Being a homemaker for almost 30 years, here are some of my faves…
1) Freshening Blankets/Comforters in Between Washings: Soak a rag in a solution of half water/half Witch Hazel. Go over the blanket with the rag and let air dry, flip the blanket if you need to, and do the other side.
2) Freshening Pets in Between Baths: Soak a rag in a solution of half water/half Apple Cider Vinegar. Sponge bathe your pet. This is also good for your pet’s skin. The Blanket Wash solution above is also great for cleaning your pet’s bottom, as Witch Hazel controls odors. Apple Cider Vinegar and Witch Hazel are non-toxic, but if concerned, please check with your vet.
3) Instant Salad Dressing: You don’t need a cruet for this. Just pour on, toss and serve! All ingredients to taste. Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar (small amount unless you really like vinegar), Black Pepper, Dried Lemon Peel, Dried Green Herb of Choice. All natural and healthy!
4) Toothbrush Cleaning/Sanitizing: Soak overnight in any antiseptic mouthwash. Rinse with hot water.
5) Beautiful Hair/Healthy Scalp: Use your conditioner of choice (preferably something more on the natural side). Rub into scalp and throughout hair. Put a shower cap on and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse well.
6) Super Sink/Tub Cleaner: Ever get frustrated with the dishwasher soap (not dish soap) that stays in the bottom of the bottle? Fill the bottle 1/4 way with warm water, shake and use as a cleaner. Very minimal scrubbing necessary! For bad grime, let it sit for a while before rinsing. Seriously, it’s amazing.
7) Free Organizers: Reuse takeout containers, boxes from shipments or shoeboxes. They may not be the most attractive solutions, but if that bothers you, you can have fun with the kids decorating them or painting the boxes. If you like sushi, the containers are usually really cute-I use them as soap and sponge dishes.
8) Better Marriage: Take walks together! It really works.
9) Seasonal Goal-Making: Taking stock of your life 4 times per year can really help in meeting your goals and improving all kinds of things. First pray for guidance. Make a list of what really matters to you and a plan to get it done. Revisit this every 3 months and discuss with your spouse. If you have older children, make it a family affair and you will be teaching them good routines and life examination.
10) Saying No: Minimalism in this culture has become almost a matter of survival. Distractions are everywhere and expectations are high. If anyone judges you, tell them what Our Lord thinks of that: it’s a sin!
11) Save Your Knees: Keep a gardening pad in your home for chores which require you to be on your knees, as a lot of things do. This has been an absolute life-saver for me!
12) The Dusting Kit: Also a life-saver. Get one of those organizers with a handle, that can be easily toted around. Put everything in it you need for quick dusting and cleaning. No thought, just grab your caddy and go! Suggestions: small duster, dusting cloths, cleaning wipes, spray bottle, rags, sponges, vacuum cleaner attachments, extendable duster for cobwebs, gloves.
13) The Cushy Stool: This is for chores that require you to sit, sometimes close to the floor. Get a small stool with a cushion that’s easy to carry around. I’ve found this useful when going through boxes. This is an item that can be hard to find. Vanity stools and ottomans can also work…or buy a stool and adhere a cushion to it!
14) Wonderful Wind Chimes: This is a delightful way to beautify and add charm to your yard. I adore my chimes and I don’t think you can have too many:) My neighbors might think otherwise.
15) Potted Plants: When buying potted plants, look for pots you like and can be re-used. It always makes me feel like I’m getting a deal, because I’m getting a plant AND a pot. (As opposed to plants that come in those ugly cheap thin plastic things.) Pots are a prepper item and useful for many things. You can have a whole food garden in pots. You probably want drainage holes, but it is extremely easy to drill holes if the pots are plastic and it takes about 30 seconds. Most plants don’t like sitting in water too long.
Bonus Hack! Cold-Steeped Iced Tea: I tried this just 2 weekends ago for my son’s birthday. Use 8 teabags per gallon of water. Let steep overnight in fridge. I added a small amount of agave nectar for sweetening and served it in a clear drink dispenser, with slices of lemon and orange. Big hit!
Let us know if found any of these helpful!