As we are busy preparing food, completing last minute shopping, and feeling a little stressed wondering if we have everything ready for the dinner tomorrow, take a moment to breath. Look around and really think about what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving, as there are many who may be wondering where their next meal is coming from, or others who are battling with illnesses and other challenges in their lives.

Clean ‘N Fresh Cleaning would like to mention two local charities in our community that do outstanding work throughout the year helping others. We are thankful that they help and support those in need in our local area.

The Clothes Cabin is a Christian ministry providing free clothing and bedding to people in need in the Chandler, Arizona area. Operated by One Small Step, Inc., the clothing bank is located at 1100 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 9, Chandler. Please go to http://www.clothescabin.org/ for more information. We would also like to mention Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank which provides families in need with a complete holiday meal at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. For more information please visit www.matthewscrossing.org.

We are thankful for these wonderful local charities, our family , friends, employees and awesome clients!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Clean ‘N Fresh Cleaning Service.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year for your family, neighbors and friends, here are some easy ways to make the celebration a little greener: 

1. Avoid using disposable plastic, Styrofoam or paper plates and replace them with reusable ones. 
2. Use cloth napkins, if it’s practical with your number of guests. 
3. Use stainless or silverware, instead of plastic. 
4. Use glass, or ceramic cups and mugs. 
5. Compost your kitchen food scraps from Thanskgiving, remembering you cannot compost meat or grease. 
6. Reuse plastic margarine tubs or yoghurt containers for storing Thanksgiving leftovers. 
7. Lower the lights to create a warm ambiance that’s relaxing. You could use sustainable candles to create a flattering light, keeping in mind safety at all times. 
8. Keep a recycle trash can in your kitchen so that it’s easy for your guests to see and use. 
9. Buy locally grown fruit and vegetables to prepare your Holiday food. It will taste delicious and be more eco-friendly. Try the local Farmer’s Market for produce. 
10. REMEMBER, it’s good to be passionate about “Being Green”, but don’t spend your Thanksgiving preaching! Your guests are there to have fun and enjoy your good food, drink and excellent company. Hopefully seeing your great ideas will encourage others to follow suit.

 ENJOY!

I love living here in Arizona but I would prefer it if the dust stayed outside where it belongs! This long summer with our windows mostly closed and our air conditioning units running 24/7 can leave us wondering how clean the air really is in our homes and offices. I have spoken previously about how we can each take simple steps to reduce our indoor air pollution, but did you know that certain plants help to clean our indoor air?

Since the 1960s NASA have been looking at ways to clean the environment using plants. A NASA scientist by the name of Wolverton spent years examining how plants can work effectively to clean indoor environments both here on earth and potentially in space and other planets.  Read more about his findings here.

It is suggested that there are 10 houseplants that can improve indoor air quality. Remember to check if any of these plants are toxic to pets before placing them in your home.

Here’s to cleaner indoor air and a healthier living environment for our families. To take advantage of our current specials please sign up for our e-newsletter today by visiting our website at cleannfreshcleaning.com. To schedule an appointment please call The Clean Team at 480-821-1481.

 Just like you, I enjoy volunteering and ‘giving back’ to my local community and beyond. I volunteer with several causes that I am passionate about helping. We have an opportunity for you to help a worthy cause and have fun at the same time. Sound good? As President of Kyrene Corridor Rotary Club I would like to invite you to join us for a day out of winetasting here in Arizona. Proceeds will be going towards eradicating polio. Details are below. Hope you can join us! ‘Like’ us on Facebook at CLEANNFRESHAZ and tell us about your favorite charity.

There is a simple explanation. When carpets are manufactured the carpet yarns are made to lean in one direction, not stand up straight. This is called the “lay of the pile”. The physical characteristic of this lean causes any object resting on the tips of these yarns to move in the direction of the lean. When people walk on an area rug it creates a vibration and the rug moves. Carpet retailers carry  pads which can be placed under area rugs on wall to wall carpets. These pads will prevent the area rugs from moving.

If you need advice on oriental rug cleaning, please contact Norma and her Clean Team at 480-821-1481. 

Happy Mother’s Day! Although today is officially Mother’s Day, our moms should be loved and cared for every day of the year. As we age, so do our parents, and your mom may need some extra assistance as she is getting older. Being mom, she may find it difficult to admit that she needs help.

M - MAKE sure your mom is having regular health check-ups.

O – ORGANIZE and communicate with your siblings to ensure that someone will be calling or visiting to make sure she is coping. 

T – TIME. If you can’t be there in person, take the time to contact by phone. Skype is a cheap and effective way of communicating if your mom uses a computer. She will be able to see you and your children, and you will be able to see her. Send her photos or videos to keep her in touch with growing grandchildren.

H – Be there to HELP or arrange for others to. If your mom needs assistance cleaning her house, getting groceries, etc… she may find it difficult to ask for help. If you are living long distance from your mom make sure that her neighbors have your contact information in case of an emergency.

E - Make sure your mom is EATING properly and regularly.

R – REMEMBER that a small allocation of your time goes a long way in mom time.

Lastly, I’d like to say to my mom HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY and THANK YOU!

We are so excited to announce that Norma McCormick, owner of Clean N’ Fresh Cleaning Service, is a finalist for the Mompreneur of the Year Award 2011. If you have a moment, take a peak at the video Norma submitted for her nomination.  If you feel so inclined, you can vote daily for Norma at http://www.mom-eclub.com/2011_NormaMcCormick.asp. Go Norma!

Just a reminder that there are only 18 days left to enter our 1st quarter customer appreciation drawing. We’ve included a photo of the goodies that one lucky winner will receive. Included are a light weight vacuum and microfiber mop which make cleaning easier and leave outstanding results.

To be eligible to enter the customer appreciation drawing you must use any of our cleaning services, give us a referral OR submit a review on YELP during January, February and March. You’ll be given one entry for using our services, two entries for a referral and one entry for giving us a review on YELP. It’s as simple as that. Drawing closes at midnight on March 31st so don’t delay in earning those give away entries.

We love showing you just how much you are appreciated, by rewarding you for using our Clean ‘N Fresh Cleaning Service, giving us referrals and taking the time to give us great reviews.

REMEMBER ONLY 18 days left!

Windows should ideally be cleaned properly twice a year. February and March is the perfect time to do this task.

You will need:

• A good quality squeegee
• Bucket
• Mild dish washing liquid
• Rubber gloves
• Lint free cloths
• Ladder
• Brush with soft bristles
• Sponge

1. Choose a day when you have several hours free and the sun is not shining onto the windows (hard to find a cloudy day like that in Arizona I know!)
2.  Using the brush, remove dirt from the window frames, sills and tracks.
3.  Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 2 gallons of water in your bucket.
4.  When you are cleaning make sure that you use an absorbent cloth on the window sill, so that you don’t end up with drips falling onto it.
5.  Using your sponge, dip it into the bucket, and squeeze so that it is wet but not saturated.
6.  Wet the windows with the sponge.
7.  Time to use the squeegee. Starting in the top corner of the window, use vertical strokes to sweep the squeegee down. Use a cloth to wipe the squeegee after each stroke, and you can overlap each stroke to be sure you don’t miss a spot.
8.  Wipe the frames.

When you are done, sit back, relax and enjoy the view through your newly cleaned windows!

If this all seems like to much to do with your busy schedule, call in the Clean ‘N Fresh Clean Team. We’ll get your windows sparkling in no time at all! Contact Norma at 480-821-1481 TODAY!