Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Vintage Short Cuts for Making Housework Easier

I've been slowly browsing through Mom's 1950 Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book over the last few months and have reached the last chapters this week.  Thought I'd share from the Short Cuts section - some tips on how to make your housework easier, compliments of Betty Crocker.

* Wear comfortable clothes and properly fitted shoes while working around the house.
* Do head work while dusting, sweeping, washing dishes, paring potatoes, etc.  Plan family recreation, the garden, etc.
* If you feel tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands above your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3 to 5 minutes.
* When standing, keep erect posture . . . do not slump or bend over tasks (poor posture is more tiring).  Remember sitting uses much less energy than standing.
* Harbor pleasant thoughts while working.  It will make every task lighter and pleasanter.
* Eat proper food for health and vitality.  Every morning before breakfast, comb hair, apply make-up, a dash of cologne, and perhaps some simple earrings.  Does wonders for your morale.
* Get outdoors every day.  Take a walk, do some gardening, take the children for an outing, or pay your neighbor a short visit.
* Alternate sitting down tasks and standing up tasks.  Don't be on your feet too long at one time.
* "Recreation" means "re-create". . . for enthusiasm and courage.  Garden, paint pictures, pursue any hobby, look through a magazine for home planning ideas, read a good book, or attend club meetings.
* While children are napping, do something refreshing.  Write, knit, or listen to pleasant music.
* If you have just a moment, sit down, put your feet up on a chair, close your eyes and just relax your muscles.  Let your arms, hands, and head fall limp.
* Notice humorous and interesting incidents to relate at dinnertime, etc.

2 comments:

Patty said...

Sounds like good ways to have a better attitude while working also. Hope your doing well. Blessings.

Julie said...

Good to hear from you, Patty!