Working Smarter.....

 Hello to all on this Tuesday.  Hoping this finds everyone well and safe.

It is a lovely morning here.  We were at 66* upon rising this morning.  It is partially cloudy - but nice.  Yesterday was a perfectly beautiful day - although it was windy!  Coming in tonight is rain, and we will probably have a good chance of such for the next 4 days.  Cooler as well.

Sitting here with the windows open already, listening to the birds sing.  All the kitties have been fed, and the birds and squirrels as well.  Bits is loving the fresh air. 

 

    Tiny, single hyacinth stems (been here 40 years) - but they still smell like the big ones!

You have all heard the old saying 'work smarter, not harder'.  Boy oh boy, is that the truth.  You will each one find, that as you get older, finding an easy and good way is just SMART!  It is true in about everything in life.

When doing baking, utilize that oven to its full extent.  Don't just bake one thing, make several things - not only does it save time in the future, but is saves on energy costs as well.

Cook enough for more than one meal.  You can eat during the week, or you can freeze and have a nice easy meal at some later date - when you just don't feel like cooking.  You can use for lunches as well.

When doing that big clean - do it in small steps.  I like the 15 - 30 minutes at a time style.  You don't get super frustrated, you don't get really tired, you don't get bored.  Do your stuff, then move on to something fun (set outside or read) and then come back and go at it again.

When grocery shopping - stock up on things you use often.  Look around your pantry and freezer and figure what is running low and add that to your list.  Look for the best deals that you can find - you can still find deals (you see the deals I find).  The less shopping you have to do, the better.  You are saving time and money and your energy.  

When cooking, use what you HAVE!  Substitute, re-invent, get creative.  It may means changing up your plans, but that is cool - you are being wise.  That is smart!

I love the idea of 'growing' some of your food.  Even if green onions or lettuce in a pot on the patio.  It is fresh and you don't have to buy it.  Plant a tomato plant in a big pot on the patio - you will enjoy freshness daily!  That is smart to me!

I have told the story before, about the fact that my laundry is in the basement.  I have fairly steep steps going down.  I empty by laundry hamper upstairs into a large pillowcase, then I toss that down the steps into the basement.  It sure keeps me from losing my footing carrying laundry down those steps.  I then hang things and fold things before coming back up - and do it in smaller increments.  Sure, it is more trips - but I feel safer.  ALSO, in have learned (ask me how) - NEVER wear slippers when going down those steps!!!!!  Go in stocking feet!!  Much smarter for me!

Use things you have around the house and garage when cleaning or changing the look of things.  Just shifting items from room to room can make the decor look different.  Use unusual things in the garage or shed for yard decorations or for plantings.  Make your own cleaning products using things you have on hand.

Paint a room - it makes all the difference, instead of a total redecorating.  It refreshes and feels new.  Cheaper and less work than buying and getting rid of old furniture.  Use throws or covers to refresh older furniture.  Add toss pillows and things to change a look.  So many ways to refresh things just are just easy.

Yesterday I made a trip to Menards - to look for some 'helper' tools.  Over the past few years, I have added some new 'toys' to make life a bit easier and cheaper over time.  As long as I can continue to do things, I will.  I can afford to hire things out, but it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment to do it myself, and it is all FREE exercise!  Think the pressure washer, the lighter weight trimmer, the new mower, etc. over the past few years.

I finally got myself a small blower (battery operated & lightweight).  I have had to rake and rake everything from leaves to grass - that is hard work.  My arms and back get so tired.  I will be able to use this whenever I need to and not be over worked.  (I see using this on gutters too).

I also bought something I had not intended - but something I will surely use.

Over the past 2 or 3 years I have gardened doing the no till method.  I have a little Mantis (very old) - but it needs work and it is hard for me to start.  No till sounds easy - but it is a LOT of work working the soil some (you still need to work it).  I have used the Claw and Weasel.  Trust me those are hard work!!!!!  Yesterday I bought a small, lightweight, battery operated mini tiller!!!!  It has an 8" wide girth and digs a good 6" deep or so - better than the Weasel.  I can go over and over an area with ease now.  I can use this between plants easily, use in much smaller areas, and heck I can even easily turn over dirt in my large pots!  It has a 90-minute use time and then needs recharging.  Sounds perfect.  We will see - but I am excited.

It wasn't a bad price at all - and I get 11% back from rebates!

As I age, working smarter not harder is very important.  I love being able to keep going and taking care of things here, but I need a hand up sometimes.  This body does NOT operate even the same as it did 5-10 years ago.  I am sure many of you can understand what I am saying.

So, as you do things around the house and yard - stop for a couple minutes and THINK.  How can I do this in a way to help me now and in the future.

There is always a smarter way!

Stay independent as long as possible - it is so important.  Not only does it do your soul and mind and body good - but it is also just smart!

Work smarter - not harder!!!!!

What are some of your tricks - I am eager to learn some new ones!

Have a beautiful day!