Posts: 745
From: Cooltown, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted January 30, 2004 02:45 PM         

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I just want to send some balloons out to all you homemakers and people who are trying to improve your health and homelife, esp. people like you, desert-rain, with baby in tow.
I find when I *do* clean, I love to put on some great music and just go to it. It feels so good afterward.

I agree that Swiffers are a godsend.

Much love and clean air to you all,
LMB

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted January 31, 2004 04:47 PM         

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 4882
From:
Registered: Feb 2002

posted February 04, 2004 11:50 AM         

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Thank you desert-rain!

I looked at the site and e-mailed the link to our housekeeper because she likes new ideas. We hire someone to clean the public areas of the flat and we keep our own rooms.

Hi LMB!

Hi Randall!

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"If music be the food of love, play on." -Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare

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Posts: 59
From:
Registered: Dec 2003

posted February 04, 2004 02:42 PM         

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Loving your home and loving yourself fall into the same category. The way you feel shows in your home. We are killing ourselves with deadly cleaners everyday. Poluting our water and air inside and out. Remember that everything that goes down your drain goes into the earth. We must be more considerate to the earth and all its wonderful creatures including ourselves. Here are some good sites to find recipies for homemade cleaning products that will not only keep your house sparkling clean but it will keep you healthy and your wallet alot fatter. www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/cleaner.htm www.homemakingcottage.com/cleaners.html www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/9684/fabric.html www.greenhome.com/learn/make/cleaners.shtml They also have some good articles that you all might enjoy!! Remember to love yourself and eachother all the world is in your hands.

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Posts: 53
From:
Registered: Dec 2003

posted February 05, 2004 02:01 AM         

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oh that is very sweet alice rabbit!

that's such a lovely way to say it -- loving your home is loving yourself....i am pulling myself up out of dysfunctional relationships, and i think focussing on my home will help.

thanks for those links!

love, desert-rain

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Posts: 59
From:
Registered: Dec 2003

posted February 05, 2004 03:44 PM         

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Rain I don't know if you want advice or even need it but as a caring person I thought I might write you a word. (Please don't be offended by my frontery ) I've been in many dysfunctional relationships and I've learned that in the end it is always hard to get back in the swing of things. I spent so much time trying to heal the us of the relationship I always sacrificed the me. Once you lose yourself its always hard to get back again and if it was a very bad relationship I always found myself following thier rules even after they were gone. I've always been so dependant upon other people, takeing care of them was my happiness and being alone frightened me so much. I'm still learning alot of things but I'd like to share what I've done so far. Motivation has always been my weak spot I'm good at starting a project but never finishing them I get depressed, or side tracked. My aura is very sensitive and picks up all sorts of negetive energy. To fix this I started taking a lot more baths to cleanse it. When I wake up if I've had bad or uncomfortable dreams I take one and definitly after work (others carry so much around with them it is impossible not to pick it up ) or if I feel unmotivated. I also hung quotes written on pretty pictures all over the house to remind me what I need to focus on or a happy thought to make me smile. My house became mine again and I did things my way. Since I started cleaning naturally my health has improved and I feel less fatigued. And this may sound really weird but it works!! Talk to yourself more. We always listen to others but never really voice to ourselves what is on our mind. Talking to others and talking to yourself is entirely two different things. Your s-elf needs attention from you too and the spoken word is so powerfull. If your frusterated tell your s-elf. If your hurt talk it out with your s-elf. If your lost ask advice from your s-elf. Awaken all that is asleep within you and the world clears up and is a very beautiful place to be. Talking also breaks down the problem that is taxing you at the moment (note: they call it taxing because it really does take away something from you). Emotions can be broken down to other emotions it is usually the ego that stands in the way of seeing what the other feelings are. Our pride keeps us from feeling deeper emotions that will help us grow. All emotions are seeds of roses. Anger is not somthing to be afraid of or hidden or tucked away because then you'll always have this seed tugging at you begging to let it grow. We are a race without full knowledge of our emotions. Feelings are not supposed to be expressed we are afraid of them or what will happen if we do express them. (being a sag I am always in trouble for saying to much or not the right thing I don't know how to sugar coat my words and my thoughts kind of roll off my tounge. I've had many long days and nights trying to figure out what I said wrong.) I guess being a sag also explains the tangents I go off on. Back to seeds... anger is a seed I often have to grow so I water it with thought and carefull diliberation with my overself (hence the talking out loud) I get angry when I don't understand why, why someone did what they did or said what they said, why things didn't work out the way I had planned, why I did what I did or said what I said or why my pride stands in the way when all I want to say is I'm sorry. Now my seed has grown into sadness because I've started to ask myself these questions. Sadness is a difficult plant to grow it is very ellusive and none of the tears shed seem to make it grow any faster. The ancients of Tibet say that only a man who does not understand sheds tears. It is a sign of frustration and that causes the pain because the message is not getting through. So now we change the questions to start with I (which we should have done with the anger seed but anger is directed outward and it is next to impossible to think about what you did during the situation when you are angry, sadness is directed inward and rightfully so because now you are growing and must ask your s-elf the right questions) Example do not ask why so and so hurt you ask why were my feelings hurt when so and so did what they did. Think about the person try to see inside their true intentions let the tears wash away clouded vision. Were you hurt because they said a harsh word, was it only said in anger and they were only trying to hurt you because they were hurt? (do not be mad at words said in anger they truely are ment to hurt you and when you are angry you stop listening your just fighting a battle and everyone is the enemy. Anger is not ment to be confrunted by anouther it is ment to be confrunted by yourself. Do not throw the first stone for remember how many words you have used as weapons and forgive your self and the other and next time try to walk away with your anger so you may fight the battle with only yourself, it is alot easier that way) Now for the biggest question are you sad because the other did not fullfill your expectations? Now be very honest Did you tell them of that expectaion? Really think about that question. When people get in a relationship they have all the hopes and dreams of exactly how it will be, before we even really get to know a person we assume we know all about them and they know all about us, what we want, need or don't need. (assume really does make an ass out of u and me it may not be proper grammer but the meaning rings true to us all) Now think back did you really tell them, explain that that was what you wanted or needed or didn't need. All relationships fall because of unspoken expections at one time or anouther and sometimes they fall forever. It really is a small problem but it is so hard to fix. Once you've asked your s-elf all the questions you need to reach an understanding with your s-elf you are ready to ask more questions of the other person and probibly tell them alot of things you want to tell them. One point of advice though DO NOT START ANY SENTENCES WITH YOU BEGIN ALL STATEMENTS WITH I. That will get you farther than you'll ever know. Example which set of sentences strikes a wrong cord with you : You never concider my feelings when you stay out all night with your friend. You don't even care about me do you ? Your a selfish @#&#@$ !!! Or I miss you I would really love to spend more time with you. I was thinking that maybe we could have a couple nights where it was just us. And I wanted to let you know that I worry about you and I would love it if you would call me every now and again when you went out just to let me know your doing good and having fun ; it would just ease my concience so much. See what I mean both of those statments were your true feelings but which one would you more likely get an understanding between people. People don't know why we make demands upon them and they start feeling restricted, smothered, and controled. If you love someone though you want to do things for them that make them happy. All we have to do is let them know what makes us happy more insted of always telling them what upsets us. Then your flower will bloom!! Blessed be and good luck in the future remember theres love all around us look for it and share it with all.

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Posts: 59
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Registered: Dec 2003

posted February 05, 2004 04:05 PM         

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Oh, I forgot one very important piece of advice. When you start sentences with I and not You don't cheat. Don't say I'm hurt because you won't ever do the dishes. That is still accusing. We can't be eachothers judge, jury and hangman. Decide with yourself what would fix the problem and present a solution enstead of asking for one example. Say I'm sorry I got so angry but I feel overwhelmed by all the housework. Maybe we could start doing it together, you know I'll wash and you dry or vice versa. That would also give us more time together. I always enjoy spending time with you even house work seems more fun if your there. See what I mean about cheating? Now I know your pride will kick in the first few times you try this but look ahead to the future what are your goals for this relationship. Anger is never a solution. Let it grow into flowers of love for that is the reason we have relationships of all kinds. We love those people. Remember this advice when dealing with all people though it will reduce your stress levels. People don't expect solutions they expect a fight, when you catch anger off guard it does not know how to be anger any more it starts to get confused soon it will grow by itself. Don't let the others harsh words sway you from the right path keep trudging along or maybe walk away if they still want to fight because remember what I said before when your fighting your not listening your just trying to win the battle. Even if your done fighting maybe the other is not yet over it give them some more time and try again. Blessed be!!!

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted February 06, 2004 01:05 PM         

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Good advice.

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted February 19, 2004 02:10 PM         

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To the top!

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 271
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted February 28, 2004 11:37 PM         

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alice rabbit ~

those are beautiful words! and your writing has a rhythmic lilt to it....it was so lovely to read. it reminds me of linda, but at the same time is totally original.

i love what you said...so very helpful! i do hope you have more wisdom to share.

love, talaith

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted April 07, 2004 12:55 PM         

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*bump*

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 1154
From: California
Registered: May 2004

posted May 19, 2004 09:49 PM         

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Get a really good steamer. It cleans and sanitizes everything with no chemicals. Great for bathrooms, tiled floors, loo seats, garden furniture, almost anything at all. I steam everything in sight, including visitors who stand still long enough.

I'm a clean, lean steamomatic machine!!!

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted May 20, 2004 01:01 PM         

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted May 22, 2004 12:22 PM         

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Is that the one they sell on the tv infomercial?

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 1154
From: California
Registered: May 2004

posted May 27, 2004 03:22 AM         

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Nope it's not the one on the infomercial. I worked as a presenter for QVC years ago and had a good look at that particular machine. I mean it was ruddy useless, bitty things kept falling off all the time. Plus the tank needed water every few minutes. You can't steam large areas like floors or bathroom tiles with it either. I'm sure that would have driven me totally up the wall. I'd be bloody steaming till the cows got home!

Got my machine from Costco.

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted June 30, 2004 02:21 PM         

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We don't have a Costco here.

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted July 01, 2004 01:27 PM         

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This may sound stupid, but is that like a Wal Mart?

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 4882
From:
Registered: Feb 2002

posted July 01, 2004 01:57 PM         

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No. Costco business model is selling in bulk and re-selling out of cycle products that didn't sell at full price.

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Posts: 3252
From: Here, there and everywhere.
Registered: Jun 2004

posted July 03, 2004 11:18 AM         

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My household tips:
1. Buy a crock pot. Anything you put in it will turn out good. (A little pork, a little sourkraut, brown sugar). You can leave things in there for hours and there is very little clean up and lots of time in between. You can even store leftovers in the same pot. Less dishes.
2. Only own 7 outfits. Don't wear underwear, unless you have to. Sleep in the nude, less washing. Wear one pair of pants as often as possible before washing. Less washing. Jeans are man's best friend.
3. Buy paper plates and cups, no dishes to wash. (plastic forks and knives and spoons too)
4. Frozen meals, no dishes!
5. If you live in the desert, I KNOW about the dust! I place a fan near the front door, it blows some of the dust back outside. Also put a fan in the corner of the biggest room in your house and let the fan blow all the 4 legged hairs an dust bunnies to one corner of the room, and save time going all over the place sweeping up.
Don't fight Mother Nature about dust, she always wins! Have fewer pieces of furnature and knick knacks so there are fewer items to collect dust. You and Mother Nature both win!
6. Get a house keeper, if you can't offord one, perhaps you could barter for their services.
That's all for now.

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Posts: 271
From:
Registered: Feb 2004

posted August 27, 2004 01:32 PM         

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ok....i have the steam cleaner from QVC....it has a strap that hangs over the shoulder. is this the one that is useless?

i've used it only once. it seemed ok, but not great; not what i expected. i did read that the best steam cleaners use vapor steam. these usually are quite costly.

the one i found at costco was only about $75 though. is this the one you recommend Gia? is it vapor steam?

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Posts: 445
From: PA,USA
Registered: Apr 2004

posted August 28, 2004 11:02 AM         

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I was a stay at home mom for 6 years and now I work 3 1/2 hours a day to be home with my kids. I have a special needs child that at almost 7 STILL puts everything in her mouth.

Here are a few of my ways of coping with the house and meals.

1) Like Philbird...A Crock Pot is my best friend in the kitchen. I make meals in it at least 4 times a week. Often 2 meals a day. I also spend at least a few hours a week in the kitchen cooking meat to freeze so that a quick meal is minutes away.

2) I clean the bedrooms once a week, the kitchen floor gets mopped after supper everynight and the living room floor gets vacumed after supper also everynight. While giving my daughter a bath I wipe the bathroom down.

3) The laundry NEVER stops.

4) I use cloth napkins and table cloths so that at the end of the day I put those and the dish rags and towles in the washer, NO NEED TO WIPE OF THE TABLE OR FUSS WITH STAINS.

5) As long as the house doesn't look link a fire hazzard then I guess that we will servive!

Hope that at least some of that helps,
Irish

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted August 30, 2004 10:02 AM         

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 703
From: Death Valley USA
Registered: Sep 2004

posted September 10, 2004 06:25 PM         

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I hope this hasn't already been addressed, but with a growing baby (especially an energetic and curious one) I would recommend keeping your cleaning supplies and chemicals in a high place or very inaccessible.

This is probably very obvious, however I am not a mother yet, so my first thought was a memory of my very young years which could be categorized at the "What is this and can I eat it?" years.

Chemicals are great for cleaning, but don't digest well with the yunnins . . . .

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Posts: 24091
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted September 12, 2004 12:05 AM         

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"Never mentally imagine for another that which you would not want to experience for yourself, since the mental image you send out inevitably comes back to you." Rebecca Clark

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Posts: 6223
From: Blue Star Kachina
Registered: Mar 2002

posted September 12, 2004 11:18 PM         

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I`ve just given up and let the husband worry about it

Desert Rain, how are you and babe?

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If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ~James Herriot

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