When I speak to Moms’ groups, I go through the whole scenario of how running the dishwasher every single night is a non-negotiable for me. About how I’ve taken the decision-making-pressure out of it.
I have a lot of fun acting out my surprise when I look into the sink and see it’s completely full of dirty dishes, when the last time I noticed it there were only two plates and a cup.
I pantomime washing those five individual forks in the one inch of water between the bottom of the faucet and the top of the pile of dirty dishes.
But then, as I move into developing other housekeeping habits, I always stop to make a disclaimer.
I have a daily checklist. But your daily checklist may look nothing (at all) like mine. Not everyone needs to put “close cabinet doors” on a list.
And if you already have the kitchen/dishes under control, WHY IN THE WORLD would you try my method? I just share what works for me, and hopefully it helps others get ideas for what will work for them.
And their homes.
And their families.
Because EVERY family is different.
So, again I’m going to plug the Ultimate Homemaking e-book Bundle. I’m sorry. This sale is now over. As a total cheapskate, I often find myself scared to buy an e-book that looks really good because I’m afraid it won’t work for me.
That’s why I love that there are multiple e-books to choose from on the subject of cleaning and organizing. Even if you only get one or two ideas from each of them . . . you get one or two ideas from each of them.
And if an e-book or two grates on your nerves or hurts your feelings (I’ve been there, many times), you have 90+ other e-books that make you feel like your purchase was worth it. Go make ice cream from the book full of ice cream recipes, or fixate on the semi-whole-foods crock pot recipes that are amazingly enticing. Bury yourself in getting ideas for teaching your kids pre-school stuff.
My point is that I’m a fan of doing whatever works. But I’m also a fan of having the resources to dig through to give you ideas of what might work.
I know. So many sales-ey posts this week. But even if you don’t/can’t buy, I’m hoping the “Whatever Works” encouragement helps you.
Fran says
Bought it last night. And I am so glad I did! I have my booklist for the next year now. Totally worth it.
Kate says
This is why I love your site! Those ‘one size fits all’ systems don’t work for me, and generally make me feel bad about myself in the process. I love that you’re real (you mean, once you clean it, it doesn’t stay immaculate??) and that you leave room for people to make decisions on what is important and what works for them. You leave room for other methods, and imperfection, and that has kept me motivated in a way that no perfect organization method or website has ever managed!
So, thanks! Thanks for reminding me that my methods are valid…whatever works, perfect or not!
Amanda says
Ugh! You’re tempting me Nony. All the blogs I read are talking up the sale, but you are really making me cave.