March 21, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 23 (ARA) Spring is here, which means one thing: It’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this spring to prepare for a relaxing summer. Let there be light. Nothing makes the house feel drab like dirty windows. Make any room feel bright and fresh by cleaning the inside glass of your windows. A quick once over with a paper towel and glass cleaner should do the trick. Look for a “streak-free” formula and the insides will be sparkling in no time. Get the outside just as clean by using a cleaner that attaches directly to your garden hose. All you have to do is point and spray to remove the dirt and grime left behind from winter. It’s safe to use on plastic siding and can help you easily reach second story windows. Plus, while you’re outside, quickly rinse off patio furniture, jungle gyms, or children’s outdoor toys. Pick up a paint brush. To freshen up any room for springtime, pull out your paint. Don’t try to redo the whole Spring into a relaxing summer with easy cleaning tips house. Instead, pick the room where a fresh coat of paint will make the biggest impact. Choose a fun new color, or add some flare with a unique design like stripes or chevrons. Remember to touch up the trim. To make paint touch-ups a simple process, use a painter’s tape such as FrogTape. Treated with patented PaintBlock technology, this tape prevents paint bleed by reacting with the water in latex paint to create a barrier that helps ensure clean, sharp lines. No tedious preparation is needed. Just make sure walls are clean, dust-free, and dry before beginning. “FrogTape is the best choice to help any homeowner paint with ease,” said designer and “Restaurant: Impossible” construction manager Tom Bury. “Its PaintBlock technology leaves very little room for error, making it a great choice for quick spring touch-ups.” To ensure painting is a painless process, be sure to select the right tape for your surface. With the right tools, your paint project can be quick and easy, making your room look polished and pulled together. Wash away winter grime. That soft, comfy throw blan- Top trends (continued from previous page) lives is now the norm. These natural oxygen machines clean indoor air while bringing life to any room.’ Whether you want ferns, peace lilies, or palms, bring nature in and green up your spaces. To learn more about the benefits of indoor houseplants, check out www.O2forYou.org. Garden products are going high-tech. Now there is a way to rid your yard of pesky critters. New motion acti- vated sprinkler repellents from Havahart provide caring control solutions that safely rid your yard of animals. From the White House to the neighborhood schools, kids are learning how to grow their own food and take care of the planet. McCoy says we have ignored two generations of gardeners and need to get kids back to having fun growing things. She says the popularity of fairy gardens is ideal for kids and the young at heart to share the whimsical world of plants and appreciate the joy of gardening. For a complete look at the Garden Media Group 2012 Garden Trends Report, visit http://www.gardenmediagroup.com. ket you’ve been snuggling up with all winter is storing more than cozy memories. Since winter is prime cold and flu season, it’s probably become home to lots of germs. Increase the clean factor in your home by tossing throw blankets, pillows, window treatments, even couch covers in the washing machine to get rid of germs. Then, hang them outside to dry in the sun and soak up that springtime scent. Say “sayonara” to your sweaters. Scarves, hats, gloves, wool sweaters, and other heavy clothing won’t be much use once spring is in full swing. Save room in your closets by getting them out of the way. Put winter clothing items in plastic storage bins. Keep them in an attic or basement, clearing space for warmer-weather wear. As you’re packing things up, pull aside anything you haven’t worn all winter and donate these items to a local charity. It’s an easy way to de-clutter, make your home feel more organized, and give back to your community. The same method goes for kitchen cabinets, desk drawers, and playrooms. Store items you’re not using and give what you don’t need to charity. Dust your digs. Spring brings more than just sunshine -- it’s also the bearer of seasonal allergies. Help fight the sniffles by shaking out rugs and giving rooms a thorough dusting. If wiping down the entire house seems too tedious, focus on areas that aren’t in plain sight. Throughout the year, you probably wipe down surfaces that are clearly visible, such as tables, shelves, and countertops, but when was the last time the top of the refrigerator or the ceiling fan saw a duster? Use spring cleaning as a chance to focus on those areas that don’t often get cleaned. Your home, and your nose, will thank you. Follow these simple tips to make every moment count this spring. Your home will be sparkly and clean before you know it, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the summer.