Category Archives: Homemaker’s Journal

Jan 22

To Do Lists

In the new year I am working on the house more, and that means making lots of lists to keep me on track. I keep a notebook at my desk with the daily to do’s and a little notebook on my bedside table with things that I don’t want to forget. I keep a third in my purse, just in case.

I’m also working in a housekeeping schedule for myself. I’ve been reading through lists and tips on pinterest, and I’ve been keeping to mine pretty good so far. I still really need to get a schedule down that I can stick to. I’m the worst when it comes to housework, I’d rather be cooking, or crocheting.

Here is what my Tuesday and Thursday Housekeeping List looks like:

Downstairs:

  • Foyer/Dining Room: Dust/sweep,vac if needed, de-clutter, and put away items, sweep stairs, water plants, restock items on the dining room table
  • Den/Office: Dust surfaces, empty trash cans, sweep/vac floor, put away and de-clutter, water plants
  • Living Room: Sweep floors, vac carpets, water plants, dust surfaces, de-clutter toy bins
  • Kitchen: Sweep, clean surfaces. empty trash cans, one load of dishes
  • Utility Room/ Half bathroom: Sweep, clean surfaces, load one batch of laundry, clean the litter-box, clean the toilet, empty trash can, water plants
  • Take all of the trash outside

Upstairs:

  • Agnes’ Room: Make the bed, change bedding if needed, empty trash can, dust surfaces, sweep, vac carpet, put away toys, and de-clutter at least one toy bin
  • Boy’s Room: Make the beds, change bedding if needed, empty trash can, dust surfaces, sweep, put away toys, and de;-clutter at least one toy bin
  • Hallway: Sweep, Clear clutter as needed from storage closet
  • Bathroom: Spray down shower, sweep floor, de-clutter surfaces, clean all surfaces, clean the toilet, water plants, empty trash can
  • Master bedroom: Dust surfaces, sweep floor, vac carpet, make the bed, change bedding as needed, de-clutter surfaces, and empty trash cans
  • Take all of the trash outside

It takes me a little over two hours to get it all done, I’m often adding little chores to the list too. It is a pretty good start, I just need to stay motivated to keep it up.

What about you… Do you keep lots of lists too?

 

 

Jan 21

Quiet Time

After school the boys usually bring home a bit of homework. It can been tricky to keep the Miss quiet while the boys are working.

I look forward to the quiet times. I can catch up on my ongoing crochet projects, or just breathe in the little bit of silence.

 

Jan 20

Cat Naps

The big kids are back to school today, but Agnes doesn’t go back until tomorrow. I decided that we had better get to the store this morning, and she really didn’t want to go. She said the only way she would go, is that if she could take a nap as soon as we got home. She hasn’t napped yet, but I bet that will change this afternoon.

The big kitty is having no problems though…

Time to enjoy a quiet afternoon.

Jan 19

Catch-up Days

Last week I was sick with migraines for several days, and I am way behind. Today the kids are off from school, and I’m probably going to spend the day trying to catch-up as much as I can.

We all slept in this morning, which was pretty fantastic for a Monday. The weather is nice too, strange for January, but awesome for playing outdoors.

Time to finish my coffee and get to it.

 

Jan 17

Back To The Veggies

I’ve dabbled in vegetarianism a few times over the last twenty years, and I’ve decided to go back. I’m not doing this to lose weight ( I like me just the way that I am), and I’m not making my family become vegetarians either. I’m honestly going back, because my stomach is a wreck, and I have to do something about it.

Many months ago I had a nasty parasitic infection, and I’m still having complications from it. My migraines have worsened, chronic fatigue syndrome has invaded me, and I have new food allergies and complications that I’ve never had before. Eight months of feeling miserable is enough, and I have got to get better.

It seems like probiotics are a good place to start. Adding Greek Yogurt and Kefir at least twice daily has been an easy fix. I also jump-started the vegetarian ways by cutting beef completely out of my diet.  I still wanted to eat it, but the smell of beef cooking turned my stomach. I then decided to cut fried foods out of the equation too, this helped cut down on acid reflux, and the overall tummy unhappiness.

Now I’m at the point where I’m still eating fish (occasionally) and boiled or grilled chicken, in very small amounts. I think I am at a point where I could cut it out completely.

I’ve decided that the ovo-lacto vegetarian diet looks like a good fit for me. I’m unable to eat eggs (allergy), and I can only use lactose free milk products (allergy again), I always have lots of Lactaid enzyme on hand for recipes that call for cheese. I really enjoy baking, so I want to keep that option open too.

Like I said before, I’m still cooking the exact same way for my family, I’m just making extra veggie dishes for me. It has been a really fun experiment so far. I feel better after eating, where before I was feeling pretty miserable. I’ve also been under budget the last two trips to the grocery store, added bonus.

 

I’ll be posting recipes here and there, and sharing photos from some of my dishes too. I really hope that this change in eating habits can get me back on the road to wellness.

So help me out… Do you have any favorite veggie or fruit dishes to share?