Creating Balance

June 13, 2012 | posted by Jaima @ Ring Around the Rosies | 5 Comments

Today I want to share with you a few of my favorite tips on simplifying life in your home! Something I will begin sharing more about!  And, if you’d like more tips, or just some great daily conversation then  join my facebook community!

 

I have found that when I get up just 15 minutes before I know my daughter will wake up the day goes much smoother. Maybe it’s because I have a few moments to gather myself instead of being woken up by crying. Maybe it’s because I go ahead and dress myself and get her a cup a milk for I know their will be limited chances to do it throughout the day. And I know she’ll be demanding it as soon as I go get her. Regardless, those few minutes set the tone for my day.

 

I also find it much easier to prepare her meals when she’s not demanding them. It is hard to think and get a good meal together when there’s a toddler whining as she begs for you to pick her up. Whether I do it ahead of time like these smoothies, or while she’s playing quietly or napping, it saves me the whiny headache.

 

 

Something else I like to do before she wakes up, or while she’s quietly eating breakfast is throw a load of laundry in the wash, or fold a load I washed the night before. If I can do 1 small load a day, it is much more likely that I won’t let it get out of control (like I’m known to do). I’d rather wash, dry, fold and put away a small load than save it all for 1 day a week and have a mountain (or two).

 

 

Once a month, I have all of the essentials delivered to my house. I never have to run out of laundry soap or vitamins, and it’s a few less things I have to put on my Target list (that I often forget) and carry in the house. With Shaklee, I save 25% off my purchases on autoship! Double Win if you ask me.

 

 

Either once a month, or once a week I try to menu plan! It saves me so much money and the thought of “let’s just go out”. I try to keep some things in the pantry at all times, but others, I buy twice a month depending on what’s on my list! Here’s a sample of the sheet I created to put in a page protector on my fridge! (subscribe to my newsletter for this and other free printables).

 

 

I no longer sweat the toys strewn all over the house during the day anymore. Now, we pick them up together before naptime and before bedtime. Any that we miss, I can throw in this basket outside of her door until she wakes up. I seriously LOVE this table and basket.

 

 

One of the biggest (if not THE biggest) thing I try to do to keep our 980 sq foot home balanced and flowing well is staying organized! Every thing has to have a place, and we have to be able to easily locate it and see what we have. I am also constantly purging things that doesn’t serve a purpose or have a special meaning. It is sooo freeing to let go of stuff. Try it!

 

 

Do you ever get tired of saying the same thing over and over? I did. I often have a house full of 20 year old boys (my brother’s friends whom I’m thankful still come around). They’ve never had to clean up after themselves before and leave messes for me… What did I do?

 

I made a permanent reminder for them on the inside of the microwave door! Now I don’t have to clean up their midnight messes!

Another mess boys make? The toilet. Yes. I have no idea how they do it. My solution:

I hung a toilet brush with a 3M hook on the side of the toilet. This is also good for guests who may make an embarrassing mess. And, I also did it in our master bathroom too. It’s so easy for me to walk by and clean it really quick! I very rarely use anything to clean the bowl itself (because it just doesn’t get THAT dirty). Weekly, I wipe the handles and under the cover with Shaklee’s Basic G!
And there you have a few of my favorite tips to save your sanity and establish control and create balance in your home. What are your favorite solutions? Please leave them in the comments below!

Filed Under: health, Home Making, simplify, This is Us, wahm

5 comments on “Creating Balance”

1. Cindy on June 13, 2012 at 4:22 pm said:

   Hello! I stumbled across your blog from your series on Freezer Cooking on Pinterest and I am really happy that I did! I love your blog. Thanks for sharing these tips, I am always looking for new ideas to help our house flow smoother as well. I am a Stay-At-Home/Work-At-Home Mom to a 20 month year old Toddler.
   We ranch in the Sandhills of NE and life can be hectic, crazy and stressful at times. My main objective is to get the kitchen cleaned up (meaning counters, dishes and floors swept) each night before bed. My day never seems to go right if I start off trying to make breakfast in a dirty kitchen. That is what helps me to stay balanced each day .

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2. Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com on June 13, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:

   LOL. I thought *I* was the only one who’d used a permanent marker inside the microwave to remind family members they need to cover food. Yours is written far more neatly, though.

   As for the toilet brush… my son would try to use it as a sword. Until he gets older (and he’s 12 already!), it has to stay under the sink.

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   • Jaima on June 13, 2012 at 8:53 pm said:

     too funny!

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3. Cath on June 13, 2012 at 8:30 pm said:

   Love your blog and posts! Thanks for sharing your tips. I love the hook idea on the outside of the toilet. How do you keep the brush from dripping water on the floor though? Do you place a container on the ground? Thanks for the clarification!!

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   • Jaima on June 13, 2012 at 8:52 pm said:

     Thanks for your comment I usually toss it in the empty trashcan beside the toilet ’til it’s dry.

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