During the December holidays, visiting cooks often don't clean as well as we like. Now's the time to check under your stove's burners for greasy left-over crusties that will only stick more the longer you leave them. If your stove is free-standing, pull it out and wipe down the sides. Your kitchen will smell fresher and cleaner as a bonus!
In winter, it's tempting to get out and enjoy those occasional warm days. Don't forget to check your exposed pipes, even if you have them wrapped. If one has cracked or burst, the damage won't take long to pile up. It's also your chance to thaw any frozen pipes. A heating pad will often do the trick.
The sun really doesn't put out as much light in January for those of us in the northern hemisphere. Exchange your bulbs in your lamps and overhead lights for brighter ones. You'll feel more alert, and your mood may improve. Easy fix for those dark and dreary January days!
Whatever's in your mailbox, don't leave it there . . . or on your kitchen counter. You can manage that stack of paper with a simple sorting system. Keep. Trash. Look at later. Label three boxes or shelves, and your paper piles will get smaller and smaller. Job done!
Are the dark January days defeating your attempts to clean? If you can't manage a household scrub, pick one thing to tackle. Maybe dust one end table. That's all. Next time, try to expand what you clean. You'll get there, one small area at a time!