Spring Cleaning Made Easy

Spring cleaning may not be everyone's favorite activity but it is an important way to maintain your home and keep its value with minimal effort.

In order to get the most cleaning done in the least amount of time we've provided some cleaning hacks that may just help move quickly enough to enjoy the rest of your weekend!

• Clean your kitchen sink with half a lemon to remove water stains and add a fresh, citrus scent.
• Dust baseboards with dryer sheets to prevent more dust from piling up later.
• Use a rubberband to attach a towel to the end of the broom. Use this to reach high up places and remove cob webs or dust.
• Remove clutter. Simply organizing makes your room feel cleaner.
• Don't forget to clean your dishwasher! Put a dishwasher safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a cycle through.
• Tackle your grimy and foggy shower glass with equal parts of vinegar and dish soap. Spray over glass and let sit for two hours to reveal shiny, sparkly clean! 
• Use glass cleaner to make your stainless steel appliances shine.
• Use a squeegee on carpet and furniture to remove pet hair.

How do you spring clean? Any tips or tricks that work for you?

Hosting this Easter?

Are you hosting friends or family this Easter? Think outside the egg and spice up your usual dinner plans.  Take a look at some unique ways to have a very "hoppy" Easter.

Spring Easter Party

TO: Longcreek Residents

WHAT: Spring Easter Party for you and your kids 

WHERE: Longcreek/Windermere Tennis Center, 107 Plantation Parkway 

WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 2016 TIME: 2:00pm – 4:00pm 

We are inviting you and your family for a fun afternoon of Easter activities. It will include having your kids picture made with a costumed Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt for kids, pizza and lemonade. There is no cost for this event. This event is sponsored by the LongCreek Plantation Property Owners Association. Additionally the tennis pros will conduct fun tennis activities for the kids and adults. 

Please be aware that dress is casual for all activities. 

Please RSVP or reply to wca-president@windermere-sc.org 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO A FUN AFTERNOON!

Spring Door Decor

Nothing says Spring like a brightly decorated door welcoming you in!  Think outside the typical wreath with some unique ways to spruce up for Spring!

Utilize dollar store flip flops for a fun way to adorn your entrance

Rain boots, ribbon and fake flowers make a cheery display

A wreath made from a brightly colored garden hose is a fun twist on an old stand-by

Flower baskets are an easy way to incorporate Spring color

Possible Tax Deductions

Tax time is almost here and though it isn't anyone's favorite time of year there are ways to make it less painful - especially if you're a homeowner.

Besides the more obvious deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes there are other ways you may be able to save money. Always talk with a professional to make sure that the deductions apply to you and that you know how to file correctly. Remember - it can't hurt to ask!

Eligible deductions for homeowners:

- Mortgage Interest

- Property Taxes

- Private Mortgage Insurance

- Medical Improvements (such as ramps or lifts)

- Dedicated Home Office Space

- Energy Efficient Home Improvements

If you've sold a home in the last year you may be eligible for deductions from that as well. Talk with a tax professional and enjoy even more benefits of owning a home!

Spring Gardening - Part Two

So you've come up with the perfect spot for your garden and worked on a layout.  Now...what to plant?

It's a good idea to start with some easy-to-grow veggies that will not disappoint. Some of the best no-fail plants include:

- Basil
- Cucumber
- Summer Squash
- Green Beans
- Lettuce

Of course a summer harvest wouldn't be complete without red, ripe tomatoes.  Tomatoes need plenty of water and sunshine. Stake the plants to keep them from laying on the ground.  Look for disease resistant varieties where possible.

Different plants compliment each other and aide in growth.  Plant corn, beans and squash in the same area. Basil planted near tomatoes helps to repel flies and mosquitoes. Lettuce, carrots and radishes grow well together.

So here at the end of February what is your next step? . If you're growing from seed - begin the process inside where the seedlings will be safe from cold temperatures. If you're looking for rare or heirloom varieties begin placing your orders online.

Planning Your Vegetable Garden - Part 1

If you're ready to start thinking about the Spring - now is the perfect time to start planning your vegetable garden.  It's not too early! A little preparation and planning now will make your planting season go on without a hitch.

So how to begin?

When planning your first vegetable garden don't try to do too much too soon. It's better to have a smaller garden that you can manage then a large garden that is out of control.  The first thing to consider is location.  Most vegetables need about 6-8 hours of sun in order to remain healthy and produce as they should.  Think of a location that will be easy to water and easy to harvest.

Draw out a plan for your garden showing where you would like each item to go. It's not necessary to have a lot of space between plants - just know it will require some weeding by hand in order to maintain.

For some sample layout designs see the links below.

http://www.almanac.com/content/online-garden-planner-old-farmers-almanac

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/