tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post4693964878249907734..comments2023-10-26T02:08:37.015-06:00Comments on Every Day I Write the Book: More Obvious Tips for Not-Very-Good Homemakerskacy faulconerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09690060274994621199noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-40826622872437581952012-01-24T20:03:26.324-07:002012-01-24T20:03:26.324-07:00Laughed so hard through this post and all the comm...Laughed so hard through this post and all the comments that I ALMOST.WET.MY.PANTS.<br /><br />THAT is how awesome you are...<br /><br />and THAT is a whole'nother cleaning issue altogether isn't it?...<br /><br />p.s. I always thought you had to be rich to have a cleaning person...what does the average cleaning service charge?PNRBAChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16343280775231581209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-50067310766921807072010-07-20T15:41:13.556-06:002010-07-20T15:41:13.556-06:00I found your blog through design mom and it has be...I found your blog through design mom and it has been SOOOOO magical reading through these obvious tips!!! I have these friends who seem to do it all and I am always feeling bad or at least secretive about my shortcuts! But I won't anymore! Thanks.Elizabeth Moonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12900178683899691317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-84767297634622332822010-04-16T09:38:13.602-06:002010-04-16T09:38:13.602-06:00My husband has been trying for years to get me to ...My husband has been trying for years to get me to make side dishes. He says it's not a complete meal without them and that his MOTHER always did. Yes, he pulled the 'my mom' card.<br /><br />I'm telling him other people don't do side dishes either.Cannwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12664155690689747533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-24952420166124555012010-04-10T01:33:00.825-06:002010-04-10T01:33:00.825-06:00Sometimes I'll make kids boxed mac and cheese ...Sometimes I'll make kids boxed mac and cheese for dinner and make my own, real dinner after they've gone to bed. I get real food (usually a salad) and they get to eat orange death (with baby carrots.)<br /><br />So that old adage of a mom telling her kids that she's not a short-order cook? Don't fix two meals for your kids, fix two meals FOR YOU.<br /><br />I, too, dust with the nearest laundry-destined item.<br /><br />My husband is fond of paying children one Skittle per household task they perform. Made your bed? One Skittle. All the toys put away? One Skittle. A pack of Skittles is usually cheaper than a cleaning lady for getting clutter picked up.Carinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13859567470814286102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-31858022514286380932010-04-08T15:51:40.976-06:002010-04-08T15:51:40.976-06:00I've been letting strangers make my meals late...I've been letting strangers make my meals lately. There doesn't seem to be any sort of time for cooking during softball season so take-out it is. I spend my 'cleaning-lady money' on that.<br /><br />Sometimes I'll get ambitious and make quesadillas...but that doesn't really happen anymore either.JPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00003378912998394588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-2927270162704363542010-04-08T13:57:00.246-06:002010-04-08T13:57:00.246-06:00"And I certainly wouldn't sort by person ..."And I certainly wouldn't sort by person of color." <br /><br />This blog post and the comments for it made my day.<br /><br />La Yen with the vacuum?! That's my favorite trick! Mine is ALWAYS in my entryway.Haileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09952482356525756638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-72801745912485897382010-04-07T23:38:54.514-06:002010-04-07T23:38:54.514-06:00Wellllllllll.........Sometimes we make exceptions ...Wellllllllll.........Sometimes we make exceptions on Halloween. Because Halloween is really important.kacy faulconerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690060274994621199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-58626442036816797042010-04-07T23:33:42.662-06:002010-04-07T23:33:42.662-06:00Well yes, Amen to that. (Except somehow I keep le...Well yes, Amen to that. (Except somehow I keep letting my kids talk me into custom Halloween costumes, even though I hate sewing costumes. So I guess I do need to hear this preached.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-63216167552466659652010-04-07T10:11:09.205-06:002010-04-07T10:11:09.205-06:00I understand about offering toddlers choices in da...I understand about offering toddlers choices in day to day settings and setting up false dichotomies has helped me win many battles and stave off tantrums. Just don't ask if they want to have a pony or a magician at their birthday party. Or feel bound by some crazy expectation they have about decorating eggs.kacy faulconerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690060274994621199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-23898521549814251702010-04-07T10:05:29.254-06:002010-04-07T10:05:29.254-06:00My 12 year old does his own laundry. The rest put ...My 12 year old does his own laundry. The rest put their own laundry away. When I say not to sort I mean not to sort by person or color. And I certainly wouldn't sort by person of color. Full integration!kacy faulconerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690060274994621199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-38922860970944953062010-04-07T10:05:01.335-06:002010-04-07T10:05:01.335-06:00There IS much to do before the cleaning lady comes...There IS much to do before the cleaning lady comes. It is still worth it and wonderful. But there are days when I have done NOTHING and she takes care of everything, even clutter. I don't think I could always get away with it, but every now and then she knows I have a crisis. I love her. She comes once a week and cleans, dusts, vacuums, does the bathrooms, and seems to deep clean certain areas according to her own time line. She's my old neighbor and she approached me about cleaning my house when I was moving because she wanted to start a cleaning business.She has about 3 women who work with her and they finish my house in 3 hours. I think every 2 weeks is enough, but you will find that cleaners like coming every week and will sometimes give you a deal if you agree to weekly because your house stays cleaner--it's less work for them. Does that make sense? E-mail me for her number if you are interested and local!kacy faulconerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690060274994621199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-81795352984774501602010-04-07T09:25:49.966-06:002010-04-07T09:25:49.966-06:00I love you. That's all. Oh yeah and Caillou is...I love you. That's all. Oh yeah and Caillou is retarded.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-16464066124402586572010-04-07T01:21:05.745-06:002010-04-07T01:21:05.745-06:00Okay so I did actually read this and all the comme...Okay so I did actually read this and all the comments and my haircut is going to be a disaster but that's okay, because I'll be a better homemaker.<br /><br />I *always* forget music unless I am sewing (and then I remember to put on the soundtrack to The Sound of Music which makes me cry). Oh, I also sometimes remember music when I'm doing chores with the kids, and they guilt me into letting them choose the music, and we end up listening to the Trogdor song or Moosebutter or, worst, Ren and Stimpy. (Yes, we have music from Ren and Stimpy. It's part of my mom's legacy.)<br /><br />I actually get a lot of mileage out of offering my little ones choices--but I only give two choices, both of them acceptable to me. My 6-year-old is onto me but will still go for the lesser of two evils: for example if she says she wants to watch TV, I'll say, "No, but you can eat lunch or take a nap." She'll yell at me about how she doesn't want to do either, so I'll say I'm choosing for her and it's going to be a nap, and she'll yell that I'm a mean mom but, "FINE, I'll have lunch then." It doesn't sound like a very pleasant exchange when I write it out like that (and I really SHOULD be sleeping rather than leaving self-incriminating comments) but it does usually focus their energy and allow them to feel a *little bit* of autonomy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-30054547096219628452010-04-07T00:49:00.789-06:002010-04-07T00:49:00.789-06:00This is a comment on your *last* tips post that I ...This is a comment on your *last* tips post that I was about to leave there but then thought you'd see it sooner here. (I haven't read this one yet. But I will. But probably not until tomorrow because I should go to bed because I'm getting my hair cut in the morning and I need to be alert to make sure the hairdresser doesn't decide to shave my head or something.)<br />---<br />"There may come a day when you have to take a meal to an old person." LOL! My mom used to make rice pudding for my brother who was the only one of us that liked it. My husband is *always* trying to find quicker ways to make various types of cooked puddings and they never set up right. But he keeps trying.<br /><br />I'm trying to think whether I have any good tips. Oh, I know: Make one meal out of a $5 Costco rotisserie chicken, then pick off the remaining meat (yeah, I know, that part's no fun. So leave it on if you're that lazy) and throw the rest in the crock pot overnight for stock. The next day, strain it and add the rest of the meat and some chopped vegetables for chicken soup. Two meals for $5 plus some veggies!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-70553405669012123872010-04-06T22:21:37.734-06:002010-04-06T22:21:37.734-06:00My contribution tot he no-sides meals for those th...My contribution tot he no-sides meals for those that feel guilty (sometimes) about the lack of veggies their kids eat: blenderize some squash/broccoli/carrot/random veggie in the house and throw it in your soup/sauce/casserole/meatloaf/whatever. Rarely can it be seen, much less tasted and you feel supremely smart for getting the kids to eat veggies without complaining.<br /><br />Loving the tips Kacy.Tarinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-72169124657598950722010-04-06T19:38:50.761-06:002010-04-06T19:38:50.761-06:00robyn...i TOTALLY dust with dirty-ish clothes! i ...robyn...i TOTALLY dust with dirty-ish clothes! i will now stop feeling bad about it. and kacy, i love that you don't make sides for dinner because my mom never did and i don't either. it's more work and takes up room that should be reserved for dessert....or flaming-hot cheetos.annie (the annilygreen one)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06484522842275619843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-49615660122108451952010-04-06T18:39:37.167-06:002010-04-06T18:39:37.167-06:00I like you Kacy. You're alright.
Here's ...I like you Kacy. You're alright.<br /><br />Here's my tip for all of us not-so-good-homemakers.<br /><br />While gathering dirty laundy off the floor, grab a pair of the girls leggings, or a T-shirt that's not clean enough to wear again, but NOT nasty (ie -the one your husband played basketball in) and dust off your chest of drawers or the picture frames before throwing it into the hamper.<br /><br />There you go.<br />That's the kind of homemaker I am.Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06754981551592361616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-59155692037974078422010-04-06T12:01:39.639-06:002010-04-06T12:01:39.639-06:00I forget about music far too often. I only remembe...I forget about music far too often. I only remember I HAVE an ipod when I'm mopping...so once a month.<br /><br />One of my friends is a SAHM of four, two of which are in school. She puts the other two in daycare once day/week. It's the day she does all her errands, sets up Dr. appointments, helps at school, or just reads a book. I think it is a fabulous idea, but haven't been able to rationalize it...yet.<br /><br />#1 side dish at my house: frozen corn (but MUST be white, yummy kind). Cook it. Add some lemon juice, cayenne, salt, pepper, and butter. Shake it all up . Serve.Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06798681298828623888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-73639537473532267042010-04-06T09:39:14.766-06:002010-04-06T09:39:14.766-06:00thank goodness for you and your n.v.g. homemaking ...thank goodness for you and your n.v.g. homemaking validation.katheehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06157998736901417419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-36395311241528309112010-04-06T08:34:58.643-06:002010-04-06T08:34:58.643-06:00You need to share your music mixes with the world,...You need to share your music mixes with the world, because it's your gift as a mother and as a human being. I have to turn on music when I start making dinner, and crack open a drink, or I'll start crying. <br /><br />Your position on side dishes has changed my life.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01246546379295509018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-85212677696789286072010-04-05T22:58:42.644-06:002010-04-05T22:58:42.644-06:00I can lurk no longer... I laughed so hard today re...I can lurk no longer... I laughed so hard today reading this post! Can I still visit your blog if I hate pigs in a blanket? Ugh... the thought makes me shudder. One thing I re-discovered almost 10 years ago was reading a good book. Now I have 4 kids too, so time to sit and read is a luxury, but I get my fix through audiobooks. Can't. Live. Without. Them. Seriously!Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03624962654835476292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-82143457461883915922010-04-05T22:02:42.568-06:002010-04-05T22:02:42.568-06:00Look, I can't cook and I'm the first to ad...Look, I can't cook and I'm the first to admit that, so my next comment should probably be disqualified or I should find a blogger writing a series on tips for "LOUSY homemakers", but I have always been of the opinion that a big bag of potato chips qualified as a "side dish" . At least that's what I always get assigned to bring to family functions. Hey wait a minute, it's all becoming more clear now......kamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05426126059201565374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-84757419576688026342010-04-05T21:57:29.769-06:002010-04-05T21:57:29.769-06:00My hint: get a cute apron - maybe several cute ap...My hint: get a cute apron - maybe several cute aprons. A woman in an apron looks competent and official - and efficient.<br /><br />Phoebe taught me that "it's all about presentation" which it is. Which is also why I have slavishly followed the old dictum that says, "Set the table - everyone will relax thinking that dinner is on its way."<br /><br />It works in our household.grannybabshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640154807725541703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-16282054806633981082010-04-05T19:45:13.827-06:002010-04-05T19:45:13.827-06:00Flamin' Hot Cheetos rock as do beverages from ...Flamin' Hot Cheetos rock as do beverages from the gas station. Nachos anyone?Beth Freestonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11295868327903665172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597252.post-19101541463863080822010-04-05T19:12:24.156-06:002010-04-05T19:12:24.156-06:00I tolerate laundry mountain much better since I ha...I tolerate laundry mountain much better since I have lowered my standards. First, the teenagers are in charge of their own laundry. I don't care if they do it or not and I make my eyes do soft focus when I look at them so I can't really tell if their stuff is gross or not. It is their baby.<br />For everyone else I have totally stopped folding underwear, socks, and jammies. That was probably the part I hated the most, now I just toss underwear and pjs in the drawers and leave socks in a basket in the family room (I put it in my room if people are coming over). I still feel okay about everything because the clothes are clean and they smell good.Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03985546313521890273noreply@blogger.com