This week in addition to the Thanksgiving preparations for next week's big meal, we're going to get our bathrooms and guest rooms in order for the holidays. Bathrooms and guest areas may seem like they're no big deal, but taking a little time now to declutter and thoroughly clean them will help your home stay in tip top shape for the holidays.

Week 5 Instructions

10 Week Plan

Week 1 Instructions

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Week 4 Instructions

Cleaning a toilet is arguably one of the worst chores we have to do to keep a house clean. It wouldn't be as bad if we all had our own individual toilets to clean, but toilets are used by family, friends, and guests of our homes. We need it to be clean for health and cosmetic reasons, but does it have to be such a horrible job? Take these steps for an easier time cleaning your toilet.

Is your bathroom sink a magnet for toothpaste blobs? Do you remember what your kitchen sink looks like when it's not piled high with dishes? Are you blessed enough to have a laundry sink, but can't remember what color it is underneath the soap scum? Find out how to clean a sink and maintain it, keeping it ready to use.

Dining areas frequently become multipurpose areas of our homes. Our dining table is for homework, crafts, entertaining, and dining. With all of those uses, it's no wonder that sometimes our dining areas need a little attention. As you prepare your home for Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays, spend a little time cleaning and organizing the dining areas.

Week 4 Instructions

10 Week Plan

Week 1 Instructions

Week 2 Instructions

Week 3 Instructions

I always wanted a two-story house. It was my dream. Square footage didn't matter. Closet space was not a deciding factor. Two stories was a must. Now that I live with two stories, I have to wonder how so much dirt accumulates on the stairs. And stairs aren't exactly simple to clean, unless you enjoy bench pressing a vacuum cleaner down a flight of stairs. Luckily, there are easier ways tovacuum stairs.

My kids would rather ruin a vacuum cleaner than stoop to bend over and pick something up prior to vacuuming. I've heard that this trait is common in children. I had to do something to save my appliances. I explained how much it cost to repair a vacuum cleaner and let the kids know how long they'd owe me allowance and birthday money if they purposely vacuumed up a rock, a coin, or rope. We haven't had any problems since. Find out which vacuum cleaner mistakes you don't want to make.

I'm packing up light-up fake pumpkins, witch hats, and wigs this week, and unpacking ceramic pumpkins, fall foilage, and a very ugly ceramic turkey that my husband loves. Once I get all that done, it will be time to tackle the kitchen and pantry in my quest to have an organized holiday season.

Beautiful scented candles can add a beautiful touch to your home. In fact...I'm a little obsessed with them. At the end of a hard day, I can light my favorite candle and get a hint of a sweet smell. But what happens when a candle drips on your nice wood furniture?

I don't remember why I thought it was a good idea, but I distinctly remember gluing a lot of my first grade artwork to the sides of my dresser. Maybe I thought I could decoupage it up. It didn't work. Of course, my mom wasn't happy. Being a mom now myself, I can understand that. My kids have pulled the same stunts on my furniture with glue and stickers. Luckily, it is possible to remove glue, stickers, and other adhesives from your furniture.

We spend a lot of money on our furniture, and we want it to stay looking nice. Burn marks, don't really fit that bill. Whether it's a small burned area from a wayward match, or a larger problem from a hot iron, burn marks can be repaired and disguised on your furniture. Find out how to repair burned areas on your fine wood furniture.