Clutter Run

I mentioned a clutter run in my post Maintaining is much easier than catching up, I realized later that I didn't have my definition of a clutter run. Well better late than never, right!? : )

A clutter run is simply keeping the clutter picked up.

Here's my definition of a clutter run:

do a run through of all your rooms to make sure that all misplaced items are put back in appropriate places. Make sure all dirty dishes are in the dishwasher or wash them by hand quickly. Make sure all laundry is in it's appropriate place. If you have enough for a load do don't let it set and sour,do it.  Make sure all toys and books and magazine are put up, shoes, coats,purses,ect are all put up in their designated place.

God Bless,
Tammy

Maintaining is much easier than catching up

I love the feeling of a clean home. Knowing that no matter who may stop by, my home is ready for company. It is warm and welcoming, it looks and smells clean. It's clutter free and organized. This is a proud time for a homemaker.

 Now let’s move onto how one is to achieve this.  Of course a good cleaning routine is a must, so to develop or if you would like you can use mine. :  )Added note: I will be posting my cleaning routine very soon. : )  Hard work is a must, your home is not going to be as clean and organized as you want it to be if you are not willing to put the work into making it that way. Determination, dedication and a little elbow grease takes you so far and let us not forget prayer. Yes, I said prayer, praying and asking God for the wisdom and desire to do this is not wrong to ask God. You are blessing your husband and your whole family by being diligent in keeping your home cleaned and organized. This is our God given role, why wouldn't you want to embrace it and ask God for guidance.

 Let’s fast forward a little shall we........ Your home is now clean, clutter is under control and it’s organized. You feel so proud of all your hard work, you stand and look around and take a deep breath of satisfaction. You can rest easy now that your work is done.That is true to a point. Yes you can relax some but you still have to maintain your home. Working daily to keep it clean and organized. If you let is lapse you will be right back to putting in all the hard work and soon your frustrated and give up. Thinking it's just too hard and takes up too much time to have the type of home you want. You start thinking that women that have homes like that do nothing all day but clean. That is not true.

When you clean a dirty home, yes it's hard, yes it's time consuming, yes it's overwhelming at times. But once you achieve your goal of a clean and organized home it is much easier to maintain that level of cleanliness.

 By cleaning daily and working your cleaning routine you will find it takes much less time to clean your home because you are cleaning it daily. It is much easier to de-clutter because you are working daily to keep your home clutter free by doing clutter runs. You will then know it's much easier to keep a clean home clean that to clean a dirty home in other words it's far easier to maintain than to play catch up.

 God Bless,

Tammy

Brrrr Wednesday

We had a snow front come through Monday and it left behind cold temperatures! While the snow was beautiful and so much fun to play in, the temperatures made it difficult to stay out for an extended period of time. Still yet my kids had a blast sledding and making snow angels.

I gave the kids a half day of school under the conditions that they would work hard and they did. So they got the rest of the day to enjoy the snow before it's all gone and a muddy mess it left in it's place.

It was the perfect time to make a nice hot dinner. Soup beans and cornbread was on the menu last night. And oh did it every hit the spot. I also made a few batches of chocolate chip and sugar cookies. The oven being on kept the house nice and warm.

I have so many things on my heart and mind that I am praying about. Asking the Lord for guidance and wisdom. Some I will share on here others will be left for the right time. I feel the Lord leading my husband and I down new paths, it's exciting and too be honest a bit scary. I'm a routine person by nature and I like things just so, and everything that has been happening and is going to happen is anything but, but all the same I find a comfort in allowing God to lead us. He is the potter we are the clay!

God Bless,
Tammy

Fall Cleaning

With Summer soon coming to an end and fall beginning I start to focus on getting things done  to prepare for the cooler temperatures.


I first go through the house and make a list of things I want to focus on that I may not otherwise. From there I make my way outside and walk all along my property. I make a detailed list of things I want to take care of inside and out of my home.

Things I look for are..... do the carpets need to be cleaned,do the drapes need cleaned,is there anything that needs to be painted or repaired before it gets to cold out to do so,wash the patio furniture and wash cushions to later put away,make sure the gutters are clean,is there any weeding or trimming that need to be done,does the siding need to be washed down. These are all things I look at as well as anything else I may see that needs some attention and add it to my list.


I work on my list until it's complete or at least that's the plan. I also enlist my whole family to work on it. We work together as a family to complete the list. In a short time our home is ready for the new season.


Tammy

Easy Storage for sheets

A good rule of thumb when remembering how many sets of sheets you should have is... 2,yep that's it. 2 sets per bed in your home. That is one set on the bed and one to change out when it's time to wash the bedding.

Another tip is when you are crunched for storage space,fold the extra set of sheets and tuck them neatly between the mattress and box spring. Then on laundry day all you will have to do is take the sheets out from under that mattress and put it on them on the bed(s). Wash the dirty set(s) and then fold them and place them in between the mattresses.

Tammy

The Happy Homemaker

Easy Clean For Your Microwave

This came in a newsletter from debtproofliving.







I needed a way to clean my microwave when I could not get rid of the smell and splatters from a garlic dish. I wet two large paper towels with warm water and laid them on a paper plate. I squirted Dawn dish washing liquid all over the top and put it in the microwave oven on high for two minutes. When I opened the door, the oven smelled fresh and I could easily wipe the particles from the inside. It looks like new
 
Tammy
The Happy Homemaker

MYO: Oxy Clean

This recipe has been floating around on the net for some time.







1/2 C hydrogen peroxide


1/2 C baking soda


1 C. hotwater






Mix together and apply to stains, or add to machine and wash as usual.

Tammy
The Happy Homemaker

MYO: Stain Lifter

I make my own stain lifter for laundry stains and have for a few years now. It works great! As most of you know my boys are really into sports and I have taken out all sorts of stains from them playing. I simply spray it on and rub it in. Let it set then wash,stain gone.





What you'll need:




Tide detergent
vinegar
water
spray bottle ( I use an old stain lifter bottle I had here)


1/2 C tide,2 C vinegar and fill the rest of the way with water. Add lid and shake well.
That's it!


You'll need to shake it from time to time to mix the detergent in. One small bottle of tide last me for a very long time doing this. Wait until you have a coupon and it's on sale to get it,that way your not spending much at all to purchase it.


Also I keep an old toothbrush to scrub the stain lifter into the stain. Works great. You scrub in the direction of the fabric. Just don't do this on delegates or you can damage it.






Tammy

Future homemaker in training

I spent the day yesterday with Carissa by my side,helping me around the house. She got so excited when I told her we were going to make some cookies. As you can tell by the picture she was all ready to go!

Add the butter now

This was her first time using the hand mixer! She is such a wonderful job!

Now time to slowly add the dry ingredients!

Stir and mix well. Then add the chocochips,she kept trying to sneak them. She loves chocolate!

All that work and her very first batch of chocochip cookie dough,yum!

she worked so patiently and dilegently!

First batch done! As it cools on the rack I know what is on her mind!

Yum! Warm ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies.

The Happy Homemaker

The Prayer Closet

So many times in my life,when things get to heavy for me to carry. I go the Jesus,I cry out to my Heavenly father and he gives me peace.

There is so much stress in our lives. Taking care of our families and our homes,cooking nutritious meals for our family. So many times we take on all our duties and so much more from volunteering to help the needy,helping friends and family members,helping at our churches. Women have the need to care for others instilled in them from God and often times we feel the anguish others are going through because of this.

When going day to day in and the stresses of life get to heavy. I go off by myself so that I can be with Jesus,one on one time with my saviour. Sometimes I pray,sometimes I ready my bible and other times I just sit there feeling his presence and his love for me. When I return to my family or the job at hand I feel renewed and calm. I know I couldn't do what I do on a day to day basis with  Jesus helping me. When I feel weak he is there to strengthen me.

Do you have a prayer closet or a special place you go to be alone with Jesus?

The Happy Homemaker


photo provided by photbucket

I am linked up at: Women Living Well Blog

StedFast At Home

I wrote this article a few years back on my old blog.


When you read this term what comes to mind. Is it something bad in your views? Is it something that you relate to times that have long past when women stayed home and stood behind their man and kept the heads down and mouths shut? Or is it something else? I know for many of you what you believe this term means is all together something so very different than what it really does mean at heart.





I was like many of you, when I heard that, my alarms immediately went up. I thought, how dare you say that, I am no man's slave and I have a voice of my own that will freely use. I have a mind of my own and I'm a strong woman in mind,body and spirit. I am not a weak little woman doing what my man says. Does that pretty much sum up what you think when you hear stedfast at home or homekeeper,or even helpmeet?




I no longer see these phrases as I did, now let me tell you why. I began studying the bible alot more closer than I ever have in my life and began to talk to the Lord on a more personal level about what I felt my role was in my marriage and in the world in general. Now I believe the terms I have mentioned in the article as something to be proud of and cherish. I am no lower than my husband. I am not behind my husband. I am however his equal ,I work side by side with him to keep our home and life going. I have my duties and role in the house and so does he. He works outside the house and I stay home. I work hard and don't look down on my work as meager housework or that I'm just a homemaker or stay at home mom. I work very hard to make sure I keep a nice home for my family and that includes cooking good nutritious meals. On top of this I also keep our household costs as low and I can to save us as much money as I can in all categories of our lives. I hold my head high and I'm proud of who I am and what I do. I may not be out in the world working bringing home a paycheck but that does not make my role in my family any less important.




Here are a few bible versus that I have read that has helped me in ventures to be at peace with my choices in my life...


Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.


--What does this scripture mean,well to me is says To bare children be fruitful --


Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears her down.


-- A wise woman works hard to keep her home where a foolish or lazy woman doesn't.--


Proverbs 31 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good,not harm,all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark:she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a Field and buys it: out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously: her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she hold the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows,she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.: Charm is deceptive,and beauty is fleeting; but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.


--Whew that's a mouth full,LOL Meaning work hard for her home and family and don't shame yourself or your family. --


Titus 2 : 5 To be self-controlled and pure,to be busy at home,to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,so that no one will malign the word of God.


--This is pretty self explained. To show self control and work hard in your home and not be lazy and to help your husband.--






I know that's alot to read but I truly feel as a woman it's worth a good study. As you read this see how it's relative to your own life.






The Happy Homemaker

Catching up

I normally don't blog on weekends (God and family time) but since I haven't blogged since Tuesday I thought it would be a good time to send in a post.

I have been so busy this week it's crazy. Since my mom is in the hospital I am taking care of her things as well as mine. Paying her bills,running errands for her and such. And visiting her every chance I get. She is doing much better but it's when she is released and she has to deal with everything once she's home. That will be the hardest part. I have told her I will help as much as I can and if she needs to she can stay with us for a few days. She said OK but I know my mom and she will want to be in her own home,which I don't blame her. She has a lot of things to do at her house,things to go through,etc. I have told her I will gladly help her,hopefully she will accept my offer to help.

The sun has finally made it's way over the hills and it's filling this little valley up with light and warmth! Something much needed after last nights thunderstorms,they brought them a chill to the air. My uncle is coming over today to till our little garden. I can't wait to get started,I enjoy gardening of all kinds to much. I haven't been able to do any gardening since my surgeries and I miss it. My oldest son Jason has offered to help me and I gladly accepted. I am not sure how much I can do but I am eager to find out.

On the home front well I am officially behind in laundry. I think I may be able to hang some out to dry if it's not going to rain any more. The floors all need to be mopped. And I am going to be going through everything in the master bedroom. I am trying to simplify our lives more. And as a part of that getting rid of things we don't need or use. It's just stuff that is taking up precious space in our tiny humble home.

I have been asking the Lord to help me with our budget. John has a great job but he is at the lowest pay in the plant for the next 16 months. Then he gets bumped up to regular pay. But in the mean time we are living off of a lower pay and I'm OK with that. But it's taking some getting use to. I have asked the Lord to help me as I open my mind to new ideas and to give me an understanding of money that I never had. I am good at budgeting but there's always room to improve.

One area I am extremely interested in and have always been and that is in the kitchen. Cooking more and more from scratch and learning  about soaking grains. I would love to get our grocery spending cut by 30 dollars a week. With some learning and determination I think I can do it.

The Happy Homemaker

Menu making made simple

Have you ever sat down to make your menu and just couldn't get it all together to finish it up. You start out ok and then before you know you have no idea what to put down to finish it up. That's how it has been for me and it's very frustrating,especially when you have a million other things to do like laundry,schooling,reading aloud to your children,believe me I have been there done that. There's nothing more frustrating to me then to sit down to a task that should take only a short amount of time to complete and it lingers on and on because I am stumped. Oh how I hate that!

One day I came up with the idea that has saved me loads of time when it comes to making my menu(s). I got out a notebook and started writing down meal ideas. But then I went more detailed,I labeled one page chicken,the other beef,then pork,and so on. I started 1. and put a complete meal idea in that slot. For example looking over at my page right now for pork in slot number one is

1. grilled seasoned pork chops,loaded bake potatoes and corn on the cob.
2.creamy pork chops,mash potatoes,green beans.

and so on and so on. When I find a new recipe my family enjoys I simply add it to the designated page.

When it comes time for me to make my menu,I take out my pages of meal ideas with me (this would fit nicely in the household notebook) and use that as a guide for ideas. I can't tell you how much time and frustration this has taken off my shoulders and I can also use this as a way to not forget a meal that my family really enjoyed but that I hadn't made in a while. Yes I'm forgetful at times! LOL By investing a little time on these pages it has saved me so much time now. They are evolving lists what works stays and what doesn't goes. I love it and I hope if you decide to try it you love it as much as I do.

The Happy Homemaker

Dinner Menu 4/26 - 5/1

Monday - Rosted Chicken,mash potatoes,homemade gravy,cucumber salad

Tuesday - Soup Beans (using ham bone from last weeks ham dinner),from scratch cornbread,fruit

Wednesday - chicken nuggets,mac & cheese,corn on the cob

Thursday - Bible study night - crockpot roast beef,mash potatoes,homemade gravy,corn,peas and homemade rolls

Friday - Spaghetti,garlic bread,salad

Saturday - Beans n franks,mac & cheese,fried potatoes,apple sauce

What's on your menu this week?

The Happy Homemaker

Menu Plan Monday

Since yesterday was our day of rest,I post my menu on Monday of each week or at least most weeks.

Monday - Grilled marinated chicken breast,cheesy mash potatoes (will share the recipe later),tossed salad

Tuesday - Baked brown sugar baked ham,au gratin potatoes,green beans

Wednesday - am in the pm - buttermilk pancakes,eggs,sliced peaches

Thursday - leftover ham slices,mac & cheese,corn on the cob

Friday - MeatLoaf,mash potatoes,gravy,green beans,peas

Saturday - mock beef a roni (will share the recipe later) garlic bread,cucumber salad


leftovers (if there are any) are set out with dinner. Most of the time they are eaten up before dinner ever gets here. LOL Growing boys!

The Happy Homemaker

It's Friday!

The above picture was taken out of our picture window in our living room. We thought this was the prettiest little bird and it kept coming by to visit with us most every day. Even though it had secret motives,he was stealing cat food from the cats bowl on the porch. : ) I wish I would have thought to snap one of  it stealing the cat food. lol

I woke up this morning so disappointed. I started some buttermilk yesterday just like I have countless times before and it didn't turn out right.It was not thick and smooth like it normally is it had chunked up like milk does when it spoils. I can't think of anything that I did different except I used 2 % milk when I usually use Whole milk. I honestly didn't think that would make that much of a difference but I suppose I was wrong. Now I have to wait until I go to the store next week to get some more whole milk. : (

I have gotten away from so many of the things that I firmly believe in. I really didn't mean to,I suppose it was because I have been dealing with so much with my parents getting a divorce after 37 years,it has really hurt in ways I never thought it would. I haven't baked in what seems like ages,I feel like I have been going through the motions of keeping home but not feeling the fullfillment I usually do. Even my oldest son Jason told me he could tell I was sad. Yes I am I am grieving the loss of a once happy marriage and the fall of a good Christian man. I am not depressed but I am mourning and will mourn for some time to come. But I am starting to want to do a lot of the things I use to do. Like..... make my cleaning products,bake bread,quick breads,deserts,keep my home as clean and clutter free as I can. Teach my daughter how to keep a home,I was before all this doing Helpmeet lessons with her. Little things because she is still young but it's still important to start teaching young so they see the importance of our role in the family. She has learned how to sort laundry,load it in the washer,put the detergent in and start it. She has learned how to unload the dishwasher and put away the dishes as well as load them. She has learned how to clean the bathroom and make her bed properly. She was learning how to do some cooking,little things like she helped me make biscuits for dinners,she would stir something in the pot,she would knead bread for me and she helped me cook by adding ingredients for me. Then when all this happened it crushed me so badly I dropped it all and I'm ashamed to admit that but it's true. The good thing is that I see all I have lapsed in and felt the urge to pick it all up again and begin my life as it has been. God is so good to us when we are down he is there to comfort us and when he knows we need to push to get up again he does that. I am so greatful to have a father that loves me that much.

The plan for today is to cut up 1 - 2 cups of leftover turkey from last nights dinner and use it in the turkey n gravy for tonight. The rest I will slice up thin for sandwiches.I made up a delicious broth for the gravy using the turky carcass and herbs. I would like to make some cookies to it's been a while since I have done that,it would be nice to fill the house with the aroma of sweet yummy chewy homemade cookies. Brandon my youngest son wants me to make a pumpkin pie. Also I have laundry,I try to make sure all my laundry is washed up,Sunday is God's day and work is not a part of it. The cars need cleaned and the laundry room needs a good wipping down. Friday cleaning normally doesn't take that long so it frees up more time for special things like baking or a craft project or just some fun family time. Then later tonight we are attending a 2 day seminar at our church called Soul Winning, preached by Brother Sutton,I have never had the pleasure to hear him preach and I'm really looking forward to it.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend whereever you may be. May God bless you and your family.

Until Monday,

The Happy Homemaker

Lessons Learned

I have been spending a lot of time talking with my children about the importance of living below your means. Not only do we talk with them about it but we also try to live be example. I have so many regrets of how we used our money in the past and we are still cleaning up the mess from living that way. If only we knew then what we know now,but could of,should of and would of won't do us any good now. All we can do is pick up and keep moving forward taking what we have learned and instilling it in our hearts and minds. To make it a part of our lives.

Yesterday while with my youngest son Brandon,I asked him,"What do you think it means to live below your means,what are the steps to insure you are doing so?" His answer was very good! He said " you don't go into debt,no loans and no credit cards. I mean it's stupid to get a car loan and it loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot." He said " it's best to save up and buy things straight out then you own it and are not paying more than it's worth buy getting a loan, the same is right about credit cards they make no sense,when you charge things and they are used up and you are still paying on them. How stupid is that! "

Yes he is a very smart boy. He also mention putting God first forever and always. And saving a portion of your income without fail.
What he didn't mention and it's probably because I haven't talked about it as often or gone into any sort of detail about it. That is taking care of all you have to make it last as long as it can.

1. give to God
2. save a portion of your income
3.no debt unless it's a mortgage
4.use up what you have before buying new
5. buy things used or on sale or clearance always try your hardest to get the best price on all things
6. use cash or debit,tracking every penny that comes in and out of your home
7. take care of what you have and make it last as long as you can saving you even more money

my seven rules of living below your means

*Photo provided by dsleonard on photobucket.com*





Happy Homemaking

Menu Monday

I am using what I have on hand here as much as I can. Of course using the leftover ham from Easter dinner in a couple of meals. Our freezers and pantry are well stocked Thank God! The budget is very very tight for the next couple of weeks. Until John get his first pay from his new job : )

Monday- leftovers,mac & cheese

Tuesday - soup beans,corn bread,sliced oranges

Wednesday - Pepperoni rolls w/ cheese,french fries,cucumber salad

Thursday - chili,cornbread,tossed salad

Friday - beans N franks,mac&cheese,baby carrots

Saturday - Roasted turkey beast,mash potatoes,gravy,corn on the cob

Sunday - Turkey N gravy,biscuits,leftovers

With each meal I warm up leftover as well and set them all out buffet style.

Happy Homemaking

Take a Look at the rooms your guest see when they visit

Do a little project with me. Go to each room that your guest see when they visit you. It could be the living room,kitchen,bathroom,each home will be different so each list will be equally different. Once you get your list made,grab your camera and take pictures of each room starting as you first walk into the room(s).

Once you get the pictures taken set down to your computer and upload them and take a good long look at them. You will see your home as your guests see it. Do you like what you see,is there clutter that you never really noticed? Do the walls need dusted or washed? A pictures says a 1000 words. Get out some paper and make a list of the things you see that need your attention. And incorperate those things into your cleaning this week or next.

The vital rooms in my opinion are the rooms that are visable to all. These are the rooms that people see when they enter your home and/or visit you at your home. This is also the first impression you will make to others. Are you a good homekeeper,organized and clean or are you a clutter bug. Of course you want the rest of your home to be equally as clean and organized but always make sure that your rooms that guests are in when visiting your home are 1.clean 2 clutter free 3 organized 4 decorated nicely to your taste 5 smells nice.

Did you know that dust carries odors? The thought of that curls me skin I can't stand it. I make a note to dust the trip and doors in my home all of it. The tops as well because dust will set there,yuck! I dust the outlets and light switches as well. Just a tip you might find interesting : )

It takes time to get your home the way you want it. Make sure you take the time to keep it that way. You will feel so great about your home and what it says about you. Others will love coming to your home because of the atmosphere you have developed there and of course your hospitality.

Happy Homemaking

MYO: Laundry Detergent

I know there are many versions for this but I wanted to share mine. So here goes...







What you will need....






1 five gallon bucket with lid


2 Cups borax


2 Cups washing soda


1/2 Cup baking soda


1/2 gallon white vinegar


1 bar of soap




grate your soap into a medium sized pan (I use the 6 to 8 qrt size),cover the soap with water and place on stove and melt over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid it overflowing and making a big mess.


Once it is fully melted,add the borax and stir until completely dissolved (add water as needed),then add the washing soda and baking soda again stir until dissolved.


To the bucket add your vinegar and 4 C of hot water. Add your soap mixture to the bucket,it will fizz a bit adding it to the vinegar and water because of the baking soda. Stir and stir some more to make sure it's all well blended. Then fill the bucket up with hot water. Add the lid and wait 24 hours for it to set.


 1/2 cup per load.


I use baking soda and vinegar in my recipe because of the boosting power they provide. Vinegar kills germs and odors and is a natural stain fighter. Baking soda is a detergent booster making my recipe work harder and your clothes to come out very clean.




Happy Homemaking