Deep Clean Your Dishwasher, Drain, and Sink

Recently I have had a funky smell coming from my sink/dishwasher area. I thought it was in the garbage disposal, but I also noticed it when I opened the dishwasher (after a cleaning cycle!). YUCK!

Time to do a deep cleaning!

I was simply going to tackle the dishwasher, but when I got some good info from TidyMom.net about how to clean my dishwasher and more, I decided to take it further!

I cleaned my dishwasher, drain, and sink, all at once and here’s how:

Dishwasher:

• Fill a sink halfway with hot water and add a cup of vinegar. Use this water as your cleaning solution.
• Scrub all removable parts.
• Wipe down the entire inside.
• After you clean the drain and sink, pour a layer of vinegar (about 1 cup) into the bottom of the dishwasher and do a quick, rinse cycle. The dishwasher will smell like vinegar when you are done, but that smell will go away after the first wash cycle you do.

Drain:

• Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and cover immediately. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes, while you are cleaning the sink.
• After it sits, you can run hot water down the drain for a couple minutes to do a good flush.

Sink:

• Drain the water you used to clean the dishwasher.
• Start filling the sink with hot water. While it is filling, pour in a layer of vinegar and a layer of baking soda and essential oil if you wish (I used lemon). Use a wet rag to wipe down the sink basin and surrounding areas with the water in the sink.
• Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Drain the water. Wipe, rinse, and dry.

Voila!

Dear Homemaker, You Are Valued

Dear Homemaker,

Please read this slowly:

You. Are. Valued.

What you do has value.

The words you speak have value.

Your sphere of work has value.

The people you are raising have value.

Where you live, breathe, dream, labor, toil, and rest has value.

Your act of sacrifice has value.

Your labors of love have value.

Your love for your husband has value.

Your concern for your children has value.

The people you invite into your home have value.

Your organization has value.

Your cleanliness has value.

Your meal-making has value.

Your errand-running has value.

Your transportation services have value.

Your medical services have value.

Everything you are and
everything you do has value.

God created you with value!

Don’t let this world and its voices tell you otherwise.

Don’t let the struggles of your day drag you down into the pit.

Remember that you are in the
most valuable place with
the most valuable people
on the face of this earth.

You have the privilege of serving in an arena God established as sacred and holy from the beginning – the home.

Homemaker, never forget:

You. Are. Valued.

Five GOOD Reasons You May Be Spending More on Groceries

Have you ever read a post about how little someone spends on groceries and felt like a HUGE loser?

I have.
Many times.

Trust me. I am always trying to refine my spending and figure out how I can do better. However, I also know that I’m not going to match up to some of the grocery gurus out there.

Sometimes there are GOOD reasons why your grocery budget may be higher than someone else’s. I am hoping these reasons will put your heart at ease a little bit.

#1) You buy organic or better quality.

Truth be told, I like my foods to be good quality. I feel very blessed that I am able to buy better quality and can even stretch to buy organic when possible. We have split a 1/4 of an organic, grass-fed cow with my parents twice within the past 9 months, and I appreciate it!

#2) You buy more healthful foods.

I have heard people say that you will spend less if you stay away from processed and packaged foods and make things yourself. I do think that is true. However, if you are trying to eat healthfully, oftentimes you will find yourself spending more money. For instance, buying enough produce for your household to have multiple servings of fruits and vegetables every day can add to your spending.

#3) You are following a specific diet.

If you are eating a certain way to conquer chronic disease, lose weight, or some other noble reason, you may need to spend more money for a while, or maybe for life!

#4) You show hospitality.

If you are going to host parties, have friends over, entertain co-workers and the like, you will be spending more on groceries. No doubt about it! However, it is a noble reason to be spending more on groceries. As Christians, we ought to be a giving people.

#5) You are feeding multiple mouths.

In the same way that you would be feeding multiple mouths if you show hospitality, you may be feeding multiple mouths every day. That is a reason to rejoice! We should be thankful for the people God has put in our homes to share life with every day.

There are some GOOD reasons why you may be spending more money on groceries, and that may be okay!

Don’t frown and frump. Keep your head up. Establish your budget guidelines with your husband and continue to refine as you are able.

I, myself, plod on towards the goal of spending less and maintaining good quality and eating habits.

Now go buy those groceries!

Packing Lunches: How a Divided Container Helps!

A couple years ago I wrote about my goal to pack a better lunch for my husband. I was packing some pretty lame lunches, and I wanted to improve!

When we started eating differently so we could shed some pounds, I  started to use a divided container to pack my husband’s lunch. It has worked wonders.

Using a divided container helps me purpose to fill each spot provided and pack a more varied lunch.

Rather than just throwing in some leftovers or a quick sandwich with a possible piece of fruit, I am more thoughtful about what I am putting together for him.

Here are some sample lunches I have made:

Deli wrap, Plum, Pickle Spear

Hamburger Patty, Red Pepper with Hummus,
Blueberries, Cottage Cheese

Boiled Eggs, Chips and Salsa,
Blueberries, Mini Red Pepper

Deli Wrap, Cucumbers, Peaches

Middle-Eastern Bean and Potato Salads,
Deli Meat, Pear

If you are packing lunches for someone, try a divided container. I think you’ll like the result!

Our Daily Homeschool Routine–The Family Flow

So far, I’ve shown you my proposed morning and evening routines. I hope that you found them helpful and inspiring and that you are creating your own morning and evening routines.

Another routine I have been working on is our school routine. Since we homeschool, this is the routine for the basic flow of our days. We use it to guide us throughout the day.

Although each year of homeschooling is different, I have noticed that the big picture tends to look fairly similar each year.

Here is what we are starting with and will tweak as needed throughout the year.

6:00 Wake time for me. I implement my morning routine.
7:00 Wake time for my oldest, starting 9th grade this year
8:00 Wake time for my other three children
8:00 Breakfast. I do the dishes. Kids do morning routines and start school work.
9:00 Worship and Bible
9:30 – 12:00 School for everyone. My kids will work independently, and I will teach and tutor as needed.
9:30 Preschool with my youngest
10:00 Snack
11:00 I teach Science and History to my middle two children
12:00 Lunch. Recess. Kids practice an Instrument. I check papers.
~1:00-3:00 Kids finish schoolwork, with me helping as necessary.
1:00/1:30 Rest/quiet time for my preschooler
2:00 Regroup time for me: Read, rest.
2:30 Snack. Kids can practice instruments. Chore time for me, if necessary.
3:00 I check papers.
4:00 Dinner prep.
5:00/6:00 Dinner, depending on evening schedule

Need help planning your own school routine?

• Think about wake times.
• Pencil in meal times.
• What time do you want to start school?
• Do you want to establish a family worship time?
• Are there group subjects you are teaching?
• Do you need a rest time during the day?
• What time do you need to start dinner?
• If your children play instruments, what is a good time for them to do that?

Don’t get overwhelmed with planning a routine. Start simple. You don’t even have to plan everything in your day.

Having a basic outline of the day helps us stay on target and makes for a better, more productive day.

Best wishes!

Plan Your Morning and Evening Routines

Routines are special. They provide stability and focus – a spine for the day. An evening routine helps us prepare for the next day. Remember, tomorrow really starts the night before. A morning routine helps us get our days started on the right foot.

As I mentioned in my last post, I am working on getting my routines fleshed out so I can provide a bit more structure as life gets busier with the start of school and other activities.

Here are what my routines look like so far:

Morning Routine
Make Bed
Bible Reading, Prayer – 20 to 30 minutes
Exercise  - 20 to 30 minutes
Shower, Dress – 20 minutes
Pack Hubby’s lunch, if not done the night before
Blog – 30 minutes
Make breakfast
Chore - 15 minutes or less
Check/Switch laundry
Check “To Do” List

Evening Routine
Make sure kitchen sink is clean and empty
Clean kitchen table
Chore - 15 to 30 minutes
Put laundry away
Pack Hubby’s lunch
Make realistic “To Do” list for tomorrow
Upstairs at 10 p.m.  Read, blog, connect with Hubby.
Lights out by/at 11 p.m.

When I planned my morning routine, I tried to think about what I want to get done in the morning and sketch out some rough time estimates. I am trying to make it realistic. Right now, it seems a bit idealistic, but I know that some of the activities can be optional if necessary.

Also, I may alternate some of the activities, i.e. Exercise one day, Blog the next.

Remember, routines are guides, not rulers!

They are meant to provide direction with flexibility.

My evening routine consists of things that are important to me in finishing the day well, promoting peace for bed time, and also in preparing for the next morning.

If my kitchen sink and table are clean in the morning, I feel like I have a clean slate. If they are dirty, I feel behind already!

Are you ready to plan morning
and evening routines?

Begin by making a list of the things that are important to you. You can use my lists as examples.

Over the next few days, keep a piece of paper out on the counter so you can jot down ideas for your routines as you think of them.

Once you create routines for yourself, consider posting them somewhere where you can see them so it is easier to follow them.

I pray your routines are a blessing to you!

Establish Routines: Prepare for the Year Ahead

September is going to be crazy. I already feel it.

I should not be surprised. It’s like this every September.

School will be fully in session.
My boys will be playing soccer.
My daughter’s ballet lessons will start again.
Music lessons will be in full swing.
Homeschool co-op starts its fall semester.
Wednesday night church provides weekly teaching opportunities for me.
Multiple family birthdays exist, including my father-in-law’s 80th.

Yep, it’s going to be busy!

For the next two weeks I am trying to get my routines established.

• Morning Routine – to help my day start smoothly
• Evening Routine – to prepare for the next day
• School Routine – to establish a general order for our school
• Chore Routine – to give structure to housework, meal planning, etc.
• Planning Routine – to assign certain days for planning school and other responsibilities I have, i.e. teaching at church and co-op

As I flesh them out, I am going to write about it here, on my blog, with hopes that it will help you create some routines for yourself.

First, let me leave you with this challenge.

Write out all of the routines you would
like to establish in your life.

What does your list look like?

Non-Toxic, DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

I have been using this cleaner for ages. I originally used vinegar. Then I switched it to rubbing alcohol when I, surprisingly, ran into the same mixture at my homeschooling co-op’s mom meeting one evening, substituting the rubbing alcohol for the vinegar.
The rubbing alcohol is great because it’s a great cleaner, being antiseptic and quick-to-dry, but it also has a more pleasant smell than vinegar. My daughter enjoys this mix much better!
What can I say about this cleaner?
*Works Well*Non-Toxic – safe for your home, not worried about breathing chemicals!
*Antiseptic/Antibacterial/Antiviral, depending on the essential oils.
*Inexpensive*Easy to Make

How to Make All-Purpose Cleaner

Combine all of the following in a spray bottle:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 small squirt of dish soap, probably about 1/2-1 teaspoon. Not too much, or else your cleaner will be too soapy.
• ~10 drops of essential oil. You choose!
• Fill the rest with hot water.

Shake to mix. Use happily!
There are many essential oils you could use. Most of them have various anti-germ qualities, which you could read about online. Here are some ideas:
*Tea Tree Oil
*Lemon and Orange
*Peppermint
*Lavender
*Eucalyptus
*Germ Fighter Mix – you purchase this through an essential oil company

Happy Cleaning!

Why You Should Clean Your Child’s Room

I know what you are doing right now. You are rubbing your eyes to see if you actually read that title correctly.
“What did she say? Clean my child’s room?”
Yep, that’s what I said.
Ultimately, the goal is for your child to learn how to clean his room on his own. After all, we are raising the next generation of adults, and we want them to be responsible.
However, many children do not naturally clean things on their own. They learn by watching others, and they just need help!

Clean with your child

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When you clean your child’s room with your child, your child has the awesome privilege and example of learning right beside you!

When your child’s room gets messy, don’t necessarily just send him in there alone. Step in with your child and get your hands dirty. Chances are that your child does not enjoy being alone, trying to tackle a messy room. That can be overwhelming, boring, and lonely. 

On occasion, clean the room by yourself

---

Sometimes a child’s room will get out of hand, and it is best for us to clean the room ourselves. Find a time when the child will not be home or is occupied and clean away!

This is a great surprise for most children! They enjoy seeing their rooms clean and that is what you want them to feel – satisfaction and enjoyment over having a clean room!

When a child lives in an unorganized, cluttered, or dirty area, he gets used to it. Whether or not he thinks he likes it, he probably carries extra stress and negativity in life because his living area is not clean. It does not feel refreshing and energizing to live in such an environment.

Children need clean rooms to inspire them!
We can help them!

Is your child’s room messy?

Don’t just wait for a miracle to happen. Make it happen.

Help keep your child’s room clean.

For some intriguing and adorable ideas for decorating your child's room, check out the ideas at Top Reveal here.

Homemade Hand and Foot Soak

This hand and foot soak is simple to make, contains pure ingredients, and would be great for gifting.

Combine:

1 cup Epsom Salt
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup pink salt, optional (great for a hint of color)
Essential oil of your choice. I added a handful of drops of lavender oil and a few drops of lemon oil as well.

Mix well.

When using to soak hands or feet, scoop 2 to 3 Tablespoons of the soak into warm water and combine well.

Soak, relax, and enjoy!

Make Lists: Use Your Phone

Lately, I have been using my phone to keep notes and make lists for myself. I was writing my tasks on paper. The problem with that was two-fold: 1) I didn’t like dealing with the paper and 2) Sometimes I would end up making lists in various places, on multiple papers, which made it hard to keep track of things.

Now I have been making lists on my phone, using the Notes App.

I keep a list for many of the categories of my life, as you can see from the picture above. This helps me find information quickly and keep things categorized well.

Do you make lists for yourself?

Lists are a great way to help
keep life in better order.

How I Plan My Weekly Grocery List

1) Check pantry to see what I have on hand.

2) Check the store flyer to see what is on sale. Circle items that are a good deal. (I generally know whether something is a good deal or not because I watch for the lowest prices. For instance, I know butter is a good deal if it is $2 or less.)

3) Make a list in Evernote of specials at stores I frequent.

4) Check coupon matchup web site to see if there are any coupons for the items on sale OR if there are other good deals that I missed.

5) Make a meal list for the week with pantry items and sale items in mind.

6) Check my ongoing grocery list for other needed grocery items, like pantry staples.

7) Make a grocery list of “good deal” items and necessary items for pantry and meals.

DIY: Cut Your Own Hair

Recently I lost my hair stylist. One fine day I opened the mailbox, only to find a note and a coupon from my salon, saying my stylist is no longer working for the salon – big bummer for me!

I have been grappling about where to go and honestly, did not think about cutting my own hair until I ran across this video on Amy Bennett’s site.

I watched the video and thought, “Hey, I think I can do this. I’ve cut my husband’s hair for 17 years now, my kids’ hair for several years, and other family members’ hair as well. Why not try cutting my own?”

Well, I did it. I cut my own hair and am actually very pleased with it.

If you’re in-between haircuts or just want to try cutting your own hair, I say, “Go for it!” Just be conservative at first and if worst comes to worst, you can just get it fixed by someone.

Zone Cleaning: Tackle the House Together!

Last year we started zone cleaning. It has been a huge blessing! Since we started zone cleaning, I have run across other people who also use this system to keep their home more orderly.

 

With zone cleaning, people in the house are assigned zones to maintain. In our home, the children have a zone that they monitor throughout the week. Daily, usually in the morning, they are required to do a quick pick-up, shaking of rugs, and sometimes a sweep, depending on the zone. Weekly, usually on Friday or Saturday, they do a more thorough cleaning which involves dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming.

 

Since zone cleaning requires regular attention, it helps keep our home in better order daily. Even if there are messes and projects to tackle, the general atmosphere of our home feels clean and manageable.

 

Zone cleaning helps your children to gain responsibility as they learn to watch over an area of the home themselves. They also learn the importance of work and see the reward of keeping their area clean.

 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the state of your home and/or just want to get your children more involved in the upkeep of your home, try zone cleaning!

What to Do with Your Summer

Now that I’ve established that it’s okay to take a summer break when you homeschool, your brain may be burning lots of fuel as you think about all of the grand possibilities for your extra time!

Here are some of my ideas:

• Household projects.  Spring cleaning galore.  Deep down cleaning of windows, baseboards, cars, garage, whatever!  Remodel or redecorate a room.  Organize cabinets and closets.  Declutter!
• Outdoor work.  If you like to plant flowers or a vegetable garden, the warmer weather provides ample opportunity for taking care of your landscaping.
• Outdoor play.  Bike riding, picnics, swimming, canoeing . . .
• Vacation.  Don’t forget the value of day trips!
• Spend more time with family and friends. Make a list of the people you would like to see more often this summer and make goals so these desires don’t get lost in the shuffle.
• Put away last year’s school stuff.  File away the important papers.  Get rid of the rest.  Record grades.
• Prep for the new school year. Order curriculum. Make a schedule for your days, weeks, and/or year.  Set goals for learning and field trips.
• Spend a lot of time with your kids!  Make memories!
• Make a bucket list for each family member.  Find out what your husband’s and children’s goals are as well and do the best you can to fulfill some of everyone’s wishes.

Have a great summer!

Nighttime Productivity

Night time... it's the time my mind and body want to shut down.  After the kids are in bed, I don't really FEEL like doing much of anything.  However, night time is a good time to be productive.  It is a good time to tie up loose ends from the day and prepare for tomorrow.

What are some ways you can be productive at night?

• Have you finished your “To Do” list?  What is still left that is high priority or would make you feel good having it crossed off your list?
• Is your kitchen or work area clean and ready for tomorrow?  I never feel good waking up to a dirty kitchen.
• Is there a task that is done better when it is quiet in your house?

Still feeling unmotivated?

• Put your feet up for a short while first with the intentions of starting productivity at such-and-such time.
• Set a timer for yourself so you don't feel like you are working all night.
• Save your reward perks for when your task(s) are finished.   Read an extra chapter of your book.  Check your social media. Eat a bowl of ice cream.

Productivity doesn't always
come easy at night,
but it is well worth the effort!

Early to Rise–The Book and The Challenge

This week I finished reading two books!  That is always an accomplishment for me because I am oftentimes reading multiple books at a time.

Yes, I have several books on my shelf that I could start reading, but sometimes I come across new books that seem more timely and line up with what God wants to teach me.

I ran across the book Early to Rise by Andy Traub.  I saw that Money Saving Mom, Frugal Family Home, and others are doing the challenge to learn to rise early in 30 days. 

This week, especially with my husband gone on a work trip, I was reminded of my great need to get up much earlier than I have been.  When I don’t get enough quiet/productive time in the morning before my kids get up, I just feel very frazzled.

I bought the Kindle version of Early to Rise yesterday and cruised through the book.  Yep, I think I’m ready – gulp!  I’m going to shoot for Monday morning for my first day to rise early – consistently (or at least trying hard!) for 30 days!

Have you been wanting to wake up earlier?  Do you want to join me in this 30 day challenge? 

You could challenge yourself to wake up early for 30 days without reading Andy Traub’s book, but I would highly recommend reading it.  He really inspires you.  He makes you realize the tremendous value of your quiet, morning hours.  He says you will be changed and your life will be better!

Andy Traub’s book also gives you goals and thoughts for each day to keep you going!

I will do my best to do a weekly post on how my challenge is going.  If there are enough people wanting to join me (or are just interested), I will consider doing a daily Facebook status.

If you want to join me, you can leave a comment, find me on my Facebook page, send me a Tweet on Twitter, or email me.  Just use my icons at the top to navigate!

Kickstart Your Mornings!

I am the first person to say that mornings are the worst part of my day.
I feel sluggish.
I don’t want to get out of bed.
I feel overwhelmed by the tasks ahead of me.

I am trying very hard, though, to help my mornings.  After all, if we start our days on a bad note, it surely doesn’t help anything.

Here are some things to think about to help your mornings get off to a good start!

Go to bed earlier.  Today’s morning really started last night when you went to bed.  A good night’s sleep does wonders!

Wake up earlier.  In order to achieve some personal goals and get on top of the day, it is pretty much a must to get up before the demands of the day meet you right in the face (like a child staring at you and asking you for breakfast!).

Read the Bible and journal. If you don’t know what to read, read the Proverb that coordinates with the date or start with the Psalm number of the date and add 30 each time, reading a total of five Psalms.

Exercise, even just a bit.  I have been doing this “Wake Up Your Workout” routine over the past handful of days.  It helps get your body moving and inspires you to be healthy.

Pour yourself a glass of water or lemon water.  Lemon water is supposed to be great for your digestion, boosting your Vitamin C level, and detoxifying your body.  Here’s a good article on it. 

Try very hard to have a positive attitude for your day, expecting that things will not be perfect.  In Jesus we can do all things!

Whatever you do, don’t give up!  This is key for someone like me who struggles continually with having good mornings.  Some good mornings are better than no good mornings.  Keep trying!  Each day is a new day!

My Home Management Notebook

Several months ago I realized this handy notebook seemed to be one of the latest gadgets in homemaking.  If you do a Google search for it, you’ll find it plastered all over the internet. 

I had been wanting to put one of these together for myself and finally did!  What better time than now – the start of a new year?!

Do you ever have clutter on your counter or elsewhere, papers that just can’t seem to find a good home?

Enter the Home Management Notebook…

You can keep your information all together in one, handy place, use it as a planner, and transport it too!

The basic gist…

• Get yourself a three-ring binder.
• Insert tab dividers with the categories that best serve you.
• Print or create documents to help you track your to-do lists and schedules.
• File away all of your important papers!

In the front section of my binder, I have a daily docket, a weekly docket, a monthly calendar, and any important papers I might need for my to-do’s this week.

So far, the other sections of my binder are categorized as:

• Food – meal planning, recipes I plan to use soon, pantry and freezer inventory.
• Blog – planning my blog ideas and upkeep.
• Homeschool
• Church
• Homemaking – cleaning schedule, cleaner recipes…

I’m sure I will tweak things as I move along, but I need to start somewhere.

Even if you don’t have fancy documents to put inside, start with some lined paper!  You can always create your own lists that way.

I made myself a simple binder cover in Word, just with some clip art and a Title.  Nothing special… just something to get me going.

As I said, there are resources all over the internet regarding making a notebook.  Some of the ones I found most helpful were:

Domestic Serenity:  The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Home Management Notebook.  (She’s got a lot of helpful info!)

Mrs. January.  Free documents to print.  I am using her daily docket, weekly docket, and more!

Money Saving Mom also has some free docs you can print.

Don’t let perfectionism prevent you from starting.  Begin somewhere and change things as needed!

Chores for Children: Assigning Zones

I am revamping my chore system.  My system has been for us to tackle a morning chore, for me to tackle certain chores on certain days, and for the rest to be tackled here and there by whomever.

We are still doing our morning chores, but I made the children’s chores more focused. I assigned them certain zones in the house to maintain. 

Each morning and night, my children are encouraged to keep their areas in order. Less frequently throughout the week, they are to target deeper cleaning.

Assigning my children zones has kept the home a bit more orderly and has simplified my morning chores. 

I am hoping this system will help my children learn more responsibility as they learn to be in charge of an area in our home.