What do you do all day?

Being a homemaker, I've been asked this several times..."What do you do all day?"  Especially since we don't have children yet (well, other than the one kicking in my belly).  That question bothered me at one time.  Now, I see it as a chance to enlighten others on the role of a homemaker.  Now, some who ask are homemakers also (or were raised by one) so they know what it's like for them...they just want to know what it's like for me.  Fine with me.  :)

When Mr. Right and I first married, I just kept up with the house how I saw fit.  Then, I realized a schedule would be better.  That way, certain things are always done and you never get behind.  My first schedule divided my day into time zones.  Well, that didn't always work out.  Someone might stop by, Mr. Right would go to work at a different time, something else desperately needed to be done first...you get the idea.  So, I've ended up with this...a list.  I have a list of things I do each day and they aren't constrained my time.

Here it is:
get dressed (yes, I stay home but I feel it's important to get dressed -including shoes- and be presentable)
pick up bedroom -meaning, make bed, gather laundry, put things away
light clean bathroom and shower
pick up den
put in a load of clothes to wash
clean kitchen- dishes, wipe table, sweep, clean off bar
put in load of clothes to dry
*daily chore
rest- ahhhh, yes.  Not a long rest but a needed one
sew, paint, read, scrapbook
*daily chore
iron
*daily chore

My daily chores are divided up by days of the week, like this:
Monday: write cards, dust & clean foyer, clean laundry room
Tuesday: clean floors, scrub kitchen, organize & vacuum closet
Wednesday: pay bills/ balance checkbook, organize office, clean garage
Thursday: clean out frig, detail clean bathrooms, wash windows and sills
Friday: pack if we're leaving, clean floors

I'm faaaaar from perfect.  Most weeks, I don't make it completely through this list for one reason or another.  However, it's a fantastic plan for me.  If you stick to it, then your daily work is easy.  The house stays clean!

The great part about it being flexible is it allows time for me to plan meals and cook.  Since we eat the way we do, it takes longer sometimes for me to make a meal so I don't need a schedule that doesn't allow much time for me to be in the kitchen.  Plus, I really like being in the kitchen. :)

Happy Homemaking!

Our Porous Skin

po·rous

adjective

1.  full of pores.

2.  permeable by water, air, etc.

 Our skin is extremely porous.  Meaning, it soaks up everything we put on it (and that's more than just water!).  So, lets consider that for a moment....  On a daily basis, you might use perfume/cologne, hairspray, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, chapstick, soap, hand sanitizer, etc.  All of that soaks into your skin.  Not to mention the water you use to wash (and drink) most likely contains chlorine and fluoride.

If you have a baby in your home, think of how they are being saturated from birth with baby lotion, body wash, chemicals on wipes, ointments, powders and who knows what else.  What effect does that have on them as they grow?

We do not use lotion in our house.  We use coconut oil.  We buy it to cook with and also use it for moisturizer.  It's fantastic!  AND it's natural.

Soon, we'll explore what is in everyday products and the harm they can cause your body.  For now, just think about it and consider all the products you have in your house that are for your skin.

Natural living includes more than just food.  It also includes how you treat your body from the outside!

Natural Cleaners

One thing I can't stand as a minimalist and a "naturalist" is a cabinet full of various cleaners. I spent a while getting rid of cleaners and experimenting with natural alternatives.  Here are some recipes I found helpful:
 

Furniture Polish:
¼ cup vinegar
Few drops of olive oil
Place in a spray bottle, shake.

(If it's not real wood, I just use a damp cloth.)

Window Cleaner:
¼ cup vinegar

2 c. water

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent:
1 cup Borax
1 cup WASHING soda (not baking soda)
½ cup kosher salt
½ cup citric acid (for hard water)

Mix together in a jar.  Use a tablespoon or two for each load.  Fill your rinse compartment with vinegar.


Soft scrub/toilet cleaner:
1/2 cup BAKING soda
Enough liquid castille soap to make it thick
Mix this all together to form a paste and it works well to scrub your toilets or tubs.

All Purpose Cleaner:
½ tsp.  WASHING soda
2 tsp. Borax
½ tsp. liquid castille soap
2 cups HOT (distilled or filtered) water
Combine minerals and soap.  Add water.  Shake well each time you use it.

So, get rid of all those nasty chemicals!  You don't need to smell them and your kids don't need to be around them.

Don't get these two confused!