Chore Tips and Tricks - Medications

This post starts a series on tips and tricks for your everyday chores. I'll do one every Monday.

At the very top of my chore list every day is “Meds”. This is not only my medications, but everyone's. There are 7 individuals in this house (if you count the cats) and that can be a lot to remember if we're all sick!

It's always been a challenge for me to remember to take my medication, even though it's only one tablet. It's even harder to remember the kids' medications, because those aren't all the time. Usually just when their allergies act up or they get sick.

Most information I've found on remembering to take medications involves making it part of your routine; setting an alarm, putting it next to the coffee pot, etc. But I need something more than that. Something that throws it at me yelling, “Take this pill!” would do nicely.

Unfortunately I haven't found anything like that yet, but I did find a couple of handy tricks. Like this one:

Use a rubber band to attach the medicine bottle to your toothbrush. I can do the same with the oral syringe for the kids' meds. If you have more than one pill to take each day, you could use a pill box instead. Most pharmacies sell them for about $1.

The kids' antibiotics are usually twice a day. The toothbrush trick should work well for that, but I can never remember when I gave them their last dose. Evenings are especially crazy with everyone home, so sometimes Hubby helps out and I'm always afraid we'll accidentally double dose them.

I was excited to find this post with a tip for remembering those pesky extra doses.

pic by landeeseelandeedo.com

Write it on the bottle! Definitely a “Why didn't I think of that” moment. Now I just have to wait for someone to get sick so I can try it out. Unfortunately in this house, that shouldn't take too long.

Check back next week for tips on another household chore.

Getting A Routine, Part 2 – Delegating and Imperfection

So the to-do list is made and I know my priorities. But before I let all this enthusiasm sweep me away, I have to be realistic. In a few days (maybe a week) I won't be nearly so excited about doing housework. Time to make things reasonable.

I certainly didn't make this entire mess by myself. Why should I clean it all by myself? It may sound childish, but I really am going to need help to get this house the way I want it (and keep it there) without becoming a slave to it. I need to delegate.

First up are the kids. The worst offenders. The older ones should be able to handle some basic chores, and even the toddler can “help” until she's bigger. I've put off assigning chores because of my oldest's (suspected) Asperger's, but he should be able to handle it now. And with summer vacation only a few weeks away, it'll help fill some of their free time (so they'll have less time to fight with each other).

The kids already are expected to pick up their own toys, put their clothes in the hamper, etc, but it's definitely time to tack on things like putting their laundry away, wiping the table and counters... things that will actually help me. After all, they live here too!

If you're looking for chores for your kiddos, this post has great ideas for young children. They can handle more than you would think.

Along with this delegation (especially the chores delegated to the kids) comes the other part of staying sane: dealing with imperfection.

The kids are not going to do things perfectly. Their clothes will get rumpled a bit when they put them away. That's okay. They're kids. Their beds will not be perfectly made. That's okay. They're kids. It'll take a while for them to get the hang of things.

The harder part of dealing with imperfection is dealing with it in myself. I can tell you right now I am not going to finish all the chores on my list today. That's okay. As long as I get at least the 2 mandatory ones done (meds and litter box), we will survive to clean another day. I feel sorry for anyone who appears at my door today, but they'll live too.

The chore list I created isn't meant to start me off doing every single thing on it. It's a priority list. The things that need doing the most are at the top. If I don't get to the bottom, that's okay. If I can do at least one lower priority chore (lower than Weekly) every few days, then I'll slowly shrink the list. If I can do more than that, wonderful! I'll shrink it even faster. And without feeling like I have a mountain to demolish every day.


So now the list is made, chores have been delegated, and I'm prepared to deal with things not being done "perfectly" every time. It's finally time to start my routine!


The next little series of posts will be tips and tricks for the daily chores on my list. Anything to make a chore easier!

Getting a Routine, Part 1 – What and When

Before I set off on the road to an immaculate house, there were a few things I needed to have set up. I did this a day or 2 before I wanted to start my routine.

The first step was to get my chores in order. The hardest part (for me at least) was prioritizing them. But figuring out what takes precedence over what really isn't too difficult.

First I figured out how often different chores need to be done. I made some basic categories to file my chores into. I started with just Daily, Weekly, and Monthly categories, but you can have any categories you want.

Now it was time to sit down and make a list of things that need to be done routinely. Washing the dishes, litter box, laundry, etc, etc. To start, I concentrated on just the chores I do (or at least try to do) all the time. I can add “fancier” things like alphabetizing the bookshelves later, after I've gotten the day-to-day stuff under control. And I can always change things later on. Since my laundry hamper looks like this at the beginning...

 *blood-curdling scream*

And yes, that is my real closet.

...then I should start of with “Laundry” in the Daily column. Once it's under control, I can move it to something more appropriate. And, vice versa, if the category I picked for something just isn't often enough, I can move it.

If you're somewhat OCD like me, then you may want to have sub-categories as well. My “Daily” chores have 2 sub-categories; “A-Daily” and “B-Daily”. The “A” category has things that absolutely cannot be skipped; medications and the litter box. (Trust me, you don't wanna skip the litter box even once in this house.)

 Their revenge is a carpet served at body temperature.

With all the chores now in their most appropriate categories it's easy to prioritize them. I just put the categories in order from most to least frequent.

I use a database program, but you could easily do this with a clipboard and separate papers for each category. Either way, the chart prioritizes for you.

So, once I've gotten all my duckies in the right categories and the categories sorted I'm ready to clean, right? Almost. To make sure nothing sidelined me when I began my mission I needed to do 2 more simple things.

One was to check all my cleaning supplies. Do I have enough for a while? Nothing's worse than starting a chore (or even just being mentally prepared to dive into it) and not having what I need to get it done. Major motivation buster. So just do a quick inventory to see of I needed anything before my next regular shopping trip.

The other thing I did was get some music ready. Especially if you dread housework as much as me. It makes the time go by much faster when I'm belting out “I Will Survive” than to do it in silence. And, for me at least, the music is a bit of a reward in itself. In general, I only get to listen to it when I'm cleaning. Plus, dancing to “If I Were A Rich Man” is something I only have enough guts to do when it's just me and the toddler at home.

I've got moves like Chaim Topol. (credit)

The next post will go over the last preparation for starting the routine; Delegating and Imperfection. I didn't make the mess on my own, so I'm not cleaning it up on my own!

A New Leaf

Starting this blog, I had lots of energy and enthusiasm for getting things organized and making my house immaculate.

Heh... well...

Obviously, it didn't last. I wouldn't say I fell off the bandwagon, so much as I was thrown from it and then run over by it...

*B-horror movie woman screaming*

...repeatedly.

Rather than make excuses for why I failed, I've decided to start over. But this time, I'm getting organized about it. And that means a routine.

Now like any good geek, I've made up a little database to help me with this task. What can I say, I love my charts. Not only do they help me on those apathetic days, but the show me what I should be doing on enthusiastic days too.

So, over the next few weeks I'll be delving into my routine; going over how to prioritize, get started, and not overload yourself. My motto for getting my house in shape is “Slow and Steady” and hopefully I won't get burned out so easily this time.

It's not gonna be pretty, but hopefully I can show that it IS possible to have a nice house without feeling like a slave to it!

52 Weeks to an Organized Home: Week 2

I have made it my goal to do all 52 weeks of the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Challenge. I started January 2nd (found it on the first) and I was very happy with the progress I made in Week 1, even though I didn't get to as much as I wanted to.

Check out her site for more information and some inspiring pics from others taking the challenge!

Week 2 is Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers. Oh, crap!  Okay, I can do this.

The cups/plates are fine. And that's 3 cabinets. Food cabinets are a different week, so that eliminates 2 more. Silverware is neat and tidy. So that leaves... the pots and pans, cleaning stuff, lids, that way high stuff, the tupperware, and the two (yes, two) junk drawers. Oy.



Step 1: Pots and Pans

Before

You can't really tell, but these 3 shelves are in a corner. The right shelf extends all the way to where the left shelf meets the corner. Impossible to get all the way back there. And yes, that's a paint can.

These three low cabinets have always been a battle to work with. Hardly any light gets in because they are so low (don't let the camera flash fool you), and they're so dark that they swallow the little bit of light that does! I am constantly having to shove my head in there to find what I want. And when I do, there's the ever present danger of the Pot-alanche.

The first thing to do was take everything out. Not as easy as it sounds. The corner area is open all the way back to the wall and, over the 7 years we've lived here, things have been shoved back there. I had to literally crawl inside the cabinet to get everything out of that back corner. Then I swept them out and put in my new white shelf liners to try to help with the darkness issue.

Sorting all of the stuff actually took about 15 minutes. There was quite a bit of stuff that we've been given that we just never use. The quiche/flan set (fresh from the 70's a la my mother-in-law) was a casualty of the purge. I know what we use and what we don't, so that part was easy.

The Purge:

3 pie pans, some weird pans we used once, a large pan, a tea maker whose pitcher broke years ago, the flan/quiche set, a silicone muffin pan I use for toddler crayons (moved), a holiday plate, and 2 "tv trays" that are just impractical.

Putting it all back (in a way that was functional)... not so much. That took a lot more thought and effort.

After

Beautiful!

It took a full two hours, but it was so worth it! I can see! There's so much more space, and the shelf liners do their job of reflecting light wonderfully. I can see what's in there and get it out without fearing for my feet!



Step 2: Under The Sink

Before

(panicked screaming) Avert your eyes!

I store the majority of the cleaning supplies under the sink. Over the years, however, it's become a catch-all for anything even remotely cleaning related. As I prepared to dive in, I realized I had no idea what was down there. I only use the front four or five things on any kind of regular basis; the dishwasher soap and the supplies to make it, sink dish soap, scouring pads, and my beloved vinegar. Yes, I use it almost exclusively for cleaning so the vinegar stays with the cleaning supplies.

As I emptied the cabinet, I learned a valuable lesson on keeping organized. Literally, valuable. As in money. I had 4 containers of Windex (2 spray bottles and 2 bulk bottles - apparently I had the same idea twice), and 3 bottles of floor cleaner. Two of the floor cleaner bottles I could combine into one, so that saved a good amount of space. But I would rather have just not bought the second one!

And I found a bunch of stuff that we either never use, or that should have been thrown away long ago. Did you notice the blue bag? That's a Wal-Mart bag. Take a moment to think about how long the blue bags have been gone. Mm-hmm. There was a mixer in that bag. I have never opened the bag, never mind the box, since we moved here in 2004. Needless to say, the mixer was purged into my Sell/Donate pile.

Sink Purge:

Bubble soap, candle holder?, work gloves, cat bowl - moved to more appropriate areas

aluminum pie pans, another weird pan, more pie pans, about 1" sq of Fels Naptha, huge pipe washer thing, fire extinguisher mount, PVC pipe, emptied floor cleaner jug, mixer, another cat dish, mirror bracket - Sell/Donate or Trash

It only took about an hour to take everything out, clean the cabinets, and put everything back in. Even with a curious toddler who can take down the baby gate at will.

After

 

Voila! Much more functional, and I can see everything I have. Hopefully no more duplications!

I'll have to save the rest for another post. This one's running long enough and I have 4 cabinets and 5 drawers to go!

Double Duty; Organizer and Booth Display

The highlight of my week is arguably when I sell hair bows at the flea market on Saturdays. I get some Me time (unless my 4 year old is with me selling the magnets she makes [I only handle the hot glue gun, she does the rest!]), I get to talk to people about kids, and I get to make a little money.

One of the things I obsess over is my display. It's been pieced together over the years (3 full years now!), and I've tried a lot of different things. The ladies over at the Hip Girl Boutique forums have tons of wonderful insights and ideas. I tried a few craft fairs this year and it would have been terrible if not for their advice.

In my endless search to improve, I came across something (via Pinterest, of course) by Lisette on The Blank Canvas that I thought would be a good addition.

This is my version. Hers is all organized and pretty and in focus.

She uses it to store her ribbon for scrapbooking, but I can repurpose it for a "Match Your Outfit" display in my booth and I can use the cards to remind me what ribbons/sizes I need to restock. Very straightford and simple, but one of those things I would never have come up with on my own.

You need really only a few things to make it (aside from the ribbon you'll store on it) - scissors, binder ring(s), a hole punch, pen/pencil, ruler, and whatever you want to make it out of. You can also use a slot punch, but I didn't have one and couldn't find one in any craft store around here.

While purple is actually not my favorite color, it is the dominant color in my displays. I try to keep anything dealing with my bows that color, hence the purple scissors.

I originally wanted something plastic-y instead of the cardstock Lisette used for hers. I was thinking of upcycling the flat sections of a gallon jug, but I came across this "embroidery paper" at Hobby Lobby on clearance and thought it was perfect. It seems to be a mix of vinyl and something like felt.

Because this was primarily for a display instead of personal use and because there was a limited amount of material (I bought the only 12 sheets there were), I made a few experimental templates out of cardstock first. A couple different sizes of slots, and a different type to use for the large width ribbon.

I tried some pieces of scrap ribbon on them and once I found the ones I liked, I traced them onto the back of the material and cut them out. Mine are 2" long by 1 7/8" wide with 1" slots. The 8x11 sheet gave me about 25 of them. Punching the hole took quite a bit of hand strength with this material, though. If you use it, definitely get something better than a standard hand punch!

Then thread your ribbons through the slots. The 1" slots were fine for my 3/8", 5/8" and 7/8" ribbons. For my larger width ribbon, I'm using the template on the far left. It's actually a 4" long piece folded in half. I sandwiched the ribbon between the two sides and secured with hot glue (because as a display this will get some wear from people pulling on it).

Once your ribbons are on your cards, just stick them on the binder rings and DONE. Hang them wherever you please. I found this spiky candle holder at Hobby Lobby (yes, the tag says "candle holder" but I cannot figure out how anyone would even get a candle into it, nevermind light the thing). It will make a great display once all the ribbon is on it with signage.

Like I mentioned earlier, I also plan to use it as a way to remember what I need to restock. Whenever I notice I'm low or run out of something, I can just pull the right tag off and put it (with one of the extra binder rings) on my keys to remind myself to get more. No more wondering which size it was that I needed! Also a great way to use up my ever growing remnant pile. I just can't bear to throw away ribbon that is merely too short.

Hope that helps Now I'm off to organize my tubs of scrap ribbon!

Oh, God.... Where's that coming from?

We got up this morning to a horrible smell in the living room that told us one of the cats decided to take revenge on me for forgetting to empty the litter box before bed last night. I couldn't track down the spot because it was dry, so time to deodorize the whole area.

One of the potential offended offendees; Cora, the 20+ lb sweetest, dumbest cat you'll ever meet. Our other one, Valerie, was camera shy. A sure sign of guilt. She is the smart one, after all.

No Carpet Fresh in this house. Behold the magic of baking soda! And it's really simple.

Step 1 - Sprinkle baking soda on the offensive area. You don't need a lot. Just a good dusting should work fine. I do my entire living room every week or two and I only use about 1/5 of the box each time. If the area is still damp, you'll be able to see it in the baking soda. It will be a spot that doesn't seem to "take" your sprinkles. I just give that area an extra few shakes.
Step 2 - Wait 10-15 minutes. I took my older daughter to PreK and came back so it was more like 30 minutes, but as long as it's at least 10 minutes you should be good.

Yes, I know I got some on the sofa. But this works for upholstery, too, so no worries.

Step 3 - Vacuum as normal.

Or in my case, try to vacuum at all.

May I introduce my youngest: the crazy, diaper-shedding 15 month old who LOVES the vacuum cleaner. I don't know why. I stopped asking those kinds of questions two kids ago. I just try to vacuum when she's sleeping. (And yes, the baking soda works great for potty training too.)

And that's it! No more stinky carpet. A nice perk of doing this is that the baking soda absorbs the odors from your vacuum bag, too (assuming you don't have a bagless type).

I haven't tried it myself, but I would think that if you wanted a scented deodorizer you could add some essential oil or something similar to the baking soda before you put it on the carpet. If you try it, let me know how it does.