The British Homemaker - One day at a time

Having taken almost a month off of the computer (except must-do's) I've come to miss this little spot so while I've been off on my jollies I've been working on some homemaking posts that will be pre-posted 3 or 4 times per week. At the moment I'm on an organising mission, I want each room in my home to be simple, organised and workable. I've shared some simple storage ideas in the last post (scroll down) and I have more to come. I've also been using some systems created by some awesome bloggers, they too will be shared b/c after using them myself I feel sure in endorsing them from here. However, there's no time like the present to share something, right? :) Measuring Flower  has become my new source for all things to get organised. Compiling a home file has made it easy for me to keep all the important stuff in one place. Think emergency, grab and go, everything you'll need is there. Job done! Measuring Flower is owned by an awesome lady wh...

One of the things I took on board when I was active in the Lds church was the preparedness they encouraged. This covers a whole range of things from food storage to car breakdown, from family emergencies to power shortages. With the Uk on various weather alerts there's a lot of talk on whether it'll happen or not but I like to air on the side of caution and prepare for the worst. The one thing I don't like is being caught out with such things so I figured I'd share what I've done to prepare my family for the severe rain and winds, cos one thing is for sure, we ain't going anywhere! The following suggestions are just that, they will vary family to family but some are pretty standard, however I'm not sure how long the bad weather is set to last so I'm working on a 7 day period. {Food} ~ Be sure you have plenty of the staple foods such as bread, milk, potatoes. If you have a plastic box you can store some outside if you can't fit them in your fri...

I’ve always said to my kids, don’t just leave home, plan it and I can help you. Well that was changed on my oldest sons part, he went for a visit one day and didn’t come home! We laugh about it now but he’s settled with his girls and his fiancé and all has come exceptionally well for them. No matter how many times I look at Jay, I can’t help but feel proud of the person he’s become. When Scott left it was appropriate timing after my marriage ended, since then he’s completed college and university and about to move into his own place nearby, so I’m now on the look out for some good furniture for him even if I have to do it up first. He has it together impressively well. I totally love the man my Scott has become. Now I’m determined that at least one of my 4 kids will leave home with some input and planning from me! I just always wanted to share that experience with them and Kirsten is the one that is more like me, plan, plan and more plan. While she has her l...

One week to go till school starts. One week to go till Kirsten starts college. Life will not only return to a normal routine but it will require some serious planning and preparation for the latter part of the  year now.  There are 5 things I am actively working towards... Bailey turns 2 Having a rather large doll house off my sister means Bailey gets a rather large doll house for her birthday....only Kirsten and I are decorating in inside and out as well as furnishing it. Reminds me of when I was a kid, I loved my dolls house! Charley turns 8 a week later ...

Has it really been that long since I last blogged? Time flies when you are battling The Great Bug and it’s refusing to leave. After the 6 week visitor attacking both my kids and myself, holding me ransom in bed for just over 3 weeks I am so glad to say that it has finally gone. Now I just need to get my voice back to normal and all is good in the world again! This last few days, whilst I have emotionally crashed and burned I’ve been pottering round the house working on a new food menu including a variety of breakfasts that are not only nutritional but enjoyable and freezer friendly. Living on a limited income I have also been sourcing the best deals and the bulk buy deals v weekly supermarket deals. Feel free to share your menu’s, ideas and tips. Debs

The start of a new school year can be exciting yet expensive and time consuming, over the years I have learnt what not to do and how best to do the challenge. Here are my top 9 must-do’s:   Don't wait till the week before school starts! Two weeks before is fine {that’s what I usually do}. Make a shopping list for each child then go house shopping. It’s surprised what items we already have that we’ve stashed or forgotten about, especially stationary. Decide on your labelling system and get the kids involved. Be it a permanent pen or sewn in labels, most kids can do an effective job. Don’t try and do other shopping in town at the same time, make it a specific day for school shopping. With older kids, give them their own budget and let them go off and pick up there items. If you are like me and buy reduced priced items when they aren’t in season now is a good time to get them out, last year I didn’t buy many uniform items other than logo sweaters because...

Share this post : Another week, another dollar, or so they say. Now I have re-energised after a day of chilling out I am ready to share with you today’s to-do list. Ready? Back tracking on last weeks list is: Wrap presents Spray branches & vase Decorate little tree soap decorations Make Charley’s Wise Men crown for school play Finish sewing Bailey’s skirt & trousers Finish painting one wall in Kirsten’s room Hang Kirsten’s blinds Pick up 3 old doors ready for making new desk - more on that later Now for today's list: Part 1 business course Drop boxes off at Whitecroft Call British Gas re cooker not working Sort 6 boxes of Kirsten’s junk - recycle/eBay/donate Call hospital to reschedule Charley’s & my appointments Make bunting for Christmas party x 2 Take finished cos...

It doesn't take a major disaster to create a situation where a family plan would be beneficial. Disasters happen abruptly and frequently without warning. For example, when an earthquake strikes, the ground will suddenly tremble and shake - sometimes violently for as long as 60 to 90 seconds. Many people's "fight or flight" instinct will urge them to RUN! Studies prove that many people are killed or injured as they run out of their homes or offices where windows are breaking, bricks are falling, sidewalks are cracking and power lines are coming down. Developing a Family Disaster Plan will help you and your loved ones conquer the instinct to run by teaching you how to be safe and giving you a set of procedures to follow. First... If you have not already done so, organize your family into a council and find out what disasters, both natural and technological, could happen in your area. Share responsibilities and work together as a team. Second... Begin compil...