"I'VE ONLY GOT ONE PAIR OF HANDS"
Recognize this statement of utter despair? Then maybe your life is in need of a lift.
If the waters between work and leisure are mudded. When juggling home and work commitments leaves you tired and irritable, you might be on the roller coaster to HELL.
Disembark-there's no time like the present.
A heavy work load with little or no time for leisure will take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. It's important to make changes wherever you can. The home is a great place to start. Changes, no matter how subtle can make an enormous impact on your life. So start the ball rolling...
Household Finance Tips - A key factor in housekeeping and a major contributor to stress.
Income and Expenditure:
List all your income and expenditure. It's important not to underestimate expenses.
Budget
Face facts - Income cannot exceed expenditure in the long term Identify areas where you can save. Fuel, telephone charges, food shopping are good places to start.
Set a realistic goal. It's de-motivating to be over budget so avoid this at all costs.
Banking
Paying bills by Direct Debit/Standing Order will not only save you time but might also give you the option to spread seasonally high bills over a twelve month period.
Shopping
Buying unbranded goods will save you valuable pennies. Online shopping for food is ideal for those of an impulsive nature or for bulk buying. The downside is that you miss out on instore deals. The upside- it will save time, fuel and energy.
Meal plan. Devise a weekly meal plan. Reduce fuel usage by serving oven based dishes on consecutive nights so that they can be cooked simultaneously.
Taking control of your finances is a great way to alleviate stress. So much so that you'll notice the cobwebs that are threatening to engulf your home. It's time to CLEAN UP.
Cleaning Tips
Set up a cleaning rota that is manageable. Some houses are easier to clean than others so if you are pushed for time it's important to facilitate an easier to clean environment.
De-Clutter
The more ornaments - the more dust. The minimalist look is so effective and will save you valuable hours.
Tidy as you Go
Adopt this strategy and you'll never look back.
Fixtures & Fittings
Ornate fixtures and fittings may look appealing but they are much harder to clean than their plainer counterparts. So when replacing doors, kitchen units, bedroom furniture, prioritise on the basis of what will be easier to clean.
Menu Planning Tips
Menu plan a week ahead to make your weekly shopping task easier. Any nutritional deficiency can be seen at a glance making it a fantastic dietary aid.
Cookware
Invest in a slow cook-pot and give yourself a break from preparing and cooking the evening meal once or twice a week.
Cold food such as salad can be on the menu each week, and it's good for you.
Freeze
Utilize your freezer. Lots of foodstuff is suitable for freezing. Cook double portions and freeze it.
Running a home takes a good deal of expense, time and effort. Use your money wisely and your time and energy effectively. Leisure time is so important for health and general well being. Take time out. Implement changes; they wont happen on their own.
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