Changing Things Up

For me, a move always signifies the chance for a new beginning.  An opportunity to change things I don't like and expand upon what's working.  Coupled with the new school year, and a whole new layout for our house, and we are ripe for an update around these parts.  

I've never been one to work from a set schedule, always preferring to fly by the seat of my pants.  I always get the job done, but maybe not in the most orderly - or sensical- fashion.  This year I'm trying out a loose, weekly household schedule.  It goes like this: 

Monday: Organizing, Dance, FHE

Tuesday: Library, Grocery, Baking

Wednesday: Cleaning

Thursday: Laundry

Friday: Fun Day!

Sat/ Sun: Open

A friend of mine in Michigan always cleaned her house on Wednesday.  It offers the chance to get it all done, have it tidy for the weekend, and keeping up on the cleaning means that it doesn't become overwhelming.  With more space to worry about, I am all for staying underwhelmed.  And I'm not so organized that I have a cleaning checklist for each room - it's usually pretty apparent what needs to be done.  If this goes smoothly, I do plan to enlist a Seasonal Checklist like those found at Martha Stewart. (seriously, I know she has a polarizing effect on people, but I can't help but love me some Martha). 

The above schedule isn't set in stone, but I'm really hoping that it helps me stay on top of things.  We've also set stricter limits on TV time, re-instituted chores for the kids, and are working towards a solid weekly bedtime.  I don't want to be a rigid household where we live and die by the clock, but a little structure is good, right?  

Do you have a daily or weekly routine that helps keep you & your household sane?  Any tips to share for staying on track?   

A Friday update

Winter weather is back in Des Moines, and I was pretty excited about it all day. I knew the 50 degree temperatures weren't going to last, so I never really allowed myself to get used to it. Today's heavy snowfall had me in the mood to putter, clean, craft, and be happy I did our food shopping yesterday.

I also made this little bag for Big Sis. We don't do much for Valentine's Day, but when I was working out one morning last week, I saw MS make this on her show (With Joan Rivers of all people. She is not who springs to mind when I think "crafting" and "Martha"). It's my silly version of The Heartfelt Bag. I used stuff I had around the house, and I think it was the perfect project for a snowy evening with kids tucked in bed early. The bag is lined with the same stripe-y fabric as the letter and hearts. Not my finest work, but it will do in a pinch.

I'm feeling crafty

I moseyed into Michael's today, looking for a project to turn into my next hobby (as I continue to avoid finishing the quilt a half-heartedly started for Peaches). Almost immediately, I was captivated by the Martha Stewart Craft section. There are labels, ribbons, albums, papers, notecards, glues, nearly everything you need to snazz up your next craft project. All of it is done with Martha's signature subtle style and blue accents. I was dutifully impressed, but left feeling like I always feel after an encounter with all things Martha - opened to possibilities, but shamed for knowing that I'll never live up to Martha's standards.

Don't get me wrong - I secretly dig MS. I think she has good taste and interesting ideas, but I always leave feeling inadequate. How could anyone live up to the multiple houses, the farms, the gardens, the pet collection, the iron ware, the gourmet cooking, the ironing of the bed sheets? Seriously, who has the time? I get tired just watching her work and feel a tiny bit hysterical when I read a feature story in her magazines. She sets a standard of homekeeping perfection that no woman can live up to, and I part of me hates her for making me feel more inadequate than I already do. I was a little glad when she was convicted of lying and obstructing justice (come on M, you're a brilliant woman & former stockbroker, you know what you did was wrong). I have to say she did Man Up and serve her sentence, and I think her public image improved because of it. As much as we Americans like to tear people down, we also love a comeback, and she's really busted her behind to reinvigorate MS Omnimedia. Not only that, but I do adore her new mag, Blueprint, which is much more my flea-markety-DIY-from- the-hardware-store style.

Net/net - get yourselves on down to your local Michael's store & check out her new craft line. You can also find even more on her website here: http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/