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With gas prices at an all time high, we are all looking for ways to save money. Clipping coupons, taking walks, staying home, not eating out, whatever we can think of to cut corners. How about we look within our homes to see what we can do to save some money on our electric bills as summer approaches. That is one bill that most of us dread when we turn on the AC. Hopefully with these tips and our own frugalness we can all save a little this year!
1. Check windows, doors, and exterior walls for cracks, holes, or anything that air could be leaking through. A tiny little bitty hole can add up to big money on that electric bill! Fill holes and cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Keep blinds closed on windows to cut down on indoor heat. That will keep your ac from running so often. Keeping blinds open in winter actually helps to heat the house because the sun light will help to warm the house.
2. Plant trees, shrubs, vines, and bushes to provide shade for your home. This will help keep your home cool in the summer. Keep plants 3 feet from outdoor heat/air units though because they can interfere with how they work.
3. Have heat and air equiptment checked regular to make sure it is working properly.
4. Install automatic thermostats so you can program them to be at certain temps at different times o the day. Turn them up higher when you leave.
5. Replace indoor lightbulbs with lower wattage fluorescent bulbs. They are more expensive to buy but they last longer and will save you money in the long run.
6. Keep household appliances free of dust and clean.
7. Make sure you have insullation in your attic.
I hope these tips can help to save you some money this year!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
My Homemaking Notebook
My Homemaking Notebook
by Jessica Gerald
Binders and notebooks are so popular right now, and with good reason. They are a
perfect way to keep everything organized in one place. I would like to share
what I have in my notebook. Maybe some of the suggestions will be helpful.
First of all, I want to stress that you must do what works for you. Listen to
the advice of different people in the articles you read, then adapt those ideas
to yourself. If not, you may just end up being disorganized and frustrated.
Here is some of the content of my homemaking notebook. I say some, because as I
go along, I might change some things. That is the secret - to make it your own,
even if you have to go by trial and error for awhile.
1. A Weekly List
Most of us are extremely busy with work, home, family, and activities. I have to
make a master list for the week, or I'll forget something important. This could
be appointments, sport or music events, or something that has a deadline.
You might also want to include a housework list, such as laundry, meal planning,
grocery shopping, gardening, or special projects. Then divide that list into the
days that you want to complete them.
2. A Daily List
Even though this list is basically the same each day, I still like to write it
out. I love the feeling of checking it off and knowing that chore is
accomplished. At the end of the day, you realize you've done a lot more that you
thought.
This list always starts with my personal devotions, then making beds, tidying up
the house, taking out garbage, dishes, and so on. After that, I put down
anything else that has to be done that day, or that I want to complete that day.
If I don't get it finished, I cross it out and write it on the next day's list.
Sometimes, I'll put a star by things that have to be done that day.
3. A Master Cleaning Project List
To keep from being overwhelmed, I take baby steps here. When I am doing my
spring cleaning, I write down each room and everything that needs done in that
room. I may not finish one room a day. I might only get the walls washed down
and leave the woodwork and windows for the next day. The third day could be
cleaning furniture, and the fourth day scrubbing the carpet.
4. A Diet Journal
I made a simple diet journal from tables on my computer program. I can tally the
daily food groups and calories that I consume. I also have a space to put time
spent exercising. This is a good way to see if you are balancing out your
nutrients, or getting too much or too little of certain foods.
5. My Reading List
I love to read and have so many books stacked on shelves calling to me. So I
decided to make a list of about ten books I want to finish by the end of summer.
I will check them off as I read them. Then, I'll make a new list.
6. Family History Stories
My passion is family history. I list several memories of my own or those of my
mother. That way I don't forget about them. Then, when I have time, I go down
the list and write out that story. I keep these stories in a separate binder.
7. Articles
There are so many good articles on the internet about organizing, homemaking,
and scheduling. When I see helpful reading material like this, I print it out
and put it in my binder. Sometimes all I need is a little inspiration from these
articles.
8. Calendar
Print out a calendar for the month, and 3-hole punch it. Then you have all
appointments and activities at your fingertips.
9. Weekly Menus
I make out a general meal plan for the week. Actually, I only write the dinner
menus, because we mostly eat the same things for breakfast and lunch. On the
back of the menu plan, you could list the ingredients you need for those meals.
Keep these in your binder. After four weeks of these menus, you will have a
month of different meals.
Make sure these meals are practical. I try to stick to basics and not all the
fancy foods. That gets so expensive buying all the unusual ingredients. One idea
could be to pick one day a week or month to try something new and different.
10. Grocery List
Years ago, I made up a master grocery list. It includes food and also cleaning
and personal items. It saves so much time and money for me. When I need to shop,
I just pull out the list, quickly scan it, and write down what I need to buy. It
prevents a lot of impulse buying at the store.
I would like to add that I have a separate notebook for my devotions and prayer.
I also have a separate binder for the family history as I mentioned above.
I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful. Have fun with your homemaking
notebook. It is there to serve you, not the other way around!
Jessica Gerald has been an elementary school teacher for over thirty years, and is the publisher of the website http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com
by Jessica Gerald
Binders and notebooks are so popular right now, and with good reason. They are a
perfect way to keep everything organized in one place. I would like to share
what I have in my notebook. Maybe some of the suggestions will be helpful.
First of all, I want to stress that you must do what works for you. Listen to
the advice of different people in the articles you read, then adapt those ideas
to yourself. If not, you may just end up being disorganized and frustrated.
Here is some of the content of my homemaking notebook. I say some, because as I
go along, I might change some things. That is the secret - to make it your own,
even if you have to go by trial and error for awhile.
1. A Weekly List
Most of us are extremely busy with work, home, family, and activities. I have to
make a master list for the week, or I'll forget something important. This could
be appointments, sport or music events, or something that has a deadline.
You might also want to include a housework list, such as laundry, meal planning,
grocery shopping, gardening, or special projects. Then divide that list into the
days that you want to complete them.
2. A Daily List
Even though this list is basically the same each day, I still like to write it
out. I love the feeling of checking it off and knowing that chore is
accomplished. At the end of the day, you realize you've done a lot more that you
thought.
This list always starts with my personal devotions, then making beds, tidying up
the house, taking out garbage, dishes, and so on. After that, I put down
anything else that has to be done that day, or that I want to complete that day.
If I don't get it finished, I cross it out and write it on the next day's list.
Sometimes, I'll put a star by things that have to be done that day.
3. A Master Cleaning Project List
To keep from being overwhelmed, I take baby steps here. When I am doing my
spring cleaning, I write down each room and everything that needs done in that
room. I may not finish one room a day. I might only get the walls washed down
and leave the woodwork and windows for the next day. The third day could be
cleaning furniture, and the fourth day scrubbing the carpet.
4. A Diet Journal
I made a simple diet journal from tables on my computer program. I can tally the
daily food groups and calories that I consume. I also have a space to put time
spent exercising. This is a good way to see if you are balancing out your
nutrients, or getting too much or too little of certain foods.
5. My Reading List
I love to read and have so many books stacked on shelves calling to me. So I
decided to make a list of about ten books I want to finish by the end of summer.
I will check them off as I read them. Then, I'll make a new list.
6. Family History Stories
My passion is family history. I list several memories of my own or those of my
mother. That way I don't forget about them. Then, when I have time, I go down
the list and write out that story. I keep these stories in a separate binder.
7. Articles
There are so many good articles on the internet about organizing, homemaking,
and scheduling. When I see helpful reading material like this, I print it out
and put it in my binder. Sometimes all I need is a little inspiration from these
articles.
8. Calendar
Print out a calendar for the month, and 3-hole punch it. Then you have all
appointments and activities at your fingertips.
9. Weekly Menus
I make out a general meal plan for the week. Actually, I only write the dinner
menus, because we mostly eat the same things for breakfast and lunch. On the
back of the menu plan, you could list the ingredients you need for those meals.
Keep these in your binder. After four weeks of these menus, you will have a
month of different meals.
Make sure these meals are practical. I try to stick to basics and not all the
fancy foods. That gets so expensive buying all the unusual ingredients. One idea
could be to pick one day a week or month to try something new and different.
10. Grocery List
Years ago, I made up a master grocery list. It includes food and also cleaning
and personal items. It saves so much time and money for me. When I need to shop,
I just pull out the list, quickly scan it, and write down what I need to buy. It
prevents a lot of impulse buying at the store.
I would like to add that I have a separate notebook for my devotions and prayer.
I also have a separate binder for the family history as I mentioned above.
I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful. Have fun with your homemaking
notebook. It is there to serve you, not the other way around!
Jessica Gerald has been an elementary school teacher for over thirty years, and is the publisher of the website http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com
Add A Scripture To Your To-Do List
Add A Scripture To Your To-Do List by Jessica Gerald
I like to write down a "to do" list for the day. I guess it comes from years of teaching school and making lesson plans. The list keeps me focused and shows my progress. I can see that I've accomplished more than I realized.
I had an idea for something new to add to my list - a daily scripture. When I am doing my daily Bible reading in the morning, there is often a verse that really stands out. It may be something to praise God for, a comforting promise, or a quality I need to develop.
So now, after I write out my list for the day, I'm going to write a scripture in the top margin of the paper. That way, every time I look at my chores, I can read over the scripture, or even turn it inot a prayer. Maybe by the end of the day, I'll have it permanently memorized.
By the end of even one month, there would be thirty verses etched into my heart, ready to be recalled when needed. Hopefully, this idea will help you to cover your day with the power of scripture.
Jessica Gerald has been an elementary school teacher for over thirty years, and is the publisher of the website http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com.
I like to write down a "to do" list for the day. I guess it comes from years of teaching school and making lesson plans. The list keeps me focused and shows my progress. I can see that I've accomplished more than I realized.
I had an idea for something new to add to my list - a daily scripture. When I am doing my daily Bible reading in the morning, there is often a verse that really stands out. It may be something to praise God for, a comforting promise, or a quality I need to develop.
So now, after I write out my list for the day, I'm going to write a scripture in the top margin of the paper. That way, every time I look at my chores, I can read over the scripture, or even turn it inot a prayer. Maybe by the end of the day, I'll have it permanently memorized.
By the end of even one month, there would be thirty verses etched into my heart, ready to be recalled when needed. Hopefully, this idea will help you to cover your day with the power of scripture.
Jessica Gerald has been an elementary school teacher for over thirty years, and is the publisher of the website http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com.
Friday, March 28, 2008
House Proud???
Am I house proud??? In my case pride always comes before the fall!
I have been married for quite awhile now and have definitely learned the ins and outs of the life I lead. The one thing I have learned for sure is that just as I get a "system" in place to do housekeeping something will come along to DESTROY it. Is this only me or can I get a witness here?
I no longer have little children, my youngest will be 14 in a few weeks and any reasonable person would think now is when my housekeeping days are easy and breezy.......WRONG!
I actually found it much easier to keep up with housework when my children were little and I did not have a job as well (granted, I work from home BUT that has it's own unique challenges). I also knew then that if I did not clean it, someone would either eat it, smear it or make it worse so it had to be done and fast. Now? Well, no one is eating crumbs off the floor or sticking erasers up their nose (well at least now when they do that it is a joke and they can get them right out!).
These days I am much more relaxed and confess I only vaccuum every 2 weeks (did I just "write" that out loud for the world to see???). So you ask why am i saying all this? I will tell you something, I can remember days of being so consumed with keeping everything "clean" and getting "finished" that I didn't pay attention to what was really important. I think I missed some really amazing moments with my family I can never get back. I have no proof of this, no one has ever complained, and I was not one of those women who shooed the children out of the house so I could clean but I know I definitely at times had my priorities mixed up.
Now I am NOT advocating letting it all go, I am not a slob here and the dishes are done nightly for the most part and the house is usually "straight" (we did train our children as they grew up to pick up their messes). What I am saying that sometimes, the dishes can sit in the sink for the night and a game of tickle time can commence instead. Sitting on the couch with the family for a movie or American Idol is more important than the spotless kitchen and front room if you are the only thing missing in the room.
See the floors and counters and fixtures, those are the house. YOU, your husband your children they are what makes it home. Find your joy and comfort not in your house but in your home.
With my oldest headed off to Arizona this next fall and my other 2 growing so fast the one thing I am learning is that time is so precious and short. I am not so much house proud now as home proud.
Blessings
Colleen
I have been married for quite awhile now and have definitely learned the ins and outs of the life I lead. The one thing I have learned for sure is that just as I get a "system" in place to do housekeeping something will come along to DESTROY it. Is this only me or can I get a witness here?
I no longer have little children, my youngest will be 14 in a few weeks and any reasonable person would think now is when my housekeeping days are easy and breezy.......WRONG!
I actually found it much easier to keep up with housework when my children were little and I did not have a job as well (granted, I work from home BUT that has it's own unique challenges). I also knew then that if I did not clean it, someone would either eat it, smear it or make it worse so it had to be done and fast. Now? Well, no one is eating crumbs off the floor or sticking erasers up their nose (well at least now when they do that it is a joke and they can get them right out!).
These days I am much more relaxed and confess I only vaccuum every 2 weeks (did I just "write" that out loud for the world to see???). So you ask why am i saying all this? I will tell you something, I can remember days of being so consumed with keeping everything "clean" and getting "finished" that I didn't pay attention to what was really important. I think I missed some really amazing moments with my family I can never get back. I have no proof of this, no one has ever complained, and I was not one of those women who shooed the children out of the house so I could clean but I know I definitely at times had my priorities mixed up.
Now I am NOT advocating letting it all go, I am not a slob here and the dishes are done nightly for the most part and the house is usually "straight" (we did train our children as they grew up to pick up their messes). What I am saying that sometimes, the dishes can sit in the sink for the night and a game of tickle time can commence instead. Sitting on the couch with the family for a movie or American Idol is more important than the spotless kitchen and front room if you are the only thing missing in the room.
See the floors and counters and fixtures, those are the house. YOU, your husband your children they are what makes it home. Find your joy and comfort not in your house but in your home.
With my oldest headed off to Arizona this next fall and my other 2 growing so fast the one thing I am learning is that time is so precious and short. I am not so much house proud now as home proud.
Blessings
Colleen
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Scheduling time to clean
One thing i hear so often from wives is I just can't find time to do it all! My best recommendation for that is make a schedule! You don't have to do everything every day. I don't. But when i lay my head down at night i'm satisfied that my house is clean. While this schedule won't work for everyone...this is what i do.
Monday-Laundry-all of it! Wash, dry, fold, and put away. If you have children enlist their help to fold. do each load as it comes out of the dryer. Get in the habit and it won't pile up. And you will feel accomplished having gotten it all done!
Tuesday-clean off counter tops and clutter. and pick up bedrooms.
Wednesday-floors. vacuuming, sweeping, mopping.
Thursday-laundry again. and bathrooms.
Friday-i usually take a breather. only do the basics that i do every day.
Saturday-linens, dusting
Sunday-clean out fridge because trash pick up is Monday. floors again.
I go through the house every evening and pick up toys, books, daily clutter and i do dishes EVERY night. keeping up with my system keeps my house clean all the time!
Monday-Laundry-all of it! Wash, dry, fold, and put away. If you have children enlist their help to fold. do each load as it comes out of the dryer. Get in the habit and it won't pile up. And you will feel accomplished having gotten it all done!
Tuesday-clean off counter tops and clutter. and pick up bedrooms.
Wednesday-floors. vacuuming, sweeping, mopping.
Thursday-laundry again. and bathrooms.
Friday-i usually take a breather. only do the basics that i do every day.
Saturday-linens, dusting
Sunday-clean out fridge because trash pick up is Monday. floors again.
I go through the house every evening and pick up toys, books, daily clutter and i do dishes EVERY night. keeping up with my system keeps my house clean all the time!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Home Repair.....Woman's Way
Being women, we tend to be a little nervous when it comes to home repair. At least we are until our husband's vanish for several months leaving us to run the house on our own! On our limited military budgets, we can't always afford to call someone to come in and rescue us! Here are a few things I have had to do in my husband's absence that turned out to be pretty easy! First of all, replacing a toilet seat. It's not difficult at all. And inevitably something even this simple will break in his absence. I found a reasonably priced seat at Walmart that I could see myself sitting on frequently and purchased it. When i got home, I discovered that these things do come with directions. Basically all you need is 5 minutes and a screw driver. The flat head kind will work although they tell you to get a Philip's head (the criss-cross pattern). First you remove the old one and then you just put the new one on the same way the old one was! It's hard to explain unless you are doing it. Seriously! The best tip I can give you here is hold the nut on the bottom side of the screw as you are screwing/unscrewing it or you will just sit and spin the screw around and get no where! I found that out the hard way! Next on my list of home repair was a kitchen cabinet that broke in two. Literally....in two pieces! Did not come off the hinges....there was a crack in the wood and thanks to children hanging on it, the door split completely! Off to the hardware store I went. If this happens to you...don't just buy the wood glue! You will also want some vice grips to hold it in place as it dries! And some newspaper to spread on the floor because the glue will drip! And it's such a pain to get up! Especially when it drips on carpet, as it did when i fixed the broken leg on the coffee table. I thought the glue was dry...it wasn't! Let it dry 24 hours....seriously, they mean that! When it came to Christmas time, I quickly discovered that I did not have a hammer! I have no idea where my husband keeps his, IF he even owns one! But a solid hard backed hair brush works in a pinch if you have to put furniture together! I bought shelves for my kids. The hair brush was all i could find. Of course a nice pair of heels works well also! Don't worry, your husband isn't there to frown and make sighing sounds because you are not using the proper tools! Good thing he wasn't too! I'd have probably thrown a shoe or two his way! Of course, I am only joking! Also, if you need to paint a room or build something on your own, try going to Lowe's for your supplies. They give military discounts. And they will cut your wood the lengths you want. Of course, you might try Home Depot on Saturday mornings. They offer many different workshops on home repair, painting, all sorts of things. Some of these i believe must be registered for in advance so you might see if you can get a schedule from them. One other tip I have is when you break a lightbulb that is still in the light fixture...turn it off first. Then cut a potato in half. Using the smooth freshly cut side, jam it in the socket and then just turn it as you would to remove the lightbulb. This has come in handy in my house when kids have thrown balls and things that shouldn't be thrown! Good luck on your home repairs. No, they won't be done the way our men would do them, but they do get done! And we feel pretty good about ourselves for not having to call a man to do it!
Written By: Kim
Written By: Kim
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Organizing
Do you want to do a few things to get a little more organized but don't know where to start? Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference. In your linen closet (or wherever you store your sheets) try putting sets of sheets in one of the pillow cases. This will eliminate losing pillow cases. You can see which set you are wanting based on the pillow case they are in. They will stack neatly and won't fall out of the closet on your head, as mine tend to do. And you don't have to worry about them getting all mixed up and unfolded as people dig in the closet. You can also pick one day a week and clean out all the unnecessary papers laying around on counter tops and tables. I am so guilty of coming in and throwing junk mail on the counters and just leaving it there. I take 5 minutes on the weekends and clean it all off though. I am often amazed at how much better that simple act can make my house look. Another thing you can do is make your clean up fun! Turn on some music. Dance around and sing along. Helps the time fly by! Just dont turn on the tv. It's too distracting. I find myself too tempted to watch what's on. Don't answer the phone unless of course it is your hubby! You gotta talk to him! But then when friends stop by, tell them you are cleaning. They are more than welcome to stay and visit as long as they are allowing you to work. Or they are more than welcome to assist you! Also open your windows and curtains or blinds. The fresh air and sunshine will give you added energy and make the day more fun for you! Make a list of what you definitely want to get done. Do your best to stick to the list! Throw things out! If they are possibly usable to another person donate them or have a garage sale! Get the family involved. The chores will go faster and then you can all enjoy some relaxing time together. My family has always had a large family yard sale every year. Our reward for all the cleaning out, decluttering, and then yard selling is going out to a nice dinner together. We spend some of our profits from the sale on dinner and just relax and laugh. It's a great way to end all that work! Have fun and get organized!!!
Written By: Kim
Written By: Kim
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