saving my sanity Archives - Feathers in Our Nest

Saving My Sanity: Packing Lists, Safety Pins, & Pre-Trip Cleaning

July 25, 2013 by Aliesha

For more posts in this series, click Saving My Sanity.

– I created generic packing lists for every time we travel
I created a “basic” packing list for everyone in our family, typed it up, and saved it on the computer. Whenever we’re packing for a trip, I just print out the lists, add anything specific to that particular trip, and pack us up. The lists are the same regardless of the season, so if we’re traveling in December, I just cross off “swimsuit,” etc. It really saves a LOT of time (and mental energy) to not have to create new packing lists every time we hit the road! I (almost) never forget anything when we travel!

-I mark tablecloths, sheets, and other large items with a safety pin when washing so I can find the stain
Have you ever washed a stained tablecloth and not been able to tell if the stain came out or not? I have! Now I place a small safety pin near the stain so I know exactly where to check to see if the stain came out before drying it. This is a timesaver and saves me from ruining a tablecloth by setting in the stain in the dryer!

-I clean the house before I leave for a trip
Even if we’re just going to be away for a day or two, I clean the house before we leave. If it’s going to be a week, I definitely make sure to clean out the fridge before I go! Coming home to a clean house is SO nice after being away, and it makes transitioning back to “normal life” easier. Recently, I did NOT do this tip, and I spent 3-4 days getting the house back to normal once we got home from our trip. It is much easier to clean before leaving!

Saving My Sanity: Onions, Sundays, & Boredom

July 2, 2013 by Aliesha

I’m back today with three more homemaking/parenting tips for you! Again, these aren’t in a particular order.

– Cut an onion underneath the vent above the stove
I turn the stove hood vent on high and cut onions underneath it to help reduce the watery eyes that usually come with this activity. Another bonus tip: rub your hands on something stainless steel (like a sink) to remove the smell of onions or garlic from your hands and fingertips!

– Prepare for Sundays on Saturday nights
I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s been revolutionary for our family, so I deemed it worth mentioning again. On Saturday nights, I prepare as much as possible for Sunday morning. I lay out the girls clothes (and accessories, like tights and shoes), as well as choose my outfit. I pack the girls’ backpacks so they are ready to go (complete with Bibles and offering). I try to make sure the kitchen is cleaned up and ready for breakfast the next morning. Bonus points if I remember to set up and program the coffee pot!

– I’m trying to teach my children that sometimes it’s okay to be bored
While I do pack books for long car rides, if we’re just going a short distance (or even an hour or two), I don’t feel the need to keep my kids constantly entertained. Sometimes it’s okay to just sit and look out the window! I also don’t pack a lot of activities for doctor’s appointments, etc. We talk or play “I Spy” in the waiting room, but I want them to learn that this is a doctor’s appointment, not a circus. It’s important for me to work with my girls on being patient and understanding that not everything in life revolves around them!

Do you have any tips to share today?

Saving My Sanity: Homemaking and Parenting Tips

June 25, 2013 by Aliesha

I thought it might be fun to start a new little series on some practical homemaking and parenting tips I have been learning over the past few years! I am not an expert by any means, and what works for our family may not work for yours. I always try to take all homemaking or parenting advice to the Lord and try to determine if it is something HE wants me to do.

So … with all that said … here are three tips (in no particular order) that are helping save my sanity during this busy season!

– I never stand around in the kitchen
Anytime I am in the kitchen, I am working on something. When I’m waiting for water to boil, I wash a few dishes or sweep the floor. Even if I’m reheating my coffee in the microwave for 30 seconds, I use that time to wipe down the countertops or put away some junk. My laundry is in the kitchen too, so I really never run out of tasks to do when I’m in the kitchen! Just by doing this tip every day, I am able to keep our kitchen pretty clean.

– My girls carry backpacks
Instead of carrying around all the girls’ stuff in a diaper bag or my purse, each of my girls has their own personalized backpack that they got around the time they started walking. It holds their sippy cup, wipes, diapers, and an extra outfit. They take these to church and pretty much anywhere we go. It’s nice that I don’t have to carry all their stuff in my bag, plus they have what they need in their classes at church.

– We do a house pick-up every evening
The girls help pick up their room each night before bed. When Tad and I put the girls to bed, we go through the house and pick up for 10-20 minutes (depending on how messy the house is). We just “surface clean” … no vacuuming or anything “hardcore.” It really helps to start the day with a clean* house!
*by “clean,” I mean “picked-up” … my standards are much lower than they used to be 🙂

Do you have any tips to share?