At Home In The Poconos

A cold winter breeze infiltrating your home can chill you to your core. However, by making a few simple and cost-effective changes around your house, you can stay warm and cozy all winter long.

Install a smart thermostat

Whether it’s the flu, a bad cold or any other viral foe, there are steps to take when someone in your home—or a lot of residents around your town—appear to be sick. Disinfecting commonly touched areas can keep the rest of your household healthy, and if you know that coworkers or others you interact with regularly are sick, simple cleaning tasks can prevent bringing extra germs into your home. Here are the top items to clean when everyone’s sick.

If you’re the proud owner of a hardwood floor, you may be engaged in a constant cleaning battle. Hardwood looks best when it’s buff and gleaming, but with a busy schedule, it can be hard to keep the floors sparkling at all times. Below are a handful of tips for quickly cleaning your wood floors.

Clear the space. This may seem obvious, but it’s an often-overlooked step in the cleaning process. Clear your furniture (picking it up, not dragging it) so you can access the full plane of your floor.

It’s no secret that hosting a holiday get together can be challenging. Between the food, decorating, and getting your space in tip-top shape, who has time to make sure the table looks just right?

The good news is that setting up your table the proper way doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these tips to impress all of your guests this season.

Utensils

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a hassle if you keep on top of it. Here are some small daily steps you can take to keep your home clean.

Post-shower swipe. To keep mold at bay, store a washcloth in your shower that you use for wiping down surfaces after you turn the water off. Just make sure everyone in the family knows the purpose of the rag so it doesn’t end up on anyone’s face! Swap the rag out once a week.

No home is complete without some songs. Music is terrific to listen to as you cook and clean or when the family gathers for dinner. It’s also ideal when entertaining guests or to just listen to as you relax and clear your mind.

And there are lots of ways for you and your family to enjoy music in your new house. These range from modern platforms to old-fashioned methods that are becoming new again.

There’s no doubt that autumn is one of the most gorgeous seasons throughout most of North America, especially if you live in an area with plenty of foliage. Take advantage of your surroundings by incorporating this natural beauty into your home decorating!

Create with color 
Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows are abounding in autumn. Gather leaves or branches from your yard, and place them in a glass vase or canister to display. Or, use the leaves to make a collage or other wall art.