Book Review: Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook

Disclaimer: It takes a lot of courage to say Martha Stewart is my homekeeping hero, since many of my dearest friends would rather die than read a word by Omnimedia. Let me just say I love that her ideas, her recipes, her plans, always work the first time. No adjustment needed. Brilliant!

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook is the ultimate, hefty bible for more than you ever wanted to know. I suggest buying this book for those upcoming wedding showers, as it is sleek, beautiful, practical, and timeless. Hardbound and heavy enough to kill an intruder, illustrations and instructions are given for organization, cleaning, maintenance, and planning. The stress and money saved by properly caring for your possessions will be well worth the read, and well worth the gifting. The charts are easy to use, fully comprehensive, and are simple to follow. The black and white illustrations are beautiful enough to frame. If anything, let this guide help you create space to be in your lovely home. As the dedication states,

"To all mothers and daughters,

fathers and sons

who have a room, an apartment,

or a home to care for."  

That's pretty much all of us. By far, this is the best of Martha Stewart. My hero.

Practically Speaking: Morning Rhythms

Confession: I'm a coffee-holic (shocking, I know). I have an espresso machine (Krupps 865), standard coffee machine, two french presses, one stove top coffee maker, instant Starbucks coffee (just in case), and can make a mean cup of drip coffee through a funnel. When camping, I'm as careful to plan my morning coffee routine as I am to pack my tent. Secretly, I scorn those who cannot man up enough to drink coffee strong and straight up black. Coffee is serious business. I've never given up coffee for Lent, and 2012 is not the year either.

All this nerdy confession points to the sweet bit of Sabbath I've found along the way. In my world, recovering from a heavy night of sleep requires a moment of numb, motionless rest first thing out of bed. If I'm not careful, I get stuck in this moment. 

In my early morning weakness, I'm learning to have my coffee machine pre-measured and raring to go in the morning. Slothing through the kitchen generally requires a mere flip of the switch, relieving the stress of decision making. Who knew that planning ahead--even laying out my favorite coffee mug--gives me a moment of relief first thing in the morning? Watching that dark drip reminds me of God's provision, how His love pours and provides and energizes. That's usually a deep enough thought to begin the day.

And, if I pair coffee and scripture, I'm more likely to begin my day with total refreshment, without sacrificing either, or adding to any stress. My mini-Sabbath is doubly refreshing and centering. What's your morning rhythm?

Practically Speaking: Special Menus

There are a few ideas that will not only save you money, but they will also enable you to give more easily of yourself. Adapting these for your own will create space for you to easily give of yourself--and enjoy doing it:

1. Master a simple repertoire of recipes: main dish, side, dessert.
2. Keep all basic ingredients on hand at all times.

Whether I have company drop in, a home bound friend, or a hankering to fellowship at my own table, it is much easier to be available when I already have a game plan. I'm a pretty simple cook, so I've used several recipes as my "company" recipes, often a hearty soup or easily transportable casserole. Make ahead for yourself to enjoy on those "off" days.

Keep your pantry well-stocked with necessary items. For me, this often means keeping a cake or brownie mix on hand, or making sure to keep my pantry items stocked. Nothing is more stressful than realizing I'm out of sugar--or eggs! A running grocery list on the fridge helps this. Don't be afraid to keep mixes or easy to prepare options on hand (frozen bread, soup mix, etc.), especially if you're comfortable adapting them into an even better recipe.

My Brain on Efficiency: Weekly Cleaning Chart

Confession: My brain has enough ADD patterns that I often loose my train of thought by walking into the next room (this probably isn't a shock to most of you). I'm the type to forget to finish my coffee, then forget I put it in the microwave to reheat...until I find it again the next day when repeating the pattern. Must. Focus. This weekly cleaning chart helps me track what needs to be done this week, plus brings a bit of satisfaction in striking off accomplishments. I recommend a big, red marker, for it is most satisfying:

	o Wipe surfaces, including sink, counter tops, the outside of the ventilation hood, fridge and cupboard doors, top of refrigerator, appliance exteriors, shelves, and furniture. Kitchen o Wipe the inside of the oven, microwave, and toaster oven. Kitchen o Flush drain with boiling water. Kitchen o Discard foods and beverages past their prime. Kitchen o Dust light fixtures. Kitchen o Wipe the inside and outside of trash and recycling bins. Kitchen o Vacuum and mop floor. Kitchen o Dust surfaces and objects, including furniture and light fixtures. Dining room o Vacuum upholstery and floor. Dining room o Fluff and rotate sofa cushions. Living room o Discard magazines and catalogs on coffee or side tables; store those you want to keep. Living room o Dust surfaces and objects, including furniture, light fixtures and electronics. Living room o Vacuum upholstery and floor. Living room o Sort through in-boxes: pay bills, file paid bills and paperwork. Office o Dust surfaces and objects, including furniture, light fixtures and electronics. Office o Vacuum floor. Office o Dust the tops and spines of books, shelves, and light fixtures. Library o Dust light fixtures. Entry and hallway o Launder machine-washable throw rugs and runners. Entry and hallway o Vacuum landing. Entry and hallway o Mop floors Entry and hallway o Change and launder sheets and pillowcases. Bedrooms o Fluff pillows and comforters. Bedrooms o Discard magazines and catalogs on side tables; store those you want to keep. Bedrooms o Dust surfaces, including furniture, objects, and light fixtures. Bedrooms o Empty trash. Bedrooms o Vacuum Bedrooms o Clean toilet, bathtub, shower, and sinks. Bathroom o Wipe mirrors. Bathroom o Change and launder bath mats, towels, and washcloths. Bathroom o Dust light fixtures. Bathroom o Empty trash bins, kitty litter. Bathroom o Vacuum and mop floors. Bathroom o Wipe hand and pet prints from windows and glass doors. Throughout o Sweep porch, stairs. Throughout o Water plants. Throughout o Carpet clean on small area. Throughout

My Brain on Efficiency: Grocery Shopping List

OK, sometimes I'm a bit controlling and obsessive. Facts:

• I hate shopping.
• I spend more money the longer I'm in a store.
• I love efficiency: get me in and out of there.
• I love an easy solution.

When my favorite Kroger remodeled and rearranged most of their goods, I thought I might loose my mind wandering aisles. Going to the customer service, I found a store directory which I then converted to a new and improved grocery list. Nah, I'm not obsessive at all. I just value my time, energy and $.
 

Aisle 1	Aisle 2	Aisle 3	Aisle 4	Aisle 5	Aisle 6	Aisle 7	Aisle 8	Aisle 9
Health food	Health food	Can beans, can vegetables, can soup	International, dry beans, chili mix, condiments, canned meat, olives, pasta	Baking, canned milk, canning, honey	Breakfast, canned fruit, jam & jelly, nuts, dry fruit	Candy, cookies, crackers, pop corn	Seasonal, promotional	Bakeware, charcoal, foils & wraps, napkins, paper goods, trash bags
Aisle 10	Aisle 11	Aisle 12	Aisle 13	Aisle 14	Aisle 15-16	Aisle 17	Meat & Produce	Dairy
Cleaning,laundry, pesticides	Greeting cards, magazines, office supplies	Beverages	Coffee, tea, batteries, chocolate syrup, juice, bottle water	Baby, cosmetics, feminine needs,	Frozen	Bath & facial tissue, paper towels,