hNew system halves house-cleaning time

hNew system halveshouse-cleaning time
Even if you like to clean, you'd probably welcome a way to do it faster. That's what Laura Dellutri offers in "Speed Cleaning 101."
Dellutri, who started a cleaning service in 1990 and now makes public appearances as the 'Healthy Housekeeper,' teaches readers a house-cleaning system touted to cut cleaning time in half. The book covers basic chores, tricks for getting yourself in the mood to clean, equipment and techniques needed for her speed-cleaning method and organizing tips to keep messes from happening in the first place.
The book is also sprinkled with "True Cleaning Confessions," hints, experiences and intriguing facts related to cleaning.
"Speed Cleaning 101" is published by Meredith Books and sells for $14.95 in softcover.
Garden attraction
To attract hummingbirds to your yard, place a feeder filled with sugar water and plant nectar-producing flowers like Russian sage in your garden.
Cord sense
Vacuum like a pro by using one long extension cord for the entire house. Unplugging and re-plugging the cord wears it out and takes far more energy than keeping up with a long cord.
Lights on
A classic lighting mistake is to make one or two lights do all the work in a room. Instead, add three-way lamps (with 150-watt bulbs) to tables, dimmer switches to overhead lights and accent lighting to a plant or painting.
The light should emanate from several places and directions to produce visual interest.
Black delphiniumadds garden elegance
You already know how black can add elegance to an outfit or a room.
How about a garden?
Jackson & amp; Perkins has introduced the world's first black delphinium, Delphinium elatum 'Darkness Visible.' It produces 1-to 11/2-inch black blooms on 2-foot flower spikes from spring to early summer and blooms again in the fall. The perennial performs well in zones 3 to 10.
Darkness Visible can be ordered from Jackson & amp; Perkins at (800) 292-4769 or www.jacksonandperkins.com.
The plants sell for $26.95 for two and $49.95 for four.
Putting caulk to use
Use peelable caulk around gaps between your screens and window frames to keep out bugs. It is removable for when you need to take off the screen or paint.
Treating your clothes
Keep a stain stick near the hamper area so that family members can treat their own clothes before placing them into the appropriate bin.
The stem is important
When shopping for flowers, stay away from drooping blooms and look at the stem. It should be green and firm rather than transparent and flexible.
Test your true colors
If you've moved into a new place but haven't yet decided on a color scheme, slipcover a couple pieces of furniture with white duck cloth. Experiment with color by dyeing or painting the cloth. Later, after you've decided on upholstery, you'll still have the covers to throw over furniture during kids' or other parties.
Photo evidence
Our gardens are alluring in the peak seasons, but extending the beauty through all seasons should be a goal. Take pictures of your garden in late winter and early spring. Framing and composing pictures forces us to see the gaps in our garden designs. In the fall, you'll also find it handy to have records of where you need to add bulbs.