She just loves it, she frolicks around like a deer and even eats the snow!
Somebody else in our house prefers the inside.
Have a good day! Stay warm inside if you can too.
Carey
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Snow Snow Go Away!
This one is for the pet lovers out there! Right now this is about all we're doing! My kids love it they've been out of school for 2 days and playing in it. Even they are getting tired of it and the reality of make up days is starting to ring true with my 10 yr. old daughter! She gets it, but I don't think my son does just yet. So far we are up to 4 days. So how is it in your neck of the woods??
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Housekeeping Checklist
Ladies, I just created this little checklist in word and put it inside a three ring binder. You can use any little journal or binder you have though. I have been doing this routine with a few new modifications for the past 6 years. I've been at home either part or full time since 2004. This is what works for me. First off, when I worked as a teacher full time I hated coming home and cleaning all day Saturday. So my hubby and I worked out a system we each had a set of chores we did throughout the week and he did most of the shopping because it was more convenient. He went to work before me so he threw in a load of laundry in the am and I put it away before work. I took the kids to daycare and then came home and cooked dinner and he cleaned up. We each did our chores. Come Saturday we were able to finish a few things and head out the door if we wanted to. It wasn't perfect and sometimes things didn't get done but flylady did help. I love her no nonsense approach, she says to just get off your franny and get it done. LOL!
Now I do all of the housework, meals and shopping. He takes care of the yard and maintaining our vehicles. He's also great at fixing most anything. Generally, I keep things picked up as I go if you read any kind of home organization books you'll see the same things over and over. "A place for everything and everything in its place." Another words if you have a great system you'll just need to maintain it. I try to multi task and clean up messes as I go. For example after getting up I make my bed, when I do my makeup, I do a quick wipedown of the sink and then the toilet as needed.
I have a Daily List, here is just a few examples from my daily list:
Empty dishwasher while kids eat breakfast
Start a load of laundry, (I don't like it to pile up and I have found that if I wait until day 7, I have 7 loads which is just daunting for me.) This is one trick I picked up from flylady.
Pick up house generally twice a day once before bedtime, once having the kids help with toys, homework etc.
I put all dirty dishes immediately into the dishwasher
Weekly List
Monday
Weekly house blessing (flylady.net) I dust all horizontal surfaces on my main level, purge and recycle of throw out magazines and newspapers from the week, vacuum entire main floor, and stairs, vaccuum downstairs media room * (I find we usually have some popcorn from our movie night on Fridays.) I wipe down any smudges around doors and use windex on the most used doors. Take out trash, trash day is Tuesday.
Tuesday
Clean bathrooms, scour sinks, scrub toilets, clean mirrors, spot clean showers and tubs. (they get a good scrub down once a month for zone cleaning) The kids do their own bathrooms. We have 4.
Change sheets and wash towels and put out all fresh linens, sweep and mop floors in bathrooms, zone cleaning
Wednesday:
Kitchen
Sweep and mop, spot clean appliances, clean microwave weekly, clean coffee pot, wipe down counters and scour sink, zone cleaning
Thursday:
Dust and sweep bedrooms, and kids do their rooms and playroom. *I also clean library and guest room. I try to do errands on this day.
Friday
I vacuum and dust family room again, sweep kitchen as needed, vacuum all entrance rugs, finish zone cleaning
Saturday:
I just keep up with daily chores and do a load of laundry. This allows me to spend time with my family.
Sunday:
A day of rest, not even laundry
* indicates new to my routine because we didn't have these rooms before
Each week I deep clean a zone, parts of my home. So in addition to all my daily chores I spend about 15 minutes cleaning in the zone. Check out more about that here.
Another idea that I have found extremely helpful is to do these things with a candle burning and your favorite music going in the background. I think it just helps to improve your mood and makes it go faster. I learned this from my fellow sugar pie sister, Aunt Ruthie. I really think the key to keeping your house a home is two things keeping it neat and tidy and then the decorating is the icing on the cake. If you have a system you never find yourself fretting when someone drops by or comes to visit. I have had friends or people comment about how neat my house always is when they come over. That always makes me feel good and my husband always tells me what a good job I do taking care of our home and decorating it.
Thank you all for sharing your system. I read each and every comment and you had some very interesting things to say.
Have a great day!
Carey
Now I do all of the housework, meals and shopping. He takes care of the yard and maintaining our vehicles. He's also great at fixing most anything. Generally, I keep things picked up as I go if you read any kind of home organization books you'll see the same things over and over. "A place for everything and everything in its place." Another words if you have a great system you'll just need to maintain it. I try to multi task and clean up messes as I go. For example after getting up I make my bed, when I do my makeup, I do a quick wipedown of the sink and then the toilet as needed.
I have a Daily List, here is just a few examples from my daily list:
Empty dishwasher while kids eat breakfast
Start a load of laundry, (I don't like it to pile up and I have found that if I wait until day 7, I have 7 loads which is just daunting for me.) This is one trick I picked up from flylady.
Pick up house generally twice a day once before bedtime, once having the kids help with toys, homework etc.
I put all dirty dishes immediately into the dishwasher
Weekly List
Monday
Weekly house blessing (flylady.net) I dust all horizontal surfaces on my main level, purge and recycle of throw out magazines and newspapers from the week, vacuum entire main floor, and stairs, vaccuum downstairs media room * (I find we usually have some popcorn from our movie night on Fridays.) I wipe down any smudges around doors and use windex on the most used doors. Take out trash, trash day is Tuesday.
Tuesday
Clean bathrooms, scour sinks, scrub toilets, clean mirrors, spot clean showers and tubs. (they get a good scrub down once a month for zone cleaning) The kids do their own bathrooms. We have 4.
Change sheets and wash towels and put out all fresh linens, sweep and mop floors in bathrooms, zone cleaning
Wednesday:
Kitchen
Sweep and mop, spot clean appliances, clean microwave weekly, clean coffee pot, wipe down counters and scour sink, zone cleaning
Thursday:
Dust and sweep bedrooms, and kids do their rooms and playroom. *I also clean library and guest room. I try to do errands on this day.
Friday
I vacuum and dust family room again, sweep kitchen as needed, vacuum all entrance rugs, finish zone cleaning
Saturday:
I just keep up with daily chores and do a load of laundry. This allows me to spend time with my family.
Sunday:
A day of rest, not even laundry
* indicates new to my routine because we didn't have these rooms before
Each week I deep clean a zone, parts of my home. So in addition to all my daily chores I spend about 15 minutes cleaning in the zone. Check out more about that here.
Another idea that I have found extremely helpful is to do these things with a candle burning and your favorite music going in the background. I think it just helps to improve your mood and makes it go faster. I learned this from my fellow sugar pie sister, Aunt Ruthie. I really think the key to keeping your house a home is two things keeping it neat and tidy and then the decorating is the icing on the cake. If you have a system you never find yourself fretting when someone drops by or comes to visit. I have had friends or people comment about how neat my house always is when they come over. That always makes me feel good and my husband always tells me what a good job I do taking care of our home and decorating it.
Thank you all for sharing your system. I read each and every comment and you had some very interesting things to say.
Have a great day!
Carey
Monday, February 8, 2010
Weekly Housekeeping
Do you have a weekly housekeeping routine?? Are there certain things you do each day or just do it when you see it needs done. If you work I'd love to know how you balance the housework as a family, do you cook and your husband cleans up? How is the division of labor? Do the kids pitch in? I have been inspired by others addressing this topic on their blogs and truly I have seen a lot of winter cleaning and purging going on in others homes lately.
I have been doing some research into the past and have discovered some of the old ideals aren't such bad ideas. I'm sure you've heard the expression "if it works why change it" I find myself especially in the doldrums of winter wanting to spruce up my routine. A few years ago while wondering the same thing I wondered over to flylady.net. It's an amazing resource for both new homemakers and veteran ones. Recently, I discovered a few interesting blogs both of which look to vintage books about homemaking. If you have a chance check them out... I think they are both very interesting.
Destination 1940, My 50's year, 50's housewife
For example in the 40's you air your bedroom at least a few times a week. In the 50's you also had a day of the week devoted to sewing. What about an errand day? I usually have one day a week devoted to this but it's not always the same one each week. Not everyone can strive for all of these things but I think most of you out there are pretty creative. I read about everyone's great recipes, furniture or decorating redos and wonderful sewing creations. Sometimes I think we sell ourselves short and the women of the past were such great role models. For example my mom who was a true depression era 40's gal taught herself to sew and went from factory work to raising me in just a short period of time. Before then while she worked without the help of welfare or food stamps she budgeted, cooked meals and kept a neat house raising my four sisters. Whether or not we work outside the home I think something can be gained from a schedule and list making. These thing were something that people used to do all the time and not as much anymore as our modern life has made us so busy.
Have a great day!
Carey
Friday, February 5, 2010
Stromboli
Wow!!! I was so impressed with all your comments yesterday about my laundry room. I will continue to think about your wonderful ideas and keep you posted on what we decide to do. Sometimes I will think why am I bothering to blog no one reads this anyway but I guess you do! LOL!
Since this weekend is the Super Bowl I thought I would post a favorite family recipe that I've been making for about 20 years!! Literally almost as long as I've been married. We aren't big football fans at our house but I feel it necessary to support my fellow Hoosiers so GO COLTS!!!!!
Stomboli
Frozen Bread dough or make your own pizza dough
1 large pkg. of pepperoni
1 pkg. of ham (I prefer the honey but buy what you like)
1 pkg. of mozzarella/provolone cheese blend about 2 cups
1 jar of marinara sauce for dipping ( I like Newman's Own)
Preheat oven to about 400 degrees. Then thaw out dough overnight or according to directions. Roll out dough to a large rectangle about the length of your 13 X 9 bar pan. Then start layering your ingredients, you can add what you like if you don't like pepperoni you can substitute different kinds of meat/toppings like you would pizza. We pretty much stick with the basics here. I usually start with the ham and if you get it in the pkg. make sure you blot it dry since they tend to add water. Then layer the pepperoni the same way. Finally add your cheese and repeat until you've used all your cheese/meat usually 2-3 layers. Becareful not to stuff it too full or it won't cook in the middle. Then jelly roll style start at the long end and roll up your stromboli. Pinch the ends together and fold underneath so your seam is on the bottom. It helps to have someone help you with this part, and have your 13 x 9 jelly roll pan standing at the ready. Sometimes I will brush on a little olive oil or egg wash to make it pretty and add Italian seasoing to the crust. I don't think it's necessary though. Bake it for 20 - 30 minutes checking on it so it doesn't brown too much on top. For your big game day allow it to cool a bit and slice it up 1-2 inches thick and with marinara on the side for dipping.
This will serve about 4-6 people. If you're having a big crowd you could always make 2 better to make another one than trying to stuff it too full. I speak from experience here. Enjoy!
Have a great day!
Carey
Check out more recipes here!
Since this weekend is the Super Bowl I thought I would post a favorite family recipe that I've been making for about 20 years!! Literally almost as long as I've been married. We aren't big football fans at our house but I feel it necessary to support my fellow Hoosiers so GO COLTS!!!!!
photo from Food Network check out another Emeril version here
Stomboli
Frozen Bread dough or make your own pizza dough
1 large pkg. of pepperoni
1 pkg. of ham (I prefer the honey but buy what you like)
1 pkg. of mozzarella/provolone cheese blend about 2 cups
1 jar of marinara sauce for dipping ( I like Newman's Own)
Preheat oven to about 400 degrees. Then thaw out dough overnight or according to directions. Roll out dough to a large rectangle about the length of your 13 X 9 bar pan. Then start layering your ingredients, you can add what you like if you don't like pepperoni you can substitute different kinds of meat/toppings like you would pizza. We pretty much stick with the basics here. I usually start with the ham and if you get it in the pkg. make sure you blot it dry since they tend to add water. Then layer the pepperoni the same way. Finally add your cheese and repeat until you've used all your cheese/meat usually 2-3 layers. Becareful not to stuff it too full or it won't cook in the middle. Then jelly roll style start at the long end and roll up your stromboli. Pinch the ends together and fold underneath so your seam is on the bottom. It helps to have someone help you with this part, and have your 13 x 9 jelly roll pan standing at the ready. Sometimes I will brush on a little olive oil or egg wash to make it pretty and add Italian seasoing to the crust. I don't think it's necessary though. Bake it for 20 - 30 minutes checking on it so it doesn't brown too much on top. For your big game day allow it to cool a bit and slice it up 1-2 inches thick and with marinara on the side for dipping.
This will serve about 4-6 people. If you're having a big crowd you could always make 2 better to make another one than trying to stuff it too full. I speak from experience here. Enjoy!
Have a great day!
Carey
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Laundry/Mudroom Dilemma?
Here's my most recent decorating dilemma. First off just let me say that I am very blessed with a nice size house but the laundry room/mud room leaves something to be desired. I have lived here for 4 months now and this room doesn't function for us very well.
Mudroom/Three Reasons Why
1. It doesn't function as a mud room because there is no storage for coats, wet snow clothes, backpacks etc.
2. This is our main entrance for the kids. We can't see the bus from our front door. Everyone else seems to use this door too.
3. When you walk in you might see laundry drying etc. not the best hiding spot. I have no where to hang my unmentionables.
Then the laundry room doesn't work for these reasons.
1. No storage or very little for soap and iron etc. I can't even put the ironing board in here.
2. No place for drying delicates.
3. When laundry does get done it's in the way the doors cause a big mess. (see below) I do laundry everyday so generally I don't get backed up but when I do sheets and towels they don't even fit in the room.
Mudroom/Three Reasons Why
1. It doesn't function as a mud room because there is no storage for coats, wet snow clothes, backpacks etc.
2. This is our main entrance for the kids. We can't see the bus from our front door. Everyone else seems to use this door too.
3. When you walk in you might see laundry drying etc. not the best hiding spot. I have no where to hang my unmentionables.
Then the laundry room doesn't work for these reasons.
1. No storage or very little for soap and iron etc. I can't even put the ironing board in here.
2. No place for drying delicates.
3. When laundry does get done it's in the way the doors cause a big mess. (see below) I do laundry everyday so generally I don't get backed up but when I do sheets and towels they don't even fit in the room.
Here's my view from the kitchen
Here's the view as you walk in from the mudroom into the house, the closet you see here originally probably a coat closet. This closet has been converted into a pantry by the previous owners. The green door is off the garage.
This is what you see upon entering the side door, it has one small sink and it's all about the W & D or any rags being dried that you can see I have here in the picture.
See how close the doors are to one another, when you open them they just about bump into one another, not to mention you can't move. Try doing this at 7 am with 2 not so happy kids! Fun, fun!
Here are some of my random thoughts and ideas about this room.
Idea #1 First, take off the door between the kitchen/mudroom one problem is solved. Second add some shelves or cabinets above washer and dryer for extra storage. Move the pantry back to the other side of the kitchen and change the closet back to it's original purpose. I could put hooks inside for backpacks, coats and wet shoes could go in the bottom.
Idea #2
Move the laundry room to the basement and keep the plumbing in tact so later on possibly new owners or myself could once again use it as a laundry room. I may not want to climb stairs when I'm 90. LOL! We have plenty of space down stairs near our furnace area that would make a nice size room where I could hang wash and actually iron if I need to. Then in the mudroom we would fill the empty holes with these lockers from Sawdust City LLC, and at least it would be organized. The pantry could stay or go one way or another we would have just a mudroom this way.
I would love to know what you think, your opinions on any of this, we will probably be doing # 2 after my DH gets back home with us in March. Anybody out there have great ways to disguise all the stuff? I would love to know more about your mudrooms/laundry room issues. Welcome to my new followers, I'm always tickled to see new faces when I visit my dashboard!
Have a great day, don't forget to leave me a comment!
Carey
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Country Sampler, Let the Nesting Begin!
Good morning blogging friends! Can I just say that just when the sun was shining again we got a big of bad news yesterday with the groundhog Phil. Why oh why?? Anyway, I'm staying inside with the thought of spring weather to come and enjoying my time at home while I still can. We are supposed to get another 3-6 inches Friday. Here's what I've been reading:
I love the first house the article is titled SunnySide Up . I love the way Dee combines the primitive look in her home with so much light and cheerfulness. She has some great pieces with original paint and I love the yellow ware bowl collection. I love how she uses the yellow, red and blue colors here. I guess your art teacher was right primary colors are very cool.
Look at that kitchen! I love the butcher block with the rabbit molds and that old grocery store sign.
Another house I just loved was Michelle's house she does a great job of weaving natural elements that give a lighter feel to her home, very welcoming and cozy. Can I tell you I just love her kitchen? I love the white cabinets with those handles and the tin backsplash with black accents. That island is so cool too. My DH has been trying to convince me when we redo the kitchen we should add the element shown hear with the glass fronts for beans, or seeds. Very neat indeed!
Sorry, this is sideways I couldn't get this to cooperate at all! Try here instead.
I love the little white table and cabinet mixed with prim things! If you'd like to pick up a copy or subscribe check it out here. Country Sampler is my favorite magazine. I can't wait to get the home tour edition.
Have a blessed day,
Carey
Monday, February 1, 2010
Mantle Make-over Monday!
Good morning folks I hope you had good weekend and enjoyed your families. I am refreshed and ready to go for another week. I decided to show you a peek of my family room mantle. I took down all my lovely little snow buddies a few weeks ago and I'm ready for Spring. I guess the ground hog will be telling us soon whether or not we will have 6 more weeks of Winter.
It's always a little blah ... after the holidays and I still need to fill up my baker's cabinet with some things. I think our homes seem a little empty after having it stuffed full for the holidays. I tried to think about what would look right and could have a hint of freshness without seeming to seasonal or spring just yet. Catch my drift? I decided on leaving the shutters for now. I added a white star, my graniteware coffee pot filled with some white and green artificial flowers and some bright red apples near my red/white bowl with some raffia tucked underneath for added texture, and my black crow. My star candle holders seem to be my staple on this mantle. Some of my Sugar Pie Sisters may recognize my inspriration for this mantle too. I am going to look for a larger star, because I think the scale would just look better. Also, next time I will share some magazines that I have been inspired by and just love some ideas of their ideas for Spring.
Have a Blessed day! May the sun shine upon your face.
Carey
It's always a little blah ... after the holidays and I still need to fill up my baker's cabinet with some things. I think our homes seem a little empty after having it stuffed full for the holidays. I tried to think about what would look right and could have a hint of freshness without seeming to seasonal or spring just yet. Catch my drift? I decided on leaving the shutters for now. I added a white star, my graniteware coffee pot filled with some white and green artificial flowers and some bright red apples near my red/white bowl with some raffia tucked underneath for added texture, and my black crow. My star candle holders seem to be my staple on this mantle. Some of my Sugar Pie Sisters may recognize my inspriration for this mantle too. I am going to look for a larger star, because I think the scale would just look better. Also, next time I will share some magazines that I have been inspired by and just love some ideas of their ideas for Spring.
Have a Blessed day! May the sun shine upon your face.
Carey
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