Housework Tips for the Tired and Ill...."Here's Heloise"-type

[calliope]

I have a secret. It's a secret to having a clean, organized house despite living with the effects of chronic pain and illness. My secret? Pay a good housekeeper. (oh, that's not a secret????)

Of course, paying someone else is the best way, but I would guess many of us are not wallowing in extra cash. Perhaps you have come across some time or effort saving tip for cleaning or organizing your home.

If I had tons of tips, I would start with one. I don't(GRIN). That's why I am asking you!!

Please join me in this discussion! I need all the help I can get!!

[Patti G.]

I'm cracking up reading all these posts about not wearing glasses in the bathroom. ;^) I learned to ignore dust more too. It took me a few years to adjust to a simpler slower life and learn to not stress over a messier house. I try to focus on what I can do and not what I can't. I sure don't have the energy to clean the whole house top to bottom in one day like I used to. For years I did that every Saturday. Now I delegate vacuuming to the kids (usually it gets done once a week) and they are supposed to clean their own bathroom ( I don't go in there LOL) and they do their own laundry.
My strategy these days is to spend 15 min a day de-cluttering one of the "hot spots" -- that is usually the kitchen countertop. You would be surprised how much I can get done in 15 minutes. My other secret to simple meals is using the crock-pot. I have more energy in the mornings than I do in the afternoon so I fix something in the morning and forget about it the rest of the day. I have enjoyed reading the ideas you all have posted and look forward to reading more.

[calliope]

Oh, I like your idea about a crock pot. I don't have one but am considering buying one. However, my husband is a true meat and potatoes type guy...hates most casseroles etc. (He was a farmer, and large,heavy meals were the norm).

I have him accepting some stirfrys(with LOTS of meat), chili, fajitos and stuff, but I think he might turn up his nose to the crock pot contents.

Can you guys give me some ideas of what you buy and what types of meals you can make?

PS.....that's it. I am not getting glasses. Ignorance is bliss!

[Valerie Ferrell]

ROFL Calli YOU are a NUT!!! But I do have to admit, I tend to see MUCH less when I wear my contacts than when I wear my glasses, lol...so I DO clean house wearing my contacts...there ALWAYS appears to be MUCH less to do!!!

Oh! and as far as meals...I tend to use my George Forman grill a LOT as it has a timer and I can leave things unattended without fear of yet another burnt sacrifice!

[Patti G.]

Ok, sorry I really am slow getting back to you. We don't make casserole type meals much either. Did you know you can just put in the meat alone with a little seasoning and half cup of water and it works great? I found that I can put a less expensive meat and it really tenderizes it by cooking longer. For example we buy some london broil or roast on sale and I fix enough for dinner for two days. Usually I cut up or shred the meat, either chicken or beef, and we make a big salad and have a little rice, or baked potato on the side. Hope this is helpful!

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

Oh, I know this to be TRUE too, Patti. I also use an ORGANIC Balsamic Vinegar Dressing that I have found (can't remember the name - but it has just a touch of honey in it) over some chicken in the crock and YUMMI! TENDER!!

[Patti Thompson]

Lori, Lori, Lori ooops, Cali, Cali Cali,

Honey, I've got LOTS of recipes that are the "meat & potatoes type" for crock pots. There's very little you can't cook in crock pots. I got one of the newer ones that's oval shaped that comes with the spoon/ladle and carrying handle (for going places ~ LOL). My crock pot is one of my very best friends. The only time I don't use it is when Patti the Procrastinator waits too late to start dinner and then I get out one of my OTHER best friends ~ THE PRESSURE COOKER! I can crank out a meal in a pressure cooker in a very short amount of time and make someone think I worked all afternoon.

Big Angel Hugs,

Patti

[Miriam]

LADIES!!! I received this in email and had to share here.

Remember...a layer of dust protects the wood beneath it..

'A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture.'

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect - 'in case someone came over'
Finally I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
NOW, when people visit, I don't have to explain the 'condition' of my home
They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun.
If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.

Life is short.. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must .......
but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . . .
with shrimp to eat, rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music, to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead..

Dust if you must,
but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must , but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. . .

And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust!

[calliope]

still smiling at you silly ladies, and Miriam, I think that I am going to post "dust if you must" in a frame on the wall so that everyone will understand, just by the amount of dust, my philosophy of life and parenting.

[LINDA SLOAN]

Oh Cali - I have had such a laugh at this picture - I think you're all just as silly as me - isn't it great to be in such good company!

[Patti Thompson]

I this Wyoming? Sure does look like this picture was taken out on the highway around my house? LOL

Patti T.

P. S. Oh, and the truth IS "Dust is a protective covering for furniture". I finally made a counted cross stitch of this one and FRAMED IT, hung it on the wall. It's covered in DUST.

[Miriam]

I don't know if you have seen it, but there is a great section on household tips at the bottom of our main page under the National Fibromyalgia Assoc emag link. Go to that link and click on household tips and there are a lot of useful ideas there. With all joking aside, this is difficult to manage. I don't have fibro but I have severe muscle weakness. Be realistic as to what you can do yourself and enlist the help of others when possible.
Miriam

[Kimberly Walker (& Donald)]

Oh, I am soooo glad someone is finally reading material in those LINKS!! WOOHOO! ~giggle~