Summer Survival

Summer is getting crazier by the minute.  It seems to get the better of me about this time each year.  A sweet gal, my sister-in-law, reminded me of my own post!

Steps to take when feeling OVERWHELMED and BEHIND!

1. Take a breath & DON'T FREAK OUT!

2. Remember what's most important: A calm, peaceful home and MOTHER are a sure way to have a happy home. A good friend taught me our homes should be a soft place to land (even after a vacation).

3. Recognize you can't catch up everything in one day. Your routines WILL help you catch up and after-all you really of the rest of your life to catch up don't you?

4. Every time you see a task that needs to be done - write it down. Get the work out of your brain and down on paper.

5. Delegate - You don't have to do it all! Write down all your family members names on a piece of paper and divide up the tasks. Working together is one way to happiness in family life.

6. Say No to outside tasks until you get a chance to feel caught up. Remember - when you say YES to someone OUTSIDE of your family - you say NO to someone INSIDE your family.

7. Decide how long you are willing to work - set a timer and WORK HARD! It feels good to work hard and get things done! After the timer rings - take a REST!

8. Do something fun with your family! Enjoy REAL happiness - the rest can wait!

For Additional Summer Survival Tips
Check out awesome post THIS post from Simple Mom.

 

Stinky Dishwasher

I opened up my dishwasher this morning and noticed a foul smell wafting out of it.  I can't put a sinkful of "holiday dishes" into a smelly dishwasher,  so I'm de-stinkifying today! (I don't think anyone will want to come over to my house after reading my last two posts).

Here's HOW:
First check the strainer at the bottom of the dish washer.   Most types have a screen to catch larger food items.  Carefully clean out any trapped food chunks (yuck!)

Next, choose ONE of the following methods, according to what you have around the house:

• Spread a small box of the baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher, then splash some vinegar around. It will foam, bubble and clean out the nasties. Keep applying the vinegar until it stops bubbling. Then, run the dishwasher on HIGH temp and let dry. It should smell much better.
• Run an empty load with powdered Tang (the orange drink mix) in the soap compartment. The citric acid helps both stains and smells. Do it twice if needed.
• Pour vinegar where you normally put dishwasher detergent. Run a load.
• Sprinkle borax on the bottom of the dishwasher and leave overnight. Using a damp sponge, use the borax to wipe down the inside of the dishwasher. No need to rinse – just do the next load of dishes. Ideas from the “Queen of Clean" & askville.com

 Aaaah!