We are entering a VERY busy and potentially stressful few months here in the Janney Household. The goal is for Phil to become a doctor by the end of summer term (which translates to the end of September/early October). During this time, he needs to wrap up his research, run a bunch of complicated computer models, write a few papers and get them published, put together a dissertation, defend the dissertation and find a Big Boy job.
In the meantime, I am still working on getting my body back into balance and get these darn thyroid hormones figured out.
Phil has done such a WONDERFUL job of taking care of me through getting finishing graduate school (the beginning of our relationship), getting me through Lyme Disease, getting my engineering license, and thyroid cancer. Now it is my turn to return the favor.
To the best of my ability, I want to make all other aspects of life disappear. I don't want him to have to worry about laundry, food, dogs, cleaning, etc. And I need this to happen while I am still a little ragged, very busy at work, and without feeling overwhelmed.
This is where the advice comes in.
Please please PLEASE send me any and all advice on how to easily be an awesome housewife who works (yeah that doesn't make sense, but you know what I mean). This can include cleaning and laundry tips, easy recipes, organization techniques, whatever! Anything that you think could make this easier on me, I will take it.
If nobody comments on this, I will assume everyone hates cleaning as much as I do.
Ready... GO!
Alright, this is what I've got. I'm technically not a working houseWIFE, but a wirjubg houseGIRLFRIEND, but it's pretty much the same, right?
ReplyDeleteDon't focus so much on the cleaning. Make sure your house is tidy and semi-organized, but don't kill yourself over making things spotless. Every few weeks clean a little deeper, but no one is going to care if you house is less than perfect.
Do small loads of laundry a little more often. It makes it seem more manageable.
As far as recipes, our go to weeknight meal is grilled chicken and vegetables. It's not fancy or interesting, but it's quick and nutritious.
As always, you know your blog friends are here whenever you need us :)
Wirjubig? It's too early. Working.
DeleteI've heard keeping a cleaning "schedule" is where it's at. Monday's: Bathroom, Tuesday's: Bedroom, and so on and so forth.
ReplyDeleteMy latest strategy that has helped me keep up on laundry is to put all the dark dirty clothes immediately into the washing machine. Once it's full, wash it. I find it keeps the majority of my clothes clean, and it's an easy load here and there to fold and put away. Then I do the towels and whites on the weekends.
Some advice that I was just given that I'm actually looking into also.. Hire some help- housecleaning 2 days (or 1 day?) a week.. It doesn't cost too much. For us workin girls there is just not enough time in a day to do everything, believe me that's my constant complaint. :)
ReplyDeleteAsk for help! I work an opposite shift from my husband and we have two kids, and communication is key! We leave lists for each other on things that need to be done throughout the day, and it gets done!
ReplyDeleteWe also use our crockpot a lot. Plus it can be lunch for a few days out of the week! Pinterest is your new best friend... great, simple recipes all over.
Good Luck!
themaxells.blogspot.com
I second Makaila's post. Create a cleaning schedule. Only focus on one thing a day. I did that these past few months because the school year was winding down and I had A TON to do as far as grading, planning, cleaning and packing my classroom went. Knowing that I only had one thing to clean a night took a load off of my shoulders.
ReplyDeleteAs far as food goes... visit my food pinterest board for some ideas. I know I have pinned some ideas on how to prep meals all on one day, put them in the freezer and then throw them in the crockpot the morning of. It will make your life easier.
PS I just made this lemon garlic chicken dish with green beans and red potatoes... amazing! you need to try it out! It was super easy and it's pinned on my food board.
And give yourself a break! Don't stress over having a spotless house. It's not what's important. Your health, and your relationship with your husband is what your life needs to be about right now. The house can wait :)
I just did a post on meal planning. http://rindymae.blogspot.com/2012/06/meal-planning.html
ReplyDeleteIt may be a little excessive for what you need, but maybe you could pull a tip or two from it.
I also have all the recipes I've posted on a Pinterest board. Some people find it easier to hunt by photo rather than recipe name. Here's the link for that: http://pinterest.com/rindymae/my-kitchen-creations/
Good luck with the cleaning. I've tried the cleaning routine, but with three kids, plus two adults in the house, it doesn't seem to work for me. I find it works best to pick up all day long, since there are constant piles following me and then do the scrubbing when I have a free moment.
As for the comment about hired help two days a week....in my WILDEST dreams. Seriously, that would be heaven on a biscuit.
I thought once I started working from home I'd have a much cleaner house. Ha! I'm seriously contemplating hiring a cleaner just because I can't keep up with the dusting and deep cleaning.
ReplyDeleteMy sister is a fan of the Fly Girl (I think that's what it's called) method of cleaning. I believe it's schedule-based like recommended above.
For cooking, I make a couple of big items that we can have as leftovers a few days of the week - chili, lasagna, roast chicken.
Make lists. For anything and everything. They definitely help me stay organised. :)
ReplyDelete