I never have been and probably never will be a real Domestic Godess, but living my dream of being a stay at home Mum has left me feeling that a big part of my role should be maintaining the home.
My gorgeous Fiance works very hard to support us financially and I really do appreciate it. As such I like for him to come home and be able to spend quality time with the kids, something he loves doing too, rather than feeling like he needs to help me clean the house. I also like for people to feel comfortable to sit and have a cuppa when they visit, not feel like they cannot get out of here quickly enough.
It's just that there are some days, ok, a LOT of days, that fly by without me having done anything at all around the house. I mean I have done stuff, but that's just it, stuff... The 'stuff' that needs doing but doesn't make any difference to the appearance of the home. In fact some of this 'stuff' makes more mess than it gets rid of. Making Breakfast, lunch and snacks for hungry little tummies, creating works of art out of scraps, painting pretty pictures and generally just having fun... Delightful, messy, fun.
And then there are days where we really don't do anything. Exhausted from several night feeds, children waking through the night with nightmares and dogs crying through thunderstorms are just a few examples. On these days all I do is vegetate and watch the mess pile up around me.
It is on these days where the guilt creeps in, where I know I should be doing more, where I think... I have done NOTHING today and it shows!!! And it is ALWAYS these days when I unexpectedly get visitors. Well it doesn't have to be a nightmare...
Whether you just want your partner to think you have been busy working around the home all day, the mother in Law is due to drop in for a quick visit or you have had a call from a friend who is on their way over for a cuppa - lets face it... No one wants to appear lazy!
Here is how to appear (on the surface) to be a Domestic Goddess with minimal effort and limited time.
1. First you will need to gather a few things. Having gone to Enjo parties, most of us know that clean does not have a smell HOWEVER smelly cleaning things are your weapon of choice for this mission. Make sure you have some great smelling cleaners on hand at all times. I like to use a cleaning caddy, they are a few dollars from supermarkets and hardware stores, containing all my cleaning tools so that they are with me as I undertake the following steps, it beats running backward and forward from a laundry or kitchen cupboard, saves time and makes you feel so much more organised. You will also need a laundry basket (the bigger the better), some bleach toilet cleaner, a quality air freshener, whatever cleaning sprays you usually use and about a half an hour.
2. Grab an empty laundry basket (oh that's right, you haven't done the laundry!, well empty a basket or buy one just for this purpose) and run around the main areas that will be seen, picking up anything that doesn't belong and putting it into the basket, clutter, toys, junk mail, whatever... If you are anything like me you might need more than one basket!
3. Now, hide the basket. Cupboards and wardrobes are great for this, so are laundry's and even a spare room (although if you are truly lazy your cupboards, wardrobe and spare room will be full of, well, clutter, anyway).
4. Dishes on the sink? Dishwasher full? No dishwasher? No time to do them? This is a VERY short term solution only - Hide them in the oven! Yes, you heard me, the oven. they are usually tinted a dark colour and will hide a miriad of things. Now spray all of the kitchen and wipe over. My favourite for the kitchen is Method. It smells like fresh cut cucumber and is completely non toxic. I always have a spare bottle hidden just in case I start to run low.
5. So now that your dishes are hidden and there is nothing lying around either vacuum or if no time at least pick up any obvious bits off the floor.
6. Now spray any surface that needs it and wipe clean (remember we are concentarting only on the parts of the house that are in view so this should be a relatively quick process) an old cloth nappy, the flannel type work really well, they grab dust, clean glass and give a great finish on all surfaces and if you are carrying your caddy you will have all the sprays you might need for different surfaces at your fingertips and can fold the nappy for the different sprays and surfaces. You can even grap any stray cobwebs that are lurking in ceiling corners if you are feeling like it.
7. Use a flushable wipe (ok, I am a Method addict) to quickly wipe over the loo and squirt in some bleach cleaner (nothing smells like you have been cleaning up a storm quite like nasty, stinky bleach!)
8. First impressions count so make sure that your entry is both tidy and welcoming. As you have already collected any clutter make sure that the entry is clean and give a spray of air freshener (I like Oust as it lingers for quite some time and is fresh without being heavy and overpowering)
9. Ok, they are nearly here, a few more sprays of air freshener around the house. As I have said I like Oust, no I am not 'plugging' products. There is a reason I use Oust... Every time I have used it, someone has commented 'ohhh you've been cleaning'. It just has a 'cleaning' smell rather than Glen 20 which smells like Glen 20.
10. Last minute, put the kettle and pull out all you will need to make a cuppa so that you are not opening up messy pantries and refrigerators allowing for closer scrutiny...
And you are ready for your company.
Now I am the first to admit that this is not a long term solution to stop you from ever having to clean and organise ever again but in a dire situation, with limited time this will do the trick and it seriously only takes about 30 minutes in the average sized home with children. And it is important not to forget the dishes in the oven or the basket of clutter that needs to be sorted. Otherwise you will definitely come unstuck.
So that is my secret, and now that it's out I can never do it again as my friends are now sure to check my oven for dishes and have a whiff to test for Oust but now you can! So create the illusion of being a Domestic Goddess when you feel like a lazy lump and enjoy your cuppa!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Your Vote Counts
Well, I have been terrible at this whole blog thing lately haven't I??? I'd like you to know that I have given it some serious thought... It is somewhat in the same vain that I have given my housework some serious thought, or that venture that will surely make me my fortune, or that diet I will start tomorrow... you get the idea.
So here is what I suggest.
Vote for your favourite idea and I will supply the goods...'
Options:
1. The Slack Housewife's guide to Appearing to be a Domestic Goddess (I'll think of a better title)
2. Parenting tips I have heard and loves and some I have hated
3. I'm not a doctor but even I know...
4. I don't have a fourth idea, I just prefer even numbers :)
So place your vote and I will blog it.
So here is what I suggest.
Vote for your favourite idea and I will supply the goods...'
Options:
1. The Slack Housewife's guide to Appearing to be a Domestic Goddess (I'll think of a better title)
2. Parenting tips I have heard and loves and some I have hated
3. I'm not a doctor but even I know...
4. I don't have a fourth idea, I just prefer even numbers :)
So place your vote and I will blog it.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Parenting the Pre-schooler
I have been a little absent over the past few days. I have been busy working out how on earth to deal with Jaz's new found rebellious streak! During this time I have had two completely separate issues to deal with... How to deal with Jaz and how to maintain my own sanity.
With Craig having worked away from home a bit lately Jaz has been showing some signs of being quite put out. She has been behaving in ways that are just not her. On a normal day Jaz would not scribble on the walls in bright blue texta, draw on the floors with bright blue texta, colour in her 'My little ponies' bright blue, are you seeing a theme yet? I realise that for many pre-schoolers and toddlers that behavious like this iss quite common but I am lucky enough to have an exceptionally well behaved little person as a general rule (sickening I know but I am fully aware of just how lucky I am).
It is not only this artistic streak theat confounded me. When I saw her doing it I realised she was very intently watching me for a reaction. She had been baiting me for days and clearly hadn't gotten the reaction she was looking for. I tried, I really tried to maintain a calm voice and I told her to get to her room for a time out.
Her response completely dumb founded me: In the sweetest yet most smart alleccy voice imaginable - "I know... how about YOU go to YOUR room".
So I yelled. And of course I regretted it.
I knew she was hurting, she was not understanding why Daddy kept going away (and I am sure I have discussed before how much of a Daddy's girl she is) and no matter how hard I tried to explain that he was just away for one more day she didn't seem to believe me. And then she looked up at me with Sad eyes and said "you no need to yell at me. Jaz is sad, why you yell at me?" Ugh! I felt dreadful.
But in the same breath I cannot condone her behaviors of late and certainly not the attitude so I turned to the internet, looking for better ways to deal with behavioural problems when you don't want to become a screaming banshee of a mother whose incessant ranting and raving does nothing but confuse and frustrate their pre-schooler and I came across these handy hints and tips:
* When talking to little people they can become fidgety and seem to not pay attention. To overcome this try getting down on their level and holding their hands while talking with them. Craig and I have tried this over the last few days with great success.
* We all know the importance of consistency but it is often easier said than done when we are tired and worn out and frustrated. Try making a chart of which behaviours are causing you the most angst and what action you will take if and when they come up, be it a time out or a privilege being revoked etc and stick to it.
* Another one that can be easy to forget when you are feeling frustrated is to praise praise praise. When things are going right give plenty of praise. Make sure that your pre-schooler gets an abundance of positive attention and even if you feel they are constantly misbehaving start looking for things to praise. Soon enough they will start trying to do more and more to get that praise.
* When all else fails - distract! Plan an activity, start dancing, singing, whatever it takes to move them from the negative behaviour to the positive and then go onto the praise. Praise that they participated. Praise that they spent time behaving and tell them how much you love spending nice time with them
After implementing all of these techniques and also having Daddy back home I am happy to say for the most part I have hadd my beautiful, well behaved, sweet little girl back. Though she still wants Craig and I to do absolutely everything for her!
So the second aspect of the last few days was endeavouring to maintain my own sanity. Having a three year old demanding my full attention by behaving badly and wanting negative attention just to keep me focused on her and having a 6 month old with a headcold who is teething and feeling utterly miserable has not left me with much time to take care of myself physically or emotionally and left me feeling deprived of sanity. I can just about feel all you other mummy's nodding along with me. I am now, however, feeling relatively refreshed and revitalised and will happily share with you a couple of easy peesy ways to regain just a little of your sanity.
* Many people say sleep when they sleep. Don't!!!! Well, do get sleep but stay up for even just an hour and spend that hour doing something just for you. that might be watching your favourite TV show, read a few chapters of a good book or dance to some crazy music. You could even establish a blog in that time.
* Download a good visualisation track from itunes podcasts, they are free in the 'self help' section. (I know this sounds kinda weird and dippy but it really does help relax you). Once downloaded, listen to it just before going to bed, it will help you relax, feel more positive and energized for the next day and help you get quality sleep.
* Take the time to have a nice hot shower where you are not rushed (even wait till a friend comes over and get them to watch the kids, if they have their own they will understand). Then really take care of yourself, shave your legs, condition your hair, exfoliate - the works. You will feel like a new woman when you emerge. Take the time to style your hair and put on whatever makeup you feel comfortable in or moisturise and massage your body before dressing and re-emerging to rescue your friend from the little fiends feeling and looking completely revitalised.
* Finally, call your best friend and talk until you can talk no more, let the kids run riot or, if they will oblige, let them watch a movie (don't feel guilty, a sane Mum is a good Mum) while you natter away to your hearts content.
Tomorrow I am starting fresh. I hereby declare I will not be a screaming banshee mummy and I will offer a lot of praise and maintain a happy vibe in the house. I will stay sane and well, I'll be the best Mum I can be. After all, isn't that what we all strive for?
With Craig having worked away from home a bit lately Jaz has been showing some signs of being quite put out. She has been behaving in ways that are just not her. On a normal day Jaz would not scribble on the walls in bright blue texta, draw on the floors with bright blue texta, colour in her 'My little ponies' bright blue, are you seeing a theme yet? I realise that for many pre-schoolers and toddlers that behavious like this iss quite common but I am lucky enough to have an exceptionally well behaved little person as a general rule (sickening I know but I am fully aware of just how lucky I am).
It is not only this artistic streak theat confounded me. When I saw her doing it I realised she was very intently watching me for a reaction. She had been baiting me for days and clearly hadn't gotten the reaction she was looking for. I tried, I really tried to maintain a calm voice and I told her to get to her room for a time out.
Her response completely dumb founded me: In the sweetest yet most smart alleccy voice imaginable - "I know... how about YOU go to YOUR room".
So I yelled. And of course I regretted it.
I knew she was hurting, she was not understanding why Daddy kept going away (and I am sure I have discussed before how much of a Daddy's girl she is) and no matter how hard I tried to explain that he was just away for one more day she didn't seem to believe me. And then she looked up at me with Sad eyes and said "you no need to yell at me. Jaz is sad, why you yell at me?" Ugh! I felt dreadful.
But in the same breath I cannot condone her behaviors of late and certainly not the attitude so I turned to the internet, looking for better ways to deal with behavioural problems when you don't want to become a screaming banshee of a mother whose incessant ranting and raving does nothing but confuse and frustrate their pre-schooler and I came across these handy hints and tips:
* When talking to little people they can become fidgety and seem to not pay attention. To overcome this try getting down on their level and holding their hands while talking with them. Craig and I have tried this over the last few days with great success.
* We all know the importance of consistency but it is often easier said than done when we are tired and worn out and frustrated. Try making a chart of which behaviours are causing you the most angst and what action you will take if and when they come up, be it a time out or a privilege being revoked etc and stick to it.
* Another one that can be easy to forget when you are feeling frustrated is to praise praise praise. When things are going right give plenty of praise. Make sure that your pre-schooler gets an abundance of positive attention and even if you feel they are constantly misbehaving start looking for things to praise. Soon enough they will start trying to do more and more to get that praise.
* When all else fails - distract! Plan an activity, start dancing, singing, whatever it takes to move them from the negative behaviour to the positive and then go onto the praise. Praise that they participated. Praise that they spent time behaving and tell them how much you love spending nice time with them
After implementing all of these techniques and also having Daddy back home I am happy to say for the most part I have hadd my beautiful, well behaved, sweet little girl back. Though she still wants Craig and I to do absolutely everything for her!
So the second aspect of the last few days was endeavouring to maintain my own sanity. Having a three year old demanding my full attention by behaving badly and wanting negative attention just to keep me focused on her and having a 6 month old with a headcold who is teething and feeling utterly miserable has not left me with much time to take care of myself physically or emotionally and left me feeling deprived of sanity. I can just about feel all you other mummy's nodding along with me. I am now, however, feeling relatively refreshed and revitalised and will happily share with you a couple of easy peesy ways to regain just a little of your sanity.
* Many people say sleep when they sleep. Don't!!!! Well, do get sleep but stay up for even just an hour and spend that hour doing something just for you. that might be watching your favourite TV show, read a few chapters of a good book or dance to some crazy music. You could even establish a blog in that time.
* Download a good visualisation track from itunes podcasts, they are free in the 'self help' section. (I know this sounds kinda weird and dippy but it really does help relax you). Once downloaded, listen to it just before going to bed, it will help you relax, feel more positive and energized for the next day and help you get quality sleep.
* Take the time to have a nice hot shower where you are not rushed (even wait till a friend comes over and get them to watch the kids, if they have their own they will understand). Then really take care of yourself, shave your legs, condition your hair, exfoliate - the works. You will feel like a new woman when you emerge. Take the time to style your hair and put on whatever makeup you feel comfortable in or moisturise and massage your body before dressing and re-emerging to rescue your friend from the little fiends feeling and looking completely revitalised.
* Finally, call your best friend and talk until you can talk no more, let the kids run riot or, if they will oblige, let them watch a movie (don't feel guilty, a sane Mum is a good Mum) while you natter away to your hearts content.
Tomorrow I am starting fresh. I hereby declare I will not be a screaming banshee mummy and I will offer a lot of praise and maintain a happy vibe in the house. I will stay sane and well, I'll be the best Mum I can be. After all, isn't that what we all strive for?
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