The Happy Homemaker

WHEW!

2010-08-24T09:35:00.006-06:00

Brandi said-During my break from school, I finally finished spring cleaning my house! Yeah!!! I was an ambitious, over-achiever this last month, boy oh boy! I gutted the rest of the house I did not get to during my last break and even cleaned the carpets. I mean I was a maniac! I can't even write down everything I did. I was just darn determined to get all of the things done I wanted to do before Fall term began (yesterday was the first day of classes). But the thing I wanted to share the most was the cleaning of the carpets! We had paid to have a company come and clean our carpets a few years ago, and that was great, but expensive. So this year, Mom bought a Bissell carpet cleaner and we both did our carpets and it has already paid for itself! It did a great job and with what the Bissell cost (around $300.00), we would have easily paid that much for a service to come and do it. This is a great investment to make for your home and you will not be sorry if you get one. Plus, you can clean the carpets more than once a year. It did not take long to do and it was super easy. I realize its a bit pricey, but if you can buy one with someone like we did, or save up over the year, it will be well worth it. Can you say tax return?! Anyway, schools' back in session (for me and my daughter) and I got all the things accomplished I wanted to:) We even took the kids to Lagoon and the aquarium and had a ball! The only problem was that summer vacation was too short! Oh well, it made it all the sweeter.

2010-07-07T09:30:00.003-06:00

Brandi said- I have a very talented cousin named Mark Perry who has a website featuring his artwork that I wanted to share with the people who visit our blog and website. Mom and I have always been huge supporters of the arts and in our own little way we are supporting our family artists here, on our blog and website. If you are interested in purchasing, or just looking at any artwork, here is the link to one of my cousins' websites and a beautiful sample of one of his pieces entitled, "Keeper of Grandma's Garden."

http://www.markperryart.com/index.html

2010-06-13T21:02:00.000-06:00

Sandi said-
Well, like Brandi said I did get my spring cleaning done just in time for her to get through with school. We had one month to get the yard sale done, get her some new couches, and get her house in shape before she started school June l. The yard sale went great and she made enough for a new couch and a chair. So, we got rid of a lot of unwanted items, cleaned out her garage and made some money at it. We even sold a bunch of Happy Homemaker starter kits and apron sets.
She has wanted to paint her house ever since she moved in so her Dad (who is an old house painter) and I offered to paint it for an early birthday present. We had it all done in a week with all of us working at the same time. It looks great! I know she is thrilled with it
I got my garden in and we planted a lot of peppers this year, Brandi and I came across a recipe for pickled peppers last year that is to die for. So, needless to say we are going to do a bunch of them this year. We’ve had a wonderful spring for the southwest. It’s been cooler than usual and we’ve had a lot more rain. It’s even cloudy with a chance of rain today and it’s the middle of June. We can’t believe it. We have some fun summer trips in the works and it will be nice to get away for a while. .

It's been a LONG time!

2010-04-02T17:38:00.003-06:00

Brandi said-Well you would think we had dropped off the face of the earth, but NO, we have not! We are just really busy ladies. What can I say, there is just so much going on with raising a family, keeping up the household and everything else in between:) Just how we like it, keeps us out of trouble. Oh well, we do our best.
Anyway, spring has sprung and it is time to start that spring cleaning again, I know mom will get to it. I'm not so sure. School has got my time completely occupies these days, however, I am definetly going to make sure to have a garage sale this year to clear out a bunch of stuff I won't need anymore. This is a great way to make a little extra cash (I'm going to buy new couches if I make enough), and have a good cleaning up of unwanted items. I have meant to have a garage sale for a couple of years now, but this is the year. Geez, it's about time I get around to it. I've got enough stuff to have the granddaddy of all garage sales!!! Wish me luck.

Safe Keeping

2009-08-20T08:52:00.004-06:00

Mom wrote this little tid-bit of information for our newsletter and we thought it was so important we would post it on the blog too!

Sandi said-
In this crazy world today the job of keeping your valuables and your identity safe are pretty much left up to you. After as many years as I have been married I have a lot more to keep safe, but young couples should start as soon as they get married. You can buy a small fireproof strongbox at any office supply store or even at Wal-Mart, which is where I bought my first one. You should store any irreplaceable papers, such as your social security cards, bank account numbers, access numbers for your computer, car titles, warranty deeds, jewelry and coins etc., birth certificates, and insurance information. If you begin going through your records you will probably be surprised how much information is around your house that could be used to steal your identity if someone was to break in. Equally as important is to have these records if you should have a fire or other natural disaster. These are not fun things to think about but you can save yourself a lot of heartache if you have secured your valuables. I used to have a safety deposit box at the bank, but I’m not so sure this is a good idea anymore. You should also secure any firearms you may have, not only from theft but more important, from your children. Also, don’t put any paperwork in your garbage that has personal information on it. Either burn it or shred it. This will not cost a lot except a little time and you will feel much more secure once it’s done!

2009-07-11T10:08:00.003-06:00

Sandi said- Recently I was asked if I could think of something we could teach children over the summer months that they might not normally get to learn. I thought for a while and decided one idea would be to teach the older children how to iron. I learned at a very young age and my mother started me out on pillow cases and hankies. That, of course, was before permanent press! Even today there are items which need to be ironed. If your husband works where he has to where a shirt and tie every day, this can be very expensive sending his shirts to the laundry. You can do them at home with spray starch and have them look just as nice. There are always occasions when your clothes need to look extra nice and if you know how to iron it adds that extra touch. Both boys and girls should be taught how to iron.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T09:25:00.004-06:00

Brandi said- It is hard to come up with all the words for how I feel about my Dad. Needless to say, I Love him dearly, he has been such an outstanding Father to me and my brother that I dare say anyone would wish to have a Dad like mine. In fact over the years, many friends of my brothers' and young men that worked for my Dad looked to him for advice and direction. To this day a few of those individuals still keep in touch with my Dad.
My Dad worked his butt off for us, he went the extra mile for us in everything he did for our family. He gave us a childhood full of experiences and opportunities that I feel have enriched me as a person and will always be thought of fondly by me. I often think of the times we spent together and memories of those years comfort me when I think of them. All the big and little things my Dad did for me, my brother and Mom do not go overlooked or unappreciated.
I look up to my Dad, and I conduct myself in a way to make him proud and do him justice because he deserves that. He is truly an extraordinary individual, loving, strong in his convictions, moral, stubborn as a mule, and luckily I've got his blood running through my veins, and so do my kids. If any of what he is rubs off onto us even a little, I will be grateful. I Love YOU Dad!

How Our Garden Grows

2009-06-12T09:21:00.009-06:00

Brandi said-This year Mom and I planted a really big garden so that we would have a lot of vegetables to can this year. Canning is a wonderful skill that mom has been teaching me over the last few years. I wanted to learn how to can for so many reasons, one of which is for the purpose of having a way to use everything we grow. When you grow a garden of significant size, you end up with a lot of one thing, so instead of it all going to waste, you preserve it and have food over the winter months. I also wanted to learn how to can so that I could make all these wonderful fruits, vegetables and jams for my kids. I know the ingredients, I know that the food was prepared in a clean kitchen under sanitary conditions, and I know it is good for them. I also wanted to know because of the history behind canning. Victory Gardens and canning are still a wonderful idea that I think will be making a comeback (in my humble opinion). These skills will be with me for my entire lifetime and if the country ever gets in a state of total upheaval, at least I can grow my own food, and can it for the winter months to feed my family with.

Produce 101

2009-06-03T13:43:00.003-06:00

Sandi said-I use a lot of fresh produce and have learned over the years that taking care of these items as soon as you get them home from the market will keep them fresh and ready for use. Some items such as lettuce and radishes need to be washed as soon as possible and stored in a container. I bought a salad spinner several years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. It makes lettuce and any leafy produce so crisp and nice. I use zip lock bags to store most of my washed vegetables. Some things like cucumbers and tomatoes and most fruits don’t need to be washed until they are used. I usually have meals planned for all the vegetables and fruits I buy so that they don’t get wasted. Items like potatoes and onions should be stored somewhere dry and dark to discourage growth. After the onions are peeled and washed they can be put in a zip lock and stored in the refrigerator. Bananas should not be stored in the refrigerator. Using fresh fruits and vegetables is very cost efficient and the taste and nutrition are much better. So, take a little time and take care of what you buy.

Are You Cool?

2009-05-26T15:20:00.004-06:00

Sandi said-
Well summer is here already (in the southwest) and it’s time to find a cool place anywhere you are! Here are some tips for keeping your home cool.
If it is still relatively cool at night, open your windows, (unless it is blowing dust which it does here often)
Be sure to close your windows as soon as it starts to heat up in the morning. It is much harder for your air conditioning to cool everything in the house because you let it get hot than to just keep everything cool.
Close blinds that are on the south or west side of your house in the afternoon to keep the hottest sun of the day out.
Some people prefer to keep the windows closed all the time and this is effective too.
You can usually keep your thermostat at a higher temperature and save some money if you follow these steps.
Opening your windows at night and closing them in the day works well even if you don’t have air conditioning, because you are trapping the cool air inside the house.
We have a very long, hot summer here but we stay inside like we would in the winter elsewhere. Still it is very pretty here right now and we really enjoy it.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

Brandi said-Happy Mother's Day to my mom! I love you so much! You are my best friend, my best advocate, my partner in crime and the woman most strive to become their entire lives. I am proud to be your daughter and can never really write down how much you mean to me. Just know I love you always-

More Spring Cleaning Tips!

2009-04-23T08:45:00.003-06:00

Sandi said-
Begin your spring cleaning with one room at a time. I usually do one room a day except the kitchen which usually takes two or three because of all the cupboards.
Start at the top of the room and work down.
Wipe the walls down to get cobwebs etc.
Wash the light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Any artificial plants or flower arrangements can be squirted off with a hose and left to air dry. Do not soak the base of flower arrangements.
Wipe off all pictures (front and back) and shelves on the walls. Take down the pictures and do the backs and the wall where it hung. As you go clean all knick-naks thoroughly.
Do your windows on the inside, (the outside can be done another day) and wash curtains or blinds. If you have simple curtains like cotton or lace they can usually be hung back up damp and it will help to take out any wrinkles. Your blinds or shades can usually be washed outside with a hose also. Let them air dry and re-hang.
Clean out all your cabinets and drawers. This is a great opportunity to throw away all unused items and any old medicines. In your kitchen get rid of outdated food and anything you don’t plan on using. After cleaning your shelves you can organize as you put things back.
Be sure to wash the outside of your cabinets also.
Take your beds completely apart and wash all mattress pads and pillow coverings. Wash any washable pillows. Turn your mattresses and clean under the beds and the wall behind. Either wash or take your bedspread to be cleaned.
Go through all your clothing and throw away any items that are worn out. This goes for underwear, shoes and seasonal clothing. Clothing that is not worn anymore can be given to charity.
All bathroom fixtures (toilet, shower and bath tub) should be cleaned more thoroughly than your normal cleaning. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the toilet seat to clean under the screws. Re-caulk the shower or bathtub and anywhere else it is needed.
Schedule someone to clean your carpets or do them yourself
Be sure to do baseboards and corners and underneath and behind the refrigerator, washer, dryer, and free standing stove. When you are behind your dryer clean the dryer vent hose.
Buying a few new items that are not too expensive always adds to spring cleaning. Get some new bath or kitchen towels or some throw rugs. Any little thing will make things feel new.
When you are finished you will feel tired and great!!!

We're going to be on the radio!

2009-04-15T14:19:00.005-06:00

Brandi said-Mom and I are going to be guests on Darla Shine's radio show, The Happy Housewives Club Saturday, April 18th at 2:30 EST and 12:30 pm MST. Check Darla Shine's website for your local radio station which will air Darla's show! There is a link on this blog page and on our website on "Our Friends" page. We are so excited to be on her show, it will be a blast!

Chef Clara

2009-03-29T13:02:00.002-06:00

Brandi said- My cousin Scott sent this link to me and it is so wonderful! We can learn so much from Chef Clara and how to cook when times are tough. Take note everyone! I think these tips are going to come in handy. Being frugal is always a good idea, in my opinion.

Tip # 9 Spring Cleaning Tools

2009-03-13T14:19:00.006-06:00

Brandi said- Spring officially starts on March 20th, and I'm sure many of you are thinking about spiffing up your homes and yards after the long, cold winter. I love to spring clean even though it is a lot of work because it is so therapeutic in so many ways. It feels so good to go through the house, take inventory so to speak, get rid of what we don't want or use anymore, give it all a good cleaning and PRESTO my home is in order for another year! Not to mention Spring cleaning really makes a difference in how much cleaning I do throughout the year. In other words, I don't have to clean as much throughout the year because the big stuff is done!

So, I'm sure if you're looking at these pictures you are wondering what the heck these are. Well these are some really useful tools to have around your house. Going from left to right, the first item is for changing light bulbs in the ceiling of your home. The suction cup on the end of the pole sticks to the light bulb, then you can unscrew it and replace it with a new one. The pole is obviously expandable too. Some of the lights are up so high in homes, they're impossible to reach and this little tool helps a lot! I have vaulted ceilings and cannot reach these areas even on a ladder, of course I am pretty short, but still, they are way up there. Now, this tool only fits the light bulbs that look like the picture shown (a drawback), but if you need this, its awesome to have.

The other item is a duster for those corners of ceiling and walls. I LOVE this tool because I can get all the cobwebs on the ceiling, do the grate in the hall ceiling where my air filter goes, my ceiling fans for a quick cleaning, and the pole on this tool is expandable as well. Then when I an done with it, I just take it outside and squirt it off. These are great tools to have and we recommend them highly.out really fast! You can buy them at almost any hardware store or home improvement store. So, good luck with your Spring Cleaning and we will post some more tips soon. It's been so busy around here we have slacked a bit on the blog, but I wonder if anyone is even reading it anyway, not too many comments.

Sneak Preview of our New Products!

2009-02-22T13:27:00.003-07:00

Brandi said- We just wanted to announce some new and fun ideas for gifts. We will have these available by the end of February to buy on our website, but wanted to give anyone who visits our blog a sneak preview. We have a new baby gift basket filled with all the essentials for basic care of a baby. Items such as diapers, wipes, washcloths, baby detergent, toiletries, onsies, our signature Happy Homemaker bibs, stain remover, hand lotion and a book on caring for your baby in the first year by The American Academy of Pediatrics. When I became a mother, this book was invaluable to me along with some other chosen books, but it really helped educate me about my baby in every way possible.

The other item we are going to sell is our "Helping Hands" starter kit which is a little pail filled with child-sized items such as small squirt bottles, scrub brushes, feather duster, dust pan with broom, little work gloves(in the boys pail), a Happy Homemaker apron (in the girls) and a guide we wrote with tips and suggestions on how to encourage the kids to help out around the house!

So watch for our new products, and let us know what you think!

Tip #8 Grocery Smarts!

2009-02-13T14:23:00.004-07:00

Brandi said- So, I went to a parent meeting at my daughter's preschool Wednesday night and there was a woman there talking about this website www.grocerysmarts.com. I think she was a representative of some sort for the website, but she was talking about how she can buy (as an example she gave us), $123.29 worth of grocery items for $39.99 with coupons. She does it by subscribing to the newspapers (she takes 5, one per person in the home), then she can have more than one coupon for a particular item she wants. Then she uses the weekly mailers that come in the mailbox as well. She files all the coupons she gets into a simple filing system. All she does is date the coupon fliers at the top of the page, then files them under either Smart Source, Redplum, Proctor & Gamble, etc. She does not file every coupon individually. Then she goes to this website, enters her passport code, which I will give to anyone who is reading this right now (g84ctb), puts in the zip code where she lives and selects the store she wants to shop at. Then a list comes up that tells her what items are on sale each week for that store, plus any others she may want to go to. This list will also tell her where to find the coupon (either in the Smart source packet, the Redplum packet, etc.), she goes to her file, finds the coupon, cuts it out, puts it in with her shopping list, and away she goes to the store! Now, I have not had a chance to investigate this to the fullest yet, but it seems like a very slick way to take advantage of coupons without spending too much time. Plus you end up stocking up on really good deals and you have extra items for your pantry! All this information is on the website so you can check it out further, and try it. I'm going to give it a go and it would be great if anyone who tries it could give their opinion about how it is working for them. After all, who wouldn't love to save extra money right now?

Tax season is here! AAAAHHH!

2009-02-06T10:29:00.004-07:00

Sandi said- February is usually a pretty dreary month in most parts of the country. Therefore making it a perfect month for staying indoors and getting caught up on indoor organizing. We already talked about organizing closet etc. But, now I am talking about your personal records. Tax time is right around the corner and it’s a good idea to get all your records in order to prepare your return. It’s also a good time to update your files and get rid of anything older than 7 years. One major tip in this day and age is to make sure you safely destroy personal papers so there is no chance of identity theft. I’m one of those people who keep everything! Through the years, however, I have learned to keep all these receipts in expandable files, one for each year. You never know when you will need proof of payment etc. Make sure you keep really important documents in a safety deposit box in the bank or a strong box at home. Organizing can save a lot of searching if you ever have to find something later. So take advantage of the winter weather and do something that does not require gloves!

Thoughts on cleaning "Green"

2009-01-22T09:48:00.005-07:00

Brandi said- I've been thinking a bit about this whole "movement" if you will, concerning cleaning green. I am very aware of the environment and living in Southern Utah where I am surrounded by the best nature has to offer, I am concerned about the waste my family leaves behind. Being a Utah native, nature is a huge part of my being. Mother Nature is my God and is necessary for me to maintain my sanity. I say all this because it is important to me to express how much the environment means to me, but how overwhelmed I feel about this Green cleaning business!

I've never been one to buy the green cleaners because being on a real tight budget, they were just not affordable! I always wanted to buy them, but it just wasn't in the budget. I also have a hard time giving up my trusty old cleaners as well. Honestly, when my kids are as sick as they were earlier this winter (vomiting and diarrhea, YUK!!) I feel a lot better knowing that I am cleaning with a product that says on the bottle, "Kills 99.9% of flu virus" and is going to get rid of those nasty little germs altogether. Green cleaners don't say that on the bottle. Then there was the option of making my own cleaners, but honestly, I don't have the time to do this nor do I want to add yet another step to my long list of household duties. I am aware that this is an economical and environmentally friendly way to go, but I'm just not into it. I am not a lazy person, but I gotta tell ya, I'm just not interested in taking the time to do this! All the information out there about what we should and should not be cleaning with, what is toxic to us and our water supply, etc., etc., is just so overwhelming! I also don't have the time to research all this information and figure out what the heck we should and should not be cleaning with! It is all too much!

Now, I will say this, when Clorox came out with the Green Works line of cleaners, I bought them (I bought the bathroom cleaner and it was only $0.30 difference in price from what I normally buy), tried them, and I really like them a lot! I've tried the bathroom cleaner and the toilet bowl cleaner and I still buy the bathroom cleaner. I have found that it doesn't have such a strong odor and rinses off of surfaces easily. I have yet to try the other items (the dish soap is still not in my budget), but will when the need arises. I do however make sure that anything I buy is phosphorous-free. I do know that much.

So my theory is this, I use my regular cleaners when I am doing some real disinfecting, and the kids have been sick and I need something stronger. Then I use the Green Works when I'm doing my weekly cleaning that is lighter. (The Green Works are what we put in our Green Starter kit, because they do work well, are economical and available anywhere). So, I figure this is my plan of action for now when it comes to cleaning green! For now, it will have to do:)

Happy New Year, a little late! Tip #7

2009-01-16T11:08:00.003-07:00

Sandi said- Well, the holidays are over and one of the most daunting of tasks is to find a place for all the new clothes, toys, etc. This provides a perfect opportunity to go through your closets and clean out all of the clothes that are worn out, too little or too big, or some clothes that you just never wear. They say the rule of thumb is if you haven't worn it in a year you should probably get rid of it. I think maybe 2 years is good enough! Go through your drawers and dressers, your shoes and coats as well. You can put all these things in a large bag and take them to a homeless shelter or thrift store. Economic times being what they are, the need for such items is rising. Make sure the items you give away are clean. You will be getting your home organized and helping someone else in the process.
Brandi said- Since I have been so busy with going back to school (I started Jan. 5th and haven't had a minute to spare), my wonderful, beautiful mother will be writing some of the tips! Enjoy and get ready to be exposed to some of the most logical, practical, economical and experienced homemaking tips you will find on the web. Look out Martha Stewart!

Tip #6 Down the Drain...

2008-12-27T13:51:00.005-07:00

Brandi said- Finally, we are getting around to posting an honest to goodness homemaking tip! The holidays are winding down and my mind is turning once again to the numerous things me and my mom do to keep our households running smoothly. So, tip #6 refers to the garbage disposal, sink drains and bathroom drains. Mom and I were discussing this little maintenance tip which is very important and which not many people who are new to taking care of their homes do. Usually they already have a clogged or backed-up sink or drain before even thinking about these unseen areas of their house.

So one of the things we do every week when we are cleaning the bathrooms is use Drano or some other type of clog remover to get rid of hair and unpleasant odors. This really helps to keep the drains working properly. I have gone without using this stuff, thinking I could skip it, but ended up needing to use it anyway. I'm sure using it every week isn't necessary, but every other week is a good idea. Also, I don't know of any eco-friendly drain cleaners (honestly I haven't ever looked for one) so if you know of one that works really well on hair, let me know!

The other thing we recommend for the kitchen sink is to put orange or lemon peel in the disposal to get rid of odors and clean out the disposal. It is noisy, but I found this works really well on odors. My moms' house is on a septic system and she recommends putting as little waste down the disposal as possible. Instead throw away or even compost food scraps (if you have the ways and means to compost) to help prevent septic tank problems. Mom says she also uses a bottle of septic tank cleaner in her toilets to help break down waste and keep problems with the septic system from occurring. I don't think anyone wants their septic tank backing up on them! It is costly to remedy and a real stinking mess. Pun intended! So we hope this was helpful and we also wanted to let anyone know, who may be reading this that we now have a newletter you can subscribe to through Constant Contact. If you are interested, please go to our website and you can sign up there.

Until next time, Happy Homemaking!

Happy Holidays! EAT!

2008-12-24T09:37:00.003-07:00

Brandi said- Happy Holidays everyone! I have been so busy this month as I'm sure everyone has, that I haven't posted very many tips this month. There has just been so many things I had to do before the New Year arrives! I got all squared away with getting everything I need to go back to school on Jan. 5th and I am so excited to be doing this I cannot even express how wonderful I feel about this step I'm taking in my life. Also, we participate in a charity every year called the Navajo Donation Drive, organized by a good friend of mine, Tonya. We find people to sponsor about 250 kids at a boarding school in Tuba City, AZ. The kind sponsors buy everything the kids need for X-mas (pj's, coats, shoes, etc.) then we wrap it all and take it down to the reservation. I wasn't able to go down this year because of my kids being sick, and me being so broke. I was so bummed! Maybe next year. But the kids at the boarding school all got sponsored and they had a wonderful time, or so I heard. So, then we had X-mas programs that my daughters' preschool put on. Then we had my niece's' cello recital. Then we had my mama's birthday, my daughters birthday, my shopping excursions, wrapping presents late at night, grocery shopping, cleaning the house and still doing all my regular chores, nursing sick kids, visitors from out of town, getting everything ready for the X-mas party tonight, and let's not forget the baking of X-mas treats (cookies, banana nut bread, fudge, almond bark and walnut bark, see attached photo, YUMMY)! Wow, could you get anymore into a months time? I think not! But, the best part is, I am DONE!!! I will get a good nights rest tonight, wake up to a mad frenzy of unwrapping what Santa brought, and eat a whole bunch of ham and cheesy potatoes!! Not to mention on X-mas night my favorite TV programs will be on PBS. Agatha Christies' Poirot, and Sherlock Holmes. I know, I'm a dork, but I just love these shows! Life is GOOD! Anyway, enough blabbing! We wish everyone who happens to read this blog a very peaceful, beautiful, Holiday Season! Merry Christmas!

Home Remedies

2008-12-18T15:30:00.004-07:00

So finally I'm posting! My kids are all better, but it took a good week and a half before they were really all back to normal. Now I have a cold, but luckily it isn't too bad. I thought a few tips about little home remedies to keep your kids comfy when they're sick would be nice so here it is. First of all always call your doctor before you do any home remedy! I am not a doctor and what works for my kids may not for yours! But apparently some things are universal mom knowledge, and I am still learning them. My oldest has luckily never been that sick, so I am a bit late in learning some of this stuff. For example, when they are vomiting, give them FLAT soda and soda crackers (if they can hold it down). Don't give them milk, this does not settle the stomach at all (I found out the hard way that this is true). Also stock up on Pedialyte and Sprite or 7UP so they don't get dehydrated while battling the stomach flu. My son is only 21 months and my pediatrician said not to give them any kind of anti-diarrheal such as Pepto Bismal because this will make it worse. My mom swears by cottage cheese to stop diarrhea, and I have tried this and it seems to work. I also read once that chicken soup is an anti-inflammatory and actually does help with sore throats and cold symptoms. I recently got an e-mail from my good friend Megan about using Vicks Vapor rub on the feet for a bad cough. I haven't used this one yet, but I will give it a whirl if need be. I also have this wonderful salve called Sun Breeze I use under my nose when I'm stuffed up. It kinda burns, so I would NOT give this to a child. Its just menthol, wax, cassia oil and camphor but it makes your eyes water! One of my customers from my working days gave it to me and its good stuff. I always give my house an extra good cleaning too. I wipe down doorhandles, clean with a disinfectant cleaner that has bleach in it, I even put our toothbrushes and cups in the dishwasher when we have all been sick to kill all the virus/germs that may have gotten on to everything. Of course cuddling up with your babies when they are sick and giving them extra love and attention is a cure-all for anything. A little down time never hurt anyone. Hope some of this was helpful and hope you are all well or soon on your way to being well-

Busy, Busy, Busy, SICK!

2008-12-12T08:32:00.003-07:00

Brandi said-Well, December was going rather smoothly and I was getting things done, then WHAM! My kids got some kind of stomach virus last Saturday and I have been cleaning up vomit and diarrhea ever since! Then I got it, fortunately not as bad, and we were even so kind as to pass it on to my ex-husband! How nice! I think everyone is on the mend though, except my little guy who is still having a hard time with the diarrhea. This is one of those motherhood moments where you just have to grin and bear it, and try NOT to breath in too deeply.
On a more positive note, today is my daughters' 5th birthday! I cannot believe how time flies! We will be having a movie party at home with family, presents and all the birthday stuff. A small family gathering which is economical and fun. We're watching Horton Hears a Who. I read this book to Zoe all the time, so we are looking forward to it.
OK, this is the part where I brag about my beautiful daughter, and say how truly wonderful she is. (I get to do this since it is my blog, ha, ha!) Zoe has been my greatest joy in life (along with her brother of course). She has made me become a better woman, and I've said it before but she saved my life. Having her was a God send. She is so funny and smart, creative and inquisitive, loving and sweet. She is already reading by herself! I'm not even kidding, she can read entire children's' books, its amazing. She's even trying to spell out words by sounding them out and she's getting the words real close to the correct spelling. It's bittersweet, birthdays are because you know they're growing up so fast and you want it to last a little longer, but yet I am excited to see my wonderful little girl grow up and discover all life has to offer her and be the witness to all her life experiences. Happy Birthday to my BEST GIRL EVER! I LOVE YOU!
On a sidenote, I'll try to get a tip put up later in the week, and I think it will be about some little home remedies you can use when your little ones are sick- Wonder where I got that idea?

Tip #5 Holiday Hoopla!

2008-12-02T10:22:00.005-07:00

Brandi said- Hello out there, whoever you are! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We sure did. Mom really put on a beautiful spread this year, and I have to say this was a meal in which everything she made was excellent. This Thanksgiving will go down in the books for sure! So the next holiday is right around the corner and I have started my decorating. I got everything up, just need to finish decorating the tree. It seems like this takes forever, but its fun to do. I have a rule though, no decorations in the bedrooms. To me it is just too much! I need my bedroom to be my retreat of only things which comfort me, and calm me, and decorations don't do that.

Anyway, getting all the decorations out from storage got me to thinking that this is a good time to get rid of anything you don't use anymore, and to reorganize what you do have. Mama has a habit of dating and labeling each ornament too. For example, where she got the ornament, the year she got it, or who gave it to her, etc. If you don't already have a cardboard ornament box, I cannot stress enough how great these are for storing all your ornaments. I have a couple I bought at Home Depot or Lowe's, and they are wonderful for keeping your ornaments in. They are divided into sections and just really useful. So, if you don't have one go get one AFTER the holiday. You can get a steal on closeouts of these types of items. Also buy yourself some big plastic bins to put all of your other decorations in such as garlands, lights, crafts, etc. If you can't afford to buy plastic bins, I swear by lawn and garden trash bags from Costco (the Kirkland brand), they are handy for so many things and they will last you forever! For years I have used the same bags to put all of my decorations in and they are great for keeping dust and bugs out of your Christmas stuff. We'll post more X-mas tips as we get closer to the holiday, but for now, Happy Decorating!

Gobble, Gobble! Tip # 4 While your away don't forget to...

2008-11-24T09:24:00.008-07:00

Brandi said-I LOVE Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday for so many reasons. Being thankful for all of life's wonderful gifts, and celebrating them over a meal prepared by my mama, what more could you ask for! I think Thanksgiving is the most important holiday too, because it seems to me that people spend more time complaining about how bad things are rather than realizing just how much worse it could be! Americans in days gone by have gone through a heck of a lot worse (especially during war time) than people of my generation have EVER had to. I just really feel that life is GOOD! No, I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need. OK, enough already, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!

So the tip of the week is not how to prepare the turkey, or decorate your table. This tip is about doing a few things in your home before you go out of town for the holiday. First of all make sure you empty all your garbage's before you go or else your house will smell to high heaven when you get back. Be sure to put away food which may be on the counter too. Next, make sure to turn your water heater down to the "vacation" setting. This will conserve a bit of energy and that will help with your utility bill. Also, turn the water off that goes to your clothes washer. Sometimes these break and you will come home to a huge mess! Don't forget to leave a light on and close the blinds and tell a neighbor that you will be gone so they can keep an eye out for any strange people hanging about the house. Ask the neighbor if they can pick up your paper too, so it doesn't look like no body's home. Just some quick tips, but most important, be Thankful for what you have and enjoy the food!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tip #3 Cleaning what Cleans!

2008-11-17T15:30:00.008-07:00

Brandi said- Every now and again it's a good idea to clean your dishwasher, clothes washer and do a little upkeep on your clothes dryer. Let's start with the easy one, the dishwasher. We suggest using Cascade plastic booster or Jet Dry has a liquid dishwasher cleaner you can run in the washer as well. Just fill the detergent cup with this great stuff, and your dishwasher will smell and look like new! Then of course you can wipe down the outside and give the controls all a good scrubbing.
The next one is the clothes washer. If you have hard water, try using a little Lime-Away or CLR on a damp rag, wiping the inside of the tub, the lid, the water hose connections and anywhere else water has left water deposits. Then, use a CLEAN damp cloth to wipe off all the Lime-Away and throw both rags in the washer. Run a cycle to rinse off the remaining cleaner and wash the rags you just used. Whatever Lime-Away may be left on the rags will run through the cycle and help clear any water deposits out of the internal parts of the washer. If you have soft water we just recommend using a little bleach in a cycle of hot water. After the cycle runs, you can wipe down the inside and outside.
Finally, the dryer. There isn't a lot of upkeep with dryers, but we do suggest washing your lint screen with hot, soapy water every couple of months or so. This will reduce any build-up from the dryer sheets. Also, once a year, we pull the dryer out and unhook the tube that leads outside, to vacuum out any lint or other debris which may be blocking the air from flowing properly. That is it! Not too hard, huh? Doing these simple tips once in awhile will prolong the life of your appliances and help keep them running smooth.

Back to School!

2008-11-12T09:08:00.005-07:00

Brandi said-Well, after nearly 16 years of being away from the college scene, I'm going back! Yesterday I went and put in my application for Spring semester of 2009, which begins in January. I am so excited to finish my associates degree after all this time. It has weighed heavy on my mind ever since I quit school all those years ago. I always meant to finish school but I made choices which took me in a different direction. One great thing about school is you can always go back!
The Happy Homemaker will benefit tremendously from what I learn, and I am eager to take some computer classes which will help us enhance our blog, and our website. Internet marketing and search engine optimization are at the top of my list of things to learn more about. I've been in retail my whole life, and this Internet business is a whole new ball game. But, this is not a negative comment. It is just different! The opportunity is literally World Wide, and I think it is fantastic!
I'm also going to be very proud of the example I will be setting for my kids. Going back to school, finishing what I started to make a better life for myself and for them, is something I hope they will look up to. When I graduate, I will be the first college graduate in my family. Wow.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T08:56:00.004-07:00

Brandi said-On this Veteran's Day I watched on the morning news a group of mothers who had lost their very young sons in the war. All they have left to hug is a headstone. I broke down and cried, then went and told my son I loved him and gave him a hug. I don't think I could ever truly understand the sacrifices made by those with loved ones in the service. I am in awe of them, and I thank them with all my heart for fighting for me and my family to be able to live our lives in Freedom and Peace. And all those faceless names who fought in past wars and died doing it, I haven't forgotten. I wasn't alive then, but I know of you and I will teach my kids about you. No matter how this country has been run by the government, or how it will be run in future days, I will always and have always been PROUD to be an American. Thank you is not enough to say to our Veterans, so I will go out and live my life today and everyday in the spirit of America and say THANK YOU anyway.

Tip #2 Having a Schedule

2008-11-10T10:19:00.003-07:00

Brandi said-I think being a homemaker is a juggling act which requires a plan of action! Between taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking & cleaning up meals, paying bills, doing the yard work, going to the grocery store, etc., etc., etc. there just are not enough hours in the day! Not to mention the essential time needed for a little TLC for ourselves. A good workout, a nice hot bath, a mask treatment, painting your nails, shaving your legs, watching a show with something other than sing-along songs and nursery rhymes! So what is the plan of action you ask? A SCHEDULE! Just like we have been told children should be on a schedule, I think a homemaker should be on a schedule too. Mom and I both have a schedule we run by (our Happy Homemaker cleaning guide) & I'm telling you it is a lifesaver and a time saver! I have my kids fed, read to, and in bed by 8:00pm. Then my friends, it is me time! We schedule certain duties for certain days of the week and try to keep this schedule so that chores don't get too big and take twice as long to do. The women from the 30's-60's had a schedule and they knew what they were doing. My mom follows her schedule to this day and her house is always clean & comfy. I just talked to her and she was doing her laundry and cleaning her house! If you don't know where to begin, our Happy Homemaker cleaning guide is my moms' schedule and all her 40 plus years homemaking experience is a wonderful tool to help you get started. Or if you work, try to come up with your own schedule so you have a plan of action to help keep your home, your mind and your life organized. YOU CAN DO IT! Try it and you will see. When I sold my business to stay home, I decided to make being home my new job and implemented my mom's ideas, and the schedule has really helped me to keep my life in order. In all honesty though, I do take a week now and again when I don't keep the schedule, but for the most part I do. Now, I am NOT trying to sell our products, I just really believe in this advice and feel it is worth giving. Do with it what you want! Happy Homemaking!

Tip #1 The refrigerator

2008-11-04T08:56:00.002-07:00

Brandi said-OK, there is nothing more disgusting to me than a filthy refrigerator! We keep the food we so carefully prepare and pick out at the store in this place, and yet so many of us let if get nasty! It is one of those jobs I kinda dread, but still do. Mom and I agree that you should gut and thoroughly clean the fridge a couple of times a year.
Before I begin I turn the settings down to the warmest settings so I use a little less energy while I'm cleaning the fridge & freezer. The doors are open so much, I figure it may help. I take everything out, and start scrubbing. Most fridges are really easy to disassemble and require hand washing of shelving and drawers. Its a big job, but it really is nice when its done. After I do finally get it done I keep it clean throughout the year by wiping down the shelves with a soapy dishcloth in between grocery trips. There is less in the fridge right before I go to the store, so it is easy to wipe down. I also wipe down the outside, especially the handles since they get touched the most. Don't forget to vacuum the coils underneath the fridge! I've noticed a huge difference in the temperature of the fridge after doing this & I do it every few weeks. Before I go to the store I also throw out anything which may be expired or growing penicillin spores! When I get back from the store, I wipe off the milk containers too because they are always yucky. Before you clean the fridge though, GO VOTE!:)

Hi Elaine!

2008-11-01T18:12:00.002-06:00

Brandi said- Wow, I can't believe we already have a follower! Thanks Elaine and I hope you like our blog! We just got started so our official housekeeping tips will start this week. My mom and I have a bunch of them!
So anyway, we made it through Halloween despite of the cold I came down with the day before, yeah! Luckily its not a bad cold, but it still slowed me down. The kids on the other hand were in overdrive with excitement. Ah, remember those days of getting ready to go trick or treating! We would wander the neighborhoods for miles, and late into the night, unsupervised by parents. Unfortunatly, those days are gone, but we still can relive those days through our kids. I think the case is true for other holidays too, like X-mas. I have a new love for x-mas now that I have kids. We're creating their memories, and hopefully making good ones for them.

Here it is!

2008-10-25T15:54:00.002-06:00

Brandi said-Well, here it is! I finally somewhat conquered the elusive blog issue! With a final nudge from my good friend Megan, I was motivated enough to get this done! We will now be able to talk to the world of Happy Homemakers everywhere and try to solve any home-related question we can. We will be posting tips a couple of times a week, answer any questions, and just mention what we've been doing this week at our homes, in case anyone is interested. Let us know what you think of the look of the blog, I think its pretty darn cute for a first-timer. :)