This post is by Contributing Writer Lori Hernandez of Three Acre Farm .
https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/kid-friendly-kitchen/?inf_contact_key=ae7b12b811a3ddf68e6c89d1a68f63acbe ab32f89ea78e676a5a900ea429d3bf
Note from Lois: Teaching children how to work around the home is so important. Not only is it a great help to the entire family in helping to operate a home more smoothly, but it lays a foundation for each child before they leave home. Having responsibility gives them more confidence as well.
Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Showing posts with label Housecleaning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Housecleaning. Show all posts
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Friday, January 1, 2016
Easy Way to Clean Mini Blinds
Used with Permission by Margo at Joyful Homemaking
http://joyfulhomemaking.com/2015/01/easy-way-to-clean-mini-blinds.html
I have 9 windows with mini blinds on them in my house, and the way dust collects around here, they are a pain to keep clean. Taking them down and cleaning them in the tub with soap and water, or taking them outside and hosing them off, are probably the most thorough ways to get them spic and span, but if they are just dusty and not grimy, I usually prefer to just vacuum them with a brush attachment.
http://joyfulhomemaking.com/2015/01/easy-way-to-clean-mini-blinds.html
I have 9 windows with mini blinds on them in my house, and the way dust collects around here, they are a pain to keep clean. Taking them down and cleaning them in the tub with soap and water, or taking them outside and hosing them off, are probably the most thorough ways to get them spic and span, but if they are just dusty and not grimy, I usually prefer to just vacuum them with a brush attachment.
However,
my new favorite way to give them a once over to get the dust bunnies
off, is to use a paintbrush to easily get in all the nooks and crannies,
and "brush" the dust off. It's not as taxing as using the
vacuum, although you still need to be sure and wipe up the dust that
falls off with a damp cloth or vacuum it up.
Start at the top and work your way down, so you're not undoing what you just dusted, and then admire your work!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Dust If You Must
Dust If You Must
by Rose Milligan
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.
Used by permission from John M. Sweeney on whose website this was found (www.johnmsweeney.com)
Note from Lois:
Along the line of dusting, we can make quick work of dusting and still have plenty of time for other adventures and productive activities. Here's how!
Purchase several lamb's wool dusters, which will grab the dust for you much more quickly than a dust cloth will. Don't use the static-filled dusters though (usually bright colors). The static they cause while dusting is not good to use near electrical appliances, and the dust clings much better to lamb's wool. The job of dusting can be done in about ten minutes with lamb's wool dusters, and still give you plenty of time for other things.
Simply dust over furniture and decorative items quickly with a lamb's wool duster until it is filled with dust. Then use the next one and take several dusters outside at one time to hit against your hand to make the dust fly.
by Rose Milligan
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.
Used by permission from John M. Sweeney on whose website this was found (www.johnmsweeney.com)
Note from Lois:
Along the line of dusting, we can make quick work of dusting and still have plenty of time for other adventures and productive activities. Here's how!
Purchase several lamb's wool dusters, which will grab the dust for you much more quickly than a dust cloth will. Don't use the static-filled dusters though (usually bright colors). The static they cause while dusting is not good to use near electrical appliances, and the dust clings much better to lamb's wool. The job of dusting can be done in about ten minutes with lamb's wool dusters, and still give you plenty of time for other things.
Simply dust over furniture and decorative items quickly with a lamb's wool duster until it is filled with dust. Then use the next one and take several dusters outside at one time to hit against your hand to make the dust fly.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Organizational Tips
by Lois Breneman ~ Heart to Heart Newsletter
© 1982 ~ Revised 2004 Reprint Permission Required
Once you put more order into your life, you will reap the benefits of getting more accomplished and enjoying a slower pace and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Organization is very much a matter of common sense! It is looking at a task and asking yourself, "How can I do this better to save energy or time?"
Someone has said, "People that are organized are just too lazy to get up and look for it!"
SCRIPTURE VERSES
Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
I Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house...
I Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Titus 2:3-5 Older women...encourage the younger women...to be keepers at home...
HOUSEKEEPING
Make a list for each day, a week at a time, using your family calendar, and filling in with things you need to do in the home, errands you need to run, etc. Plan the next day the night before in more detail. Use a space on your schedule for things to mention to your husband when he comes home.
Use the "Mount Vernon Method", as described in The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton. Attack and conquer one room at a time, using three boxes for (1) things to keep, (2) things to give away and (3) things to throw away.
Make your bed as soon as you get up and train each child to do the same.
Before leaving the bathroom in the a.m., clean it up.
Keep bathroom cleaning supplies in each bathroom. It only takes a minute or two, if you keep it up. Keep out of reach of young children, however.
Train your children to do as much as they can by themselves. See that they do it. Don't just expect it, but inspect it.
Have children pick up their own toys and belongings, as well as put their clean and dirty laundry in the proper places at an early age.
Tidy up the house before bedtime. This only takes a minute or two.
Leave a room as orderly as you found it. Teach your children to do the same.
Rules of the House: "If you open it, close it. If you get it out, put it away. If you sleep in it, make it up. If you take it off, hang it up. If you turn it on, turn it off. If you drop it, pick it up. If you clip it, file it. If it's not broken, don't fix it. If it hurts, comfort it. If it cries, love it."
Develop your own cleaning system, and you can have company come without too much cleaning to do.
Plan for easy maintenance. Don't buy white rugs, clothes that need ironed or dry-cleaned, long-haired dogs or a lot of knick knacks that need dusting.
Store things where they will be used.
Keep a small dustpan and brush, as well as a cloth sprayed with Endust or a small, wool dusting wand in your car. When you're waiting to pick up someone, you can do some quick cleaning and keep car dust to a minimum.
Time your jobs. They take less time than you would think. Make a list of mini jobs (jobs taking less than 10 minutes). You can do these when you see you have a few minutes before an appointment. Once the clutter is gone, the actual job takes less time than you realized.
A long-handled wool dusting wand (about $6 to $10) is a great time and energy-saving device, and cuts down on bending and stooping. It is good for hard-to-reach places as well.
When your children are playing outside, set a pitcher of ice water and cups outside, so they don't need to run in and out.
A large basin of soapy water (outside) for children to wash their hands is convenient and saves you a mess in the house. A large Tupperware dish with a lid is good to take to the park, with soapy water, so everyone can wash up well before a picnic.
When you wash your sheets, fold roughly right from the clothesline or dryer and put directly back on the beds. This saves work, time and money. No need to have more than one set of sheets per bed--only extras for company.
When you wash towels, there is no need to fold all of them. Some can be hung up where needed. Skip the fabric softner for more absorbent towels.
Fold towels lengthwise first, so they will be ready to hang up when you need them, without rearranging the fold.
Clean out your refrigerator the day before you grocery shop.
Keep up with laundry daily or every two days, when you have children. When they leave home, you will look for dirty clothes to wash!
Example of a cleaning schedule:
(This is only an example. Every wife and mother will have a different schedule - whatever works best for her family's needs. This is just a guide.)
Mon. Take trash out
Dust and vacuum main floor
Clean kitchen appliances and cupboards
Wash kitchen floor
Tues. Wash sheets, hang out to dry
Clean out refrigerator
Sewing, crafts or hobby
Wed. Cook dinner in crock-pot
Run errands and grocery shop
Thurs. Clean bathrooms
Sweep porches, steps and sidewalk
Do one special job (see list below) - More, if you have a spurt of
Special Cleaning Jobs:
1. Clean silver and light fixtures
2. Wash windows
3. Wax car
4. Clean pots and pans
5. Clean and organize toy room
6. Clean sofas and chairs
7. Shampoo carpet
8. Deep Clean Gertrude's room - cobwebs, walls, baseboards, under
* This list must be written out to match the jobs that need done in your own home. Another method of cleaning your house is to do all the ceilings in the entire house at one time, wash all walls, wash all woodwork, clean tops of all door frames, etc. Do what works best for you.
© 1982 ~ Revised 2004 Reprint Permission Required
Once you put more order into your life, you will reap the benefits of getting more accomplished and enjoying a slower pace and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Organization is very much a matter of common sense! It is looking at a task and asking yourself, "How can I do this better to save energy or time?"
Someone has said, "People that are organized are just too lazy to get up and look for it!"
SCRIPTURE VERSES
Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
I Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house...
I Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Titus 2:3-5 Older women...encourage the younger women...to be keepers at home...
HOUSEKEEPING
Make a list for each day, a week at a time, using your family calendar, and filling in with things you need to do in the home, errands you need to run, etc. Plan the next day the night before in more detail. Use a space on your schedule for things to mention to your husband when he comes home.
Use the "Mount Vernon Method", as described in The Messies Manual by Sandra Felton. Attack and conquer one room at a time, using three boxes for (1) things to keep, (2) things to give away and (3) things to throw away.
Make your bed as soon as you get up and train each child to do the same.
Before leaving the bathroom in the a.m., clean it up.
Keep bathroom cleaning supplies in each bathroom. It only takes a minute or two, if you keep it up. Keep out of reach of young children, however.
Train your children to do as much as they can by themselves. See that they do it. Don't just expect it, but inspect it.
Have children pick up their own toys and belongings, as well as put their clean and dirty laundry in the proper places at an early age.
Tidy up the house before bedtime. This only takes a minute or two.
Leave a room as orderly as you found it. Teach your children to do the same.
Rules of the House: "If you open it, close it. If you get it out, put it away. If you sleep in it, make it up. If you take it off, hang it up. If you turn it on, turn it off. If you drop it, pick it up. If you clip it, file it. If it's not broken, don't fix it. If it hurts, comfort it. If it cries, love it."
Develop your own cleaning system, and you can have company come without too much cleaning to do.
Plan for easy maintenance. Don't buy white rugs, clothes that need ironed or dry-cleaned, long-haired dogs or a lot of knick knacks that need dusting.
Store things where they will be used.
Keep a small dustpan and brush, as well as a cloth sprayed with Endust or a small, wool dusting wand in your car. When you're waiting to pick up someone, you can do some quick cleaning and keep car dust to a minimum.
Time your jobs. They take less time than you would think. Make a list of mini jobs (jobs taking less than 10 minutes). You can do these when you see you have a few minutes before an appointment. Once the clutter is gone, the actual job takes less time than you realized.
A long-handled wool dusting wand (about $6 to $10) is a great time and energy-saving device, and cuts down on bending and stooping. It is good for hard-to-reach places as well.
When your children are playing outside, set a pitcher of ice water and cups outside, so they don't need to run in and out.
A large basin of soapy water (outside) for children to wash their hands is convenient and saves you a mess in the house. A large Tupperware dish with a lid is good to take to the park, with soapy water, so everyone can wash up well before a picnic.
When you wash your sheets, fold roughly right from the clothesline or dryer and put directly back on the beds. This saves work, time and money. No need to have more than one set of sheets per bed--only extras for company.
When you wash towels, there is no need to fold all of them. Some can be hung up where needed. Skip the fabric softner for more absorbent towels.
Fold towels lengthwise first, so they will be ready to hang up when you need them, without rearranging the fold.
Clean out your refrigerator the day before you grocery shop.
Keep up with laundry daily or every two days, when you have children. When they leave home, you will look for dirty clothes to wash!
Example of a cleaning schedule:
(This is only an example. Every wife and mother will have a different schedule - whatever works best for her family's needs. This is just a guide.)
Mon. Take trash out
Dust and vacuum main floor
Clean kitchen appliances and cupboards
Wash kitchen floor
Tues. Wash sheets, hang out to dry
Clean out refrigerator
Sewing, crafts or hobby
Wed. Cook dinner in crock-pot
Run errands and grocery shop
Thurs. Clean bathrooms
Sweep porches, steps and sidewalk
Do one special job (see list below) - More, if you have a spurt of
energy
Fri. Dust and vacuum upstairs and downstairs.
Sat. Bake, cook ahead, sew or family outing.
Freeze food for lunches
Fri. Dust and vacuum upstairs and downstairs.
Sat. Bake, cook ahead, sew or family outing.
Freeze food for lunches
Special Cleaning Jobs:
1. Clean silver and light fixtures
2. Wash windows
3. Wax car
4. Clean pots and pans
5. Clean and organize toy room
6. Clean sofas and chairs
7. Shampoo carpet
8. Deep Clean Gertrude's room - cobwebs, walls, baseboards, under
furniture, etc.
9. Deep Clean Hortense,'s room
10. Deep Clean Buford's room
11. Deep Clean master bedroom
12. Clean closet and drawers - Gertrude's
13. Clean closet and drawers - Hortense's
14. Clean closet and drawers - Buford's
15. Clean closet and drawers - master bedroom
16. Clean filing box and night stands
17. Clean storage area
18. Clean laundry room
19. Clean family room
20 Clean recreation room
21. Clean study
22. Deep Clean bathrooms - ceiling, walls, baseboards, tile, etc.
23. Clean pantry
24. Clean kitchen cupboards
25. Clean coat closet
26. Clean hall closet
27. Clean game closet
28. Clean family room closet
29. Wash front and back of house (wood) and porches
30. Clean out buffet and China closet drawers.
9. Deep Clean Hortense,'s room
10. Deep Clean Buford's room
11. Deep Clean master bedroom
12. Clean closet and drawers - Gertrude's
13. Clean closet and drawers - Hortense's
14. Clean closet and drawers - Buford's
15. Clean closet and drawers - master bedroom
16. Clean filing box and night stands
17. Clean storage area
18. Clean laundry room
19. Clean family room
20 Clean recreation room
21. Clean study
22. Deep Clean bathrooms - ceiling, walls, baseboards, tile, etc.
23. Clean pantry
24. Clean kitchen cupboards
25. Clean coat closet
26. Clean hall closet
27. Clean game closet
28. Clean family room closet
29. Wash front and back of house (wood) and porches
30. Clean out buffet and China closet drawers.
* This list must be written out to match the jobs that need done in your own home. Another method of cleaning your house is to do all the ceilings in the entire house at one time, wash all walls, wash all woodwork, clean tops of all door frames, etc. Do what works best for you.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Peroxide vs Bleach
The health benefits of peroxide: This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana and I want to share it with you. ~ Thanks to Linda in Virginia for sending this!
Becky writes: "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little Ol' bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars.
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe or shower.) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Note from Lois: A dentist reports this is good to do when there is a problem, but not a good idea as a daily practice.)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishcloth when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Put two capfuls into a douche to prevent yeast infections. I had chronic yeast infections until I tried this once or twice a week.
8. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
9. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into tissue.
10. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
11. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
12. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
13. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Ten Minute Tidy
Copyright Deborah Taylor-Hough - All rights reserved - Used by permission
http://simplemom.com/ - Author of 'A Simple Choice' http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
Housework and I haven't always been friends. It's been a struggle throughout the past twenty-six years of my married life to learn the habit of keeping a neat and orderly home. Some days I'm more successful at it than others, but I'm learning and growing in this area constantly.
I've often found that reading assorted books by housework "experts" are more depressing than they are inspiring for those of us who are a bit domestically challenged. Yes, these experts know what they're doing. But so often I don't feel like they have even a glimpse of how difficult basic housekeeping can be for someone who just doesn't seem to have it in their genes to do it naturally.
One of the most helpful and simplest things my children and I do to maintain our home is something we've dubbed the "Ten Minute Tidy.”
What it involves is this: Everyone runs around the house picking up clutter and putting it away as fast as they can for ten minutes. Whenever I notice that the main living areas of the house are getting that lived-in look, I call for a Ten Minute Tidy. Everyone drops whatever they're doing and flies into "pick-up-the-stuff" mode. I actually set a kitchen timer for ten minutes and when it goes off, we're done.
Usually I tidy the kitchen and main bathroom myself while the kids tidy the living room, family room, and if there's still time left, their bedrooms. It's amazing how quickly the house can go from looking messy to looking neat when everyone works fast, works together, and works smart.
The purpose of the Ten Minute Tidy isn't to actually deep clean the house, but to tidy up the rooms so our home looks neat and livable again. The cleaning and regular maintenance is done during a scheduled "Upkeep" time each day. I always focus the Ten Minute Tidy on the areas that make a first impression when people enter my home. In our case, that's the entry/hallway, living room, kitchen/family area, and main bath.
I’ve found it’s a great way to train my kids – and myself – to keep up on the housework without making it into a horrible chore that everyone dreads.
http://simplemom.com/ - Author of 'A Simple Choice' http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
Housework and I haven't always been friends. It's been a struggle throughout the past twenty-six years of my married life to learn the habit of keeping a neat and orderly home. Some days I'm more successful at it than others, but I'm learning and growing in this area constantly.
I've often found that reading assorted books by housework "experts" are more depressing than they are inspiring for those of us who are a bit domestically challenged. Yes, these experts know what they're doing. But so often I don't feel like they have even a glimpse of how difficult basic housekeeping can be for someone who just doesn't seem to have it in their genes to do it naturally.
One of the most helpful and simplest things my children and I do to maintain our home is something we've dubbed the "Ten Minute Tidy.”
What it involves is this: Everyone runs around the house picking up clutter and putting it away as fast as they can for ten minutes. Whenever I notice that the main living areas of the house are getting that lived-in look, I call for a Ten Minute Tidy. Everyone drops whatever they're doing and flies into "pick-up-the-stuff" mode. I actually set a kitchen timer for ten minutes and when it goes off, we're done.
Usually I tidy the kitchen and main bathroom myself while the kids tidy the living room, family room, and if there's still time left, their bedrooms. It's amazing how quickly the house can go from looking messy to looking neat when everyone works fast, works together, and works smart.
The purpose of the Ten Minute Tidy isn't to actually deep clean the house, but to tidy up the rooms so our home looks neat and livable again. The cleaning and regular maintenance is done during a scheduled "Upkeep" time each day. I always focus the Ten Minute Tidy on the areas that make a first impression when people enter my home. In our case, that's the entry/hallway, living room, kitchen/family area, and main bath.
I’ve found it’s a great way to train my kids – and myself – to keep up on the housework without making it into a horrible chore that everyone dreads.
Cordless Swivel Sweepers
2006: I love my Swivel Sweeper and we gave our three children each one for Christmas. Our two year old grandson can even vacuum very well with this rechargeable, cordless, lightweight vacuum that picks up surface dirt on hard floors as well as on carpets, and is easy on the back! Since I had mentioned this sweeper in Heart to Heart last month, there have been several inquiries on how to purchase one.
At swivelsweeper.com you can see what it looks like and all your questions will be answered. Two hand held swivel sweepers currently come free with a purchase at the web site or by calling 1-800-472-2581. Before Christmas a few stores were selling them for $39.99, and with no shipping cost, of course, which was a better deal. If you decide to get one, you may want to call Penney's, Belk, CVS, Walgreen's and Walmart before ordering one.
2011 note: I still use my Swivel Sweeper regularly for getting rid of surface dirt. In fact, I have two now and try to keep at least one of them charged up for quick cleanups!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Magic Erasers
by Lois Breneman - 2006
Have You Tried the Magic Eraser Yet?
If you haven't tried the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, you will be surprised at all the tough cleaning jobs it can tackle. I was amazed enough to consider this as one of my favorite tips! All you do it wet the eraser and rub to tackle tough jobs! Here are just some of the jobs the Magic Eraser will tackle very well!
Removes scuff marks from doors - usually found at the bottom!
Cleans area around doorknobs, where cleaners don't always do the job!
Cleans computer keyboard tray - wipes area clean where the palms of the hands rest!
Removes tough set-in dirt and stains from appliances, leather, walls! Even crayon marks!
Cleans leather or vinyl - tennis shoes, leather furniture and car seats in a flash!
Cleans tough bathroom soap scum and ceramic tile!
Cleans car interiors, boat interiors, outdoor furniture and wheels!
Cleans window frames!
Cleans stains from the outside and inside of non-scouring pots and pans!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dust Busters -- Make Cleaning a Breeze
(c) Copyright 2008, Sarah J. Doyle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission
Spring cleaning is a "must", so it is always nice to have a few short cuts to get the cleaning done a little faster in order to get back to the sewing room! The cleaning and dusting will no longer be a chore if you have an assortment of "dust busters" available to assist you with the cleaning.
Take an old terry cloth towel that is no longer being used and cut a strip the length of the towel and 2 1/2 inches wide. Sew the strip with 1/4" seams and turn right side out. This strip easily slides onto a yardstick, which can be used to slide under the refrigerator, washer and dryer for quick cleaning. The strip can then be thrown into the washer to clean and save for the next time.
That same old towel can be cut into the shape of your dust mop, then add about 4 inches all around. Turn under a hem and run elastic through it. Slip the terry cloth "cover" over the dust mop and use that for getting the spider webs from the corners in the garage, or reaching areas that are hard to get to. And, as before, when finished, throw the cover into the washer to clean for the next time.
For a "broom duster" sew two old hand towels on three sides, leaving one end open. Sew elastic around the open end (elastic from discarded panty hose is just about the right size). This cover will slip over a broom to use for dusting in those hard to reach places. Once again, when finished simply throw it in the washer and dryer to clean it for the next time.
When doing a thorough house cleaning, it is easier to do one job throughout the house, such as cleaning the fans in every room at the same time. Next you might dust and polish the furniture throughout the house, etc. By taking care of the cleaning "item by item", the only cleaning supplies needed are those for that particular job, rather than loading yourself down with all the cleaning supplies in the house and dragging them from room to room.
About the Author:
Sarah J. Doyle is author of over 25 sewing, craft and how-to books, as well as author of online pattern making, sewing and craft classes. Visit http://SewWithSarah
Note from Lois: With so many disposables these days, adding up to additional cost, these ideas are refreshing. I'm a firm believer of making terry cloth cleaning cloths from old towels, and using a minimal amount of paper towels and other disposables. Terry cloth works better for most jobs anyway. One regular sized bath towel makes eight cleaning cloths, which can be zig-zagged on the sewing machine, after the corners are curved so you are able to continue sewing around all four sides, non-stop. After laundering these cloths, simply folding them in half before stacking them, will save valuable time.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Mother Talking about Love / A Powerful Poem / Experiment
Author unknown
Cited on The Funnies ~ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/andychaps_the-funnies
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness - not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys. Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper - not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness - not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys. Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.
Note from Lois: Moms, doesn't this give you some relief? Now go play with, listen to, read to, teach, lovingly discipline or just hug and cuddle your precious children! Housework can wait!
A POWERFUL POEM
We've all heard this poem before. May I suggest you memorize it and teach it to your children?
(Key Words: Sow and Reap ~ Thought ~ Act ~ Habit ~ Character ~ Destiny)
"Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny."
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny."
-- Unknown [Quoted by Scottish author Samuel Smiles]
TRY THIS EXPERIMENT OF THE WEEK
Note from Lois: Whether you homeschool, send your children to a Christian or public school, are a teacher yourself, have grown children or grandchildren, you will find Robert Krampf's weekly experiment interesting, educational and fun! Try turning them into object lessons to teach your children even more than science!
Adults will find this one fascinating too! It would even be fun to do at a party! We are fearfully and wonderfully made, as told in Psalm 139, and this is just one proof of that fact.
Ladies, you could also incorporate some of these experiments into interesting family devotions with your children. This is the main part of one of his latest newsletters. He went into more detail, but space is limited in this newsletter.
Adults will find this one fascinating too! It would even be fun to do at a party! We are fearfully and wonderfully made, as told in Psalm 139, and this is just one proof of that fact.
Ladies, you could also incorporate some of these experiments into interesting family devotions with your children. This is the main part of one of his latest newsletters. He went into more detail, but space is limited in this newsletter.
From Robert Krampf's Experiment of the Week
To join the list, send a blank e-mail to: krampf-subscribe@topica.com
To join the list, send a blank e-mail to: krampf-subscribe@topica.com
This week, we will use the science of complex systems to confuse your body again. To try this, you will need: your hands and feet.
Lift your right foot about 6 inches off the ground. Now start moving it in circles, clockwise. As you continue doing that, use your right hand to draw a number 6 in the air in front of you. As you do that, you will find that your foot has changed directions and is now going counterclockwise.
Now, how did that happen? Although the experiment is easy, it is far from simple. It took quite a bit of digging to trace this trick back to Professor Haken and the science of Synergetics. This science deals with the ways that complex systems work. In a complex system such as your brain and nervous system, there are many different signals moving back and forth. Some of these signals are treated with more importance than others. Some of the signals also become coupled, with one signal guiding the other. That is what is happening with your foot and hand. Your hand movement couples with your foot movement, but your hand movement is treated with more importance, so your foot changes direction.
Handy Cleaning Tips
Author unknown ~ Contributed by Bernadine Teague, Missouri
Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.
Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them and call them holiday decorations)
Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter.)
Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."
Dusting: If dusting is REALLY out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist that "This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes."
General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly.
Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...Works every time.
Another favorite from Erma Bombeck: Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean. You figure if you can live in it, they can surely stand it for 30 minutes.
Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.
Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them and call them holiday decorations)
Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter.)
Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."
Dusting: If dusting is REALLY out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist that "This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes."
General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly.
Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...Works every time.
Another favorite from Erma Bombeck: Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean. You figure if you can live in it, they can surely stand it for 30 minutes.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
An Easy Way to Clean Outdoor Furniture
by Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart
Recently I washed our very dirty round white fiberglass picnic table and benches without much effort at all, unlike other times. It's a table with connecting benches that we bought for just $20 from Kentucky Fried Chicken when they got rid of them in town about thirty years ago, but it is still in great condition, having had been painted several times.
I think I finally found the best cleaner for the job! Here's how I did it! I put on rubber gloves, poured water over the table, distributed dollops of Dawn Direct Foam dishwashing liquid in a pump onto the wet surface, smeared the soap around with a heavy duty scrub brush, and allowed the soap a little time to loosen the grime. After about five minutes I scrubbed the entire table top with the brush, poured water over it to rinse, used a very worn wet Magic Eraser sponge to remove the few remaining spots of dirt, and rinsed again. This method worked better than any other powerful cleaners I've ever used on this table. I have used ammonia, bleach (always used separately because of poisonous gases if mixed with ammonia), Murphy Oil Soap, and many spray cleaners, and found Dawn Direct to work the best, so far.
I think I finally found the best cleaner for the job! Here's how I did it! I put on rubber gloves, poured water over the table, distributed dollops of Dawn Direct Foam dishwashing liquid in a pump onto the wet surface, smeared the soap around with a heavy duty scrub brush, and allowed the soap a little time to loosen the grime. After about five minutes I scrubbed the entire table top with the brush, poured water over it to rinse, used a very worn wet Magic Eraser sponge to remove the few remaining spots of dirt, and rinsed again. This method worked better than any other powerful cleaners I've ever used on this table. I have used ammonia, bleach (always used separately because of poisonous gases if mixed with ammonia), Murphy Oil Soap, and many spray cleaners, and found Dawn Direct to work the best, so far.
After the table was completely dry, I covered it with a colorful floral vinyl tablecloth, made from tablecloth vinyl at a fabric store and sewn with 1/4 inch wide elastic all around the edge, so the tablecloth hugs the table. The vinyl was cut extending 2-3 inches larger than the top and rounded edge of the table (all around), so the elastic is hidden completely underneath. Stretch the elastic out as you sew with a zig-zag stitch. This works for a round or oval table, though not for square or rectangle tables with corners. If your table has a hole for an umbrella as ours does, cut a hole in the cloth and reinforce with stabilizer and stitch to prevent tearing.
This method of cleaning a picnic table would also work great on lawn furniture, picnic table umbrellas, boats, and wood, vinyl or aluminum siding, though the Magic Eraser sponge is only good on hard smooth surfaces. Dawn Direct, a scrub brush and some elbow grease cleaned the trampoline on our old Hobie-Cat sailboat. It does a really great job on lifting the dirt!
A Few Money-Saving Tips:
1) Save your very used (falling apart) Magic Erasers for the dirtiest jobs such as this, because they still have some mighty power left in them! Those type could be stored (dry) in a Ziplock bag, waiting for grimy jobs.
2) Dawn Direct liquid dishwashing detergent does not need to be in a pump. You could just dilute some Dawn liquid, but I know the Dawn Direct in the pump works!
3) Dawn Direct is too harsh for me to wash dishes without gloves, but it's great for other jobs, using gloves.
4) When empty, save the pump for milder natural hand dishwashing detergents (or Ivory). Dilute - one part detergent to four parts water. Works great!
1) Save your very used (falling apart) Magic Erasers for the dirtiest jobs such as this, because they still have some mighty power left in them! Those type could be stored (dry) in a Ziplock bag, waiting for grimy jobs.
2) Dawn Direct liquid dishwashing detergent does not need to be in a pump. You could just dilute some Dawn liquid, but I know the Dawn Direct in the pump works!
3) Dawn Direct is too harsh for me to wash dishes without gloves, but it's great for other jobs, using gloves.
4) When empty, save the pump for milder natural hand dishwashing detergents (or Ivory). Dilute - one part detergent to four parts water. Works great!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Housecleaning
Note from Lois: This was written by my mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Walker.
There's one room upstairs that no one sees
Where during the year things have collected;
Good things, others too, that just take up room,
To be shared or thrown away, but I neglected.
So I cleaned out the clutter and cobwebs,
Swept and scrubbed everything in sight;
Covered up the ugly marks with fresh paint,
Washed windows -- in came sun and light.
Order out of chaos; oh what a change!
Now that it's done, it's a real joy to me;
All the time as I worked, I thought again
Of the cleansing I, myself, need daily.
There's a room in my heart no one sees;
During the day some things collect there -
The dust of gloom, envy, thoughtless words,
Even wondering, "Does Jesus care?"
So I cleaned out a secret grudge, cobwebs
Of jealousy, washed walls of prejudice too;
Then covered up a lot of things with love -
Yet the Lord had some cleaning to do.
My hurting heart He calmed and healed,
Washed my eyes with tears, many bitter too.
That I might see the brightness of His love.
Yet it's not because of what I could do
That makes me joyously happy and clean -
'Tis the cleansing blood of God's Son -
For when looking into the mirror of His Word
I was only willing to let it be done.
There's one room upstairs that no one sees
Where during the year things have collected;
Good things, others too, that just take up room,
To be shared or thrown away, but I neglected.
So I cleaned out the clutter and cobwebs,
Swept and scrubbed everything in sight;
Covered up the ugly marks with fresh paint,
Washed windows -- in came sun and light.
Order out of chaos; oh what a change!
Now that it's done, it's a real joy to me;
All the time as I worked, I thought again
Of the cleansing I, myself, need daily.
There's a room in my heart no one sees;
During the day some things collect there -
The dust of gloom, envy, thoughtless words,
Even wondering, "Does Jesus care?"
So I cleaned out a secret grudge, cobwebs
Of jealousy, washed walls of prejudice too;
Then covered up a lot of things with love -
Yet the Lord had some cleaning to do.
My hurting heart He calmed and healed,
Washed my eyes with tears, many bitter too.
That I might see the brightness of His love.
Yet it's not because of what I could do
That makes me joyously happy and clean -
'Tis the cleansing blood of God's Son -
For when looking into the mirror of His Word
I was only willing to let it be done.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Removing Tough Shower Scum
Although Blue Dawn is not a natural cleaner, sometimes tougher problems call for tougher solutions. Mary Hunt (http://www.debtproofliving.com/) says, " If you haven't experienced the power of original Blue Dawn plus white vinegar, you are in for a treat. Remove the top of a plastic spray bottle and fill it half full of white vinegar. Carefully heat it in the microwave until the vinegar is hot, taking care not to melt the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with Blue Dawn liquid dishwashing soap. Apply the top tightly. Gently shake the bottle to mix. That's it. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum buildup, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse." Used by permission
Note from Lois: I recommend wearing gloves for this project. Dawn and most regular dishwashing liquids cause my hands to peel, so there is definitely something harsh in them. However natural dishwashing liquids are much kinder to the hands. I've also started using a small bar of natural homemade soap containing natural oil to wash my hands, and that has also helped a lot. Cutting a bar of handmade soap in half and placing a piece at each sink has helped a lot. Now, washing my hands more often actually makes them softer and less dry. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing!"
Post Script: In 2015 I bought some Nano Towels online! These have made cleaning so much easier and without any cleaning supplies! I was able to clean the same picnic table and seats (mentioned above) with only a Nano Towel, water, and some elbow grease in short time! These towels are great for so many cleaning jobs, including windows.
Note from Lois: I recommend wearing gloves for this project. Dawn and most regular dishwashing liquids cause my hands to peel, so there is definitely something harsh in them. However natural dishwashing liquids are much kinder to the hands. I've also started using a small bar of natural homemade soap containing natural oil to wash my hands, and that has also helped a lot. Cutting a bar of handmade soap in half and placing a piece at each sink has helped a lot. Now, washing my hands more often actually makes them softer and less dry. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing!"
Post Script: In 2015 I bought some Nano Towels online! These have made cleaning so much easier and without any cleaning supplies! I was able to clean the same picnic table and seats (mentioned above) with only a Nano Towel, water, and some elbow grease in short time! These towels are great for so many cleaning jobs, including windows.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Housecleaning
Author unknown
Last Week I threw out Worrying, it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.
I threw out a book on MY PAST (didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.
I threw out hate and bad memories, (remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.
Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, AND I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, you should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND, haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD, Yes I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE AND FAITH, Yes I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT- its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble, there just isn't any space.
It's good to do a little house cleaning, get rid of the things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should try it yourself.
Be blessed and be a blessing to someone else!
Last Week I threw out Worrying, it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.
I threw out a book on MY PAST (didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.
I threw out hate and bad memories, (remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.
Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, AND I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, you should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND, haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD, Yes I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE AND FAITH, Yes I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT- its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble, there just isn't any space.
It's good to do a little house cleaning, get rid of the things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should try it yourself.
Be blessed and be a blessing to someone else!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tips
Valuable Resource on Marriage ~ From Family Life Today ~ Marriage Memo archives Fight for your marriage! It's worth it.
Swine Flu ~ If you are interested in a different perspective than the mass media is giving, check out this article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx
Outward Beauty vs Inward Beauty ~ Watch this amazing video of Susan Boyle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY Thanks to Rosanne Ayers in Virginia for sending this link!
Tattling ~ When your children come to you, tattling on one another, try having them say something nice about the person they were tattling on. That may put a stop to this age old problem. Of course, teach your children that it is not considered tattling to tell you when they see someone is in danger.
Saving Water ~ Some dishwashers suggest running hot water before starting the dishwasher. It often takes 30 to 60 seconds to get hot water at our kitchen sink, so rather than wasting the water, I like to fill up my sprinkling can for watering house plants, or fill a small bucket for watering plants outside. At least it doesn't simply run down the drain. Also if water sets uncovered for 24 hours before using it, the chlorine will dissipate, which is better for fish and plants.
Watering Trees and Bushes ~ Don't forget to water your trees and bushes during a rain shortage. They will die if you don't.
Contents of Purse ~ When you are away from home and think of small and simple items you have need of, consider cleaning out your purse and restocking it with items like safety pins, pain reliever, chapstick, tissues, a few essential oils, fingernail file, dental floss, etc. Of course, keep it as light in weight as possible by using tiny items, if possible.
Closer Vacation Spot ~ With the downturn in our economy, choosing a nearby vacation spot would help save money on gas.
Keeping Bugs and Bees Away ~ Light sticks of incense from a dollar store and put in the ground or on your picnic table to deter insects. Putting one in a vase will help keep it from falling over. Slide a saucer underneath to catch the ashes. Certain oils also work.
Bananas ~ If you want to slow the ripening of bananas, cut them apart when you bring them home from the grocery store. By the way, mosquitoes are more attracted to people who eat bananas.
Jar or Bottle Opener ~ A large rubber band can be used to open a jar or bottle, if nothing better is available.
Leftover Coffee can be saved in the refrigerator and when you need a cup, simply heat it up in the microwave. No waste.
Stain Remover on Hard Surfaces ~ Almost any stain on hard surfaces like appliances, the inside of a crockpot, countertop, floors, walls, smooth book covers, etc. can be removed with Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel, Goo Gone, or a wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Simply rinse or wipe clean after removing the stain.
Cleaning a Pizza Stone or Stone Bar Pan ~ Soap should never be used on them because the fragrance will be absorbed into the stone. A Pampered Chef consultant mentioned that it was safe, however, to use baking soda to absorb excess grease or oil from baking stoneware, along with using the scraper that comes with your purchase. Storing baking soda in a shaker jar and keeping it within reach would make the job easier.
The Best Way to Save Money is to stay out of stores as much as possible. I'm glad I wasn't in our local Hallmark store today, because as I was walking from the parking lot to go into a nearby store, I heard several crashes, then one very loud glass shattering crash. A driver was charged with wreckless driving after crashing into a bush, a concrete bench, and two parked cars before driving right through the glass store front and fully into the Hallmark store! Thankfully no one was hurt.
Spring is here and for many of us that means spring cleaning! Today's tips are meant to help you make cleaning easier.
- If you have old linens that have yellowed, turned brown or are dingy, soak them in buttermilk or sour milk to brighten them and remove some of the stains. This works especially well for items like quilts or old doilies that you don't want to use anything harsh on.
- If you get a build up of spray starch or fusible web on the sole plate of your iron, just run it over a dryer sheet to clean it off.
- Keep a toothbrush by your kitchen sink to clean things like graters, choppers, mixer beaters and openers. You will be surprised how often you grab it to use on hard to clean places.
- Clean your coffee pot once in a while. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar into it and run it through as if you were making coffee. Repeat a couple of times using the same vinegar.
Pour 1/4 cup baking soda down your drain. Then pour the used vinegar from the coffee maker down the drain. Let it sit for a minute or so.
Next, pour 1-2 pots of water through the coffee maker to wash out the vinegar. When each pot of rinse water from the coffee maker is done, pour it into the drain. You now have a clean coffee pot and a clean drain. - Take care of all your small appliances. It really does help them last longer.
- There is a little door on the bottom of your toaster that catches the crumbs. Open and clean out the crumbs once in a while. (UNPLUG THE TOASTER FIRST!)
- Wipe down your hand mixer after each use.
- Run your iron over a dryer sheet to remove anything gummy, including fusible web
- Blow the dirt off of your fans, computers, or air purifiers. (You can buy cans of air for use with computers at office supply stores. These can be used to blow dirt off of other hard to clean items. I used to use an air compressor to blow the dirt off of house fans and grates.)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A Prayer for Each Day of the Week
Author unknown
Many years ago women used to set aside a particular day of the week for their daily homemaking duties. It wasn't a hard and fast rule, but many followed this schedule. Someone put a meaningful pray to each day.
Monday - Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday - Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected though the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday - Mending Day
Many years ago women used to set aside a particular day of the week for their daily homemaking duties. It wasn't a hard and fast rule, but many followed this schedule. Someone put a meaningful pray to each day.
Monday - Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday - Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected though the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday - Mending Day
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday - Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.
Friday - Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.
Saturday - Cooking Day
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday - The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.
Thursday - Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.
Friday - Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.
Saturday - Cooking Day
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday - The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tips and Tidbits
Knitted Dishcloth Directions ~ Thanks to Linda Crosby in Virginia for these directions! This pattern starts in one corner. You will have a triangular-shaped piece until half way through, but end up with a square.
Use Sugar 'N Cream (or comparable) 4 ply cotton knitting yarn and size 8 needles.
Cast on 4 stitches; Knit 4 stitches; Knit 2 stitches, yarn over, knit to end.
Continue this row until you have 43 or 45 stiches on needle (depending on size you want)
Next row: Knit 1 stitch, Knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to end of row.
Continue until there are 4 stitches; bind off
Sparkling Windows ~ Recently I discovered a wonderful way of cleaning windows. When the windows are clean the whole rooms seems to sparkle. My sister who lives in Germany, shared this great way of cleaning windows with me and I wanted to pass it on to you. Incidentally it also works great on car windows, without having to breath in all the ammonia from traditional window cleaners. You will need to purchase tea tree oil, and 2 microfiber cloths. Mix 8 drops of tea tree oil in 2 qt. of warm water. With one of the microfiber cloths wash the window and dry with the other cloth. It is fast, the windows look beautiful, and you get it done in half the time. Tea tree oil also works great on mosquito bites. I rub a little on the bite, the itching stops, and I don't have "bite bumps" the next day. ~ Barbara Hassell in Virginia
Use Sugar 'N Cream (or comparable) 4 ply cotton knitting yarn and size 8 needles.
Cast on 4 stitches; Knit 4 stitches; Knit 2 stitches, yarn over, knit to end.
Continue this row until you have 43 or 45 stiches on needle (depending on size you want)
Next row: Knit 1 stitch, Knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to end of row.
Continue until there are 4 stitches; bind off
Sparkling Windows ~ Recently I discovered a wonderful way of cleaning windows. When the windows are clean the whole rooms seems to sparkle. My sister who lives in Germany, shared this great way of cleaning windows with me and I wanted to pass it on to you. Incidentally it also works great on car windows, without having to breath in all the ammonia from traditional window cleaners. You will need to purchase tea tree oil, and 2 microfiber cloths. Mix 8 drops of tea tree oil in 2 qt. of warm water. With one of the microfiber cloths wash the window and dry with the other cloth. It is fast, the windows look beautiful, and you get it done in half the time. Tea tree oil also works great on mosquito bites. I rub a little on the bite, the itching stops, and I don't have "bite bumps" the next day. ~ Barbara Hassell in Virginia
Wax on a Carpet or Tablecloth ~ You can safely remove the wax by folding a brown paper grocery bag over two of three times and placing it on top of the wax. Using a warm iron (not hot), iron back and forth over the wax. The bag will absorb the wax as it melts. If the candle has a lot of dye in it, however, and your carpet is light in color, the spot may remain. I have had a white tablecloth for years with the wax removed, but the red dye still remains. No matter what I have used on the stain, it won’t budge. It happens to be at a spot where a candle holder with a candle ring will cover it. If you have an unmovable dye spot on your tablecloth, maybe a trivet could go over a stubborn spot, or a garland of ivy or flowers if it is near the center of the table. Of course, table runners are a great addition to a tablecloth and they are very easy to make with or without a pattern. There are several ways to prevent candle wax drippings. Freezing candles just before lighting them helps. You can purchase glass rings to slip down over your tapered candles to catch the drippings. A ring of wax paper could also be placed under the candle ring, where it wouldn't be seen, yet it would do the job. Using a candle snuffer rather than blowing out your candles can help prevent candle wax from being blown onto your tablecloth. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
For Bird Lovers and Everyone Else ~ http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2219299085003&source=jl999 Thanks to Alice Stoddard in Virginia who sent this card to me!
For Bird Lovers and Everyone Else ~ http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2219299085003&source=jl999 Thanks to Alice Stoddard in Virginia who sent this card to me!
Bird Watching ~ I get so much pleasure from watching the birds come to our feeders, and keep my camera handy. There are several concoctions you can make to keep the birds coming. I usually mix peanut butter, shortening and flour together. Sometimes I add cornmeal, soy nuts, raisins or sunflower seeds, but these aren’t necessary. Another concoction is simply peanut butter and corn meal. I tried mixing flax seed meal in suet, but they didn't like it, and it smelled bad to me after a few days. So we learn by mistakes!
All of these suet mixes especially attract Carolina wrens, chickadees, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches, catbirds and mocking birds. If you or your neighbor's Christmas tree is out by the curb waiting to be picked up, remember that you could use it to attract birds to your backyard. Stick it in the ground in an unused spot of your garden or flowerbed. The birds will use the tree for shelter. String popcorn, unshelled peanuts and cranberries around the tree. Cut a few grapefruit and oranges in half, eat out the fruit and fill the halves with the peanut butter mixture above, bacon fat or beef tallow. Ask for "fat for the birds" in the meat department of your grocery store. Sometimes it is free.
Use pipe cleaners to hang the citrus treats in the tree. Your family will have hours of entertainment and enjoyment by watching these interesting creatures! I read how one person saves the fat from cooking bacon to feed the birds. After the bacon fat is cooled to room temperature, she adds bird seed, cranberries, and raw peanuts, and shapes it into a block the size of suet blocks one can buy.
All of these suet mixes especially attract Carolina wrens, chickadees, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches, catbirds and mocking birds. If you or your neighbor's Christmas tree is out by the curb waiting to be picked up, remember that you could use it to attract birds to your backyard. Stick it in the ground in an unused spot of your garden or flowerbed. The birds will use the tree for shelter. String popcorn, unshelled peanuts and cranberries around the tree. Cut a few grapefruit and oranges in half, eat out the fruit and fill the halves with the peanut butter mixture above, bacon fat or beef tallow. Ask for "fat for the birds" in the meat department of your grocery store. Sometimes it is free.
Use pipe cleaners to hang the citrus treats in the tree. Your family will have hours of entertainment and enjoyment by watching these interesting creatures! I read how one person saves the fat from cooking bacon to feed the birds. After the bacon fat is cooled to room temperature, she adds bird seed, cranberries, and raw peanuts, and shapes it into a block the size of suet blocks one can buy.
Keeping Kids Warm in Bed on a Cold Night ~ Fill a hot water bottle with hot, not scalding water, screw on the lid very tightly, wrap a thin blanket around it and let your little one snuggle it and keep warm as she goes to sleep! Or use two-liter soda bottles as hot water bottles! Growing up on a farm in the north, we used to take hot bricks to bed (heated in the wood kitchen stove), wrapped in tea towels, to keep our feet warm in bed! I've actually used a hot water bottle on these frigid winter nights lately. Flannel sheets help immensely as well!
Mitten Extenders and Leg Warmers ~ Save ribbed cuffs from sweaters, sweatshirts, or just use socks. Cut off the ribbing and pull them up over the mittens, continuing up over each coat sleeve. This will keep the cold air and snow from making your children get too cold while out in the freezing temperatures. You could also make your own leg warmers in the same way.
American Doll Clothes ~ Outfits for the American Dolls are rather pricy. However, if you buy a pattern for $1 during a sale, and stock up on patterns for dolls 18” tall, you could save a bundle, and have lots of fun doing it! Of course, fabric remnants, already marked way down, with some lace and small buttons, will end up being a real bargain, as well as making some special girls very happy!
Help for Blended Families ~ The week of November 15, 2010, Focus on the Family had a very helpful three-day series about blended families on their radio broadcast. If you are a step-mom, you will find valuable help by going to www.focusonthefamily.com and either listening or ordering the CD. There doesn’t seem to be enough Christian information on this subject, so here you go!
We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas! ~ For a cute gift, my friend, Nina Graffs in Wisconsin filled whisks full of Hershey's kisses, wrapped each one in cellophane, tied with a ribbon and wrote on a tag, "We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!" Cute little gifts!Help for Blended Families ~ The week of November 15, 2010, Focus on the Family had a very helpful three-day series about blended families on their radio broadcast. If you are a step-mom, you will find valuable help by going to www.focusonthefamily.com and either listening or ordering the CD. There doesn’t seem to be enough Christian information on this subject, so here you go!
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