Clutter: My nemesis…is it yours?

Posted on July 13, 2010 by viviankirkfield

We just got back from the carpet store. Our downstairs carpeting is in BAD shape and so we took the plunge and ordered a new one (made of recycled soda bottles).

From where I stand (on a worn-out rug) this is a WIN-WIN situation for me. First of all, we will have beautiful new flooring. Secondly, in order to have the carpeting installed, the furniture in the rooms will have to be moved by the installers. In order for them to be able to move the stuff, I have to empty every bookcase, cabinet and clear off every surface of anything and everything in the rooms that has to be moved.

Now, you might think this is a big job, boxing up hundreds of books and photos in frames and all the other STUFF that somehow accumulates as we journey through this life. And, you would be right! However, it will also be an opportunity to go through EVERYTHING. The question is, will I be able to toss or give away some of the STUFF, so that the house will be less cluttered.

I truly believe that clutter increases stress in one’s life. What do you think? I’ve always wished my home could be neat and organized so that if company came, you could open a closet and STUFF wouldn’t fall on you. Or, you could open a drawer and wouldn’t have to push the STUFF back in so that you could close the drawer again.

When my children were little, I had an excuse…I wanted to save EVERYTHING that they created…every picture and craft project. I know it is really difficult to be organized with young children…but if you can be, it makes life so much more simple. No running around the house 5 minutes before the school bus arrives, looking for a missing shoe. No wasting precious hours searching for the car keys that are hiding under several layers of papers on the table instead of hanging up on a key holder.

I’ve read quite a few “how to get rid of clutter” books…right now they are on the bookshelves…soon to be boxed up with the rest of the STUFF. Getting rid of clutter (and staying rid of it) is a mind-set one must acquire.

Wish me luck!

Best job: work from home or not?

Posted on July 11, 2010 by viviankirkfield

I was going through the fridge and freezer this morning, chucking “out-of-date half-eaten yogurt containers and planning next week’s meals based on stuff that needs to be used up.

It hit me how much less time I have, working outside the home as compared to when I worked from my home.

Years ago when my own children were young, instead of returning to my position as a kindergarten teacher, I had decided to operate a home daycare.

I guess I had a well-ordered schedule with established routines for the children as well as for myself. In addition to my own 3 children (1 was in 3rd grade, 1 starting kindergarten and my youngest was only 10 months old), I took care of 5 teacher’s children (ages 8 months to 4 years) every day. I also had a lovely kitchen garden in season and shelves of canned and preserved fruits, veggies and jams. I baked bread with the children at least twice a week (they each got their own piece of dough to knead, bake and take home to share with their families…in tomorrow’s blog I’ll include the BEST bread recipe ever…at least my children always thought so). I never bought a Christmas or birthday gift…I crafted everything.

Now, although I only work 3 days a week outside my house, my children are grown with families of their own, and I’ve traded my hat as daycare provider for that of writer of parenting and children’s picture books, I find I have LESS time than before. Is it that I am older and have less energy? Am I less organized than I was before? Or does life become more complicated even though it seems it should be more simple.

I know it is different for everyone…each person’s situation and personality dictate how they feel about working from home or outside the home.

What is your experience? Better to work at home? Or better to work outside the home?

Money-saving summer snack

Posted on July 11, 2010 by viviankirkfield

Yesterday I said that summer vacations and activities can put a strain on your budget. When we get stressed about money, life can seem more difficult and overwhelming.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on snacks or desserts!

Try this simple and economical one (as in easy and cheap) that even your preschooler can help prepare and EVERYONE in the family will enjoy eating.

COOL AND REFRESHING ICE POPS: Simply pour grape, apple, orange or any other juice into 3 ounce paper cups. For a less sweet, less concentrated pop, dilute the juice with water. Put in the freezer (stand the cups up in a plastic container so they won’t tip over…you can also cover each cup with plastic wrap). After the cups have been in the freezer for about 90 minutes, insert a popsicle stick into each cup and return to the freezer till completely frozen. Tear away the paper cup and you will have a delicious, healthful, economical ice pop for snack-time or dessert. So much less expensive than buying ready-made pops from the store. And, NO preservatives or additives!

For a more “gourmet” ice pop (this one will taste like a creamsicle):

Put 1 cup softened vanilla ice cream or ice milk, 1 cup orange sherbet and 1 (11 oz) can mandarin orange sections (drained) into a blender and pulse till well-blended.
Spoon into 3 oz paper cups.
Cover and freeze till firm (about 90 minutes).
Insert popsicle sticks if desired…or your child can eat it out of the cup with a spoon.

Important tip: You and your child can experiment with different fruit, sherbet, ice cream and yogurt combinations.