February's Love Letters: Client Testimonials!

At Felicia’s Best, we believe in forming meaningful connections with our clients and making a positive impact in their lives. This month, as we celebrate love in all its forms, we are reminded of the unique bond we have with every one of our clients. Every day, we have the privilege of stepping into our clients' homes and helping them navigate their daily routines with ease and efficiency. But beyond the tasks at hand, it's the relationships we build that truly make our work fulfilling.

At the heart of our business lies a genuine love for what we do and for the people we have the privilege of assisting. We approach our work with warmth, compassion, and patience. Whether we are helping a busy parent manage their hectic schedule or providing support to an elderly individual in need of assistance, we strive to spread love through our acts of service. When we organize a cluttered space, run errands, manage appointments, or simply lend a listening ear, our actions are guided by empathy and we approach every task with care and attention to detail. Each client we serve has unique preferences and we take the time to understand their needs so we can create systems best suited to their lifestyles.

One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do is when we get to hear back from our clients about their positive experiences working with us. Many have taken the time to share their experiences through Google reviews and social media testimonials, and we are incredibly grateful for their kind words. The reviews we receive from our clients are like love letters, affirming the impact of our work and the strength of the relationships we've cultivated. It's heartwarming to hear how our services have brought joy, peace of mind and balance. These testimonials are not just words on a page; they are expressions of gratitude and appreciation that resonate deeply with us.

What sets us apart is our genuine passion for what we do and our unwavering commitment to exceeding our clients' expectations. We take pride in the relationships we build with our clients, fostering a deep sense of trust and reliability that goes beyond mere transactions. Our clients know that they can count on us to not only meet their needs but also to go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.

Our clients are the heart and soul of our business. At Felicia’s Best, we view each client as a valued member of our extended family. Their happiness and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do, and we are honored to be a part of their lives. Hearing their stories of how our services have made a difference – whether it's reclaiming valuable time, reducing stress, or simply bringing order to their homes – is incredibly rewarding and drives us to continually strive for excellence.

As February comes to a close, we are filled with so much gratitude to every one of our clients, past, present, and future. We extend our heartfelt thanks for entrusting us with your needs and allowing us to be a part of your journey. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with dedication, integrity, and care. Your trust, your kindness, and your appreciation mean the world to us, and we are honored to have the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for allowing us into your lives, for sharing your stories with us, and for being a part of our journey too.

New Year, New Vibe: Revitalize your Home!

Welcome to a brand-new year, the perfect time to give your home a refreshing makeover for 2024! As we bid farewell to the holiday season, now is an excellent opportunity to revitalize our spaces and embrace a new vibe. So, let's dive into some easy tips to spruce up both the interiors and exteriors of your abode.

Pack Away Holiday Cheer:

The first step in welcoming a new atmosphere is bidding adieu to holiday decorations. Pack them up with care and label each bin for easy access next year. Consider purchasing new bins to replace old, worn out ones. Many stores will be having sales on Christmas-themed storage! Take time to go through your decorations you no longer resonate with and create a pile to donate!

Common Area Declutter:

Start by decluttering and organizing the common areas of your home to invite in new energy into these busy spaces. Clear countertops and tables in shared areas, such as the entryway, living room and kitchen- with special attention to the "drop-zones" in your home. If you have a home office, simplifying what is on your desk will be a great jump start for you work in the new year! Storing away visual clutter and showcasing only decorative or purposeful items in these areas, helps create an inviting atmosphere. This new environment encourages the whole family to adopt a 'put it back' habit. By dealing with these central zones, you pave the way for smoother daily routines and you set the tone for a harmonious and clutter-free start to the new year!

Healthy Deep Clean:

As we begin 2024, accomplishing a fresh ambiance in your home can start with a thorough deep cleaning of your carpets, upholstery and curtains. You can use the cleaning appliances you already have, rent some or get them professionally cleaned! Tackling these cleaning tasks gets rid of stains, dust and allergens left over from the year before! This dedicated cleaning effort not only makes your home look and feel fresh, it contributes to a healthier environment. If you don't already have them- now would be a great time to invest in humidifiers and air purifiers for your home! If you already have them, you can give your humidifiers a good clean with vinegar and replace the filters for your air purifiers.

A Splash of Color:

As the new year unfolds, infusing your home with vibrant splashes of color can invigorate and refresh your living spaces. Introducing new hues into your decor palette doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Consider starting small by adding accent pillows in bold shades like rich blues or energetic yellows to your living room. Embrace the power of artwork; hang colorful paintings or prints that resonate with your style and bring life to blank walls. If you want to go a little bigger, you can refresh your walls with a new coat of paint or try out removable wallpaper for a quick transformation on an accent wall. Play with different textures and patterns in your curtains or rugs, introducing refreshing tones like lively greens or calming pastels. Rejuvenate the bedroom with new bedding, pillows, or curtains for a cozy and inviting feel. Don’t forget the kitchen—brighten countertops with colorful decorations, a lively fruit bowl or a fresh vase of flowers. New hand towels with a pretty pattern can be fun too! These simple yet effective touches can transform the ambiance, infusing your home with renewed energy and vibrancy for the year ahead.

Re-Arrange Your Furniture:

Shake things up! Try rearranging furniture for a fresh layout—sometimes a new perspective is all it takes to make you feel more refreshed in your space! Start by assessing the layout of each room, imagining new possibilities for flow and functionality. Experiment with different arrangements that encourage conversation, openness and easy movement. For instance, in the living room, try positioning seating to create a more inviting and intimate atmosphere. Consider reorienting the bedroom furniture to enhance relaxation and promote better sleep. Embrace the concept of 'room zones,' delineating areas for specific purposes, such as reading nooks or creative corners. By re-imagining the placement of furniture, you not only infuse a sense of novelty and freshness into your spaces but also foster a renewed energy that welcomes the possibilities of the year ahead.

Handy Things:

Create a list of the things that need to be fixed in your home- and set a date to accomplish them by or schedule for a handy person to come fix them! Let's get rid of all of those little annoyances- they take up more space in your mind than you may think.

In addition, here are a few quick projects that can dramatically change the look of your home without investing a ton:

-Install new bulb types and lighting fixtures to improve ambiance.

-Update window treatments for improved light control and privacy.

-Refresh kitchen and bathroom cabinets by adding new hardware.

-Upgrade other small details like switch plates, doorknobs or faucets.

-Apply peel-and-stick backsplash in the kitchen for a new modern look

-Replace ceiling fans with newer, more stylish options

-Install floating shelves for storage or display

Garden TLC:

If you have a garden, it's time to tidy it up! Begin by tidying up flower beds and lawns, removing debris and trimming overgrown plants to encourage fresh growth. Revitalize the soil with compost or mulch to nurture your garden's health. Consider adding pops of color with seasonal flowers or ornamental plants to breathe new life into your landscape. Show some love to your outdoor living areas by cleaning and arranging furniture for comfortable relaxation. Update your seating areas with new cushions, outdoor lanterns and maybe some fairy lights for an enchanting evening ambiance. Don't forget the front yard—a neat landscape does wonders when you come home from a long day!

Front Door Facelift:

A welcoming entry sets the tone of the experience in your home. Revamping your front door and entryway can instantly uplift the facade of your home. Begin by giving your front door a fresh coat of paint in a bold, cheerful hue that complements your home's exterior—a quick and impactful facelift. Enhance the entryway by adding seasonal potted plants or colorful flower arrangements flanking the door and injecting vibrant pops of color. Consider updating hardware, such as doorknobs, house numbers, or mailbox details, for a polished touch. Illuminate the pathway or porch with stylish outdoor lighting fixtures to create an inviting ambiance. Adding a decorative wreath or a personalized doormat can further infuse personality and charm.

Final Thoughts:

Revitalizing your home for the new year isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that nurtures your soul. Embrace the opportunity to infuse positivity, creativity and functionality into every corner. Remember, this process isn't about perfection; it's about progress. Take it one step at a time, and celebrate each transformation, big or small! And just remember... if these suggestions become too overwhelming, we are here to assist you! Here's to a fantastic year ahead filled with cozy corners, organized spaces and a home that truly reflects your unique vibe!

Wishing you a vibrant and joyous year ahead,

-Felicia's Best! xoxo

Written by Emily Jones

Marketing Manager and VIP Specialist

Felicia's Best Personal Assisting

9 Tips for an Organized Holiday Season!

The holiday season is supposed to bring joy, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, with all of the tasks and events going on, the holidays can often feel completely overwhelming. Amid the festivities, keeping your home organized can feel like a challenge. From decorations to gifts and gatherings, maintaining order during this time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the season to the fullest. Here are 9 tips to help things run smoothly!

Tip #1 - Plan and Prioritize!

Start by creating a plan. Identify all of the holiday tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritize them from most important to least important. Make a to-do list, setting manageable goals for each day or week leading up to the holidays. Focus on essential tasks first, such as decluttering communal areas, organizing storage spaces, preparing guest accommodations, and writing out gift and grocery shopping lists!

Tip #2 - Create Automation!

If you have a ton going on this time of year, create some automation in your life! Set up reminders for tasks and events on your phone, leverage smart home devices to remind you of routine tasks, and explore calendars and apps that streamline your schedule.

Tip #3 - Declutter and Simplify!

As you start preparing for the holidays, go through each room in your home and do a quick sweep to identify items that can be donated. Go through your holiday decorations and pick out ones that are broken or no longer loved. Create a pile near the front door and load up your car to take all of these items into a local donation center. Clearing out unnecessary items helps make room for new decorations and incoming gifts. We always try to find wonderful local organizations to donate to instead of large corporations. Here are some ideas for where you can donate locally: Injoy Thrift Stores, Assistance League of Tucson, Safe Shift (Tucson Fire Foundation Thrift Store), Bringing Out the Best, Blessingdales's Boutique, Great Things Thrift Store, Casa De Los Ninos, More Than a Bed and many more!

Tip #4 - Apply the 1 in, 1 out rule! If you already have a lot of holiday decorations, you can do the 1 in, 1 out rule. For every new decoration you buy, an old decoration needs to be donated or thrown away.

Tip #5 -Storage Solutions! Take a look at your holiday storage containers- are they missing lids, cracked, or mismatched? Maybe it's time to replace some of them! There are wonderful new products on the market for organizing and protecting your items- especially for Christmas ornaments! If you don’t already have your bins nicely labeled, now is the time to do it! Your future self will thank you! Beyond the bins you may use in the garage, also think about utilizing under-bed storage, hanging organizers, or shelving units to maximize space in your home that will keep items easily accessible.

Tip #6 -Gift Wrapping Organization! If you are a big gift giver, we suggest putting up a folding table somewhere out of the way and creating a designated gift-wrapping station! If you have all your supplies in one place, it makes the task much more manageable! Take this time to also rethink how you typically store all your gift-wrapping supplies- is this system working for you? There are countless options for storing it all! There are upright wrapping paper containers, flat horizontal bins, and several other options for storing wrapping paper. Keep track of gifts by creating a gift list. Note recipients, gift ideas, and whether the gift has been purchased, wrapped, and given. Designate a specific area for storing gifts to prevent last-minute scrambling.

Tip #7 -Kitchen Prep!

The kitchen tends to be the heart of holiday gatherings. Streamline meal planning by organizing recipes, creating shopping lists, and preparing make-ahead dishes (that you can freeze). Clear out expired items from the pantry and organize it for easy access to ingredients. Are you planning to do a lot of baking this holiday season? To keep your ingredients organized, and your head straight, we recommend clearing a shelf in your kitchen or pantry that is dedicated just to your holiday recipes. If you have a large home and plan to do a huge amount of cooking- you can also buy a rolling shelving rack and use that for all of your holiday cooking ingredients.

Tip #8 -Hosting Essentials!

Create a guest room checklist so you can be sure to remember everything your guests might need before they arrive! Some ideas include a wifi password card, makeup remover wipes, extra blankets, a luggage rack, 3 towels per person (*washcloth, hand towel, and bath towel), extra hangers, a reading lamp, a wastebasket, a hamper, a sound machine, extra toilet paper, toilet plunger, and basic toiletries like hand soap, body soap, body lotion. Provide adequate storage space for their belongings in the bedroom and bathroom and ensure the room is welcoming and clean. You could even consider creating a welcome basket with essentials and local information to make guests feel at home. If you are visiting someone else's home this year, you can show appreciation to your host by bringing them a little host gift. While you are out and about, you can pick up a few universal items to create a grab-and-go gift hub in your home. If you don't happen to give these out during the holidays, you can always repackage them as birthday gifts!

Tip #9 -Alternative Gift Giving!

Have too much stuff in your house? Suggest to your loved ones that you would prefer a different kind of gift this year- one that doesn't take up space in your home. Alternatively, if you don't want to mess with all the wrapping and in-person shopping this year, you can choose to give alternative gifts too! Clutter-free gifts are a perfect way to show your loved ones how much you care without adding to their clutter. These gifts are thoughtful and practical, and provide experiences that your loved ones will cherish for years to come. Here are just a few alternative gift ideas!

-Gift cards (to a favorite local business, store or restaurant) -Memberships (gym, zoo, aquarium, museum, water park) -Subscriptions (streaming service, meal delivery, online game, magazine) -Tickets (concert, symphony, theatre, comedy skit, movie, sporting event) -Free experiences (a sleepover, home-cooked meal, massage, adventure)

By establishing clear systems for decorations, gifts, and schedules, you can alleviate stress and create a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings in your home. As much as the holidays are about sharing joy, to be honest, we also know they can be stressful. Make sure to establish boundaries with the people you love to maintain your sanity. Learn to say no to commitments that may overwhelm you. Setting realistic expectations and priorities can help preserve your energy and peace of mind.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, take moments to pause and appreciate the season's magic. Celebrate the efforts put into organizing your home. Share laughter, create memories, and savor the joy of the holidays with your loved ones. By planning, decluttering, and establishing organizational systems, you can create a harmonious and stress-free environment in your home for all to enjoy. Embrace the spirit of the season and cherish these special moments!

Happy Holidays- Felicia's Best! xxoo