Spring Cleaning time is here! Can I get an Amen?!

The Gloria Howell Team put together a list of helpful tips to make your transition from winter to summer the simplest and greenest possible.
Tip #1   Get your coffee maker its cleanest and freshest by running some pure white vinegar through one cycle. The vinegar will break up any mineral build-up and deodorize the machine. Follow up by running plain water through the machine a couple of times.
Tip #2   Your critters have the run of the house right? Now is the time to freshen it up and lift away some of that pet dander. Sprinkle baking soda across your carpet and wait 15 minutes while it does the tough work. Vacuum once or twice. Repeat a couple of times a month to keep up with your dog's or cat's shedding.
Tip #3   Even your washing machine needs a pick-me-up sometimes. If you have a musty smelling washing machine, run a load of clothes with white vinegar. It deodorizes the machine and acts as a natural fabric softener.
Tip #4   For the toilet, pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl and let it soak for an hour, then add a cup of white vinegar. Wait 5-10 more minutes and flush the germs away.
Tip #5 Deodorize and clean the microwave with 2 TBS of baking soda and a cup of water. Combine the two in a bowl, microwave for a few minutes and wipe out the interior.

Nine Things To Do Before Listing Your Home.
1. Street Presence. Trim those hedges and clean up landscaping.
2. Interior Walls. If you have wallpaper, seriously consider removing it. A fresh coat of paint on any wall will brighten your space.
3. Carpeting. Repair or replace torn, worn an forlorn carpet. Hire a professional to clean the rest.
4. De-clutter. Okay, so you probably don't call your stuff clutter, but a potential buyer will. Carefully box up all unnecessary items such as knick-knacks, small appliances not often used, picture frames fro tables and wall. Put bottles of vitamins and medicines, cleaning items, toothpaste and such in a drawer or cabinet. Have a friend/your agent come in and help you with a different perspective on what should stay and what should go.
5. Furniture. Less is more. You want your home to look roomier so remove small unnecessary pieces of furniture. Remove furniture that blocks structures such as fireplaces and windows.
6. Curtains. Remove heavy curtains, window blinds or simple curtains that let light in are what's hot now. Removing valances and curtains allows buyers to see how large the windows are and the amount of natural light that comes into that room.
7. Deodorize. Deodorize. Deodorize. Vacuum carpets often and put the pet bedding and litter boxes out of sight. Cat odor may not be noticeable to you but visitors notice it right away. Some won't even take five steps into your home if they smell cats as it's one of the strongest odors to combat.
8. Kitchens and Baths. Clean off the counters and put things away. Keep fresh new towels on the racks and clean every day.
9. Lighting. Brass is out and silver is in. Buy a bottle of spray paint. Bring in extra lighting for corners and dark areas. Borrow lamps if you need to.

And just one more tidbit...don't be offended when your Realtor suggests putting things away and changes to make. They are trying to help you sell your home and have probably have the pulse of what works.

Help Pocatello's shelter friends

Please help the Alta Animal Hospital reach their goal of donating multiple "Thunder Shirts" to the Pocatello Animal Shelter. Follow the link below or visit Alta's website at www.altaanimalhospital.com for more information.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=bc6e8bdf-4f3c-4fc5-95f1-cea6ff8fec41&c=8c67e530-690c-11e3-845f-d4ae52a45a09&ch=8d182260-690c-11e3-85c6-d4ae52a45a09

Winter Cold

An ice cold blast of arctic air

Just whipped on by, messed up my hair.

It blew right past but didn’t close

It passed again, blew up my nose.

Sputtering, coughing, dripping and wheezing

I just had a terrible fit of sneezing.

It hasn’t stopped and that’s no lie

It’s travelled up into my eye.

I walk around now in a fog

My muscles stiff much like a log.

My tissue box is running low

Ooops. I stepped in slushy snow.

I’m dizzy and I’m fading fast

I see my life speeding past.

Such an illness I’ve never met

Oh. Do you have chocolate?

I’m feeling good now, back to work.

Chocolate is such a perk!

Home Buyer Education Class

Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services is offering a Home Buyer Education Class.

February 15th from 8:30 to 1:30 at the PNHS office located at 206 N. Arthur. 

Cost of the class is $20 or $50 online. 

Call PNHS at 232-9468. 

Be prepared to learn about Preparing for home ownership, shopping for a home, obtaining a mortgage, and the mortgage loan closing process.

Great Site for Local Pocatello Info/Happenings!

Just wanted to share this resource with everyone! It's a great site that will keep you updated on local events and area details.  There are a couple of events that look pretty fun & are coming up in the area. Here's to wishing that each of you stays warm & as busy as you please :)

click below to follow the link:

Pocatello Area Events & Info