Welcome to my lovely blog- Mas Bagus’ Mom Blog

Mother of two Brigitte Hinneberg who running a marketing business admits she’s no Martha Stewart. But she’s a lot closer to domestic bliss thanks to a household organiser she devised to end the chaos overwhelming her young family. So, Brigitte created a one-stop-shop organiser to manage all areas of her family life.

The organiser helps manage household trouble-spots including housework, food and meals, children, home maintenance and improvement and finances. Finally, Brigitte was able to spend more time enjoying life and focusing on her family, friends and career. For stockists go to www.didyourememberthemilk.com.au.

Brigitte’s Tips for Busy People

HOUSEWORK

1. Do a bit each day. It saves time and effort later, and it stops chores growing.

2. Spray cleaner on shower walls 20 minutes before you get in, and then wipe it before you wash.

3. The least organised person is the one who has most trouble discarding accumulated clutter. Getting rid of ‘stuff’ halves housework. If your reason for hanging on to something is “some day I may…”, and you’ve had it more than a year, get rid of it.

4. Put cleaning chores in your diary. Mundane, but if you make time it will happen.

FOOD

1. Cook several meals at a time and freeze them. Cook double what you need and presto you have tomorrow’s lunch.

2. Design a two week rotating menu to avoid repeating a meal within a fortnight.

CHLIDREN

1. Schedule time for yourself if you are working, raising children and juggling many roles. You’ll have more to give.

2. List low-cost, easily available entertainment ideas and keep it handy.

3. Interview babysitters and carers throughly to avoid disappointment later.

4. Make a note of your children’s extra-curricular, so when you are away life’s easy to their carers.

GARDEN, VETS, VEHICLES

1. Review your plants. Those needing less water are better for the environment. Choose plants most suited to your soil and the amount of sunlight on it.

2. Plant a herb garden in pots near your kitchen. It transforms your cooking too.

3. Desex pets to prevent unwanted pregnancies, season cycles (up to 3 weeks for bitches), cancer and uterine problems.

4. Combing and brushing pets, an especially long-haired breed is essential.

5. Create a car kit with essentials, entertainment items and refreshments in case of long waits or emergencies.

MOVING

1. Plan well ahead. It’s one of the most stressful events in life –up there if with the death of a loved one or divorce.

2. Book your removal company well ahead.

3. Pack soon after your date is confirmed.

4. Label contents of all boxes especially the one marked ‘kettle’!

5. Take cuttings of favourite plants in the old garden.

6. Walk throughout the new environs to see what the area offers. Ask your local council for a list of community clubs and associations.

TECHNOLOGY and TELEPHONES

1. Gather cables and cords into bundles and fasten them under desks or against walls or baseboards.

2. Invest in a surge-absorbing multi-plug power bar to protect your computer and other sensitive equipment.

FINANCES

1. Commit savings for a particular goal to a separate account where you can’t get at it.

2. Identify and spell out your finance goals. Missing this vital start is why most people fail to achieve financial cheer.

3. No matter how many times you’ve failed, you are better off with a budget. If you can’t stick to it, find areas to make trade offs.

HOME MAINTENANCE

1. Get at least 3 quotes. Even from those you have dealt it before.

2. Create a chart to indicate the various switches and their purposes in the fuse box, in case you need access in a hurry.

3. Look at neighbour’s renovation, maintenance or decoration projects –which ones worked?

4. Keep a list of household appliances warranty periods and service numbers for when items need servicing or repairs.

HOLIDAYS and LEISURE

1. Once you’ve packed for a holiday, see how much you can do without. Travel light.

2. Relax with fewer transfers and destinations in your holiday plan.

3. Having fun prolongs your life. It releases endorphins and creates an inner sense of well being.

4. Spontaneous fun is always great but planned fun is a seriously enjoyable experience.

SOCIAL and COMMUNITY

1. Put birthday in your diary as well as somewhere as an advanced reminder.

2. Keep in touch with people, no matter how busy you are. Schedule regular dates and places for catching up with friends.

NOTE: Enjoy it and have a good time for trying!

Teori di atas emang keliatannya mudah tapi pas melaksanakannya agak berat euy. Ini berdasarkan pengalaman pribadi loh, misalnya untuk point housework, pindahan (moving), finance dan holidays he he he. Tapi, apapun kalau direncanakan hasilnya akan lebih baik daripada tanpa perancanaan. Dan untuk hal ini agaknya kita boleh angkat topi karena culture orang Barat yang ‘sangat’ konsisten dengan hal-2 tersebut di atas.

Saya sendiri merasa beruntung karena beberapa tips yang ditulis penulis buku tersebut sudah pernah saya coba (walau harus jatuh bangun/kayak judul lagu ya). Tapi suami yang lebih berpengalaman untungnya ‘sabar’ mengarahkan istrinya yang lebih suka cara srudak sruduk iniJ Dan sekarang, saya jadi makin menyadari bahwa perencanaan dan konsep yang matang lebih ‘ringan’ daripada buta sama sekali. Akhirnya selamat mencoba tips tersebut ya!

Melbourne, Nov 06