their clothes is not nice!
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