Susie Homemaker

Although I don't have a job outside of the home, I wouldn't really call myself a homemaker either. Cooking and cleaning aren't my greatest gifts. When I taught school, I considered myself a good teacher. Now, I consider myself a good mom, but I'm still working on all the other stuff that goes along with staying at home. I'm passionate about my kids, and it's absolutely my heart's greatest desire to stay home with them. Now I'm praying that being a better homemaker will also become my passion. I have found a few things that make my job a little easier, and I wanted to pass them along.

1. Online Bill Pay - How did we ever live without it? I can't imagine going back to writing all those checks and sticking all those stamps!

2. The Mystic Maid - If you haven't tried it, YOU HAVE TO HAVE ONE! My wonderful mother-in-law sent me one, and I love it. I've permanently sworn off Windex. It cleans everything from glass to countertops and appliances. It's faster than Windex and doesn't leave any residue.

3. The Swiffer Duster - The Swiffer floor mop is junk, but the duster is fantastic. With a little Pledge, it can clean anything from window blinds to celing fan blades.

4. Sock Cops - These (again from my mother-in-law!) have completely revolutionized the way I do laundry. They're little color-coded clips (one color for each member of the family) that you just clip onto dirty socks before you toss them into the hamper. Each sock stays with it's buddy through the washer and dryer; no more searching for the "lost sock" or spending endless hours pairing up and sorting socks (or for moms with 2 little ones - figuring out whose socks belong to whom!). LOVE 'EM!

5. Crock Pot - Here's an oldie but goodie. Sometimes 5:00 can be a little hectic at our house; it's much easier to prepare a yummy meal at 1:00 and let it cook until dinnertime. I love being able to just breeze on in and have all the work done and the food hot & ready when we're hungry!

OK, ladies - like I said - I'm not much of a homemaker, so my list is short! What do I need to add to my list? What other wonderful time savers do you use in your homes???