Thursday, October 29, 2009
not much today...
my brain is a bit fuzzy... I am coming down with a sore throat, and therefore resting up a bit. Got both babies down for a nap, perhaps I will sleep too.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Back on track..
I've been avoiding the TV again, and I feel much better!! I didn't realize how much of my time and energy it was sucking up.
Lately I have been trying to find creative alternatives to cleaning and beauty products...not that I used tons of them but cutting back is a good thing, as our funds are extremely limited. Here are some creative alternatives I have found, in using "food" type ingredients:
Coconut oil: I have replaced lotion with Coconut oil. I like the unprocessed unrefined kind, it smells like summer time!
Baking Soda: I use it to freshen up carpets, just sprinkle about the rug at night, and vacuum it up first thing in the morning, you can also add tea leaves or chamomile or peppermint or lavender or a combo to this to make a nice scent.
Baking Soda is also FANTASTIC for brushing your teeth with! I actually had NO cavities after using this for several months, when I use "traditional" toothpaste I always seem to have problems with tooth decay.
Vinegar: Super for de-oderizing laundry just add a splash to your wash cycle, as well as for cleaning the coffee pot, and even scrubbing floors. I add a few drops of Lavender and Rosemary essential oil to it for disinfectant power and a nice smell. (not for the coffee pot though!!)
Olive oil: also a great massage oil, or add some sugar to make a nice body scrub...great for feet!
I have to go now....the natives are getting restless!
Lately I have been trying to find creative alternatives to cleaning and beauty products...not that I used tons of them but cutting back is a good thing, as our funds are extremely limited. Here are some creative alternatives I have found, in using "food" type ingredients:
Coconut oil: I have replaced lotion with Coconut oil. I like the unprocessed unrefined kind, it smells like summer time!
Baking Soda: I use it to freshen up carpets, just sprinkle about the rug at night, and vacuum it up first thing in the morning, you can also add tea leaves or chamomile or peppermint or lavender or a combo to this to make a nice scent.
Baking Soda is also FANTASTIC for brushing your teeth with! I actually had NO cavities after using this for several months, when I use "traditional" toothpaste I always seem to have problems with tooth decay.
Vinegar: Super for de-oderizing laundry just add a splash to your wash cycle, as well as for cleaning the coffee pot, and even scrubbing floors. I add a few drops of Lavender and Rosemary essential oil to it for disinfectant power and a nice smell. (not for the coffee pot though!!)
Olive oil: also a great massage oil, or add some sugar to make a nice body scrub...great for feet!
I have to go now....the natives are getting restless!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Caught with my apron on...
or off... whichever is worse in your eyes! So, I cheated a bit on my media fast. My netflix movie came in this weekend and I sat down to watch it...with a mountain of laundry to fold. At least that is what I told myself as I ignored the call of the kitchen and the two days worth of dirty dishes...and the toys on the floor...and the piles of dirty laundry in the hall.... So there I am indulging myself in a costumed drama, haphazardly folding laundry, and my doorbell rings. It's my new neighbor who (I had forgotten all about) came over as invited! Still dressed up from church.
OOPS
I stood at the door in a panic, tried to do a quick re-schedule, realized how rude it was and then invited her in anyway. She was very gracious and we had a lovely chat, as I scrambled about picking items up so she had a place to sit and madly hoping she didn't find my stretch-pants and over sized eighties sweater a bit too ridiculous. I just kept thinking of my mother and how she got dressed first thing in the morning and always had the house clean by noon...
I think I should do this more often. Having people over that is. I was surprised to learn that we have alot in common....We went to the same high school, are both newly-weds, homemakers, bakers and home cooks, followers of Jesus, we share some of the same rather unusual theological viewpoints, aspire to be better domestic divas, we even know alot of the same people....
It does strike me as odd all that we have in common...I often lament the fact that there are no other young moms/homemakers in my complex as I spend most of my time here as I am still without a car. It seems this slightly awkward start to a friendship just might be an answer to a prayer I didn't know I needed.
Tomorrow I will get up early, and continue my media fast, and get dressed immediately, and clean my house as per my Home-Management Binder schedule---and I will continue to do my usual routine so I can be prepared next time I invite someone over and they actually come.
OOPS
I stood at the door in a panic, tried to do a quick re-schedule, realized how rude it was and then invited her in anyway. She was very gracious and we had a lovely chat, as I scrambled about picking items up so she had a place to sit and madly hoping she didn't find my stretch-pants and over sized eighties sweater a bit too ridiculous. I just kept thinking of my mother and how she got dressed first thing in the morning and always had the house clean by noon...
I think I should do this more often. Having people over that is. I was surprised to learn that we have alot in common....We went to the same high school, are both newly-weds, homemakers, bakers and home cooks, followers of Jesus, we share some of the same rather unusual theological viewpoints, aspire to be better domestic divas, we even know alot of the same people....
It does strike me as odd all that we have in common...I often lament the fact that there are no other young moms/homemakers in my complex as I spend most of my time here as I am still without a car. It seems this slightly awkward start to a friendship just might be an answer to a prayer I didn't know I needed.
Tomorrow I will get up early, and continue my media fast, and get dressed immediately, and clean my house as per my Home-Management Binder schedule---and I will continue to do my usual routine so I can be prepared next time I invite someone over and they actually come.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
No TV time...
...means more time for other things. I wish I could say that since I turned off the TV and radio as well as stopped my recreational reading that my house has become a beacon of cleanliness and myself an efficiency expert. Nope. not even close.
The one thing I have noticed is that there is a great deal more peace in the house. J. has stopped asking for cartoons constantly because the tv just isn't on. He still gets to watch one video a day, so I can get a few things done without him "helping." I seem to be taking more time to do my chores, however I am actually enjoying the process of cleaning up instead of just liking the results. My favorite thing about all this is that we have all been playing together as a family in the evenings. Garret has even been teaching the boys how to play music. Well, at least shake the tambourine with great enthusiasm!
Both boys are down for a nap right now, and I am frightfully behind in checking my e-mail. I will spend no more than 20 mins to do that then off I go to prep dinner!
The one thing I have noticed is that there is a great deal more peace in the house. J. has stopped asking for cartoons constantly because the tv just isn't on. He still gets to watch one video a day, so I can get a few things done without him "helping." I seem to be taking more time to do my chores, however I am actually enjoying the process of cleaning up instead of just liking the results. My favorite thing about all this is that we have all been playing together as a family in the evenings. Garret has even been teaching the boys how to play music. Well, at least shake the tambourine with great enthusiasm!
Both boys are down for a nap right now, and I am frightfully behind in checking my e-mail. I will spend no more than 20 mins to do that then off I go to prep dinner!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The great TV turn-off
The other day as I was scrambling about attempting to clean the house up before bed, I became aware of something....the radio that I depended on to keep me upbeat as I did my chores...was just noise. really annoying distracting sounds jarring me as I attempted to get things done. So I turned it off. And I turned off the TV, and anything else I could find that added to the audio confusion.
The sound of silence.
My entire being relaxed, and I was able to finish up what I needed to do, with a far more cheerful outlook. I have now embarked upon a "40 day media-fast" That's right, I am not watching, listening to or reading anything of my own free will. I have even gone so far as to put all of my library books away...some only half-read! That was soooo hard! There are a few exceptions 1. I will continue reading my bible and the study book I have been going through. 2. I will read the boys their story books. 3. I will watch a tv show or movie if Garret specifically requests it. 4. Classical music or the kid's CD's are ok as well. 5. I will read anything necessary for my volunteer work.
It has been 3 days so far, and I have only slipped up once...reading a bit of the news while I was balancing my checkbook online. I can't tell you how relaxed I feel! I have had so much more free time as well! Garrett knows what I am doing, and actually hasn't requested I watch anything so far...but tonight is our usual "TV" night in which we catch up on episodes online. You know, I always thought He was the one turning on the tv, but as it turns out, I usually request to watch something....and then it just stays on. Shame on me!
I will continue to updated you on how things are going...I can tell this may be a bumpy ride!
The sound of silence.
My entire being relaxed, and I was able to finish up what I needed to do, with a far more cheerful outlook. I have now embarked upon a "40 day media-fast" That's right, I am not watching, listening to or reading anything of my own free will. I have even gone so far as to put all of my library books away...some only half-read! That was soooo hard! There are a few exceptions 1. I will continue reading my bible and the study book I have been going through. 2. I will read the boys their story books. 3. I will watch a tv show or movie if Garret specifically requests it. 4. Classical music or the kid's CD's are ok as well. 5. I will read anything necessary for my volunteer work.
It has been 3 days so far, and I have only slipped up once...reading a bit of the news while I was balancing my checkbook online. I can't tell you how relaxed I feel! I have had so much more free time as well! Garrett knows what I am doing, and actually hasn't requested I watch anything so far...but tonight is our usual "TV" night in which we catch up on episodes online. You know, I always thought He was the one turning on the tv, but as it turns out, I usually request to watch something....and then it just stays on. Shame on me!
I will continue to updated you on how things are going...I can tell this may be a bumpy ride!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Preperation Day
I had some more before and after photos for you, but I can't seem to get my camera to upload them. Sigh.
Today is "Preparation Day" Not only for the Sabbath this week, but we are doing a little party for S. who just turned one. (who also happens to be in my lap "helping" me type) So today is a very busy day/ I have to finish tiding the house, and decorate a birthday cake as well as prepare a nice dinner and set the table for tonight.
I have found my weekend runs smoother and my Sabbath is much more restful when I plan ahead and get things done BEFORE sunset. I have memories of my mom--during the times she was able to be at home with us--ironing all of our clothing, baking a cake, prepping a salad and a casserole to go in the oven after church. In those days we often had guests over for lunch after Church. I also can recall the chaos, grumpiness and frantic leaving of the house that occurred when these things weren't done. I take great inspiration from my mom.
Here is what I plan to do today to make tomorrow morning Peaceful.
1. Finish decorating the birthday cake. (will post pics when I can)
2. Lay out clothing ...even socks and shoes! for ALL members of the family
3. Pre-pack Diaper bag (including snacks)
4. prep some sort of dinner, maybe lasagna?
5. load the car with the items we need...punch bowl, party supplies (party's at grammy's this year)
6.KEEP UP on all dishes, and laundry. and PUT IT AWAY! (this is a big challenge)
7. Wash up and prep myself mentally, with nice music and meditation on scripture.
whew! I better get cracking! not much time left in the day, the sun sets at 7:38 tonight and I hope to be done by then!
Today is "Preparation Day" Not only for the Sabbath this week, but we are doing a little party for S. who just turned one. (who also happens to be in my lap "helping" me type) So today is a very busy day/ I have to finish tiding the house, and decorate a birthday cake as well as prepare a nice dinner and set the table for tonight.
I have found my weekend runs smoother and my Sabbath is much more restful when I plan ahead and get things done BEFORE sunset. I have memories of my mom--during the times she was able to be at home with us--ironing all of our clothing, baking a cake, prepping a salad and a casserole to go in the oven after church. In those days we often had guests over for lunch after Church. I also can recall the chaos, grumpiness and frantic leaving of the house that occurred when these things weren't done. I take great inspiration from my mom.
Here is what I plan to do today to make tomorrow morning Peaceful.
1. Finish decorating the birthday cake. (will post pics when I can)
2. Lay out clothing ...even socks and shoes! for ALL members of the family
3. Pre-pack Diaper bag (including snacks)
4. prep some sort of dinner, maybe lasagna?
5. load the car with the items we need...punch bowl, party supplies (party's at grammy's this year)
6.KEEP UP on all dishes, and laundry. and PUT IT AWAY! (this is a big challenge)
7. Wash up and prep myself mentally, with nice music and meditation on scripture.
whew! I better get cracking! not much time left in the day, the sun sets at 7:38 tonight and I hope to be done by then!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
More feminine dress
So I realize I am hopelessly behind in my blogging....Here is another dress I love, it is a "maxi-dress" I have to wear the sweater because the modest length is "compensated" for by having far less fabric in the bodice than I would desire. Sigh, sorry for the long delay, I am off agin to try and clean this place up. Our stovetop decided to stop working yesturday, so now I have to try and arrange some crockpot/microwave meals for the week. so that has been fun too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)