as Jules is DIYing Archives - Page 24 of 45

The Real Homemaker’s Challenge {Day 1}

November 12, 2012 by Jules 2 Comments

I love the Homemaker's Challenge. If I'm honest with myself, I enjoy homemaking more than mothering most days. {shhh, don't tell} My house doesn't talk back to me. It stays put. I get to choose who it looks and functions.

We talk a lot on the Homemaker's Challenge site about how to help homemaker's and their everyday challenges. We all need a little extra training in whatever job we have, right? Why not go to a friend and ask for suggestions, helpful hints, and encouragement in this some times mundane, self-sacrificing job. In this series I want to move past the practical helps and talk about the REAL Homemaker's Challenge: Approval, Comparison, Envy, Idolatry, Materialism. Of course these sins creep up in many aspects of our life but here we are going to discover where they may be lurking as homemakers. Join me this week won't you?

Here's the layout for the series the rest of this week {keep in mind, the link will not work until the post has been published}:

Filed Under: Homemaker, The Ones about Homemaker's Challenge, The Ones about Post Series, The ones about the Rothacher Home, The REAL Homemaker's Challenge

DIY Bathroom Tips for Little People

October 30, 2012 by Jules 2 Comments

I have 2 recently potty trained girls {4 and 2.5} and a 21-month-old running right behind them! Life is hectic and I feel like I can easily drop balls all over the place if I'm not creative.

One of the most recent biggest struggles with my girls being potty trained {and them taking themselves- HAA-lleluiah} is getting them to complete all the steps of using the restroom. Elmo's Potty Time anyone?

I am constantly reminding them to wash their hands. I can often be heard hollering through the house, "Did you flush? Wash your hands!" If and when they do complete these last two steps, THIS is what I find:

Yep! That's a yellow colored counter top and sink. I know....

I'm over at Sidetracked Sarah's today sharing some tips that will hopefully help your littles with their independent hand-washing while keeping them from making more messes for you busy mommies to clean up in your spare time!

NOTE: not built for all sinks ;o)

Filed Under: Cleaning, Homemaker, Organizing, Parenting, The ones about the Rothacher Home

Fall Decor turned Science Project {Thoughtful Thursday}

October 25, 2012 by Jules 2 Comments

So some of you may have the wrong impression and think I'm a great cook or DIYer. Just wanted to put this out there along with my facade I publish here every week on Thoughtful Thursdays:

"Acorns in a Vase"

Simple. Cute. Free!

We gathered acorns after a fun family picnic outing and brought them home for a cute fall DIY decorations.

The girls were very proud that they'd help 'make' this fun display on our dinning room table...until a week later! No, they were still very proud of it...me, not to much. I was discussed as my girl examined their creatures they had accidentally carted home in their acorn.

THIS great post taught me that you should dry out the acorns in the sun, then Wash them, and Bake them to kill all the living stuff in them. DUH! Read this dudes article for more details.

I sure felt like a goob as I made my hubs dis-guard the nastiness that was my fall decor...

Filed Under: Decorating, Homemaker, The Ones about Link-Ups, The ones about the Rothacher Home, The Ones about things Jules tried off Pinterest, Thoughtful Thursdays

2 Tips for fast & safe Outside Play {aka Fresh Air}

October 23, 2012 by Jules 2 Comments

Yesterday I talked about the importance of walking it off or getting some fresh air when you and yours are stressed. Today I wanna share a 2 big tips I've discovered to ease this option for sanity as well as keep everyone safe:

Prep ahead & keep necessities easily accessible
- shoes, socks, & set of clothing for each child {blush from the mom of the PJ-wearing kids here}
- outside-specific toys in a place kept outside that easy for kids to retrieve as well as clean up themselves
- stroller ready for ride
- bug spray & sun screen ready depending on the season
- sunglasses & hats
Set boundaries
- "don't go past the tree" or "stay on the driveway"
- teach children to walk on the right side of the road
- hook a rope to a stroller to train walkers near you on a walk
- place something in the way as a giant physical reminder of boundary as well as to keep other drivers a good distance from your little blessings

What fun tips do you have for gaining everyone's sanity once again or for outside play?

linked to Housewife How-Tos

Filed Under: Homemaker, Organizing, Parenting, The ones about the Rothacher Home

Preparing a Place for Guest {on hospitality}

October 15, 2012 by Jules Leave a Comment

Since hearing the story of The Shunammite Woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17 , I wanted to be that host! Always ready with simple essentials for guest, whether they are just coming to chat or stopping for an over-nighter. Having this mindset has helped me be prepared and not frantic when just such an occasion happens. And being prepared has made me eager! Eager to have guest in my home. I enjoy having people in my home on a regular basis.

I'm at the Homemaker's Challenge today sharing with them some of my thoughts on 'preparing a place' for guests, specifically overnight guests, although there's good info for everyone including those who don't have that actual room for them.