Christmas . . . in July

Photo by TinyApartmentCrafts

I am exhausted. I had company over tonight.

My eyelids are heavy. I could easily lull myself to sleep with the sound of my own typing. Even the dog is snoring on the floor beside me. But it feels good to have invited people into my home.

BUT. Before I tell you about that (later this week) I need to tell you that today I bought my second Christmas present. I saw a good deal and snapped it up for my Christmas closet. While I am not a fan of the department stores dragging out the Christmas trees during the second week of August (doesn't it seem to get earlier every year?) I am a fan of thinking ahead and saving time, money, and budget by forecasting my Christmas list and buying throughout the year.

My hope: that I will have my list completed by December 1st this year.

More on Christmas later. For now, I am seeing visions of sugar plums dancing in my head...

(Come back Monday to see who won the contest.)

Living Well

Photo by emilyonasunday

So this week I have been considering the need to live consciously.

Friday seems to sneak up on me every single week. It really shouldn't be THAT much of a surprise--since it always comes after Thursday and right before Saturday--yet once again, I stand at my calendar slack-jawed, wondering where the week went. Too many of these sneaky Fridays and my children will be grown and my retirement will be upon me.

Unless I live consciously.

Here are the things I purposed to do in my home this week:

1. I wrote out my priorities and tacked the list in a visible spot so that I can be reminded every day why I am alive on this earth. (Maybe I will post that list here for you to read...or maybe you would rather read my grocery list or water bill.)

2. I committed to making small changes where change needed to be made. I didn't set out to scale any pyramids or carve out any canyons--but I took baby steps toward positive change. And already I am reaping the rewards. (Next month, I will focus this blog on goal setting.)

3. I set aside time in my schedule to do important things. Tonight, for instance, I sat across the table in a tiny coffee shop with a woman who I can already tell will easily become a bestie. We talked about the things that matter--the goals we have--and the people we want to become. And I left that place all the better for it.

Life is too short not to grow every single day.

So...happy almost-Friday.

Trend Watch

Photo courtesy of the I Love Lucy show

It's one of the things about shows like I Love Lucy that is era-appropriate and utterly charming.

Yes, I'm talking about the double twin beds--television's decision to keep things as squeaky clean as possible, even in the homes of the married faithful.

But the fact that we've crawled planets away from that mentality in our 2010-era television is not the theme of this blog. (Though I am making a mental note to come back to that discussion sometime when my blood pressure is safely under control.)

Today, I'd like to discuss a growing trend--one that has me perplexed.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, they expect 60 percent of custom-built homes to have dual master bedrooms by the year 2015.

Other home experts have suggested that homes with one master bedroom will soon be considered outdated. Perhaps where we used to discuss homes without indoor plumbing, our children will someday discuss the fact that Mom and Dad only had one master bedroom in their house.

[Insert snickering and rolling of the eyes.]

I'm not sure what this trend should be chalked up to, but it's certainly one worth watching.

Booking Center

Photo by duh.denise

It was Sir James M. Barrie who said ...

The printing press is either the greatest blessing or the greatest curse of modern times, sometimes one forgets which it is.

Ironically, Barrie himself was a writer--the author of Peter Pan.

But back to the point. Books have a huge capacity to teach us important things. Not only do they teach us things we end up agreeing with, but they offer us ideas with which to disagree--and we learn from both.

After encouragement from several of you to compile House Honcho reading lists, I am finally beginning the task of creating a list of must-reads for various age groups. I welcome your input.

Books are an essential part of the home. Contrary to what popular opinion suggests, there is no such thing as a "non-reader"--unless, of course, you are unable to read. If you are capable of putting letters together to form sentences, you are reading something. Even those scandalous magazines in the check-out line at the grocery prompt you to read...

Why not make it profitable?

The Hospitality Diaries

Photo by ume-y

This post isn't for my vegetarian friends, my apologies.

On Saturday, I waded into the hospitality waters. And it was eerily . . . perfect.

I decided to invite two people over who wouldn't care if I burned dinner. In fact, they wouldn't care if I burned down the whole house--so long as everyone was safe, of course--because they are two people I know well and love much.

And since several of you have written and asked me to share details, I will tell you plainly: I cooked ribs. And the secret to my success was this: Ginger Ale. I set the oven to 350, cooked the ribs completely submerged in the Ginger Ale for 2 hours, removed and placed them on my famously foil-covered cookie sheet, coated each side with BBQ sauce, and baked for 15 minutes on each side.

And then I delivered this heaven on a platter to my guests.

And that is all I will say about food for the present. (I won't tell you about the hand-picked corn or the blackberry pie.) Because this is not a cooking blog. But let me just say--you can't go wrong with easy recipes. Now if I can tweak them to make them healthier, everything will be perfect.

Takeaway: It is best to involve each family member in the hospitality plan--as much so that they will receive enjoyment from it as so that you will not be left to accomplish the tasks alone.

2 down. 50 to go. (No repeat guests will be counted.)

First: Love Them

Photo by sunshinecity

This comment on a recent post caught my attention:

I'm a homeschooling mom of 10 kids who has people over a lot. My perspective is this: I think the most important thing we have to offer people when they come over, is love. Yes, I want my house to look neat and I really enjoy serving people food they like, but the best thing we have to give them is love. And they come, and they come!

And I began to think of places Jesus spent time with people in the Bible: the muddy seashore, the house with society's cast-offs, the storm-battered ship...

And I agree with the comment above. People are drawn to love. They may or may not notice that the cups and plates don't match or that the living room chair has a stain on the cushion...but they will absolutely notice if love is missing.

This week, let's endeavor to love people.

Let Contest #4 Begin!

Photo by alisdair

Introducing Contest #4

On Tuesday I posed the challenge to our Facebook group to create our next contest. (I am finding out all the time that we have some very creative readers at HouseHoncho.com!)

Robin responded, "Maybe an entry for every real comment posted on facebook," and I think that's a fabulous idea!

Our Facebook group does not just exist to collect names. My personal vision for the site is that it would become a useful, practical place for giving and taking ideas that will be helpful in the home. Currently, there are 101 members--plenty of creative minds to promote and provide conversation on any number of topics.

So here are the rules and prize:

1. Post a comment of any legitimate kind between now and next Friday at noon--a question, an encouragement, an agreement or disagreement, an idea, etc. and your name will go into the drawing. 50 comments equals 50 names in the hat. You get the idea.

2. I may select random comments to use in posts throughout this week--and I will give attribution by first name only.

3. For any person that joins our Facebook group this week as the direct result of your invitation--that will equal 5 names in the drawing. Just send me a note via our "Contact Us" page when your friend joins and I will make note of it.

4. THE PRIZE: A mint-condition, vintage apron that will have you singing the hubba hubba. I love it!

You Are Cordially Invited

Photo by shimelle

Confession is good for the soul.

So they say, right?

I have a confession. Hospitality scares me to death. I love people, make no mistake of that. In a crowded room, I enjoy meeting and greeting and everything that comes with it. I am not scared to be with strangers. Not a bit. But I am petrified when it comes to preparing a meal or actually going out on a limb and inviting someone into my home to eat that meal!

It's like the phantom monster under my childhood bed grew into a giant hospitality beast. And I'm pretty freaked out! "Would you like to come into my home and eat my potentially overcooked, under-worthy meal while I ask you fifteen extra times if you want something else to drink?!"

The reasonable part of me knows that there is nothing to be afraid of. The other half isn't reasonable.

It sounds crazy, but I'm guessing there are others like me. Considering I have hundreds of friends--literally--and have been invited into the homes of maybe half a dozen of them in the last year. (Or maybe two total.)

Well. I am prepared to conquer this fear. Because I believe that hospitality is a critical component of good home management. It's the part of our homes that exists to serve others. So part of this blog--over the next year--will be dedicated to journaling my steps toward becoming a confident hostess...

I will share with you the tips and tricks, the recipes (some for success and others for distaster) that lead the way. Want to come over?

My goal: inviting 52 people into my home during the next year. Hope you're ready.

Let the Good Times Roll

Photo by notahandbag

Someone suggested I write a post about how to pass the time while you clean.

So. Let's discuss ways to pass the time while you clean!

1. Enjoy music. Music gives you something to do with your mind while your hands are occupied doing mundane tasks.
2. Involve family members. Task mastership is a great tool for passing the time.
3. Listen to audio books. There are hundreds to choose from. Check with your local library.
4. Talk on your phone via an earpiece. Ear pieces were surely created for home managers.
5. Exercise. Use a pedometer. Rack up steps while you're cleaning. Practice your dance steps while vacuuming. Don't be afraid to be crazy. No one is watching...usually.

Close the blinds.

Dear HouseHoncho

Photo by brandongreer

I get several e-mails that sound eerily similar to this one:

Dear HouseHoncho,

Thank you for your site and your daily e-mail. Without them both, I don't know where I would be right now, but probably quite the mess. I am usually overwhelmed by my house and kids. I know I should be happy to have both and I try to be, but very seldom is my house cleaned the way it should be or my kids satisfied with what I do. It's a constant struggle to keep everything done. No one told me that house keeping would be this hard. I guess I don't know what I'm asking, but I am thankful to have a listening ear.

S.J.M.
Minnesota


Dear S.J.M. from Minnesota,

Thank you for your candid e-mail. While many home managers look like they have everything under control (and many do!) there are others who struggle on a daily basis to get their work done. You are not alone!

During the month of August, I plan to further explore goal setting on the blog and hope that you will follow and experiment with the concepts I share. There are always more efficient ways to do what needs to get done. And I fear that one reason we as home managers struggle to stay on top of things sometimes is because our goals are not aligned with our realities.

What I will say for now is this: Keep your eye on the prize. You have a home and family to love. Even when the dishes don't get done or the beds made or the laundry completed, you have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of your family today. Hang in there and check out the blog in August!

Keep it simple,

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Photo by Robb North

It's time to start thinking about school.

No, I'm not suggesting that you bring your summer fun to a premature end. There is still plenty of time for cookouts and campouts and softball tournaments. But, as is the case with most planning, forethought affords us the opportunity to do things best.

Regardless of whether you employ home school or day school, Here are just a few things to consider:

1. Watch for deals. Shopping centers will start advertising highly discounted school supplies--sometimes one or two items at a time--so be on the lookout. You don't HAVE to buy your supplies the week before school begins! (And often you can save money by purchasing items earlier!)

2. Talk with your children about what's going to happen this fall. The earlier the discussions begin (theoretically, of course) the longer your child has to acclimate to what is coming. Consider touring the school building or home classroom if it is your child's first year. (Anticipation is often a great tool!)

3. Brush up on previously-acquired skills. Give your child the advantage of entering the classroom well-reminded of what he or she has already learned. :) (Workbooks or books from last school year could be helpful for this!)

4. Consider beginning the routine sooner rather than later. Especially if your children are younger, try putting them to bed and waking them up more closely to this fall's school schedule. That way it won't be so unusual when the school bell tolls in a few weeks.

Most importantly, love 'em and enjoy 'em. Children are a gift.

Submit, Woman!

Photo by Trisha (This is Italics.)

My husband and I have a fairly jovial relationship.

We have a handfull of nicknames for each other--most of which bear no significance to anyone else. (Among other things, my husband calls me, "Kwanza." Don't ask.) We have several common interests, too many inside jokes, and years of shared history.

So I can't say that my submission to him--in the issues and decisions that govern our home--is a difficult thing. I appreciate his leadership and, for the most part, applaud his decisions without any type of reservation.

But I have met women who struggle with this concept of Biblical submission as Christ intends it.

Not all husbands, I understand, come with the Golden Rule tucked in their back pockets. And many men have weathered personal storms that have left them harsh or critical. Certainly, they are not without blame or excuse if they are making bad choices. But their sin is never a license for us to follow suit.

Here is the thought for this week: Submission, or the lack thereof, to anyone in authority is really only our outward manifestation of our internal submission to God.

This week, as we respect each other, honor our husbands, and love our children--may we understand that the very least of these demonstrations is our offering to God.

Eye for the Future

Photo by Popular Science Monthly, August 1925

It's Friday, and I'm thinking we need something a little lighter to think about today.

Question: What do your home management skills and the picture above have in common?

The sketch above was featured in the August 1925 edition of Popular Science Monthly, illustrating what a thriving city would likely resemble in 1950.

Answer: Both require a good amount vision.

On Farming and Futures

Photo by Todd Baker

Whether or not I respond to each comment left on the blog, make no
mistake. I do read them.

This recently-posted comment, made by someone nicknamed "career woman" intrigued me:

As career woman and as mother I don't understand how a woman does not work. Real woman must have it all: good job giving her financial independence and children who look at her personal example of being professional. This is how my grandmother lived, my mother and I live this way today. For me it is not encouraging story, it is back to darkness.

First, I must say that I appreciate anyone who takes the time to comment. I want to learn and understand how women (and men, for that matter!) view home management in our culture. Much of history pivots on the perspective of home and family. This comment is insightful.

But from my perspective, this comment misses a few essential points that I'd like to discuss. Feel free to weigh in on the conversation.

1. The statement, "I don't understand how a woman does not work" doesn't truly take into consideration the amount of work necessary to maintain a home. And while I understand that "work" in this context refers to punching a card at a place of business, I don't understand why any woman believes her value hinges on her outside employment. Some of the most influencial women in history never had an employer outside the home.

2. The statement, "Real woman must have it all: good job giving her financial independence and children who look at her personal example of being professional" lacks a true comprehension of what a woman truly needs. Good jobs don't always yield financial independence. Even if the job is high-paying, there is no guarantee that a woman's life will be free of cancer...natural disaster...a collapsed economy--taking everything she has.

Additionally, women who want children can't always have them. And, if a woman has children, her professionalism doesn't necessarily produce children who love, honor, or respect her for it. From my perspective, the belief that true success hinges on a good job, financial independence, and children who take note of her professionalism...is like building a house of cards in front of a blowing box fan.

3. Finally, the statement, "For me it is not encouraging story, it is back to darkness" gives me pause. We have more tools at our disposal than ever before to manage our homes successfully. I've never advocated shutting off the electricity or spending an entire day making lye soap. The concept that being a full-time home manager is archaic simply because women did it thousands of years ago doesn't mean it is "dark" or negative in any way. Farming is making a comeback. Recycling clothes and plant products is on the upswing. Minimalism--as as attitude and expression--is more popular than ever. But no one calls these choices, "darkness"--they are viewed as innovative because we've figured out how to do them better.

The reality is, women today are more educated, more prepared, and more interested in home management than ever before. This--like recycling or farming--isn't a sign that we are regressing, but rather, that the choice to do so has been wise all along.

Thank you for your feedback!

Exercise Your Right to Vote!

Photo by kimberlykv

Let's discuss feedback and voting.

First, feedback. I received this recent tip from a reader and want to pass it along:

Living in a hurricane prone area, we use empty cat litter plastic containers with lids to store items to grab and go if we need to. Have also put in more valuable keepsakes, etc. They have handles and stack perfectly. Can store first aid items, medications, snacks. They will also tend to be waterproof. And can be labeled with markers.

I love proactive readiness. And I love reader feedback! Thank you for sending this in!

Second, let's discuss voting. I want to let you know about a new feature on this site.

We now have a voting feature!

Here at HouseHoncho.com we are interested in building a website that is useful, productive, and encouraging to home managers everywhere. Many of our decisions are made based upon feedback we get from you.

One particular area of interest, recently, has been the function of this blog. And we seem to be receiving mixed opinions about what you want to read. SO. One of the tabs on the website is called "Vote!" and there is one question that I would love for you to answer between now and next Wednesday. Your response to this question will impact the future direction of the Kitchen Table Blog.

Thank you in advance for helping make HouseHoncho a beneficial site!

On Resignation and Prioritization

Photo by Muffet

I was going to discuss a reader-submitted tip. That will wait until tomorrow.

Today my boss resigned. And while that isn't unusual in and of itself--bosses resigning, I mean--her reason for doing so is unique. My boss is a fantastically professional woman. She is beautiful, classy, intelligent, and kind. She has been successful in building a nationally recognized company. And today she turned her back on it all (except for the occasional consulting if invited). Can you imagine why?

She wants to be a stay-at-home wife and mother.

When she announced her resignation and her reason for doing so, the entire room of people stood to their feet in united applause. A sea of men and women around me--who value hard work and success in corporate America--applauded this hugely successful woman for her decision to place her family first.

Make no mistake, readers. The family, the home, and the marriage are not archaic priorities. Deep in the hearts of many who punch a timecard is the desire to care for home and family.

We must not shrink back from what we believe. Valuing the home is a wonderful decision.

She did it. So can we.

Send it ASAP

Card by Buzza Cardozo (taken from Grandma's closet)

I have been busy at work tonight, writing a speech.

I am no Peggy Noonan (though at one time in my life I aspired to be) but I am happy with the job I've done. So I am going to stop speech writing and work on something much more fun...

I am building a greeting card file!

As part of my initiative to find places for everything in my home, I've decided that a drawer dedicated to stationary and greeting cards (like the one above by Buzza Cardozo)--organized by theme (birthday, anniversary, baby, encouragement, etc.) would be in order. Not only will this make life much simpler when I need to grab a card, but I will save money when I realize at the last minute that I need to send something through the mail ASAP.

No more $4 cards for me!

My dividers in the card drawer are simply 4x6 cards standing diagonally with the theme written clearly across the top.

Would you like to receive a card? I'm ready.

Thank You.

Photo by Marcus Cruz

You have a job to do.

God is aware of your efforts.

No meal prepared for the family has ever gone unnoticed. No middle-of-the-night care for your children or spouse has ever threatened the omniscience of the Creator. He sees your demonstration of love, observes your dedication of time, and values your gifts when you use them for Him.

So this week we care for our families--no matter what menial or mind numbing tasks may be involved--knowing that, whether or not our family notices . . .

He does.

Down by the Sea

Photo by Trisha

I am warning you. This is off-topic.

So it's Friday night and I am sitting in the house of someone who recently moved, helping her sort through her things. She has lived in her previous house a long time and has lots to keep/toss. I am finding cool things--embroidered pillow cases and collectible books.

(I'll forego telling you about the party favor made out of seashells. Eek.)

And it leads me to this thought: we keep cool momentos from family members--the handwritten notes, the much-loved dress, the family clock. (Do families have clocks?) But we do nothing to label these items so that future explorers/sorters know what they meant to us. So what's the point?

I don't have an answer tonight. But this much I know. The few family heirlooms in my possession need labeling. And I am going to figure out a way to write down what they mean to me. Otherwise they look like...well...party favors made out of seashells.

Put That Away!

Photo by Le Petit Poulailler

Want to change your perspective with one blog post?

Those of you gracious enough to follow this blog know that I am on a kick to find places for every item in my house. (Which is easier said than done, I promise you!) A clean house, after all, is far different than a house where every item is returned to its proper place every...single...time.

Today I would like to talk about the Golden Rule of Item Designation.

Golden Rule: When finding a place for each item in your home, it is critical that the place be ideal in proximity and in feasibility.

Proximity. If the best closet in your home existed in the laundry room downstairs and you decided that you wanted to hang all of your clothing in that closet, you would likely have an issue of proximity. Would you REALLY want to trapse up and down stairs each time you changed your clothes or put away laundry? Probably not. Soon, you would likely see little rebellious piles of clothing piling up in your bedroom.

Promixity means you pick the closet closest to where you change your clothes every day. So that it's EASY to put items where they belong!

Feasability. The shelf above the refrigerator probably isn't the place to store your everyday dishes. Sure--it's in the same room where you do your eating (unlike the closet where you did your changing). But who really wants to climb Kilimanjaro to set the table? Pretty soon you will likely find yourself serving dinner on paper plates every night or utilizing the kitchen counter as your new storage space.

Feasability means you choose the cupboard where you don't even have to stand on your tip toes to put the dishes away. So that it's EASY to put items where they belong!

Cleaning our homes shouldn't be hard. If it's hard, we need to re-evaluate our game plan.

Shelf It

Photo by ercwttmn

Operation Designation Is in Full Force.

If you come to my house, I am likely to put you in a cabinet.

I am back to the task of finding permanent places for each item in my home. Here are some things I've discovered:

1. You can place a shelf anywhere. And while I do not advocate buying shelves to ADD more to your home (since we believe in simplifying on this site) I do believe shelves make great added space if you need it. (Consider putting books on a wall shelf.)

2. You can lift the bed off of the floor and place the legs on bricks. This will add more storage space under the bed (which is space you're not technically using anyway. This provides added room for suitcases or larger plastic storage bins.)

3. Bookcases aren't just for books anymore. Consider storing DVDs and CDs neatly in this space. (This is great if you don't have a large entertainment cabinet.)

4. Jars are gifts from . . . whoever makes them. You can store practically anything in a jar and it looks great! Consider storing bathroom essentials or small, otherwise-loseworthy items like safety pins or ear swabs.

5. Vases are multi-taskers. Ever wonder what to do with the extra vases from all the flowers your significant other brings home? Well. Now you can use them to hold kitchen utensils or toothbrushes. Vases aren't just for flowers. They make other things look good, too!

I'm having the time of my life finding unusual ways to store everyday items in my home. I want each item to have a designated spot in my house. Do you?

Three Rules of Living

Photo by Horia Varlan

Let's start at the very beginning.

So I am calling this month, "Operation Designation" at my house. I am taking time every day to find places for every item in my home. No more miscellaneous drawers or random collections for me! No sir! I want every item in my home to have a place. And I want there to be a place for every time.

It's as *simple* as that.

But it occurred to me today that, in order to do this successfully, I have to abide by a set of standards--rules I'm not allowed to break. Ever. And, no surprise, they are the rules my mother taught me as a child.

Here is what they are:

1. If you use something, return it to its proper place.
2. If you make a mess, clean it up.
3. If you enter a room, improve it.

The trick is never allowing myself to break these rules--never giving myself the opportunity to be lazy. There will always be something more pressing to do. There will always be time later. There will always be more exciting tasks waiting around the corner.

But I recognize that, by abiding by these three rules, I will actually find more time to do what needs to be done.

Spacebook

Attempt #1 at a blog ring. Will try again later . . .

Calling all bloggers.

I want to form a strong home management network.

While I still have a stockpile of ideas that I am excited to share, I do believe there are hundreds of you from our readership who also have tips and tricks--as well as family insights that you've learned that would bring value to our readership. And I would love to involve you in House Honcho's growing mission to make home management a priority.

Over the past 100 days, we have formed a strong constituency of readers. Our statistics show that the House Honcho website receives daily hits from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, as well as 9 other countries. And we're just getting started.

Tonight, I will be adding a page to our website entitled, "Readership Network." If you have a blog that you would like to have listed--whether it's a blog about your life, your home, your family, your hobbies--let me know via the Contact Us page and I will review your blog for listing on this site. All I ask is that the blog be appropriate for all ages, promote home management values, and include the button (shown at the top of this page) in your blog sidebar so that we can continue to recruit home managers.

You list us. We list you. It's that simple.

As usual, in 30 days, if the page has not proven successful for our goals, we will take it down and move on to something else.

Anyone interested?

Happy 100th

Photo by Tobyotter

Tonight I watched the trails of pink and blue and green and yellow zip across the sky.

And I enjoyed the fact that I was sharing this first House Honcho achievement--blog entry number 100--with the 234th birthday of my country. I am truly blessed in many ways.

For the first 100 days, you have been very patient with me as I've steadied by blogging legs and learned how to manage this site. For the next 100 days, though, my mission is clear:

I want to challenge you to view home management as more than a laundry list of tasks and obligations. I want to encourage you to think of home management as a privilege, a mission, and a responsibility.

Feel the weight and wonder of this opportunity. YOU have the chance to build a home. YOU have the obligation to shape its occupants, fortify its mission, and improve its impact.

Tomorrow I will be unveiling the next new feature of HouseHoncho.com!

These next 100 days will be even better...

Welcome Home

Photo by Steve Snodgrass

THANK YOU.

Have a safe and happy July 4th with those you love!