Kid Cleaning Tips

I need to get some cleaning done this weekend which made me think of my cleaning tip for today.

Cleaning a room can sometimes be an overwhelming task to young children and often frustrating for parents. Working with children for many years and also having my own, I have learned to be creative and keep it simple. Even children as young as two can help with the clean up process.

• Make it a game.  We always start with a game of "find the color."  I start by telling them to go find something of a certain color and pick up everything that color and put it away. Then choose another color until everything is picked up.  You might have to help the first couple times, but soon they will be shouting from their rooms, "what's the next color?!"

• Another helpful hint is to have some type of container, shoebox, or bin with a picture of the items that go in it. Then all they have to do is match the items to the picture. 

• I think the most important tip is not to have too many toys and things available at all times. Being a daycare provider, I have several toys but rotate them so I only have a few out at a time. Then every week or two, I remove some of them and put out something else. It's like getting something new every week or two without actually buying anything! Which saves me money and keeps them busy.

• De-clutter! Before you go out and buy new containers make sure you get rid of the things that are missing pieces, broken or are no longer played with. This needs to be done every few weeks  If you aren't sure what your kids really play with, put it away for a week or two, if they don't know it's gone, they probably aren't going to miss it. Toys in good condition can always be donated, there are several charities that would be glad to have them.

• Remember you are teaching them "life skills" so they can go out and live on their own someday!  

Happy cleaning!

~Simply Angie

Make Your Own Peanut Butter

How would you like to make your own yummy peanut butter for about $2.00?  I have tried many recipes and all kinds of peanuts to make peanut butter but this is my favorite. It's easy, inexpensive, and it tastes so good!

Ingredients:

1 jar (16 oz) honey roasted peanuts

Place peanuts in a food processor and turn on high until the consistency is creamy but not runny.

I store my peanut butter in the refrigerator in a Mason jar.

Love and peace,

Tammi

Today's Thought Remembering The Journey

I hope it was a great day for you! I wanted to share my favorite thing today. A glimmer of history; after injuries from a car accident I went to my weekly physical therapy appointment and finally experienced moments with no pain!  It was so cool! I told my physical therapist that I was very excited about the no pain moments, he smiled but in a calm, dad-like voice he said, "This is a journey not an event."

It seems that when our lives are going the way we want and all is well, we may not remember the great moments of our days. But when times are tough or we are having a bad day, we may focus on the events. I need a reminder at times that my life is a journey and not merely good and bad days filled with events. I hope to go forward and remind myself to embrace a new perspective when I get irritated with people or when life isn't going my way, I will be grateful for the journey and not just the events. The events will pass as the journey continues.

I love it when God shines through other people, be the other person today!

Love and peace,

Tammi 

3 Ingredient Dishwasher Soap-Powder-UPDATED

It seems like every time I went to the store, dishwasher soap had gotten more expensive and came in a smaller container than the last time I bought it. After many tries and several fails, this one seems to work the best for me.

• 1 c Borax- yes the old fashioned "Mule Team" (you can find this in the most grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. in the laundry aisle, but sometimes it's kind of hidden) mine was about $3 for a large box.
• 1/4 c Baking Soda
• 1/4 c Salt

Powder Dishwasher Soap

• If you would like it scented you can use about 20 drops of essential oil. I like lemon or citrus for the kitchen.  I have ordered some from drugstore.com but have also seen it in my health food store. There is also a limited selection at the grocery store in the organic/natural food and cosmetic area.
• Put all of the ingredients in a jar, shaker or container and shake it up to mix together.
• I use about 2 T. depending on your washer and if you have hard or soft water you may have to adjust the amount used if you notice your dishes aren't getting clean. You can also add a little vinegar to the "rinse aid" dispenser or in the bottom of the dishwasher to get those annoying spots out of your glasses.

***Revision update 3/10
I noticed on some of my glasses I had some film, which I had even when I bought the expensive brands in the store. I'm not sure if it's just because I bought cheap glasses or if it's from the dish soap. My antique glasses always come out clear.  I added 1/4 c citric acid I found at my local CO-OP to the mixture. If you can't find that, Lemi-Shine (in the dishwasher soap aisle at Target or Wal-mart) is basically the same thing.  That took care of care of the film. You might have to adjust these measurements based on your water and your dishwasher. I have well water and a septic system.

~Simply Angie