Spring is here! Tips on Spring Cleaning!

Spring is in the air! It’s the time of year that we all feel, or are supposed to feel, compelled to give our homes the once over ‘spring clean’.

This however can seem incredibly daunting and most people do not know where to start.  Even myself, a person close to being OCD with organizing, sees the idea of spring cleaning looming in front of me. 

So, as I am a ‘planner’ I was going to break my ‘plan’ down for me and thought why not share it with my followers. 

 

STARTING POINT – Break it down… if you are a list writer, write a list of all the rooms in your house and then start with one room in the house, even if it is just the powder room, or start from the back of the house and work forward – whatever works best for you! Identify what needs doing in that room specifically and get to it!  

 

In each room you will have to do a few things, some of course maybe more.

 

1.      DECLUTTER! Take a scan of the room and see what you can ‘repurpose’.  So often we just pass things by and do not even notice that ‘watch box’ that you got for Christmas and is still sitting on the tv stand in May, with the 3 links that you will never need.  Go through your closet and think about what you have not worn for the entire year.  Even if I kind of like something, I think – but I have 4 other shirts I would wear before this one and it will not get worn – give it to someone who actually would wear it.  Don’t be afraid to tackle that junk drawer in the kitchen, once you empty it out it will not take long to organize. 

2.      Clean windows – the worst of the spring cleaning jobs and probably the best place to start.  Get the right equipment so it is easy – buy a squeegee and have a good supply of old cloths or tshirts.  Directions: To start, dip a sponge into a bucket of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Wet window; rub dirt away. Dampen squeegee; starting at an upper corner, draw it down pane from top to bottom. Repeat, overlapping strokes and wiping rubber edge with sponge after each stroke. (For large windows, ''snake'' squeegee back and forth; then touch up edges.) Dry windowsills with a cloth.

3.      Wipe down – doors, above door frames, light bulbs, fans, picture frames, light fixtures, blinds, and curtain roads all gather dirt.  Do you have slatted closet doors? It is amazing how much dust gathers in the slats. 

4.      Curtains and Carpets - For synthetic carpeting, rent or buy a shampooer/extractor -- a machine that cleans the fibers and removes traces of soap using hot water. Open windows and let air flow to help carpets dry. If you have wool carpets or rugs, or any that are valuable or delicate, contact a professional for cleaning. Vacuum and steam-clean curtains or have them dry-cleaned. If you'll be replacing heavy curtains with lighter ones as the weather gets warmer, it is especially important to remove dust and dirt before putting the curtains away for storage.

 

 

Kitchen:  

1.      Clean Out the Refrigerator… This task is a daunting undertaking; make it more manageable by breaking it down.

·        The first step is to wipe up spills immediately so surfaces won't become stained.

·        Make it a habit to throw out old food once a week.

·        Every few months, wash the interior with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of warm water. Wash removable shelves and drawers in the solution (let glass shelves come to room temperature first so warm water won't crack them).

·        Loosen hardened spills on fixed parts by wetting the area with the solution, allowing the residue to soften. 

·        Use a toothbrush to scrub crannies. 

·        Twice a year, vacuum or brush dust from the condenser coils to keep the system from overheating.

2.      Clean out the pantry.  Had a few old cans, or half eaten bags of chips sitting in there for you do not remember how long? It’s time to purge.  We feel this need to hold on to things sometimes, but if you know you are never going to use it, get it out of there and free up the space.  If canned goods are not expired, donate them to a local soup kitchen or charity.

3.      Organize the Tupperware, pots and pans.  Taking the time to match up lids with containers, and tidy up your pots and pans will save you time in the long run. 

 

 

Maintain Household Appliances:

1.      Washer and Dryer – does it need a service?

2.      Air-conditioning vents – do they need cleaning? Summer is approaching and you want your air-conditioning to be working efficiently and effectively.

Restock Housekeeping Supplies

You'll need all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, specific products for problem spots such as mildew in tile grout, as well as natural cleansers such as baking soda and vinegar. Stock up on sponges, rags, scrub brushes, new mop, broom and toilet brush and rubber gloves, too. Looking to go green this year? try The Copper Pot's awesome green cleaning products www.thecopperpotbahamas.com 

Donate

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  Ask around in your community, the local Salvation Army, Children’s homes etc are always in need of people’s throw-a-ways.  If you are in Nassau, the Bahamas humane society has a thrift shop and they can actually make money on gently used items that then goes towards the animals. 

It aint’ easy being Green in The Bahamas... but you can help by making one easy green decision everyday!

Being environmentally conscious in Nassau is a bit of a challenge for me.  In fact, it overwelmed me so much after living in Canada for 6 years because I felt that without an island wide recycling program and most people in The Bahamas not making environmentally conscious decisions, that we were doomed and there was nothing I could do. 

However, as with other things living here in Nassau, I have learned it is better to do a little bit than nothing at all.  So, if you are one of those people that find making the decision to ‘go green’ is all or nothing, try some of my tips - and share any others which you may have for the rest of us. 

When I wake up each morning one of my goals are to make at least one ‘green’ decision for the day.  I try to buy as much organic food as possible but it is very costly here.  Another goal I have is to source out more local food products, because we have to start being conscious of the carbon foot print the food items on our table are making.  I even want to start my own vegetable garden but unfortunately not enough time for that at present! One day soon! 

1. The easiest of them all - Grocery Shopping - take your reusable bags to the grocery store.  Try to keep them in the car, or in a spot that you will have to get them before you go to the grocery store.  I usually keep them in the trunk of my car so they are always there.  I also find that taking reusable bags not only benefits the environment but it helps me too - you only have about 4 bags and the handles dont cut into you like the plastic ones do.  And if you are a person like me who would rather come to near death and calamity in order to bring everything into the house in one trip than make more than one (don’t ask me the logic but its how i am!) you can put 2 bags on your shoulder and two in your hands!!!  However, if you happen to forget one week, just save the plastic bags for other household uses. 
2. Reuse your produce bags - I actually have special mesh produce bags, but I have in the past forgotten them and used the plastic ones.  So what I do is just take the produce out and put it in the fridge and put the plastic produce bag back in with my reusable grocery bags to reuse it on my next trip. 
3. Start composting - It took me a while to do this but now I made the plunge I am very pleased about it.  I used to cringe at all the organic waste that was going in the trash.  And when I forgot an item in the fridge only to find it when it was rotten, I felt terrible guilt throwing it away.  At least now I can compost it!  It’s so easy, I purchased two tumbleweed compost bins and imported them.  They are perfect because we have dogs and I cannot have an open compost pit... that would be a delicacy for them and disastrous for us! It is really neat, and I have a compost caddy on my counter with little ‘compost-able’ bags for it, and once it is full you trot it out to the compost bin and dump it in.  No mess, no stress! The reason I ordered 2 bins was because once the bin is full you do have to let it break down for 4-6 weeks.  So we will just add to the other one in the mean time and rotate them.  Then you can just spread the compost material around plants, trees or on the lawn of your yard for happy trees, flowers and grass!  If you are interested in purchasing a tumbleweed please contact me and I could look at putting together an order. 
4. Carry your own water around and stop using plastic water bottles - and what better way than in a Tervis Tumbler!  I never leave home without my tervis.  It is great that a few restaurants like Chives have a big water jug and you can just fill up.  I hope more places will start doing that - but a lot of places you stop into like banks, and doctor’s offices or offices, do have a water cooler with the little cone cups.  You can just fill up your tervis and go on your way!  If you would like to purchase a Baark! Tervis and lid please email me at laura@baarkbahamas.org 
5. Purchase the option with the least plastic/packaging materials or buy the bigger container.  If you can get two rolls of paper towel wrapped together, why buy 2 individually wrapped rolls of paper towel?  Also, I always buy the largest detergent option because those little ones do not last long at all! 
6. Save items - Schools are always looking for used materials for crafts.  In fact, a friend of ours who has a student at St. Andrews gave us a list of items to save.  Just get a cardboard box and put it in your laundry room/car port or somewhere out of the way, and add items until it is full and drop it to a parent or school you know will benefit. 
7. Pack your lunch! and Rethink that starbucks or that take out food - It takes a little prep work in the morning or the night before but packing your lunch is good for the environment, your wallet AND your waistline!  With all those benefits it's a no brainer.  Lunch bags are readily available at many places, and you can use plastic containers that can be used many times over.   In addition, can you can forgo a coffee once a week, or just take a traveling cup in to be served in that would help a lot! Does your office have styrofoam cups that you drink tea in every morning? Take your own mug in and use that! 
8. Eat Fruit instead of a packaged snack - grab a banana, apple, or orange for your afternoon snack instead of a bag of cookies, chips or chocolate bar! Again better for your health AND the environment! 
9. Don’t let water run down the drain!  Water wastage is my biggest pet peeve.  Don’t dilly dally in the shower, let the water run while you are brushing your teeth, and when you wash the dishes, fill up one side of the sink with soapy water, wash them, put them in the other side of the sink and then rinse a bunch of them.  
10. Cans for Kids!  Do you drink sodas? Soda cans are one of the few items that can be recycled here in the Bahamas.  There are several drop off points, one being at the Bahamas Humane Society Shelter on Chippingham.  
11. Cardboard recycling! Get a new big screen tv? or some shipments come in big boxes? Call Bahamas Waste - they now have a cardboard recycling division. 

Please share any additional tips that are specific to life in The Bahamas! 

Tis’ the Season

I love living in the Bahamas.  Even though we do not have the typical seasons where leaves change colour, snow falls, spring arrives and then the joy of summer, we do have seasons.  You just have to look a little closer. 

Growing up here, I was not exposed to the typical change of seasons that northern countries such as Canada experience. I was so excited to ‘experience’ the change of seasons when I went away to school, and cherished every change.  Often walking down the street in the summer enjoying the blue sky, flowers in the gardens and sandals on my feet I would say to myself, I cannot imagine snow being on this street even though I’ve seen it in the past... and then in the winter when the streets were stacked high with snow banks and the trees were bare and the sky was grey, I couldn’t fathom what a summer day would look like in this very spot, even though I had seen it with my own eyes just months before! I never grew tired of that day dreaming. 

But here in The Bahamas, the changes are there.  And every year I cherish them. The heat of the summer tends to lull everyone into a sleepy state but as the tinges of cool start coming in on the evening air, and the air starts to smell a little fresher as  September draws to a close, Nassau starts buzzing with activity and the island comes alive.  

The signals of winter also come through people.  The social calender is packed with events that start at the end of October, and pick up steadily until the end of December.  The stores start filling up, and people have a lightness in their step.  Perhaps its because the heat of the summer has been forgotten and the excitement of the holidays is upon them.  

October brings in the International Food Festival.   With November comes coveted Balls where everyone has the chance to be Cinderella and weddings are plentiful. 

One of my favorite events is the annual Bahamas Humane Society Luncheon Fashion Show put on by Cole’s of Nassau.  I remember hearing about this event when i was younger, looking forward to the day when I had the luxury to attend.  To be able to take 3 hours off during the work day to enjoy a lovely lunch and watch the season’s fashions come down the runway in front of you.  The best part is getting dressed up and catching up with people you haven’t seen in a while.   This year’s event was on November 8th at the British Colonial Hilton.  And it was sold out! 

The Bahamas National Trust’s annual Jollification is another great event.  You get to see just about everyone you know, and probably have not seen since last year’s jollification! 

This year I attended the Lignum Vitae Winter Fest and had a wonderful relaxing afternoon.   While the event is more geared towards kids and families, my Mom and I attended, bought a few wares from the vendors, chatted with some friends, and enjoyed a baked potato on the lawn and soaked up the positive energy in the air from people coming together for a great cause, with great spirits.   And after all, isn’t that what the holiday’s are all about? 

Seasons really do exist in The Bahamas - you just have to look a little closer! 

WE THE PEOPLE! Have YOU heard?

After a long and busy past couple of weeks, I debated going to the We the People AGM.  I went expecting something of what has become the norm here in Nassau.  Another disorganized, poorly attended little meeting.  As I pulled into the parking lot behind another car that was also turning into the Dundas I saw so many more cars than I expected.   There were tents in the courtyard, professionally made poster boards and a big buffet awaiting the end.  There were proper video cameras and people greeting you in We the People T-shirts with very professional brochures that they handed out.  Immediately I was energized and so pleased with the decision that I had made the effort to attend. 

I walked through the doors and there was the registration table to either become a new member or renew.  As I signed up last November when the group was founded, I renewed for a very affordable $10.  You can be a member for 5 years for the low cost of $25. 

Into the main theatre section I went, where I saw a surprising turnout along with familiar faces of the community.  The stage was set with a projector and banners! Completely unexpected. 

Phil Simon opened up and then Dr. Nicolette Bethel gave an empowering talk on democracy.  I won’t even try to quote what she said but it was so well put together and thought provoking.  The gist of it was democracy is an experiment of which we are a part, and that we are all members of this democracy and we have a duty to actively be involved in our democratic country or else it will fail. 

Phil then introduced the short video and glimpse of a show that will soon air on T.V. called WE TV.  Again I was blown away by the quality of the production of the show.  We did not watch the entire show as it is 30 minutes long so I cannot wait to see it all. 

After our sneak peak at WE TV there was a video interview of a lady Mamphela Ramphele a very famous African lady who explained that the problems in Africa were that people are simply sitting and waiting, still as subjects of the past rulers, and not acting as the citizens that they are.  Waiting for someone else to come to them, to provide opportunity, rather than taking ownership of their country.  Of course it was much more eloquently put than this but here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRGLdWMgoM

This is the problem that we have in The Bahamas.  Most people want to pass on the responsibility and accountability of a problem.  It’s always the mysterious ‘they’.  ‘They’ should really do this, that wasn’t me, that was ‘them’, or the simple ‘I don’t know’.  I guess ‘They’ according to most Bahamians refers to the Government.  Well the Government is US! WE ARE THE PEOPLE of this little country and change is my responsibility and your responsibility.  

Ed Fields presenting

After the video concluded Ed Fields came out and presented the impressive accomplishments that We the People has achieved in just one short year.  And anyone involved in a group or organization understands just how quick one year goes! 

The six projects that have begun are: (please visit www.wethepeoplebahamas.org) for more information) 

1. Bahamas Police Athletic League (PAL) which is all about training and engaging youth in an afterschool program in conjunction with the police force. 
2. Government House Renovation and Beautification - Tim Bethel is the landscape architect on this project and the idea is to start to restore our national treasures for Bahamians and Tourists to enjoy, beginning with Government House.  The plan is impressive! It will be a centerpiece of downtown Nassau and attract cruise passengers.  We will finally have places to be proud of! The forts and other historic sights will follow. 
3. Six Seconds (Emotional Intelligence Program) - Again another after school program that will be rolled out in every school once the pilot program has been completed. 
4. Derelict Vehicle Removal Campaign - sounds simple enough but definitely takes some changes to policies and a fair amount of effort. 
5. Tree Planting & Community Day - this took place on July 9th and it was great to see the photos 
6. Traffic Flow and Thoroughfare Improvements - In the area of Potter’s Cay they had an evaluation done and worked with the residents of the area to come up with a solution.  

It was so interesting to hear all this progress, see photos and hear it from Ed.  

Heather thrilled about her new Membership!! 

The meeting ended with all of us standing and listening to our beautiful National Anthem. Oh and a big buffet of free food, wine, beer and soft drinks! That alone was worth your $10 annual membership! 

Buffet!

Let’s face it, not being involved in politics makes projects much more achievable and efficient.  This is what makes We the People so exciting - it is NON PARTISAN! Yes, imagine that, projects that are done for the good of the country.  Party politics is destroying this country but thats a whole other topic... The amount of red tape that the MP’s and every ministry’s office face are just so absurd that our country will never make strides if we sit around and wait for the Government to handle it.  I’ve discovered after just a short amount of time involved in charity you can get much more done working as a private citizen than trying to get something done through the Government.  And you know what?Maybe, just maybe when whichever party is in power in the next election and they watch We the People make strides and accomplish projects, maybe the red-tape will start to shed some layers.  One can only wish. 

Andrew & Ryan

But the bottom line is you cannot sit around and wait for THEY - if you love your Bahamas then join We the People and get involved in one of their programs. If you don’t, don’t complain to me about the state of our country, I don’t have time to hear you whine anymore. 

Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.

See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!

Pledge to excel through love and unity.

Pressing onward, march together to a common loftier goal;

Steady sunward, though the weather hide the wide and treach'rous shoal.

Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

'Til the road you've trod

Lead unto your God,

March on, Bahamaland!

Stella Maris, Long Island

Traveling… one of my favourite things!

I love to go to new places whether it is far away or close to home.  I make it my mission to go to 1 ‘cool new place’ every single year.  I would say it is my priority goal, before house projects or anything.  I think about my vacation about a year in advanced!  Getting only 3 weeks vacation a year on this side of the world (compared to Europeans who get about 6 weeks) it goes fast.  I usually budget in a few days unpaid too since I have a very pro-traveling boss J

Just over a week ago my boyfriend and I traveled to Long Island, another island in The Bahamas.  We had never gone there before and we both enjoy getting to see the different islands in The Bahamas.

I have been to Abaco, Freeport, Chub Cay in the Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Andros.  And now Long Island.  We LOVED Long Island!

We were between Cat Island, San Salvador and Long Island.  As my boss owns a lot of property in North Long Island I had heard so much about it, so we chose to go there.  The Ministry of Tourism was doing a special that if you go and stay at a participating hotel for 4 nights; you get your 2 airline tickets for free! We thought that was fabulous, and a great way to celebrate our 9 year anniversary. 

On Friday July 29^th we headed off on Pineapple Air down to Stella Maris, North Long Island.  I was not sure what to expect, but I was expecting something similar to Eleuthera.  Long Island makes Eleuthera feel like a bustling town. 

Dolphin House

Stella, the local community potcake, greeted us warmly at the airport.  We were whisked away by Dwight, a local taxi driver and our new best friend.  Arriving at the front desk at Stella Maris Resort was such a pleasant experience.  All the staff greeted us warmly and we found out that we had been upgraded to a beautiful house on the water with its own private pool! To my surprise, when I asked for the keys to the house, I received a funny look and was informed that they do not lock the doors.  I defensively explained that we do live in Nassau – it’s understandable!

Dolphin house could not be more perfect - a 70’s style island home with a great layout for visiting guests.  Two bedrooms on each side separated by a living and dining area, and great porch and the feature of the house is the ocean views and huge swimming pool.  

Yummy Cake!

Dinner at the resort is phenomenal.  Chef Bruno makes remarkable dishes and on our first night there we had a most delicious cake in honor of our anniversary.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Stella the dog outside of the clubhouse and she kindly escorted us back to the house, after she realized we had a ‘to go’ container.  Stella enjoyed her reward of cracked conch, and barked a few times as if to say that we paid her to act as security and we were now protected. 

On Saturday morning after a lovely relaxing night sleep, we were up early and enjoyed a great breakfast.  Stepping out of the house the small crabs scatter, and a meow came from some trees.  This was our first encounter with Rambo, the community ‘potcat’. The pancakes at breakfast were superb!  I had the same pancake every day and may have to go back just to eat another pancake.

Dean’s Blue hole was today’s destination.  About an hour’s drive south, down the one road that runs the length of the island we found it.  Words cannot explain, and photos barely do this place justice.  It is something one must see to appreciate.  Driving through the settlements of Long Island takes you back in time.  What really amazed me was how interesting it is to witness this primitive state of development.  Most people only conceptualize it in history books, how a church was built and the town grew around that and side streets develop and before you know it you are in a city.  In Long Island, you get to experience the state in which every town or city would have started off in.  Everyone knows everyone.  Even though we were outsiders, we still received a very warm welcome. 

Dean's Blue Hole

We meandered back North, excited at the thought of just relaxing around the pool at house, and even taking a nap.  Oh the decadence of island life. 

Rambo

Sue heads up the bar and grill down by the water at the Stella Maris Resort.  We opted for lunch over there and met our new friend Rambo the cat.  I shared my generous portion of mahi-mahi and Rambo fell in love. 

Later on that evening he even found our house, came in and enjoyed a packet of cat food we had picked up from the store for him.  Rambo curled up so happily on the couch we did not have the heart to put him outside, so there he slept! 

On Sunday we lazed around, enjoying the house and time to do nothing, something that I especially do not get much of in Nassau.  Stella passed by to check in and lay by the pool with me until she caught a whiff of something coming from the grill and happily trotted off to investigate.

Stella, Everybody's Friend! 

Cape Santa Maria

Today was the day we were going North.  Cape Santa Maria has a legendary beach that we had to see for ourselves.  Lunch was fantastic and the beach was breathtaking.  I insisted that we go in search of the monument that I had heard of.  We were told it was down a road that was not too good – they did not tell a lie.  It was a very rough road and we were glad we rented a little jeep.  The monument is worth seeing just for the beautiful views – the different blues from the waters below.  I find all different types of landscapes beautiful, from snow-capped mountains to green pastures, but I must admit that the turquoise ocean landscapes are my absolute favourite.

Views from the Monument

Sad that our trip was drawing to a close, it was decided we would watch the sunset, enjoy the stars, and rise to see the sunrise.  Sue told us the best place nearby to watch the sunset was at the Beach Bungalow about 10-15 minutes south.  Driving down, with the music blasting, singing at the top of our lungs I felt true happiness and contentment.  The water was calm and the sunset was striking.  It was a very romantic setting.  As we both wanted one last dinner at the resort we jumped in the Rav and headed North.  Dinner was, as expected, very yummy! 

Next on our Island Agenda – watch the stars come out.  Where else could be more perfect to watch the stars but from the middle of a sun heated pool with the sound of waves crashing on the seawall.  Most of us really miss the beauty of the night as a result of our city lights.  The stars were mesmerizing.  The only other place I have been to that would top this is the Galapagos Islands. 

The alarm went off early and we looked at each other and said, are we really getting up? YES! So we did – however, the sky was cloudy, and the mosquitoes came out in droves, and drove us right back in the house and back to bed!

Our trip had come to a close, it was time to pack up from dolphin house and depart.  Rambo brought his family, a female and 2 kittens, by and it was heartbreaking that we did not have anymore cat food! Lesson learned, always travel with more cat and dog food than you think because I will always come across hungry cats and dogs!

A quick flight back to Nassau brought us quickly back to reality… we will definitely be back to Stella Maris, Long Island.