Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier - Considering the Source

Photo: Ross Heale-Whittle, click for license

As I approach the age of 45, I have an entirely different outlook than I did in any decade before this one in my life.  I spent a lot of time, before this, taking to heart the judgments of others...particularly those of people who were older than me. 

Now, I can look at those older than me and realize that many of them are sorrowfully ill-equipped to give advice, and wholly unqualified to pass judgement upon others.  I can also look at many younger than me,... by whom I would have been intimidated, had they been my peer in my 20s, or even 30s....and realize that they are rather laughable really, and nothing to be intimated by, at all.  

Some people are just a lot of show, and no substance.  Still others are rather unhealthy, and the product of poor upbringing and experiences.  Age has really nothing to do with any of it, other than the fact that, if someone has wisdom, that wisdom increases with age and experience, and may be benefited from.  If someone is hollow, or emotionally unhealthy, or just plain laughable...being older does not change that.  

So, my suggestion is this:  Respect wisdom, especially in those with experience...but do not assume that experience equals wisdom.

~~~~~~~~~~

It's time for our third Sunday Ponderings Link-up.  Feel free to link up your family friendly posts on homemaking, marriage & family life, Christian reflections, Christian observances, or anything else that you feel might be a blessing to readers.

 Please include our Link Party button  in your post. 

You'll find the button on the right sidebar.  If you are unable to include the button, please include a text link.

Pax Christi,

~Michelle

Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier: Whiter Whites in the Laundry Basket

Photo: Randy Robertson; Click for license

If you want perfectly arctic-white, spotless whites, you'll have to:

A) Find a better homemaker than me to tell you how to do it.
-or-
B) Create a clothing budget that allows you to replace them every time your family blinks.

Assuming that "B" is not an option, here is what I have learned about keeping whites "whiter":

Never put whites with an average level of "dirtiness" in with heavily soiled whites such as cleaning rags.

When you wash your whites, first put them through a cold water rinse and spin, with no soap or additives.  This rinses out the dirt, perspiration, etc., without "setting" it in the fabric.

Then, wash as usual with the highest temperature your fabrics will accept, and, laundry soap and additives, according to manufacturers instructions.

Photo: Mike, Click for License

Bleach is great for whites, but it can also yellow fabric over time.  Every other washing or so, use baking soda (about 1/2 cup), instead, if the whites aren't very dirty.

Generally, items with white in the pattern should be washed with whites, or together in one load.
Washing items with white areas in the pattern can lead to dinginess in the white areas when they are washed with solid colors.  When a fabric contains white in the pattern, the colors in that garment are not likely to run, or, they would run into the white parts of the garment.  However, always follow manufacturers instruction and use your own good judgment.

Finally, sometimes you've just got to throw the clothes in the washer and get the laundry monster tackled, especially if you have young ones at home.  Clean clothes for your family are more important than crisp whites.  We do the best we can...and sometimes...occasionally...not even that, and, it's okay.  While keeping the good of your family, and your own physical and mental health, in mind, choose YOUR OWN priorities,  not someone else's...and set about making them happen.

Friends, please leave any tips you want to share on washing whites in the comments section below; we would love to hear them!  You can comment anonymously; you don't need to have a Google account to do it.

Oh, and if you find that incomparable Titus 2 homemaker, who can teach you to have perfect whites, please send her my way...I want to learn too!

Pax Christi!
~Michelle

Linked with: 

Family Time Tuesday

Things I Wish I had Known Earlier: Perfect Homes

Go ahead and hide the dirty dishes in the oven, and the full laundry hamper in the shower for an unexpected visitor, if you must, but…. 

Know that you are not the only one who goes to great lengths to make your home cleaner than usual when visitors are coming. You know the perfect way her home looked when you came over? It doesn’t always look like that, unless:

A) She is over 40 (so she no longer buys the myth), and…
B) It was less than perfect. 

So, stop comparing yourself to her. Honestly, cut yourself some slack.


People are more impacted by being made to feel welcome, than they are by seeing a perfect home.


Give your visitor two gifts:
Warm hospitality, and, the knowledge that she is not the only one who is less than perfect.


Pax Christi,

~Michelle


Image: {{PD-1923}}-published before 1923 and therefore public domain in the US

A Life That Says Welcome