Date Night in SouthSide Works for $45

How would you like to enjoy dinner, drinks, a new release movie and dessert at South Side Works for around $45….for TWO? Living Pittsburgh tells you how!

You’ll need to start off on the early side at McCormick & Schmick’s for their great happy hour. It begins at 4:30 and lasts until 6:30. They have an incredibly tasty half pound cheeseburger platter with fries for only $3.95. The bar menu changes, but always includes a nice selection of food ranging from $2.95 – $5.95. The drinks are fairly basic (especially the beer selection), and range in price from $3.75 for drafts and $6-7 for cocktails. Specials take place on the bar side, and the food deals require a minimum drink purchase of $3.50 per person.

Keep an eye on the clock because after your food and drinks, you’ll want to head on over to South Side Works Cinema for Bargain Mondays. For just $6.00, you can get into a movie throughout the whole day and enjoy concession stand discounts, as well. (*SONY films are not eligible for bargain pricing for the first 14 days of release and there is an additional surcharge for 3D films.)

After the movie, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth by grabbing a slice of decadent dessert at The Cheesecake Factory bar. You’ll save a few bucks and quite a few calories if you split it between two people. When the weather is warmer, get your dessert to go and sit out on one of the benches in the South Side Works Town Square and close out the night with some classic people watching entertainment.

There you have it, another great night out for two coming in at around $45. It may not be steak and cocktails, but that’s still not a bad deal!

Don’t worry about driving or parking – take the bus! Routes that will get you closest to South Side Works include 48, 50 & 75. You can also plug your address into Port Authority’s Trip Planner to get a quick, customized route. Getting there couldn’t be easier!

Like other start-to-finish discounts? Check out these other Adventure Blueprints!

Are you looking for a cheap night out with friends or loved ones?  Southside Works is the place to be for great happy house specials and discounts.  You can get food, drinks, a movie, and desert for very low prices.  Keep reading to learn how to do it!  You can find more great date night ideas at Living Pittsburgh.

Great Affordable Events in Pittsburgh

What events do you have planned throughout the next week?  Check out these free and discounted events happening from today until next Thursday throughout Pittsburgh. You can find out more at Living Pittsburgh.

Friday, March 22

Farm to Table – $10

Snugglebugs Consignment Sale - FREE admission, kids clothing discounts

The Gigantic Children and Teen Clothing and Toy Re-Sale – FREE admission

Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 priced admission

Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Friday Night Improv at Studio Theater – $3

Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5

Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership

Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less

Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays

Saturday, March 23

Latin American & Caribbean Festival - FREE

Easter Egg Hunt at The Waterfront - FREE

Mt. Nebo Pointe Spring Festival - FREE

Farm to Table – $10

Angora Gardens Annual Easter Egg Hunt - FREE admission

The Gigantic Children and Teen Clothing and Toy Re-Sale – FREE admission

Snugglebugs Consignment Sale - FREE admission, kids clothing discounts

Pittsburgh Power’s Opening Night Discounted Tickets - Starting at $10 in advance

Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12

SCIT Social Improv Jam - FREE

Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE

Sunday, March 24

Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE

Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $6 plus .50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs

Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6

Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches

Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less

Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Monday, March 25

Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover

AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials

Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE

Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people

Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays

Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less

Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Tuesday, March 26

1/2 Off Tuesdays at The Mattress Factory - FREE – $7.50

2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE

Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one

Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE

JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE

Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays

Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult

Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Wednesday, March 27

Community Night at the Union Project - Donation based

Ceramics Open Studio at the Union Project - $10

Beer Sampling at Carson St. Deli - FREE

Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials

Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE

Mommy & Me Wednesdays at My Little Outback – $2 discount

Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music

Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays

Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Thursday, March 28

Carnegie Museum Special Admission Thursdays – FREE from 4-8pm

Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5

Play Dates on Ice - $4.25

Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12

Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00

offCenter at the August Wilson Center – FREE

1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover

Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special

Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less

Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

RMU to take on Kentucky at RMU

Robert Morris University is a small college with not a lot of national attention on it's sports teams.  However, this is all about to change starting tomorrow night in Moon Township.  The game will take place at the Sewell Center because the NCAA tournament is using Kentucky's arena.  It is also a homecoming for Kentucky's head coach.  He is a Moon High School Alumni.  Keep reading more about this ESPN covered game below.
With its loss to Mount St. Mary's in the semifinals of the Northeast Conference tournament, Robert Morris saw its primary goal of making the NCAA tournament vanish.

As fate would have it, the Colonials' consolation prize has turned out not to be too bad.

Already guaranteed a spot in the National Invitation Tournament from its regular-season Northeast Conference championship, it was announced Sunday that Robert Morris will host defending national champion Kentucky in a first-round game.

"It will be an incredible environment, a great experience and it will be an experience that our players will remember for the rest of their lives," Robert Morris coach Andy Toole said.

The game is scheduled to take place Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Sewall Center on the Robert Morris campus.

The arrangement is a product of a unique set of circumstances that has effectively forced the Wildcats, a No. 1 seed in the tournament, to play a road game. Kentucky's home venue, Rupp Arena, is hosting second and third-round games in the NCAA tournament beginning Thursday, with teams using the court days earlier for practice.

The Wildcats (21-11) had to replace all five starters from their 2011-12 team that won the national championship. While already having to rely on freshmen and inexperienced players, the team was dealt a tough setback when star center Nerlens Noel suffered a season-ending ACL tear Feb. 12 at Florida.

Kentucky coach John Calipari is a Moon Township native.

Toole knows that the opportunity to host such a vaunted program is a rare one, but it's one he said won't get the better of his players.

"We've played a lot of good players before," Toole said. "It's not like we haven't played high-major schools, it's not like we haven't played future pros before. We've had those kind of experiences. Our guys won't be wide-eyed."

Read more at the PPG.

St. Patrick's Day Desserts!

Do you love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  Check out this great recipe for Irish themed cookies for your party or celebration this weekend.   You can find more recipes and crafts that are Irish themed at Martha Stewart.

Sprinkle a little luck on your sugar cookies. Draw your own stencil or use our template to create the clover design.

• Yield Makes 50

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Ingredients

• 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Green sanding sugar

Directions

1. Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder into a large bowl; set aside. Combine butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment; cream on high speed until fluffy. Beat in eggs
2. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in two additions, mixing until well combined. Mix in vanilla. Divide dough in half, and cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out 1 piece of dough on a lightly floured work surface 1/8 inch thick. With a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out 25 rounds. Working with 1 round at a time, place clover stencil on top; sprinkle surface with sanding sugar.
4. Arrange rounds on parchment- or nonstick baking mat-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes, or until ready to bake. Repeat process with remaining dough.
5. Bake, one sheet at a time, until edges just start to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Cook's Note

You can freeze the dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to one month. Store the cookies in an airtight container up to five days.

St. Patrick's Day in Pittsburgh

 Green food, green clothes, and green beer can only mean one thing.  It is time for St. Patrick's Day in Pittsburgh.  There are tons of events going on around town for you and your family to partake in.  Keep reading to learn about these events, including the famous downtown parade.  You can find out more information at the Post Gazette.

Animal Friends McBark & Brew Animal Friends' Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center  [ venue info ]
3/15/2013 7pm

All dogs can feel like Irish Setters at this party where they meet new canine friends while their human companions sample a variety of micro-brew beers (some may be green) and Irish treats.

Tickets are $20 to this age 21+ party. Proceeds benefit Animal Friends, a non-profit companion animal resource center serving the needs of pets and people since 1943. For more information, call (412) 847-7055.
Report a problem with this event   

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Nemacolin St. Patrick's Day Trifecta
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa  [ venue info ]
3/16/2013

Bring the family for an exciting day of sports and celebrations for St. Patrick's Day.

The day starts with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun Go For the Green Golf Scramble on the back nine of the golf course. You can then run for the riches at the Fat Bird 5K Walk/Run, which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at the resort's Sundial Lodge. After you've worked up a thirst and appetite, join the St. Patrick's Day Party at the Sundial Lodge beginning at 3:00 p.m. A bagpiper will begin the festivities, followed by evening entertainment, drink specials and Irish menu features.

And don't forget to bring the kids for the fun Pot 'O Gold Token Hunt. For more information, call Julie King at (724) 329-6279.
Report a problem with this event   

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St. Patty's Day Stache Bash
ToonSeum  [ venue info ]
3/16/2013 9am

Shake your shamrock at the Toonseum's secret pub --- just steps down from the St. Patrick's Day Parade route.

Check out the museum's latest exhibits, play the Toonseum scavenger hunt and win prizes all day long. Enjoy free staches and lip-smackin' Old Frothingslosh beer both before and after the start of the parade. Activities following the parade include an Irish jig competition, best Irish accent battle, leprechaun limbo, a leprechaun drawing contest and many more.

Admission is $5 to this age 21+ event. For more information, call (412) 232-0199.
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St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown ("Golden Triangle")  [ venue info ]
3/16/2013 10am

Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1869, Pittsburgh celebrates St. Patrick's Day with its annual parade. Look for marching bands along with floats featuring local celebrities and Irish organizations.

The parade begins at the Greyhound Bus Station, proceeds onto Grant Street turning right onto the Boulevard Of The Allies, past the reviewing stand at the intersection with Stanwix Street, then ends at Commonwealth Place.

Presented by the Irish Society For Education & Charity, Inc. For more information, contact pittsburghirish@verizon.net
Report a problem with this event   

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St. Patrick's Day Family Fun
Fifth Avenue Place  [ venue info ]
3/16/2013 11am

Everyone is a wee’ bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day as Fifth Avenue Place invites the whole family to stop by for an afternoon of festive fun following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Show your spirit with face painting designed by a cheerful leprechaun along with live music and play-for-prize games (while quantities last).

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call (412) 456-7800.
Report a problem with this event   

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2013 Revival Series: Drowning Clowns
Mister Small's Fun House & Theater  [ venue info ]
3/17/2013 7pm
Comprised of veterans of Pittsburgh's vibrant music scene, the band Drowning Clowns performs innovative rock tunes that creatively blend three distinct vocals into one amazing harmony.

The 2013 Revival Series is a revolutionary model of showcase that helps local acts. Each band distributes free tickets and are paid according to how many of their tickets are redeemed at the door. Tonight's show is a special St. Patrick's Day party celebrating the Drowning Clowns' new CD and welcoming other local artists to perform.

Admission is free for anyone over 21. Under 21 guests will be charged a mere $2 at the door. Presented as part of Creative Life Support, a project of New Sun Rising, a non-profit organization that supports grass roots projects in the Pittsburgh region through fiscal sponsorship. For more information, call (412) 821-4447.

Broadway in Pittsburgh

The Broadway Across America for Pittsburgh has been announced for next year.  The season includes 6 Tony Winners from the past 10 years.  The season will start in September at the Benedum with Disney's The Lion King and conclude with Peter and the Starcatcher in May 2014.  Keep reading to learn more about the season, and you can learn when tickets will go on sale.

Three 2012 Tony Award-winning productions, including Best Musical ("Once"), Best Revival ("Porgy and Bess") and Best Scenic, Costume, Sound and Lighting Design ("Peter and the Starcatcher") will be staged in Pittsburgh for the 2013-14 PNC Broadway Across America season.

The season also will include critically acclaimed audience favorites like the Queen musical "We Will Rock You" and the return of Disney's "The Lion King."



The 2013-14 season:

"Disney’s The Lion King," Sept. 3-29, the Benedum Center.

"We Will Rock You," Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, the Benedum.

"Elf," Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, the Benedum.

"Ghost The Musical," Dec. 31 to Jan. 5, 2014, Heinz Hall.

"The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," Feb. 25, 2014 to March 2, 2014, the Benedum.

"Once," March 11, 2014 to March 16, 2014, the Benedum.

"Peter and the Starcatcher," May 20, 2014 to May 25, 2014, Heinz Hall.

Other 2013-14 Season Specials:

"Christmas with The Rat Pack Live at the Sands," Dec. 24-29, Heinz Hall.

"Wicked," Jan. 15, 2014 to Feb. 9, 2014, the Benedum.

"Mamma Mia!," Feb. 11 to Feb. 16, 2014, Heinz Hall.

Season tickets range from $113 to $473. Single tickets will go on sale approximately six to eight weeks in advance of each show’s opening.

Pittsburgh Weekly Events

Are you looking for some great events in Pittsburgh this week?  There are concerts, conventions, and movies all with low or discounted prices.  This is your Pittsburgh event schedule from March 4th-March 10th.  For more great events and deals see Living Pittsburgh.
 
Monday, March 4

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover

Bargain Mondays at South Side Works Cinema – $6 admission all day with concession specials

AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials

Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE

Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people

Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays

Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less

Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Tuesday, March 5

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE

$2 Tuesdays at North Versailles Bowling Center – $2 games

Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one

Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE

JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE

Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people

Tuesday Knitting Group – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays

Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult

Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Wednesday, March 6

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

Community Night at the Union Project - Donation based

Beer Sampling at Carson St. Deli - FREE

Ceramics Open Studio at the Union Project - $10

Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials

Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE

Open Mic Night at Cannon Coffee – FREE

Mommy & Me Wednesdays at My Little Outback – $2 discount

Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music

Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day

99 cent movies all day – 99 cents

Wednesday Knitting Group – FREE

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays

Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Thursday, March 7

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

RAW Generation - $10-15

Family Night at Schenly Ice Rink - Kids skate free with each paying adult

Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5

GlobalPittsburgh Internation Networking Event - $5 nonmembers, FREE members

Play Dates on Ice - $4.25

Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12

Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00

offCenter at the August Wilson Center – FREE

Roger Humphries Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s in the Strip - No cover

1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover

New Mothers Knitting Group – FREE

Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special

Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less

Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

Friday, March 8

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

Irish Dance Lessons at Claddagh – $5

Sushi Happy Hour at Blue – FREE Sushi Buffet w/ a beverage purchase

Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 priced admission

Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Friday Night Improv at Studio Theater – $3

Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5

Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership

Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less

Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays

Saturday, March 9

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

Cinebrunch: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - $12-6

Titletown: Soul & Funk Party - $3-5

Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1

Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12

SCIT Social Improv Jam - FREE

Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE

Sunday, March 10

Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show - $3 off coupon and more

Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE

Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $.50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs

Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6

Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches

Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less

Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Spring Cleaning Schedule

Spring is almost here.  Make sure you are ready by starting your spring cleaning schedule now.  Here are some tips on how to set up a weekly schedule.  You can follow this schedule and have all of your cleaning done by the first warm day. 


I don’t know about you, but by mid-February each year, I’ve had it with winter. I’m tired of the short days, the cold weather, and flu season. Maybe most of all, I’m tired of the dirt and grime that seems the settle on everything — my house, my car, my kitchen floors — after the snow becomes mixed with road salt, soot, and dirt and finds its way into every nook and cranny. You can imagine, then, how delighted I am to say that spring cleaning season is just around the corner. (See also: Control Your Allergies with Regular Cleaning)

Don’t know where to start with your own spring cleaning? Try breaking it up into small, manageable bits by assigning just three tasks to each weekend in March. Follow my week-by-week checklist below to restore order and cleanliness to your home and prepare for a relaxing, rejuvenating spring!

Week One: De-Clutter Your Kitchen

1. Fridge

I know, I know. We all hate to clean the fridge, but what better time to do it thoroughly than spring cleaning? Start by cleaning out the freezer. Although the USDA says frozen foods remain safe to eat indefinitely, you do start to sacrifice taste and food quality after a certain amount of time. Use their chart to determine whether to throw away that casserole in your freezer. Next, clean your freezer with a sponge and 1:3 mixture of vinegar and water (vinegar is safe on areas that touch food and will remove stains and odors). Repeat with your refrigerator. Finish by dusting the top of the fridge, wiping down the sides, and vacuuming your refrigerator coils. Added bonus: Keeping your coils clean can help your refrigerator run more efficiently, saving you money.

2. Cabinets

“Cabinets” is a broad area to clean, I know. My advice pertains more to organizing your kitchen cabinets than to cleaning the outside of them, however. Attack your spring-cleaning cabinet organization by assessing the problem areas (junk drawer, Tupperware cabinet, or pots and pans cabinet, for example). Try to articulate what the problem is, and why it’s a problem for you. For example, my pots and pans cabinet is in shambles because my BF loves to throw things in there all willy-nilly after they come out of the dishwasher. Think of a solution that might address the root of the problem. For me, that would involve either buying a pot rack to hang my pots and pans (one per hook; problem solved!) or making clear dividers in the cabinets (skillets on the left, sauce pans on the right, thank you very much). It could be as simple as delineating the spaces with two tablecloths, or could be solved with an organizational tool from the store.

3. Oven/Dishwasher

OK, there’s nothing really similar between an oven and a dishwasher, but I said just three tasks per weekend, right? Plus, all you really need to do for the oven is turn on the self-cleaning feature or, for a lighter cleaning, use these oven-cleaning tips from Good Housekeeping. To clean your dishwasher, start by wiping down the outside and work your way in. Wipe the front, sides, and bottom (none of which gets washed during a normal cycle), and then clean debris out of the spinning arms and the grate/grill under the arms. Finally, run an empty cycle with distilled white vinegar to help remove hard water deposits and other grime you can’t reach. Week one: done!

Week Two: Beautify Your Bedroom

1. Thin the Herd (in Your Closet)

I clean my closet every six months or so but still seem to find a bounty of clothes to discard after each go-round. To decide which pieces to keep and which to give away, I go with the six-month rule: If I haven't worn it in six months, I probably won't miss it if it goes. In fact, I can't ever remember thinking, "I wish I had kept that out-of-date white sweater; it would go great with these shoes!" After a healthy wardrobe trimming, switch out your winter clothes for the lighter-weather wear. Decide whether you’re a person who likes to organize by color or by type. Store out-of-season clothing under the bed or in an out-of-the-way spot.

2. Organize Dresser Drawers

Dresser drawers are kind of like kitchen cabinets and luckily, you have experience organizing those from week one. Do the same for your boudoir boxes and systematically identify problem areas, causes, and solutions. In my case, my sock drawer is a real pain. I have trouser socks, warm fuzzy socks, and running socks all jumbled together in one, socky mess. A simple solution is to sort socks by use (work, casual, and running) and divide the drawer according. For a budget-friendly solution, try using shoe boxes, pencil organizers, or tissue boxes.

3. Tend to Bedding

There is conflicting advice on whether you should flip your mattress every so often in order to lengthen its useful life; I’m in favor of the practice. You might also want to vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and then cover your mattress with a good cover to help keep dust mites and allergens at bay. While you’re at it, either replace old pillows or check to see whether you can wash them (most types of pillows, whether made from natural or synthetic materials, are machine-washable). Lastly, change out your warm, winter blankets and comforter for lighter bedding.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

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Week Three: How About That Home Office?

1. File, File, File

Of all the tasks on my spring cleaning list, this is the one I dread the most. On the other hand, I know it will feel amazing to finally have my file drawers organized. During week three of March, organize your file drawer. If you don’t have a designated file cabinet or file drawer, you should. Motivate yourself to organize by buying brightly colored labels (I love Post-It® Filing Tabs! Download coupons here.) and hanging file folders. Then, get to filing — my folders are divided by categories like insurance information, taxes, medical bills, receipts, coupons, etc. If you already have a filing system in place, use this time to go through documents and shred what you no longer need. Here is a list of how long to hold on to important documents.

2. Clean Up Your Computer

Spring cleaning isn’t just about cleaning your physical space; it’s about the electronic sphere, too. There are a number of quick tasks you can do to improve the speed of your PC or Mac, including getting rid of unused files and programs, cleaning up your desktop, and defragmenting your hard drive.

3. Update Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Software

After you’ve improved the speed of your computer, keep it safe by updating your antivirus and anti-spyware software. Top Ten Reviews has a comprehensive list of the best antivirus and anti-spyware programs available, while PCWorld has reviews of the best free antivirus and anti-spyware out there. Finally, don’t forget to put a file backup strategy in place, so you don’t lose all your important electronic documents or programs.

Week Four: Tackle Outdoor Spaces

1. Clean Gutters

If you’re a homeowner, you’ll want to periodically clean out your gutters in order to prevent water damage to the roof and walls of your home. DIY Network has a great tutorial on cleaning and repairing your gutters yourself.

2. Clean Outside of Windows

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, let in more sunlight by cleaning the outside of your windows. Start by clearing away cobwebs and debris using a soft cloth, then clean the glass itself using a window-cleaning product or a 1:1 mix of vinegar and hot water (vinegar to the rescue again!). Make your job easier by purchasing a squeegee to wipe of excess water and prevent streaks. Wipe dry.

3. Clean Patio Furniture

Nobody likes to sit on a dirty, mucky patio chair. Increase the chances that you’ll make use of your outdoor spaces this season by cleaning your patio furniture. Mix dishwashing liquid with warm water and use this with a brush to scrub tables and chairs. While you’re at it, clean up your porch or patio by clearing away debris and sweeping the area. Treat stains with a 1:3 mixture of bleach and water and scrubbing the area with a hard-bristle brush.
There, you’ve made it! Four short weeks of three tasks per week. Now sit back, and enjoy the weather! Or, if you have extra time, take care of some other miscellaneous once-a-year tasks:

1. Change your air filter
2. Clean out your dryer ducts to help prevent fires
3. Inventory items in your home in case of theft or fire
4. Discard old beauty and bath productsFor more information see Wisebread.