I know this is going to sound stupid but a church friend of my mother's wants to come to the house to give her a pie. She hasn't been to church for a month because of foot surgery and is doing well. She has been going there for almost 2 yrs and this is the first time anyone has wanted to come by. My problem is we have a total of 8 little dogs in the house, 2 are my mother's. I already have a friend over today to help me with cleaning. This woman just called up this AM and wanted to come over. I hate drop bys. I can't keep the house spotless all the time for people to just drop by anytime they want. Between mother and the dogs all I do is clean, it's like chasing my tail, lol. Its' a small town church and I know this is probably a "spy" mission. I am all frazzled about this. I try to keep things as clean as I can, I am 53 and back surgery a few months ago. Keeping mother clean is my main priority so I don't care if there are some dishes in the sink, at least mom is clean. I just don't want to be judged. Would appreciate any advice about making house smell fresh and not just like bleach which I use a lot.
Thanks, I needed that :)
Like that idea of baking chocolate chip cookies...lol. A realtor once said she always throws a bag of popcorn in the microwave before clients look at a home. Gives them a munchy as well and most people love the smell (not me)..
Like the idea of declining and offering to visit another day very much!
This is a woman thing. But I do understand because I battle it myself.
You could also tell the woman when she brings the pie over that you'd love to invite her in but:
(a) you're in the process of cleaning
(b) the dogs have been sick throwing up all over the place and she wouldn't feel comfortable
(c) you're feeling sick and don't want to spread anything to her
(d) offer to meet her someplace to pick up the pie as your mother needs her rest and visitors wear her down;
(e) you've love to invite her at some other time; now just isn't convenient.
There is no reason that someone who hasn't been over before needs to feel comfortable dropping over uninvited and spend time in the home of someone who's recovering from surgery ( and needs her rest).
And avoid any of those chemical sprays which just stink up the house and release chemicals (some of which are carcinogenic) into the air. Some people are also allergic to those toxic air fresheners.
Cinammon, cloves and vanilla or herbs such as mint are always good standbys. So are chocolate chip cookies, and you get to reward yourself afterwards by eating them.
I am always politely suggesting to Dad to open a couple of windows and get some fresh air in the house.... my parents are just so use to how the house smells they don't even notice it. When I bring over groceries to my parents, I always leave the door to the garage open to get some new air into the house, but before I know it Mom is closing the door, she doesn't want any flies in the house.... really now, is one fly going to destroy the house?
What is weird is that their car also has the same identical smell... that new car smell is definitely long gone.
Don't forget, even Martha Stewart might have an off day where she doesn't feel like cleaning :)