Time Out for Homemakers

Delegate

A love of homemaking does not always come naturally.  Taking simple steps can keep homemakers from feeling their work is drudgery.  First of all, homemaking requires a few reality checks.  Real life means that keeping house may not always turn out as perfectly as we would like.  Even the best homemakers simply do not have the time to do all that they would like or as well as they would hope for.  When all the children were at home and outside activities and obligations were at an all-time high, I had to learn to delegate as many tasks as possible to the children and my husband. 

My husband’s career was very demanding at the time all the children were in school and with a lot of outside interests, so I asked him to do only a few things that could be done with a child “helper.”  We parents might wish to complete tasks more efficiently than we could with a small child or reluctant teenager, but household tasks can become great bonding experiences where teaching and sharing occurs naturally when we involve our children.  Though tasks done with the family member's help or delegated to family members may not turn out as well as if done yourself, they do get done and time is freed up for the homemaker’s higher priority items.  Through consistent practice, helpers will improve with their assigned tasks.

Reevaluate

Assigning tasks to others is a good time to really evaluate whether all tasks are actually necessary, anyway.  Reevaluating daily activities of all kinds and whether they are wasteful could free up time and energy for the homemaker.  For example, time can be wasted just looking at the mail.  Most of the time junk mail gets shredded immediately and catalogs thrown out in our house.  Measures have been taken to prevent most junk mail from ending up in the mailbox in the first place. Answering only essential phone calls is also a real time-saver (you do not have to take a call on your cell phone in the Walmart bathroom stall BTW). 

Recuperate

I have blocked out Mondays as “My Day” to recuperate from the weekend and plan my week.  I relax my standards and just ignore the dirty floors and dishes and cook a simple meal for dinner.  Many times dinner is a meal that was doubled and frozen for later.  If I do any cleaning it’s my own clothes, personal bathroom, and bedroom that get done.  It does not have to be Monday—but at least one day a week is “MY DAY” and I look forward to it!

Become A Homebody

Before running errands, plan them out on paper first to use gas and time efficiently.  I usually reserve Fridays as the errand day and I try not to make any extra trips until then.  Errands can really zap your time, money, and energy but some people like the excuse of “getting out.”  If staying home seems stifling, make your home more inviting for you to be in.  After consulting magazines and the internet, I learned to create a spa retreat getaway in my master bedroom/bath.  It is a place I love to be.  Creating a love for home can be done by creating a special space in the home, garden or yard; taking long walks in the neighborhood and enjoying the beauty of nature; having regular visits with a neighbor who also likes to visit; spending time playing with pets or children; practicing yoga during your children’s “quiet time” or nap time; develop a hobby or learn something new.

Luxuriate

Being a homemaker might mean living on a very limited income, but we can still pamper ourselves.  One thing I love is dark chocolate covered dried pomegranate fruit found at my local grocery store.  It tastes like it came from a gourmet shop.  I hide a bag of these in a drawer for when I need a special treat just for me.  I also like to try DIY spa treatments like the ones found in Take Time Out:

·         Steam Clean.  Fill a large ceramic or glass bowl with boiling water and drop in one herbal tea bag for each cup of water.  (Try chamomile, lavender, peppermint, or lemon tea bags).  Cover your head with a towel and hold your face eight to ten inches above the steaming liquid for three to five minutes.

·         Rub on an exfoliater.  Add drops of olive oil, one at a time, to a packet of sugar to make a spreadable paste.  Or mix a packet of instant oatmeal with enough water to make a paste.  Rub onto your face and rinse.

·         Soften your hands.  For the softest hands, slather on rich hand cream and wear cotton gloves overnight to seal in moisture.

·         Keep your feet happy.  To slough dry skin off feet, mix together two tablespoons of each of the following:  Epsom salts, table salt, baking soda, and warm water.  Rub this mixture vigorously over any rough areas.  This rinse.

·         Scent your own lotion.  Shop at a discount store for a bottle of unscented body lotion.  At home, add a few drops or sprays of your favorite cologne and shake well.  Continue to add cologne, a little at a time, until the lotion is lightly scented.

·         Recycle potpourri.  When you’re ready to change potpourri scents, place the old potpourri in an airtight bag or container.  Store the container in a cool, dark place until the following year.  If the scent has diminished add a few drops of scented oil and mix gently.

Focus

Finally, homemakers need to include spirituality in each day.  Favorite ideas from Take Time Out include:  writing favorite verses on blank business-size cards.  Then place them around the house near places where you often stand--on the bathroom mirror, next to the telephone, or on the refrigerator.  Or write verses on colorful slips of paper, fold the slips in half, and place them in a pretty bowl in the hallway.  Each time you pass the bowl, stop and pull out a verse to read.  These are quick and simple ways to keep a spiritual focus to each day.  My favorite idea was to create a Victory Journal by writing down specific prayers.  Whenever a prayer is answered, write the result down below it.

To be a Happy Homemaker, it is important to consistently take the time to delegate housework and eliminate time-wasters.  Overcome the feeling of being stifled at home by creating a special haven in your home, outdoor space or neighborhood.  Each week block out “Me Time” and enjoy the simple pleasures of pampering oneself.   Most importantly, boost your self-esteem by keeping a spiritual focus each day.

Weight Watchers 4 Ingredient, 10 minute Recipes

Sausage and Summer Vegetable Skillet: It's Really This Pretty

It's a proven fact, the fewer ingredients, the cheaper the meal and the less time it takes to prepare.  These recipes don't even heat up the kitchen.  Here are a few of my favorites so far.  The first one I used as a lunch while camping--a no dish meal cause it's in a wrap!

I've actually made this twice already... Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap Points Plus value: 7 3 c. sliced romaine lettuce 2 c. shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast 1/3 c. light Caesar dressing (Marketside Classic Caesar dressing from Walmart--couldn't find light) 4 light Italian herb wraps (we used La Tortilla Factory Soft Wraps made with extra virgin light olive oil from Walmart) Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl, tossing until coated.  Spoon 1 c. chicken mixture onto 1 end of each wrap.  Roll up; secure with wooden picks.  Cut in half, if desired.  Serve immediately.  Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 wrap). (256 calories, 9 grams fat)  Note:  This is pretty filling!
Perfect use of fresh produce that's readily available right now! Points Plus value: 7 Sausage and Summer Vegetable Skillet Cooking Spray 1 (14-oz.) package turkey polska kielbasa (such as Hillshire Farms), cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices 2 c. chopped zucchini (about 2 small) 2 c. fresh corn kernels 2 c. grape tomatoes 1/4 c. water  1/4 t. pepper Heat a large nonstick skillet 2 min. over med-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray; add kielbasa.  Cook 5 min. or until browned, turning once.  Remove kielbasa from pan; keep warm.  Coat pan generously with cooking spray; add zucchini and corn.  Cook 4 min., stirring frequently.  Stir in tomatoes, water, and pepper, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.  Cover and cook 4 min. or just until tomatoes begin to burst.  Return sausage to pan; cook, uncovered, 2 min. or until liquid almost evaporates.  Yield:  4 servings (serving size: 1-1/4 c.). (248 calories, 10.1 grams fat)  Note:  This made a lot!
We had this tonight and inspired this post... Grilled Tilapia Tacos with Ranch Slaw Points Plus value: 6 Cooking spray 1/4 c. light Ranch dressing (such as Hidden Valley) (We just used some more of the Caesar dressing we had bought for the chicken wraps) 3/4 t. bottled hot chipotle sauce (optional) 2 c. packaged coleslaw (such as Dole) 1 lb. tilapia fillets  (I never made fish until I discovered frozen tilapia fillets, individually wrapped--I just follow the thawing instructions on the bag) 1/4 t. kosher salt 1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper 8 (6-in.) corn tortillas (we used wheat cause I don't like the corn) lime wedges (optional--but GOOD!) Heat a grill pan over med-high heat for 2 min.  Coat pan with cooking spray.  While pan heats, combine dressing and, if desired, hot sauce in a med. bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Stir in coleslaw; set aside.  Sprinkle fish evenly with salt and pepper.  Add to pan.  Cook 3 to 4 min. on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.  Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels.  Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until warm.  Flake fish into bite-sized pieces.  Spoon fish evenly onto 1 side of each tortilla; top each with 1/2 c. coleslaw mixture.  Fold tortillas over filling.  Serve with lime wedges, if desired.  Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 2 tacos)  (239 calories, 5 grams fat) Note:  Easier to eat if you roll it up like a burrito.
My 18-yr-old daughter made the 2nd two meals all by herself and they turned out just like the pictures--beautiful!

The Legacy of Meal Planning, continued

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the mother is queen of the kitchen. ~Owen Meredith

Meal planning lends us time to work on the families’ table manners. Each person, no matter how young or old, should show gratitude for the meal that is placed before him. We should never verbally complain about the food offered at home or elsewhere. Remind children of the work involved in making the meal. Parents set the tone for grateful living. New manners lessons can be introduced one meal at a time over the weeks and months. Manners to work on can include passing the dishes counterclockwise, asking the host/hostess if you may be excused, learning to set a table correctly, and learning to introduce people to one another. Also, when children learn to prepare dishes, there are kitchen manners as well such as the rule that messes must be cleaned up before the dish is eaten.

Take a few minutes to make this table-setting place mat I found in Family Fun magazine quite a while back.  Fashioned from shapes of colored paper that show the proper locations for the plate and silverware, this mat effortlessly teaches the fine art of setting the table.  Kids will feel good about being able to help out, and they'll get practice in following a diagram.  Colored drawing paper can be tacked together with glue, then laminated on both sides with Con-Tact paper.

Mealtime should not be a battle of wills. Don’t let anyone snack between meals. If children don’t finish the meal, they do not need a snack or dessert. Children who are picky eaters have had their preferences catered to too often.


Finally, on those rare occasions of eating out with kids, keep them busy at the restaurant. Give them a snack before leaving home and go prepared with milk and cheerios. Save a small bag of “quiet toys” that are only for eating out (include crayons and paper) and dine early to avoid the rush.


It is important to always remember that even though we want to be efficient meal planners, the kitchen can be the most therapeutic room in the home. “We go to great effort to save time in the kitchen, but there’s a sort of time in the kitchen that cannot be sacrificed or replaced. It’s a strategic baking cookies or stirring the pot and listening time” (Table Talk, p. 123. Mimi Wilson & Mary Beth Lagerborg).  


Ruth B. Wright expressed it this way, "The best conversations happen around our kitchen table.  Many times we have laughed, cried, shared feelings, hopes and dreams; sorted out differences; solved the problems of the world; recognized our strengths and weaknesses into the wee hours of the morning."  

There is a special bond among those who break bread together--a custom established by the Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a precious legacy we can leave our families and is worthy of our time and attention.

To be a good cook you have to have a love of the good, a love of hard work, and a love of creating.  Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement.  Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing or wood carving, or music.  And cooking draws upon your every talent--science, mathematics, energy, history, experience--and the more experience you have the less likely are your experiments to end in drivel and disaster.  The more you know, the more you can create.  There's no end to imagination in the kitchen.  ~Julia Child

The Legacy of Meal Planning

Over the years, I have realized one eternal truth—motherhood is 24/7.  If you want or need a break, you have to decide to take one.  However, these have to be timed just right or they will not be as beneficial as you need them to be.  If you know that most afternoons are going to be spent from 3pm to 7 - 8pm taking children to a 40 minute orthodontist appointment, and/or 90 minutes of piano lessons, and/or a 2 hours of cheer practice, and/or 2 ½-3 hour cross country meets, not to mention as-long-as-you-can-stand-it fund raisers, and the 15 minute church activity that took you 30 minutes to get to, etc., then you don’t need to add any additional errands to this list.

Errands need to be done while the children are at school and as early as possible.  You need to get your work done quickly and efficiently so that you have time to work on personal projects, (like painting the bathroom…) and still have time to get plenty of rest before you pick up the children.  That requires a healthy lifestyle so that you have the energy it takes to do all this.  Getting a 30 minute walk or workout, taking a vitamin, and eating nutritious meals are vital to having the stamina to be a mom.  But do not forget the necessary down time that we should take each day before we head out at 3pm.  We need to understand our limits and allow ourselves the opportunity to recharge, such as reading a book for fun, taking a hot bath, doing some yoga stretches, reading the scriptures.  It is also good to encourage your husband to do something to recharge each day as well.

Meal planning should be an important part of each day.  When it comes to planning meals, we must ask ourselves, what are the wisest uses of our time and money?  With children at home, three-hour meals just don’t make sense.  “There are so many options, so much to do, so many demands on women.  There is no point in taking one hour to do a ten-minute task, nor should we slap together an hour-worthy project in ten minutes.” (Elaine Cannon)  As a mother, taking time to plan is essential.

Planning can help us actually enjoy the meal we have prepared instead of being too tired to eat.  Planning the week helps us know what days mealtime needs to be simplified due to appointments or having to eat in shifts.  Planning meals allows us to invite company for dinner or go on a picnic.  Meal planning helps us change things up by trying out new recipes (put winners in a file to record in cookbooks).

Planning our meals involves keeping a running grocery list that everyone can contribute to so there is no back and forth to the grocery store because we forgot something.  I like to prepare meals that I call “one-dish meals” because they do not really require sides since the meat and veggies are all together, (like chicken-pot-pie).  I also like to find the “perfect recipe” for recipes such as pancakes, mac-and-cheese, biscuits, etc.

The best way to become a proficient meal planner is to work out a basic schedule of seven to twenty-eight menus that you can become proficient at.  These are the meals we eat most regularly.  Just start a list that includes each meal you make at home until you have come up with twenty-eight.  It is a known fact that most folks generally eat the same things each week and each month.  These recipes can be organized into a notebook, and eventually a master grocery list prepared so that the basic ingredients are collected in your pantry.

Being prepared in this way helps you to have the opportunity to get really good at cooking one thing such as bread, cookies, or even a freezer meal—and then make two to give one away.  When you are prepared, it can be very gratifying to give service in this way.  Also, before going  to bed, I like to figure out what I will need to do for tomorrow’s dinner, such as does something need thawing or marinating, etc.?

Meal preparation helps me buy most of the groceries for the week at one time from the cheapest, nearest store and then forbid myself from going back—even if we have to drink powdered milk to get through the end of the week!  If I run out of something like cereal, then it takes no time at all to make homemade oatmeal.  Meal planning also helps me choose recipes with fewer ingredients, making the dish cheaper and less work.

Be flexible because schedules will change.  Children will begin to eat more, or we may have to switch menus around on the calendar at the last minute because something was accidentally eaten!  Learn to cook from scratch.  Then you will know how to make homemade biscuits when a recipe calls for canned biscuits, or homemade chili or tacos when you don’t have the seasoning packet, or homemade mac-and-cheese from leftovers in the fridge and pantry.  Basically, if you know what’s in a dish, then you can figure out at a glance what you have on hand and what you can make with it.  If you only have eggs and some leftover meat or veggies, you can make amazing omelets or quiche!

6 Tips To An Organized Christmas

Getting Organized

My holiday planner keeps all of my favorite holiday ideas that are tried and true at my fingertips, which helps me to focus on the reason for the season!  Here's a website to print off holiday planning lists: http://www.mintprintables.com/.

After trying to simplify and streamline the whole Christmas season, and trying to remember the Reason for the Season, it's time to dig in and get organized.  Keep a notebook with a copy of your family's holiday calendar, lists like the ones that can be printed from the above websites, and a place to keep receipts and recipes.  Plan for travel arrangements, if necessary, and start the gift list.  Decide what your holiday budget will be.  Don't forget to include the cost of food served at parties and on Christmas.  

Keep your notebook with you always and refer to it often so you can buy a little at a time.  You might want to develop a plan of action so that you use the least amount of gas and energy.  For instance, look at your lists and calendar to see if you will be near certain stores when picking up the kids or going on every-day errands. 

1. Christmas Greetings: Today, many folks are saying to give up on the Christmas cards, but I think it is still important to send cards to people who would really appreciate them, such as the widows in our church. I try to keep a list in my planner and I limit the number of cards I send out, say 20 or so. Then I review last years list and update. It usually changes from year to year. I usually send cards that I got for 80% off the year before, and I always pick a Christmas Card that depicts Christ's birth. I don't send more cards than I can sign by hand. Our family will watch a holiday movie like White Christmas and take turns signing each card with a little message. This means soooo much to the people we send cards to. 
2. Gift Giving:  The first thing I do when planning gifts is look through my Gooseberry Patch Christmas books for homemade ideas. Also the many websites and blogs on the internet are great sources for unique ideas. It can be as simple as a plate of cookies. In fact, our family always tries to make goodies to give each year. I buy the tins and boxes the year before for about 80% off and fill them with all the good recipes we make each year, such as mocha fudge. These have been the most meaningful gifts to my dad who lives 3000 miles away. (Be sure to mail by Dec. 10th). The postage was expensive, but his response was priceless. (See my October Traditions post for sending goodies in the mail--coming Oct. 2011). I also like to tuck a Subway card in his gift because his wife is very ill and this is a useful gift for them to use. I've also given CVS pharmacy gift cards to family members who live near one and get their prescriptions there. We usually set a limit on how much to spend on gifts given to extended family. If you organize yourself early on, you will be surprised at how thoughtful your gifts will be. Be sure to include on your list where you have stored the presents. I recommend wrapping them right away. This can actually be done year-round for the best deals (especially right after Christmas).
3. Traditions:  I like to put an ornament in the stockings each year. I just read an article in Martha Stewart Living where a family does this. They choose an ornament that has something to do with the past year, such as a child's graduation or wedding. An example they used was someone's visit to New York City was marked by giving them a "Big Apple" ornament. It can be as subtle or specific as you need. They also mentioned giving new pajamas as Christmas presents opened on Christmas Eve to make picture-taking easier the next day.  For more traditions visit 8 Christmas Traditions.
4. Parties:  For parties, decide on what you can handle, whether it's a cookie exchange (cookie swap) or a dinner party. Set a budget and see what little things that really add up, could be brought by friends who will ask to bring something anyway. Be sure to ask guests at least two weeks in advance. Use only recipes that are tried and true. Keep decorations simple: few festive throw pillows, light-smelling candles, soft music, etc. Susan Branch has the cute idea of grouping all her pictures of "sitting on Santa's lap." Others have a collection of crèches to display. Have the music ready to go. Tried and true, I have a favorite CD that has tons of holiday music and I press the repeat button and forget about it. 
5. The Food:  You can plan your menu in advance and MAKE A SHOPPING LIST! Allow 1-1/2 lb. per person (which will include leftovers). Shop for nonperishables two weeks in advance. Dressings, desserts, and yeast rolls can be made and frozen up to three months in advance. Place turkey on a tray in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow 24 hours for every 4 lb. of turkey. Place your frozen dressing, dessert, and rolls in the refrigerator to thaw 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Allow any of the unbaked items to stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. An island makes an ideal serving bar. 
6. The House:  One week before the party, clean the house. Focus on public areas, the kitchen and bathrooms. Two days before the party, begin preparing food. Decorate the house and set any tables ahead of time. Block out several hours on the day of the party to relax and prepare. Enjoy your event! Clean up after the party--and enjoy the "thank you!" phone calls from your guests. After the party, debrief. Note successes and shortfalls in your party planner. It'll guide your next event.

The Four Parts of My Traditional Holiday Planner

I have been fine-tuning a holiday planner for many years that is based on our family's Christmas traditions. I started finding that we were forgetting or leaving out some of our "favorite things" we like to do at Christmas. This is a four-part series that has everything I want to put in my planner, (a work-in-progress). Ultimately, this will become a Christmas Section of my Homemaking Journal to hand down to my daughters and granddaughters. 

Table of Contents:

1) Getting Organized for The Holidays

2) Getting into the Mood

   a) Christmas Pageant

   b) Symbols of Christmas (Trim the Tree)

   c) Children’s Christmas Stories and Crafts

      1) Preschool to Third Graders (Countdown Chain)

      2) Fourth to Sixth Graders (Clove Orange)

   d) Christmas Legend and Lore

   e) The History of St. Nicholas

   f) “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”

3) Favorite Ornaments, Decorations, and Gifts to Make with Children

  a) Ornaments

    1) Santa’s List
    2) Wooly Sheep
  b) Paper Reindeer Decoration
  c) Easy Hats to Sew (Beginners)
  d) Pinecone Fire Starters
  e) Paper Snowflakes
  f) Christmas Card (Magic Reindeer Mix)

4) Service and Entertaining

   a) Christmas Caroling

   b) Christmas Entertaining

   c) Keeping Christmas all Year

   d) Cookie Swap

   e) Recipes

   g) Movies and Books

Making Choices Quotes

Choose Today

There are choices to make today--

Read the scriptures, fast, and pray.

I want to do what Jesus would--

Be of service, be kind, and good,

Pay my tithing, and tell the truth.

I'll choose the right while in my youth.

Elizabeth Giles, Friend 9/03 

Look at everything through the lens of eternity.  ~President James E. Faust

Never let things which matter most be at the mercy 

of things which matter least.  ~Marion D. Hanks

Soberingly, more than one-fourth of this year already has passed--partly in pursuit perhaps of things that don't matter much.  ~Richard L. Evans

My counsel to you is to fill up your memory bank and your book of life with as many "I'm glad I did" activities as you can possibly crowd into one lifetime.  L. Tom Perry, Ensign 8/93

We cannot fill someone else's cup if our own is empty.  

Evelyn T. Marshall, Ensign 1/87

Sisters, put successful personal relationships, especially with those dearest to you, near the top of your list of priorities.  ~Janath R. Cannon

You must "...honestly evaluate your capabilities to determine the limit of your physical energy and your intellectual capacity.  ...Adjust your living patterns accordingly."

1.  Identify priorities in order of importance to eliminate the stress of decision-making.

2.  Maintain a time log, you might be surprised to learn that you are not really using time as you thought.

3.  Make adjustments - Needs vs. wants.  For instance recreation that does not involve family should be a low priority. 

You have an unbalanced life when undue attention is given to any one area.  Family Home Evening should encompass recreation, relaxation, refreshment, and instruction for the whole family.  "A Time for Every Needful Thing," Herbert F. Murray,  Ensign 9/71

The primary function of a LDS home is to insure that every member of the family works to create the climate and conditions in which all can grow toward perfection.  For parents, this requires a dedication of time and energy far beyond the mere providing of their children's physical needs.  For children, this means controlling the natural tendency towards selfishness.

Do you spend as much time making your family and home successful as you do in pursuing social and professional success?  Are you devoting your best creative energy to the most important unit in society - the family?  Or is your relationship with your family merely a routine, unrewarding part of life?  Parent and child must be willing to put family responsibilities first in order to achieve family exaltation.  ~Joseph Fielding Smith

It is helpful to remember the Savior's parable of "counting the cost" (Luke 14:28) before we launch into any enterprise.  When we simultaneously branch out into too many channels, we may not have the strength or the resources to sustain the effort, and frustration will result.  

In light of these facts, one of the least profitable things we can do is to compare ourselves with others.  Generally, when we make such comparisons, we match our weaknesses against the most prominent talents and virtues of those we admire or envy.  No one comes out well in this useless game.  Its effects can be devastating.   "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom," Dean L. Larsen, New Era, 2/86