Letter from the President
Dear Readers,
Spring
cleaning has been a ritual for generations of homemakers.
Before indoor plumbing, thorough housecleaning fell
into springtime’s agenda almost by default.
Because water had to be hauled inside from a well
or creek, winter scrubbing was impractical. Summer
heat made intense cleaning physically challenging,
and fall was consumed with preparations for winter.
As homes became equipped with running water and labor-saving
machines, the housekeeping routine
changed drastically.
Today, with a majority of American women working
outside the home (nearly 80 percent in year 2000,
according to the U.S. Department of Labor), many
hire others to do their housework. But even if your
weekly “tidying up” is contracted out,
the tradition of taking an annual, critical look
at the condition of your house is still worth embracing.
Instead of “deep cleaning” this year,
let the first daffodil of the season remind you to
complete home maintenance chores that prevent headaches
later. Grab a notebook, compose a to-do list and
use these articles from My Home Life™ to
guide you.
Brush up on how to improve your home’s air
quality (see our article, “Breathe Deeply,” online),
or consider a plumbing system inspection (“Pipe
into Health”). Before tackling any redecorating
projects this spring, be sure to take our “What’s
Your Style?” quiz. We’ll suggest ways
to remodel a small bathroom with the newest accessories
including lighted lavatories and luxurious, in-floor
heating
(“Big Ideas for Small Spaces”). Plan
summer outdoor projects now that add the hottest
new trends in patio or poolside kitchens (“Now
You’re Cooking”) and outfit your backyard
with luxurious comforts, including outdoor lighting
(“Light Up The Night With Landscape Lighting),
which can improve security and beauty.
Years ago, spring cleaning meant dusting hidden
corners and washing windows. Today, it means organizing
and simplifying home maintenance for your ultimate
comfort and pleasure. To me, it’s an event
as uplifting as the first sight of a robin in spring.
With warm regards,
Dina Dwyer-Owens
President and CEO of The Dwyer Group®