Daily Resolution: Make a Clean Sweep

Seldom do we think about whether our cleaners need cleaning. I am speaking of brooms, vacuums, and other sweepers. It’s easy to forget that these items need periodic cleaning or even replacing if not maintained. Check brooms frequently. If not cleaned or replaced, you could be simply spreading more dirt around your house. Hose off outdoor brooms used in garages or sheds and let them air dry. Check belts and bags/dirt collecting containers on vacuums. Plastic vacuum containers that collect the dirt can be washed with soap and warm water. A clean sweep might cut your cleaning time in half!

Daily Resolution: Check up on Where It’s MADE

Earlier in the summer there was quite a media splash about the US Olympic team wearing Opening Ceremony Uniforms that were not made in the USA (they were made in China). This media conversation lasted beyond one news day. Shortly thereafter, a commitment was even announced by the Olympic Committee that the USA team would wear USA made attire for the winter games in 2014.

Have you ever given much thought to the origin of the products YOU purchase, wear, and use regularly? Take an informal inventory and note labels to see where your personal belongings are made. What we buy is a personal choice, but it might make a difference to some to at least know where their products are coming from and why we purchase particular items.

Daily Resolution: Make Candy Dandy

Take any candy you have laying around your house (from Halloween, perhaps?) and share it in a dish at work or place in a dish at home for guests. Try not to keep it stashed away for your own personal consumption; this can be dangerous! If you let your kiddos have sweets, skim from the top for them and take the rest to contribute to a workplace treat bowl.

Daily Resolution: Investigate Urban Legends

Whether you have lived in an area for 10 days or 10 years, you can likely discover some interesting and sometimes frightening urban legends if you inquire about the local area. An urban legend does not actually refer to an urban environment but rather implies local stories and folklore that have been handed down without much documentation. Older children seem to be aware of these tales and often recant them around campfires or sleepovers. Many of these stories involve bridges, murders, woods, or strange creatures. Challenge yourself to discover an urban legend of your locale. If you know some, then share a few.

Daily Resolution: Get Armed for Germs

Patrick and I got hit with the cold bug all of last week and spent most days driving around buying tissues and various promises of cold cures.

Before the winter cold and flu season starts to really hit, go through your medicine cabinet and check out your arsenal of counterattacks to coughs , sore throats, and fevers. If you are like most people, medicine only becomes important when we need it, and then we feel too unwell to get what we need. It might not even be too late for that flu shot. Stock up on things like hand sanitizer, tissues, regular aspirin, throat lozenges, and even some chicken soup and a good movie! Check up on just how many sick days you have to use, just in case.