She Looketh Well Over Her Household

"She lookethwell to the ways of her household
and eateth not the bread of idleness"
Proverbs 31: 27

These past two weeks or so has found me with a mission:

                                     Organization

Once, as a mother with young children, I began to research how to more efficiently run my household.  I began to slowly take apart Proverbs 31 and reflect on each verse and how those categories "she looketh after" apply to my life. 


I also came across two books, specifically, that help me also"looketh well to the ways" of my household.  They were Emilie Barnes's "More Hours In My Day" and  Kathy Peel's "The Family Manager".  The books had specific ideas for life in the twenty-first century.  I also in recent years, came across several great books on organization/family management from Edith Schaffer (her books are very thought provoking!)

 As I have reflected on many great ideas on home management, I thought I would share what I have found works for our family: a house full of children (preschool through high school), a husband, wife and a cat named Pepper.

   It works for me to......


* Straighten up & clean the house at night before bed
   (it is such a great way to start the day....fresh & clean!)


* Check the menu plan for the day in the morning.  Looking at what I need to do  (thaw, chop, etc.) for lunch & dinner, so I know when I need to begin. Example: it takes about 6 hours to thaw a pound of ground beef on my windowsill.  I have to calculate when I will begin preparation.

*  Get up earlier than my family.  At least one hour.  I spend it reading God's Word, devotional, journaling, exercising and reading a chapter from my book.  I am what I put in and what I think about.  That is the well my family draws from in me.  He fills me.


*  Have a ritual of quiet time everyday. 
   From 1p.m. (or so) to about 3p.m. I have "quiet time".  Naps, quiet activities, reading, etc.  Even my high school daughter does this with no problems. My children get a better mommy (I get refilled) and they all get along alot better.

*  Make a list before I go to bed of any pressing projects or thoughts before I go to bed.  I sleep soo much better when I am don't spend all night turning those thoughts over and over in an attempt to remember them the next day.

* Take some time in the afternoon to have tea or coffee.
   I know this might sounds very old-fashioned and English, but this ritual has been so refreshing to me and is a time of reflection (as I sip), prayer and doing mid-day course correction.

* Set a day(s) each week that the major categories (laundry & dishes) get done.
   For example, Mondays and Fridays are laundry day. Thursday afternoons I go grocery shopping.  This has changed throughout the years as my family has changed.  I no longer have to spend a couple precious hours on the weekend shopping (it's also too crowded)!

* Have your children help you.
   I have certain days that I have them do different jobs around the house.  They have quickly learned that if they complain, they get more jobs.  I try to be fair and thank them for helping our family.  Showing gratitude is important for me.  (I don't want my children to being doing chores and harboring bitterness).

* Stop running all over town.
  This used to be my life and I was always worn out.  My house was very messy and my children were always tired and cranky.  My priorities were out of order.  I have found the more consistent days I have that I do not leave my home, the more peaceful & content my children and myself are.   My husband is also blessed to come home to a joyful wife, happy kids, clean home and home-cooked meals (most of the time....).  Yes, my children have interests.  Yes, they have classes/clubs sprinkled here and there.  But we have put quantity family time first over living in a minivan, going different directions and not knowing one another. (Again, most of the time.....)

* 10 Minute Miracles
   I can't remember where I learned this, but it has been so wonderful to practice.  Do 10 minutes worth of organizing..... something.  In ten minutes I have straightened our junk drawer, sorted through the kids' drawers, read a chapter in a book, organized bathroom drawers, stacked the tupperwear & lids, wiped off refridge shelves and so much more!  If I know that I have to only work for 10 minutes, it is not so overwhelming.  I also get alot done knowing that timing is ticking (it's sometimes a fun game for me......I know!)

                                                                     *****
What I have listed has evolved through the years as my family changes and I (finally) get what is frustrating me--or go back to Proverbs 31 or the other books I mentioned.  I want to be constantly learning and growing in household management and make this home a beautiful and fun sanctuary for my family. 
I'd love to hear what you do that works for your family!

May you have a wonderful New Year!

Blessings!
Malinda B.

The Importance of Books

This morning, I sat in the dark of the morning reading my Bible & devotional.   I began to soberly consider that it would be my last for 2010.

Where did the year go?

For fun, I began to re-read my journal and make a list of the highlights for 2010.  Tonight I will, with the rest of my family, read them over our traditional candlelight dinner of Chinese food. 

It will be wonderful to hear their perspectives on life in 2010; from my sweet husband, to my preschooler through high school-aged children.

What seared into their minds in 2010?

In January of 2010, a thought occured to me to begin a list of the books I read throughout the year. 

The older I become, the more I am realizing the importance of books, the mind-food that we consume.  How books truly have profound effects on our character, attitude, habits and ambitions to name just a few.

Here is my list for 2010:

"Great Divorce"  C.S. Lewis
"Frugal Luxuries"  Tracey McBride
" Tea With Jane Austen"  Kim Wilson
"Cost of Discipleship"  Dietrich Bonhoffer
"Let Me Be Woman"  Elizabeth Elliot
"Mommy Diagnostics"  Shonda Parker
"City of Bells" Elizabeth Gouge
"The Pursuit of God"  A.W. Tozer
"Lies Women Believe & the Truth
     That Sets Them Free"  Nancy Leigh DeMoss
"Mission of Motherhood"  Sally Clarkson
"Maker's Diet"  Jordin Rubin
"Fearless"  Max Lucado
"Pioneer Woman Cooks"  Renee Drummond
"A Severe Mercy"  Sheldon Vanauken
"Pilgrim's Inn"  Elizabeth Gouge
"Tactics"  Greg Koukl

** I'm finishing up "Mere Christianity"  C.S. Lewis
                                 "Read For the Heart" Sarah Clarkson
                                 "Loving God with All Your Mind"  Elizabeth George
                                         (probably not before midnight, however!)

I also read to my children either before lunch
or after.  Some of our adventures have been
found in the pages of :

"Girl of Limberlost"  Gene Stratton-Porter
"Giant Killer"  (Lamplighter Publishing)
"Treasure Island"  Robert Louis Stevenson
"Man of the Family" (Little Britches series-Ralph Moody)
"Johnny Tremain"  Esther Forbes
"Our Homestead Story: The First Years" (Castleberry Press)
"Princess and the Goblin"  George McDonald
"Silver Chair"  C.S. Lewis

I am forever challenged and changed because of these books.  I was in awe of the timing of each of the books that we selected.  At times, some the characters would deal with an issue, attitude or choices that was found in us readers.  God-timed to be sure.

As I look to 2011, I am almost giddy with anticipation of what lies ahead not only in the adventures our family will encounter, but what the pages we read will hold.....

What did you read or going to read this coming New Year?  I'd love to know!
Happy New Year! 

Blessings!

Malinda

Vintage Homestead Emporium's Winter Collection

Pamper those you love on your Christmas List

Brown Sugar Body Polish:  A luxurious favorite to pamper skin!  Exfoliates and hydrates at the same time leaving skin smooth and soft.  Made of all-natural soft brown sugar, Almond oil and Vitamin E.  Packaged in a (3 oz.) jar & wrapped in a beautiful, sage-colored organza bag.  ($5.00)

Lavender Pillow Spray:  Great for misting onto pillow for a deep, restful sleep.  Made of purified and distilled water infused with all-natural Lavender essential oil.  Packaged in a (2 oz.) amber apothecary spray bottle.  ($4.00)

Peppermint Lip Balm:  A soothing treat for wintered lips.  A wonderful mixture of Sweet Almond oil, Shea Butter, Honey, Beeswax and Peppermint essential oil.  Packaged in a one-ounce jar wrapped in a beautiful, sage-colored organza bag.  ($4.00)

Lavender & Chamomile Bath Salts:  A great blend of relaxing Lavender and German Chamomile essential oils infused in theraputic Epsom Salts.  Packaged in a beautiful, 270ml. vintage-inspired corked glass bottle.  ($6.00)

Massage Oil:  A perfect way to unwind after a stressful day or as a bedtime ritual.  A blend of Bergamont, Lavender, Clary Sage & German Chamomile essential oils infused in Sweet Almond oil.  Packaged in a (2 oz.) amber apothecary jar.  ($4.00)

Peppermint Foot Balm:  A definate favorite for massaging tired and sore feet.  Made of all natural Sweet Almond oil, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Beeswax and cooling Peppermint essential oils.  Packaged in a (3 oz.) vintage inspired, copper tin.  ($5.00)

Peppermint Foot Soaking Salts:  A relaxing way to soak the day away.  Made of all-natural theraputic Epsom Salts, Organic Peppermint leaves, Vitamin E and cooling Peppermint essential oils.  Packaged in a 270ml. vintage-inspired square glass bottle.  ($6.00)
        
Christmas Special:  Peppermint Foot Balm & Salts Gift Set ~*~*
Towered together in a gorgeous, sage-colored organza bag.  ($10.00)

                Please e-mail me with any questions/orders!
               danielbanuelos@warpdriveonline.com

Be Thankful Unto Him

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before His presence with singing!

Know ye that the Lord He is God:
It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into
His courts with praise!
Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
And His truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 100

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving enjoying
all He is and has done!

Blessings!
Malinda

Your Bedroom....An Oasis of Beauty

"In my work in interior design, I've noticed that many people have a tendency to save up 95 percent of their money and effort to spend 5 percent of their lives--festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, and the special, more public places in the home, such as the living or dining room.  Instead, the way to live a beautiful life is to make the daily 95 percent of your life wonderful"

                                                                                           Alexandra Stoddard
                                                                                      "Living A Beautiful Life"

We live our lives..everyday.
One-third of our lives are spent in bed.  I thought it would be appropriate then, to start the journey of exploring Alexandra Stoddard's gems of wisdom for our bedroom.

Our bedrooms should be planned with the same attention to detail as any room with a public view.  Keeping in mind that creating a room that ultimately encourages renewal.


"Conjure up images of beauty from memory and then physically and symbolically go about bringing those elements in your bedroom," Alexandra Stoddard encourages.


Keep in mind your fives senses when decorating your bedroom chamber: the soft feel of cotton sheets, potpourri or candles in your favorite scent (don't forget your husband's favorite scents too!), a portable to player your favorite music, a bottle or pitcher of cool, fresh water with a drinking glass beside your bed is a simple luxury.

Set up systems (pretty baskets, storage benches, etc.) to keep your room a neat, special place of calm and uncluttered.  Have a place for everything so that when you undress you are relaxed.  ( In my case, with four children, it is a daily removing of their stuff.)

The nightstand can hold pictures of loved ones and flowers if possible--or something alive, something beautiful & holds a special meaning.  Having abundance of lights & plenty of brightness, not only for reading in bed, but it also affects our moods.

If placing a pitcher & glass on your nightstand, try squirting in some fresh lemon or lime juice when in the mood, or add a paper-thin slice of orange peel.  Nothing is cozier too, than drinking a cup of hot herbal tea in bed (especially here in Colorado on a blustery, winter night).

Avoiding the telephone-and cell phones-creates a calmness to relax completely.  Being unavailable, except to your family for emergencies, is a luxury. (Note:  as a family, we
have also banned a t.v. from our bedroom.....I know, a scarey thought for some!)

Fresh air from an open window is a healthy thing to have while you are sleeping.  An air conditioner can be a lifesaver when available air is too hot and humid and there is no breeze.  A room that is too dry is unhealthy.  Humidifiers reduce winter sore throats.

For the bed, getting a quality matress that is comfortable is worth the investment.  Try to place the bed so that it is a distance away from the door & in a position so that you can see out the windows, but the neighbors can't easily see you.  Always put the bed where it makes sense for you-where you have the best view & the greatest amount of privacy.

The appearance of crisp, embroidered linen, the cool feel of well-ironed cotton sheets, the scent of spring flowers, all add up to making the bed a sacred, cozy and irresistable place.  the more attractive the bed, the more soothing & relaxing the bedroom experience. 

Autumn Blessings!

Malinda

A Homestead Full of Beauty

When I was a teenager, I began to stoll more slowly by my mom's bookshelves and my heart began to dance.  I had walked by so many times before, but something was different......

Reading the spines of the books, I became intrigued and started pulling out books and was never the same.

I knew that my mom liked to read and was always learning something new.  I loved her for that.  I never had taken the time however, to look at the well at which she drew so much knowledge from until I became a later teen.

My mother is an incredible woman.  I have always felt an awe about her and have felt to be the daughter of royalty.  She has the looks and class of Jackie Onassis Kennedy.  She has the humble-ness and gentleness of spirit of Mother Theresa.  I am incredibly blessed.

Looking at her bookshelves, I saw many parenting books from Dr. James Dobson, christian living and marriage books, homemaking and decorating books.  Among them, I became aquainted with author Alexandra Stoddard who had made a profound affect on my mother's knowledge and quest of beauty in the world around her.  My mom discerned through some of Alexandra Stoddard's worldview and extracted gems on the topic of God-made beauty.

I have never been the same since my stolling past my mother's bookshelves.  In my own home now, I have bookshelves lined with many of the same books that enriched my mother's life.  Among them, I have my own Alexandra Stoddard's books whom I have learned a great from: how to make my life and homestead beautiful....everyday.

In the next several posts, I would like to share with you some of the wonderful gems I extracted from Mrs. Stoddard's books and live out with my precious family. 
I hope they will be a good springboard for those who read and customize to their own life and
homestead.

Have a blessed Autumn day!

Under His Wings,
Malinda

Autumn Is Fragrant In The Air.....

This morning,
I woke up early to water
and crept quietly outside to
crisp & fragrant air.


Autumn was inhaled.

An awareness that I have
only a couple weeks left
of this chore-- before every-
thing bowes its head in
a riot of color, and then
says goodbye for the season.

I began to think about the season-ness of our lives as I stood outside and listened
Canadian geese fly overhead. As a wife, mother and daughter I have deeply anticipated coming seasons, much like I anticipate the leaves changing after a hot summer.  Other seasons, I have felt pangs of sadness wash over me and a desire to cling things and remain timeless.  Parents age, children grow, siblings divorce, grandparents die.  Intermingled with joys...a ring placed on my finger, flutterings in my womb, the young daughter becoming a teen.

As I ponder these things, I know...
I must deeply inhale the season I find myself.  

Autumn Blessings,
Malinda