You are here: Home / All Moms / Home Life / Cleaning 101

Welcome Spring Cleaning with These Easy Tips

March 1, 2010 By Chere Williams Leave a Comment

I am welcoming spring with open arms! After a long winter my body is craving sunshine and spring breezes. Spring is a season for renewal and rejuvenation both for your body and home. Spring cleaning is both therapeutic and rewarding. Cleaning out the clutter and sweeping out the old while ushering in the new is good for the whole family, it is unbelievably cleansing.

Spring cleaning can be simple, below are some tips to keep in mind as you begin.

Have a Goal
Think about what you want to accomplish. Maybe it isn’t cleaning the entire house from top to bottom. You may want to focus on the one area in your house that has been a thorn in your side for the past three years. Focusing on a goal for your home helps you target exactly what you want to attain and keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

Create a List
Never underestimate the power of a list. Lists are a great way to stay organized, while keeping your goals and to do list on task. If you plan on cleaning all the rooms in your house make a list for each room. Write down what you want to accomplish in each room, be specific, and keep track of your progress. If your kids are spring cleaning their room, give them a list this will eliminate misunderstanding and they’ll know exactly what you expect of them and you can track their progress.

Have the Supplies Ready
Before you sweep up those cobwebs make sure you have all the cleaning supplies, storage boxes, and any other resources you need. Nothing throws you off your cleaning groove more than running out of window cleaner or paper towels. Create a separate list of all the supplies you need and purchase them in advance. Save money by going to the dollar store for sponges or paper towels.

Create Reasonable Expectations
Life is busy! Moms are running in a million different directions so don’t place too much pressure on yourself. If you expect to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom in two days and you have three children, a dog, and other obligations most likely it isn’t going to happen. Think about your daily responsibilities and fit it in where it fits. Set your expectations to meet your lifestyle. Don’t neglect to set expectations because then nothing will get done, but be realistic.

Think Outside the Box
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exclusive to cleaning. It can include rearranging the furniture, changing the color of a room, or adding new pieces to a once dreary nook in the house. Spring conjures up a sense of renewal so while a thorough cleaning is a great detox for your home so is switching it up and adding something new! Also with all the tragedies occurring around the world donating home goods or clothes is a wonderful way to help out those in need. Check with local and international charities to find out donation procedures.

Don’t Do it Alone
The beauty of a family is that you aren’t alone. Too often moms take on the role of superwoman which only makes them frustrated, overworked, and exhausted. Involve your family from the youngest to the oldest and make it a family project. Kids want to be included and should be. You are part of a unit so make sure you work together as a team. Assign each family member a chore and hold them to it!

Don’t Give Up
It is easy to become overwhelmed, but don’t give up. Keep going and stick to your original goal. If you procrastinate the task only becomes bigger the next year and the stuff keeps on accumulating making the next time you decide to return to it worse. Once you finish you’ll feel relieved, uncluttered, and you’ll love the results.

Open the windows, put a fresh vase of flowers on the table, plant some seedlings and enjoy the spring time! Make spring cleaning satisfying and manageable. Take time to smell the roses while clearing out the old to make room for a new season!

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Seasonal Topics Tagged With: , , ,

The 15 Minute Cleanup

October 26, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

A clean house gives me a clear mind. When my home is clean I am more focused, relaxed, and I have more time to spend with my daughter and doing the things I love. Moms are busy whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom. I am a single mom, so the household responsibilities fall squarely on my shoulders. Since becoming a single mom, I am always on the search for quick ways to accomplish household chores. I do a thorough cleaning probably once a month.

However, cleaning is part of my every day routine. I have discovered that breaking your chores into quick 15-20 minute segments, makes cleaning less stressful and overwhelming. Another way to break up the segments is to have designated days for each room. Washing dishes and taking out the trash are usually an everyday chore, so they would not be included, but there are many cleaning chores that are.

Fifteen minute Clean Up: Rook by Room

Kitchen

Beside washing dishes and wiping down counters, take 15 minutes to sweep the floor, rid the refrigerator of any expired food, and wipe the inside, outside and top of the refrigerator. On another day take that time and arrange the inside of your cabinets.

Living Room/Family Room

The living room and family room gets a lot of use and it shows. In 15 minutes you can dust and polish your coffee tables and furniture, pick up magazines or books, and vacuum under the pillows of your couch.

Bathroom

I love using the organic all natural purpose cleaner from Seventh Generation. It smells great and it isn’t filled with toxic chemicals. I squirt this on my sink, toilet, and handles in the bathroom and in 15 minutes my bathroom not only smells good but looks great.

Bedrooms

This may seem like a no brainer but fixing your bed automatically makes your bedroom seem cleaner. Sweep the floor and don’t neglect dusting headboards, you would be surprised how much dust they gather. With the cold weather ushering in take 15 minutes to clear your drawers from any summer clothes you won’t be using until next year. If you need to switch out the clothes for your children, assign a day for each bedroom and give yourself a time limit to clean them out.

General Chores

There are certain general chores that you can fit in your 15 minute schedule.

15 minute General Cleaning Tips:

  • Sweeping
  • Emptying all the trash in the house
  • Choose two rooms a day and clean the baseboards in your house
  • Throw a load of laundry in the washer and fold another
  • Wipe down the windowsills in each room
  • Arrange and clean the cabinets in the bottom of the sink
  • Dust above the archways in your home, which are commonly overlooked
  • Plan meals for the week
  • Create a grocery list
  • Clean the books shelves
  • Sort through magazine and either donate old issues to doctor offices or recycle them
  • Separate your bills and mail and file them appropriately

Fifteen minutes may not seem like much time, but there numerous chores we can get done that really help us throughout the week. Even spending 15 minutes in each room can make your house look great. Stick to the time limit, you may even want to set an alarm so that you don’t get carried away. Breaking down these tasks gives you more time to spend with God, your family, and yourself.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Organization, Single Moms, Working Moms Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Household Chores for All Ages

September 14, 2009 By Chere Williams 5 Comments

As a single busy mom with a 3 ½ year old my schedule is full. I juggle all the responsibilities of the home, including housekeeping, grocery shopping, finances, gardening, and keeping my little girl smiling while trying to fit in time to put up my feet and relax with a good book and a cup of joe.

One challenge I face as a single mother is doing it all alone. To my pleasant surprise I have found a helper, who is enthusiastic and a great worker! It is not Merry Maids, no it is Anya my daughter! I have discovered that she is more than willing to help me around the house, and she is really a great help! If you have preschoolers that are home with you during the day or even on the weekend my advice is to get them involved. Kids love feeling useful and when at that young age you are less likely to hear the complaining that you would from a teenager.

Ideas to get your preschool child involved in the household chores:

Laundry
Although laundry may be our Achilles’ hill, little ones love laundry. On laundry day have your child help you separate the clothes by color. This is a great way to teach them about separating and colors. Once you pour the detergent let them dump it in the washer. When the clothes are finished, take them out and hand them the smaller items of clothes to throw in the dryer. When they are dry let them put them in the bushel. You can even let them put their clothes in their dresser under your supervision.

Dusting
You may not be able to give them the furniture polish, but you can give them a damp cloth and let them wipe railings, reachable window sills, and even baseboards.

Cleaning Their Room
I firmly believe that children will accomplish what you expect of them. If you are always picking up their room, then you can be certain when they are a teenager this trend will continue. Start with something simple such as organizing their toys. For example, my daughter has many organizational boxes; however there are four that she has easy access to since she plays with these toys most frequently. When the toys are out, she is responsible for putting the dolls in the doll box, the doll accessories in the accessory box, the crafts in the craft box, and so on. Again, this is great for practicing sorting, learning about organizing, and she gets to enjoy playtime because she can easily locate her toys.

Gardening
Children love playing outdoors, so this is the opportune time to have them to help around the yard. With fall approaching and the leaves falling you will certainly need their help. Buy some age appropriate garden tools, such as rakes and gloves. Get out there and rake the leaves with the help of your little one. Make a game of it and collect interesting leaves or acorns. Afterward, sit together and enjoy a book and a treat after all their hard work.

There are so many creative ways to get your children involved in the household chores. All chores should be age and time appropriate, but with the right encouragement this is a great way to introduce them to responsibility, working together as a family, and to set good patterns for when they get older. Doing chores together is also a wonderful way to sneak in some quality bonding time. Get creative and have your kids at all ages participate in making your home a sanctuary for the whole family.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip: Clean Lines

August 18, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Clean Lines

I have been doing a lot of cleaning and rearranging over the past few weeks to prepare for the new homeschool year, and get some much needed deep cleaning done. As I have been doing all of this, I am also redesigning the way everything looks, and I have discovered that clean lines look best and give the appearance of neatness and organization. One example of “clean lines,” is how you align books on your book shelf.

Instead of pushing them back, or trying to line them up from the biggest to the smallest and have this tiny little section at the bottom, follow these two steps…

1. Arrange Books by Categories. Put all your reference books in one section in size order. Then, maybe your readers or literature section next to that, again in size order. How you order them is your business. Obviously if you do not homeschool, you will have different categories!

The books will fluctuate up and down since they are set up by category, however, they are in order of subject, which will make it easier to find.

2. Pull them up to the edge. All your books should be lined up to the edge of the shelf for a clean and organized look. It will also save you on dusting!

I hope this helps you get ready for the new school year, homeschool Moms…It is also a great tip for anyone with books! LOL!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Back to School, Blog, Cleaning 101, Homeschooling, Mom Tips, Organization Tagged With: , , , ,

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Organize Stuffed Animals

July 28, 2009 By Faith_Mom 2 Comments

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Organize Stuffed Animals

I am not sure how the stuffed animal situation is in your home, but in ours the ratio of stuffed animals v/s human occupants is 100 to one. ROFLMBO! I have managed to get rid of some … er … more like a couple over the years. However, when you have daughters that can literally recite each of their names, and tell you when, where and how they got them right down to the outfit they had on, keeping a lot of stuffed animals is inevitable!

So…I have managed to compromise with my little darlings. I bought a small hammock and installed it kitty corner in an upper corner near the ceiling of their room and tossed most of the little buggers up there. It is up high and out of the way. They are all NEATLY on display, but not taking up a bunch of needed space. It also prevents the bed from being a stuffed animal shrine, that makes it impossible for a God loving Mother to make and stay sane! Whew!

I should post pics…Maybe another day…LOL

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Mom Tips, Organization, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , ,

Make your Guest Room Feel like Home to Your Guests

July 6, 2009 By Chere Williams 4 Comments

Summer is a great time for family and friends to visit. Many people have vacation time and enjoy visiting relatives they normally don’t see during the year. If you have guests coming in, you’ll want to make their visit as comfortable as possible. Making your guests feel at home does not have to take a lot of work or money, it just requires some personal touches and careful thought. Here are a few ideas to make your guest room inviting.

Clean your Guest Room

First and foremost, before your guest arrives clear the clutter from the room they will be sleeping in. Often times guest rooms become storage rooms when they aren’t used. Clean the closets, shelves, and remove anything under the bed. Clean the windows, wipe down windowsills, and make sure the room is dust free. The closets should be empty enough that they can hang their clothes without squeezing them in. If you have a dresser in the room, clear at least two drawers for their belongings. They will feel at ease if they aren’t living out of their suitcase for their stay.

Bedding

Air out the mattress for a day, and squirt some fabric freshener on it for a clean smell. Make sure the sheets and bed spread are fresh. Add some throw pillows and have a few extra blankets and pillows available to them. Place a couple pieces of good chocolate on their pillow for a sweet touch.

Bathroom Necessities

Nothing is worse than getting out of the shower and realizing you have no towel! In your guest’s room on a chair, dresser, or if they have their own bathroom, have at least 3-4 towels and wash cloths available. Have a fresh cake of soap, a new toothbrush in case they forget theirs, toothpaste, a shower cap, small shampoos/conditioners, and lotion ready for them to use.

Personal Touches

I thoroughly enjoy having friends and family stay at my home. I want them to be relaxed and feel like they are on vacation. I find that personal touches make their stay most memorable. One of the quickest way to brighten up a room is by adding flowers. On a nightstand place some cheerful flowers in a vase, if you know their favorite flowers try to put them in the room.

Candles are a wonderful way to make the bedroom cozy and inviting. Place scented or unscented candles around the room. Pictures always add a nice touch, surprise your guest by placing a few framed pictures of you and them on their nightstand. If you know their taste in books add a book and make it a welcoming gift for them. Giving gifts to your guest is a great way to welcome them in your home. The gifts don’t have to be expensive. It could be bath salts, a box of chocolates, or a photo album for the pictures of their visit. Add a pretty card with a personal message, letting them know how glad you are they are visiting.

Throwing a small welcome party for your guests is a fun way for them to meet your friends and possibly get together with other relatives. Keep it simple, coffee and dessert or a barbecue.

They may want to lounge in bed a little longer in the morning the day after they arrive. This is an ideal time to serve breakfast to them in bed. Breakfast can be as easy as muffins, orange juice, and fruit to get their day started.

Practical Tips

If there is a television in the guest room, make sure the remote control has batteries and there is a television guide with the channels. Place some updated magazines in a magazine rack for reading materials. Have a nightlight for them, so they aren’t stumbling in the dark. Give them spare set of keys along with a list of useful phone numbers in case you won’t be with them. Also if there is an alarm code give them the number so that an unexpected visit from the police doesn’t occur.

If your guest are going to be doing activities on their own, it is a good idea to give them a map of the area, along with a list of attractions in your area to visit. Give them a personal list of suggestions of places to eat and visit.

Being a hostess to your friends and family is a great privilege and opportunity. It allows you to show them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them taking the time to visit you. Opening up your home is a meaningful way to love your neighbor and to show your gratitude for your relationship with them. Be sure not to get carried away with all the details. Spend quality time together, remember it is the simplest pleasures and gestures that mean the most.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Organization, Seasonal Topics Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Operation Organization

June 22, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

Can you barely find your kitchen counter under the stack of bills and magazines that pour in through the mail every day? If this sounds familiar than it is time to set up operation organize. Being organized is key to my sanity. As a single mom who takes care of all the cleaning, bills, grocery shopping and finances, I found early on that being organized would not only make my life easier, it would give me more time to spend with my daughter and do the things that matter most. Here are a few essential organizing tips.

Kitchen Organizing

Keep the kitchen tidy by not allowing mail to build up on counters. Purchase a basket or a three bin organizer you can hang on the wall. Label each bin. For example, label the first bin bills, the second, coupons, the third in could be appointments or to do lists, this could include permission slips, invitations, announcements, etc. A cork board is also a great way to post important reminders for the day. Don’t forget to hang your keys somewhere that you won’t forget them

The space under the sink can get messy if you keep cleaning products there. Find some inexpensive organizing bins. I found long oval tin containers at my local drug store for about $1.00-$1.50 and they hold my cleaning supplies, sponges, and trash bags perfectly.

Living Room Organizing

If the living room is your family’s gathering space it is most likely the most cluttered room of the house. If you read magazines or books, and watch movies there, make sure you have an appropriate place to put everything once your family is finished using it. Make sure you have enough magazine and bookshelves. A big basket or CD holder works great for DVDs.

Mudroom or Entry Organizing

You know the drill, the coats get thrown on the floor, the shoes are piled up, and wet umbrellas are lying around. Your entryway sets the tone for your home, it should be welcoming and clean. If you don’t have a hall closet, hang a rack that you could hang coats and hats on or purchase a coat rack. Get an old rain boot and put your umbrellas in it. A bench that opens up is another great way to utilize storage space.

Bedroom Organizing

If your closet is filled with shoes and your drawers are overflowing then it is time to take inventory and rearrange. First sort through your clothes, give away anything you aren’t going to wear. Then sort into seasons, get all your winter clothes and place them in plastic containers or even suitcases and store them in the attic, basement, or anywhere you have room. Don’t forget to label them by season. A shoe rack can be an inexpensive investment that you can either hang in your closet or on your door.

A laundry hamper for each person’s bedroom will also help to eliminate clothes all over the floor. Then make each family member responsible for bringing their own hamper to the laundry room on laundry day.

Linen Closet Organizing

A great space saver for towels is rolling and stacking them. I use wicker baskets to store my hair dryer, brushes, combs, etc. If I have extra lotions, perfume, or toothpaste, I place them in plastic storage containers that are the size of a shoebox and stack them.

Office Organizing

It is essential to keep your finances in order. When bills are scattered you are in danger of missing or making a late payment. In the current economic climate it is important that we stay on top of our finances. I suggest placing your bills in a binder with various folders. Label the folders according to your bills, for example, credit cards, donations, utilities, taxes, mortgage, car payments, education, credit reports, etc.

You can also have two separate bins, one for bills that you have to pay immediately, or that you want to pay within the next week or two, and the other bin for bills you don’t have to pay until later. Get in the habit of opening your mail on the day it arrives and filing it in the appropriate place.

There are so many ways to simplify your life. The idea is to find creative ways to organize that fit your lifestyle. So get those creative juices flowing and get organized. Become the captain of your ship and get everyone aboard.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: All Moms, Articles and Such, Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns Tagged With: , , ,

Making Laundry Manageable

June 8, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

Laundry is a continuous chore. In my household, there is only myself and my three year old daughter, but sometimes I feel like I am washing for a family of four. Laundry is a housekeeping responsibility that you want to keep manageable. It only takes a few minutes to wash a load or dry a load, but when you add in folding clothes and putting them away those piles can eat up a whole Saturday.

Tips on how to keep your laundry under control

  • Give each family member a hamper for their room. When each person has a hamper you are less likely to see piles of dirty clothes on the floor.
  • Create a functional laundry room. Invest in installing some shelves and hooks, then designate an area for your laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, irons and ironing board
  • Schedule your laundry days. Let’s face it you may not always be able to do laundry on the days you plan, but if you can at least try to pick two days out of the week that work for you, your laundry will seem much more doable. I try to do my laundry on Wednesday and Saturdays. I set aside a few hours and then I am not so overwhelmed during the week.

Laundry day is here the clothes are in the hamper, the laundry room is organized and you are ready to go. Why not recruit your kids to help you out? Kids loved feeling involved and it is a great way to teach them responsibility. Even if you have little ones you will be surprised at how much they can actually help you out.

One of the simplest tasks for your child to participate in is separating the clothes. You can purchase hampers that already have a sorter, if not it is just as fun for them to put all of the colored clothes in one pile, the whites and the dark in another. If you have little ones this is a great way for them to practice their colors.

Once all the clothes are sorted it is time to put them in, your kids can do this along with dumping in the detergent. My daughter loves throwing the clothes in, so I got her a footstool so that she could reach the machine.

When your first load is out of the dryer, it is important to fold the clothes and put them away. If you decide to wait this is when the laundry can really pile up. Make this chore go a little quicker by having your children fold their own clothes or at the very least put them away, of course if it is age appropriate.

If you do your laundry at least twice a week you’ll discover that your piles won’t be as daunting as if you do it all in one day. Another good reason to choose two days to do your laundry is that it saves electric and water, rather than doing it every day or sporadically. Try to invest in energy saving washer and dryers, not only is it a great investment, but you will be helping out the environment that God has blessed us all with.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Green Moms, Teenagers, Toddlers, Tweens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Teach them Organization Young

June 2, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Teach them Organization Young

As a self proclaimed wannabe neat freak, the messies are unfortunately a very real struggle in my life. I never had to clean up after myself as a child. Now, I really struggle in this area. It may sound silly, however, it is the one area I seek balance in regularly! If we teach our children young to be organized it will remain with them. The Word tells us to train a child in the way they should go and they will not depart from it. Well, this goes for more than teaching them about our Beloved Saviour. It is also for something as practical as organization!

Quick Tips for Teaching Children to Keep the Messies at Bay!

  • Make it fun.
  • Be consistent.
  • Praise them even when they only do a little.
  • Make an effort to keep it a part of their daily lives.
  • Do not let them go to bed until they have picked up that days mess.
  • Implement a one toy at a time rule. Put the first one away before they get another.
  • Make them help clean up before leaving a friends house.
  • Reward them for effort and consistency.
  • Walk it out before them.

These are very simple things we can do to help our children to learn order and balance. God will bless you for your effort!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Cleaning 101, Mom Tips, Organization, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

A Bedroom of One’s Own

April 27, 2009 By Chere Williams Leave a Comment

Do you happily go to your bedroom to unwind after a long day? Is it welcoming or uninviting and cold? Your bedroom should be like a sanctuary. A place that you look forward to going at the end of the day or the middle of the day when you need a quick escape. This is one of the most important rooms in your house, it is where you decompress and relax. Every Mom should have a room of her own, or a corner, or any space that is comforting to her. Your surroundings affect how you feel internally. If your bedroom is cluttered than most likely you will not sleep well, and that leads to fatigue, crankiness and an unclear mind.

It is important that as Christians we spend alone time with God no matter how demanding our day. The scriptures clearly indicate that Jesus went on his own several times to be alone with his God. When we take time to pray and talk with God in solitude, our day seems more peaceful and we are more focused. Creating a space in your bedroom to accommodate your needs is simple with these few tips.

Clearing out the clutter is the first step in improving your surroundings. Clutter is all of that hidden junk under the bed and in the closet. Take a day and section the room off, this will make it easier to de-clutter.

When you are cleaning bedroom try following these simple steps:

  • Clean under the bed, behind any furniture, wipe down baseboards and window sills.
  • Wash all bed linens and air out the mattress.
  • Go through your magazines, discard any old issues. If you absolutely cannot part with them, take time tear out the articles you want to keep and place them in a storage box or even a photo album.
  • Sort through your drawers and closets. Each drawer should contain specific clothing. For example, t-shirts in one drawer, socks and underwear in another drawer, etc. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear and give them to charity.
  • Make your closet functional. Purchase sturdy hangers to hang your clothes. Categorize your clothes, for example, hang all pants together, dress shirts next, and then suits, etc.
  • Purchase an inexpensive hanging storage unit for your shoes. Don’t leave them scattered at the bottom of the closet.

Not only will your closet look great, but you will save precious time in the morning.

Next, create your own little piece of heaven. Everyone’s style is unique, so incorporate your favorite colors in your room. Choose comfortable bedding, lots of fluffy pillows, and add warm scented candles. You may even try painting an accent wall, it brings in a whole new dimension to the room. Surround yourself with objects that make you happy. Pictures of family and friends are great to hang, along with framed artwork. If you are book lover like myself, place a book case along the wall. Bring in fresh flowers they will brighten the room and your mood.

Now create your own sacred space that you can go to spend time with our Lord. This can be a corner or any space available in your bedroom that is comfortable or anywhere in the house. I have chosen a small area near a window, because of the wonderful light that streams in. All you need is a comfortable chair, a small table, and your favorite things. I suggest having everything you use when spending alone time with God. I have a bible, a notebook to take notes, a prayer journal, and spiritual books. Have a comfortable blanket nearby and a good reading lamp.

My only rule is Take the TV out of the bedroom. Television belongs in the family or living room not the bedroom. The bedroom is a place to escape the noise. When you spend time alone with God make sure your family knows this is your time, no interruptions, all within reason of course. One other last note is to set boundaries. Your bedroom is your space, make this clear to your children. This means no toys. By all means always make your bed open for group cuddles, but remember you also deserve time to yourself.

It won’t be long before you are sleeping like a baby, but most important is that you find time to spend with our Heavenly Father. Too often we get caught up in our hectic day to acknowledge the one who makes everything possible, who gives us another day. So put the kids down for a nap, turn off the television, and go to your little sacred place. Pour yourself a cup of tea, open your Bible and do the thing that matters the most.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: All Moms, Blog, Cleaning 101, Columns, Mom Tips, Stress Busters Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Older Posts