tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705140704222904782024-03-13T07:06:25.784-05:00The Cleanie BlogSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-5908660415822378902011-11-26T15:10:00.003-06:002011-11-26T15:26:48.026-06:00Owned by a WomanI don't say a whole lot about this, but it did take some time and effort to acquire so I thought I'd pass on that Clean Reflections is a HUB certified Woman Owned Small Business. Our fair state of Texas recognizes our company as such and I am indeed proud of the designation. I was a burned out corporate employee 23 years ago looking around for something meaningful and profitable to do with myself when I read a newspaper article about an ambitious mother of five who was widowed too early with no saleable skills. She turned to housecleaning since she was more than familiar with it and it made sense to her. At the time of the newspaper article she was reaching out to help others who wanted to do the same. I called and attended her meeting and launched a surprising new career. My husband joined me a year later and we've never looked back. We've worked with and for a colorful variety of people along the way and have gathered a substantial number of stories.<br /><br />We cleaned for one couple for instance, for 21 of those years traveling with them through retirement, their move to a smaller home, various hospitalizations, the death of the husband and ultimately the wife's move to a retirement home. We miss her on the schedule but feel blessed to have been her trusted visitor twice a month for all those years.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-25728284647120954892011-01-05T07:35:00.002-06:002011-01-05T07:41:08.871-06:00How Often Should You Clean?I ran across this by Mandi Rogier, an eHow Contributor which you might find helpful if you wonder why your home isn't looking it's best.<br /><br />House cleaning is an important chore that can keep your home beautiful, livable and sanitary. By maintaining a regular schedule, you can ensure that your home is always presentable and avoid the last minute rush to tidy up when a friend is coming over. How often you need to clean your house will vary with each chore, but there are some simple guidelines that can help you create your own house cleaning schedule.<br /><br /><strong>Kitchen</strong><br />The kitchen is one area of the home that cannot get by with anything less than a daily cleaning. After cooking, you should wipe down all of the kitchen surfaces and put away any supplies that you used. Do dishes immediately after the meal, and wipe down the sink once a day, preferably before bed. The floor should be swept and mopped once or twice a week, or more if needed. The fridge should be cleaned out regularly. The ideal time to do this is right before you go grocery shopping, so a fridge full of spoiled food and rotten leftovers doesn't fool you into thinking you don't need to buy more food. Give the appliances, fridge and sink a thorough scrubbing once a week.<br /><br /><strong>Bathroom</strong><br />The bathroom can get dirty very quickly, so a regular daily cleaning is important. Wipe down the tub, shower stall, sink and counter with a multipurpose cleaner once a day. Wipe down the mirror with a touch of white vinegar. Straighten the toiletries and hang up towels after every use. Ideally, the toilet should be cleaned several times a week. At a minimum, do this once a week. Once a week, you should also thoroughly sweep and mop the floor and replace the towels.<br /><br /><strong>Bedroom</strong><br />The bedroom will need less work than the other areas of the house. Tidy up any laundry, books, shoes and other clutter on a daily basis. Once a week, change the linens, dust the furniture and vacuum the carpet. Once a month, you should vacuum and rotate the mattress. In children's rooms, you may need to wipe down surfaces and pick up toys more frequently. Encourage children to help you with these tasks until they can eventually complete them on their own and take responsibility for their own bedroom.<br /><br /><strong>Living Room</strong><br />The state of your living room will vary greatly depending on the number of people and pets residing in your home, and how much time they spend there. If you live alone or with your spouse and you both work during the day, then your living room may remain largely untouched throughout the week. If you are a stay-at-home mom with kids that are homeschooled and an ever-growing collection of pets, you will fall at the opposite end of the spectrum. In general, you should vacuum the carpets two or three times a week. Pick up books, toys, cups and other clutter at the end of the day, every day, and wipe off surfaces. Vacuum the upholstery once a month, and shampoo the upholstery and carpets once or twice a year.<br /><br /><strong>Other Activities </strong><br />Some household cleaning can be left to a once-yearly "spring cleaning." Don't let the name fool you, though. You can just as easily take on an annual cleaning in the summer or fall, though winter is ill-suited to many of the tasks involved in this campaign. Once a year you should give the house a thorough scrubdown. Clean under and behind furniture, including the fridge and other appliances. Dust the ceiling and fans, wash the drapes and wash scuff marks and stains from the walls. Empty bookcases and toy shelves and wipe down the shelves and the items that go on them. If you are doing this cleaning in the fall, this is a good time to launder and put away summer draperies and linens and air out the fall set. Likewise, in the spring this activity can be reversed.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-59792921615831065512010-09-20T10:22:00.005-05:002010-09-22T12:46:26.837-05:00Hate the thought of cleaning?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TJeH5ZHKy-I/AAAAAAAAAEA/pmsfRvKtjYE/s1600/cleaning-lady-vacuuming-staircase.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 181px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TJeH5ZHKy-I/AAAAAAAAAEA/pmsfRvKtjYE/s320/cleaning-lady-vacuuming-staircase.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519029288429079522" /></a><br />We all know cleaning is not rocket science, and we all think we can do it outselves, "why hire an outside company to shovel out my dirt?" Yet ... it's the last on the list of "to-do's" for so many of us ... why is that do you suppose?<br /><br />I'm going to offer some encouraging words. You CAN do it with the right tools and just a little time set aside for the purpose. it really isn't necessary to do it all at once. Of course, if you need it done NOW, we're a phone call away (940-566-MAID). <br /><br />Let's tackle it from the bottom up. First you need your weapons of choice. We at Clean Reflections use Green Juice an enzyme based cleanser, for most surfaces that don't require dynamite. It literally eats bacteria and most dangerous germs leaving behind a fresh clean, almost non-scent. We pack some grit type cleanser for porcelain, and a diluted version of Green Juice for glass and windows. Then there is toilet bowl cleanser and we bring a pumice stone for hard water buildup if needed. <br /><br />Now for equipment type weapons: Your vaccuum of choice; a hose attachment is handy for corners,beneath furniture and for the stairs of course; rubber gloves for the obvious reasons plus when used dry, they make a great hair ball remover for upholstery; a long duster; a short duster -- which could be a feather duster but we've settled on Swiffers. They hold the dirt better and squeeze into tight places nicely and they don't molt. Their drawback is expense. You can on occasion find them at the Dollar Store, however. A scraper for melted wax, a small wisk broom and dust pan, a broom and a mop; I recommend a Sh-Mop found at Jeff Campbell's www.thecleanteam.com website. And last but not least, the ultimate microfiber cloth! One for glass, a couple for counter tops and surfaces, and one for the bath. <br /><br />You'll need a bucket or tote to store and carry all this and an apron (most important) to carry a few of these things in while in action.<br /><br />I'll give more details on execution next blog. Until then, load your tote and keep it clean!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-65177334010038488522010-09-07T09:59:00.002-05:002010-09-07T10:18:55.829-05:00Quickie Cabinet Clean Up<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TIZXosSdFRI/AAAAAAAAAD4/dNEE6Tfaa00/s1600/pink-green-model-kitchen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514191150356698386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TIZXosSdFRI/AAAAAAAAAD4/dNEE6Tfaa00/s320/pink-green-model-kitchen.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This from the <em>Family Handyman: </em></div><br /><div>To remove that greasy build-up that collects on kitchen cabinets, heat a damp microfiber cloth in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds (this will loosen baked on dirt in the microwave as well!). Put on a pair of gloves, spray your wood or metal cabinets wtih an all purpose cleaner containing orange oil, like <em>Orange Glo</em>. Wipe off the cleaner with the warm cloth. Rinse, wring out and reheat the cloth. When finished, remove excess oil with a cool, damp cloth. </div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-67756626089415847082010-07-05T14:31:00.004-05:002010-07-05T15:00:00.878-05:00The Red White and Blue<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TDI498-5GCI/AAAAAAAAADo/1W1uCBRAQVs/s1600/united-states-flag_2109_158216859.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490513532711147554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/TDI498-5GCI/AAAAAAAAADo/1W1uCBRAQVs/s320/united-states-flag_2109_158216859.gif" /></a> I bought a new flag this year, placed it on a pole in front of our office window on Flag Day in June and I light it up every night as proper flag protocol dictates. I'm so proud of what it stands for ... the men and women who have fought and even died to keep it our proud symbol of a free nation. My prayer is that all Americans will appreciate it's true meaning. Perhaps we could each take a few minutes to share with our children or grandchildren the history of our Red, White and Blue. See a condensed version below.<br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Our flag carries American ideas, American history and American feelings. It is not a painted rag. It is a whole national history. It is the Constitution. It is the Government. It is the emblem of the sovereignty of the people. It is the NATION.<br /></span></em><span style="color:#3333ff;">-Henry Ward Beecher, 1861</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><br /><div>"From its controversial beginnings, the American flag has been an important part of our culture. It has survived over 200 years and two World Wars. The flag has evolved physically and symbolically in times of crisis and achievement. During the Vietnam War, the flag took on conflicting meanings that split the nation, and by the Gulf War, the flag was again a uniting force. September 11, 2001, the flag became a symbol of hope and pride. Though tattered and dirty flying above the rubble of the World Trade Center, it, like our country would prevail.<br /></div><br /><div>Unlike other countries, America only has two national symbols, the bald eagle and the American flag. While the bald eagle is internationally recognized, the American flag is a symbol known worldwide. The flag has been the inspiration for holidays, songs, poems, books, artwork and more. It has been used to show nationalism, rebellion and everything in between. The flag is so important that its history tells the story of America." </div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-76525102589247729572010-04-27T19:26:00.003-05:002010-04-27T19:48:48.890-05:00The Magic of Service<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S9eEdVanKPI/AAAAAAAAADg/f9JJt8CLcQE/s1600/Svc+Magic+Seal.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464982312337221874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S9eEdVanKPI/AAAAAAAAADg/f9JJt8CLcQE/s200/Svc+Magic+Seal.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My daughter (also a business owner) and I were lamenting the fact that service in business seems to be a dying practice. For instance, my office phone line was slammed about three months ago by a carrier that provides my cell phone service. When I called to cancel it, they BLOCKED any outgoing long distance calls from my number! How incredibly foolish of them. I'm now considering another cell phone carrier after all the years I've been faithful to them. I established a new account with my FIOS provider, and they assured me within 24 hours I'd have my outgoing long distance line again. Wrong! 30 days later I was still without. It seems my order sat on someone's desk unattended for a month. After an hour and four operators later on the phone, I was again assured I now had new long distance service and they would "expedite" manually if necessary, the removal of the block on my line. Wrong again! A third attempt was made a day later and I'm still waiting to see if it "took". Many apologies were given, along with excuses, but what rotten service is that??? Our business has grown on service as an essential component. The customer may not always be right, but their opinion certainly carries a LOT of weight at Clean Reflections. We listen, we correct when necessary and more importantly we do everything imaginable to head complaints off at the pass. We screen our maids with national criminal background checks, they are given a personality screening as well to determine tendencies from punctuality to thievery with much in between. It's not foolproof, but at least we have a headstart on getting to know the character of those we hire. We also train on best industry techniques before anyone sets foot in a customer home or business. We take your concerns seriously. That's one reason we affiliated with SERVICE MAGIC who ran background checks on us just like we do our employees. They also required we show proof of bonding and insurance and only then were we admitted into their exclusive membership. Yep, we believe in old fashioned service. Don't believe me, just give us a try. You can check us out on our profile page at <a href="http://www.servicemagic.com/">http://www.servicemagic.com/</a> too. Click on cleaning and maid service and you'll see us there.</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-79321167407491283472010-04-15T08:29:00.006-05:002010-04-15T11:20:37.756-05:00Earth Day<div>Saturday April 17th is Earth Day! What enterprising person thought that up? And how far we've come since Colombus' day in 1492. Back then we thought we'd fall off the earth if we wandered too far from home. Now we celebrate it in all it's roundness while wandering all over it's surface yet cautioning ourselves to not take it for granted. A good idea I think and we at Clean Reflections are in a unique position to be aware since we are in the what I affectionately call the "chemical warfare" business. That's why we use only environmentally friendly products with rare exception. It started from a purely selfish motive I admit. We became highly sensitive to some common products that had bleach in them. We noticed a burning sensation in our throats and worse yet, the following day breathing <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S8c3du9gVGI/AAAAAAAAADY/dzoGND0G4KY/s1600/84-639123202.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 65px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 89px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460394057171752034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S8c3du9gVGI/AAAAAAAAADY/dzoGND0G4KY/s320/84-639123202.gif" /></a>was labored and we experienced a general sense of malaise. Not good in a labor intensive business! We figured if they weren't good for us, then we didn't want to expose our customers to them either. So, enjoy and celebrate Earth Day in your own way. Never mix bleach with ammonia and always use chemicals in a well ventilated area. Better yet, let our experts show you how new fangled products and equipment can customize a cleaning program for your home. </div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-67183016755027708782010-04-05T17:41:00.004-05:002010-04-05T18:03:05.091-05:00Spring has definitely Sprung<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S7pqtVXC4JI/AAAAAAAAADI/vm02FKEfhoo/s1600/Maxine+and+family.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456791225573236882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S7pqtVXC4JI/AAAAAAAAADI/vm02FKEfhoo/s200/Maxine+and+family.bmp" /></a><br /><div>I heard from our daughter in Idaho today that it is SNOWING there! Not so in Texas ... at least for two weeks now. We did have a strangely late snow for one whole day in March and that was after some of the shrubs and trees had started putting on buds. We survived it though and it's now more like business as usual -- WARM. A good time for cleaning out one's garage (which we need to do in the worst way) or take care of touch up painting around the house (also something on my list) or just a plain old deep Spring cleaning. That means baseboards, pulling furniture away from the wall ... and might as well rearrange the contents of the room with those coaster-like slides while you're at it ... dust the ceiling fans, clean under, around and behind all things normally neglected; the treadmill, the television, the top of the fridge, the lint-y utility room and on it goes. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A friend of mine suggested Spring Cleaning is a hoax perpetuated on already overly busy women. I guess to keep us "off the streets and out of the pool halls" as my now deceased character of a father-in-law often joked. Who knows? But spring does inspire me to get up and DO more than any other season of the year. Perhaps with the greening of the trees and shrubs, and the first peek of the sun, I am motivated to think I can do it ... the days are longer. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you however, still can't bring yourself to think about piling one more task on your shoulders, I hear and<em> </em>I<em> </em>understand. Give Clean Reflections a call. We can come only once or regularly ... whatever helps you the most. It's an easy number to remember too: 940-566-MAID! Happy spring to you!</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-55964994200104683892010-02-21T11:10:00.002-06:002010-02-21T11:27:06.440-06:00Hearts and Flowers, Puppies and Kitties<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S4FsxGCZsVI/AAAAAAAAADA/7Rdal4EeDc0/s1600-h/red+heart.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440749415530344786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/S4FsxGCZsVI/AAAAAAAAADA/7Rdal4EeDc0/s200/red+heart.png" /></a><br /><div>We just passed a sweetheart's celebration ... Valentine's Day which I've always enjoyed. It's another opportunity to correspond with those dear friends we didn't get to at Christmas for one thing. And this year my sweetheart gets extra points for remembering to bring home a dozen long stemmed yellow roses with the sweetest card I think he's ever chosen for me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now that brings me to the house cleaning part. We all know that live flowers say "I love you" almost better than anything, but they do die and they drip in the process. I even resisted clipping off their stems of my beauties to draw more water because of the mess it makes while pulling them apart. Just keep in mind to place them on something that won't be harmed by damp babies breath buds or vase bottom. Pull out of the vase over the trash can when it's time to say goodbye to them and you're clean up will go much faster.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Other oddball things that go into the mix to create household dust would be: pet dander, soot from the fireplace and believe it or not dead skin cells (probably the biggest culprit) and of course just plain old dirt that seeps in when the door is opened or around windows not well sealed. Be sure to invest in placing a good scraper type fabric door mat at those well used entry doors. A good swipe of one's shoes over a mat goes a long way toward saving your floors from muddy scuffs.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope this helps. If you're still overwhelmed, give us a call. We're here to pitch in and help be it one time or on a regular basis. Our number is 940-566-MAID (6243). And all this applies to offices as well. My valentine to you!!</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-50705610550100265102009-12-02T23:32:00.003-06:002009-12-02T23:48:14.797-06:00Dirt by any name is still DirtIsn't it fun to secretly gloat over someone else's dirt? I hate to admit that I enjoy seeing the cracks in someone's beautiful facade but it's a sad fact of life. We all try for that perfection whatever it is to each of us but alas no one will ever achieve it. In fact, I had a speaking coach suggest that when speaking before a group publicly to NOT look perfect ... allow an uneven hem, a turned collar or whatever so that audience members would focus on that imperfection rather than on my stumbles in speech. Crafty, but I can't say I allow that intentionally. It's the same with our homes. I like a picked up, clean house as much as the next housewife but don't get so picky that you can't truly live in your own home. Our dear Maids and night crews encounter just a few fortunately, but they do encounter those homeowners and building managers who appear to have attained masters' degrees in complaining. It's off-putting to say the least. So here in the wake of Thanksgiving ... while we still live in the grandest nation on earth, let's BE thankful we can hire someone to do what we don't have time nor inclination to do ourselves and give one another some slack. Call Clean Reflections if you're the current clean up person and are sick and tired of spending your time mopping up after all the others in your home or office. "We don't cut corners, we clean them!" Visit us online at <a href="http://www.cleanyoucansee.com/">www.cleanyoucansee.com</a> anytime.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-23124595510844169592009-11-10T19:10:00.004-06:002009-11-10T19:31:13.487-06:00Aubergine, beautiful aubergine<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SvoTZ_O2lDI/AAAAAAAAACo/rRUGdXvU3B8/s1600-h/Concept+of+cooking+%26+cleaning.bmp"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SvoTTxAqhsI/AAAAAAAAACg/s4pInxb3oUI/s1600-h/Maxine_cooking_cleaning.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 255px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402651933278897858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SvoTTxAqhsI/AAAAAAAAACg/s4pInxb3oUI/s320/Maxine_cooking_cleaning.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SvoRqiRHy1I/AAAAAAAAACY/OCLcT4YEXO8/s1600-h/Maxine_cooking_cleaning.bmp"></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 153px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402652366154997026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SvoTs9mXnSI/AAAAAAAAACw/Q0jSsKtSBPA/s200/Concept+of+cooking+%26+cleaning.bmp" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Because I have my house cleaned every week, I can now focus on my achievements in the kitchen. I ordered a natural cookbook a few weeks ago having seen a segment on TV by the author. Because I want my husband and I to enter the 'golden years' in good health, I've been focusing more on organics and vegetables in cooking. Anyway, turns out the author is British. My roots are in Great Britain, in fact my grandparents landed here right off the boat, so I am grateful to the Brits for all they bring us. They do however, speak English a bit differently than do we. All measurements are in grams and liters ... so I Googled a conversion chart. Check, got that handled. Then flipping through the recipes I discovered some strange sounding food items. Ever hear of a "courgette"? Me neither. Back to Google. It's a zucchini; go figure. How about an "Aubergine" which I thought was a designer color. Well, it is that too, but it's an .... eggplant! That's a much prettier name than eggplant, isn't it?</div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-20952992905576039682009-10-30T17:49:00.006-05:002009-10-30T18:05:33.466-05:00More Maxine on Housework<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SutwMFHgxjI/AAAAAAAAACQ/GTZNybrrzrA/s1600-h/Maxine_housecleaning.bmp"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 293px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398531931168097842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SutwMFHgxjI/AAAAAAAAACQ/GTZNybrrzrA/s400/Maxine_housecleaning.bmp" /></em></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:78%;color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>I thought about cleaning the house. But then </em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>I thought, "What's the house done for me lately?"</em></span> </span><br />Y'know, what we do isn't rocket science ... although the janitorial industry in general is really coming of age in terms of science and technology. We now have the option of using robotic equipment, electrolized water to sanitize, fancier and fancier floor machines that will multi task with one pass over the floor; for example, put water down, scrub and suck it back into a tank all at once. It is pretty amazing if you focus on it a moment. Nonetheless, it isn't rocket science, as I said, but it does require some training and a mindset to do it consistently and correctly. I guess that's why I so love Maxine. She determined early on that she didn't like housework, wasn't going to do it and made no bones about it. And these days you shouldn't have to, especially if you are the chief cook and bottle washer, income provider and possibly Mom or Dad on top of all that. To you, the battle scarred, freeway stressed, microwave set, I bring Maxine for a moment of levity. Laugh along.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Enjoy this latest Maxine installment along with me and put your feet up.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-67322527715912450422009-10-20T14:46:00.004-05:002009-10-21T16:51:27.964-05:00Maxine on Dishwashing<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/St4UpCZAqII/AAAAAAAAACA/3qXgUcoIv_M/s1600-h/Maxine_dishwasher.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 289px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 341px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394772098885396610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/St4UpCZAqII/AAAAAAAAACA/3qXgUcoIv_M/s400/Maxine_dishwasher.bmp" /></a><br /><div>I feel so blessed; I have a brand new dishwasher. After a good 25 year run, my faithful Kitchenaid conked out permanently. It screamed at us for a few final weeks while it did still wash but finally it coughed and died. I lived without one for awhile shopping for the perfect replacement -- which adversly affected our diet. We ate lots of sandwich dinners. It's hard to consider a full course hot meal on paper plates ... for me anyway. So when Maxine appeared with her support group idea; I totally related to her. Do you?</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-5606908616081738562009-10-18T18:16:00.005-05:002009-10-18T18:32:28.428-05:00Call Us! We're good dusters<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Stuj1kiVr0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/HMddkaLcM7A/s1600-h/DUST.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394085119442399042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Stuj1kiVr0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/HMddkaLcM7A/s400/DUST.bmp" /></a><br /><div>I attach the above photo remembering the attractive young couple who years ago called and hired us to clean their first new home on a regular basis. It's unusual for us to have newlyweds as customers so one day I was bold and asked why they had. The sweet young wife replied that during their premarital counseling at church, their wise counselor said to eliminate as many topics as possible that could be argument-starters. One of those was house cleaning! What a smart counselor and what a smart young couple. The house was never a subject over which they fought!</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-52965871633383813632009-10-17T21:55:00.002-05:002009-10-17T22:00:54.018-05:00New Use for WindexDid you see <em>"My Big Fat Greek Wedding"</em> the sleeper movie hit about a Greek family and their daughter's courtship and subsequent marriage? Daddy in that movie was always touting the use of Windex and it's many uses ... even as an antiseptic for bug bites and shaving nicks. Well, here's a new one for you. I haven't checked it out on Snopes or spoken to anyone who might have tested it but it sounds plausible. Ready? Here it is:<br /><br />If you are ever struck with an overwhelming desire to run around naked, sniff Windex first. It will keep you from streaking!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-86607219214192120372009-10-14T22:44:00.004-05:002009-10-18T19:06:07.668-05:00C4R on Channel 8 with OprahBig stuff! Our very own Cleaning for a Reason charity was introduced on the WFAA Channel 8 news Monday evening by Oprah Winfrey! Oprah was in Dallas for the State Fair and made an appearance on Channel 8 that evening, thus she was on hand to introduce the story on C4R. How special for us. Look back, I wrote a blog September 1 on C4R ... it's a free house cleaning service we offer to women undergoing cancer treatment as members of the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation. To have a look go to: <a href="http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=406464&shu=1">http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=406464&shu=1</a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-73554049580218486572009-09-20T17:16:00.006-05:002009-09-20T17:30:16.211-05:00Maxine-isms<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Sraq9wGHM3I/AAAAAAAAABo/BGO8VG3cZ88/s1600-h/Maxine_dusting.bmp"><span></span><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383678382427288434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Sraq9wGHM3I/AAAAAAAAABo/BGO8VG3cZ88/s200/Maxine_dusting.bmp" /></span></em></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"><strong><em> I hate housework! You make the beds,<br />do the dishes and six months later you<br />have to do it all over again!!<br /></em></strong></span><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SraqjQZxDWI/AAAAAAAAABg/gYHr6Tf21Ik/s1600-h/Maxine_housecleaning.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383677927243189602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SraqjQZxDWI/AAAAAAAAABg/gYHr6Tf21Ik/s320/Maxine_housecleaning.bmp" /></a></div></span></span></div><div>Lordy, isn't Maxine the new expert today on everything? Well, she's certainly a sage on cleaning and household chores as well. I share the following with you in a spirit of empathy with all of you who feel the same as she does on the subject. They are classic!</div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SraqjQZxDWI/AAAAAAAAABg/gYHr6Tf21Ik/s1600-h/Maxine_housecleaning.bmp"></a> </div></span></span></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-81711314113437786622009-09-17T21:53:00.009-05:002009-09-20T17:41:22.123-05:00Birthdays and Other Parties<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Srave_Rr3bI/AAAAAAAAABw/AlgGeqoASds/s1600-h/birthday_children.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383683351484554674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/Srave_Rr3bI/AAAAAAAAABw/AlgGeqoASds/s200/birthday_children.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My birthday arrives again tomorrow so as I remember past celebrations I'm reminded of my Mom and her "to-do's". Did your mom make a big deal of birthdays when you were a kid? Mine sure did; which means of course, birthdays have always been a day set aside in my mind for whooping it up. Always the frugal one, mom arranged a backyard circus theme party for me one year. She even issued ride and prize "tickets" at the end of the driveway as guests arrived at the party along with homemade ice cones. I don't have specific recall of all the day's activities, it was alas too many years ago now, but I do remember the residual feeling ... which was one of exhausted exhilaration at the end of the day. If a mom can accomplish that, I guess she's done her job well.<br /><br />I've always remembered her sharing the secret with me to any successful party ... and she hosted many of them. She said at one of my older brother's birthdays, a little friend of his tugged at her skirt for attention and asked, "When is the party going to begin?" She realized Bill had opened gifts and guests had engaged in several party games but she hadn't SERVED REFRESHMENTS! There you have it, a best hint of the day.<br /><br />If you need help with the cleaning before or after your next celebration, give us a call at 940-566-MAID. We love to help you keep that party feeling after the guests have left.</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-52053231634228679012009-09-13T21:55:00.003-05:002009-09-13T22:07:27.995-05:00Customer Spotlight - AldiI haven't mentioned any of our customers by name, but Aldi deserves recognition. They operate a chain of grocery stores around the country although they are new to North Texas. What's unique about them is their concept of small town friendly service. Most of the grocery stores today seem to be going the opposite direction getting bigger and bigger. We did the new construction clean of the beautiful big Kroger store on Teasley Lane that opened just a few months ago and it is the largest of the three in Denton at 90,000 square feet! Now that's a lot of groceries. Aldi wants to keep it neighborhood market friendly. That just has some appeal, doesn't it? Their stores aren't yet built, but they are on the way so be on the lookout for them. Even in a down economy a good idea can find a home in the marketplace. It's the American way at its best.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-49436591278725527672009-09-08T15:45:00.003-05:002009-09-08T16:05:09.386-05:00How to Clean Your Computer ScreenIt's not often someone stumps me on a cleaning solution, so when this was sent by my good friend from high school days, I bit. She includes directions on cleaning your computer screen on the INSIDE. That's right. Just follow the link below and see for yourself. It's helpful and just so darned cute! Click on: <a href="http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf">http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf</a> and take care of your dirty computer screen!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-24161746336909521752009-09-06T22:24:00.005-05:002009-09-20T17:45:23.091-05:00The ExtraI caught my daughter on the phone this afternoon, waiting at home for her 11 year old son while the rest of her family went to dinner at their other Grandmother's house. When I asked where he was, assuming he was playing at a friend's house she said, "Oh, I guess you don't know about it." "It?"<br /><br />It seems through a good friend of his who at this advanced age has aspirations of becoming a box office star, our grandson Joel was recruited to be an "Extra" in a new Traveler movie production <em>Revenge of the Grasshoppers. </em>It's being filmed on the campus of McKinney Christian Academy in McKinney, Texas about a 30 minute drive from Denton.<br /><br />He hasn't gotten a big head from it as yet. He takes it all in stride as just a good excuse to spend time with his thespian friend. I hope that lasts. Fame is a heady potion. It's mighty good to know that wholesome family fare is in the works though. You can read more about the production at <a href="http://www.revengeofthegrasshoppers.com/">http://www.revengeofthegrasshoppers.com/</a>. I'm all for supporting more of this type movie.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-19949225562259172822009-09-05T18:56:00.004-05:002009-09-05T19:17:40.629-05:00Fun WebsitesI just discovered a couple of related websites that I know you'll love if you like to at least think about organization and cleaning. I love reading about both, although I don't find much time these days to act on what I read! Anyway they are as follows: <a href="http://www.flylady.com/">http://www.flylady.com/</a> one that my dear daughter discovered several years ago. She said it changed her life. She home schools and teaches sewing from home so staying organized is pretty much a must for her. They offer fun things there ... recipes, journals, directions on getting started if you're new to organizing and how to take one bite at a time as it were.<br /><br />My daughter's website BTW is <a href="http://www.seamsseweasy.info/">http://www.seamsseweasy.info/</a> and her blog is <a href="http://www.seamsseweasy.blogspot.com/">http://www.seamsseweasy.blogspot.com/</a> if you'd like to pick up some sewing hints. She's one of the best.<br /><br />The other one is <a href="http://www.organizedhome.com/">http://www.organizedhome.com/</a> somewhat the same idea. They even show you how to make your own cleansers for housecleaning.<br /><br />If you don't want to mess with either, give us a call and we'll be glad to help. Our home audits are free and you can schedule one through our website: <a href="http://www.cleanyoucansee.com/">http://www.cleanyoucansee.com/</a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-84396045002929380132009-09-03T21:09:00.003-05:002009-09-03T21:27:02.012-05:00When in Doubt, File itIn opera it's not over until the fat lady sings. In business it didn't even happen unless it's in a file; at least, that's how it is in my office. Is it in yours as well? If I can't find that former customer in my file cabinet, he/she might as well not exist! And what is the very bane of our existence? Of course, that blessed paperwork! In fact, I look forward to Heaven for that very reason; NO MORE paperwork! Won't that be glorious? And it's the endless stacks of bills and letters to go through too. It all adds up.<br /><br />For those of us old enough to remember, we were told during the IBM Selectric days (that's a typewriter for younger readers) when IBM was just starting down the computer path, that we'd soon be a paperless society. HAH! I fear the imminent computer crash, so I back up everything -- online and with paper, so no savings there.<br /><br />Ah yes, it is a filing I must go! Hi Ho, Hi Ho.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-22894249560219654102009-09-02T22:15:00.003-05:002009-09-03T21:31:14.658-05:00The Donald<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SqB708nNKgI/AAAAAAAAABY/-X14QJLZGuM/s1600-h/Donald.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 97px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377434104634354178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T88_btHWvoA/SqB708nNKgI/AAAAAAAAABY/-X14QJLZGuM/s320/Donald.bmp" /></a><br /><div>You might ask, "what was she thinking?" and that would be a valid question. I'm already running one successful business but I guess it's the call to a new frontier ... something a little challenging, new, exciting ... all that. And the fact that it's a company recently purchased by Donald Trump was a large incentive as well. He tends to make savvy business decisions you have to admit, regardless what you may think of him. In his own words in fact Donald says,"If you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think BIG." I like that and in these times, I say diversify if you can. Our 401k's aren't the nestegg they once were for sure.<br /><br />This company previously marketed only to doctors' offices and medical professionals are not the easiest to convince, so I knew the products were top drawer and with Trump doing the marketing, how could I lose, right? If you're curious and who wouldn't be? Check it out at no obligation at <a href="http://www.joinedg.com/">http://www.joinedg.com/</a>. I'd love to get your feedback after you view the short video there. Should you want to join me let me know, I'm always looking for good business partners. If you're interested in the Privia Test or customized for your system supplements, I can help you with that as well. We need to be clean on the inside just like our homes and office buildings, don't we?</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470514070422290478.post-15163854196932656112009-09-01T17:48:00.003-05:002009-09-01T18:07:09.636-05:00C4RClean Reflections is a proud affiliate of <em>Cleaning for a Reason;</em> the purpose of which is to DIRECTLY benefit women who suffer with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment. I think we've now all been directly or indirectly touched by this hideous disease. I myself had a brush with it five years ago and what I learned was how easy it is to be identified AS the diesease rather than me with an illness to bear. People tend to look at you as breast cancer ... not Sharon (in my case). It was a wierd experience and one I doggedly determined to overcome. I would not tell anyone new that I met that I had the disease and at that time I travelled all across the U.S. on weekends as a consultant to women's pregnancy centers. Ironic, wasn't it? My daughter in fact told me one day that she would forget that I was struggling with it. We just didn't talk about it or dwell on it.<br /><br />Prayer - lots of prayer, movies that made me laugh, upbeat talk around me, a healthy diet ... they all played a major role in keeping me from the pits of dispair during treatment and ultimately placed me on the road to health but my house still got dirty. I suspect most women are like me and feel ever so much better when they don't have to look at a dirty house they are too exhausted to clean. It's for that reason that we jumped on board when we learned there was a way we could help other women going through that. There are so many opportunities to contribute to research, but that somehow seems little comfort to the woman at home in bed. I hope this brings if not joy, at least comfort to the women we serve. If you know of anyone who is undergoing treatment who would benefit from a few free house cleanings, please contact the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation. You can access them through our website: <a href="http://www.cleanyoucansee.com/">http://www.cleanyoucansee.com</a>. Click on the pink ribbon which will take you to the C4R website.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09875408685165879172noreply@blogger.com0