Mark Thompson - Home Sweet Home

(601)291-0820 / (769) 300-2651 matloans@yahoo.com www.thelistandbuyguy.com

courtesy of: Mark Th ompson

Dear Homeowners March brings a sense of momentum—longer days, fresh energy, and the perfect opportunity to reset both indoors and out. In this issue of Home Sweet Home, you’ll find ideas designed to help your home work smarter and feel ready for the season. Inside the kitchen, we explore flexible layout solutions that offer better flow, added storage, and everyday functionality, ideal for spaces where a traditional island just doesn’t make sense. Outdoors, we dive into a rewarding DIY project that transforms the backyard into a gathering place, with tips for creating a wood-fired pizza oven that delivers flavor and fun well beyond summer. Once the oven is fired up, the recipes section shares an easy, interactive pizza night concept complete with make-ahead prep and customizable toppings, turning a casual meal into a memorable get-together. And before spring goes into full swing, our cleaning shortcuts help you declutter and refresh without giving up every free weekend, leaving your home feeling lighter and more organized.

If real estate plans are taking shape this season, I’m always here to help answer questions, offer guidance, and support your next move.

Mark Thompson The Insight Group Real Estate

(601)291-0820 / (769) 300-2651 matloans@yahoo.com www.thelistandbuyguy.com 4394 Mangum Dr., Flowood, Ms. 39232

Table of Contents

Recipes: Build-Your- Own Pizza Night Prep-ahead tips, a versatile dough recipe, and a wide range of toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their own pie for pizza night.

Modern Alternatives to Kitchen Islands SMART LAYOUT IDEAS FOR KITCHENS THAT WORK HARDER

If a traditional kitchen island doesn’t fit your space or your lifestyle, there are plenty of stylish alternatives to consider. Explore flexible options that prioritize flow, storage, and everyday functionality. With practical design tips, ergonomic guidance, and budget-friendly ideas, you’ll discover fresh ways to create a kitchen that feels inviting, efficient, and uniquely yours.

Simplified 18

Spring Cleaning,

Build a Backyard Pizza Oven A BACKYARD UPGRADE FOR PIZZA LOVERS

EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR SPACE

This in-depth guide walks experienced DIYers through planning, sizing, and constructing a wood-fired pizza oven designed for efficiency, flavor, and entertaining. With expert tips, realistic cost breakdowns, and step-by-step insight, you’ll learn how to create a multi-season outdoor centerpiece that delivers restaurant- quality results.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to take over your weekends. From quick-clean tricks and appliance refreshes to organization systems that actually stick, in this article, you’ll find plenty of ideas to help your home feel lighter, cleaner, and ready for the season ahead.

March 2026

The traditional square island has been a mainstay of kitchen design for decades. As people’s expectations for their living space continue to evolve, increasing emphasis is being placed on factors such as functionality, ease of movement, and more efficient appliance placement and storage options. While the additional prep area the customary island offers is still a highly sought-after feature for many home buyers, they want more bang for their buck when it comes to what can be precious space allotment. Modern Alternatives to Kitchen Islands This explains why demand for the utility or functional island, as it is also known, has risen. This type of island typically includes a bar sink and built-in appliances such as microwaves, ovens, and more. In addition to providing a work area and additional cabinet space, a utility island offers innovative solutions by combining items needed for daily functionality in a convenient and space-saving way. Contemporary islands also commonly include more power outlets, making it easier to use small appliances without having to leave your workstation and search for cabinet space and a free outlet elsewhere. Another popular amenity is the inclusion of built-in charging stations for iPads, phones, and other smart devices. THE VERSATILITY OF A UTILITY ISLAND

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As the name suggests, a kitchen peninsula is open on three sides, being attached on one side to existing cabinetry or counter space. A peninsula is an attractive alternative to the traditional four-sided island for those looking for more ease of movement, increased cabinet storage, and a dining space. WHAT IS A KITCHEN PENINSULA? Homeowners looking to create extra seating options and an atmosphere that encourages socialization in the kitchen are opting for islands with an overhang on one side that makes a bar with room underneath for stools. This feature can be a real selling point if you love to entertain.

Kitchen layouts that may lend themselves well to a peninsula include a galley (or corridor layout). This design features two walls of cabinets, one on each side, with a walkway running down the center of the room that is typically 3-5 feet long. Usually, this type of kitchen dedicates one side to housing built-in cooking appliances: stove, oven, and microwave, etc., with cabinetry above and below, and the opposite wall has open counter space for food prep, along with additional cabinetry and drawers for storage. A peninsula can be advantageous in homes with a galley-style kitchen or in homes where the kitchen space is too small for a traditional island to be a viable option.

March 2026

Before there were kitchen islands, peninsulas, and workstations, when most Americans relied on agricultural jobs for a living, the farm table was the center of the family kitchen, serving as the site for meal prep and, of course, as the place where meals were taken. Though in recent years, the use of the farm table has been classified as rustic or country interior design, the farm table is again trending as more homeowners prioritize creating an atmosphere that embraces spending more quality time with loved ones. THE REEMERGENCE OF THE FARM TABLE Using a dining table as an island can work well if you are conscientious about measuring the height of the table and modifying it as needed if it is less than thirty-six inches tall. This is important because working at a table that is too low means you will constantly be putting pressure on your back and neck, hunching over while you work. The standard height for a kitchen island is thirty-six inches or forty-two inches, and the height chosen for your space, if you were to go with a traditional island, would depend on your counter placement. MAKE SURE THE TABLE HEIGHT IS ERGONOMICALLY FRIENDLY

If your dining table is lower than thirty-six inches, you have options:

1. Add bun feet or casters to the table legs to increase height.

2. If the table is a solid one, add a stone topper, as this will also make the table taller.

3. If you don’t already have a table or are open to replacing the one you have, consider having one custom-made.

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If having your dining table professionally modified or a new one custom-made to your specifications isn’t in the design budget at the moment, here are some basic things you need to do to prepare your table for dual use as a prep/workstation and a place to serve meals: 1. Protect the table using a sizeable, removable butcher block or cutting board when preparing meals to avoid inflicting dings, scratches, or burns from hot pots and pans onto the surface.

2. If your table is made of wood, you should sand it and apply a food-safe sealant.

• You definitely want to sand the top first to get rid of the old stain and debris. Doing so will level the surface, allowing for a more even application of the sealant. • Food-contact-safe tung or mineral oil are popular kitchen work surface sealants. You will need to use at least two coats and perhaps a few more; how well the wood absorbs it will determine how many coats you have to apply. • To finish up, use a soft, clean cloth and rub the tabletop down to remove any excess sealant.

• Allow the tabletop to dry thoroughly.

• If necessary, add risers or table leg extensions to bring your table up to the working height of thirty-six inches. You can also replace the legs of the table.

March 2026

USING REPURPOSED OBJECTS

Whatever choice you make, be sure to properly light the area over your island, peninsula, or farm table. This is essential for practical reasons so you can see to prep and cook meals properly, but it is also crucial to set the right tone and create visual ambiance. Remember, for most homeowners, the kitchen is the center of the home, and you want it to feel and look inviting and reflect your personal aesthetic. The lighting you choose plays a big part in that. When deciding what elements are essential to the right kitchen design for you, honestly consider your practical needs. What features do you need and are most likely to use daily or at least regularly? Then consider the design details you find appealing. And don’t forget to be mindful of your budget. DON’T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING

A current DIY trend that has really taken off is repurposing vintage furniture, such as taking a dresser or buffet, covering it with a butcher block top, and using it as an island. These pieces already have drawers and cabinets built in, so it is a simple project that leaves you with a genuine one-of-a-kind piece that adds character to your kitchen and is bound to be a conversation starter. Use your imagination! People are getting creative online, where you can find examples of individuals converting everything from old, galvanized washtubs to cast iron sewing machine bases to kitchen islands by adding wood or butcher block pieces on top. These small islands are great for people in condos or in smaller homes who are looking for extra workspace, either on a daily basis or perhaps just for times like the holidays, when there is a lot of extra cooking to be done and kitchen space is at a premium. Mobility can be an essential factor for these upcycled pieces turned kitchen islands, so consider adding caster wheels to the legs for your convenience.

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Although pizza originated in Italy, it’s arguably become a global favorite. Whether you vote for Chicago-style or prefer New York crust, making pizza at home means you can go thick or thin, choose your favorite ingredients, easily cater to dietary needs, and produce your ideal pie. But the summer months often mean sacrificing pizza night in favor of avoiding added heat to the kitchen. Solve this dilemma by moving pizza making outdoors with a pizza oven suitable for multi-season use. Although you can simply buy a countertop appliance to place in your outdoor kitchen, if you want rustic, authentic wood-fired results, build a permanent pizza oven instead. A backyard fire-fueled pizza oven provides the ideal space for entertaining and leveling up summer grilling. Plus, while pizza may take center stage, an outdoor oven is just that, meaning it can also be a valuable tool for anything you want to bake outdoors during hot summer days. A Brick-by- Brick Guide to Building an Outdoor Wood- Fired Pizza Oven

March 2026

THE BASICS

Arizona, offered his advice on the topic: “To retain heat and save fuel, I usually recommend a 90 cm dome (about three feet) and a 60 cm aperture (opening, about two feet).” This size allows the heat to rise and circulate within the oven, creating a consistent temperature without the need to constantly stoke the fire. Niemela continued, “In a nutshell, smaller and rounder ovens often work better than the large, rectangular boxes that many DIY instructions suggest. A common misconception is that larger pizza ovens (150 x 90 x 70 cm or even bigger) are better, but those dimensions can interfere with the airflow and require an additional 150–200 kg of refractory mass.” In contrast, the 90 cm diameter he recommends provides an oven that can burn up to nearly 850 degrees with nearly half the hardwood needed by a larger unit. Niemela explains, “I have seen build plans for larger ovens that consume 12 to 15 kg of wood and still fail to retain the heat in the back cooking area. The volume of the room is as important as the airflow efficiency. The convection currents that crisp the crusts will die down if there is too much volume and not enough throat restriction.” Outside the size of the oven itself, consider the overall size of the unit, from ground to top and side to side. Ensure room for movement around the structure and adequate space above the chimney.

Cost: $400 to $1500 (versus $2,000 - $8,000 for contractor build)

Time: Allow a few weekends Experience level: Advanced

Tackling this project DIY style requires some moderate to advanced masonry skills, but with patience, most homeowners will be rewarded with cost savings and a sense of pride in the build.

PLANNING

The more detailed your plan, the more efficiently the build will go.

1. Choose a Location

Since this is a permanent structure, the location of your pizza oven is an important consideration. Take the time to hang out in your yard and envision its completion. Evaluate any possible obstacles and flow issues, such as distance from the house and outbuildings. Also think about whether you want your pizza oven to be covered. Your pizza oven should be located in the midst of the activity, but not in such a way that it blocks the view from the bocce ball match, action in the pool, or the kids playing on the swingset. Furthermore, think about how each space connects to the others. If it’s part of a larger outdoor kitchen, consider how to incorporate it with other components like the grill or sink. Place your pizza oven near eating areas and the entrance to the home to reduce extra steps during prep and clean up. However, it should not be placed against the house. Be sure to allow several feet of space between the home and the oven. Also consider family safety, ensuring you can keep an eye on the kids while the oven is in use.

3. Decide on Additional Features

Consider the flow of activity, from prep to cooking to cutting, cooling, and serving. Niemela advises, “Honestly, many people see the pizza oven as a stand-alone tool, but it’s really only one component of the full outdoor workflow. Many people fail to include simple features like a 60 x 40 cm prep shelf at hip height for staging dough, a 30 kg small tool rack next to the mouth for peels and brushes, and shielding slopes for smoke paths. You can make the oven feel better on day one of use with small tweaks that only cost $60 in steel angles or a couple of hours of effort.”

2. Be Intentional with Size

Start by deciding on a size for your finished oven. Experts recommend keeping the oven fairly small for airflow and heat efficiency. Danny Niemela, co- owner of ArDan Construction based in Scottsdale,

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THE BUILD

Step 1: Create a Foundation Slab

Clear and level the soil. Build a frame for the concrete foundation, complete with rebar for support. Mix the concrete and pour it into the form, ensuring the proper slope for water runoff.

Step 2: Build the Capstone

Separately, frame in and support the proper size of capstone (countertop) for your structure. Mix and pour your concrete into the frame. For similar results, Niemela advises, “A concrete block base with a 50 mm cement screed and a castable refractory facing that weighs 120 to 150 kg works great. A lot of forums suggest you need an entire firebrick structure to get good results, but that’s not true. You can get excellent results without one, especially if you install 50 mm ceramic wool boards under the floor and 75 mm of vermiculite- cement mix around the dome. The up-front savings can be substantial (up to $450 in materials over full firebrick builds), and the thermal lag is the same for 5 to 6 hours of cooking. If you overbuy high-density refractory, your oven will take 3 to 4 hours to heat up instead of the 90 minutes it would take with the balanced materials above.”

Step 3: Allow Cement to Dry

Thoroughly cure both the slab and the capstone for at least 24 hours. For planning purposes, consider creating your foundation and capstone as a weekend project. Then continue the build on the next weekend.

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Step 7: Install an Arched Form

To support your dome build, create an arched form. First, cut two half-circles from plywood for your door area and back support. Use lumber to support the frame by attaching the front semi-circle to the back semi-circle. Then secure Lauan or similar material over the lumber supports. The result will be an arched tunnel in the shape of the oven.

Step 8: Build the Dome Sides

Working from the bottom up, stack bricks up the sides of the arch. Apply mortar to each brick, using a thicker layer on the outside to create an angle. Continue this pattern, allowing each row to close the arch as it reaches the top. Important: Near the front of the oven, leave an eight-inch square without bricks. This is where the chimney will go. You can either build up about four rows of bricks for your chimney or install a flue after removing the form.

Step 4: Build Your Base

Remove the frames from the foundation and capstone. Stack cinder blocks on the foundation to create height and provide support for the capstone. Since the slab is sloped, use mortar for the bottom row of concrete blocks, using thicker applications in areas to provide a level surface for the capstone. Check each block for square, plumb, and level as you work. Once the bottom blocks are in place, build up by staggering the seams. Secure each stone in place using landscape adhesive in between the concrete blocks, since it won’t show in the final product, and it’s easier to use than mortar.

Step 9: Remove the Form

Once the mortar is completely dry, carefully remove the screws from the front arch of the plywood. Then gently remove the frame supports and back arch of the frame, using a prybar if necessary. If it won’t release, you may need to run the blade of an oscillating saw through the mortar between the brick and the form.

Step 5: Install the Capstone

Once the base is secure, grab a few friends to help lift the capstone into place. It will be heavy.

Step 10: Apply Outer Materials

For the finishing touches, insert a flue or build up a chimney. Apply a thin layer of a mix like vermiculite or perlite with Portland cement across the entire surface of the completed dome. This will both insulate the oven for heat retention and protect the outer surface from causing burn hazards. Around the base, apply stone to create a pleasing facade. Attach a door if desired. Important Note: Before using your completed oven, be sure to “season” your oven with a few low- temperature fires before bringing it up to full heat capacity.

Step 6: Lay the Oven Floor

Use firebricks for your oven floor. Create a frame if you want a rounded shape, or lay out the bricks with your chosen pattern. Just be sure all areas within the oven floor are covered by high-heat firebricks, which can withstand extreme temperatures. Areas not in direct contact with higher temperatures can be lined with budget-friendly clay bricks. Use an angle grinder to cut the firebricks to size as needed and secure them to the capstone with a layer of high-temp mortar. Do not use mortar between the firebricks.

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MATERIALS

Your fire-burning pizza oven will be constructed from concrete and brick. From there, you can choose materials for support forms and finishes. The basic list includes:

• Retaining Wall Blocks • Masonry Construction Adhesive

• Clay Bricks • Fire Bricks • High-Heat Mortar Mix • Mortar Mix • Drywall Mud Pan

• Sponge • Plywood

• 2-in x 4-in Lumber (Actual: 1-1/2 in x 3-1/2 in) • Lauan or other thin, flexible, strong material • Screws • String

SUPPLIES

Additionally, you’ll need a variety of tools. Start with: • Tape Measure • Angle Grinder • Square • Large and Small Levels

• Spade Shovel • Masonry Chisel

• Garden Hose • Garden Hoe • Large and Small Trowels • Concrete Float • Caulk Gun • Rubber Mallet • Tuck Pointing Trowel • Jigsaw • Circular Saw • Safety Glasses • Work Gloves • Respirator/Safety Mask • Hearing Protection • Drill • Hammer • Utility Knife • Pry Bar • Oscillating Multipurpose Tool

• Shop Vacuum • Cement Mixer

March 2026

Serve up a Build-Your-Own Pizza Night BUILD-YOUR-OWN PIZZA PARTY TIPS Allowing family and friends to build their own pizzas means they can make them just the way they like them. Plus, it gets everyone involved in the activity. Guests with dietary restrictions will have more flexibility by adding their own toppings, too. To set yourself up for success, follow these tips:

board and rolling pin, flour for dusting, and a knife or pastry scraper for handling and cutting dough. For the sauces, include a spoon or pastry brush. Next, lay out cheese options. Further down the workstation, supply trays of vegetables, herbs, and meat toppings. You will also need hot pads, a large metal spatula or pizza peel, cooking sheets (optional), and a pizza cutter. 4. For easy transport, apply a thin layer of pan coating or a dusting of flour to sheets of parchment paper. Place each crust on the paper until it is ready for the oven or grill. 5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before preparing pizzas. 6. Encourage guests to cut off a section and roll or stretch the crust to size, creating their own large or small personal pizzas or calzones in their preferred thickness.

1. Prepare as much as possible in advance. Red, white, and pesto sauces can all be made a day or two ahead. Same with the dough and ingredients. 2. Cut and grate all ingredients. Slice vegetables. Rough chop greens like arugula, spinach, and basil. Precook sausage, ground beef, and chicken. Grate cheeses and store in an airtight container. 3. Set up a station for “the build”. At one end of the workstation, provide a large cutting

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BUILD-YOUR-OWN TOPPINGS LIST Pick and choose ingredients you already have on hand, or make it an event with a wide variety of unique and inspiring options. CHEESES: VEGETABLES:

• Mushrooms • Black Olive • Fresh Tomato • Pineapple • Green Pepper

• Feta • Asiago • Cheddar • Smoked Gouda • Gorgonzola • Fresh Mozzarella • Shaved Parmesan • Vegan Mozzarella

• Roasted Potatoes • Carmelized Onions • Red Onion • Artichoke Heart • Zucchini • Roasted Red Pepper • Sun-Dried Tomato • Fresh Garlic

MEATS AND SEAFOOD:

• Pepperoni • American Bacon • Italian Sausage • Canadian Bacon • BBQ Pulled Pork • Jerk Chicken • Lemon Herb Chicken • Anchovy • Shrimp • Ground Beef

• Roasted Garlic • Kalamata Olive • Pepperoncini • Arugula • Spinach • Cilantro Basil • Broccoli • Fresh Jalapeño

March 2026

VERSATILE BASIC PIZZA CRUST This is the recipe you always wish you’d had. The process is simple and yields a versatile dough that can be used for pizzas, calzones, breadsticks, or even a basic rustic-style loaf. For the ideal flavor and texture, make this dough one day in advance. However, it will work if you throw it together the same day, too. Since this recipe makes a large batch, you’ll have plenty for several small pizzas, four medium-sized pizzas (approx. 10-inch), or four small loaves of bread. Try it for cinnamon rolls too!

7. When ready to prepare, cut off a section of the dough for individual pizzas, or stretch each ball into a 10-inch circle. You can cook the dough on indirect heat on your grill (before adding toppings so you can flip frequently), place it on a pan in the oven, cook it in a cast-iron skillet, or brown it in an outdoor pizza oven.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3): z 3 cups water (very warm, but not hot) z 2 tablespoons honey

z 2 packages or 4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast z 7 cups white flour (can use a combination of bread flour, wheat, etc. if you prefer) z ¼ cup olive oil z 3 tablespoons kosher salt Directions: 1. Dissolve the honey in the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let the yeast stand until it activates, around 5-8 minutes. 2. Once the yeast mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, mix in the flour, olive oil, and salt. 3. Use a dough hook on your mixer or pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable. 4. Allow the dough to rise in a warm location until doubled in size, about one hour. 5. Once risen, punch down the dough and place it on the floured work surface. Knead lightly and divide into four sections. Roll each section into a ball, creating a smooth surface around the top. 6. At this point, oil the top of each ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. If you don’t have that much time, you can refrigerate until ready to use. The longer refrigeration provides a deeper flavor, chewier texture, and easier handling. However, same-day dough is still delicious.

EASY TOMATO PIZZA SAUCE For a pizza sauce that comes together quickly, simply mix tomatoes or canned tomato sauce with seasonings, and you’re ready for pizza night. Ingredients (Serves 2–3): z 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes or 12-oz can tomato sauce z 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, agave, or sugar alternative z 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning z ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste z Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Combine all ingredients. You can prepare this in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until ready for use.

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CREAMY WHITE SAUCE If your family prefers a white sauce on pizza, whip up this easy alfredo-like sauce to get the party started. The process is simple. Start with a roux, thin with milk of your choice, and add in cheese to thicken and flavor. Ingredients (Serves 2–3): z 2 tablespoons butter z 2 - 4 cloves garlic, shredded or minced z 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch z 1 - 1 ¼ cup milk (2%, whole, half and half, or dairy substitute) z ½ teaspoon salt z ¼ teaspoon black pepper z ¼ - ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded Directions: 1. Melt the butter in a pan on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly fragrant, about 1 minute. Then whisk in the flour. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes to create a creamy-colored roux (do not brown). 2. Gradually add the milk, whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, thick, and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Cook longer to thicken or add more liquid to thin. 3. Whisk in salt and pepper to taste. 4. Add grated parmesan, remove from heat, and stir until the cheese is melted. You can also add other herbs, such as oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, or onion powder to make this recipe your own!

QUICK PESTO SAUCE Pesto is easy to make at home. You can have a fresh batch whipped up in minutes, using very few ingredients. Although basil is the most commonly used herb in pesto, you can toss in a variety of greens from your garden or weekly CSA box. In addition to basil, experiment with peppery arugula, mild parsley, bold cilantro, refreshing mint, or cool- weather spinach. Reduce waste by adding carrot tops, fennel fronds, or the greens from beets, radishes, and turnips. Start with this basic recipe. From there, swap out greens, trade parmesan for asiago, or substitute pistachios for pine nuts. The choice is yours! Ingredients (Serves 2–3): z 1/4 cup pine nuts, other nut of your choice, or nut alternatives like sunflower seeds z ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, or other hard cheese z 3 cups greens, tightly packed z 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped z 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste z freshly cracked pepper to taste z 1 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt to taste z ½ to ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients except the olive oil into a blender. Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined. Once the texture is consistent, stream the olive oil into the mixture. Do not overblend the pesto into a puree. You want it to be slightly chunky rather than completely smooth. 2. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. 3. Store in airtight jars in the refrigerator. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the top to reduce browning and use within one week. You can also freeze pesto in ice trays, a vacuum-sealed bag, or in freezer- safe glass containers, for up to six months.

March 2026

Make a Schedule As the saying goes, “Getting started is the hardest part.” Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed before you’ve even started. Instead, create a comprehensive plan to get to all of the tasks on your list within a designated time frame. When making your list, group together similar chores, such as cleaning out closets and drawers. Or attack one room at a time, tackling everything from the ceiling to the floor. Make a schedule for your chores and put them on your calendar. Depending on the task, that might mean setting aside a few hours or blocking out a few weekends. Either way, be realistic about the time you have and the amount of time your cleaning will require. Your calendar is a tool that helps you hold yourself accountable so you can feel good about your accomplishments once you’re done. Spring has a way of inviting a reset. As the season shifts, so do our routines—and our homes often need a little attention to catch up. Instead of tackling everything at once, a thoughtful approach to spring cleaning can help you clear clutter, freshen forgotten spaces, and create a home that feels calmer and more functional for the months ahead. Spring Cleaning, Simplified EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR SPACE

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Time the Task Another way to trick yourself into success is to set a timer. Can you clean the toilet in less than a minute? Try to beat the 1-hour clock, cleaning out the pantry or see if 20 minutes is long enough to clean the windows in the living room. Setting a timer will help you stay focused on the task at hand. It can also keep you from spending copious time on one task. Instead, do the best you can, and when time is up, concede that what you’ve done is good enough and move on to the next task (unless you severely underestimated how long a task would take, then just finish it quickly and move on).

Disinfect Your Sponges If you use sponges in your house, remember they can harbor bacteria. Regularly sterilize your sponges by throwing them into the dishwasher. You can also place wet sponges into the microwave for one to two minutes to disinfect them. Keep the Fridge Fresh Your refrigerator is a hard-working machine. In addition to pulling out expired food and cleaning the vents regularly, spring is a good time to go a bit deeper. Pull out drawers and wash with soap and water. Also, scrub the shelves and door compartments. When putting things back together, place a paper towel or a thin kitchen towel in each of the drawers for easy cleaning next time around. Also, open a new box of baking soda and place it inside the fridge to absorb odors. Declutter Like a Pro Although it can seem overwhelming, decluttering really comes down to decision-making. Set yourself up with a system by lining up three boxes—keep, donate, and trash. If it’s broken or has missing parts, it’s probably trash (or recycling). If you haven’t used it in six months to a year, it’s ready for donation. Remember, you can borrow or rent many items you only use occasionally rather than storing and maintaining things long term. For items you want to keep, take the time to evaluate if it’s something that serves a purpose or that you truly love. Too often, we get into the habit of holding onto things simply because they’ve been around for a long time. Try on clothes, coats and shoes. Pick a recipe so you can try out each small appliance, like the ice cream maker or grinder. Once you’ve ensured it’s something you want to keep, find the best location for storage or display.

Clean Windows and Frames After a long winter, windows are often coated with grime and dirt. Always clean windows on a cloudy day and work on the shady part of the house if the sun is out. Otherwise, you’ll just end up battling streaks. Once the glass is clean, tackle the debris buildup inside the frames, as well. Use your crevice vacuum attachment to remove larger items. Then, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into the runner and drizzle some white vinegar on top. It will bubble, cleaning out the buildup. Wipe away with a rag, and use a pencil or pen to push the rag into corners.

March 2026

Look Up, Down, and All Around Spring cleaning is about knocking out the cobwebs and grime that has accumulated throughout the year. A lot of what you sense when you walk into a room isn’t really visible at eye level. Instead, it’s the filth on the top of the kitchen soffit, the build up on ceiling fans, and the layer caked to the top of your door jambs. For a really clean feel, tackle each room starting at the top, and work down to the baseboard trim. Bathe Your Showerhead While you rely on your shower for a daily cleanse, your showerhead can get gunked up, especially if you deal with hard water in your home. Return the favor to your showerhead by clearing the nozzles. If you can easily remove the showerhead, simply place it in a shallow container of white vinegar and allow it to soak for a few hours. To keep your showerhead in place, place the vinegar, or a combination of four cups vinegar and ½ cup baking soda combined with a cup of water, into a plastic bag. Use a rubber band to secure the bag around the shower head. Allow it to soak for a few hours, and follow up with a scrub brush to remove deposits if needed. Put Your Dishwasher to Work A functional dishwasher is an amazing appliance — and it’s good for more than simply washing dishes. While your spring cleaning might include digging through the specialty glassware, you can also run ceramic and glass household items through a wash cycle. Include your toothbrush holder, stainless steel pen rest and jewelry tray, candle holders, decorative vases and anything else that’s dishwasher safe. It’s a lot less time- consuming than washing each item by hand.

Chase Dust Bunnies with Socks Those single socks that never find a partner in the laundry make perfect dust mitts. Slide your hand in, and use them for eliminating dust from shelves, knick knacks, books, mirrors, and lamp shades. They’re also a great tool for cleaning mini blinds.

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Wash the Shower Curtain Liner Get rid of the mildew build up easily by tossing your shower curtain liner into the washing machine. Add bleach or vinegar and run it through a cycle. It’s much easier than scrubbing it clean in the bathtub. Clean the Grocery Bags Every so often, be sure to clean the reusable shopping bags you drag from the car to the store and back home again. Many of them can go straight through a wash cycle in the washing machine. Others may need to be wiped down with soap and water in the sink. Pull the Stove Knobs While you’re tackling appliances, pull the knobs off your stove and oven so you can clean beneath them. Put them in the silverware tray of the dishwasher for a thorough wash.

Renew Wood Cooking Aids Wooden salad bowls, spoons, and cutting boards start to show wear from exposure to water and heat. Renew your wood accessories with a food grade mineral oil you can pick up online or at a home store. You can also use it on wood furniture and butcher block countertops. Curtain Renew If you simply want to knock the dust off your curtains, take them down and toss them into the clothes dryer on the air only/no heat cycle. Rehang them promptly at the end of the cycle so they don’t gather wrinkles. Bedding Basics Sleep well knowing your bed is clean. In addition to washing everything from your blankets to your mattress cover, vacuum your mattress and spin it to a different position for even wear. Flip it over if you don’t have a pillowtop version. Also, read the labels on your pillows and clean accordingly.

September 2024 21 March 2026

Closet Cleanout

Dust with Your Dryer In addition to the curtains, you can also freshen up throw pillows, blankets, scatter rugs, pet beds and most other linens around the home. If in doubt, use the non-heat cycle on your dryer, and be sure to empty your lint tray after each use. Bleach Grout Tile is a fairly low maintenance material for kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. But the grout can quickly become stained. If your grout is a light color, bring back its original luster with a bleach pen. Found in the laundry aisle of most stores, the bleach pen allows you to fill in the grout portion without a lot of mess. You can also use a toothbrush to adhere the bleach to the grout and allow it to sit 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Clean Filters Everywhere Your vacuum, air conditioner, furnace, dryer, humidifier and other appliances all feature filters that need a rinse now and then. Simply soak them in a bowl or run them under water and allow them to dry completely before putting them back in place. Spring is all about new beginnings, so take the time for a thorough, but efficient, top to bottom deep clean and set the tone for all that this new season will bring. For an effective closet cleanout, follow these guidelines for decluttering. Make sure you try on every item before putting it back into your closet. Chances are, if you haven’t worn it since last spring, you won’t wear it this season either. Let it go. If your closet is too small, consider packing up your winter clothes and storing them somewhere else, leaving out a few items you might need for travel, camping, etc.

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Protecting what you value with an independent view

We’re excited to announce the Rusty Healy Agency has become a fully independent insurance agency. This means a wider range of insurance solutions is available to help protect what you value most. And the trusted advice and personal service you’ve come to count on remain the same.

LET’S TALK TODA Y. Landon Thompson 7738 Old Canton Rd. Ste B Madison, MS 39110 601-856-3681 www.rustyhealyinsurance.com

Nason Williams Vice President | First Horizon Mortgage

601-201-8777 Mobile 601-203-3318 Office 601-586-3102 Fax 115 Laurel Park Cove, Suite 200 Flowood, MS 39232 NMLS # 78266

What's your next move? My recent book outlines the principles behind my own success and how I help others succeed in a quickly changing market. Learn strategies, secrets, tips, and much more from an industry insider! Read it now or request a free copy at markthompson.book.live/read-biz-card-book

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