WFMW~Handy Dandy Cleaning Tips

My sister tells me that cleaning comes naturally to me, so I thought I would share some of the ways I keep the appearance of a clean house.

Whenever I get groceries, we eat all leftovers out of the fridge, I toss all stale, inedible, stuff out of the snack cupboard, and wipe down anything that sticks out like a sore thumb in either place.

I know my methods are strange, but I try not to waste my time or trips. I drink a ton of water and on my way to pee a million times a day, I am always looking for things that need to be put away or straightened on my way.

I also challenge myself to see what I can get done in small time periods. For example if I am heating up something that only takes 10 minutes in the kitchen, I will see if I can get the dishes all unloaded and loaded, or fold and put away all the clothes from the dryer, or make my bed, in that time. I also always clean while I am on the phone. I am always surprised how much I have accomplished when I hang up and it was perfectly painless.

When I pick up my hubby's socks off the floor in the living room I use them as a quick dust rag and wipe down the t.v. or mantle with them real quick. (learned this from Heloise)

On my children's daily chore charts, they each wipe down a bathroom (after they brush their teeth). This is good enough for daily, and once a week I go behind them and give those rooms a scrubbing.

We only keep dirty clothes in the laundry room. This way I don't have to track it down all over the house and I know that I have all the dirty towels, dress shirts, jeans, etc. for each load. It is also nice not to have hampers that could get musty smelling in our rooms.

When we had a vacuum cleaner with bags, I used to put a little of the scented carpet powder directly in the fresh bag when I changed it. This really put a nice smell when vacuuming without the mess or expense of putting it on the actual carpet.

I use a lint roller on furniture for pet hair. Actually, this is one of my son's jobs. He really enjoys it too.

So, if you came to my house, you may or may not think it was all that clean...I am definitely no drill sergeant cleaner. I do love a comfortable, clean house though!

For more handy ideas check out We Are THAT Family!!

Please leave me your best cleaning tips, I would love to hear them!

Heather Kay

WFMW Bored Kid's Edition

First of all, I do not allow my kids to say they are bored. If they do, I send them to do a chore. I know this may sound mean but my children have many, many wonderful things to keep them busy. That whiny I'm bored really gets under my skin!

I am finding now that they are 11 and 9 it is much harder to keep them entertained without electronics. I have always had limits on t.v., computer, wii, etc. time. Before we just went for the markers, paint, and play dough. Lately it takes a more sophisticated art project to keep them entertained.

A couple that we really enjoy are Perler Beads and paper origami. My two have been working on a really hard paper project most of this week and it has kept them entertained for hours. My son just got a book out of the library and started following the directions. The Perler Beads have been great for ages 5 through 11. I found them in the craft section at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby.

If I allowed them to, my kids would sit in front of the t.v. or computer all day long. They are not motivated to get out and play. So, in order to get them outside I make them go for 30 minutes. Once they are outside, 9 times out of 10, they do not want to come back in. They have a large tub in the garage full of things to do...wiffle bat & ball, basketball, jump ropes, squirt guns, sidewalk chalk, etc. (The 30 minute time is key because it is long enough to force them to find something to do)

Geocaching is also great family fun. Once you have the GPS it is practically free entertainment and will get your whole family excited about being outdoors.

Most of all let's enjoy the treasures that God has blessed us with this summer. My two have grown so fast and I want to enjoy every happy, lazy, summer day!

For more WFMW head on over to We Are THAT Family!

Blessings,
Heather Kay

Works For Me Wednesday- Carpet Stain Remover

Welcome! For this weeks WFMW my husband suggested I share my secret for carpet stain removal. This is a very frugal way to remove stains!

I learned this tip when my son had the stomach flu the very first night we spent in my new house. Of course he had eaten spaghetti for dinner that night! My friend stopped by the next day and saw the large red stain on the carpet. Ugh!! She shared this tip with me, and after trying it the carpet looked brand new again!

So, here is what you do. After blotting up the stain the best you can, while the carpet is still damp, or dampen it with water, pour salt thickly over the top. Cover this with a towel and leave it for 2-4 days until it completely dries. Then sweep up what you can with a broom and dustpan and follow up with the vacuum. This has pulled out so many stains from my carpet. Even a full cup of very hot, hot chocolate. (a stain nightmare)

Happy Stain Removal!

For more WFMW please stop by: We Are That Family

Heather Kay

Works For Me Wednesday, Feeding Hummingbirds

Seems how I mentioned my Hummingbird obsession yesterday. I thought I would post how I feed them today. I have the 4 cup feeders from Wal-Mart. These work for me because I have a lot of birds. If you are just starting I would use the 2 cup feeders because you want to keep the nectar from getting old. (fresh)

I make my own nectar, this is a big money saver. Here is how I do it. I have a 4 cup plastic measuring cup. The ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. So, I put 1 cup of sugar in the measuring cup and add water to the 4 cup line. I then stir it to dissolve. Then I put it in my microwave for 5 minutes. This forms the syrup/nectar. I pull it out of the microwave and leave it on the counter until it is room temperature. I add a couple drops of red food coloring, then fill the feeder and hang outside. So easy!! When you need to refill, be sure to rinse the feeder thoroughly. (I do not use any soap, just rinse well with water)

In my area (Midwest) they are usually here from May through late August. Every year I have more than the year before. They are such a pleasure!

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips check: http://www.wearethatfamily.com/

Blessings,
Heather Kay