Life as a homemaker

long time no blog....

2009-10-22T10:32:00.002+01:00

Its been forever and a day since I last wrote here. I'm a horrible neglectful blogger.

Well, I moved again....and in with my bf. Its crazy and brilliant and great fun.
I feel like I'm really living again, like its my time to be shining and happy. Its all I could have asked for.
Today I've got school runs, housework, yoga, meals and ironing later while bf is playing football.
I've been through lots of changes, I'm back to using my maiden name aswell which is great.

Gotta go, I've so much to catch up now I've got connection again :) promise I wont leave it so long before updating again

Take Care
xxx

Where have I been?

2009-02-28T08:50:00.002Z

Well I'm here, promise, just got so much to be sorting out right now.
Been spending time on MONEY SAVING EXPERT (that is when internet is working) I've been seriously thinking how I live and I need to re-evalute spending. saving and our way of living.
rent inspection went well and I am here until end of August, but I wont be here after that, I cant afford to be here. Even though I get some HB it doesnt cover the rent and I will move into the nearest town and start again, I feel a bit silly that I chose to be here knowing I really wouldnt be able to afford it. yet on that note my bf and I have been talking about maybe moving and renting together, the lovely thing is he knows I have no income of my own. Its something to think of, thats another reason to get all my finances sorted and get as much saved as possible.
Bad news on my car though its gone back in the garage. After collecting it last wednesday it started cutting out at junctions and roundabouts, blooming leathal! so it got taking back in sunday, so I am without a car again. They tried saying I had to pay to have it repaired but no way, I've had her 2 months she's under their warranty. Problem then is I lose faith I cant drive a car that might cut out at a busy junction and kill someone.
Sold quite a bit on ebay lately so have saved money in my EF (emergency fund) for anything I've not budgeted.
dd1 has now joined a drama club on wednesdays, suits her really. So she is at line-dancing Monday, Beavers Tuesdays and Drama wednesdays, busy little bee isnt she.
dd2 still goes to Pre-school one morning a week and thats her schedule done.
My head is filled with what my next step should be. Moving means finding somewhere for August, getting a new school, a new pre-school and all that implies. Going to work hard in the next 6 months to get this little unit strong!

Friday, thankfully.

2009-02-20T19:24:00.002Z

Well most of today I spent listing ebay items, now I made to decision to stop crafting I thought it would be useful to sell them things I no longer need/want/use my mum still crafts so I can use her bits if needed and I'll keep a "project box" for A's school work too. Current I have 22 items listed.
I have sold an old carseat (totally up to saftey standard!) my old freezer, now I have a fabby new one (bigger!!) and loads of other bits, I made enough money last week to buy the new freezer and I am going shopping sunday to fill it up, I am hoping that with it being larger I will be able to cut my grocery bill down by storing and buying frozen food, with having to do atleast 10mile round trip to get a loaf of bread I need a fianically better idea.
My finances have been bugging me lately, its the uncertainty of handling it all. I write it down and evalute it all but I still stress out at the thought of most of it.
I have a house inspection on monday, the rental company are visiting to see the house and hopefully renew my tenancy for another 6 months. I hope I have kept it to the standard they want, must say some walls could do with a tough of paint but its cream and after having two children in it I'm supprised its not worse, when I clean the walls I tend to strip the paint off rather than the little finger marks lol.
Its my darling boyfriends birthday tomorrow, he turns 30. So I am joining him and his two children, his mum and dad and his nan and grandad for a meal, I'm nervous but I do know then so should be ok. I decided to wear my red dress and black cardigan, I want to look gorgeous by his side without being overdressed.
I've totally supprised myself with how much I really adore him, but he is a wonderful man and father, I'm blessed to have him in my life.
Grace had an eye appointment tuesday but passed very well and wont need another check up for a year. I've booked the girls a dentist appointment yet can get in until end of April!! thats a long wait but i do know people who havent even got a dentist. I went to the doctors on thursday as when I got up sunday morning I had a visable lump to the side of my naval, it didnt hurt but was obvious to sight that something wasnt right, by the time I went to docs it had gone down but was still there, the dr just said if it gets worse or causes pain to go back or go A&E I can still see it now, its a mystery.
Right I've chatted on enough tonight.
Take Care everyone
xxx

Electric! Bills and Evening meals.

2009-02-12T14:47:00.002Z

Just been on the phone to my electricity supplier (E-on) who, in my latest statement, say I'm £168 in credit! Thats £168 that could be in my bank. So I call and have a chat with a nice advisor who has cut my direct debit payment from £70 per month to £35 per month, so thats good, but what I hope to do is still use the £35 I would have been paying in a savings account. I think I'm getting my head around everything now as well.
Ebay going ok, I've listed a few more pieces and have sold items to post tomorrow. Nice to make money from items I dont want/need any more. I left 7 big bags out for the chairty shop collection and a mini trampoline that my girls dont play on, I'd rather give it to chairty and help someone than take it to the recycling centre.
Last night the girls and I entertained my "boyfriend" its so lovely to have dinner all ready for when he gets there, we had tripple choc ice-cream for pudding too, girls were brilliant as usual adn went to bed the best they have for ages, they really like him, but then they've both known him since they were born. What I absolutely loved was having a tea and toast together and kissing him goodbye on the doorstep as he left for work.
xxx

Ebay day

2009-02-10T17:42:00.002Z

Been a busy day, and its not over yet. School run then dashed into town to the banks and to have my hair cut (which looks cool) then back to get G from pre-school, so I have been sorting bags for the chairty shop collection on thursday and listing crazy amounts on ebay. Still have loads to do but I struggle with this connection so I go to my mums and "borrow" her wireless connection. So I have 10 listings today that finish in 3 days, hope I made some money and also clear some things. I decided to stop crafting, as much as I adore it then money just isnt available for me to spend on things like that, so I'm selling some pieces.
Sorted my bank account and transferred bits around so hopefully I am all set.
My electricity direct debit came out today, £70 a month for the three of us and thats with oil heating and being careful too.
I'm still in a complete whirl as to what to do in August about my housing. You know I would love to be at the point where I want to share my whole life and home with my gorgeous fella by then and maybe find some way of renting together, I'll be honest I feel like a total tag-a-long with no income of my own.
Right, time to go back into the cold and dark to collect A from Beavers.
Take Care
xxx

Time for renewal

2009-02-09T18:12:00.002Z

My rent is up for renewal so I am being "inspected" in a couple of weeks (monday 23rd) and my rent due on the thursday. I pay 6 months at a time, so at least I am secure here until the end of August in that time I need to decide if it is wise to stay here in this village or maybe move into a town, which may be the case but I really dont want to move A any more, she is only 7 and I dont want her to feel insecure with me keep moving and taking her away from friends she's made. G wont start school until Sept 2010 (she'll be 4 and 1 month when she starts primary school) I suppose I'm missing the point, if I cant afford to live here then I have to move.
today was "Living Room" day so I leave that until after our dinner so the children have played and had fun then I do it while in bed. Tomorrow is bathroom day, simple really.
I'm going to have my hair cut while G goes to pre-school (9.00am to 11.30am) and doing my business with the banks, extra supprise as I got a £50 cashback cheque for using tesco as my car insurence, so that was lovely to recieve rather than the usual misery through the post. So that can be banked and I have some Standing Orders and Direct Debits to rearrange too. I have to get ontop of my finances.
Love to you all
xxx

Friday 06 February

2009-02-06T18:30:00.002Z

Half a snow day today as school closed at lunch time, although most children even when being collected went straight out and played in the snow filled playground.
Drove to the doctors this morning for G's inhaler and the snow started falling on our way home, as I turned into my little road I had my car slide and go sideways, its so easy for people to have accidents.
I got my set of steps from argos today as well as my boyfriend's (lol thats so weird) birthday present, he turns 30 in two weeks time, so I've brought him a DAB radio and a battery recharging kit to go with it. Want one myself now though.
i've been working through the way I do my cleaning and since getting my hands on "gudie to becoming a perfect housewife" I realise how in love with lists I am, I work so much better with a list. Write it all down and then cross it off, it feels such an accomplishment.
With my two darling girls at their fathers tonight and my sexy man having his two children, I'm home alone, so I'm pottering about the house, which is so quiet, catching up online with the HHWC and seeing how my ebay auction is going.
Take Care
xxxx

Snow day!

2009-02-05T10:24:00.001Z

Well today Amy is off school with a snow day so we've been messing around outside with half the neighbourhood. So here's a few pics, took by my phone which I'm super impressed with.

Grace

Amy

Grace, snow-cat, Amy.

I've got to get some steps for home, I did the tops of the wardrobes today and struggled to reach the beacks from my chair so will have to get some to make things safer around here.

Cleaned all the oven and the glass windows this morning, considering I've only been here 5 months its quite shocking.

Was meant to go up to the doctors today for aprescription and into town for a few bits but in this snow I'm not going to. Its a 20mile round trip I can do without today.
Time to get back to my list of jobs.
take care,
xxx

I'm so spoiled

2009-02-04T20:13:00.002Z

I invite a guest for dinner this evening, I planned on toad-in-the-hole, roast potatoes and veg with a steamed chocolate pudding with cream for dessert, and when he arrived he did all the cooking, I'm amazed and feel so spoiled, a man who loves to cook and teaches me, some of you might know that I try my best but I'm not the greatest at cooking (lack of concentration I think) so we ate and shared the washing up and tidying. Seeing as the cleaning is my job it felt lovely to have someone help because they wanted to not because they were asked. So yes, I feel that I am spoilt.
Another great thing today, my obsession for all books "homekeepy" increased as I received "anthea turners guide to becoming the perfect housewife" I loved the show (still do as I have the series dvds) and wanted the original manual, well apart from turning into a dirty lazy slob and appearing on the show I knew only one place where I might get one, hello ebay, its a copy of an actual one from the show sadly not much care was taken over the pictures being copied but the rest is there, tee-hee I'm happy I have at least got some kind of copy. I hope she does another series but I dont think she will.

Righty-ho I'm off to do some wii-ing lol I got the "wii My personal Coach" and have a 15min workout scheduled and a 15min game play on Wii fit, man are those Nintendo Wii's cool.

Take Care
xxxx

Feb 09

2009-02-02T14:54:00.003Z

Here I am, better late than never in 2009, Happy New Year.
I think I'm organised again now, I have my routines all set and my chores marked and noted.
Trickiest thing I've faced is the fianaces and the laundry, well slightly both combined, the weather here and the position of my garden makes line drying the laundry almost impossible, if I have my heating on I feel worried about using the oil and after running out last month I'm slightly scared to use it, so my upstairs hall way often resembles a utility room with dryers and coat-hangers in the doorways, but I'm getting there.
I've sold some unwanted pieces on ebay to raise money for other things, my eldest, at 7, is being very mature to it all, she is such an angel.
My youngest has started pre-school for one morning a week, so tuesday mornings seem so very quiet, which allowed me to juggle a few things and have that day as my "door frame days" meaning the day that I do the high jobs that require to stand on something.
Think I'm going to have to get a window cleaner though for my upstairs outside windows, I just cant get to them properly and I'd rather not fall out of the window on the pursuit of cleanliness.

Its great to be back online if only for the little while I get, I wish I could afford to get a proper broadband back but thats just another bill to pay and I'm not stable enough right now, no-one wants to employ me as a flexible one evening a week person.

Take Care everyone, thanks for stopping by, promise to get some piccies of my new house up soon
xxx

Sunday, a day of trash.

2008-08-24T09:32:00.002+01:00

Ok, not trash but unwanted things that I dont want to take with me and I dont want to leave. So I have my dear brother my rock * to help with the loft today, I am a bit worried I'm not finding it as emotional as I thought, I guess the power of adrenaline and anticipation is taking over.
Its 2 days until I move!
I miss my girls like crazy though but i'm focused on making the next part of the life great for them x

bye bye babies

2008-08-21T07:51:00.002+01:00

A sad day today, my beautiful girls are going on holiday and I wont see them until next saturday. It seems such a long time to be without them I have to see the positive in the situation being that they are on holiday with their father and I shall be able to get the moving and the home ready for their return. I shall miss them so much.
I hope to get the house ready for them and get some running in if my hip allows. I'll be allowed whatever tv and music on I like too, thats an alien concept as all I seem to get at the moment is Hannah Montana and High School Musical.
I am feeling so ready for this move, its beginning to drain me cleaning this house when its not going to be me here, and I truly dislike that feeling, I love a clean home and I know that there is very little emotional attatchment to this one.
5 days left

My friend Claire from HHWC posted this brilliant blog Cake Wrecks, go take a look, if you dont raise a smile please go to a dr and make sure you are still alive.
Have a lovely day all.

A week and a day

2008-08-18T07:25:00.003+01:00

Its getting so close now.
I borrowed some money from my parents so I could get a few bits for the girls bedroom, I got some new bedding and a wardrobe and drawers for them each. I also have a new crockery and cutlery set, nothing fancy but its new and mine so thats great. I havent got a bed yet but my Mum won a single bed with two mattresses on ebay so at least I have a mattress to sleep on, I have no bedroom funishings either.
I havent a sofa or any living room funiture, but thats not a bit problem, what counts is that I will do my very best to make it into the home my girls deserve.

Its all go, go, go!

2008-08-14T17:24:00.002+01:00

Life is crazy right now.
I am moving on the 26th august, the week my two girls are away for the week with their dad. Which works out quite well as I can get as much done as I can without having to worry about them getting hurt or lost during the move.
Finacially I am still in trouble. The CTC have issued me a bill of £360 which needs paying by the 18th of August, I'm trying to allow them for me to pay half (seeing as it was a bill from when x-dh and I were together) but I'm struggling.
Maybe I was too hasty to think of moving out so quickly but I needed to have a secure place for my girls before the next school term began (2nd sept)
Its painful to think of how easy I have made it for him, but I am strong enough to direct my thoughts and feelings into my present then worry about the past.
the support I'm getting is varied, some people just dont know what to say, others are so supportive it makes me want to cry and then there are those that critise me and try to get to me, well I'm sorry that my manorisms and strength are not to their liking but I am doing my best.
Its difficult to keep the house how I like it when I know its not mine. I'm not taking much from the house at all so its hard to want to keep everywhere so nice and clean. Thats not to imply that I want to live in a sty for the next two weeks until I move just that knowing he'll be back here with his new girlfriend why should I keep the sofas perfect and worry about dust on the door frames? yet its against my personality and beliefs to leave it for the sake of being a pain, for as long as this is my childrens place of living I shall be doing my duties.

An overdue update

2008-08-04T19:30:00.003+01:00

Today, its the 4th of August 2008. The days have passed since I last posted here and there is good reason for that. personal problems that are difficult to post of.
I have split from my husband, we married in August 2000 so I'll blame the 7-year-itch. It was strange, I came home from a great 2hr yoga session to sit and say it was over. Almost as simply as I write it now. He cried but I never, I think that says alot. I then went for a 3mile run. yes, I cope with things strangely. That was the 23rd of June 2008. 6 weeks on, he has filled for divorce, found a new girlfriend (well after 2 weeks anyway) and put the house up for sale. I have found a house to rent, sorted out the help I can get, been out dog-racing with my friends and become an even stronger woman through this.
The house is tidier than ever, and will be even better when August 25th comes and I take as much as I can from here and move into my new place.

2008-05-28T09:28:00.001+01:00

I had my wk2 weigh in yesterday, actually put on half a pound (poop) but I just had no will-power against the chocolate!!

Its been so long

2008-05-26T16:46:00.002+01:00

I have been without my internet and indeed my computer for ages, so its time now I'm back in cyberland to get sorted.
The laptop was covered by the house insurence so it was a case of getting the go ahead and waiting for the credit to get a new one. On saturday the credit came through and I went to get a new laptop. The sadest thing is I lost 2 years of photos and documents. I cried my eyes out, baby pictures and everything, school events, birthdays, day outs, the lot. Not to mention about 3000 songs!!
While I was offline I did get the whole of the gardens done and replanted, They look much more cheerful now.
We have two sets of birds nesting in our roof at the moment, sparrows in the back and starlings to the front, both sets making horrific messes, so after they havenested and flown I shall be hiring a window cleaner and the foam insulating the gaps to the roof. They are so dirty. Not to mention how noisy they are.
With the new computer I have none of my previous bookmarks so I will have to go through things and get my blogs re-listed and find all my favourite places.

Hope everyone is well.

2008-04-16T06:47:00.002+01:00

What will I be up to today? Well not too much, I'm going shopping after the school run with my Nan and Grandad and having lunch out, not sure where yet, and Amy is at Dance club after school so I dont need t collect her until 4pm. Really excited for her at the moment as she is in the Schools Make Music programme and is singing at the Cromwell College on thursday evening.

Pilates

2008-04-15T12:17:00.002+01:00

I didnt get to go to the yoga class last night s I put on the Winsor Pilates video, yes a VHS tape, and did the 20 minutes workout, the time flew by and I was quite suprised when I'd finished. I used to do it about 3 times a week, I can see how much it helped my flexibilty and posture. I want to do more now. That makes me so pleased that I ordered the new Circle Pilates yesterday, hope it comes quickly.
I broke my washing line this morning , snapped two of the lines from the rotary, it still works but I have lost two on my longest wires.

Got a new book today

2008-04-14T17:01:00.002+01:00

Was very suprised and excited today as the postie brought me the new Anthea Turner book,Entertain in Style .Wasnt due for release until May so happy its out early. Lots of yummy recipes too.

Also hopefully today I will be going to my first Yoga class, although I have done yoga on and off since about 2001 I havent been to a class, so I am really looking forward to being able to do this (that is if Hubby is home early enough). I'll update to let you know if I got to go.

Mop, mop and mop some more.

2008-04-05T09:44:00.003+01:00

The downstairs of my home is completely wood floored (laminate) so it does take a bit of cleaning. The cleaning away, then sweeping and then the mop and dry. I dont really use a mop though I'd rather use a cloth and be on my knees, I think it gives it a better clean.
The sofas need another wash and condition after "yougurt-gate" where Grace decided to get a yogurt out and smear it on the sofa! See, its true, you cant take a toilet break without something happening. They have been washed but need a another going over and a condition, it doesnt take too long once everything it started. Better than a week or so ago when I had to remove biro pen from the leather!! Shocking!! I was a bit frightened to try it but I used nail varnish remover! And then quickly conditioned it. It worked. I was amazed.
Doing the weekly shop later on due to being out on Sunday. Monday will be filled with family and fun as its my brothers 29th birthday and we all going bowling, there will be about 14 of us, so it will be great. Also need to get the school uniforms ready as Amy goes back to school Tuesday.

Compliments from male visitors

2008-04-01T11:47:00.004+01:00

Andrew had a group of friends here last night to watch WrestleMania I was nervous, as I always am when people come to our home, but I need not have been they were great guests. Took their shoes off (and all had good socks on), had lovely manners and we complimentary on our home. I played a good hostess (meaning keeping the drinks filled) and enjoyed the evening too. What was really fab was when one of them offered to take the recycling out for me at the end of the evening, how adorable is that?? Funny as it was the only partnered up one that did that (must compliment his partner for having him well trained)
Andrew said he was super proud of me.

So not much to do today, just the daily jobs.
Have a good day all.

Its quite difficult

2008-03-31T12:37:00.002+01:00

...to find something to blog about that wont bore the heck out of anyone who may fall upon my blog.
Its been the usual routine here, although its getting to the point of more gardening on the plans now.
We decorated the kitchen, its now "clotted cream" a light yellow colour, I was going to go for a sage green but its not a very big room and I think it would have made it feel dark and clostraphobic. So its a cheery pale yellow and looks fab!
Amy now has a hamster which has a routine all of its own. A chart printed out every week that needs filling at bed time, water, food and cleaning. Amy is doing a brilliant job with it and has taken on the responsibility really well. I'm very proud, she even kept her tooth fairy money to spend on hamster treats rather than sweets.
I'm currently on a photography course so am busy with that as well as organising a scrapbook and cardmaking day.

The cutest cookies

2008-03-18T15:43:00.005Z

These are from yesterday. Amy and I made cookies, I really need to get some new cutters as I had to borrow these two from my friend.

Tiny Pink Cookies

50g (2oz) butter, softened

25g (1oz) icing sugar

drop of food colouring

1 tsp milk

drop of vanilla essence

75g (3oz) plain flour

2 baking trays wiped with cooking oil

Heat oven to 180c, 350f

cream the butter and icing sugar, add the food colouring mix well, add milk and vanilla, then sift flour and make a ball (get your hands in!) Roll out onto a floured surface and cut out as many biscuits as you can, around 5mm (1/4") thick. Prick cookies with a fork (or cocktail stick, just to make patterns) and then bake for approx 6-8minutes, leave on a tray to cool.

Hope that was ok to follow. Managed to nab the photo when there were only 5 left!

I love baking with Amy, and I love the recipe cards we use, from a company called Osbourn Books, they had fab little cards, all things, crafty and cooking. They are smart because Amy can pick one and then we can go to the store and get everything we need. I think it teaches her alot.

We also made cute little decorated eggs (hard boiled) for a school competition. Here are Robin Hood and Maid Marion

Been battling

2008-03-17T13:29:00.002Z

I just have been so sick and tired of my neighbours, it is really upsetting me. I am hoping the last few days events will help to improve things.
We have lived here for nearly two years and for that time we have had to live with their behaviour. The shouting, banging, dis respectfulness and the smell! Oh my, the smell. The dogs (6 in a small 2 bed house) and the constant smell of cigarettes, wet dog and fag smoke, how delightful. Even my addiction to Yankee candle doesn't help with this. It gets me down. I can use pure bleach on the bathroom walls and surfaces, wash the floors and have everything looking like a showroom and yet the smell still comes in. It gets to the point where I wonder why I bother. Then, last week the building began for their conservatory (sun room) and my heart sank, would this escalate the problem, after all it means more room for them to shove the dogs in, would the smell be worse when the room heated up? Or would it be the case of something new would spur them on to looking after the house. I guess I have to wait. But for now I just have to try my hardest to get rid of the smell and filth they emit.

Mooching monday

2008-02-11T08:39:00.000Z

Woke up feeling a bit strange, not 100% anyway. However, life goes on and its half term here so no school runs to do this week. Which means no uniforms to wash and iron.
I thought I had best get on incase I feel worse later so I got up and cleaned/straightened the bathroom straight away. I've started putting a bit of bleach in the toilet systern overnight, really helps out in the morning (after DH has been). Came down, popped the dishwasher on and then made a cheesecake. Then the girls got up and I did breakfast. So now having some quiet time on the computer while A plays upstairs (sylvanian fanilies) and G scoots around on her car.
Still things to do, I think the living room will only need a quick freshen today, with it being nice yesterday no-one was in there. Stairs need vacuuming though and the laundry will need ironing and putting away after its dry. Hopefully I can get time for a bit of crafting later on if its nice and the girls can play outside on the trampoline.

Sunday 10th February

2008-02-10T17:13:00.000Z

Hello, had a wonderful day today, Amy has learned to ride a bike, oh its so lovely to see her, after the RTA in 2004 its taken a long time for her to get there. We had a great sunday lunch, really filling and really nice to sit as a family. Other than the usually chores its been an esy and fun day. My grandparents came for a visit for a while. And I have done a little bit of crafting too. Grace has just enjoyed running around with everyone. Its been lovely.

Bring it on Saturday!

2008-02-09T11:06:00.000Z

yes, its here already, super saturday. three loads have already been washed, one on the line, one in the dryer, one about to finish and be hung out. Sofas washed, living room is sparkling, bathroom tip-top. I've been very busy setting my timer and getting on with it, while playing with the girls and having sneeky peeks on the forums. need to vacuum upstairs and the stairway next, hope I dont destroy the dyson today. We have baked a cake, made a jelly, had lunch and hopefully darling hard working husband will be home.
Must plough on.
8pm update: Listening to Darla Shine on the radio at the moment.
We had a lovely afternoon shopping, I got some new trainers (so I can break them in before the Race for Life, Cancer Research run, in June) and the weekly shop.
I dressed nicely and wore a high heel (3") I got a nice pair of wide leg tailored trousers from a supermaket (asda) for £8 ($16) they came with this cute little belt too. So I felt very special walking around (so pleased to have the trolley to hold on to!) we held hands, cuddled and kissed, it was a lovely trip.

Something you havent done in a while

2008-02-07T12:45:00.000Z

Yesterday I pulled out the sofas and all the living room furnature and washed under it all, usually do that every two weeks. So they are kept clean (there is always something there though, dust, dirt, a spoon) I then turned my focus to my kitchen and the tumble dryer, as previously posted I am very saftey consious when it comes to cleaning this, but I pulled it out, first time in two months (I know, I'm bad) it was hideous, I'm not joking! The fluff and dust that was under there!! I'm so glad I was alone! Tomorrow is the fridge and freezers turn and the dates between the chore will now be changed, at least every month they are coming out, its disgusting.

I have been working hard with the housework catching p on the slow week from when little one was poorly. Its amazing how fats things can go downhill.
I've been watching a programme called "Cleanaholics" about people who cant stop cleaning. Its great to watch though, a few tips and lovely to see others that enoy their homes.

Inside-out strawberry Ice-cream cake.

2008-02-04T07:34:00.000Z

To give ice cream the right consistency for spreading, soften it at room temperature, about 30 minutes, or microwave it on high in 10-second increments, testing for softness in between. Don't overdo it: You want it spreadable, not soupy!
Prep: 40 minutesTotal: 8 hours
Ingredients
Serves 12
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam
3 pints vanilla ice cream, softened
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated; mix in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, alternately add flour mixture in three parts and buttermilk in two, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until smooth (do not overmix).
Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in pan; turn cake out onto a rack, and let cool completely. Using a long serrated knife, halve cake horizontally.
While cake is cooling, combine strawberries and jam in a medium bowl.
Line sides of a 9-inch springform pan with a strip of waxed paper; wrap outside of pan with plastic wrap. Center bottom half of cake in pan, cut side up.
Spread 1 1/2 pints ice cream over top and down around sides. Spread strawberry mixture on ice cream, leaving a 1-inch border. Set top half of cake over it.
Spread remaining ice cream over top and down around sides of cake. Tap cake on counter to help ice cream settle. Smooth top, and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or, covered, up to 2 weeks. To serve, remove plastic from pan, unmold cake, and peel off waxed paper. Let cake rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.

www.marthastewart.com

2008-02-03T13:04:00.000Z

Well my list was made and added to, but I'm just about there, need to go grocery shopping in a bit though. So currently writing out the list that I will promptly forget to take with me. The car boot sale did well, with my dearest husband making over£120! I think thats fabulous, it means that the shopping will come from that rather than the bank, making things easier for the bills. Also menu planning at the same time as doing the shopping list. I do try to think of something new each week to at least try.

I gave the leather suite a really good wash and condition too, it looks great now. All floors and washed and vacuumed, I really have to time the floor washing well, although I dont get it too wet (wooden floors) I wouldnt want anyone to slip, so I try and dry the floor off with a towel after.

Uniforms and lunches and ready for tomorrow, homework is done.

I baked a victoria sponge and thats being devoured by hubby as he unpacks the car. he works so hard for us all, I am truly bless.

My photography skills have been noticed on the scrapbook site I am on (details on my Scrapping blog, if you go to my profile) and no, I dont take the all of the pictures on here Google helps me.

Time for me to head off. Once I'm back from shopping, packed away, cooked dinner, got the girlie-bugs bathed and in bed, its time for my beloved Lost to be on the tv, a wonderful Sunday relax.

Saturday has gone a bit wrong.

2008-02-02T14:28:00.000Z

DH is doing a car boot sale tomorrow so we can clear some clutter and some unwanted bits. That'll be nice to get some extra space and the pennies will be nice too.
Beds changed again, thats four times in one week!
Windows on the outside need washing but I'm not going ut there in the cold and wind, I am happy that the insides are clean at least.
Due to getting the car-boot sale ready the housework isnt as good as usual. I could be doing it now but I'm listening to Darla Shine, each saturday I can listen to the american radio show, (click link on left at 6pm each saturday). Its finished now, its a great motivational show.
So nw its over I'll wash the kitchen floor and head off upstairs to straighten up the bathroom, lots to do tomorrow so I'll write a list!

A tough week

2008-02-01T11:26:00.001Z

I've been at home all week, A has had a chest infection and been poorly since sunday. Which means I have spent lots of hours snuggling and things have got a little out of hand, I've done more loads of bed linen than ever and am still catching up. The weather here has been horrid, cold, wet, windy, yuck. So only the basics have been done, which means that this weekend its a super strip clean.
I'm sorry there are no exciting updates or fancy pictures. I'll get back to it.

Housework out of the house

2008-01-21T20:59:00.000Z

Once my dailies were done in the house I set to work somewhere different, and twice as challenging. My beloved scrap-room, a converted summerhouse I won off of ebay in the summer. I love my scrap-room it means I can leave things whoever I like and they aren't in the way or a danger to anyone else (thinking of little fingers and sharp knives), the only thing wrong with that theory is that it rarely gets a real clean, so today I did. With the addition of my exercise bike and elliptical trainer in there it has to be tidy. It took a bit longer than I thought but its almost there, almost as in I had dinner to prepare and the clothes for tomorrow to sort out, however, I did get to go out and do a layout before I came in to have a check up here and the house. Must get a bit more done tomorrow now.

Super Saturday

2008-01-19T16:28:00.000Z

Super housework day. Upstairs was my main focus this Saturday ,it looks beautiful, all the windows are washed and clean, the beds changed, floors vacuumed, everything dusted. Lovely, its really a great feeling to walk up the stairs knowing the doors dont have to be shut hiding anything, it looks so bright and spacious. I have a little box full that needs to go in the loft when I get the ladder in, but its all wet and muddy and I'm not bringing them in like that.

Doing all the beds means laundry buy the truck load, but its all ok. Most of it irons easily and its nice to have it all done at once. So I thought these pictures would be relevant to this post.

I feel a bit strange at the moment as we are having a take-out for dinner so its strange not to be getting the dinner ready. Its nice to have a treat though.
I watched a tv show today "Real Housewives of Orange County" it made me laugh, real housewives that dont actually do anything real in their homes. They all looked fabulous though. It was a bit money orientated but intresting to watch, I hope I catch it again. I loved the decor though, lovely ideas for what I could try here.

Why I love him...blog challenge

2008-01-18T17:02:00.000Z

A friend from Happy Housewives has posted a little challenge. Read her blog at http://aqueeninthehousefullofmen.blogspot.com/

I love my husband because:

1)He is my best friend

2)He is a wonderful provider

3)He works really hard for his family

4)He completes me

5)He is a wonderful father

6)He is always there for me

7)He never moans at my cooking

8)He always boosts my confidence

9)He supports my crazy plans

10)He loves me even with my stretch marks.

I could go on for ages about how lovely he is. He has so many great traits and morals, I am truly blessed to have him. Without him the dreams I have would be empty.

Thank you Kathy for the challenge.

2008-01-18T15:43:00.000Z

Food cupboards, not my favorite chore but one I'd much rather do on days like today, when its wet and miserable and I'm waiting a tesco grocery delivery on sunday. Thankfully it wasnt too bad nothing out of date, nothing broken or spilled. Lovely, if only it was like that every time. It also means when the delivery comes it will be a lot easier to store.
I only quickly washed the wheelie bin, it wasnt exactly the weather to be hanging around outside.
Had a lovely visit to the school for a special assembly with A. Her class did a performance about the Great fire of London, it was wonderful to watch, the only thing that was sad, the lack of parents that came to watch. It was so nice for the children I know to wave and say hello to me though.

Freshen up Thursday.

2008-01-17T18:37:00.000Z

Rain rain go away....tell me how the weather knows that I'm about to do the school run. Seriously, I have a shower and straighten my hair get already to walk out the door "kaboom" the sky just pours. Hey ho, we still trundle to school enjoying our daily chat and exercise. No only does it make my hair all fuzzy it soaks the buggy which then drips all over the hall, luckily I had a towel to wash and I used that in the hall. Much safer.
I swap around the flower arrangements today and gave them a quick dust and refreshen with some room spray, its nice to swap things around a little.
I had the joyful job of washing the house bins out today, how come even when using a bin liner something still gets in the bottom? Oh well, they are ready for the next week. the wheelie bin needs a clean out tomorrow after they have emptied it. There is a man that comes around and does it for a fee, my Nan used to use him but all he does is use a hose to give it a wash and then sprays some disinfectant in it. Lovely, but I think I'll be keeping my £2.50 a bin and do it myself.
The sale went quite well yesterday, £50 was made from the table top and the total for the raffle is still to be added as they are going to host it tomorrow after school. I am attending a special school assembly tomorrow morning. A's class are hosting a "Great Fire of London" performance. She has some words to say so is very pleased. Hopefully Hubby can get to it as well, I know that would make her day to see him there.
Due to the rise in petrol prices I have decided to do the weekly shopping on-line. Due to be delivered on Sunday morning. Lovely, no queues, no pushing and shoving, no moaning, no worrying about the car doors being bashed in lets just hope its all there when it comes.

Eugh, seriously, I think it was alive...

2008-01-16T19:06:00.001Z

I washed the leather sofas today (they like Dove soap) so I pulled them out....I have no idea what food item had died underneath it but oh my, it was nasty. It was behind the metal floor tracks, so each time I've pulled it out to wash the floor its just stayed under it! It did resemble an apple core, I think, but my lesson is now learned. Re-enforce the No Food or Drink rule and to make sure I get right under the sofas not just pull them forward. I was embarrassed, and so pleased there was only me and baby girl in the house! It was a shocking "How clean is your house?" moment. Anyway I finished off the sofas and put them back all nice and clean, I waited long enough for these I will definitely make sure I look after them.
The tumble dryer got its maintenance done today also. Sadly no money in it this time, usually I can get a pound or so from it, so I must be checking all the pockets before the wash now and not missing any. I was simple to do, its gets done every month, the water condenser tray and the filter gets done after each load its the condenser filter and air filter that can go a bit longer, it doesn't take long and it gives me a bit of confidence when it comes to possible fire prevention.
I helped out at the FOMS (like a PTA) table top sale today, got some great bargains too, 6 brand new Next school t-shirts, all for £1.20, a couple of books, DVDs and a little toy, and some raffle tickets, all the money goes to the school children. I left early so I hope it went really well and the children get some good funds. I like to help, I like to feel that I can make a difference.
.

Fabulous Podcast

2008-01-15T10:21:00.000Z

I listened to the latest Darla Shine Pod cast last night (found http://www.happyhousewivesclub.com/kiss/podcast.html ) Darla and Dana from the Happy Housewives Club talk about a college that has been slated for providing courses in homemaking, claiming it to be regressing, I wont quote wrongly so I advice you to have a listen. I was listening and nodding and making my comments right there with the girls. I did some Home Economics at secondary school (between the ages of 11 and 16) It completely wasn't what the young girls of today need. We used to rotate classes termly, one was cooking, another was handicrafts. Quite frankly it was very poor, we "cooked" soup and made kites with plastic bags and string, please inform me as to where that helped anyone become a housewife? Indeed life lessons and research provide us with a great deal, which has to be a wonderful thing because if we relied on what we were taught at school, we'd have a miserable life only ever accomplishing flask made soup and who knows what would become of us. Lessons from our parents, that would be fine if our mothers were the figures of idols, so far I have gained advice and pointers from where ever I can, even if the lessons are not the ones that work they are the ones that teach us.
So I am all in favour of homemaking classes, as I wrote in a post before, its something I would love. Help the future mothers and wives be the best they can, raise the children the world needs and create a generation that can change the way the future generations live.

A normal Monday

2008-01-14T12:04:00.000Z

I enjoy Mondays really, the daily routine goes back to the beginning and the weekly one starts all over too. It isn't as hectic any more now I dont go out in the mornings. There are no laundry loads to do (until night time), none drying. The house is still really clean and tidy from the weekends spruce. I am looking forward to a spring clean and a chance to decorate a bit, I have such great images of what I want to do to the kitchen Which reminds me I need to get some new serving dishes. I saw some beautiful Martha Stewart ones but they would need to be shipped from USA and that would cost a bit too much, so I'm on the look out for a British equivalent. Maybe in Anthea Turner's new book there will be a suppliers list that might have what I'm after. I've already pre-ordered it but its a long time until May.
I love this little montage (below), trying to find little pictures of housewives and homemaking is difficult, most have degrading comments on them. Which really gets to me, what is so wrong with being a homemaker? I dont think I'll ever work out the answer.
I changed the light bulb in the living room, I was a bit annoyed though as it is a energy saving one and its not been in that long (no more than a year) these are supposed to last about 10 years. I gave the glass shades a good polish, How a dead ladybird was in there I dont know, it wasn't in there last month.

I have my Yankee candles burning, I have a slight addiction to them. They smell so gorgeous and look delightful in their little glass jars. So useful and pretty. I shall use the empty jars in my scrap-house to keep brads and primas in. They will look really cute.
I've got Darla Shine's podcast to listen to later on. Loads of inspiration and motivation!

Company and fitness

2008-01-13T19:01:00.000Z

Family time today, my grandparents come over and we went for a walk as one big family. The wind was whistling but it was a refreshing walk and such a lovely way to chat and catch up together. Once home I cooked crumpets for everyone and had a much needed cup of tea to warm us up. After company had gone I set about tackling the hallway and the dirty shoes. The hallway isn't very big and so it doesn't take much to look dirty and messy. As its Sunday is super roast dinner day, usually had a lunch time but due to the walk I left it until the evening, toad in the hole, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, 4 different vegetables, mash potato, one gorgeous Sunday roast. Thats not all, a beautiful steamed chocolate pudding and custard. After all that its the dishwashers job! Its meals like that that I am very thankful for our little busy machine, its only a slimline one but it works lovely for meals such as those.
Feeling satisfied and content we did the school homework and do a bit of reading together.
I dont often get compliments, if I do I am never sure of how to take them, Hubby complimented me on the housekeeping and the way I have looked after myself and the girls. That makes me so proud. Probably helps that I've been re-reading Darla Shines Happy Housewives book and reading up on articles on the Martha Stewart website.
Once the girls were settled and my afternoon jobs were done I went out for a run, around the block. I continuously ran (jogged/trotted) all the way which was 9:30minutes, I was very, very pleased with myself. Since my DR told me not to diet any more and think more of my health than the clothes size and the scales numbers its been hard to think differently but I do want to be fit and healthy, if it means being a size bigger than I had concentrated on thats ok. I need a new release, at the moment running does it.
Time to iron the school clothes (that were ironed yesterday but have mysteriously been crinkled again) and get the lunches ready, always made with love.
:)

I kicked butt!

2008-01-12T14:18:00.000Z

My saturday came back with avengance. I rearranged the main bedroom, cleared out and reorganised all the boxes under the bed, the wardrobes and the drawers. Not sure how long I shall keep the room this way around, nut it will be nice for a change and give the floor a bit of a rest. 3 loads of laundry is already done, actually have a load of sheets on the washing line (purely because there is no room in the dryer, there is no way that it will dry out there) I washed the kitchen window to clear on the cat-snot. that looks ten times better! I can see through it now.
Its only just past lunch and I have worked hard for about 3 hours, I have more to do as soon as one area is clean and tidy the others seem to go downhill. Oh well, thats my life, I just need to train the family better.
Most of all I'm very happy to be back on the HHWC forum, my absence there certainly makes a difference to how I do in my days.
We are going out this afernoon for a treat, no where expensive as we are saving for a summer holiday, we havent been away in the smmer for about 4 years so it will be nice not to go in the winter.
Have decided to decorate the kitchen in the spring. I was thinking of a lovely sage colour. I think it would look nice. So I'll start looking at bits to add and change. I would like to paint the cupboard doors (I would rather replace them if we can offord to). So I am getting exciting about that.

getting back on top

2008-01-11T18:41:00.000Z

Did the weekly shopping this morning, I only went to the nearest supermarket, its not my favourite as it doesnt stock some of the things we usually have. I got some floor cleaner that was reduced in a special offer, it smells fabulous; wild orchid. So I got the floors all washed and dried whole baby was asleep. Need to replace a lightbulb in the living room. It went out this morning I think. Three loads of laundry, 2 dried, ironed and put away, one load is waiting for another to join it before drying (once I'd taken the non-dryer clothes out it didnt leave much) Planning on giving the bathroom its mega-clean tomorrow, shouldnt take long really as its tidy and clean, I just like doing a real indepth one, I love a clean bathroom.

Finally, I'm back.

2008-01-10T12:01:00.000Z

Am I back completely? Not quite. Illness has struck my baby girl so I'm keeping on top of the housework rather than being as perfect as I can.
I've been directed to th emost lovely Homemakers blog, its really inspiring.
http://debrasotherthoughts.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
Definately visit it. Its fabulous.
Things are still going well though. The weather has meant the outdoor jobs are hit and miss, luckily the garden takes care of itself this time of year.
I've just ordered my next Martha Stewart book from the Book Depository (love that site!) I love Martha Stewart publications. I really wish that Anthea Turner could manage to create such an empire that invigorates housewives.
I've had loads of extra laundry due to little ones sickness but thats ok, all part of my job and my worth. Must get my carpet washer back from my grandparents. I'll call them, I need to help them with their Solar Heating anyway.
Best get on, time to enjoy my home and my family.

:(

2007-11-23T09:43:00.001Z

Oh dear, big problems changing my broadband, I now ant get onto HHWC. I miss all the ladies there and the motivation that comes with it.
Ladies, I hope to be with you all soon.

End of October

2007-10-29T08:19:00.000Z

Once again it has been a few days since I last posted. I have been super busy during that time. Hosting our Halloween party. It was a great evening, I must say I was very proud of myself and how everything turned out, I did all the decorating and cooking myself and it was brilliant. The next morning everything was down and tidied away, my house getting back to normal. I still need to press forward on a few things, the items that were moved during the party need to be put back and A's drawers need a bit of tlc were her clothes havent been put away quite so well, but overall it has been fairly easy to keep ontop of it all, and thats with the school half term and being ill too.

Mid week

2007-10-17T07:25:00.000+01:00

Its Wednesday today, a few days since I last posted.
Its getting all exciting here, I'm getting prepared to decorate for Halloween. Allthe deorations are down and I'm making plans to put them up next week. The Halloween party is next friday evening. I have a gazebo and tent to erect and decorate too. Its good to be having things to focus on. The house is coping well, its not so easy to clean when decorations are added to spaces and walls. I re-arranged A's room yesterday, vacuumed loads of beads from under her bed. I am thankful though as she tries really hard to keep her room clean.

Being community spirited

2007-10-13T13:27:00.000+01:00

I love our village, I just wished there was more of a community spirit. Today my two girls and I went daffadil bulb planting in the village as part of a community project. We had great fun, only apart from the organisers there was only myself and one other family joined in, the other family was my dear friend I run the baby and toddler group with. How can you belong to a great community when there is no spirit. I joined the FOMS, friends of Manea school on wednesday to get more involved with the primary school that my eldest goes to and the my youngest will also, thats another ten years of being involved. I thought the best way was to get in there and become part of the team. Yet, only 1% of the intire school parenting population turned up. Thats such a let down, it seems that its a rarity to have pride in your community and your home. Why would anyone want to live in squaller and not care about the area they live in. What joys are there in life then? I do not know the answer to that and Iam glad I dont, I'm glad that we join in wth the activities and try new things, I am glad my home looks precious from the outside and people comment on its appearence. I care and I'm glad it show. So, Take pride in where you are and help in as many ways as you can. It will make the difference to so many people.

Keeping on track

2007-10-09T07:15:00.001+01:00

I had a easy day yesterday. It was my weigh in and then lunch at the cafe, by the time I got home it was time to do the school run. This is why I love to keep on top of, it means I can have a day off and not worry. I had a load of laundry that didn't get dry and I will have another load to wash today and seeing as rain is forecast I will use to dryer today. I would hate to get behind on the laundry. Today I will be in waiting for a parcel (if the post office is not on strike) and with that will get caught up and have all the doors washed down. Its a challenge from the Happy Housewives club. I love that site, so many caring women, I've never met any of them, chances are I never will, but that doesn't mean we cant help each other. I love the feeling of everyone having pride in their homes and families, its refreshing.
There is something I would really like to do. Classes. Classes in how to keep house, showing people, mainly teenage girls, different parts of how to keep it looking great. Simple things like making beds (yes, there I go again) how to do laundry, (no girls, you can not just lob it all in and hope for the best). I think it would be a lot of fun to do. Highly impossible for me but a lovely thing to think of. Yet, I think it would be a handy class to attend myself. There is so much I don't know, I am learning, I read and ask the HHWC girls, I am managing my home so much better now. They should bring back a better Home Economics curriculum at school.

Weekend fun

2007-10-07T08:47:00.000+01:00

I enjoyed myself so much yesterday, its funny how great doing the housework can make you feel. The house looked brilliant yesterday so when Andrew phoned to say some friends were coming over I took it in my stride, no rushing around and hiding things, just a quick check on the bathroom, make sure there is enough toilet roll and a spare nearby if needed, no problems there. I'd just brought some fresh flowers when I went shopping and displayed them in a lovely clear vase. The only thing that was not as I would have liked was G's bed, I'd just washed all her linen (bed linen day remember) and her cot bed things were not dry, but that's hardly a problem in the grant scheme of things. (I was able to remedy this at nappy changing time).
I was highly embarrassed at some points though, the compliments ( I think they were compliments) on how clear and clean the kitchen was and how organised the house was were repeated regularly, I struggled to take them well, I mainly replied, "Thank you, its sometimes hard work but I love it" I have minimal to do today, Sunday lunch is at my grandparents house today so even that's something I will not need to worry about today, leaving me to do the lunches for Monday and the school uniform. Sounds a delightful end to a lovely weekend. We hope to entertain again next weekend, I hope that it goes as well as yesterday.

Hard work pays off.

2007-10-05T13:04:00.000+01:00

When you have worked so hard to keep the home as perfect as you can its lovely to see something that makes it all worth while. The praise from someone can make a big difference. The biggest boost is the boost to yourself. I know that somethings seem a little crazy and boarder on obsessiveness, but its how I want to keep things, I want to be guest ready at any time, not making excuses for the whys and why nots. I want my family to be able to enjoy the space and all the nice things they have, they would not be able to do that in a mess. I know I need to still do things with my home, the organising of some parts and the being ruthless when it comes to getting rid of things. The best thing today was my daughter saying that she'd picked up all her toys so I could vacuum while she was at school. She also wanted to watch perfect housewife before she left, maybe that is slightly worrying but I think if she sees that living like this is so much better than living in a mess and in a dirty home. I did clean the notice board up too, all the important bits put away and the rubbish mainly recycled. I emptied my baking cupboards out, gave it a wipe and a clean before only putting the good things back in. Its easy for a space like that to get untidy, bags split and flour spills, so its nice to clear it all out. I also now know that apart from the beds tomorrow big day will be much easier.

When the day gets taken away

2007-10-04T19:21:00.000+01:00

Thursdays are usually quite busy for us as a family, I run the baby and toddler group in the morning and usually meet up with friends in the afternoon and today a dance class was added into it for the after school routine. So what does that mean for the housework. Well, nothing, my routine stays the same, just gets done quicker and earlier. Keeping on top of the housework really helps when a days grace is needed. Dinner is normally a simple affair, this evening it was oven chips, baked beans and chicken breast. Doesn't sound overly nutritious but everyone has a good breakfast and lunch, this one meal really wont hurt to have. A fantastic DVD arrived for me today, the Perfect Housewife season 2, its 3 discs with a Christmas special too, I am looking forward to watching some, it really inspires me. Looking up now though I do notice that I need to tidy up the notice board. Funny how just taking the time to look around can help to see things differently.

Shopping for your home.

2007-10-03T10:29:00.000+01:00

I love to participate in a bit of home bonding, I do it everyday while cleaning and taking care of the home, the extra bit is the part I love. Shopping for the pieces that go in my home, decorating a room and dressing it. A few of my favourite real shops are Dunelm Mill http://www.dunelm-mill.com/ Next http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/homeware/ and others, even Tesco and other supermarkets do some lovely things to add to your home. Its not something that I do (or can do) very often but its something I love to browse and take ideas from. We have only decorated the hall and stairway and the living room since we moved in, a few additions are still needed I think but they are fabulous rooms as they are. The next room I'd like to do would be the kitchen, I feel the bathroom and the kitchen are the two most important rooms in the home, as they are both concerned with cleanliness and organisation. Which leads me to thinking about how to decorate and dress the kitchen, our new dining table and chairs should be here by the end of October, oak and brown leather, currently the kitchen is a terracotta colour but I am not over keen on it, but I am not sure yet which way to take it, it must look clean and be fresh and bright. Maybe a nice cream with the colour coming from the accessories. There is one blank wall completely where the heater (unused) runs, I wanted to remove this heater but we have to think along the lines of the benefits when it comes to reselling, which means that I need to work around this, the table goes along that wall too which practically masks it. I think a nice trip to research ideas and colours is needed, a trip to the diy store to collected the latest colour charts and an in depth research outing for the accessories. A well decorated and thought out room gives the area a better feel and boosts pride in the home.

Menu planning.

2007-10-02T18:27:00.000+01:00

I do my food shopping on a sunday (I find that this keeps the lunch box foods fresher) and then make weekly menus. If anyone has something they would like this can be worked in, if we have a school friend over that is added to. Its something that makes life that bit easier. Everyone knows what we have having for dinner each night, its easier for me to prepare everything, to defrost foods and to organise my time. It helps to keep the freezer and cupboards rotated and the foods used. The shopping list and the weekly menu work very well together. It saves so many "what are we having" "what would you like" conversations. I'm also blessed in having a small dishwasher, its a slimline one but it really helps to get the dishes sorted out. Everyone can load it and its so simple to just slide a plate or a cup in. I love an organised kitchen, granted my baking cupboard needs a little more help and I do not have the space sorted out for all the pans yet, but I will, it will all come together soon. Its all part of being a homemaker, its impossible to do it all in one go but it is always possible to make changes. Of course there are days when I just think my kitchen is too small, not enough storage, not enough natural light loads of things I can often dislike, but then I think of how lucky I am to be able to have the things I do in my kitchen (although I am still missing a coffee maker!). Its about making the most of what you have and getting it organised.

My day Monday

2007-10-01T17:23:00.001+01:00

Today is my day, I go to my slimming world meeting and then out for lunch at the local garden centres cafe. That doesnt mean I dont do anything, I have two children and a husband, doing nothing is never an option. As soon as I was up the beds were made the upstairs vacuumed and the bathroom cleaned. A load of washing was put on and breakfast served. It makes me happy that the rooms are clean and tidy before I go out. It means less stress for later on when I get home too.

Sunday is a day of rest.

2007-09-30T09:05:00.001+01:00

Or is it?
Its sunday, roast day. Which means a lovely family meal together. I love sundays really.
I think that there is a great importance in having a family meal and the sunday one is my favourite. It doesnt matter if most sundays we dont eat until 3pm, what counts is that we are all there together. So with that come the work involved, its not as such but it take a bit of organisation and timing. The hard work that was put in during the week in housekeeping really pays off on a sunday, which means concentration can be placed on the meal and the family. Its big bath day, school uniform day, family games day and an early night too! Its a relaxing day which should be centered around togetherness. Although there may not be a lot of room in our home but the little kitchen means alot to me.

Bed Linen day.

2007-09-29T16:19:00.000+01:00

The washing machine was fixed yesterday so I am able to catch up with the laundry, which is a good thing when Saturdays are bed linen day. All the beds are stripped, vacuumed aired and remade. Its something I actually enjoy doing, a tidy bed makes a room look so much better. I remember when beds were made with lovely throws and eiderdowns, one day I shall own some beautiful bed linen. Now everyone seems to have elasticated edging to sheets and just throw on a duvet. The art of bed making seems to have changed so much from hospital corners, sheets and blankets. I wonder if the way that one makes a bed and dresses it portrays anything about the bedmaker? A certain pride perhaps or maybe it displays anal retentiveness. What ever it does show it makes a difference and is appreciated by those who get to enjoy a wonderful nights sleep in that carefully made bed. How does a bed make you feel? When you slink down into fresh clean sheets, when you snuggle your head into clean, comfortable pillows, it can give a feeling of bliss, a blissful awareness that this night you will sleep well. I should imagine, without researching, that there is even bed etiquette, what to do and what not to do with the bed. I would think that eating in bed would be a no, think of the crumbs and dirt that would get onto the bed. I wonder what a yes would be; perhaps it would be the order in which you and your companion got into it, well, whatever it is I am sure it remind some of how lovely it is to be able to have a bed. Its a privilege in many places in the world, so lets make sure that those that are lucky enough look after what they have. A lady once asked me why I bothered to iron my bed linen, I replied that I wanted a good nights sleep, she asked again, would it not just straighten itself out while you were asleep on it, with patients I finished by saying that I loved fresh sheets, I loved the smell of the ironed linen and that it made me feel better. It was a while before I spoke to that lady again, I did wonder if it was because she was avoiding me, then I saw her, we said hello and the usual and then she confessed that she and her husband have been having the most amazing nights. Maybe an over share on her part but she thanked me for helping her see that even an ironed sheet can make someone feel so much better. I have thought that maybe many people think that its a waste of time, that there are so many other things they could be doing, well yes, I would agree there are other things to be done, but spend a small part of your day making your bed and be glad at the end of a hard, long day you will be very thankful that you did.
And so for today I shall add a weblink to a How to site. http://www.tutorials.com/06/0630/0630.asp

What shall I do today?

2007-09-28T09:11:00.000+01:00

I thought I was start a blog about what I do as a housewife, mum and homemaker.
Possibly it could be the most unintresting and sleep inducing blog ever!

Today, a friday. I'm waiting for my washing machine to be repaired, I'm two days behind on the laundry, I could borrow my Nan's machine if I wanted to but I would rather use my own. Its bed linen day on saturday so I hope it can be fixed.
Its raining, yet again. I would like to get the downstairs windows washed on the outside, it will have to wait for the weeked.
Bedrooms. I need to give A's a quick tidy, she is fairly good at keeping it clean, she does so well keeping all her Sylvanian Families tidy. I shall do that once I have finished here, then give it a vacuum and a dust. G's room just needs a quick vacuum and a dust too. G's room is too small to allow it to get messy. Her clothes need sorting though as she is getting a bit bigger for some. The main bedroom is fairing well. I am looking at getting a nice Autumn/Winter throw for the bed to help theme the room. It need a coat of paint in there too, its still a cold blue from when we moved in last June.
The Kitchen I shall not worry too much until the repair man has been, then I can give it a good wash. It can dry while I collect A from school.
The living room is fine, everything in its place and looks nice. A few little monster prints to wipe from the tv unit though.
off I go, I'll get those bedrooms done before lunch.

Welcome to my blog

2007-09-28T06:20:00.000+01:00

Hello.
Thankyou for visiting my blog.
Its a bit different, its about myself and my family and my life as a homemaker and Stay At Home Mum.
Hope you enjoy it.

~x~