Looking to be another rainy day today; we'll take what we can get and make the best of it. I only wish the rains here on the East Coast would fall on Texas, as it is burning. Sad.
This outline of a day seems to work well for me; at least I know what is going on every hour. I don't want my day to be scheduled every second, so I treat it like a running grocery list; hit every aisle and realize you forgot the cat food when you get home to unpack the bags. Hey, it happens. Not every day is going to be perfect, so live and let live.
I'm getting back into my knitting these days, and enjoying the spare moments and nap times of being able to add a few rows here and there with whatever project I grab for the time. I have a few projects running, so I have a variety to choose from. Once we go to the library this weekend, I'll be working on other stuff, too. Yeah, busy girl...busy momma.
I've compiled a list of books to check out based on my creative outlets surrounding fiber, beads, etc...what a list. Not all books are instructional, I did find some fiction as well. Yeah, fiction with the arts as a backdrop to the main line of the story. Cool. Oh, my list? Check it out-just highlights.
-Sewing
-Knitting & Crocheting
-Needlework (whatever doesn't cover sewing, knitting, & crocheting)
-Jewelry making
-Crafting (whatever doesn't cover the above bullets)
I have a pretty good list of books, many to choose from. To avoid overload, I've decided to work on each list, a little at a time. Example, I'll take an instructional book from sewing, along with the one fiction piece to accompany it. Each outlet has fiction as well as instructional, so I'll be entertained while learning and/or enhancing my craft. Being a descendant from a long line of artisans, I feel a sense of pride for handiwork. I love running my hands over hand tooled craftsmanship, sensing the time and love going into that piece. I love handcarved furniture but that's not an area of specialty for me; shop class in high school didn't go well for me.
As I let my mind empty with my thoughts here on my post, I realize my part in being sustainable is right in front of me. My craft is what sustains me, among other elements of my life. Those things that don't cost a cent, that's what sustains me. And I finally feel I'm coming into my own with my craft. Harnessing the talent of my craft to sustain us here on the urban homestead. Imagine it. ~Momma
Showing posts with label Sustainable Living Project Manager. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sustainable Living Project Manager. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
It's Been a Busy One
Today is blue skies and sunshine after two days of rain and clouds; its been good for the gardens, and good for focusing on other areas of life that need attention. Today, we are shifting gears and diving into the day to enjoy what we've waited for: warmth from the sun and the feel of grass under our feet.
Tuesday's Task Master day was a good one. I've been working on the garage organization since Sunday, and it has felt good to do so. Several bags and boxes have been gone through to clean out, make decisions, and throw out. I'm up to two full large garbage bags to kick to the curb at this time. A temporary place for my business stuff, mostly supplies for my product making, has been secured. Its taking shelter in the section where the garden and landscaping stuff will go until I move that a bit to set up our stockpile. Everything will shift to find its place, boxes labeled and set up for easy access, making it so much easier to get into stuff, continue to sort through and watch everything change. Its change in a big way. And change is good.
Our weekly meal menu is complete, hanging and its one more thing done on my task list. Its so nice to see it up, with the little shopping list of items that we may not have that are needed for the meals they are designated for. If its on sale, we stock up, putting aside for another meal. For the next two weeks, after this one is over, we're doing meals focused on kids being able to help in the kitchen; I hope my preschooler has fun with it. We'll see what's left for the meal once he's taste tested! We made brownies yesterday, and he loved them-my guy who doesn't like chocolate. Go figure.
I have a dentist appointment later today, so we've changed the schedule up for yesterday and today; that also feels good to be able to move things around and go with the flow of those changes. Better than feeling overwhelmed by sudden changes.
Speaking of changes, I did some research yesterday for writing opportunities. I have a list, and a good one at that. Deadlines way out, giving me time to work on those subjects and turn them over for review before submitting. It feels good to write again. I've also been working on my reading, which right now has been about parenting. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no manual for kids when you bring them home, and there is no manual for parenting. I'm learning that it is trial and error, that you won't always get it right, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's not an exact science, and it wasn't meant to be. Advice, ideas, and tips are good but not to be taken like they are written in stone; each family and the children in them are different. Call it the holistic approach to living; what works for you and your family is what works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. I am working on this subject for the next month, at least getting into it and working on my own parenting and family atmosphere; how can you speak about something if you are not living it? Live your values, walk your walk to be able to talk your talk.
And yes, I'm taking a break today. No garage organizing, no research topic reading. Play, fun, and after the kids go to bed, hopefully doing some reading on meditation; something else I'm currently working on these days. Tomorrow, I'm back in the trenches, making a go at that place called a garage, making time for the garden, spending those priceless moments with my boys. Life is good. ~Momma
Taking On Quite A Task August 17th
"To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse-that's quite the task." -Etty Hillesum
Tuesday's Task Master day was a good one. I've been working on the garage organization since Sunday, and it has felt good to do so. Several bags and boxes have been gone through to clean out, make decisions, and throw out. I'm up to two full large garbage bags to kick to the curb at this time. A temporary place for my business stuff, mostly supplies for my product making, has been secured. Its taking shelter in the section where the garden and landscaping stuff will go until I move that a bit to set up our stockpile. Everything will shift to find its place, boxes labeled and set up for easy access, making it so much easier to get into stuff, continue to sort through and watch everything change. Its change in a big way. And change is good.
Our weekly meal menu is complete, hanging and its one more thing done on my task list. Its so nice to see it up, with the little shopping list of items that we may not have that are needed for the meals they are designated for. If its on sale, we stock up, putting aside for another meal. For the next two weeks, after this one is over, we're doing meals focused on kids being able to help in the kitchen; I hope my preschooler has fun with it. We'll see what's left for the meal once he's taste tested! We made brownies yesterday, and he loved them-my guy who doesn't like chocolate. Go figure.
I have a dentist appointment later today, so we've changed the schedule up for yesterday and today; that also feels good to be able to move things around and go with the flow of those changes. Better than feeling overwhelmed by sudden changes.
Speaking of changes, I did some research yesterday for writing opportunities. I have a list, and a good one at that. Deadlines way out, giving me time to work on those subjects and turn them over for review before submitting. It feels good to write again. I've also been working on my reading, which right now has been about parenting. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no manual for kids when you bring them home, and there is no manual for parenting. I'm learning that it is trial and error, that you won't always get it right, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's not an exact science, and it wasn't meant to be. Advice, ideas, and tips are good but not to be taken like they are written in stone; each family and the children in them are different. Call it the holistic approach to living; what works for you and your family is what works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. I am working on this subject for the next month, at least getting into it and working on my own parenting and family atmosphere; how can you speak about something if you are not living it? Live your values, walk your walk to be able to talk your talk.
And yes, I'm taking a break today. No garage organizing, no research topic reading. Play, fun, and after the kids go to bed, hopefully doing some reading on meditation; something else I'm currently working on these days. Tomorrow, I'm back in the trenches, making a go at that place called a garage, making time for the garden, spending those priceless moments with my boys. Life is good. ~Momma
Taking On Quite A Task August 17th
"To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse-that's quite the task." -Etty Hillesum
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday Starts With Wonder
My boys are still asleep as I start this post. They slept all night. Chamomile tea from lunch til just after dinner, Celtic harp & Native American flute music while reading a couple of stories while reclined in bed. Both down and out by 9:15 pm. We did garden and were poolside during the day until it rained, so that may have helped as well. I like the idea of the tea and the music at night. It was nice to sleep all night, even if I woke a bit to listen.
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday with Sinus Pressure
The sun is shining, my boys are eating breakfast, and I'm working through a sinus headache. Despite the last piece of info, we are pushing ahead with our day. Another day of gardening and the pool. Maybe a trip to the park. And its our creative day. Back to the Preschooler's Busy Book for ideas.
Last night's dinner was not too shabby. Ginger chicken one pot meal, with a salad containing mandarin oranges, avocado, dried cranberries, and dressing made from yogurt, orange juice, a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dash of vinegar. Making meals seems so much easier to get back into a routine of setting up a menu, changing days around if necessary, and not hitting the panic button as to what to make to feed the crew. It also maps out if we need an ingredient I don't readily have on hand. Recently, with food prices rising, learning what couponing is really all about, we've been stocking up on items. Coupons, sales, even finding clearance items that we would normally pass up on due to full price. I even pushed the issue when my mate came home without picking up the necessary amount of english muffins to get the sale price; he's going back to the store tonight on his way home to get the sale price and some popcorn-I pop on the stove-with the refunded money. If I can benefit from a sale, I'm on it. If I'm paying full price, it better be top quality. Gotta save where you can save; it makes budgeting easier.
I have a confession to make. I'm a recycle/reduce/reuse kind of gal. We have a drop off center here in town, a place to take your garage, recyling, yard scraps, etc....There's a little shed that attracts all kinds of treasures and the people who look for them. I've found everything from books, school supplies (especially homeschool curriculum), planting boxes and trays, even a small chicken house. Yesterday, I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Nice piece. The ribbon page marker was on June 27, talking about herbs, connecting to earth when working with the plants in the garden. How appropriate. I was in the garden when I pulled the book to flip through it.
So, I've given my readers my dinner plans, creative day ideas, garden passion, and confessed to my attraction to sales and recycling. And with that, I give you today's Simple Abundance as food for thought. ~Momma
Calling Forth Our Gifts August 10
"You long to call forth your gifts. To explore your talents. To discover and recover your creativity. But where do you begin? You begin by offering an open heart and a willingness to serve." -Saran Ban Breathnach
"Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand." -Baruch Spinoza
Last night's dinner was not too shabby. Ginger chicken one pot meal, with a salad containing mandarin oranges, avocado, dried cranberries, and dressing made from yogurt, orange juice, a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dash of vinegar. Making meals seems so much easier to get back into a routine of setting up a menu, changing days around if necessary, and not hitting the panic button as to what to make to feed the crew. It also maps out if we need an ingredient I don't readily have on hand. Recently, with food prices rising, learning what couponing is really all about, we've been stocking up on items. Coupons, sales, even finding clearance items that we would normally pass up on due to full price. I even pushed the issue when my mate came home without picking up the necessary amount of english muffins to get the sale price; he's going back to the store tonight on his way home to get the sale price and some popcorn-I pop on the stove-with the refunded money. If I can benefit from a sale, I'm on it. If I'm paying full price, it better be top quality. Gotta save where you can save; it makes budgeting easier.
I have a confession to make. I'm a recycle/reduce/reuse kind of gal. We have a drop off center here in town, a place to take your garage, recyling, yard scraps, etc....There's a little shed that attracts all kinds of treasures and the people who look for them. I've found everything from books, school supplies (especially homeschool curriculum), planting boxes and trays, even a small chicken house. Yesterday, I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Nice piece. The ribbon page marker was on June 27, talking about herbs, connecting to earth when working with the plants in the garden. How appropriate. I was in the garden when I pulled the book to flip through it.
So, I've given my readers my dinner plans, creative day ideas, garden passion, and confessed to my attraction to sales and recycling. And with that, I give you today's Simple Abundance as food for thought. ~Momma
Calling Forth Our Gifts August 10
"You long to call forth your gifts. To explore your talents. To discover and recover your creativity. But where do you begin? You begin by offering an open heart and a willingness to serve." -Saran Ban Breathnach
"Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand." -Baruch Spinoza
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday with a Chance of Clouds
Cloudy this morning. That's ok. We can make do, or is that make due? I've often heard the expression but don't recall ever seeing it written down or typed, etc...another one of those hillbilly verbal expressions, perhaps. Not sure what it will do today but with that aside, we will pursue the day just the same. School, projects, fun, and just being in the moment. Oh yeah, gotta finish the laundry by giving it a good fluff n' fold. Time given, maybe a flat iron.
Right now, I'm trying to plan dinner for tonight. Using local ingredients, with the exception of maybe a spice or two, I'm planning Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Summer Squash (yellow & zucchini), and some type of grain side of either Millet or Quinoa. Haven't figured that piece out yet. Still looking. The chicken and the squash I can do on the grill, taking the heat out of the kitchen, and do the grain stovetop. I'll post the recipes tomorrow while my slow cooker meal is starting.
I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday afternoon. Something that didn't sit well with me at the time. I had to journal about it for a few mins just to get it off my back. As of tomorrow, I will be starting researching, reading, and writing again. My first topic is homeschooling/parenting. What does it mean to be a mom who desires to homeschool her children? What type of parent makes this kind of decision? Is there room to be a parent and a teacher? Can you separate the two, or is it unique to be both? What types of learning styles are there for the children involved, and what type of teaching styles for the parents? Who's who in the curriculum world for materials to teach? How does your ability to teach affect your ability to parent, and does it? Just some questions to ponder. I feel like I'm back in college again, sketching blueprints for the house I'm about to work on for the next six months of study. Once my sketch is down, then I can start clearing the space where the foundation will go. As I read, the plans may change a bit, adding or subtracting to create a uniqueness to what I'm embarking on; keeping in mind to keep the foundation strong, or the walls will crack and the house of the future will not be supported properly. This will most definitely be an adventure.
So, back to recipe hunting for my dinner. My boys are eating breakfast, I'm ready for a shower, and we have the day ahead of us. I believe there's some room for some gardening today, and as we set up some bean sprouts yesterday, we will start some more corn today. Cucumbers and tomatillos are doing well out there, as are my herbs. I found poppies growing in my preschooler's first raised bed box, which was cool to find. Next year, we'll have a bigger bed for him to work with and pass the small box down to his brother, who's already showing interest in dirt. Of course, it could all change, but I'll remain optimistic.
Have a great one today! ~Momma
Right now, I'm trying to plan dinner for tonight. Using local ingredients, with the exception of maybe a spice or two, I'm planning Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Summer Squash (yellow & zucchini), and some type of grain side of either Millet or Quinoa. Haven't figured that piece out yet. Still looking. The chicken and the squash I can do on the grill, taking the heat out of the kitchen, and do the grain stovetop. I'll post the recipes tomorrow while my slow cooker meal is starting.
I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday afternoon. Something that didn't sit well with me at the time. I had to journal about it for a few mins just to get it off my back. As of tomorrow, I will be starting researching, reading, and writing again. My first topic is homeschooling/parenting. What does it mean to be a mom who desires to homeschool her children? What type of parent makes this kind of decision? Is there room to be a parent and a teacher? Can you separate the two, or is it unique to be both? What types of learning styles are there for the children involved, and what type of teaching styles for the parents? Who's who in the curriculum world for materials to teach? How does your ability to teach affect your ability to parent, and does it? Just some questions to ponder. I feel like I'm back in college again, sketching blueprints for the house I'm about to work on for the next six months of study. Once my sketch is down, then I can start clearing the space where the foundation will go. As I read, the plans may change a bit, adding or subtracting to create a uniqueness to what I'm embarking on; keeping in mind to keep the foundation strong, or the walls will crack and the house of the future will not be supported properly. This will most definitely be an adventure.
So, back to recipe hunting for my dinner. My boys are eating breakfast, I'm ready for a shower, and we have the day ahead of us. I believe there's some room for some gardening today, and as we set up some bean sprouts yesterday, we will start some more corn today. Cucumbers and tomatillos are doing well out there, as are my herbs. I found poppies growing in my preschooler's first raised bed box, which was cool to find. Next year, we'll have a bigger bed for him to work with and pass the small box down to his brother, who's already showing interest in dirt. Of course, it could all change, but I'll remain optimistic.
Have a great one today! ~Momma
Thursday, July 28, 2011
What Will We Do With Thursday?
Beautiful blue skies and sunshine greets the morning of Thursday. Today is my day to talk about sustainable living practices, and I guess I do have something to chat about on this subject. Of course, it goes back to gardening, which has been the spotlight of sustainability for us for a few months now.
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Hooked on the New Book
Yes, I'm a book junkie. I admit it. I had a shoe fetish once, too but since those days, shoes are the last thing on my mind. So, I turn to my other vice. The written word. Books, books, books. If I see a pile of books that have a sign over them screaming "FREE!", I can't walk past. Doesn't happen. I stop. Actually, I make a traffic halting beeline for the books. I have to feed my need. The equivilent to a crackhouse is the library. So is the bookstore but with the library, feeding my addiction is free. A visit to the bookstore takes a little more careful planning. How much do I want to spend, can I find a deal or two, and will I get a discount if I show my card?
The book I refer to today is the same one I started talking about on Tuesday's post; please check out Task Master Tuesdays for reference. I mentioned the six excuses we face when attempting to deal-or not deal-with clutter. Today, I give you The Power of Ten Minutes Method. Found in chapter two, "You're the All-Purpose Maid," this list is great for daily use. I put it into practice yesterday, first by composing what applied here in my own home. Then, I set out to test it. Due to the fact I've not done cleaning like this method approaches to cleaning, plus having two little ones demanding my time, it took me all day to try it out. Despite the duration of the initial trial run, I think I like it. I started it this morning as my second day-could be a trial run, could be more permanent. I have fifteen items on my list, and when opportunity presents itself, I set the timer on the stove for ten minutes and tackle three chores at a time. Breakfast, giving the boys 10-20 min chunks of time to play with each other and by themselves gives me some time. Naps work, too. Lunch, another chunk of free play, dinner. Ten minutes really isn't that much time but given my little list, it gives me a moment to switch gears from my teacher role. The added bonus of my "Power of Ten" list is that by the end of the week, when I tackle my new weekly cleaning list, most of the areas I will clean will already be base line cleaned, so the weekly cleaning will be so much easier. Who'da thunk it?
Yes, I know I talk about gardening, sustainable living practices, etc on Thursdays but I just couldn't resist to share with my readers what I'm learning here at home. Although, if you think about it, because I use natural cleaning materials, it does apply to sustainable living practices. Oh, curious about that "Power of Ten" list and what's on it? I'll give you mine as an example.
The Power of Ten Minutes Method (chapter two, pgs 32 & 33)
1. Wipe fridge & put away dishes (dishes done from the night before)
2. Clean bathroom mirrors
3. Dust bedroom (under the beds for dust bunnies)
4. Wipe down switch plates (these buggers get gross quick)
5. Clean off top of fridge
6. Clean cabinet tracks (cloth wrapped around a screwdriver or a plastic spackle knife works well)
7. Wipe down kitchen counter tops & small appliances
8. Vacuum
9. Go through one cabinet/drawer @ a time
10. Clean one shelf in linen closet
11. Dust (I loathe this one)
12. Clean furniture (vacuum, wipe down, etc)
13. Sweep & mop
14. Wipe down toaster oven (we don't have a microwave anymore)
15. Water plants
Probably looks like a lot but really isn't when you break it down. Now, of course, anyone whose children are older & in school or grown and moved away, you might plow through this list without blinking an eye. Forget doing 10 minutes and checking off the list. Just get it done and forget it. For me, all day has moments for me to be a part of; my house will wait for me to go back to the list periodically. My children will not wait to grow, learn, become. Enjoy each and every moment that you can, for life is fleeting and waits for no one. Love, laughter, and blessings. Have a great Thursday! ~Momma
The book I refer to today is the same one I started talking about on Tuesday's post; please check out Task Master Tuesdays for reference. I mentioned the six excuses we face when attempting to deal-or not deal-with clutter. Today, I give you The Power of Ten Minutes Method. Found in chapter two, "You're the All-Purpose Maid," this list is great for daily use. I put it into practice yesterday, first by composing what applied here in my own home. Then, I set out to test it. Due to the fact I've not done cleaning like this method approaches to cleaning, plus having two little ones demanding my time, it took me all day to try it out. Despite the duration of the initial trial run, I think I like it. I started it this morning as my second day-could be a trial run, could be more permanent. I have fifteen items on my list, and when opportunity presents itself, I set the timer on the stove for ten minutes and tackle three chores at a time. Breakfast, giving the boys 10-20 min chunks of time to play with each other and by themselves gives me some time. Naps work, too. Lunch, another chunk of free play, dinner. Ten minutes really isn't that much time but given my little list, it gives me a moment to switch gears from my teacher role. The added bonus of my "Power of Ten" list is that by the end of the week, when I tackle my new weekly cleaning list, most of the areas I will clean will already be base line cleaned, so the weekly cleaning will be so much easier. Who'da thunk it?
Yes, I know I talk about gardening, sustainable living practices, etc on Thursdays but I just couldn't resist to share with my readers what I'm learning here at home. Although, if you think about it, because I use natural cleaning materials, it does apply to sustainable living practices. Oh, curious about that "Power of Ten" list and what's on it? I'll give you mine as an example.
The Power of Ten Minutes Method (chapter two, pgs 32 & 33)
1. Wipe fridge & put away dishes (dishes done from the night before)
2. Clean bathroom mirrors
3. Dust bedroom (under the beds for dust bunnies)
4. Wipe down switch plates (these buggers get gross quick)
5. Clean off top of fridge
6. Clean cabinet tracks (cloth wrapped around a screwdriver or a plastic spackle knife works well)
7. Wipe down kitchen counter tops & small appliances
8. Vacuum
9. Go through one cabinet/drawer @ a time
10. Clean one shelf in linen closet
11. Dust (I loathe this one)
12. Clean furniture (vacuum, wipe down, etc)
13. Sweep & mop
14. Wipe down toaster oven (we don't have a microwave anymore)
15. Water plants
Probably looks like a lot but really isn't when you break it down. Now, of course, anyone whose children are older & in school or grown and moved away, you might plow through this list without blinking an eye. Forget doing 10 minutes and checking off the list. Just get it done and forget it. For me, all day has moments for me to be a part of; my house will wait for me to go back to the list periodically. My children will not wait to grow, learn, become. Enjoy each and every moment that you can, for life is fleeting and waits for no one. Love, laughter, and blessings. Have a great Thursday! ~Momma
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sustainable Thoughts
What does it mean to me to be sustainable? I ask myself this question at an hr when coffee is my best friend. Yes, I'm a coffee drinker. Love the smell, love the taste. Have tried the route of teas which do a great job of putting zing in your step; love those, too. But that initial smell wandering through the house before the sun comes up....mmmmmm.....
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Break in the Cycle
Thursday with showers-I'll take it. After three consecutive days of gardening, I'm ready to shift gears and put my focus elsewhere. I love to be outside, as do my boys; I'm grateful for having children who are versatile with life. Of course, there are those times when they give a shout that they're not willing to follow but I have to remember: they are under the age of 5 and to expect adult-sized adventures out of them at this time is like asking for the Old Man in New Hampshire to jump back up on the mountain. Anyone familiar with this last statement, you know what I'm talking about.
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day Three on Gardening
Wednesday is here again, and with the sunshine already peeking through the curtains, I'm ready to take on the day. Laundry to start, and then outside to garden like a mad woman for the day. My boys will have the joy of the pool, which is parked right next to the bed I'm currently working on. According to the forecast, we are to anticipate 4 days of rain and clouds, starting late tonight until sometime Sunday. If that helps all the efforts I've put in since early Monday morning, good. Garden like crazy, let Mother Nature take care of the rest. Today is my day to write about homeschool ventures and womanly thoughts but with the gardening buzz I'm on, my sustainable living hat seems to be glued to my head. So, my days are a little out of order but hey, when you have good weather, a ton of gardening to get done before the end of the month, you go with it. Why stress?
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Friday, May 6, 2011
City Mouse, Country Mouse
The sun is shining brightly through our bay window this morning, and as soon as I write and breakfast is done, we are headed outside. Nothing more crazy than a mom and two little boys, who love the outdoors, cooped up in the house for days because of rain and no backporch to play on; today is my day to totally clean off the backporch here so that my boys can have a place to play when its raining. Gardening will appease us while the sun shines and I feel the butterflies of excitement flutter in the depths of my being as I type this post.
Each time I look at my belongings piled on the porch or have to take the garbage out to the garage and see the stock pile of possessions there, I wonder if I'm truly living up to my sustainable living title. I do purchase second hand or find free stuff when it comes to clothes (mostly my own), books, homeschool supplies & ideas, etc...and yes, I do purchase new. I can't say that I don't. Yet my concern is, with all the "things" waiting for me to clear them away, be it organizing and/or purging, why do I have all these "things?" Is it sustainable to have more than I know what to do with? Wouldn't it be easier to wittle down to essentials and take stock of what's truly important in life? Question, question, who's got the question?
Growing up, I didn't always have alot of "stuff." I didn't wear the latest fashions, the newest rage in toys, and didn't eat the most expensive meals on the market. I wore second hand clothes, usually from family. Toys were gifts, and meals consisted of what we could afford to feed ourselves with. I hated wearing someone else's cast offs, I felt the green monster of jealousy when it came to classmates who had the new toys from the stores, and couldn't stand those nights when we ate the same thing for a couple of days. As I reached adulthood, I formed the mindset that one day, I was going to have everything I didn't have growing up. I went for years, thinking that the more stuff you could possess, the happier you would be. Contrary to popular belief, the one who dies with all the toys doesn't win. I had an epiphany one day. When you wake up one day to a wall of boxes of stuff, piles of stuff, no room to function, no desire to leave the house to be a part of the world, you have become possessed. Possessed by your "stuff." And it takes an exorcist level of a purging to reclaim or come into the happiness of having practically nothing and living like you have plenty.
So, on this day, as I plan my gardens, pray for sunshine to stay around for days, envision my fenced in backyard so my kids & dog can have the freedom of the yard, hope my urban chickens will come by Fall, I realize that the "stuff" I possess is exactly that: STUFF. Stuff doesn't create happiness. Stuff will not be there when you need someone to talk to, stuff will not fill whatever void you may be experiencing. IT'S JUST STUFF.
~Momma
Each time I look at my belongings piled on the porch or have to take the garbage out to the garage and see the stock pile of possessions there, I wonder if I'm truly living up to my sustainable living title. I do purchase second hand or find free stuff when it comes to clothes (mostly my own), books, homeschool supplies & ideas, etc...and yes, I do purchase new. I can't say that I don't. Yet my concern is, with all the "things" waiting for me to clear them away, be it organizing and/or purging, why do I have all these "things?" Is it sustainable to have more than I know what to do with? Wouldn't it be easier to wittle down to essentials and take stock of what's truly important in life? Question, question, who's got the question?
Growing up, I didn't always have alot of "stuff." I didn't wear the latest fashions, the newest rage in toys, and didn't eat the most expensive meals on the market. I wore second hand clothes, usually from family. Toys were gifts, and meals consisted of what we could afford to feed ourselves with. I hated wearing someone else's cast offs, I felt the green monster of jealousy when it came to classmates who had the new toys from the stores, and couldn't stand those nights when we ate the same thing for a couple of days. As I reached adulthood, I formed the mindset that one day, I was going to have everything I didn't have growing up. I went for years, thinking that the more stuff you could possess, the happier you would be. Contrary to popular belief, the one who dies with all the toys doesn't win. I had an epiphany one day. When you wake up one day to a wall of boxes of stuff, piles of stuff, no room to function, no desire to leave the house to be a part of the world, you have become possessed. Possessed by your "stuff." And it takes an exorcist level of a purging to reclaim or come into the happiness of having practically nothing and living like you have plenty.
So, on this day, as I plan my gardens, pray for sunshine to stay around for days, envision my fenced in backyard so my kids & dog can have the freedom of the yard, hope my urban chickens will come by Fall, I realize that the "stuff" I possess is exactly that: STUFF. Stuff doesn't create happiness. Stuff will not be there when you need someone to talk to, stuff will not fill whatever void you may be experiencing. IT'S JUST STUFF.
~Momma
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