Put away any clutter and remove personal items from the room. You may also want to clear out a drawer and/or clean out the closet. Be sure to leave some empty hangers for guests too. The space should feel open and inviting. Start by dusting the room. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor. Also, be sure to clean any mirrors as your guests will surely want to see if they look as good as your room makes them feel! Be mindful of any strong scents or odors in the space as well. Your guests may not appreciate the jasmine air freshener you love so much. Open the windows and air out the space if needed. . Take off the old sheets and make up the bed with fresh, clean ones. Tuck in any corners and make sure the comforter is straight and neat. Pile up the pillows and turn down the sheets to create an inviting place to curl up. Lightweight sheets such as cotton or satin are great for warmer months, while flannel or jersey sheets are better for colder months. Matching sheets and a comforter with a gender-neutral design would be best. lean the bathroom. Clean the mirrors, counters, sink, toilet, shower/tub, and floor. Make sure there is soap, a clean hand towel, and ample toilet paper. If guests are staying more than a night, empty a drawer or clear a space on the counter for their toiletries. It is also a good idea to make sure there is a plunger visible to prevent guests from having to ask. Check the electrical outlets and electronics, and put fresh batteries in the TV remote. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, ensure the clock is accurate, and check that the blinds or shades, and doors, will close properly. You should also do a quick sweep for any hazards, like a loose rug that could cause your guests to trip.

Summary: Make space for your guests. Clean the room. Prepare the bed . Ensure everything works.


Wash 6 ounces of strawberries. Take a sharp small knife and carefully trim off the stems of the strawberries. Throw away the stems. Cut the strawberries into halves, if they're small, or quarters, if they're large. You should end up with about 1 cup of chopped strawberries. If you like more strawberries in the filling, adjust the ratio. For example, you could use 3 cups of strawberries and reduce the rhubarb to 4 cups. Wash 1 3/4 pounds (600 g) of rhubarb. Ensure that you wash away any dirt near the ends of the stalks. Take a large chef's knife and carefully cut off and discard the ends of the stalks. Cut the stalks into 3/4-inch thick pieces. You should end up with about 6 cups of chopped rhubarb. Place the chopped strawberries and chopped rhubarb into a large mixing bowl. Measure out and add the remaining filling ingredients to the bowl. You'll need:  1 1/2 cups (300 g) of granulated sugar 1/4 cup (27.5 g) of cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest, plus 1 tablespoon of orange juice 1/4 teaspoon of salt Take a large spoon and toss the sugar, cornstarch, juice, and salt in with the strawberries and rhubarb. The strawberries and rhubarb should be completely coated in the sugary mixture. Let the filling sit for about 30 minutes while you prepare the rest of the pie. You'll notice the mixture becomes syrupy the longer it sits. You can now bake the strawberry rhubarb filling in a pie or tart or use it in another dessert recipe.

Summary: Wash and cut the strawberries. Wash and cut the rhubarb. Measure out the remaining ingredients. Stir the filling and let it sit.


Protein has the ability to increase your brain’s production of neurotransmitters, and increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in turn – all of which increases your alertness and problem-solving skills. This is especially important for breakfast to get you ready and raring to go for the day. Sugar for breakfast just leads to a crash in a couple of hours, slowing you down, and leaving you even hungrier than before. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and loaded with flavonols. It’s also high in magnesium, vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E.3 It's a powerhouse of antioxidants that helps fight off free radicals. This makes sure our bodies stay healthy and strong. Not too much though, of course. Anywhere between 1 and 5 ounces a day is good. This little nutrient increases blood flow to the brain. You can find vitamin B in green, leafy vegetables, whole wheat, meat, eggs, and cheese. Just be sure that you don't get too much either! Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amount for you. Folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin are all part of the structure of vitamin B. When you get vitamin B, you get a powerhouse of goodies all in one. Many studies have shown that a healthy diet is linked to a higher IQ, especially in children. To keep your brain firing on all pistons, stay away from junk food like cookies and chips and processed food – do the cooking at home to help your brain and your budget. Vegetarians have higher IQs on the whole, by about 5 points for both sexes. To get the extra boost, make "Meatless Monday" a regular thing throughout the week. IF, or intermittent fasting, has been shown to lead to increased brain power and higher level functioning. IF is where you don’t eat for 16 hours, and eat plenty for 8. It may or may not mean caloric restriction, depending on how you do it. You can also use this technique to manage your weight. Many fast intermittently and see great results in terms of weight loss. Just make sure you're doing it safely – fasting isn't for everyone (the elderly, expecting mothers, young children, etc.).
Summary: Eat plenty of protein for breakfast. Snack on dark chocolate. Get more vitamin B. Avoid processed and junk foods. Consider fasting intermittently.