Ideas That Make Life Run Smoother
Sometimes it is the little things that make life run smoother. I, for one, am grateful for all the ideas that have been shared with me by mouth, book, or internet search. So, as the new year approaches, I thought I would share a few ideas that seem to make my world work better:
Coasters next to my sink. Husband, Youngest Son, and I each have a different colored coaster where we can set our glasses or mugs. This way if the drink has not been completed, the drinker knows which glass is his and if it is empty, ready for the next refill. So much better than a sink or dishwasher full of drinking utensils used once or half-filled glasses lying around with no one sure who they belong to.
Hanging my clothes on hangers when removed from the washer. I rarely use my dryer (and now that it is not working, not at all.) So instead of hanging my clothes, such as shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses with clothespins, I put them on plastic hangers. I presently do not use a clothesline and hang all my wet things on nice metal clothes racks on my back deck. When I did use a clothesline, I put a clothespin between items on my clothesline so as not to have the clothes on hangers clump together. The advantage to using hangers is that some items can just be hung in the closet when dry with no extra step if there are no wrinkles, and the ones that do need ironing seem to need less, which makes me very happy. This also works well if you use shower rods or other creative places to hang your wash.
Eating salad kept fresh in a jar. I am sorry that I do not remember where I first heard of this idea. If you search " salad in a jar," you will find many resources. I use a wide mouth quart canning jar and have found this to be a great way to pack fresh salads for Husband's lunch. I do not use a vacuum sealer and so only make salads to be used in about four days. I put a few tablespoons of homemade dressing in the bottom of the jar and then add other fixings such as sunflower seeds, nuts, raw vegetables, and usually some kind of cooked meat such as chicken. I also like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese. I keep the lettuce from touching the dressing and try to make several for the week and keep them in the refrigerator. I do send in a plate with Husband, as eating the salad from the jar can be a bit challenging, but would work in a pinch. Really, this idea works for all kinds of salads, and even other left-over type combinations.
Designating a bag for all the items I carry to and from the car. Perhaps it is this stage of life I am in, but I always seem to have many things to bring into the house when I leave my car. We tend to drive a fair amount and always seem to be at least 45 minutes or more from our destination, so I bring paperwork and handwork in the car to make good use of my time. Now I use a cute bag for my paperwork and other goodies and a small carry-on-luggage bag for my handwork. So much better than filling my arms with things that always seem to fall out before I can get them inside.
Keeping a small notebook next to the computer. I cannot tell you how often I think I am going to remember a url or some research or even what I ordered from somewhere, only to forget! Now I just write in my notebook where I placed an order, a url that I want to return to, or even phone calls I have made. It is amazing what can be forgotten and how often this little notebook saves my day.
Having a package of baby wipes in the bathroom. I do purchase my wipes, although I know there are many great recipes to make these from scratch, but I find keeping a package in the bathroom and wiping out the sinks each day keeps the room looking a bit better and also makes my more thorough cleaning job seem to go quicker.
Starting each day with the Lord. My Bible, devotional book, notebook, and cup of coffee is how I start my day. Making the priority of taking time each morning to meet with my Lord, Jesus Christ, to feast on His Word and fill my mind with His ways, is that which gives all the rest of my day meaning and purpose.
How about you? What are some ideas that make your life run smoother?
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2 Responses to “Ideas That Make Life Run Smoother”
December 26th, 2012 at 9:40 am
I do both of these things as well. Makes my life easier.
Designating a bag for all the items I carry to and from the car.
Having a package of baby wipes in the bathroom.
December 27th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Hmmm…
great list. I’ve implemented some of these ideas in the past. But I find I easily get away from them!
The worst for me right now…straight up front. God’s Word! I’m embarrassed to admit, I’ve not been reading it like I should.
I know I need to do this…
the other practical things would certainly help make life around the house a bit easier. The bags ‘pack it in/ pack it out’ something I did when my kids were young and at home. Stopped it when they moved out. My car looks terrible!
I used to keep masking tape on the corner of the microwave cart for cups…again, kids were home. I still use the mw for cup placement for the ‘little’s when they are here. great idea.
The wipes for the bathroom…not baby wipes but lysol wipes…a bit pricey, but during cold season a must!
Notebook near the pc… again, I quit this one. But should start back up with it…to save my brain power.
thanks for all the great reminders DL!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas…as always, I enjoy reading your posts.
Pat
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