Guest Post: Cleaning in style

This is not how I clean house!

This is more my style!

Many years ago, when I was a young bride-- back in the 1900's, as one of my students used to say-- I read a book called Bonnie's Household Organizer. It changed my life! It taught me some very smart principles of keeping house that can be adapted to any size house, or any schedule. Then I read several of Don Aslett's funny but smart housekeeping books (Do I Dust or Vacuum First?) and adopted some of his ideas. Add Flylady, and you have a perfect combination of housekeeping brilliance! And notice I'm saying house keeping, not just cleaning. Here's the lazy way:

Prevent dirt and grime.

• Place mats or rugs inside and outside doors, and from hard floor to carpets. These will catch lots of dirt before it gets where you don't want it.
• Wipe sinks and faucets after you use them to keep them shiny and prevent spots and buildup. Standing water will cause all kinds of ugly!
• Wipe up spills while they are new-- you can get them up much faster than if you wait.
• Let water and chemicals do most of the work. Spray the cleaner on the spot and let it sit a minute; don't just start scrubbing. Chances are you will be able to wipe it up easily. Water works just as well for dried up food spills.

Set up systems to make things easy and automatic.

• I keep a "Goodwill box" in my closet-- a kitchen trash can, with liner. As soon as I realize that something doesn't fit, or gets replaced, (or my hip daughters veto something that's older than they are) I toss it in the can. As soon as the bag is full, I tie it up and take it to Goodwill. They get the clothes, I get the tax writeoff-- it's a win-win!
• Keep all things that you will use for one project together. For instance, my envelopes, return address labels, and stamps are all in one place. I also keep sympathy, wedding, baby, and birthday cards there. When I'm really with it, I have baby and wedding gift cards there too!
• All of my monthly bills are paid by auto draft. I make sure there is a "pad" of extra money in my account so it won't bounce, and every single payment, even my tithe, comes out automatically. The credit union writes and sends checks to the places that don't accept electronic drafts. Think of the time and postage this saves!
• Keep multiples of items that you use regularly in convenient places. I finally realized that scissors are not that expensive, but walking to the kitchen drawer every time I needed them drove me nuts and gave me one more reason to procrastinate. So now I have one in that drawer, one across the kitchen where I mix things up, and another pair in the desk. All labeled to prevent theft by unscrupulous children.
• If you can clean everything in one session, a cleaning caddy with all your tools works well. I used to do that, but now I can't clean all at once, so I keep cleaner and paper towels under all the sinks so I can give a quick wipe when I get a minute. There's a bathroom cleaner and toilet scrubber in every bathroom.
• Don't clean it unless it's dirty. My bathroom mirror is a huge 5X7 foot one. I'm 5'3' so only a small part above the sink gets splashes. That's the part I wipe every time.
• Keep extra trash bags in the bottom of the can. You don't have to (climb the stepstool if you're like me and) get the box out every single time. Every step you save is some time saved, and that will add up! (Then you can blog some more!)

Eliminate and declutter regularly.

The more STUFF you have, the more maintenance is required. Goodwill, the library, your friends-- somebody needs what is lying around unused in the back of your closet or bottom of your drawer! In the book Getting Things Done, David Allen said that your file drawers should be no more than 75% full, because if it's hard to file things away, you won't do it. When I read this I had a light-bulb moment! I thought-- what a great idea for any storage container! My too-stuffed closet for example: if I'm going to wear the blue jeans tomorrow or the next day, it's so much easier to lay them across the chair than to hang them and stuff them in the jam-packed closet!

How to pare down?

• To earn its keep, YOU should consider it useful or beautiful. (to paraphrase William Morris)
• It's okay to get tired of things, or replace them, as long as you are not adding credit card debt!
• You don't have to keep every gift ever given to you.
• If it's a free hand-me-down and it doesn't fit right, get rid of it. Don't worry that it cost somebody else an arm and a leg.
• If you work someplace like I do, a school district who buys a T-shirt for everything, you can end up with 15 or 20 in just a few years. You don't need that many! I know some charities make children's clothes from old T-shirts. Find something to do with them, or give them to Goodwill!
• When you get a new pair of shoes or jeans, toss a pair of the old ones. Yes you need some yard shoes, but not 4 or 5 pair.
• Don't buy more stuff if you have something else that works almost as well or can borrow it. I had to quit buying books because I ran out of space. I buy only occasionally, books that I want to keep. If I can't get something at the library, or through interlibrary loan, I will often buy it planning to donate it to the library after I read it. (Of course, Kindles and such eliminate that problem-- but be careful not to spend unnecessarily! Another post...)

Get the most bang for your buck.

• Neat and tidy go a long way. Keep baskets to collect things you use regularly, and don't want to put up every time, like magazines, games, kids' toys, etc.
• Floors, beds, and tables are your largest surfaces. Start there. Save the pantry shelves for later.
• Cook in bulk. This saves shopping, prepping, and cleanup time, plus that critical just-home-from-work, ravenous, brain-dead crisis can be averted! Pop it in the microwave and supper is ready!

Okay! I hope I've given you some ideas. If I've sparked something new, please share it!

Guest Blogger Melinda Stanton

Hi! My name’s Melinda and I’m a teacher. Not just a school teacher- I am that too, but I love teaching anybody anything. Nothing scratches my itch like somebody saying that something I said helped them, or something I showed them made a difference. I like to cook, to read, to garden. I’ve lived over 50 years (just a little bit!); I’ve been married to the same man (He always signs himself “Mr X”) for over 30 years; and all of our children are self-sufficient, tax-paying adults who we love to visit and socialize with. I love the Lord and have served in 2 churches throughout my married life. Our house is paid for and we have no debt.

You can read my Guide to Life here, and see more about it.

I say all that to say– my life works. It might seem dull to some- no drama or fireworks. But I love it. Contentment and peace– that’s what you’ll find at Auntie Em’s house. Sit down and visit a while, and you can find it too.

If you would like to read more about Melinda, you can find her on the web in the following places:

Blog: http://AuntieEmsGuide.wordpress.com

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/AuntieEmsGuideToLife

Twitter: @AuntieEmsGuide

Book Review: A Child's Geography: Explore His Earth by Ann Voskamp

Perhaps, if you're like me, you spend hours reading about curricula and books that others are using or recommending along their homeschool journey, wondering what would be the best possible fit for your child's education. A Child's Geography, by Ann Voskamp, is one of those books I've seen on countless blogs and recommended reading lists. Ever since I stumbled upon her personal blog (www.aholyexperience.com) a few years ago, and read her book “A Thousand Gifts”, I have been dying to order this Geography Book, so imagine how delighted I was when Mel asked me to review it for her!

The Voskamps are Canadian farmers who homeschools their 6 children. Ann Voskamp has a clear passion for teaching, and a heart after God and His world, and His people in it. Her book, A Child's Geogrpahy: Explore His Earth, invites a child to do just that – to join her on a journey in “getting to know what is under our feet, over our heads and in the world around us — the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere — and then how to get around this world — maps, latitude and longitude. All the while, seeing Him everywhere” as she explains in the introduction.

Voskamp has created a book that is easy to use even if you yourself hated geography! She gives advice as to how to use the book, how to schedule readings, ask your children for narrations – I love that she knows exactly what it is like to have young children, and how much time they are likely to be engaged for! She has 'been there, done that' as a homeschooling mother!

Each chapter is broken up into
• one or two main adventures, which are meant to be read aloud to your children (and she encourages just one main adventure at a time, and usually one a week).
• A notebooking segment (creatively using postcards to 'write home' about what has been learnt. These are provided in the e-book).
• Narration prompts – with wonderful “memory joggers” for children who struggle to remember all the finer details.
• “Reaching Out to His World” is the segment where Voskamp draws a connection between the theory of what has been learnt and how it connects to someone or some people group on the earth. Geographers care about the planet they live on, and she takes it a step further reminding the children that everything and everyone on earth is the Lord's.
• “Too-Fun-to-Resist-Excursions” are the hands on activities in each chapter.
• Reading Lists – ooh, this is just write up my alley! Wonderful to have some extra suggested texts to dabble in if your children's interest is piqued.
And finally, the Appendix holds copywork passages organised by chapter, as well as maps provided by Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest.

So, what do I really like about this text?

I like that it is a living book, written to me and my children, by a mother on another continent with the same passion as me. I like that she tries to engage with children listening to each chapter in so many ways (endless examples and day-to-day relevant references). I like that Voskamp herself lives by example, truly loving God's people all around the world (her work with Compassion International is inspirational). I appreciate what this books covers – all the basics of geography – it's a great foundational text.

What I don't like? Hmm, well, if I had to be critical, I'd have to say that I don't think this is a book well suited to a visual learner: it is quite dense with text (but then again, the lessons are meant to be read aloud), and the diagrams are small and I did not find them particularly clear.

So there you have it! This is a text I would willingly use with my children in their early to middle primary years, and I think they would have a lot of fun using it and being inspired by it. It will give them a firm geographical foundation that we can use as a spring board to more detailed studies.

Karen

A friend and fellow blogger who blogs at Karen's Clan.  

Homeschooling mother of 3, wife to a husband who makes the most amazing animated movies, heads Cape Explorers and is an inspiration to many.  

Guest Post: 10 Great Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start making those gift purchases for the special Moms in your life. Finding the perfect present for these ladies can be a challenge; here are a few tips to help ease the stress of coming up with something a little more lasting than breakfast in bed.

1. Gift Baskets – While there are certainly a staggering array of pre-made gift basket options, putting one together yourself is both surprisingly easy and the best way of ensuring that each and every item is handpicked for the guest of honor.
2. Personalized Gifts – It’s possible to personalize almost any gift you can come up with; adding a birthstone, a monogram or any other signifying features is one of the best ways to give your selected item a personal touch.
3. Jewelry – There are entire lines of jewelry, all with varying price points, designed for the Mother’s Day gift-buying set. From necklaces with charms to symbolize each of her children to bracelets with each child’s birthstone, there’s definitely no shortage of precious adornments created with Mom in mind.
4. Flowers – Though it might be so common that it’s almost a cliché, flowers are the perfect gift for a friend or relative with children. While you might want to step it up a bit for your own mom or the mother of your children, they’re a time-honored tradition for moms that aren’t immediate family.
5. Day Spa or Salon Gift Certificates – The frantic pace of today’s world makes it difficult for women to fit a day of pampering and preening into her schedule. A gift certificate for just such a thing makes a spa day seem like less of an indulgence and more of a treasured gift.
6. Gifts Tailored to Her Specific Interests – Everyone is different, and harried moms are no exception. Taking your special lady’s interests and hobbies into account when selecting your gift is a good way to go the extra mile and provide her with something that she’ll actually use and appreciate.
7. Family Tree Artwork – Artwork that incorporates genealogical information can range from minimalist and sparse to very ornate, so there’s a style to suit any décor. Moms are sure to love a family tree painting or print, and there are several retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, that specialize in them.
8. Luxury Items – “Luxury” items don’t have to be big-ticket purchases; they’re simply things that Mom might want but would never get for herself. For families that have been forced into serious belt-tightening by the economic climate of the last few years, a luxury item can be something as simple as a more-extravagant-than-usual dinner or a bottle of her favorite perfume.
9. Handmade Gifts – Moms of small children are sure to be moved to tears by a gift they helped to make, so giving little ones a hand in creating her gift can be a big hit. However, handmade gifts aren’t restricted to the smaller set; crafty or artistic grownups can get in on the fun, too!
10. A Day Off – Though it might seem simple, often the best gift that a mother can receive is to spend her special day alone, pursuing her own interests with no responsibilities. Sending her along the way with reassurances that the kids and household will be well looked after in her absence will give her a break that is likely to be much-needed.

Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all Mom, there are no one-size-fits-all gifts. Take the interests and tastes of the Mom in your life into account when choosing her gift, rather than falling back on the old standards. Even a small amount of effort will go a long way!

For some further ideas on Mother's Day:
Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Sara Dawkins is an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor of nanny agency.  Learn more about her here http://www.nannypro.com/blog/sara-dawkins/

Intangible Giving by Brynne Mack

‘Tis the season of trees and lights.  ‘Tis the season of toys and clothes.  ‘Tis the season of  the 3D HD TV and the latest gaming system.  Ornaments and gift cards.  You have to wonder…what does any of this have to do with Christ?

The tradition of giving gifts to our family and friends as the wise men gave gifts of gold, frankincense,  and myrrh to Jesus isn’t just hard on our wallets, it’s hard on our souls.  We become so obsessed with material giving (and, unfortunately, in some case receiving,)  that we forget the biggest gift of all that was given that day:  our Savior.  

Here is a way to teach our families about the Lord and give priceless gifts without spending a penny.

Gather your family.  Discuss the gifts that Christ gave us throughout his time on earth.  In our household we spend a lot of time talking about the wisdom and learning that Jesus brought.  We value this greatly because without it we would not know the way to salvation.  But Christ gave us so much that you can talk about whatever your family thinks is most important.  The important thing is emphasizing how the gifts Christ gave us weren’t tangible. 

Now have everyone commit to giving an intangible gift this year.  It can be to a friend.  It can be to a family member. It could be to Jesus himself.  You can either share your gift ideas or keep them private.  For younger children, the ideas can be more simple and will probably need to be more fully discussed.  For example, hugs as a gift could be appropriate.  As children get older, you can discuss things a little more fully.  “I’m going to give commitment to my football coach this year.”

“Okay.  And how are you going to give that commitment?”

“I’m going to show up to every practice.  I’m going to show up on time.”

“That’s great.  And maybe while you’re there you could make sure you’re always playing your hardest, too.  That’s an important part of commitment.”

One gift that I, personally, could give this year is the gift of music to my mother.  Despite the fact that I get embarrassed every time I play the piano (as my fingers stumble across keys attempting to play tunes they knew long, long ago,) my mother absolutely loves it when I play.  Somehow she is deaf to all my faults.   I could even practice so that when I did play for her there wouldn’t be so many errors that she would have to overlook.

Other ideas for intangible gifts include giving respect to one’s parents, love to ones neighbor, empathy to anyone around us that is going through a hard time we can relate to,  prayers and praise to God, and quality time to our children.

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Brynne Mack is a 20-something student, mother, and Pittsburgh native.  She has always valued savings and spirituality, but got really serious about it with the start of her young family.  You can check out ways to save on things to do, things to cook, and things you have to do anyways on her blog, Femme Frugality.

What are we planting this spring? by Sam Adams

In the southern hemisphere, it is officially the beginning of spring. This is the time to be planting the vegetables that will feed you throughout summer and the early stages of autumn.

If you are planting seeds directly into the soil, it is important that no new compost has been added in the previous two weeks. New compost is too strong for seeds and young plants. If your garden is ready for planting, level the soil with a rake. Next, take a hand trowel and make a narrow trough about two or three fingers deep. I like my troughs to follow the edge of the vegetable bed, so they would be straight if the edge is straight and curved if the edge is curved. There is no right or wrong way to do this; you may want to be creative and design your own shapes.

Next, sprinkle your seeds into the channels you have made. Spacing will vary depending on the type of plant - try and think intuitively about the size of the plant that will grow, for example, a carrot is two fingers in diameter so with a finger on either side the spacing would be four fingers. Likewise, a tomato plant is large with lots of fruit, so plant tomatoes four or five fists apart (depending on the size of your clenched fist!).
After placing the seeds, cover with soil so that the garden is level again. Finally, you may want to put a label at the end of each row, specifying the plant and the date you planted.

Why not try seedlings?

With seedlings, you have the advantage that the plants are more mature, saving you time and the disappointment of seeds that either do not germinate or are eaten by a pest. Seedlings are a fantastic option, although they do cost more (a few Rand per plant rather than per packet of seeds).

For seedlings, remove each plant carefully from the packaging. Squeeze the bottom of the container rather than just pulling on the stem and then gently loosen the roots to encourage growth once planted. Dig a small hole for each plant such that when planted the soil surface of the seedling is the same as the soil surface in the bed. Once in position, back fill the hole and press down firmly around the base of the plant.

Planting every two weeks is a common approach, as it spreads both the workload and also the harvesting. This avoids having too much of the same crop at the same time! If you have trouble with birds eating your seeds, a good idea is to hang old CDs on string above the seed bed - the CDs flash in the sunlight and it repels any hungry birds!

One last tip - a great idea for carrot planting is to mix the tiny carrot seeds with radish seeds, which are much larger. This makes it easier to manage the spacing of carrots. Also, the radishes grow very fast and push the smaller carrots apart; when you harvest the radish after a month in the ground, the carrots have more space to fill until they are ready for harvesting.

Spring planting table

Western and Southern Cape: beans, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, eggplant, lettuce, peas, peppers, potatoes, radish, squash, swiss chard, sweetcorn, and tomato.
Inland: beans, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, squash, sweetcorn, and swiss chard.
Coastal KZN: cabbage, peppers, radish, and sweetcorn.
Enjoy the planting!
 

Sam Adams is the owner and director of Living Green an organic food gardening company in Cape Town. With over ten years experience in alternative green solutions across a number of sectors, Sam has become a sought after asset in the green community of South Africa.

Having grown up in England, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, Sam has lived with a tension between the western 'developed' world and the rural and more 'natural' systems of Africa. He is passionate about seeing development take place in a way that is truly sustainable - for both people and the environment.

Sam holds a Masters degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Town. He has over ten years experience in Project Management and has worked in diverse communities such as the wealthy mid-upper class to urban-township Cape Town. He speaks basic Afrikaans, isiXhosa, seSotho, Shona, Swahili, and some Chichewa and Bugandan.

Sustainable agriculture has been a passion of Sam's for many years, beginning in Zimbabwe and following him down to Cape Town via Lesotho. He is a qualified teacher of the AgriPlanner system from the South African Institute for Entrepreunership. More recently, Sam has worked on sandbag building projects, food gardens, rainwater harvesting, and recycling systems.

Sam and his wife Cindy run a sustainable farm near Noordhoek, complete with a permaculture food garden, chickens, ducks, and goats. Read more about the farm here.

Sam can be contacted on 021 785 4847 or info@startlivinggreen.co.za

Sam will be joining us soon on our Mother Matters discussion group soon.  We look forward to being able to ask him all those questions we need answered about our gardens.