Tag: homemakingtips

  • 8 Helpful MONSOON HOMEMAKING Hacks

    8 Helpful MONSOON HOMEMAKING Hacks

    Monsoon is a total bliss with all its adorable sound and green picturesque views. Many of us love the rainy season. We want to slow down and enjoy this special time of the year. However, like other seasons, monsoons come with their challenges too — moisture, dampened walls, and different insects.

    The rainy season calls for attention to maintain a healthy, hygienic, and pleasant atmosphere in your home while also relishing the lovely weather.

    That said, the wet and cloudy weather typically makes you feel lazy and sleepy. Bearing that in mind we have kept the homemaking routine and preventive arrangements simple and easy to follow.

    Today I have listed a few monsoon homemaking hacks that you might find helpful.

    8 HELPFUL MONSOON HOMEMAKING HACKS

    1| Replace thick fabric with lighter ones:

    The issue of stinky carpets/drapery is common in monsoons.

    Heavy rugs, doormats, curtains, and (too many) cushions/pillows retain moisture and give off a bad odor.

    Carpets/rugs/ sofa covers are free passes for the bugs too.

    So it’s logical to replace thicker fabric with thin, lightweight ones. As it’s even difficult to clean/wash and dry such items in rainy weather.

    It also makes sense to put away heavy, textured artwork that is complicated to clean and maintain.

    2| Keep kitchen sink dry:

    Excessive humidity enhances moisture levels in the kitchen.

    Also, it’s a trouble spot that attracts flies and yields a gross smell when dirty dishes are left longer.

    Doing the dishes a couple times a day and wiping the sink dry would prevent such issues.

    READ: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS

    3| Dry mop:

    In monsoons, dry/spot mopping is recommended instead of traditional wet mopping.

    This helps avoid moisture buildup besides keeping the floor clean.

    I spray some vinegar and Dettol all over the floor, which cleans and disinfects the floor pretty well.

    4| Dry dust:

    Similarly using dry cloth over damp cloth for dusting the surfaces and knick-knacks allows them to remain dry and germ-free as wood tends to distend/swell in a wet atmosphere.

    5| Stock up only required groceries:

    Avoid stocking up on extra groceries mainly edible products.

    Many things perish soon in wet weather. Some things solidify, and others melt down, irrespective of the measures you take.

    6| Ventilate longer possible:

    Keeping windows open during monsoon can be challenging since it causes insect trouble.

    But you can open them using net shade.
    ventilation is crucial to keep the musty smell at bay and prevent moles and mildew in the home.

    7| Stay on top of laundry:

    Drying the clothes is a big concern in rainy weather.

    Smaller loads are easier to handle and dry faster during rains.

    Even if you have a big load of laundry, split them into two small piles. The clothes with smaller loads wash well, dry soon, and are easier to fold and put away.

    READ: HOW TO CREATE A LAUNDRY SYSTEM THAT WORKS

    8| Declutter and have minimum stuff:

    All of the above steps make sense when you declutter now and then and own less stuff.

    Organizing clutter is wearisome.

    Removing unwanted stuff from your home means creating more space to (neatly) organize your valuable possessions.

    Also, owning less stuff means fewer things to worry about and saving from mold and mildew in monsoon season.

    Additional Tips:

    • Have a shoe rack at the entrance so you can remove your wet shoes outside the door
    • Discard garbage daily to eliminate odor
    • Avoid standing water anywhere in the house
    • Place plants in open spaces outside the house as they cause wetness and attract bugs
    • Cooking and eating under bright light is recommended in cloudy weather.
    • Check electric power ties to ensure safety in case of leaks
    • Maintain a clean and dry bathroom to prevent mustiness. Disinfectant regularly for better hygiene
    • Switch on the fan to keep the surroundings dry and fresh

    Those are some important tips to take good care of your home and resolve weather-related issues.

    Don’t get so occupied that you miss out on enjoying this blissful time of the year (monsoon).

    Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    Radhe Radhe Pranam to all devotees.

    Today was all about Iskcon prasadam, my favorite.

    My day started at 5:30 a.m.

    We had plans to visit Iskcon temple Mira Road so I had to complete my daily sadhana, household duties, and individual schedule early.

    Iskcon Prasadam Mira Road| Full Day Routine| Devotee Lifestyle

    First I did my sadhana.

    After that, I quickly cleaned the kitchen (post-breakfast), swept the floors, and finished my 10-minute home tidy-up routine to ensure everything was in place and the house was neat and tidy when we got back.

    One important rule in my house is to complete the non-negotiable duties (seva) before leaving.

    We were going for lunch prasadam. Hence, no meal preparations today.

    Breakfast was a Mango milkshake. (Forgot to click pictures)

    We reached Iskcon temple in the late afternoon since we had a surprise visit.

    The lunch prasadam as traditionally was heartwarming.

    Iskcon Prasadam

    It’s deity resting time from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so the temple reopens at 4:30 p.m..

    We always love to hang out in the temple space after having prasadam.

    At 4:30 p.m. Lord’s darshan is open again for everyone.

    We attended aarti and had the beautiful darshan of the Lord.

    In Iskcon Mira Road, there’s Sri Sri Jagannath Swami, Subhadra Maiyya, and Baldev Dau on the right, Sri Sri RadhaGiridhariji in the center, and Gaur-Nitai deities on the left.

    The deities were beautifully dressed in maroon attire.

    The environment and experience were as always – divine.

    It is very peaceful all along.

    The preparations for Sri Ram Navami were underway in the temple and outside.

    We came back home in the evening.

    We got some food for dinner from the Govindas Bakery.

    After that, I completed my laundry routine. Picked up the house quickly. Cleaned the kitchen. And, checked the next day’s preparations for Sri Ram Navami.

    That was all about my day.

    Be sure to share how you all celebrated Sri Ram Navami. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • A New Beginning

    Life seasons change and so do we all.

    With age, we grow not only physically but spiritually.

    Over time our desires and preferences change.

    I went through something similar.

    Simple living led me to a more spiritual life.

    I experienced homemaking getting fairly easy and more delightful as my life evolved and became centered on God.

    In this new faith-centered life journey, you can expect a more traditional homemaking in modern times.

    Powerful ways to carry out household duties efficiently.

    Hereupon, along with the homemaking topic, you’ll find plenty of simple and frugal living ideas to lead a more peaceful life and embrace a simple existence.

    Come a long way to love homemaking a little more as it becomes a walk in the park.

  • 10-Minute Daily Tidy Up Routine

    10-Minute Daily Tidy Up Routine

    The struggle to keep the house clean and tidy is real. Some days you comfortably get everything done and keep on top of things. Other times you may be occupied with other important work. And a few occasions, you may feel low or simply don’t want to do anything. Today I have a quick 10-minute tidy-up routine that’ll help you keep your home neat and clean all the time.

    Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure keeping the house clean and tidy isn’t hard as we think. With this daily 10-minute tidy-up routine you’re never going to look back. No more cluttered and messy space; no more embarrassing unexpected visits; no more beating yourself up for leaving the house in a mess.

    You can follow this 10-minute tidy-up routine to utilize your day effectively. And never feel unaccomplished even a single day with this daily 10-minute routine.

    You can get this routine done at any time of the day. I prefer to finish it in the morning so my house stays clean and tidy all day. Also, we have friends coming in at any time of the day (yes without prior notice) so this teeny-tiny routine helps me be carefree in such situations.

    Grab your all-purpose cleaner, microfibre cloth/cleaning rag, and a basket, and let’s get started.

    DAILY 10-MINUTE HOME TIDY UP ROUTINE

    1| 3-minute Living room tidy-up:

    So I begin with my living room for the obvious reason of getting it in order first.

    I set the timer for 3 minutes and start with the coffee table, moving around and putting things back where they belong. To collect all the items from other rooms, I carry a basket/bag.

    Next, I gather dirty clothes in one corner of my room.

    Straighten up the cushions, throws, and things out of place.

    This will make the next step easier — which is dusting.

    I quickly dust the knick-knacks and wipe down the surfaces. No thorough cleaning here. Just quickly go through everything wiping it down with a cloth.

    Quickly vacuum the rug and floor.

    And head to the bedroom.

    2| 2-minute bedroom tidy up:


    I make my bed first thing in the morning so that’s one less thing to do.


    In the same way as the living room, I set the timer for 2 minutes, and start clockwise restoring things in their designated place.

    Other stuff goes into the basket and laundry gets collected at one end of the room.

    Quickly wipe down the surfaces, bedsides, and dresser.

    Vacuum the floor, grab the dirty laundry, and head to the laundry area.

    3| 5-minute kitchen tidy up:

    Lastly, I again set the timer for 5 minutes. If there’s any clutter on the countertop I clear it. I quickly wash the dishes (if any). If you have a dishwasher you can load/unload it.

    Then I quickly wipe down the stove, countertop, dining room table, and chairs.

    Sweep/mop the floor and that’s it.

    Related: How To Keep Your Kitchen Clean In 10 Minutes or Less!

    Final words:

    One thing I would like to suggest is to move faster. You can consider this as your 10-minute exercise routine. And you’ll be amazed at how much you get done in this short time.

    Also if you have a few more minutes, tidy up the entryway. That way at least your main areas look neat and clean.

    If you religiously follow this 10-minute tidy-up routine, your house will be clean and tidy for the most part. Following this routine daily cleaning is going to be a breeze. Later it’ll hardly take you 10 minutes to complete the routine.

    Follow this quick routine for 1 week and let me know how it goes.

    Also, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • How to WAKE UP EARLY (3 Powerful Tips for Homemakers)

    How to WAKE UP EARLY (3 Powerful Tips for Homemakers)

    Homemakers must wake up early. That’s what I highly recommend after enjoying the fruits of starting my day early.

    I know the more enriching it sounds, the harder it is to implement.

    Yet I want to assure you it is not as difficult as we think.

    Today I’m going to be sharing three powerful tips that helped me kickstart my day effortlessly (without having to forcefully drag myself out of bed). In fact, it made me eagerly await each morning.

    Wake-up early benefits:

    The first and foremost benefit is you add extra hours to your day which means more time for yourself.

    You can use this (uninterrupted) time to plan/organize your day peacefully, exercise, meditate, or pray.

    Rising early improves sleep quality which perfects bodily functions and keeps you feeling reenergized throughout the day.

    Better sleep also means

    • improved concentration
    • enhanced speed
    • reduced stress level
    • better mood
    • better decision-making
    • stronger immune system
    • Zero to low chance of obesity and lifestyle-related health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.,

    Also, most of us are said to be more productive during the early hours.

    How to wake up early without feeling tired?

    Go to bed early:

    I know that sounds boring. But getting plenty of sleep is essential to help you prevent getting back to sleep again.

    A consistent bedtime routine allows your body and mind to maintain a natural sleep-wake cycle.

    Check out these 8 Tips To Get Better Sleep (for busy moms)

    Avoid daytime naps:

    With inadequate sleep at night, yearning for a couple of daytime naps is unsurprising.

    It can make some people feel awakened and charged. Yet different studies have varied impressions.

    The time and duration of your naps should be moderate.

    It’s good to avoid daytime naps if you regularly encounter difficulty falling asleep at night.

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    Prepare ahead:

    Following a good morning and evening routine can help you prepare carefully.

    A little preparation ahead of time keeps you inspired to wake up early.

    Tasks like putting out clothes and belongings for the next day, getting the kitchen ready for breakfast, and maintaining an organized space make all the difference.

    How to WAKE UP EARLY: 3 Powerful Tips for Homemakers

    So here are the 3 Ms of waking up early:

    1| Know your motive:

    Have a reason to rise early in the morning.

    Create an inspiring morning routine that motivates you to wake up early.

    A holistic morning routine always proves to be the best.

    Early morning is when your mental focus/presence of mind is in full swing.

    If you want to acquire knowledge, learn new skills, or do your sacred practice — early morning hours are the best.

    What is that one thing that can draw you out of bed persistently each morning, even on days it seems challenging?

    Maybe some ‘me time or a favorite project. It can be time for

    • reading a book
    • reading articles online
    • watching youtube videos
    • do painting
    • do gardening
    • doing prayer
    • practice singing
    • practice dancing
    • do self-care
    • complete a home organization projects
    • get the cleaning done/power hour cleaning
    • practice baking/cooking
    • learning a new skill
    • playing sport

    The options are endless. They say early in the morning the brain is a power station of creativity. Utilize these zero-distraction golden hours to sharpen your skills.

    2| Practice mindfulness:

    Mindfulness might sound dull and difficult at the same time.

    Well, to be honest, just like any other habit practicing mindfulness requires effort initially but gets easier after it becomes part of your daily life.

    That said, practicing even a few minutes a day can significantly impact your life.

    Mindfulness lowers stress and anxiety and helps you become calm and efficient. It improves your sleep quality and concentration and restores your emotional balance.

    There are various ways you can practice mindfulness:

    • avoid multi-tasking/Focus on one thing at a time
    • Focusing on your breath
    • Meditation
    • Chanting mantras
    • Journaling
    • practicing gratitude
    • Taking a walk in a park
    • Relaxing bath
    • pursuing a hobby

    The ability to be in the present moment will train you a little more day by day. And the calmness is sure to await you every single morning.

    3| Motion:

    Countless studies say active individuals have a lesser risk of health concerns.

    Even a few minutes of exercise leads to significant results.

    Plus, you have the liberty to choose the exercise form you enjoy. It can be swimming, yoga, pilates, aerobics, weight training, floor exercises, walking, or gymming.

    You can also invite your friends or join group activities.

    Morning is the best time to exercise as it helps remain undistracted, boosts metabolism, burns fats and helps you lose weight.

    Final words:

    Now you know it’s not that difficult to wake up early in the morning. It’s just that you need a mindset shift.

    I hope you find these tips helpful. Don’t forget to leave your tips, tricks, and thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Great morning!

  • A Simple WEEKLY CLEANING ROUTINE you can stick to

    A Simple WEEKLY CLEANING ROUTINE you can stick to

    A clean home is a happy home. An effective weekly cleaning routine that goes with your morning and nightly cleaning routine can help maintain a clean and organized home. In fact, a SIMPLE weekly cleaning routine that you can stick to.

    A little dedication towards your home (a few days a week) will ensure it is always clean and tidy.
    Maybe a quick 15-minute afternoon cleaning to complement your morning and nighttime cleaning routine.
    Daily and weekly cleaning is essential for people who hate cleaning. Because if you’re not fond of a sprint (daily cleaning). I’m sure you dread a marathon (deep cleaning).

    To avoid those labor-intensive deep cleaning days and to enjoy your weekends, it is always wise to do a little bit of cleaning on a daily and weekly basis.

    A weekly cleaning routine ensures your home stays clean with minimal effort.

    Cleaning becomes a breeze when you are consistent with it.

    You can knock off cleaning tasks in a matter of minutes.

    However, if cleaning is neglected for several weeks, it takes too much time and hard work to get your house back in shape.

    So let’s have a look at some cleaning tasks to include in your weekly cleaning routine that’ll help keep your whole house spic and span.

    A SIMPLE WEEKLY CLEANING ROUTINE YOU CAN STICK TO

    MONDAY – KITCHEN DAY

    After your Sunday gourmet meals and weekly meal prep-up, it makes sense to clean the kitchen and get it ready for the week.

    No matter how much you try to keep on top of things – dishes, mail, groceries, the kitchen gets messy and cluttered real quick.

    That said, it’s really easy to maintain a clean kitchen with this doable checklist.

    Kitchen day cleaning tasks go as follows

    • Dust spiderwebs (if any)
    • Clear clutter on countertops
    • Clean stovetop
    • Wipe sink
    • Wipe appliances and countertops
    • Wipe down cabinet doors
    • Wipe cabinet top
    • Wipe dining room table and chairs
    • Check the refrigerator for spoiled food
    • Mop floor

    Remember, you don’t have to do all the tasks each week. Just focus on a small part every week.

    Read How To Clean Your Kitchen In 10 Minutes or Less!

    TUESDAY – DEEP CLEANING DAY

    Although regular cleaning can pretty much keep grime and grease under control, there are additional layers of mold and filth that require extra hands.

    Assigning one deep cleaning day in your week can prevent it from becoming a massive, unbearable job.

    • Declutter, organize, or deep clean — one drawer/shelf.
    • Wipe all of the light fixtures and ceiling fans
    • Wipe down windows and doors
    • Organize entryway
    • Vacuum rugs
    • Vacuum furniture and upholstery

    Pick 1 task per week and keep rotating.

    Without delaying until spring or fall, deep clean just one area (focus on one small part) in your home for no more than 15 minutes a week, and cleaning would be less daunting.

    WEDNESDAY – BEDROOM DAY

    Your bedroom is where you start and end your day. It should be inviting.

    A neat and clean bedroom means a peaceful and comfy space for unwinding after a long day.

    Mornings are a mad race in a house that is messy and cluttered.

    But when your bedroom is clean and organized, people in your family can take things slow. They can locate items, get dressed up, or relax comfortably.

    Simplifying your bedroom and keeping essential stuff makes cleaning easier, lighter, and more comfortable.

    • Put things back into their place.
    • Wipe furniture and knickknacks
    • Straighten up the dresser and nightstands
    • Declutter/organize a couple of shelves in your closet
    • Rearrange dresser
    • Rearrange nightstands
    • Change sheets
    • Empty trash
    • Vacuum

    It is always good to make your bed daily.

    Read How To SPEED CLEAN Your House in JUST 30 Minutes

    THURSDAY – BATHROOM DAY

    Best time to accomplish your bathroom cleaning tasks? During your kid’s tub time.

    You’ll be amazed to know you can clean your entire bathroom in so little time.

    • Declutter, wipe down, and arrange the drawers and cabinets
    • Wipe down mirrors and surfaces
    • Clean toilet (top-bottom)
    • Clean up shower
    • Clean up floor
    Read How To Keep Your Bathroom Clean In 5 Minutes A Day

    FRIDAY – LIVING ROOM

    If you feel there are fewer tasks in your living room day, go ahead and finish up the remaining laundry. That way, you can sit back and enjoy your weekend, without thinking about cleaning.

    • Put away toys and other belongings
    • Straighten up and wipe the TV unit
    • Wipe down lamps and lights
    • Straighten up entryway
    • vacuum

    Again pick tasks that are urgent. Choose high-priority areas. Areas that need your critical attention at that moment.

    Final words:

    A clean home positively improves the quality of your life.

    Effective cleaning routines ensure your house stays clean and tidy all the time without even knowing.

    It’s okay if you cannot accomplish each task written in your weekly cleaning routine. Just focus on getting something done each day. And in no time your home will be a much better place.

    No more scary surprise visits; no more embarrassment; no more beating yourself up.

    This weekly cleaning routine will help transform your home into a peaceful haven.

    Over to you. Be sure to share your weekly cleaning routine in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Cleaning!
  • How To Be A Good Homemaker [Your Ultimate Guide]

    How To Be A Good Homemaker [Your Ultimate Guide]

    How to be a good homemaker without sacrificing yourself? Is it even possible?

    The answer is a BIG Yes!

    Let’s find out how.

    A homemaker usually doesn’t prefer to work outside. She chooses to stay home to care for the family.

    A person (mostly women) who is in charge of all regards or details of the household.

    What makes a woman a homemaker?

    Many women believe in managing their homes instead of pursuing a career or working outside.

    The main reason that we come across is raising kids.

    Some moms don’t find it safe to send their babies to daycare and prefer to stay home to care for them.

    A homemaker is a woman who manages her home; carries out household chores; nurtures her family, and makes her home a warm, welcoming place.

    What makes a good homemaker?

    A good homemaker is a hard worker. Someone who treats homemaking as a full-time job.

    A good homemaker is productive, attentive, sincere, and enthusiastic.

    She ensures her house runs smoothly. She sees that her family eats healthy, timely meals and that her pantry is well-stocked. Besides this, she rechecks that her family doesn’t run out of clean clothes and that her house is picked up regularly.

    She is well-organized and can manage finances really well.

    How to be an efficient homemaker?

    To be an efficient homemaker, you need some sort of training or you at least need to figure out what to do (around the house). You should learn to get things done, and some basic homemaking skills that would make your job easier.

    You don’t want your husband and kids to live in a house that is a total mess. Your husband to cook meals for you and your kids or wash dishes after a long work day only because you don’t know how to cook and clean.

    To be an efficient homemaker, you must be disciplined and know how to use your time sensibly.

    Create a schedule or routine (if you prefer flexibility) for your daily household chores.

    Because having a good schedule or routine can help you get things done on autopilot.

    What to do as a homemaker?

    Being the keeper of our home, your average time may look like cooking meals, washing dishes, doing laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the house in general, changing bed linens, removing the trash, and paying bills.

    How much does a homemaker get paid or can you get paid to be a homemaker?

    A homemaker usually does not get paid for her work.

    That said, there are a lot of costs in running a household including the cost of food (eating out), cleaning service (daily as well as deep cleaning), daycare/childcare, and work-commute expenses that can be around or bigger than a person’s salary.

    The sum of all these costs is the money a homemaker saves/earns through her hard work.

    Also, a homemaker works full-time without a day of rest.

    Is it okay to be a homemaker?

    This is a challenging question and individual call.

    Whether it’s okay for you to be a homemaker is not a common approach as it entirely depends on how things stand. It relies on your financial conditions, priorities, and necessities.

    Being a homemaker is also a case of individual interest or purpose.

    Some people appreciate staying home caring for their family and performing household duties. Others have to stay home for a certain period. Maybe a few years until their kids grow up before they go back to work. Also, others lack interest in homemaking and go back to work more willingly.

    And out of most, finance is the only reason to work outside no matter how much a woman wants to stay home for her family.

    What does it mean to be a good homemaker?

    So before we jump into the steps, let me tell you I’m NOT an expert/perfectionist. I don’t have it all together. I have learned this through trial and error, and I’m still learning every day. Yes, homemaking may seem plain and simple but you learn so much every day.

    Many times things don’t go as planned even after a lot of effort. You need smart homemaking skills and techniques to make the most of your time.

    HOW TO BE A GOOD HOMEMAKER | Be A ROCKSTAR HOMEMAKER |

    1| Wake up Early:

    I know that sounds terrible but this one step will make your life so much better.

    If you manage your time well, you’ll hardly run short of it. What another good way to add extra hours to your day than waking up early.

    How early is again something that may vary based on where you are in life? If you have little ones for whom you were up all night, waking up early would be really difficult.

    But if you have grown-ups or don’t have kids, then waking up before them or your husband is really going to help.

    You can utilize the early hours of your day in quite a few ways.

    • You can exercise, meditate, write a journal, practice gratitude, simply slow down to have your cup of coffee or practice some mindfulness before you begin your day.
    • You can freshen up and get started with prepping up your meals, planning your day, and prepping up other necessary things.
    • Thirdly, you can utilize your morning hours to do your power-hour home cleaning routine so that you get housework out of your way first thing in the morning even before family members wake up.

    Anyways is a win-win. And I can assure you, you’ll have a more productive day with this simple step of waking up a little early.

    2| Simplify your life:

    Not talking about minimalism or simple living here. Although that would do wonders for your homemaker life.

    We are talking about choosing what’s important in life and getting rid of anything that no longer adds value to your life. Like things that demand your attention and care but don’t positively serve you. Things that simply clutter your home and life.

    This ranges a lot of things —  from physical objects to cleaning tasks to complex recipes to bad habits to spending time with toxic people.

    How To Be A Good Homemaker [Your Ultimate Guide]
    Here’s an article on how to simplify homemaking that would help you streamline housework.

    3| Prioritize:

    If you ever feel you had a busy day but didn’t accomplish much as you hit the sack, prioritizing the tasks would really, really help.

    From now on, every day, write out 5 tasks that are constantly on your mind. 3 out of 5 are crucial/urgent/must-do tasks and another 2 are urgent but helpful if they get done.

    This will narrow down and allow you to focus on what actually needs to get done.

    4| Cook and serve tasty meals:

    Capsule menu plan: I will highly recommend homemakers create a capsule menu plan of the only recipes your family truly enjoys. Discard everything else. You can keep on updating the list as you find better recipes. This step will simplify your meal planning job.

    Meal plan: Planning ahead is always a great way to ensure you eat healthy and yummy meals at home.

    Grocery shop: It is important to see what you have on hand and what needs to be stocked up. Meal planning and grocery shopping are two major things that would simplify your homemaker’s life like never before.

    Prep up: Cuts cooking time in half and you help avoid last-minute orders from the restaurant especially when life happens. You’re more likely to cook at home because you know half of your job is already done.

    Go for easy-peasy recipes. Keep the meals simple. One side dish with the main dish. Try new recipes for a relaxing day.

    Related: How To Meal-Plan — in 3 Easy Steps

    74 Frugal Foods To Build Your Pantry On A Budget

    5| Have a cleaning routine:

    Having a routine is key to being organized and productive. Following a routine is a great time management technique.

    Everyone’s routine may look different so it’s always better that you create your own.

    Routines/rhythms are better than schedules because they are flexible.

    There are certain must-dos for a smooth-running home. Those are keeping on top of dishes, and laundry, and having a tidy living room/bedroom.

    Related: How to Clean Your Kitchen In 10 Minutes or Less!

    Quick Morning Cleaning Routine For Busy Moms

    Quick & Easy Night-Time Cleaning Routine — For Relaxing Mornings

    6| Have fixed/determined working hours:

    Utilize either the morning hours or late evenings. Morning hours before other people in your family wake up or at night, when everyone is in bed — the best time to quickly get the house in order.

    Things like getting breakfast ready, prepping dinner, putting things straight, sweeping/vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, or tidying the bathroom.

    Having determined working hours (just like a 9-5 job) would allow easy hours in case of emergencies.

    Just like 9-5 career women, who work for 8 hours and have a life outside of work. Their specific time frame allows them to focus on themselves, their families, their friends, and the things they love.

    Homemakers should determine their working hours too.

    Knowing that you’re going to work for a fixed period only — will help you stay focused and motivated toward your household duties. And homemaking will never seem like an endless job.

    I love it when things are easy and consume little time. Ever since I have set limited working hours, I appreciate housework and happily look forward to it every single day.

    7| Create a joyful sense:

    Home is where love resides, memories are made, and laughter is shared.

    Being the keeper of our home, it’s our responsibility to try to create a place our family enjoys and appreciates being in.

    Even though it isn’t possible to have the best life all the time, aiming to create at least 3 best memories each day can help you create a loving home for your family.

    8| Dress up:

    When a woman works outside, she pays attention to her looks but when we stay home her appearance gets overlooked.

    Believe it or not, doing yourself up makes you feel confident and makes a better impression on others.

    Never forget how important your job (as a homemaker) is. Never downgrade or undervalue your role as a homemaker.

    You have courage.

    Every night, set something nice aside to wear the next day. Wear a good pair of earrings. Find a cute hairstyle that suits you. Be sure to put on your favorite lipstick and some nice fragrance before you start your day.

    9| Decorate your home:

    Most of the time, a good homemaker is well-organized and puts effort into making her home look decent if not stylish and trendy.

    10 Responsibilities of a Homemaker: ROLE OF HOMEMAKER

    Some statement decor pieces here and there. Some fresh curtains, sofa/bed/pillow covers, runners/table mats, floor mats, plants, and good fragrances. A little thoughtfulness in the products you use for organizing household stuff really goes a long way in creating a cozy space.

    You’ll definitely receive compliments on your efforts to make your place pleasant and hospitable for those who walk in through the door.

    Read 11 Inexpensive Ways To Beautify Your Home

    10| Be skillful:

    Utilize the internet to the fullest. Learn clever cleaning techniques; better ways to teach new things to your kids; time-saving kitchen tips; decor stuff; home improvement hacks, find helpful apps; stay up to date; and find easy-to-incorporate exercise techniques.

    Remember, you HAVE TO change people’s outlook on homemakers. You should at least work as much on yourself as anyone who meets you is amazed by your looks, confidence, and attitude.

    Bonus tip:

    Have some time out of your home and family life.

    It can be 30 minutes of exercise. Learning a new skill. Learning a new language. Continuing your academic studies. Swimming. Singing. Painting. photography. Gardening. Learning a new dance form. Anything you love. Just be sure to make time for yourself.

    Maybe baking and selling goodies. A cooking blog/YouTube channel. Selling garments. Sewing clothes. The kind of hobby that earns you some money. Even a little financial independence would do wonders (for your own gratification).

    Have food on time. Drink water when thirsty. Get enough sleep. Never neglect your health. Your next chore can wait for some time. Your health should always be your priority.

    Final words:

    No matter what people think, being a homemaker is a challenging job. You can try to be your best but also accept that you may not always get it right. Sometimes, you make errors or fall short. And sometimes you may have little ones to care for or a work-from-home job that demands attention.

    All you can do is focus on action and not results.

    Aim for progress, not perfection.

    Always remember — one step at a time.

    Every baby step counts.

    Gradually, with time you’ll get asked for your tips and tricks to be a better homemaker.

    Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • 25 Useful Homemaking Tips That’ll Save Time & Money

    25 Useful Homemaking Tips That’ll Save Time & Money

    In all sincerity—managing a home is no piece of cake.

    It involves learning various skills, hacks, and techniques that would make your job painless as possible.

    I keep saying and I’ll say that again —  it’s those teeny-tiny things that make a whole lot of difference in homemaking.

    Many of you might already be following the homemaking tips that I’m going to share with you today. But quite often we fail to remember them in the course of the day.

    These tips are sure to save you time and money around the house while also making your life a lot simpler. So, here are my simple and effective homemaking tips.

    25 Best Homemaking Tips To Save Time And Money

    25 Useful Homemaking Tips That’ll Save Time & Money

    1) Does your food go to waste a lot of time? Having measuring cups could help prevent cooking excess amounts than what is required. It’ll be easier for you to apprehend the quantity by measuring it a few times. Having an overview of the amount of food each member of your family requires will make cooking smaller/larger quantities easier.

    2) Always stock up on the necessary staples so you don’t run out of the main ingredients required to cook your basic meals. This a very important step to save time and money on a needless grocery visit.

    3) Have a notebook to write out homemaking goals and review the progress.

    4) Bring your grocery bags to the store (every time). Keeping a couple of them in your car will come in handy in case you forget to bring them, like me😀.

    5) Using an excessive amount of cleaning products will only make your cleaning job time-taking. Either it’ll take longer to rinse off or leave soap stains. Too much cleaning product isn’t good for our health as well (in the case of dishwashing and laundry).

    6) List down the not-so-favorite food/personal care/decor items (that you had bought but didn’t like) to avoid purchasing them again.

    7) Utilize reusable cloth rags instead of paper towels. They’re convenient to use, economical and eco-friendly.

    25 Useful Homemaking Tips That'll Save Time & Money

    8) Placing table mats inside the drawers and cabinets can make cleaning easier — just pull the placemat out and wipe it.

    9) A plastic bag holder and dispenser will keep all of your bags orderly and neat.

    10) Buying onions, potatoes, and apples in bulk (from the 10 lbs or so, mesh bags) is relatively low-cost versus buying the loose or regular-sized packs.

    11) Never store onions and potatoes together. The moisture and gases in the potatoes perish the onions sooner.

    25 Useful Homemaking Tips To Save Time & Money

    12) To make onions last longer — sun dry them for a few days until their roots become dry and the skin somewhat crisp. Store them in open baskets or mesh bags.

    13) Stock onions and potatoes in a well-ventilated, cool, dry, dark place.

    14) Store tomatoes and ginger out of the fridge to retain their taste.

    25 Useful Homemaking Tips To Save Time & Money

    15) Store bananas separately from other fruits to prevent spoilage.

    16) The cheese becomes tender at room temperature and is easier to grate.

    17) To avoid pasta from sticking — drain the water by putting it into a big strainer after boiling and running it under cold water.

    18) Thorough sweeping permits postponing mopping sessions or making the mop time — lighter and super fast.

    19) Make a habit to clean spills/splatters straight off since the dried food/fluid is hard to come off.

    20) Have a designated place for everything and make sure everything is in its place.

    21) Practice the one-in-one-out rule. For every item that comes in, something has to go out.

    22) Use a lint-free dry dust cloth to clean the electronic appliances to prevent moisture and fluff build-up.

    23) Airing out the rooms at least for 10 minutes every day can help prevent the accumulation of moisture, awful smell, and therefore, insects and pests.

    24) The cheapest and better way to get rid of unpleasant odors and make your home smell fresh — is simmering orange zest.

    25) The most effective tool for keeping your bathroom clean is a squeegee — a big one for floors and a small one for walls. Just spray some cleaner, once in a while, and you’re good to go.

    26) Store food in metal or glass containers over plastic. Metal containers unlike plastic are non-toxic and durable, and they keep the food fresh for a longer time.

    27) This tip isn’t economical (since it uses more water, electricity, and time) but is very effective to get the best out of your laundry wash cycle — use less detergent and increase the number of rinse-wash rounds. What cleans your clothes off of sweat and dirt really well is the number of times they get rinsed with clean water and not solely the amount of soap used.

    Those were my homemaking tips that would save you time and money around the house. Let me know if you find them useful and want me to add another set of quick household tips that would be helpful in any way.

    Thank you so much for reading. Happy Homemaking!

  • How To Get Motivated To Clean

    How To Get Motivated To Clean

    The holiday season is here, it’s time to shake things up a little bit at home.

    During this time of the year, when you just want to get cozy snuggling up in your warm blanket with a hot cup of coffee. Cleaning is the last thing on your mind.

    Sunny mornings have something to brighten up your mood and get you to clean without thinking much. Fall cleaning? Certainly calls for motivation.

    How To Get Motivated To Clean

    If you’re still easing up, I’m here to help you with some tips and tricks to get motivated to clean.

    HOW TO GET MOTIVATED TO CLEAN

    Have a cleaning caddy:

    Firstly, in order to make the cleaning process convenient, buy yourself the appropriate tools. Trying a new appliance or product is a great way to get motivated to clean.

    Having a well-organized caddy will make cleaning the entire house a lot easier (grab and go).

    Check out why you must own proper cleaning tools and some affordable options here

    Dress suitably:

    Outfit changes our attitude. So dress up for success.

    I have a separate pair of cleaning outfits. Something comfortable and nice-looking. I also like to tie my hair up in a bun and wear my apron and gloves.

    Identify your cleaning personality type:

    Do you like to get the cleaning done in one go or one thing at a time? Determine your cleaning personality type to work accordingly.

    If you’re someone who likes to clean in one go, set aside two or three days depending upon the level of cleaning. Dedicate those days to cleaning only.

    What I do on the days I deep clean is – order food from outside and use disposable cups and plates to save additional workload – cooking and cleaning. I also skip the laundry that day. I don’t blog and don’t exercise. Instead, I only spend my time cleaning to get it done as quickly as possible. That saves me energy and time from my daily activities and helps me get the deep cleaning done real quick.

    Limit the time:

    I love how The fly lady says “your house didn’t get messy overnight don’t expect it to get clean in a night “.

    Ascertaining time is the key to getting motivated to clean. The timer technique does well in this case.

    Stopping amidst a project you could no longer resist the urge to clean the next day. 

    Speed up:

    Often, the chores take lesser time than we think.

    Getting lost/consumed in thoughts or distracted by your phone or TV reduces our pace of work drastically. But actually being sluggish is a huge stumbling block too. Nobody wants tedious tasks. 

    Similarly, some mistakes can impede speed.

    For many years, I didn’t realize what was taking me so much time to do just a few dishes. Then I figured I was using the dish detergent excessively. By excessively I mean awfully.

    I don’t know what got me thinking more product means cleaner utensils. In fact, more product means 5x times more rinsing; more waste of water; more cleaning to do. Plus, it is harmful to your health if the dishes didn’t get rinsed properly. 

    One way to increase your working speed is by recording the time it takes you to complete each task (from start to finish). Then, next time, while performing the same tasks set the timer five minutes early than the time you require to finish them.

    Challenge yourself to finish the task before the timer goes off, and do it well.

    Practice this every day to increase your speed of work. 

    Make a cleaning checklist/use free printables:

    Having a visual checklist will keep you sane. You’ll have a basic idea of what you want to accomplish.

    With a list, nothing will be forgotten or undone. Printables will point out unremembered tasks.

    It’ll help you keep track of your progress as well.

    Conquer OCD:

    Once you have cleaned one thing really well. Proceed. Don’t get stuck in one place ensure everything is clean over and over again.

    As we saw in the earlier post, there’s no such thing as perfection.

    Don’t strive for it. Or you will feel unfulfilled all the time.

    Remember done is always better than perfect.

    Related: One Simple Trick That’ll Transform Your Homekeeping

    Avoid needless cleaning:

    Clean only what needs care and attention. You shouldn’t get caught up with things that are clean already. 

    Watch someone clean:

    Watching someone else cleaning or working hard on their home is a surefire way to get motivated to clean. I have learned far simpler dusting, cleaning, and organizing techniques from YouTubers.

    You can check out a few cleaning YouTube channels to see how they do things differently than what you’re doing.

    Are you following an inappropriate cleaning sequence, using the wrong tools, or following improper methods? Is there anything you do inaptly? 

    A friend or an aunt who always has a clean home can be your perfect cleaning guru as well.

    Final words:

    Forget about festivities, for ones like me, need the motivation to clean – Every. Single. Day.

    So, I keep on looking for ways that make cleaning dreadless.

    I hope these tips will come in useful and get you motivated to clean.

    Would you like to add something to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you for reading. Happy Cleaning!

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