Author: House Cleaning

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HEALTHY LIVING NEWS

Healthy Living Program – 10k Run Training

meet stacie owner owner presiden

Our owner, Stacie McMillan, started a healthy living program at the beginning of the year.  She has given us weekly healthy lifestyle challenges and discussed the benefits to adopting healthy habits into our lives.

Since we are sponsoring the Inspiring Hope Run in Mukilteo again this year in May, Stacie passed out 12 week  5k and 10k run training programs last week.

I personally have wanted to get back into running, (its been about a year and a half since I was regularly running), so I eagerly took the 10k run training guide and decided this was the time.

I will be honest, that same eagerness was not present the next day when it was time for my first run.  It was 5 min intervals of walking and running for only 30 minutes.  To help with the motivation, I decided to take my puppy with me.  That was a mistake as even though she is pretty good with walking (and even on short jogs) on a leash with someone, she could not handle the change in pace and was pulling me all over the place (She is a beautiful 62lb. black lab) causing my upper hip on one side to really hurt.  I made it home and called a trainer friend for stretching recommendations.

The next days were every other day cross training (rode stationary bike at the gym) and walk/run intervals.  I was sore, but kept going as I had already told everyone at work and my two sons my plan to run the 10k.  I couldn’t quit something I had barely started just because I was sore.  Accountability is key when starting a new exercise plan.  Building new habits is hard, but having support and encouragement makes it easier.

After the first week of training, I feel mostly positive.  I get irritated with the fact that I am unable to perform at the same level as I did before.  Stacie reminded me this week to ‘focus on where you are now, don’t worry about fitness levels in the past or future’ which I keep repeating to myself when my runkeeper app goes over my average pace at the end of each run.

Even though, I have recently not been exercising regularly, am not one who loves to exercise and am a single, working mom of two boys, I am going to do this.  I know I am not ever going to be the fastest nor will I ever be able to take every stride with ease, but I will keep putting one foot ahead of the other and run.

If you want to train along with me, please email me at 

je******@cl********************.com











 and I will send you the entire 12 week training plan for either the 5k or 10k.  I will keep posting weekly about my training along with the progression of our Healthy Living Program.

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Uncategorized

6 Easy Cleaning Steps to Streak Free Mirrors

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Following these simple steps to make your mirrors shine and be streak free in about 90 seconds.

Supplies Needed to Obtain Streak Free Mirrors

There are 4 cleaning supplies needed before getting started on your mirrors; glass cleaner, a flat-weave microfiber cloth, rubbing alcohol, and cotton pads.

Using specialized cleaner for glass is important whether you make it yourself or buy it from the store.  Glass cleaner is made to not be sudsy which helps keep soap from being left on the glass.  Flat-weave microfiber cloths are the best tool for the job as they promote fast drying, are lint-free, and keeps particles from clinging to the cloth.

Cleaning Steps for Streak Free Mirrors

  1. Quickly look over the mirror to locate any build-up spots (hairspray, toothpaste, etc…) and rub them off with rubbing alcohol using a cotton pad.
  2. Spray (only a mist is needed) the mirror with glass cleaner.
  3. Fold your microfiber cloth into fourths, so you can refold it during the process if needed and always have a clean surface to clean with.
  4. Starting at the top left corner, drag the cloth to the top right corner, bring it down and go back towards the left.  Use this zig zag pattern until you are at the bottom of the mirror.
  5. Step back and search for any marks while standing at a 45 degree angle.  This helps to allow any streaks or spots to easily been seen.  Wipe down any spots by spraying your cloth and quickly wiping that area again.
  6. Enjoy you sparkling streak free mirrors.
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NEWS

Healthy Living with Clean and Simple Cleaning™

stacie sutton clean and simple cleaning 1

Getting fit and being healthy is one of the most common new year’s resolutions. So, our Clean and Simple Cleaning™ team is starting this year off with a Healthy Living Program too.

New Year’s Resolutions are a fun way to set goals and start the new year off thinking about how to improve yourself. Whether it be your physical self, your attitude or actions or the world around you.  Our owner, Stacie McMillan (who completed an Ironman last year), is leading our team to meet our goals and live a healthier lifestyle.

Even though the percentage of people who keep their news years resolution is a low 22%, I am staying optimistic.  One of the best ways to accomplish your goals or change habits is to write them down and being accountable. It is what our Healthy Living Program is all about after all.

Some of us want to lose a few pounds, others want to learn about healthy portions and recipes, and others want to complete a race whether it is a 5k, half marathon or a triathlon.  Our goals are individual. However, collectively, we want to be healthier and are looking forward to doing it together.

Each week we will have a challenge and health focus.  This week our challenge is to love water and drink at least six glasses a day.  Each week we will build on previous weeks healthy habits.  Our goal is that everyone from our company will be able to participate in the Inspiring Hope 5k/10k Walk/Run we sponsor in May.

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NEWS NEWSLETTER ORGANIZATION TIPS

Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s Employee of the Year 2014

new csc home page

Awarding Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s Employee of the Year is a favorite of mine. It is because I am proud and honored in my business to have an amazing group of employees. They, who are loyal, hard working and actually want the best for Clean and Simple Cleaning™ and our clients.

The Employee of the Year 2014 is Elvia Perez.  She has been working for Clean and Simple Cleaning™ since June 2011.  As unfair as it is, sometimes the best employees get the worst jobs. And that has been true for Elvia this year.  She is one of our top trainers and has trained steadily throughout the year.

Elvia is always willing to work early morning cleanings and manages to keep consistent high quality with long routes.

She not only gets her job done, but she also does it with a smile on her face. Not to mention, she is also well liked by her co-workers. Furthermore, she takes personal satisfaction and pride in pleasing our customers.  Congratulations, Elvia and thank you for your dedicated service. You truly deserve the title, Employee of the Year 2014.

At our year end company celebration, we also awarded our new hire of 2013; Mariana Arredondo who started with us in October.  In just a couple of months of employment, she has become a tremendous asset to our team with her positive attitude and high quality and detailed oriented cleaning skills.  Our December employee of the month award goes to April Allen. She, who after an almost her 10-year stay with the company has a great attitude and is constantly happy to offer a helping hand.

Good employees are what keeps any business running efficiently and on course. I realize that Clean and Simple Cleaning™ would not be the success it is today without my team. It is one of the many reasons why I always take time to appreciate my staff.  Clean and Simple Cleaning™ celebrates the wins of each month at our end of month celebrations. Additionally, we have regular team meetings and try to build up team work with several programs during the year.  As a result, we are even launching a get fit program this month.
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CLEANING TIPS FAMILY In the Home

Holiday Hosting Tips

Clean and Simple Winter Cleaning

Tis the season for holiday parties!  Holiday parties (or any kind of party for that matter) should be about being together.  Are you hosting your annual holiday party this year? Then, you should not miss these easy holiday hosting tips to make your holiday party easier and stress-free!

Holiday Hosting Tips

  • Plan your menu around do-ahead recipes, store bought complimentary items and think of finger-foods!
    • It allows you to enjoy your time with your guests. Plus, it lets you not to spend all your time just preparing food. Furthermore, it also eliminates the need for utensils, meaning less cleanup.
  • Limit what beverages you serve.
    • If you are serving alcohol, find one easy-to-prepare cocktail and have it be the party’s signature drink. Then, have beer and wine available.
  • Manage the mood with lighting and music.
    • Use candles and tape light and dimmer switches so they cannot accidentally be bumped.  To be festive but not over the top, mix traditional holiday songs with your favorite tunes in a ratio of 3 to 10.
  • Thinking of the details of the logistics is genuinely helpful.
    • Rent a coat rack for your guest’s jackets (nicer than piling them on your bed). Also, have a large plastic container with warm, soapy water in the kitchen to soak dishes. Additionally, have color coded garbage bags for recycling, yard waste and garbage.  Furthermore, consider rearranging the furniture in your space strategically. It allows the flow and movement of guests and includes more seating if needed.
  • Let your guest know when it is time for the party to end.
    • You can let your guests know by lowering the music or blowing out some candles. You also can start the cleanup process.  Picking things up during the party will not only make the job easier later, but it just might get you some help. Consider having takeout boxes on hand to send extras home with your guests.
  • Don’t feel as if all of party clean up needs to happen that same night.
    • Get things picked up and all in one place.  It will be easier to tackle the mess if it is centralized in one place.  Spot check carpets and furniture for any stains which need attention right away.  Then go to bed and start fresh in the morning.

These holiday hosting tips will help alleviate the stress and allow you to enjoy your guests while still throwing a fruitful and festive party.

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FAMILY In the Home NEWS

Snohomish County Holiday Events

two-kids-infront-of-a-christmas-tree-clean-and-simple-cleaning-service

The holiday season is a magical time of the year. Moreover, there are so many fantastic opportunities to spend with your family celebrating the season.  Here is a snapshot of some Snohomish County holiday events that you and your family can participate.

Mukilteo-Historic Flight Foundation-Christmas Ships Fly Over
November 29 – December 23, 2013

Bring your friends and relatives to Historic Flight for a particular holiday adventure as we take off in our de Havilland Beaver to see the Seattle Christmas Ships from a bird’s eye view.The pre-flight briefing will feature hot chocolate and homemade cookies. $50 from each flight lands at the Forgotten Children’s Fund.

$600 per trip includes up to 4 passengers. For more information contact Visitor Services at 425-348-3200 or visitorservices@ historicflight.org

Mountlake Terrace-Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 2013 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM

The Annual Mountlake Terrace Tree Lighting Ceremony features music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. Volunteers serve cocoa and cookies while children Carol.

Free to the public
Located at Evergreen Play Field

Everett-Providence Festival of the Trees Community Open House
December 7, 2013 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Providence Festival of Trees opens its doors to the community to view the beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths. Sip on refreshments and enjoy cookies while watching local community groups perform. Children can create festive holiday crafts and meet Santa.

Free to the public
Comcast Arena, Edward D. Hansen Conference.

Mill Creek Parade and Tree Lighting
December 7, 2013, from 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm

A fun, festive parade will head south on Main Street at 3:30 pm with Santa as the grand finale. The parade will wind down to the Mill Creek City Hall where the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place.  After lighting up the tree, Santa and his elves will head back up Main Street to the Park Place building where kids can have their pictures taken and tell Santa their secret wishes.  Holiday performers and live music found throughout the Town Center until 7 pm. It includes Dickens Carolers, free horse-drawn carriage rides, a kiddie train, face painting, photo opportunities with the Grinch, and more!

Free to the public
Main Street and Mill Creek City Hall

Snohomish-Live Holiday Music
December 8, 2013 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Enjoy free holiday music. Local musicians, Carolers, brass bands, guitar & singer combos, more!

Free to the public.
At Community Tree 1st Street  & Avenue B

Edmonds – Christmas Ship™ Festival 
Tuesday, December 10

Christmas ship with the choir, Choir of the Sound, with parade boat following the Christmas Ship.

Also, for more information and pricing visit their website at www.argosycruises.com

Everett-Star Wars Christmas time Holiday Food Drive
December 14, 2013 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

BobaKhan Toy Store’s Annual Star Wars Christmastime Holiday Food Drive Event with the renown Vader’s 501st Garrison Titan Group. Who will hear in professional costumes dedicating their time for this volunteer community charity day. Also, this event will be benefiting the V.O.A. (Volunteers of America Food Bank Everett, WA chapter). See & have your picture taken with Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers, Imperial Officers & much more! The Everett Reign women’s football team & cheerleaders will be stopping by too.

Free with donation of a non-perishable food item
2916 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201-3822

Everett – Our Christmas Gift to you A Christmas Carol
December 15, 2013 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Condensed Kid Friendly Adaption of A Christmas Carol  Sponsored by Community Health of Snohomish County & Reunion Theater Group  

Admission: Pay what you can
Music Hall Theater in Everett Mall (Down the hallway from Macy’s)

Snohomish-Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
December 21, 2013 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Stroll with friends, come a-caroling, or simply contemplate the beauty of the evening along the Riverfront Trail.

Free to the public
The location of the trail is the North bank of Snohomish River from Lincoln Avenue to the Avenue D Bridge, in the City of Snohomish.

Bothell-FUN WITH FROSTY AT COUNTRY VILLAGE 
December 21 – December 22, 2013 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Children will LOVE to meet Frosty the Snowman and enjoy a magic show, craft project and participate in fun & games.  Pony and train rides (weather permitting) are open for a nominal fee.

Free to the public
Country Village is located just two miles north of Bothell or one mile south of Canyon Park, on the Bothell-Everett Highway, or take exit #26 off I-405 and go south one mile.

Leave a comment with your favorite community events in the comment section below.  We’d love to see our list of community holiday events grow.

Categories
CLEANING TIPS In the Home

Dusting Tips – Easy Pointers to Keep Your Home Clean and Neat

Spring Cleaning photo

Dusting should be a regular chore as it protects your family and household surfaces.  Hopefully, with our tips for dusting, the task will become easier and more efficient.

Dust is composed of items like human skin cells, fabric fibers, pet dander, dust mite excrement, as well as dirt and debris tracking inside.  Dust not only makes your home look dirty but causes scratches and damage to surfaces and can cause allergy and breathing concerns for some individuals.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s Dusting Tips

We recommend microfiber cloths for dusting.  It was for this purpose why scientist created Microfiber cloths.

Electrically-charged, microfiber cloths pick up dust instead of pushing it around as other ordinary cloths can do.  However, they are not magic materials. So you still need to make sure you are using the right technique.

Dust from top to bottom and left to right.  It is our motto for cleaning a room in general and stays right to dusting as well.  You should also start in the back and move forward and make sure you cover every part of the surface you are dusting.

It is not recommended to use furniture polish with the microfiber cloths.  However, some dusting jobs might require the use of polish.  Remember, do not use too much furniture polish as it causes build up.  The saying “a little goes a long way” rings true with furniture polish.  We use an industrial/commercial brand, but for choosing a brand at the store, we have found the biggest difference to be in the smell. So, it is a personal preference.

Dusting electronic appliances and furniture should take place weekly.  Duste door frames, ceiling fans, baseboards, and the like every two weeks. Alternatively, as long as there are not any major allergy issues, do it as needed

Another tip for dusting intricate knick knacks and decor is to use a clean paint brush, similar to how we recommended its use when detailing a car.

To remove cob webs from walls especially corners and high light fixtures, we recommend long dusters with a multi-flex all purpose duster.  These are bendable to allow you to get into all the tight spots and the covers are machine washable.

Leave a comment with any other dusting tips or questions about dusting!

Of course, if you just don’t want to worry about dusting your house, call us or fill out an online estimate form for regular service.  After all, your time is precious and our time is affordable.

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CLEANING TIPS FAMILY In the Home

Moving Tips To Make Your Move Less of a Hassle

move in move out cleaning snohomish

The process of moving is a lot of work and is stressful even though the result is usually one of excitement and fun.  Based on my experience, (I have moved six times in the past 12 years) here are my top 8 Moving Tips!  Some might seem like common sense, but in the midst of a house full of boxes and a mind full of to-dos, it’s easy to overlook them.

Helpful Moving Tips

  1. Make a Plan!  Start with move date and work backward on the calendar and set goals along the way.  The plan should include all things about the move such as packing, changing address, and scheduling of appointments.
  2. Sell or donate items you don’t want.  Whether it’s Ebay worthy or garage sale ready, it should be up for sale or donated to a charity two weeks before moving day.  After all, moving cash is easier than boxes.  Make sure to have a sorting area set up during packing for donations and salable items.
  3. Color Code Rooms.  Assign each room a color and then mark each box going to that room in the same color.  Duct tape is ideal for this!  It will eliminate people continually asking you where things go on move-in day.  Make sure to make signs, marking each room with its color.
  4. Take a photo of electronic wiring.  If you are a visual person especially take a picture to see how all the components are connected, so you can make sense of all the wires again.  It seems like we all have lots of items hooked up to our TVs these days.  A quick photo might save you hours later.
  5. Make sure to pack your toiletries to avoid spillage and breakage.  Place saran wrap over containers and then put lids back on your perfume, shampoos, and the like.  Also, add a cotton ball to your powder and other compacts to avoid your makeup from breaking.
  6. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.  It is likely after a long day of moving; you aren’t going to want to unpack and try to find things.  If you have kids, have them pack a backpack with their ‘essentials,’ so you don’t end up searching for one exceptional stuffed animal.
  7. Complete packing before anyone comes to help you move.  It will allow your movers (professional or not) to be more efficient.  It will alleviate some stress for you and over all just make the day run more smoothly.
  8. Pre-Clean the House!  It is always easier to clean house before you move your stuff into it.  It’s wonderfully helpful to get a deep cleaning of the bathrooms and kitchen.

Of course, if you are still getting things organized and packed, call Clean & Simple Cleaning to help you with the last tip.  Our move out/ move in cleanings consist of deep cleaning the entire house including in and out of cabinetry and kitchen appliances.

We hope these Moving Tips have been helpful to you.  Please leave any other moving tips you might have picked up along the way in the comment section.

Want A Move-in Move-out Cleaning Estimate?

Call (425) 673-4733 or request a house cleaning estimate online today!

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FAMILY NEWS

Breast Cancer Survivor

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Janet Swett, Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s office manager, is a breast cancer survivor.  As much as she does not like people describing her as ‘the one who had cancer,’ she is a strong advocator and believer in helping others beat this ugly disease.

Janet’s story is an inspiration. It is another reason why we at Clean and Simple Cleaning™ are so passionate about offering support to cancer patients. We also advocate the fight against this nasty disease.

Janet found out about her diagnosis at age 52. One year after she lost her Dad to lung cancer.  She freaked out after the diagnosis. However, quickly got serious and ready to fight.  Watching her Dad battle silently with cancer taught her to face the disease head on courageously, openly.  She did not want the cancer to claim her life or define it.  Being open about her diagnosis made it easier to handle. Moreover, it allowed others to lend her the support she needed.

Janet has a very active and fun-loving spirit which she determines to keep through her struggle.  No matter what she was feeling or when she lost her hair, she believed she was beautiful.  She got out of bed, put makeup on and kept living.  The support of her family, her friends, the team of doctors and her company at the time was amazing which made staying active a lot easier.

She contributes that support and positivity along with preventative health to her beating the disease.  Back in high school she had a benign lump and had been told to do self-breast exams every month.  She took the advice to heart and had done monthly self-breast exams ever since.  It in and of itself saved Janet’s life.

“Life is filled with too many blessings and fun times to mess around with your health,” warned Janet.

Her treatment followed the proper process with surgery followed by chemo and radiation.  As a result, she was said to be in remission in July 2006 and has been officially cancer free for seven years.  She feels relief, but the fear never completely goes away.

As a Cancer Survivor has expanded her compassion for others. Battling the disease, she has an intimate understanding of what the fight entails and how it makes you feel.  “I look at the people whom I know who are or who have battled and ask ‘How are you doing?’ and let them tell me what they are comfortable with.  They understand what I am asking and feel respected.”

Janet is always the first one to jump on board with all of the ways Clean and Simple Cleaning™ supports cancer patients.  “It is such a gift to help get our clients who are battling cancer scheduled for their cleanings.  They are always so thankful to have their homes professionally cleaned for themselves and their families.”

Janet Swett is a Breast Cancer Survivor, but more importantly, she is a loving Mother, dedicated Wife, gracious Friend, hard working Co-Worker and a Beautiful woman.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NEWS

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ Supporting Breast Cancer

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Clean and Simple Cleaning™ is proud to be making a difference in our community and supporting the fight against breast cancer.

We believe taking care of those who are battling cancer is an important part of the fight right along side with raising money to find a cure.  As a local small business, we are so thankful for our customers, so it has always been important for us to give back to our community.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ is in full swing with accepting nominations for our Deanie Douglas Housecleaning Award which gives the gift of 1 full year of housecleaning to a particular recipient who is battling cancer.  It is our 3rd year for this award, and it has truly been a blessing to hear such touching stories and be able to help particular families while they are facing the hardships of cancer.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ also gives benevolence cleanings through Cleaning for a Reason.  We are a charter supporter of this amazing organization who helps pair up people battling cancer with cleaning companies in their area which provide free house cleanings.  Cleaning for a Reason has grown from its conception in 2006 to now servicing all of the United States and parts of Canada.

 Clean and Simple Cleaning™ services 3-4 Cleaning for a Reason clients per month.  Being able to help someone when they face battling cancer is a gift that we are pleased, honored and blessed to give.

This year was our first year to be a gold level sponsor at the Inspiring Hope run in Mukilteo over Mother’s Day weekend.  One hundred percent of the profits of the Inspiring Hope Run benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure by supporting 3 Day for the Cure team Kindred Spirits.

Kindred Spirits, made up of a local group of dedicated men and women, are the ones who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer.  Our pink car, of course, made a big impact. We had a blast cheering all of the runners on and handing out water.

We are a professional house cleaning company that not only will take care of your home with our detailed and guaranteed services but will do it with heart.  Together we will care for those who are battling and fight against this ugly disease until there is a cure.  Supporting breast cancer patients is the right thing to do.