So my two weeks with "The Two A's" are up.Let's see how I did...#1. Attitude: Surprising as it seems, my attitude has gone through a major overhaul these past two weeks. I've always wanted a clean, organized home with family meals and sparkling children but actually doing it has been a pain. (Honestly---who likes to scrub toilets or dust? Not me.)BUT...as I've kept in mind the overall purpose of why I am doing these jobs (a healthy family, a peaceful, restful home, etc.) the work has gone faster ... View the Post

As the final week of "The Two A's" is closing in I decided it's time to post some of Ms. Hoole's advice on appearance. There's not a tidy list like there was for attitude so I'm just going to list a few snippets of her choicest words."Each morning get up and get completely dressed....Once you are dressed, everything works out better. The sooner you're dressed, the more successful is your day.""Getting dressed means putting on something that is comfortable, combing your hair, applying some ... View the Post

Remember that I am currently working on "The 2 A's---Attitude and Appearance." So today I'll share a little of The Art of Homemaking's insights on attitude. (I'd suggest getting a beverage...this may take awhile.)In her book Ms. Hoole outlines 8 steps toward improving your attitude as a homemaker and they are:#1. Gain an appreciation for your calling as a homemaker.#2. Learn to visualize the over-all purpose of your work.#3. Be at your physical best at all times--both in appearance and ... View the Post

..it's been a heck of a week here at homemaking central......and also I've been thinking that one week isn't long enough for me to get a grasp on let a lone master each facet of the ideal homemaking diamond...So I'm altering the experiment. I will spend two, yes two, weeks on each facet. That way I'll have time to try out all that excellent advice as well as post it. (Like this little gem: "...remember, as far as make-up is concerned, "Even a barn looks better if it's painted!'") And really, who ... View the Post

Facet No. 1 The Two A's"An ideal homemaker is lovely to look at and lovely to be around--she has a wholesome attitude and a pleasing appearance. She has the courage to be happy and strives to live above the faults of moodiness, sulkiness, and complaining. She is gracious and thoughtful and is consequently adored by her family and admired by all who know her."---The Art of HomemakingNote the illustration of the homemakers. Now note the fact that I don't even measure up to the bad example ... View the Post