I've shared that this week is dedicated to getting the house to the point where the bug-man can come in and spray. While I would love to get the house to the point of perfection so that there is no embarrassment as he enters any-old-room, I'm a slob, and so that just isn't something I can achieve in less than a week. So I'm depending on survival … [Read more...]
The Big Garage Sale Dilemma
Garage sales. Love 'em. As I've shared before, my slobbish ways came perilously close to hoarding when I discovered eBay and the whole "buy it for a quarter, sell it for 17.01" fabulousness. Garage sales became less of a shopping experience, and more of a grabbing experience. Up at 6:30, crazy-eyes aglow with the anticipation of finding … [Read more...]
Freezer Cooking For People Who Can’t Remember to Thaw (and my Mexican Casserole Recipe)
Before my second child was born (7 years ago yesterday), I shared with my mother-in-law that I was trying to freeze quite a few meals to make life easier after the baby arrived. Later, a mutual friend asked me what kinds of casseroles I had frozen. I had no idea what this person was talking about. After a very confusing conversation, I … [Read more...]
Distractible Me – Daily Checklist and Laundry Day
I've made some progress today. It has been one of those days when things click along mostly like they are supposed to, and I have time to do some real deslobbifying. Last night, even though I was tired after our kids' musical at church, I made lunches, put out clothes, started the dishwasher, gathered and sorted laundry, and started the first … [Read more...]
Come On In! – But Stop There, Please
If you rang my doorbell today, I might actually answer it. I might even let you in (if I knew you, of course). All I would have to do is smile and say something funny to distract you while I quickly directed you into the dining room. The dining room looks nice. And even if the doors to the kitchen were open halfway, I would still let you sit … [Read more...]
A Couple of Quick After-Swim Meal Ideas
Our local pool is open from noon to 6 p.m. This means that my ideal day of swimming in the morning and chilling in the afternoon isn't possible. Generally, we plan to swim until a certain time, and then about 10 minutes before that time, someone's bestest friend in the whole wide world arrives . . . and we stay another hour. I'm not … [Read more...]
Hurry, Lock the Door . . . the Babysitter’s Coming!
We don't hire babysitters very often. I have many excuses, and all are legit. But when it comes down to it . . . the thing that makes me desperately go through all other childcare possibilities is . . . the fear of leaving someone alone in my house. Not that I'm worried about them endangering my children or stealing money or going for a … [Read more...]
Up to My Old Tricks
I'm feeling much better today than I was yesterday. Thankfully, the kids slept a bit later this morning and we're all on the road to recovery after our trip. The fact that I have more energy is definitely a good thing . . . since we have visitors tonight . . . and these visitors have titles that end in "in-law." I have lots of great excuses. … [Read more...]
A Few More Tricks for a Successful Roadtrip with Kids – Travel Tips from a Slob
I love great ideas. Gadgets, unique inventions, problem solving ideas, etc. But as I've said before, it's my love of "cool stuff" that has put me in this mess. It seems that normal people can see an item, evaluate whether or not they truly need it, purchase it, find a proper place to store it, and (here's the biggie), remember that they have it … [Read more...]