Respect for Toronto’s Winter Biking Warriors | Best Maid Service

As snow starts to flurry in Toronto, you might find yourself calling an Uber- but you must always have respect for Toronto’s winter biking warriors. Though the darkness, slush and black ice can get terrifying, is it time to put the bike away? Not for winter biking warriors! Save that TTC fare for another day! It’s time to layer up and face the cold. In fact, with the right preparation and mindset, you can bike comfortably on the bleakest of winter days.

There are actually a few perks to staying green this snowy season! For starters, parking is free and transit fare non-existent. Plus, when it comes to rush-hour, your two wheels are probably faster then any car (or streetcar), except perhaps on King St. of course! If this will be your first winter biking in Toronto, stay calm and bike on. There’s some hearty tips coming your way, because…just like plants, you help make the air cleaner. So this is really the least we can do.

Challenges for Winter Cycling Warriors

As you well know, icy conditions are no good for any set of wheels. And if you’re biking in the city, you have to take all kinds of wheels into account. For instance, cars can’t stop as quickly in slush and ice. And neither can your bike. Additionally, the roads get narrower when the snow is piled up on the curb. With that said, the first thing that the winter biking warrior should keep in mind is that not every day is good for winter biking.

If you’re a new cycler who prefers side streets, you’ll quickly learn that they don’t get plowed and cleaned as often as arterial roads. However, the biggest downside to driving on these major streets is the car factor. Though your instincts may be telling you to get as close to the snow-covered curb as possible- don’t. “Try not to ride right by the curb,” advises Owen Gerrard, general manager of Sweet Pete’s on Bloor W, in an article from the Torontoist. “Ride a foot or two out so people have to see you. Better to have the jerk behind you get mad because they can see you than to get hit by the idiot who doesn’t.” Thanks for the tip, Owen!

A Slippery Slope

When you decide to hit the streets, there are a few winter considerations you should be wary of. For instance, though the streetcar tracks may look squeaky clean- they are awfully slippery and will remain icy even when other street surfaces are not. So slippery are these tracks, says the City of Toronto, that you should always be crossing them at a clean, 90-degree angle. This feat sounds simple, though you may want to practice in advance when the weather is good. But it’s not only streetcar tracks that get slippery, so do painted street lines, metal bridges and street grates.

You can’t have a conversation about winter slippage without black ice! These frighteningly subtle rinks will send you flying if not maneuvered correctly. So, if you’re biking and find yourself on a patch of black ice, steer straight and stop pedaling. Without breaking, hold your balance and grit your teeth. Not putting pressure on your breaks drastically lowers your chances of experiencing the dreaded skid & fall.

Take Your Time

You’ve heard it before, but there’s plenty of good reasons why winter biking advocates will tell you to slow down. The biggest being that cycling at a lower speed will give you more control, which will help prevent accidents before they happen. The flipside to slowing down is that you need to leave yourself extra time to get where you’re going. In the winter, this may involve adjusting your cycling route.

Buy Your Bike Some New Duds

When 5pm looks and feels like the dead of night, both front and rear lights are essential for your commute home and beyond. Not only will bike lights help you see what’s ahead, but they will help you to be seen by drivers. Too many tragic biking accidents have happened in Toronto, so please light that bike up! If you’re looking for an all-round, good bike light, stick to those that are 150 lumens or higher.  However, if you’re only planning to bike in well-lit areas, you can afford lights that are only 60-150 lumens. Keep in mind that cold and batteries don’t mix well, so consider how you will store your bike and whether you want to keep spare batteries in your back pack.

In addition to decking your bike out with lights, you should consider installing Fenders. Have you ever biked down the street, anticipating the sweet warmth of your destination only to get there and find your back sprayed with slush? Well, Fenders are just what you need to keep your clothes and backside clean! These convenient semi-circle shaped protectors go around the top of your wheels, elimina3ting any regret you once had for not calling an Uber. Check out Part 2 of this article next week for more tips on how to protect that warrior physique from the hail and sleet!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

The Holiday Tradition You Need to Tweak Immediately | Toronto Cleaning Service

I’m so glad you’re here, because I’ve got tell you about the holiday tradition you need to tweak immediately! Though spoiling kids during the holidays is imbedded in our blood, when does too much become too much? Unfortunately, if a holiday involves gifts- they can quickly become all children think about. This is especially true on holidays like Christmas, where there’s emphasis on receiving more than one gift (in fact, a list of gifts). And when you’re living in a world of cultural norms, it can be hard to set boundaries.

Why do you need boundaries? Well, have you considered that your kids may not even notice the difference? That, like a Tasmanian devil they ravage the bounty of gifts you’ve laid before them, leaving you to clean a room strewn with wrappings? Additionally, you may not have considered that spoiling your kids could have harmful psychological effects. Do you cringe when you see spoiled kids like Dudley Dursley opening up a mountain of presents? I know I do. So let’s get into into the thick of it.

Is “Spoiling” really Tradition?

The fact is, we live in a culture of ever-increasing materialism aimed at children- the next consumer generation. Although it’s easy to say “say no to your kids”. It’s not always so easy in practice, especially around the holidays. Luckily, mass amounts of toys are not what make kids happy, smart or healthy. In fact, the onslaught of gifts may be doing more harm than good! If you’re a serial present buyer, you could be making it difficult for your child to focus on more important traditions. You’re living in a present trap. Ultimately, the key is to be conscious of whether you’re giving kids whatever they want, whenever they want it.

But this doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. There are plenty of things you can do to divert your child’s attention away from gifts, and make the holidays even more special in the process! When you focus on putting energy into creating fun family traditions, you are actually emphasizing positive values, versus nurturing traits of ego and competition. So if you have any hesitations, just think how good it will feel to cleanse your family of mental toxicity!

Tradition Tweaking 101

The Explanation

Instead of thinking about your child’s face when they receive three less gifts than they expected, think about the lessons you’re instilling within them. Whether you’re cutting back because of the psychological, traditional or financial reasons, you may struggle to explain the downsizing to your kids. However, you have a few options. For instance, if you want to be honest, simply tell them that you’ve decided to cut back, and that they can choose one thing on the list they will definitely get. And don’t forget to mention they’ll be getting a few small surprises! Kids love surprises.

Alternatively, instruct your kids to prioritize their wish list and write an explanation as to why they want each item. If you really want to help develop their young minds- don’t buy everything on their list. Even though it will cost your offspring five seconds of emotional despair, they’ll thank you when they’re older! I promise. And remember, gifts don’t have to be material! You can get them tickets to a concert, passes to Ripley’s Aquarium, a membership to the zoo… you name it! Just don’t clean their bedroom- that’s one of the many gifts only adults will appreciate.

Emphasize Other Things

The truth is- there’s more to holidays then presents! In fact, holidays are the best time to create memorable family traditions that will live on in your child’s heart forever. As a way to shift the focus off the presents, start putting more emphasis on family time! If you’re not exactly sure what you should do, ask your kids what would make the day special- and do that. You need to fill the void by emphasizing family activities like skating, decorating, baking, gift clean-up and volunteering. Your family can even do a good deed from the comfort of home, by creating care packages for the homeless! Because, it’s important for kids to learn the joy of giving as well as receiving. Plus, find out how you can make your holiday clean-up much easier.

The magic of childhood lies in the family rituals. And it’s those family traditions that will carry on later in their life and in their own families (evidence: the NBC series “This is Us”). Feeling connected and loved is what makes a holiday a celebration, rather than an event of tearing paper off boxes. So are you ready to stop spoiling your kids? Just remember that at the end of the day, you can give your child more love than 3 new toys ever could. Though this certainly won’t make parenting any easier, it will make it a whole lot better.

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

Um, Toronto Just Cleaned Up King St… | Toronto Cleaning Service Reviews

My first reaction to the transit pilot: um, Toronto just cleaned up King St…

After a four-hour debate, the King St. pilot project was authorized by the Toronto City Council in a vote of 35 to 4. This gave the green light for the experimental transit plan to go into effect November 12, 2017. Though banning private vehicles on busy streets is not a revolutionary idea around the world, this transit project is the first of its nature to grace the City of Toronto. In fact, it’ only been one month since kick-off and we’re already able to form some opinions.

If you’ve never commuted on King St., you may not know that the route transports 65,000 Torontonians everyday. The issue was, that those 65,000 transit commuters would get stuck behind 20,000 private vehicles during rush hour. As an experimental solution, the project prioritizes streetcars and completely bans private vehicle- with one controversial exception. So, while confused drivers struggle to wrap their heads around the change of schedule, we’re going to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly.

Toronto King Street Off Limits:

King St. & Truth Ave

In a last minute amendment under pressure from the taxi industry, Mayor John Tory motioned to exempt taxis from the King St. prohibition on private vehicles. However, the exemption only applies between 10pm and 5am. This represents a big win for the taxi industry, whose presence has become diluted by the popularity of ride-sharing apps like Uber. In a speech to the City Council, John Tory sided with the taxi drivers when he said, “the cab industry does represent an important part of the overall transportation system to get people around, especially at that time of night in that part of town.” The Toronto City Council’s decision on the matter was near unanimous, with the motion passing 38 to 1.

Allowing taxis access to King St. will be key on nights when it’s 2 a.m and you’re just trying to stay warm until you get home. However, you’ll have to walk around the block if you want to catch an Uber! But it’s not just Uber that’s been thrown under the bus by this decision. The TTC CEO Andy Byford strongly advised against the exemption, arguing that it could “water down” the transit-first objective of the pilot. Nevertheless, taxis will roam free after 10pm. Will this lead to a slippery slope of allowing more private vehicles (like Uber) onto King St? Did taxi’s just find a leg-up, or is this going to be the start of a private vehicle war?

King St. & Good St.

If you take personal issue with the King St. experiment, try adjusting your balaclava and picture the scene in summer. Do you see it now? How King St. is going to become a fabulous pedestrian-oriented space? Not only will the change be good for cyclists, but also patio lovers and clean air enthusiasts alike! With all the extra space and cleaner air due to the lack of cars, you can expect to see sidewalk cafes, curbside seating and extra bike parking popping up. All of this along with the unbelievable fact that cyclists are being given refuge from the sea of cars they endure everyday.

So not only is the project producing many positive side-effects, it seems to be achieving its goal of prioritizing TTC commuters. To test the transit times, CBC Toronto timed an eastbound trip along the course of the pilot. They found that it was just over two minutes faster than the same trip timed a week before the project began! Though ‘just over 2 minutes’ may seem like a small victory, it’s a big win coming from an area where it was quicker to walk than take the streetcar! A fact TTC CEO Byford rightfully calls “embarrassing”.

King St. & Problem Rd.

Though Torontonians are saying their commute is undoubtedly faster and more efficient, they still say there’s an overcrowding problem. In fact, a month into the pilot, the King street cars are still so crowded, they continue to reach capacity. The unfortunate reality is that even in ideal conditions, King St. is one of the busiest routes. So even when the street is completely clean of cars, commuting may be faster- but it won’t be more comfortable.

That’s not to say that the TTC did not anticipate the continued over-crowding issues. After all, overcrowding affects 50 TTC transit routes. In preparation of the pilot, the TTC added seven new street cars to the King route. However, seven street cars might not be enough. But it’s all we’ve got for now.  “Right now, we’re at the cost of the whole fleet. We’re using every streetcar we have available to use,” said Byford. Hopefully, if this project is deemed a success we can expect to see more of those clean, new streetcars on King St. in 2018!

King, the TTC’s Jewel

Revolutionary as this project is to the City of Toronto, it’s conservative relative to the rest of the world. Hopefully the City Council gives the TTC enough time to collect the proper data that will help determine whether the pilot will be deemed a success or merely an experiment. Because, not only does the pilot promise higher efficiency, it is the first major transit project that excludes private vehicles in Toronto! What could be more green than that?

Progress is about change, and something had to change to quell the traffic on King St. However, Toronto will only be able to gage the true success of the project over time. The TTC says it’s measuring the pilot’s success by examining transit times, ridership and reliability. So while they do that, you just keep doing you, and we’ll see how it goes! In the meantime, enjoy King St. while it’s still clean of cars.

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

Can You Stay Warm and Still Look Cute? | Toronto House Cleaner

Winter is getting increasingly unavoidable, and so I ask- can you stay warm and still look cute? Fear not fashionistas, there are ways to maintain your cuteness level even in the harshest of Toronto winters. I’m going to clue you in on a few ways you can make sure you’re staying warm and fashionable these next few months. Because who said you can’t have a clean, put together look all year long?

Before I start with the list, there’s a few overarching factors to keep in mind. For instance, don’t be afraid to play around with colour. Though black matches everything, it won’t help your style when you have black on black on black on black… Instead, try focusing on complementary tones like pink, white and grey. Don’t. Underestimate. Grey. In addition, don’t be afraid of texture! In fact, having a clean lace or velvet slip peeking out from your sweater dress and over a thick pair of stockings could be just what you need to spice up that outfit.

Staying Warm & Cozy – Yet Looking Good Tips:

Your Head Can Be Cute

If you live in Toronto, you’re going to be wearing a hat whether you like it or not. So why not make sure it stylish? Having a warm head is key in the winter, and there are plenty of options for every kind of style. For instance, if you’re into the #beanielyfe, you’ll have no problem finding something to keep you warm! My suggestion is to try to find a wool beanie because the wool absorbs and releases heat. And temp control is essential for when you exercise in the winter. Alternatively, look for a hat with fleece lining sewn in. Not only will this keep you even warmer, it’s the solution to stop the static! In fact, you could DIY it and sew in a liner yourself!

If you’re not into the #beanielyfe, there’s plenty of other stylish hats out there. For example, you could try wearing anything from a wool fedora to a thick knitted head band. These knitted headbands will keep your ears warm and eliminate the need for earmuffs! Plus, hat’s aren’t only good for the cold…Feeling a little tired on the TTC after work? With a hat on, you can now rest your head on the bus and still feel clean when you get home.

Layers Can Be Cute

You’ve probably heard that winter style is all about layering. This will always be the case, so embrace it! Apparently, one of the biggest trends in 2017 winter fashion is a turtleneck and oversized sweater. It may sound super bulky, but choosing a slim fitting turtleneck will be the key to staying warm and stylish. Not sure what the best materials are for winter? Though they’re a little pricey and tougher to clean- wool and cashmere items will be your go-to for warmth.

But what about your poor little legs? Whether you’re into dresses, jeans or skirts- we’ve got some solutions for you. Let’s start with pants. If you prefer wearing pants to work, you can layer your outfit by finding slim fit leggings to slip right underneath. No one will be the wiser and you’ll feel a whole lot warmer! However, when it comes to dresses and skirts, the layers have to add to your style. So to keep those legs warm, find yourself a nice, thick pair of tights or stockings. Then, layer up with knee high socks or leg warmers. Yep, wearing a mini-skirt in the winter is really as simple as that!

Coats Can Be Cute

You don’t have to be a genius to realize that 99.9999% of people have a black coat. And knowing you’re contributing to the dull winter crowd is depressing.  With that said, trying to make a fashion statement in the winter, could be as simple as choosing a practical, stylish and colorful coat! However, remember that time your friend spilled red wine all over your white coat and you had to get a new one? Moral of the story: never buy white coats, they can be near impossible to clean.

Luckily, the coats that keep you warmest (knee length, for the wind) are also the most elegant looking! So if you don’t have one already, it may be time to go out and find a coat that falls below your knee. Not only will you be much warmer, you’ll look chic AF.

Accessories Can Definitely Be Cute

The easiest way to maintain your style this winter is to spend as much time on accessories as you do on your twitter rep. Strategically chosen accessories are the best way to keep the warmth close to your body and make your outfit pop. For instance, wearing a chunky statement scarf. Not only will you stay deliciously warm, but a statement scarf will brighten up any winter outfit. Now is the time to experiment with those bold patterns and bright colours you’ve always wanted to try. Because it’s cold out… and what else is there to do besides cleaning out the crumbs in your pockets.

If you rely heavily on accessories to maintain your style, don’t let your handbag escape your cute-radar. To really get heads turning, choose a bag that contrasts with the colour of your jacket. You’ll be looking like posh spice in a snow storm in no time! Lastly, though we talked about how knitted headbands are great because they eliminate the need for earmuffs, you may love earmuffs. And that is understandable. If you’re that kind of gal, definitely capitalize on the opportunity to get a crazy new pair of earmuffs! At the end of the day, we’ve got to learn how to make winter fun again- and fashion may be the way to do that.

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

4 Gift Ideas for People Who Don’t Care About Gifts | Maid4Condos

You’ve been scouring the internet for hours looking for exactly 4 gift ideas for people who don’t care about gifts, I know. But relax, you’re here now. Nothing feels better than giving someone you love the perfect gift on the holidays. However, what if you’re friend, uncle or partner couldn’t care less about the material? What if you’re on a budget and/or loathe capitalism? Believe it or not, there is a way to show your appreciation for someone without falling down the rabbit hole that is holiday shopping.

Step one: stop beating yourself up because you’ve chosen not to buy a gift. In fact, the most memorable gifts are actually ones that involve experiences! Not only will some of these gift ideas be great for your wallet, they are perfect for those pesky, non-materialistic people who are so hard to shop for. So if you love exercising your creativity, get ready- because these ideas might blow your holiday stockings off.

Our List Of Gift Ideas:

Gift #1: The Mixtape

In the age of digital music, making a mixtape for someone is not only thoughtful- it’s nostalgic AF. Though creating a list of tracks (a.k.a playlist) might be easy, making a top-notch mixtape takes some serious thought and curation. However, before you go out buying clean cd’s (and a machine for your laptop because macs no longer have disk drives) you need to know that not everyone in your life deserves a mixtape. These personal music-babies should be reserved for the people in your life that a) love music, b) you know inside and out, and c) who you love.

There’s nothing more awkward than a bad mixtape! And because you probably haven’t made one in a decade, I’ll save you the embarrassment and jog your memory. Remember what it was like to receive a GREAT mixtape from someone essential in your life? It felt so good because that perfectly curated mixtape said, “I know you, and I still love you”. So if you’d like to pass the good vibes along, keep these things in mind…

Know Your Audience:

The songs on the mixtape should align with your loved one’s music taste, not yours. Hate to break it to you but if you don’t know their music taste inside and out, then you really shouldn’t be making them a mixtape! Period, end of story.

Choose a Theme:

To give your mixtape the flow and unity it requires, it’s best to think of an overarching theme. For example, a theme could be as simple as “the time we went bee catching” or “our 2009 road trip” or even “music to clean to.” The options are really endless!

First and Last:

The first and last tracks on your mixtape are the most important things in the world. Okay, maybe not the world- but definitely for the mixtape. The first song should draw them in and make them excited for track 2, 3, 4 and beyond. Sources say it’s best to start with something upbeat, catchy and melodiously infectious. Similarly, when it comes to the last track, you should choose something that ties the whole mixtape together and leaves them with a good taste in their mouth and ears.

Short and Sweet:

It’s can be easy to lose your theme in a sea of songs, even if you’re skilled at curation. So instead of overstaying your welcome with 18 tracks, keep your selection short and sweet. In fact, the shorter the better! Need some more help? Check out this article to learn more about mixtape do’s and don’ts.

Gift #2: The Coupon Book

I can see you rolling your eyes, but the coupon book is on here for a reason! And it’s because they can be a great way to show you love someone. Instead of creating 20 ‘hug’ coupons, step it up by including things that involve skills or talents you posses like:  kitchen organization, playing piano, massages or even cleaning! Who could complain about a gift that keeps on giving?

You may think that coupon books are only for couples. However, they work just as well for friends. For instance, do you have a friend that “loves love loves” that one dish you make? Do they also beg you to play their favorite song on piano every time you come over? Well, now is the time to cash in on your skills! Wouldn’t you like to have a coupon that would force your friend to cook you food? Right, so why wouldn’t they.

Gift #3: The Photo Album

Just pull out your parents’ old photo albums to remember why they’re so much better than photos on your cell phone. I can’t tell you why, but there’s something about holding and seeing physical copies of photos that’s just…different. A lot of your friends probably feel this way too, but not many of them will actually take the time to get their photos developed. And that’s where you step in. Don’t be scared- we’re not talking about 200 photos. In fact, the best photo albums aren’t the ones with the most pictures, they’re the ones that have been thoughtfully planned out.

Just like the mixtape, it’s important for gifted photo albums to have some kind of theme. When it comes to photo albums, the theme could be as simple as “you & me”, “that time we lived together in university” or even “a pointless album of selfies”. However, when it comes to choosing photos you must be picky and stay super selective, choosing only photos that are clean and sharp. If you want to get really thoughtful, add some handwritten captions below each photo. Check out your local Walmart or Shoppers Drug Mart for intuitive and affordable photo-album options!

Gift #4: The Gift of Time

If you simply don’t have the time to labor over a mixtape, coupon book or photo-album, you can always give the gift of time! What do I mean by time? Well, riddle me this: what is the one thing that is essential, that no one loves to do, and that takes up a lot of time? If you guessed taking a poop, you’d be right. But I’m talking about cleaning!

Wouldn’t you love to receive a free cleaning? I know I would. Not only is gifting a professional cleaning thoughtful and practical, it doesn’t require you to step foot in a mall! And you won’t have to worry about the recipient liking their gift, because who wouldn’t like that gift. Plus, during the holiday season, businesses tend to put on great promotions. For instance, Maid4Condos has a holiday promotion till the end of December! Plus, giving the gift of clean doesn’t only give your loved ones a clean space, it gives them back some much needed time. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a trend and wind up with a free cleaning next year!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

Create Holiday Care Packages for the Homeless! | Maid4Condos Toronto

As you go about your winter festivities, why not create holiday care packages for the homeless? Just take a stroll in downtown Toronto and you’ll see that homelessness is abundant. Plus, “winter is coming”- and it’s getting cold. We share lists of needed items from the City Of Toronto and message from our Mayor John Tory to give you inspiration to give back this Holiday Season.

Fortunately, the holiday season is around the corner, which has prompted the City of Toronto to create a holiday wish list based on what homeless agencies and shelters say these people actually need.  So, if you want to incorporate helping people into your holiday to-do list, put your cell phone down & read on! Because, you’re obviously amazing.

Do Care Packages Really Help?

Care packages are a great way to help a stranger, because they can incorporate many different essentials. For instance, including personal hygiene items. The City of Toronto’s holiday wish list reflects this, with one of the most requested items on the list being toiletries. Other popular items include winter clothing, gift cards, baby products and non-perishable food. As Toronto Mayor John Tory has said, “These small, everyday items can make a big difference to a person or family in need”.

But we’re not just talking about baby wipes. Did you know that menstrual products like pads and tampons are considered a luxury for homeless and low-income women? Fortunately, many of us don’t need to choose between eating and buying tampons. But unfortunately, many women in the world do, including homeless and low-income women in Canada and city of Toronto. This leaves them to resort to using toilet paper, cotton balls and even newspaper as makeshift pads or tampons. Ultimately, care packages can be a great tool to help these women facilitate a clean and healthy menstruation. Need some inspiration? Check out this amazing woman handing out ‘period purses’ to homeless women in Toronto!

Care Package Do’s and Don’ts

As we mentioned earlier, the City of Toronto has surveyed agencies and shelters that run homeless drop-ins. The question the City asked them: what gifts would bring joy to your clients over the holidays? The result of the survey is the 2017 Holiday Wish List! Now, you don’t have to second guess whether your good deed will be appreciated. Just browse the list by agency to see how you can help someone have a cleaner, warmer and more satisfying holiday season!

If you’re planning to make your own care package at home and hand-deliver with a group, that’s great. Just make sure you do a little research about the actual items how you’re going to pack them. For instance, a common mistake people make is to put scented soaps or lotions in the same container as food. However, that just makes everything taste and smell like soap. Instead of soap, include items like baby wipes, lip balm, lotion and sunscreen. While you’re at it, lose the soap, hand sanitizer and mouthwash altogether! This is because you should include items that are more versatile when it comes to cleaning. For example, baby wipes can be used to clean the body, the face, and just about anything else!

How Else Can I Care?

Even if you don’t give a homeless person some change when you get off the TTC, the least you can give is a smile. This wisdom carries through when you’re giving out care packages. For example, if you intend on giving people these packages in person, pause to have a conversation with them. Not only will they appreciate your attention, but you might gain a new perspective. Sometimes, respect and attention can be more valuable than material things.

If care packages aren’t “you”, and you’d rather donate your time, many agencies have plenty of volunteer opportunities in Toronto! Especially around the holiday season. As so many donations are coming in, these places need your help to sort through donations, wrap gifts and prepare and serve food. In addition to the list of requested items, the City of Toronto has also listed which agencies are accepting volunteers. Just scroll to the bottom of the page!

Caring is Caring!

Not only is getting your family out and helping those less fortunate great parenting, but it will also help someone have a clean and warm holiday season! As Mayor John Tory says, “If you’re looking to give back to your community this season, the Holiday Wish List is a good place to start.” We couldn’t agree more!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Get Social With Us:

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

See Maid4Condos Reviews:

Written by Savannah Binder, Maid4Condos

Clean T.O: 5 Tricks to Avoid Pumpkin Catastrophe

It doesn’t feel like Halloween until you’ve carved a pumpkin, but do you know about these 5 tricks that will help you avoid a pumpkin cleaning catastrophe? As fun as pumpkins are, for children and adults alike- they have a tendency to get very messy…

In fact, you might find yourself wishing you never laid a knife on your pumpkin at all! After all, there’s nothing like a pumpkin mess to ruin all your diligent house-cleaning. And unfortunately, pumpkin guts are not considered fall décor. Take a look at the five tricks we’ve compiled that will keep your kitchen clean this Halloween!

1. Timing is Everything

You might be excited to get into the Halloween spirit, but for heaven’s sake- don’t carve your pumpkins too early! Why, you ask? Unfortunately, if left carved for too long your pumpkin will start to decay by the time Oct. 31 rolls around.

With that said, the earliest you should be carving your pumpkin is 5 days before Halloween. No sooner, no later. Because don’t you want your jack-o-lantern to make it to Halloween?!

2. Assemble Your Tools

In order to clean out and carve your pumpkin, you need the right tools. For instance, make sure you have enough paper towel, bowls and trash bags for everyone involved in the fun. Not to mention, knives for slicing and metal spoons for scooping out pumpkin guts!

Furthermore, decide if you want to use a cookie cutter or a knife when you carve. Furthermore, if you’re interested in carving with a knife, check out these free, printable stencil ideas that will make your pumpkin pop! In addition, there are plenty of design books and products that have been made just for your carving needs.

3. Preparing Your Pumpkin

Before you begin carving, your pumpkin has to be clean inside and out! Yes, you have to clean off the outside too because pumpkins have dust and dirt on them. However, all it takes is a wet cloth to get your pumpkin shining! Next, you need to gain access to the interior by slicing off the top or bottom of the pumpkin. For further instruction, check out this video that will explain the in’s and out’s of how to clean out a pumpkin!

Once you’ve got the top or bottom off, it’s time to start gutting! This is where the rest of your tools will come in handy. Before you begin, lay out a towel or newspaper on the area you’ll be working in and have a garbage bag ready for when you need it. Once you being gutting with your spoon, try to separate the pumpkin guts from the seeds. Without delay, get those pumpkin seeds into a bowl and save them for later. Because roasted pumpkin seeds are to die for.

4. Maintaining Your Pumpkin

Unfortunately, once your pumpkin has been on display, you might notice it start to dry and shrivel.  However, there are plenty of solutions. For instance, some people have tried to seal and lubricate their pumpkin by applying petroleum jelly to the carved edges. Furthermore, some people like to spray Lysol both inside the pumpkin, and on the carved edges to keep away any pumpkin killing bacteria.

Looking for a simple solution? Instead of using chemicals and petroleum jelly, try completely submerging your carved pumpkin in chilled water for a few hours. In fact, you could even add a small amount of bleach to ensure total cleanliness!

5. Pumpkin Passion

You probably want your pumpkins to be the talk of the town. Okay, maybe not! In fact, you may choose to keep your pumpkin(s) in the safety of your home! However, pumpkins season won’t last forever. So, if you’re enjoying having a pumpkin in your home this fall you would probably enjoy a few indoor plants all year round!

At the end of the day, it’s important that you follow these steps to avoid a real pumpkin catastrophe. As much as these tricks will help you, sometimes the mess is just too overwhelming. When that day comes, Maid4Condos will be there to bring that sparkle back to your home!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!