How to manage our homes
 

Let's chat everything from managing our home, to decorating and make it the best place possible for our dear kids!!! :)

Re: Home thread
 

I think induction cookers are the best over those old school stoves. Much more economical as per my mum.

Re: Home thread
 

I'm planning to have those boards that can be attached/detached from the wall. I can't remember what it's called but kids can draw on it, color, put stickers and all. But when you have a formal event or gathering at home you can remove them!

Re: Home thread
 

Yes Cailyn, that's being economical and creative all at the same time! :)

Re: Home thread
 

What do you think of this New Year table setting?

Re: Home thread
 

I love the color combination. So classy. But not that kid-friendly. I mean, don't get me wrong, the color combination is more of romantic than fun. But then again, the fusion spells romance and classiness.

Christmas Table Decoration
 

I know it's a bit late but it won't hurt posting something as nice as this:

New year table decor
 

Minimalist and elegant but I love it!

Re: New year table decor
 

Yes, it looks elegant but the black balloons look more of a Halloween theme than New Year's! Never liked black for new year... sorry...

Re: Home thread
 

This is cool! I love this combination more than the black and silver.

Re: Home thread
 

Are those plates unbreakable? :p I don't want to sweep broken plates with kids running around me.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I guess they're not. But whatever it is, they're gorgeous!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Corelle offers "unbreakable" plates... I'm not sure if they are really unbreakable though!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

@ Fabiola - Yeah, Corelle's a toughie!

No offence but I like the one with the black balloons. A fusion of Goth and festiveness I should say...

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Thanks for sharing. Keep them coming! :)

Re: Christmas Table Decoration
 

Lovely! Very festive.

Valentine's day table settings!!!
 

Now that hearts day is approaching, the following pics serve as my inspiration - In creating one or on mere appreciation, I'm cool with it.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL! :)

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...P4IjyCjal3mJCd

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...dp7F_O0mk12I9p

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...Mn7Oy8P8WheBsD

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I could even do the 3rd one right now! ^ ^ :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Thanks for starting this Valentine inspiration! I am so into doing the 1st one you've posted Idalia. Nice! :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Just wanting to add to Idalia's beautiful shares above ^^^

Lovely!

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...n30hvRt-Xjoa-8

I'm so doing this on my beloved Pop's grave this Valentine's Day

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...03W8kc3XR3jiSg

Oh my God! Splendid!

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...WL7isG_XQJHM_H

Re: Valentine's day table settings!!!
 

I love this Idalia, especially with that floating candle. Just so romantic.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I love the rustic feel of this.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Breathtaking and very romantic! I love this one. Hubby and I could even set this up in minutes. Very unique.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Those ideas are incredible. Thank you all for sharing! love them!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Yes ladies, no worries!

@ Abana - I love the 2nd one too. The simplicity of rustic and country style.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Tired of your home always looking like a kid zone? Give your house a quick touch up in 20 minutes a day.
Set your timer and ... GO!

1. Start a Load of Laundry

Save time by letting your children sort the laundry while you work on a different chore.
After the laundry is sorted, throw a load of messy kid clothes into the washing machine.
If you don't have a washing machine, have the kids sort the clothes and bag them for your next trip to the laundromat.
Time Limit for You: 3 Minutes
Tip: Spray stain remover on the clothes needing extra attention first. While it's working, move on to another chore so you don't have to wait.


2. Straighten Up the Family Room

Have your children arrange the magazines and books.
Kids can dust with socks on their hands.
Time Limit for You: 0 Minutes - No time investment for you. The children are doing the work.

Tip: Your family room touch up can be left to the kids so you can focus on other areas of the house. Give them age-appropriate chores to keep them safe and see other types of chores that are easy for kids.


3. Pick Up the Toys

Have your children pick up their toys as fast as they can.
Hold a contest to see who can put away the most toys.
No losers in this game. Choose a prize everyone can enjoy when time's up.
Time Limit for You: 0 Minutes - No time investment for you. The children are doing the work while learning how to pick up after themselves.

Tip: Baskets and bins make toy pick up easier and more fun for children.


4. Make the Beds

Start with your own bed. You deserve a made bed to crawl into at the end of the day.
Pull the top sheet and comforter back in place. Straighten up the pillows.
Older kids can make their own beds to help save time.
Time Limit for You: 4 Minutes

Tip: Wrinkle-resistant sheets make your bedroom look cleaner than crumpled up sheets.

5. Vacuum Daily

Vacuum high-traffic areas every day.
Alternate vacuum days between the kitchen and bathroom.
On kitchen days:

Start with the area around the table, sink and dishwasher where crumbs accumulate the most.
Have extra time left on your timer? Vacuum the rest of the kitchen.
On bathroom days:

Move the bathmats and vacuum the floor.
Vacuum the bathmats before putting them back in the bathroom.
Time Limit for You: 5 Minutes

Tip: Use a handheld vacuum cleaner for spot cleaning without having to drag out the big vacuum cleaner.


6. Wipe Down the Kitchen

Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the counters, fixtures and sink.
Don't forget to wipe the refrigerator handles little hands have been touching.
Take a quick swipe inside the microwave with a damp cloth.
Time Limit for You: 2 Minutes

Tip: If you have a lot of counter space, only clean the counter areas where you prepared your children's food for the day.


7. Disinfect the Bathroom

Clean all bathroom fixtures with a disinfectant wipe.
Wipe the bathroom counters
Time Limit for You: 2 Minutes

Tip: Add an automatic toilet bowl cleaner to keep the inside of the toilet clean for 2-3 months.


8. Load the Dishwasher

Put the day's dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
Start the dishwasher at the end of the night.
Time Limit for You: 3 Minutes

Tip: Use downtime while you're cooking to put the dishes away.


9. Freshen Up Your House

Use air freshener throughout your house.
Spray fabric refresher on your furniture, especially those areas where the kids hang out.
Time Limit for You: 1 Minute

Tip: Open windows on a sunny day to remove odors with fresh air.

Time's up! You and your family just tidied up the house in 20 minutes. :)


SOURCE

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Aww, Edda, this is greatly helpful. THANK YOU for sharing this. Love the idea on the stuff I could possible achieve in such a short period of time.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

WOWWWWW! This sooo amazing. I can only wish I can do this as systematic as it sounds!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I feel you... I try to squeeze as much sleep as i can during weekends :p

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I'm currently loving Murchison-Hume organic products at home.

Check their luxurious and environment friendly products here: http://www.bexclusive.com.au/home-de...-nicol-agency/

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Thanks for sharing Edda. This is very much helpful when my baby Preston grows a bit bigger! Oh, I smile whenever I imagine my little boy being able to run errands with his little hands. :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

My pleasure! Hope you and baby Preston are havin' a great time!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

THANK YOU EDDA for the share! I know, this would help us all in one way or another.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

@ Edda- I like this idea: "Kids can dust with socks on their hands." :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Aww, that's just heartwarming! :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Now you're rest assured that you'll have extra help for sure at home, especially when hubby is a little more of a slacker when it comes to home errands. Ugh, I so could relate!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

I could relate at times when he has to watch soccer or NBA at home.

Re: How to manage our homes
 

LOL, so true at that!

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Hahaha, realities! :)

Re: How to manage our homes
 

Yes, I do too!