Letter to the Editor

Today I could use this wonderful vintage umbrella, from calloohcallay.

Notes like this make my day. I'm not going to lie. I loved opening my House Honcho inbox and finding this:

Just a quick thanks for the daily e-mails.  I am a full-time working mom who insists on a spotless house, and so I spend a lot of my free time cleaning and organizing.  Your daily reminders have helped me to remember that baby steps are still steps, and so I choose 3 things from your list in addition to the "have to" chores like laundry and dishes.  My house is clean and I still have time with my family.  Thanks.  PS -- How to you choose items to put on the daily list?  Do you have a master list for each area that rotates?  How often do tasks repeat?

Denise



Dear Denise,

First of all, thank you. I made myself a mug of french toast coffee because of your sweet note. (And I don't even drink coffee.)

Home management, as I have learned and am still learning, is all about baby steps. In years past, I was overwhelmed by everything that "keeping house" included. At times, the various tasks began to feel like a hamster wheel. No sooner than the dishes were cleaned it was time to clean the dishes again, etc.

I love it now, and it is my desire (via this little blog) to encourage others to consider loving their homes as well.

Choosing tasks for the daily to-do list, is as simple as walking around my home and deciding what needs to be done. Not very scientific, but usually practical. Items sometimes repeat because not everyone chooses the same 3 tasks each time. I can honestly say I have never sent the same list twice. It's truly home-spun.

It is funny that you mentioned a "master list," because I am in the process of overhauling how the tasks are selected. Thousands of people have signed up for the list (and continue to sign up!) and I want to offer the most practical, yet attainable e-mail.

I feel like this blog has miles to go before I sleep. I am always looking for feedback and thank you for yours! It is always welcome!