My Fabulous Retro Tranquil Day

I realized I have been pretty stressed out lately. There have been so many changes, the end of the year is coming, this week marks the 35th anniversary of my father's passing, my menstruals started, I restarted acupuncture again, i haven't been sleeping well and my back and neck hurt a lot but I rarely talk about it beause 1: who wants ot hear that, 2: it is off better character to not dwell on these things and see the positive or have a positive attitude despite the pains and ailments.

We had a great weekend then Monday, whammo everything hurt and I barely wanted to go to acupuncture. Though it helped, I feel like it made my head worse and that has happened twice now, so uh yeah me and the doc are gonna be talking. Perhaps I overdid it this weekend as me and a friend as well as others, collected and put together 200 blessing bags, then we went to the 1940's Winter Ball at the Denver Wings Museum and then Sunday went downtown, handed out blessing bags and went to the chistkindl German Market. I wouldn't think that was a lot but maybe it was.

Regardless today I woke with a  migraine and my back hurt. I took the TCM herbs teh doc gave me and then took one of my cannabis herbs and lied there in bed for about an hour meditating with Calm.com and letting everything work. I lied there with a heating pad on my back, a heating bag on my head and an aromotherapy bag with scented herbs under my neck.

When I did get up I really didnt want to get online but I did to get Buffer.com and a few emails and such caught up and then I went to my Retro Cleaning list. The Kitchen looked like a tornado went through it and I wanted to escape in Retro Wife Land.

 

I follow Newbie Nesters Cleaning Lists for the Day and Week. Since I was behind on my cleaning and really didn't do a complete FALL CLEANING I did as many days as I could.

Monday - Kitchen

  q  Complete daily routine
q  Apply oven cleaner and let sit
q  Dust window shades, sills and baseboards
q  Clean and wash 2 cupboards and 2 drawers in a weekly rotation
q  Wipe down cabinet doors and walls behind sink and stove
q  Wipe down all appliances
q  Clean fridge: inside/out
q  Clean stove: inside/out
q  Wash garbage bin
q  Clean drain
q  Wash or beat rugs
q  Sweep, vacuum and mop floor

I got to work on the kitchen, putting dishes in the dishwasher and hand washing the rest. Then I added the handmade detergent mix I got off of Wellness Mama. Put in each part and left out vinegar and lemon to see it it made a difference in the film on the glasses we were having.

Then, I got to work on the oven. I took out the racks and then turned on the self cleaning feature. I would do this part by hand with baking soda and vinegar for the oven cleaner but since mine is self cleaning, I am gonna give it a go.

I did however make a paste and put it on the racks. First I spritzed with water then add the paste recipe for Over Cleaning I found here http://yumuniverse.com/make-your-own-inexpensive-toxin-free-natural-oven-cleaner/

I used one of my marinating brushes to apply the paste. Then I let that sit and go onto the next on her list...

I cleaned every cupboard and drawer, inside and out, top of the drawer and cupboard, the sides, you name it, I washed everyone and ours are so tall now, I needed to get the step stool. Who needs Jenny Craig when you Newbie Nesters? :)

Since I was going by the oven and stove I snuck in at that point to take the time to scrub the front and drawer underneath as well as the stovetop and the banister where we keep our mainly used spices. I even organized them and put my pie bird away!

Then I swept up the floor and emptied it in my little yellow rose floral dustpan I got at TJ Maxx and swept all the floors nearby as well.

Then, just as grandma would, I got down on all fours and started misting and scrubbing and using a knife to get off the crusties if need be, I even cleaned up the cat barf that had been there since the summer (no judging. smirk). I tried to use a shine cleaner to shine up the floor but when that didn't work I looked up DIY Wood Oil Cleaner and found one from Everyday Roots

Olive-Oil lemon polish

You will need…

-1 ½ cups of olive oil
-1 cup of lemon juice OR several drops of lemon essential oil
-2 clean cloths
-Spray bottle (optional)

The directions are here: http://everydayroots.com/natural-wood-polish-and-sealant

Then again, got down on my hands and knees and with a micro fiber for wood oil I polished my floor! Ok, so it's a tad bit slippery so I think a good game of human wood sliders is in order! lol


Since Tuesday is the bathroom and I actually JUST deep cleaned it last week, all I did in there was kitty litter, sweep and then oil mop.

Then I am caught up for Wednesday.

However I still needed to get caught up on the daily list:

Open blinds & windows

o    Make beds

o    Make breakfast

o    Clean up breakfast

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep Did this this afternoon

o    Shower & get ready for the day

o    Gather a basket for tidying. (I have an apron for this instead)

o    Straighten up living room & dining room

o   Fold blankets

o   Put away toys, movies, etc

o   Light dusting/cleaning

o   Water plants

o    Tidy bedrooms

o   Light dusting/cleaning

o   Hang any clothes lying around

o   Put dirty clothes in hamper

o    Tidy bathrooms

o   Remove and replace used towels

o   Refill toilet paper and soap

o   Clean sink, vanity, and mirror

o    Review menu for the day

o    Handle any errands like grocery shopping

o    If returning from grocery shopping:

o   Wash veggies and fruit

o   Put groceries away

o    Make lunch

o    Clean up lunch

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep

o    Begin preparation for supper

o    Put one load of laundry in machine (delay until 7pm)

o    Fold yesterday’s laundry and put it away

o    *Handle weekly chore

o    Set table for dinner

o    Quick sweep of main floor and clean up entryway

o    Prepare dinner

o    Freshen up for your husband

o    Serve dinner

o    Clean up dinner

o   Put dishes in washer, wipe counter, sweep

o    Pour boiling water down drain to ensure pipes are flushed

o    Throw out garbage

o    Pack lunches

o    Give all areas a quick tidy

o    Organize clothes and things for the next day

So finally got all that done. #HunEPants came how when I was cleaning up. I still was cleaning the fan blades and since they are so tall I had to stand on a ladder to get to them. I stood on the bed for the bedroom one and nearly scared me and the cts half to death when I felt like I was gonna fall. 

He was so shocked that the whole apartment was so shiny and clean. He was teasing me about how shiny the floor was and I said all we need now is some twister circles and some more oil! lol He got a chuckle out of that. 

We had dinner and then of course, there are dinner dishes to do.

Then I made tea and then were tea dishes to clean. I finally had to walk way...lol

So I came back here to tell you my tales.

When HunEPants asked why did I clean all day, it really made me think before answering.

In the words of Forrest Gump (slightly switched)" I just felt like cleaning." 

This morning my body ached every which way. I realized if I continued to lie there I would just feel worse. I knew by moving around my period cramps at least would feel better. So I waked and baked, grabing a little edibles to get me through the day and some TCM herbs in my morning tea and donw my Retro Cleaning list I went.

I know it was also in part that I really didn't want to get behind the computer. I was on it long enough to start Spotify then I got off. Cleaning all day I did.My floors are shiny, my cupboards are clean, my oven was clean, every inch of the kitchne right down to the appliances were clean. The bedroom was tidy and clean and even the bathroom has a sparkle to it.

HunEPants noticing this of course, made me very happy.

The other part was that I didn't really want to think. I didn't want to answer emails. I didn't want to possibly end up in Facebook drama or email drama. I didn't want to get online to Buffer things. I just wanted to clean. Listen to music and clean.

So that's what I did.

All damn day.

You know what?

It felt great. Real sense of accomplishment. And I had a quiet peaceful day.

Now I am caught up on my cleaning and ready for Wednesdays tasks, though since I have meeting on Wednesdays I might have to move that to Thursday.

I really DO love being a housewife.

I want to be more of a housewife! (Well, I am sure you don't hear THAT very often in 2015)

I want to can vegetables and pick berries and feed chickens and all that.

I have been dreaming often about a cabin in the woods and the base of a mountain so much so I told HunEPants maybe I should write a story about it. Maybe then it will come true.

Dunno.

Just know I had a nice quiet, peaceful, relaxing, cleaning day.

Instead of focusing on drama, I focused on getting the crud off the kitchen floor.

Sometimes, I think we just need a day to ourselves sometimes. 

In the effort of Non-thinking, though I was in DOING mode, it was a different kind of DOING mode. It was DOING, mindfully. I thought about everything I was doing while I was doing it. Just that. Just what I was doing. Cleaning the cupboards, scrubbing the floor, scouring the sink. That's it. Just those thoughts. You know what?

It was the most refreshing day I have had in a long time.

My back is more sore, but it was worth it for the time of tranquility.

Xoxo,

Trisha Trixie <3

Some Days

Some days just aren't what you thought they would be.

That can be good and bad.


Things kept going wrong, my computer kept crashing, again. Food kept falling on the floor, the tea I made was wrong...I just felt like going back to bed.

I thought today I would be spending time looking online,buying online games with #HunEPants and doing fun things.

Instead, a friend who was visiting in town needed a place to hang for a bit, they thought they were gonna crash but I think I board the hell outta them and they in turn ate then left. We talked for awhile and visited and that was fun, just again, not what I thought it was going to be. HunEPants stayed in his cave playing games and relaxing through the evening.

After the friends left, I went online and spent the rest of my time working out gift arrangements for his family. Which seems to always be one of those thankless tasks. I still feel it is a wife's duty to help out her man and get all that organized, cards, letters, gifts etc. Thankless or not.

Then in an effort to try and find a cord for me, he spilled something all over a bag of mine which, of course, didn't make me too happy.

Now, all of a sudden he has a headache and is going to bed.

I can't win for losing.

Now I am scrambling to look online for Any CyberMonday Deals "I" may want.

Some days..it just feels like a non starter.

Yet instead, I do what I feel what must be done.

Smile.

Keep my wits about me.

Make everything that was lemons into lemonade...and add vodka...lots of it.

All is Well in TrixieLand

Hello my lovelies,

I love to start a conversation or end one that way. It seems so 1940's, very Joan Crawford or something. Like saying Dahhlings or something. Anywhosit...just wanted to shout out a little update on posts and let you know all is well here in TrixieLand.

I have made a few friends I think I can call DEAR friends. The best of all, they are women. So rare for me, I think it took awhile to claim these women as truly friends. I have been stepped on, shit on, walked all over and then some, more times in life than I can remember. One would think it would harden my heart and change my soul...

but it doesn't.

I refuse to allow the outside world influence my actions and turn me into something I am not.

No matter what.

Even if I am in pain, I will smile a simple sweet smile and carry on. Which is what I have done for the past two weeks, sadly. I was in a lot of pain about a week ago and wasn't able to do more than sit on a heating pad, lying down, which, come on, like really, how much work can someone get done lying down (get your mind out of the gutter)? Not much. So then I got behind on things and I couldn't hardly go out, and I was getting depressed and then no one would ever answer when I would call, and people didn't have time for me and honestly, it made me pretty darn sad and depressed and the whole thing was becoming a vicious cycle.

And then...I meditated.

and meditated...

yep, and meditated...

and then I was able to start doing some yoga...

then I mediated some more...

and slowly between these two things I was slowly coming back around...

and then a miracle happened...

I found an Acupuncturist...who delves into TCM, Traditional Chines Medicine and he is Chinese. Holy cow, I hit the motherload!

As I went in, my back was hunched over and I was in so much pain, when I walked out I was fully upright and feeling amazing. In addition to that, I have for the past three years told Iowa doctors I thought it was my Kidney and no one listened. AS Dr. Nan was assess me, the first thing he says is "Whoa, your Kidneys and Liver are a mess!" I nearly burst into tears. Finally,someone who thinks what I think.

I have seen him for a few days last week and now today and Wednesday too. Plus I got some TCM powder I have been drinking all day and have felt so much better, physically.

Emotionally, been a little up and down, but I am menstruating and PMSing so I am sure I am a tad bit emotional but it seems to be more than that and for the longest time I couldn't figure out why.

As I was typing blogs and taking care of some social media business, I was in the middle of a blog and it made me think about the song Raise Me Up by Josh Groban (Who btw has the most phenom voice I have ever hear and would give anything to see him if I could, that has got to be one of my biggest wishes). AS I was typing this blog on my business site about women and how they have lifted me up, I was listening to the song and just started crying. HARD.

Another song followed, and I got more and more emotional.

HunEPants came home and so dinner had to be made and a new neighbor friend was coming over for Monday dinner so, enough of the emotional crap, Trisha. And the night went on and we laughed, M and I giggled about past men and their faults and foibles and certain men that are just life suckers and other friends and people who will suck the life force outta you if you let them and we just laughed on and on.

When she left I thought "Ya know, Life is pretty good here in Denver! I have made some amazing friends, get to see E every now and then ;) and got to have Cin in my wedding.  I have a great successful business and am enjoying starting a new one. The apartment complex makes me want to pull my hair out once in awhile, but all in all, All is Well. Then I sighed and smiled a cheesy smile.

Je suis content

I am not homeless.

I am not in an unhappy marriage.

I am not abused.

I am not without.

I am not lost.

MY life...is actually pretty good.

All is well in TrixieLand.

I have Magic Beans.

;)

Being Mindfully Country Strong

As I was getting ready the other day and had Spotify on, Bubbly from Colbie Callait came on. As if that wasn't bad enough, the next song was Hey There Delilah, by Plain White T's.

Why is that "bad enough"? Because why is it when things are going good, someone starts throwing wrenches that affect your feelings? idk. hell. my step dad would say "For the halibut"

Those songs are from moments with the exbf. And no matter how mcuh I love another, I will always stop, take a quick breath when I hear those songs.

Hell, I still remember the song "Wallflowers was mine and my ex husbands song.

But it doesn't hit me like the song me and J had together. I never loved anyone before J and although J will say and believe to his dying breath I never loved him, he would be wrong.

When I have more memories than I could contain...
When I'm feeling weak...
When I'm feeling sad or down...
When I am feeling like I can't face it, the it whatever "IT" is...

I watch Country Strong. I weep a bit, I let my heart feel. I allow those feelings to come forth so they can come out. This is an act of mindfulness. Recognizing. Awareness. Allowing. Accepting. Thanking the feeling for being there. Then letting go and moving on....

The song I love the best from this movie is Stronger

"My heart never will be the same, but I keep telling myself Ill be ok..."

Life comes at us pretty fast sometimes. We barely have time to think much less feel.

Don't be afraid to fall in love. It's the only thing that matters in life. Fall in love with as many things as possible.  ~ CountryStrong

What I want to say is this... don't be afraid to let yourself feel. 

Just like the quote from Country Strong I want to reiterate...

Don't be afraid to feel. Feel as many things as possible. Allow yourself to feel sadness when it comes. Acknowledge it, and let it move within you. When you hold it down and try to suffocate it, you only end up hurting yourself. Feel the sadness. Then feel the peace and calm you get once you have cried those tears. Once you have allowed your heart to feel. Once you have taken a deep breath. And you make that sigh sound, when you finally feel the release and let it go.

We must know the bitter to know the sweet.

We must know sadness to know joy.

It's all just the circle of life.

Namaste,

Trixie

If Money Was No Object?

If Money were no object, what would you actually desire to do? Then why aren't you doing that now? Live your passion, the Rest, will Follow!

Xo TrishaTrixie

So Much Overhelm

So much overwhelm.

I dont even know what to say anymore.

I really want to get back to that feeling of pece I had when I was in Brave Girls but I feel like it is so very far away.

I don't have that person. In Grey's Anatomy Meredith and Shtina talk often about how they are each others "Person"

Who is my person?
I don't have one.
I never have.
Just when I think I do, I don't.
I have new friends.
I have old friends
I have those who know me
I have those who tell me to call anytime, but they are not my person.
Will I ever have a "person"

I take solace right now in listening to KLOVE Radio and allowing my heart ot feel.
Allowing my heart to cry
Allowing my heart to feel.

I am marrying a fabulous man in less than 20 days away and as it stands I have no family who is planning on attending my wedding. I, like many brides, am planning so much of this on my own, but even my MOH is MIA and who am I to fault her for being so far away?

I am trying to do things on a shoe string budget, which is fine, but damn it would be nice to have help once in awhile. Even the new gal who was gonna help me, of course bailed on me.

I don't share this often but at time I still feel slightly broken from the life that came before me. I feel I will never shake it. I have overcome it, yes and I am fabulous yes, but there is still that high school girl insecurity deep down and I think we all have our demons. Learning to overcome them does not remove us from them, it merely helps us to survive, succeed and move on.

I am the promoter of my business, doing it alone, netowkring alone, and so much alone.

I have become comfortable being alone and at time relish in it. However, there are times, I really wish I had a "person"

Tonight is a rare night, when I think WAY too much is going on and I am holding my own, but I really just want to go off somewhere and have a good cry....

Fighting for the Dream

I am so frustrated right now that I am just not sure whether to scream or cry.

I am fighting for this dream and I seem to be the only one with the vision.

I am bootstrapping it all the way and trying to get everything ready to go.

On top of that I am planning a wedding, still unpacking from the move, frustrated our house back in Iowa hasn't sold yet and doing everything I can not to go cuckoo!

There is a lack of patience on others part and I am sure it is my own fault because normally I am so responsive that when I am not, they just jump the gun and do what THEY want, not thinking what would be the most help for me or to me.

80% of startups fail.

I am fighting a hard battle and could really use your patience. I may not respond to your FB message right away, your email, or your text. But that doesn't mean I wasn't going to. Give me a breath to answer you, please.

I am a one woman show.

I do not have capital. I am bootstrapping it. Meaning every dollar spent is from my personal income.

I am stressed, in chronic pain I don't show because I refuse to be the grouch,  and frustrated.

I miss my old friends.

I love my new friends, but building those relationships don't happen overnight.

The ones I thought I would see I feel don't care enough to make me a priority in their life. I don't know what to do about that. It saddens me. But what to do.

As always I am alone, the one going and doing everything, alone.

When I want to do social things. Alone.

When I want to do business things. Alone.

I had this misconception that I would be hanging out with friends all teh time and I would come here knowing some people but of course, I am let down because I instilled that expectation and now I have been let down and it is my own fault.

Fighting for the dream to have a successful startup, do your own business, be successful, all of that, takes a lot of work and if I even had ONE person that was that one person I could share all of this with would be so much easier.

I am not giving up the fight.

Just felt the need to vent out my frustrations and I don't even know what to think or say or do anymore without fear of hurting someones feelings or pissing them off if I say something. So like always, my thoughts go out into the sir of the internet...

Maybe others who are also fighting for their dreams will see this. Maybe someone will understand....

Snowball Debt Payoffs

...

Ben and I have a snowball debt payoff plan and we have paid one of our debts off the list and so now I only have two payoffs in my list:

Therapist in Omaha, I only have $225 left to her or 9 payments of $25 a month, which is working out great!!

Child Support Arrearages we only have $7,000 which may sound like a ALOT , however, I originally owed $20,000 plus just a yer ago so we have been snowballing the SHIT out of this debt....

Here's why...

CSRU locks down your passport if you owe over $2,500 to them. Which means nowadays, you are limited ONLY to the US...no Mexico, no Canada, no Europe...

That sucks because Ben and I want to go to Canada in Nova Scotia where he was in immersion French school and we want to travel to the south of France and so on...

This year we have WAY too many things that need big chunks of payment so it won't get paid off this year, BUT he just told me before the end of next year we will have it paid off. Which tickles me pink!

I already feel, in just thinking about it, that I won't even know what to do with myself when that happens. I have been paying on that debt since 1993!!! Yes, there were times it didn't get paid which is why so much is owed and I won't go into why that happened with the exception to say, if you owe child support and you think it is a daunting responsibility, think about your future and if you want to be tied to that debt forever? If not, pay it now. Pay what you can, let them garnish you, let them take your taxes, the more they do, the more your debt it paid and it keeps that debt down.

I don't like being handcuffed to a financial responsibility as I am sure MOST people wouldn't either.

Having that debt has interfered with my life in so many ways and looking back, that ALL could have been avoided.

Don't let anyone else tell you not to pay it either.

I do't take if your spouse wants to put money elsewhere or you think you want to do other things than pay that dent, I will tell you, DON'T.

Be financially responsible and just pay it! PAY IT!

For me now, I can see the light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

I can almost feel the air of financial freedom.

I can almost touch the joys of having that debt paid off will grant me.

Don't allow yourself to get behind on your payments or leave gaps of non payment in your Child Support history.

Work three jobs if you have to, make money on the side by doing crafts, whatever it takes to earn money to pay it, it is worth it.

Be a person of credibility, a person of trust, a person who is a credible and honorable person by taking care of it.

...You will thank yourself later when you look back and see honor and credibility in your past so you can happiness and joy in your future!

Until Next Time,

XoXO Trisha Trixie

We didn't use or read Dave Ramsey, but if you don't know where to start he is a great resource
https://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/debt-snowball/

I used Andrea from ABC Creativity aka The Creative Dream Incubator
http://theartoftrishatrixie.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-creative-money-map.html

Apartment Scouting Adventure

Today I am traveling from Des Moines to Denver to embark on a new adventure...Apartment Scouting. It has been awhile since I have had to do apartment searching. Hunney Pants and I have been living in the house in Des Moines for so long we forgot what it was like (Even though I grew up in California and am more used to the Metro way of life).

Because we are moving to a NEW area neither of us have lived, we decided to sell the house here and get an apartment out in Denver South until we know the area better. We are still keeping our eyes open for condos and homes etc, but apartment life is going to be the way for us for a little while.

Everyone looks for different things when home hunting and some are even refined for apartment hunting. I have a general way of looking at things no matter what. Hunney and I actually put together a Google Sheets with the things and started Ranking them based on the following:

1. Look and feel of the apartment/home on its own merits. Does it have the bedrooms we need, the living space we desire and the amenities of the apartment that appeal to us the most being : A good layout, washer and dryer IN the unit itself, and the appliances we desire.
2. The look and feel of the complex: Is it in a good neighborhood, what are the surroundings like, are the exterior buildings kept up in good shape, does the property keep it clean and not falling apartment.
3. The neighbors: Can I hear a child screaming through the walls, are there tons of college age kids partying around or kids running amuck, and do the neighbors scents and smells exude to the place I am looking at?
4. I look at online reviews and take heed to what others rave about or complain about. If it appears that the only reviews came from the community, it is likely they are unreal. If there is a mix of good and bad, does the good outweigh the bad? And what they complain about matters too? Is it BS complaints or are they saying real things about the landlords, community or the leasing company?
5. The neighborhood surrounding the community: Is it in a good area? Is the area run down? Am "I" the minority? Would I feel safe? Is it newer or older? What is within walking distance and what do I have to drive to? How hard is it to get to the things I need, use and will want on a regular basis.
6. WalkScore: There is a site called www.walkscore.com and this told us how close or far things are. The place we are in now has a Walkscore of 14, the places we are looking at are anywhere from 47 to 76. Meaning, a higher walkscore means things are ready available in walking distance.
7. Is the price worthy of all of the above? If I don't feel it is, I won't stay there.
8. Parking: Are there garages, carports, how many to each apt, do we have to pay extra for them or does it come with?
9. Do they allow pets? For us currently we have three. In a way I am glad because that REALLY narrowed down our search. What are their rules on pets, deposit, monthly pet rents etc.
10. Distance to work? This is for Hunney because he has to drive. Close, far, freeway, how long?
11. Meeting places for me: Are there business spaces I can use on site or do I have to go off site all the time?
12. Smoking or non Smoking: With me having migraines all the time, smoking is a huge issue.
13. Psycho Application: Meaning did we have to or do we have to jump through hoops to get in the place?
14. Friendliness: Once I DID start talking to people, how kind were they, were they stuffy, was it a call center or did I talk to an ON SITE mgr?
15. Budget: For the things they offer is the price worth it in our budget?

We take into consideration MANY things I don't think other renters or buyers are looking at. I honestly think a lot of people just show up and lay the money down.

To my credit, my mother used to be a rental manager so I think of a lot of things others don't. To boot, Hunney and I are VERY picky.

I am looking forward to this excursion and finding a place that will be our new home for the next twelve months.

I also recognize that Hunney Pants has a lot of faith in me. He helped with research but ultimately he is leaving the decision to me and he won't even see the home or surroundings until we arrive to unpack and pick up our keys! 

That's another reason why I gave myself enough time. Once I find the place, then I want to REALLY get to know the surroundings so I can help us acclimate.

This is a very exciting time in our lives. For the first time we BOTH will be in an unknown area and get the chance to explore it TOGETHER and once married, as newleyweds!

Huzzah to new adventures!!

Until Next Time,

XoXo Trisha Trixie

Selling with a Checklist: The Trixie Way

This is our Selling Checklist. This is another one I found online. Again, it is a helpmate, but I realize not everything pertains to us.

We made many repairs before we even listed, however, I failed to realize all the MANY things we would STILL need to do even after we listed the house. GAH!!

Hope this helps you if you are selling your home too!

To Do List

Selling House

Project / Task

The condition of your home's exterior is most important when it comes to buyer appeal. Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.

If your lawn shows no signs of life, a little fertilizer and some water will do wonders for its color. Mow and edge the lawn frequently until the home is sold.

Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible.

A low-cost investment in seasonal flowers or ground cover will add a personal touch.

Replace missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts and remove any debris.

Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles.

Cracks in the driveway and sidewalks can be easily repaired with ready-mix cement. For excessive stains, there are easy-to-use cleaning agents at your home repair store.

Stucco water stains can be repaired using a mild bleaching agent.

Fences should be mended and painted.

If the street sweeper does not come every week, make sure the area in front of your curb and driveway are clear of debris. Wash it down with the hose.

Wash all windows inside and outside.

All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard or child's play area.

Clean your home from top to bottom.

Put all valuables in a safe place.

Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.

Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well. All torn screens should be repaired or replaced.

Avoid repainting the entire house unless current colors are very loud or offbeat. White or light pastels are the easiest for new homeowners to work with and they make your rooms look larger.

Have carpeting and draperies cleaned.

Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown.

If you have a fireplace, make sure all tile is in good condition, the screen is in good shape, and the hearth is clean.

Lubricate squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets.

Put deodorizers in each room and closet.

Store out-of-season clothes so closets do not look cluttered.

Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms appear smaller.

A few colorful plants will help liven and add color to the interior.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances. All appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point. Make it light and bright!

Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Clean and wax the kitchen floor. If the floor looks old and dull, consider replacing the flooring.

Clean fans and vent hoods.

All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.

Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.

Repair or replace leaky faucets.

Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors.

Clean all mirrors.

Keep all toilet seat lids closed.

Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

Have a garage sale to dispose of any unwanted items. Family heirlooms, which you will take with you, should be boxed and stored in the garage until you move.

Degreasers are available at your local home repair store to remove stains from the garage floor.

Remove any cobwebs.

If the basement or attic is a functioning part of the house, make sure the area is clean and in good repair.

Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.

Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.

Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.

If you're planning to move around the same time you're selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.

Any household or children's items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.

Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.

While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.

Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.

Your agent may request to serve refreshments. If not, feel free to suggest this.

Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma means �home� to many people.

Once the open house begins, let your agent do the job. Do not try to assist unless asked by the agent showing your home.

If you're trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked. Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.

Should a buyer stop by when your not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent. Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.

Save visiting agents' business cards for your agent. Write down the date on the back of the visiting agent's business card and indicate if the agent had buyers with them.

Notify your agent if you'll be out of town and how to contact you. Timing is EVERYTHING!