Tips on how to easily and safely wash china and other fine dishes

China is so beautiful! These delicate looking dishes are sometimes hand painted and have been giving many hours of gentle loving care. It would be a shame for them to get ruined them when washing, but thankfully, they are not as delicate as they look.

Taking care of your china can be a daunting task, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your dishes looking like new for years to come. 

Can you hand wash china?

Yes, hand washing is the safest way to wash china especially if it is fine-bone china. You have more control over the water temperature, type of dish washing detergent, etc. 

Can china go in boiling water?

Preferably not. Water that is too hot may crack your china or cause other damage. Warm water is sufficient unless the dishes are really greasy. Then I would use hot tap water.

How do you clean china from a thrift store?

When you buy china from a thrift store, you don’t know where it has been. Washing it well with warm to hot water with some dish soap will sterilize it and kill any germs. You shouldn’t have to worry about it after you have cleaned it well.

Most things (even cleaning up after raw chicken) are taken care of by a little warm soapy water.

How often should you wash your china?

Wash your china dishes as often as you use them. 

If they are just for show and never get used, it is a good idea to wash them once a year to keep them looking pristine.

How do you whiten yellowed china?

The best way to whiten yellowed china is to mix a little baking soda and white vinegar into a paste and letting it set on the stain for a few minutes before washing it off.

Here is how to do with it hydrogen peroxide.

While china is made out of delicate materials, it is okay to wash vintage china or even china that is only 15-20 years old. The most important thing is to be wise and everything will turn out fine.

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Do people still use fine china?

Yes, people still use fine china. Although it is usually reserved for special occasions, as more people are pursuing an old fashioned way of life, it is becoming more common to hear of people bringing out their antique china or everyday use instead of letting it sit in storage or their china cabinet. 

China does not require much more special attention than regular dishes do. Simply pay attention as you are washing them and they should be fine.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wash your china. This is also how you clean porcelain and fine bone china as well.

How to Wash China

Gather Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need dish soap, a soft sponge or brush, hot water, rubber gloves, and a soft towel or dish rack.

Using hot water from the tap (not boiling water) instead of warm water will help gut the grease and make the dishes dry faster without water stains. Rubber gloves will protect you hands so that you can use hotter water. They will protect your hands from getting dried out or scalded from the hot water.

Pre-Wash

Start by checking each piece of china for any cracks or damage. Rinse each piece under warm water to remove any food debris. Add a small amount of dish soap to the bottom of the sink and fill the sink with hot water.

Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on your china as this can cause damage. Natural chemicals like baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide are okay.

Washing

Wash one piece of china at a time. Use a soft sponge or soft wash cloth to gently scrub the dish. A dish rag works well, too.

Rinse each dish with hot water and place them in a dish drainer.

Drying

Use a soft cloth or dish towel to dry any remaining water or let them air dry. A paper towel is another option.

Final Thoughts

Using china is an easy way to enhance a dinner experience. You don’t have to reserve your china for special occasions. Using them in the day to day makes meals a little more special and by following these simple steps, you can ensure that your china is kept in good condition and is ready to be used for any occasion.

These simple steps can also be applied to any ceramic or porcelain piece.

With these easy steps, you can feel comfortable using your beautiful dishes for any occasion.

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How to sustainably live on one income, tips for wanna be SAHM’s

To live on one income does not mean you have to give up every luxury, but it may mean scaling back and prioritizing other things. There is so much to be gained from living on one income like learning to save more, to be frugal, to make things yourself, and to be content no matter your financial situation.

Living on one income can be difficult, but it can also be so good for you. It’s hard, but doing hard things builds character and we need more of VIRTUE in this world.

Is it possible to live on one income?

Absolutely! It is possible to live on one income.

However, this looks different for everyone. How you do so depends on your income and what you are comfortable doing. It can’t look the same for everyone especially since we all have our preferences and things that we won’t do without.

Living on one income is possible. Just make sure you are doing right by your family and don’t worry about what other people think you should or should not be doing in order to live on one income.

How to afford to live on one income?

Living on one income can be a daunting task, especially if you have always been used to living on two incomes. Whether you are a single parent, a couple expecting their first child, or you are wanting to become a stay-at-home parent; it is possible to live comfortably on one income. Here are the tips to help you successfully live on one income.

• Create a Budget
• Plan for Emergencies
• Use Credit Cards
• Be Frugal
• Grow your own Food
• Use it up, Wear it out, Make it Do, or Do Without
• Stick to a Shopping List
• DIY Projects
• Make your own Products
• Cook from Scratch
• Eat at Home
• Save on monthly bills
• Invest in good quality items
• Have financial goals
• Prioritizing Expenses
• Find Ways to Increase Your Income

Create a Budget

The first and most important step to becoming a one-income family is creating a budget. You should list all of your expenses, including rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, car payments, health insurance, and any other expenses you have. Don’t forget to list what goes into your retirement accounts and what you already have in your savings account and any other bank account. Once you know how much money you need to cover your expenses, you can start to look for areas where you can cut back. This might mean downsizing your home, reducing your grocery bill, or cutting back on entertainment expenses.

This is a great resource on budgeting that can help you get started. It breaks down Dave’s Ramsey’s budgeting principles so that’s easy to apply.

Making a budget will also show you what your spending habits are.

Plan for Emergencies

When you are living on one income, it is important to plan for emergencies. You should have an emergency fund that can cover at least one month if not three to six months of living expenses. This will provide you with a safety net in case you lose your job or have unexpected expenses. Start building your emergency fund by setting aside a portion of your income each month. You can also look for ways to save money on your regular expenses, such as switching to a cheaper car insurance provider.

Use Credit Cards

If you can trust yourself to not overspend and to keep up with the bill, using a credit card that gives you a percentage back on groceries, gas, and other household items can help you make a decent amount of money on things you would normally purchase anyways.

A credit card is a helpful tool if managed well and is the easiest way to bring in extra money. You have to stay on top of paying it off and not accumulate credit card debt. The best way to remember to do this is to set a reminder at the end of each month to make the monthly payment.

Be Frugal

Being frugal is an essential part of living on one income. It means being mindful of your spending and making conscious choices about where you allocate your resources. One way to be frugal is to avoid unnecessary expenses, such as buying expensive clothes. Instead, look for deals on clothing and other essentials. By being frugal, you can stretch your income further and create a more stable financial future for yourself and your family.

Grow your own food

If you don’t know how to garden, now is a good time to learn. Start small and just do something. Overtime, you’ll gain a lot of experience and get really good at growing things.

Growing your own food can save a lot on the grocery bill. It’s a good experience and great way to get out of the house.

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without

Look for ways to repurpose and reuse items you already have, such as using old clothing as rags or turning old jars into storage containers. 

Old food containers like sour cream containers make good planters to start seeds in.

Cardboard boxes work great for organizing things.

Get creative and don’t throw anything away or get rid of anything unless it has no use any more or can be turned into something useful.

Stick to a shopping list

Make a list before you go grocery shopping and purpose to stick to it. This can help you save a lot of money by not buying unnecessary things.

I’m old fashioned so I like to use a good old piece of paper to make my lists on. There are, however, plenty of apps if would rather go digital. Find what works for you and stick with it.

DIY Projects

If something needs to be done around the house, look into how you can do it yourself. This can help cut down on costs and expenses of hiring someone else to do it for you.

There’s also plenty of resources online to learn how to do things so it’s a good idea to see if you can do it on your own before paying extra expense and hiring someone.

Ask around, too. You probably know people who could take care of the project who would give you a discount on it or offer to do it for free. People are always willing to help.

Make your own Products

There are so many recipes and ideas out there on how to make your own products and household items at home. Whether it’s make up or even dish soap or laundry detergent, not only will you save some money but you will have the satisfaction of creating something.

Easy things to start making are…

• hand soap
• dish soap
• laundry detergent
• make up
• baby wash and shampoo
• spices mixes
• lotions
• candles

Cook from Scratch

Making your own meals can help you stay healthy and live better on less. This doesn’t mean you have to slave away over a hot stove. There are plenty of easy recipes that are both delicious, healthy, and cheap that your family will love.

Not only will you save money, but you will learn a valuable skill as well. Besides, homemade food always tastes better!

Eat at Home

Eating out easily costs double or even triple then making a meal at home. 

There are some times when it is better just to eat out or order in. Just make sure to budget for it.

Save on Monthly Bills

There are summer AC programs or you can save a good bit of money by only using the AC during certain times of the day.

Another way to save on bills is to adjust the temperature a few degrees or more lower than what you normally have it in the winter and bundle up. Bumping the AC up a few degrees in the summer can also help save on monthly expenses.

This is a good time to evaluate your subscription services. If there is anything unnecessary that you are paying for, end it and put that money where it really matters.

Invest in good quality items

Invest in high-quality items that will last a long time. While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option available, this can often end up costing you more money in the long run. 

By investing in durable, high-quality items, such as furniture or appliances, you can save money on replacements and repairs.

Buying better quality clothes though it might be more expensive up front can be better than buying something cheap that you will have to replace in six months. Make sure you do your research though. This is not always the case.

Unfortunately, just because it is more expensive, does not guarantee that it is better quality.

By adopting a frugal mindset, you can become more resourceful and creative with your spending, which can help you live more comfortably on one income.

Have Financial Goals

Just because you don’t have a second income doesn’t mean that you can’t save up for things or make plans. You may have less money, but you can still have financial security and with careful planning, can still afford nice things.

To make this happen you have to understand your financial situation and your household budget and make it work for you.

Don’t forget to keep dreaming even though you may not have as much money coming in as before. Remember to think ahead and make plans for where you want your family to be. Dreaming of the future helps you stay excited when things start getting a little tight.

Prioritizing Expenses

Prioritizing expenses is an essential part of living on one income. You will need to make choices about what is essential and what is not. For example, you may need to cut back on eating out or entertainment expenses to make room for necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries.

Find Ways to Increase Your Income

While living a single salary can be challenging, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find ways to increase your incomes so that you can have enough money. You could consider taking on side hustles, a part-time job or start your own business to supplement your income(something that you could do from home). There are many online opportunities that you can explore, such as freelance writing, graphic design, or tutoring. You could also look for ways to save money on your regular expenses, such as switching to a cheaper phone bill.

Any extra income helps when you are on a tight budget.

Final Thoughts

Living on one income is not easy, but it is possible. You can do it successfully. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can thrive on one income and achieve financial stability for you and your family. Your family life does not have to suffer just because you want to be a stay-at-home mom. You can flourish without a second salary as you long as you plan accordingly and budget your household income.

It’s important to remember that living on one income requires discipline and sacrifice. The only way you will succeed is if you plan. You may have to forego some luxuries or adjust your lifestyle to make ends meet. However, by following the tips outlined in this post, you can create a sustainable financial plan that works well for you and your family.

I hope that you are excited to be home with your family and have all the time in the world to love on them and make a wonderful home for them!

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Learn how to improve your homemaking with these simple tips!

Every homemaker wants to know how they can be better at what they do. Homemaking is a great responsibility with so many little things to manage, especially if you work full time outside of the home. No matter how good you get at homemaking, there is always more that you can learn and improve on.

Every season of life is different, too. Just when you think you have got it all down, something changes and throws everything off.

If you are a stay-at-home mom, this is especially true. There is no way for you to know how each season will go with each individual child in your home. Their personalities and your personality add so many factors into it as well.

As you get better at one thing, it is time to shift gears and focus on something else. I have compiled my best list of homemaking tips for you so that you can be refreshed in your homemaking journey and continue to create a place for you and your family to flourish.

Here is an outline of the main tips that are covered here.

• Wake up early.
• Cultivate virtue.
• Stay energized.
• Plan ahead.
• Be consistent.
• Have hobbies.
• Be efficient.
• Simplify larger tasks.
• Treat it like a job.
• Have set times to do chores.
• Have break times.
• Have a set time to end your chores.
• Reward yourself.
• Prioritize being at home.
• Learn new skills.
• Make it unique.
• Make food from scratch.

Now let’s dig a little deeper into these tried and true homemaking tips!

Wake up early

Waking up earlier will make homemaking easier. With children this is hard, but necessary. You can’t count on them not waking up earlier than expected.

Mine are notorious for interrupting my morning time, but I still find that if I plan to at least shower and make breakfast before they get up, then we are off to a good start.

This only takes about 30 minutes or so depending on what I make for breakfast, but my tried and true routine is to wake up an hour before they do so that I can get some personal time in as well.

If I wake up before the children do, then I am more prepared for them and the morning is a lot easier.

Stay Energized

Moms work hard all day long, especially if they have a large family. No matter what stage or season of life you are in, there are always more things to do.

If you don’t take care of your home without taking care of yourself, eventually, you will burn out.

Simple ways to stay energized are…

• Caffeine – A little coffee, tea, and even chocolate is a great way to get a little boost of energy. Just make sure you eat some protein with it to keep yourself from crashing later.
• Snacks – If you are running out of energy, maybe you need more fuel.
• Adrenal Cocktail – This is also known as a mocktail which means it does not contain alcohol. It is a simple concoction with orange juice and salt among other things that can help balance out your stress hormones and help you feel better throughout the day. This is an easy way to get those necessary electrolytes that you lose as you are working out or doing daily chores.

Plan ahead

If you know what is coming up in your day, you will be more prepared and won’t be running around last minute like a chicken with its head cut off.

It’s really hard to flourish if there is no plan in place so that daily tasks and monthly chores can run smoothly. Taking time to plan ahead can really improve how your home is kept, how it’s run, and even how you feel as a person.

Finding what works for you can be hard. It takes a good bit of experimenting and tweaking until you get the hang of the flow of things like cleaning the bathroom or meal planning, not to mention laundry and dishes.

Planning can save you a lot of time and a lot of stress. What mom needs more stress?

Make a cleaning schedule or a list of tasks for your household chores. Make some chore charts. Have a morning routine.

Take the time. PLAN! Even if this is one of the only homemaking tips you take away, this one thing will still make a big difference in your life.

Be consistent

When you have found your groove, try to be as consistent at sticking to the routine you have in place. Being consistent helps keep unnecessary random factors from breaking your routine.

Don’t stress over it though. If something needs to slide to the side in order for something more important to happen, let it slide. This is the beauty of being a homemaker! You are in charge of the time.

Have hobbies

Don’t neglect your passions!

Letting your hobbies and passions be pushed aside permanently for the sake of housework is not healthy. As with everything, there needs to be a balance of getting work done and doing something you enjoy.

The best way to balance this is to carve out specific times every day or several times a week for you to do something that brings you joy.

If you don’t have a hobby, you need to get one. This doesn’t mean that it has to be totally unrelated to homemaking. It just means that you find something that brings you joy.

There are plenty of things that are connected to homemaking that you could incorporate into your schedule as a hobby. Some people really enjoy cooking and baking. Others enjoy gardening and sewing.

I actually really enjoy organizing things. It makes me so happy to have everything neat and in its place.

These are easy things that you already do and if you find them enjoyable, maybe plan to give them some extra time and really get into it.

Having hobby time can help you get through the mundane or difficult things about homemaking. When there is something to look forward to that brings you immense joy, things will be easier.

Hey Friend!

Does housework overwhelm you to the point of discouragement? Do you wish you could finally get on top of it all? Do you have the homemaking dream of keeping your home in order, but struggle to actually do so on a day-to-day basis?

Are you struggling to manage your time at home?

Check out my new eBook Systems & Routines: Simple Time Management for Homemakers! It includes all that I have learned about systems and routines and how they have helped me manage my time and home well!

Cultivate virtue

The most important thing and best homemaking tip I can give you to be a successful homemaker is to cultivate virtue.

Ultimately, what makes a good homemaker is what is inside her. The virtue of a homemaker goes beyond the virtues of Aristotle which are prudence, temperance, justice, and courage; and also embraces the three Christian virtues of Faith, hope, and love. There is an inner beauty to someone who is kind, loving, compassionate, but also hard working and wise.

There is goodness and a beauty to be seen that is very attractive to other people. A virtuous woman draws other people to something greater than herself with an irresistible goodness in the way she carries herself, talks, addresses issues, and even does housekeeping.

I like to think of virtue as the good that propels good. When you are virtuous now, it sets you up to be virtuous in the future because you are creating the habit of choosing virtue in the moment.

This is easily seen in the emotions of a homemaker. It is really hard to be joyful all the time, to be in the spirit of thanking God and praising him for all that he has blessed you with. The virtue of patience comes hard especially when you have little children running around getting under your feet when you are trying to make dinner or simply fold the clothes.

Choosing to be virtuous in those moments even when you don’t feel like it, makes it easier to choose virtue the next time and the next time until it becomes an engrained habit into your character.

It’s hard, very hard, but so worth it. It takes a lot of intentional decisions right in the middle of things happening to be virtuous.

To set yourself up for success, choose ahead of time that you are going to be virtuous like the woman in Proverbs 31.

Be efficient

Efficiency does not mean doing something fast. We have somehow associated these two words together until efficiency has become the bad guy to running a household in a healthy and sustainable way.

The word efficient means to be effective or productive. These can look like doing things super fast, but in the long run, always doing things as fast as possible is not the most sustainable way to live.

Doing things at a slow pace where you enjoy what you are doing and can take pride in your work instead of just doing things to check them off the to-do list, is still efficient. Besides, it’s better to do this then run around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Simplify larger tasks

If you get stressed out easily, then you need this homemaking tip!

If there is a bigger or less agreeable task that needs to be done, take some time to stop and evaluate the task. A good thing to do is to break it down into the individual different steps and see if you can’t simplify it.

As a new homemaker, I did a lot of things the hard way.

For example, something I struggled with was doing the laundry. It was hard for me to not get stressed if I did it all in one day.

A load of laundry can be an easy task! It should be an easy task!

I have learned to take the whole process of doing laundry apart, break it down into simple steps, and figure out what is unnecessary that I can do away with so that I get it more done in less time. You can read more about my process over here in Laundry Tips for Beginners.

Treat homemaking like a job.

Treating your responsibilities as your job can be very helpful in your homemaking journey. This allows you to set boundaries and be done at a certain time. Here are some ways to do that.

Have set times to do chores

What I like to do is to have a set time every morning that I start my housekeeping. It usually isn’t an actual time, but more of a rhythm or routine. When breakfast is over, it is time to start working.

Have break times

Don’t run yourself ragged by being a go-getter that doesn’t know how to slow down and sit for a while. A really helpful strategy is to have a time blocking routine. Have a set time or choose a stopping spot in the middle of a bigger task to stop and take a breather. Eat a snack or get some coffee. Enjoy a little time of relaxing before getting up to do some more.

Have a set time to be done for the day

This is a great homemaking tip because once you reach that designated time, you are done for the day and it feels great!

It has been very helpful for me to be done once the children go to bed. After they have been tucked in for the night, I don’t do any more work. It can wait till tomorrow.

Reward yourself

Someone who works a regular job gets paid. It can be helpful for you as a homemaker to reward yourself while you are doing certain tasks that you don’t especially enjoy. This can look like eating some chocolate or fixing your favorite lunch.

It’s okay to pamper yourself a little bit. You work overtime as it is.

Prioritize being at home

Social media can make homemakers feel like they have to be as social as if they were single. This is not the case. In fact, you will most likely flourish if you are not. It’s okay to prioritize your home and stay home so that you can get things done, spend time with your children, or even just be less stressed.

There is nothing wrong with this and it actually is a very wise approach to homemaking especially in the season when you have little children.

This does not in any mean that you are a terrible homemaker if you do choose to go out and do things. To each their own.

The point I am trying to make is that you don’t need to feel bad if you don’t want to.

Learn new skills

Homemakers several generations ago knew how to do so many things that sadly have not been handed down. Convenience has robbed us of a lot of knowledge that our grandmothers mastered. Because of this, homes are not as sustainable or as healthy as they could be.

Searching for a more quality life, many of us young women have turned back to learn from previous generations how to create a home that is self-sustainable.

Some homemaking skills are…

• Bread Making
• Sewing
• Cooking from scratch
• Growing your own food
• Preserving your homegrown food
• Herbal Remedies
• Flower Gardening

Make it unique

There will be no home like yours because you are the homemaker. Each home takes on the personality of those that live inside it. Let it be unique.

Let the decor, the scent, the way it runs be your own. It does not have to be nor will it look like other people’s homes.

It’s yours. Let it come to life with your unique tastes and passions.

Make food from scratch

Cooking from scratch is not as common as it used to be. So much is pre-packaged and preserved with additives that are not very healthy for you.

Learning to make healthy and delicious food in your own kitchen is not as hard it seems and it doesn’t take much time to actually make full meals. It just takes time and practice to cultivate this skill and get efficient at it.

Just because it is from scratch does not necessarily mean that it will be delicious and healthy. Take the time to learn what healthy food is and how to make it in a way that is appealing and tasty to your family.

This is why I write about Pro metabolic eating and new recipes. Being gluten-free, I have been on my own journey seeking true health and have some answers in this “new” yet old-fashioned way of living.

The good news is that you can find almost everything you need at your local grocery store and it this way of living is great for every family member including babies learning to eat food for the first time. Find out for yourself!

Related: Pro metabolic Diet

Related: Recipes

Final thoughts!

Did you find these simple things to be helpful homemaking tips? Let me know which one was the most relevant to you in the comments below.

Our days are filled with basic chores and often times mundane tasks. No matter the amount of time we think we have, a woman’s work is never done.

Take these simple tips and and improve your homemaking!

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Proverbs 31 woman Bible quotes and more that are relevant today to inspire women in their everyday lives towards virtue

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a well- known wise woman in the bible, often referred to as the virtuous woman. She is found in Proverbs 31:10-31 and comes from the sayings of King Lemuel whose mother gave him faithful instruction of how to find the ideal woman who will make a noble wife.

This virtuous woman is a role model to christian women of what a truly beautiful woman looks like. Some of the qualities this diligent woman portrays include her…

• ability to provide for her family
• heart of reverence for her husband
• entrepreneurial spirit
• wisdom

In verse 17, this book of wisdom says, “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” This verse paints a picture of a woman with willing hands eager to put in the effort to achieve her goals.

Additionally, this great woman shows that she is not only concerned with her own well-being and the affairs of her household, but also cares for those around her.

Overall, the Proverbs 31 Woman serves as an inspiration for women of all ages and backgrounds as an excellent wife and homemaker. Her commitment to hard work, wisdom, and kindness remind us all to strive for these qualities in our own lives.

Here are the words of wisdom from King Lemuel’s mother and other women.

Proverbs 31 Woman Quotes 

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. – Proverbs 31:10

A virtuous woman is trustworthy. – Anonymous

The heart of her husband doth safely trusteth in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 

– Proverbs 31:11

Every day of your life, you are faced with opportunities. Unfortunately, the choices that face you are not heroic choices. They are bamboo tree choices. They are small, but progressive choices that steer you in a positive direction and over time you’re bound to meet success. For most of us, we spend all our lives waiting for that life changing moment that will change the course of our lives and make us successful. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking. Every day, we choose not to tend to our bamboo tree, a choice is made for us and by the time we realize it, the seasons have passed and we have nothing to show for it.

– Mary Maina, The Proverbs 31 Lady: Unveiling Her Secrets Before Saying I Do

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:12

Hard working women are virtuous. – Anonymous

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. – Proverbs 31:13-15

It is virtuous for a woman to be wise. – Anonymous

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. – Proverbs 31:16-17

A Porverbs 31 woman is humble. – Anonymous

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. – Proverbs 31:18

Since the woman described in Proverbs 31 was not a living, breathing woman, it is easy to see her way of life as unattainable or exhausting, but there is more to it than that. We can view this as a list of goals for ourselves, something to be constantly working on. – Christina Fleming

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:19-20

The Proverbs 31 woman is loving to the poor and needy. – Anonymous

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. – Proverbs 31:21

A virtuous woman can be trusted. – Anonymous

She make it herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. – Proverbs 31:22-23

Cultivating a quiet spirit is virtuous. – Anonymous

She maketh a fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. – Proverbs 31:24

It is virtuous for a homemaker to be efficient. – Anonymous

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. – Proverbs 31:25

Gentleness adorns a virtuous woman. – Anonymous

She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:26-27

There is virtue to be found in good works. – Anonymous

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. – Proverbs 31:28-29

Our simple daily decisions can become our best friend or our worst enemy. They can draw us towards our goals or send us orbiting into a galaxy far, far away. These are the days of our lives. 

– Mary Maina, The Proverbs 31 Lady: Unveiling Her Secrets Before Saying I Do

A virtuous woman cares for the poor. – Anonymous

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. – Proverbs 31:30-31

Pint it for later!

Final Thoughts

Don’t these thoughts motivate you to cultivate imperishable beauty, to work with our own hands, to share God’s love to the poor and needy, and to show the grace of God through your speech in your own life? They really address all the areas of your life and can be applied to many of your daily tasks on your to-do list.

This godly woman is the model of a committed woman. I don’t know about you, but I deeply desire to be this type of woman, a wife of noble character and a faithful woman who has great courage and eager hands to do any good work.

I hope you are inspired to pursue virtue! 

For PRACTICAL TIPS on cultivating virtue, sign up for the WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. You will also get access to my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY!

If you would like more quotes, check these out!

Top 23 Inner Beauty Quotes that Homemakers will Love

27 Famous Shakespeare Quotes on Beauty and More

19 Homemaking Quotes: Encouragement for Homemakers 

To learn more about VIRTUE, read these!

What is Virtue?

12 Qualities of a Virtuous Woman from Proverbs

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman? Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV

12 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman

Looking at the 12 qualities of a virtuous woman is a fascinating little peek at what virtue can look like in the life of a woman. The role model here is created by the mother of a king in the book of Proverbs to show him what the characteristics of a virtuous woman are so that he will find a good wife.

What are the Qualities of a Virtuous Woman?

She is..

• Trustworthy
• Hard Working
• Wise
• Strong
• Humble
• Loving
• Confident
• Respectful
• Skilled
• Beautiful within
• Gentle
• Efficient
• Reverant

Let’s see what God’s Word says about these qualities in this woman of virtue.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 

The heart of her husband doth safely trusteth in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She make it herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh a fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

The 12 qualities that we cover here are in no way the extensive list. There is so much about the characteristics of a godly woman and her good works in this passage. This barely scratches the surface, but I hope you enjoy this little Bible study on what a virtuous wife, woman, and homemaker can be.

The 12 Qualities of a Virtuous Woman

Trustworthy

The heart of her husband doth safely trusteth in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

A virtuous woman is trustworthy. She can be safely trusted in relationships because she won’t go behind people’s backs and wrong them. People will feel safe and not feel like they have to keep their guard up with her.

She has the wisdom and discernment to know what to share with other people. Her husband could safely be trusted with an official position (he sat with the elders of the land) because he had a wife that could be trusted.

Hard Working 

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

This woman did things from scratch willingly probably because that was the only way her family could afford things. 

She did not settle for less. She wanted the best for her household (which was not just her family but also included servants). She did right by them and served them all well.

She got up early while it is still dark. To wake up before she probably wanted to to tend to her household was a necessity.

Wise 

She considereth a field, and buyeth it.

There is virtue in knowing how to weigh things out. This woman of wisdom stopped to consider the field. I wonder if this was the only field that she saw that day or if she had to wait sometime till the right one came along for her project. There was no rash decision by this virtuous woman.

Strong

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Did you know it was virtuous to work out? I’m not entirely sure this is the point, but what does need to be addressed is that this woman actively made herself strong. A lot of it probably came naturally in the rhythm of working hard for her household. 

Humble

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Unafraid of hard work and even though she had maidens, humility is displayed here because she again worked willingly with her own hands. She was not above doing the tedious hard work.

Loving

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Compassion is not lacking in this example of virtue. We see here how the needs of other people outside of her household were met  by her own hand. She took care of her family, but also loved on the poor and needy.

Confident

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

The change of seasons was expected and the household was prepared well for it with quality items. 

Respectful

She make it herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

You wouldn’t see this woman hanging out in her pj’s as is common in today’s world. First of all, because that would be scandalous back then. Secondly, because this would be disrespectful to her husband who was well-known and must have had some kind of position in the community.

Skilled

She maketh a fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

This ties in the qualities of humility and hard working, but also brings up the idea that she knew what she was doing. She was knowledgeable in the skill of making good quality and highly sought after linen enough to be able to sell it.

Inner beauty

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

The character and virtues that reside in the heart of this woman is overwhelming. She is so beautiful being clothed with strength and honor beyond the physical beauty of her outward appearance and this brings happiness and rejoicing later on in her life. I have no doubt that she took the time to cultivate virtue and make it a reality in her life.

Gentle

She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

This sweet and quiet spirit of gentleness and wisdom in her words beautifully compliments all the other characteristics of this woman. I find it interesting that her tongue had the LAW of kindness. It wasn’t a principle to be kind with her words. It was a law.

Efficient

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Efficient has to do with the idea of being effective and productive. It is in a sense the opposite of idleness. The virtuous woman is the perfect woman, an excellent wife, and she is also the ideal home maker. She is excellent at tending to her household.

Reverant

A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised

The ideal woman reverences or has the fear of the LORD and she is praised for it.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of woman with strength of character that we all aspire to be in our own lives. As christian women, we deeply desire to be known as virtuous women, to be known for our wisdom, our love, our kindness, our virtue.

No one wants to be known as the foolish woman, but rather a wise woman and a wise homemaker who looks after her home with skill and efficiency.

Sometimes when we look at this example set before us, it can be daunting to think of how we can get from where we are to were we need to be in this journey of becoming a virtuous woman.

It can seem hard and impossible; though, from what little I have studied on virtue, it is a good thing that it is hard because that hardness is what will refine us and create virtue in us.

It also does not happen in a day. Virtue takes an entire life. Hardly anything in life is a quick fix and even these specific qualities of the virtuous woman of Proverbs takes the time and the effort of implementing them in our everyday life.

I want to be this kind of woman, to learn to be a virtuous and excellent woman in all my homemaking, one that is worthy of her husband, a loving mother that spends quality time with her little children, and one that has the fear of God in her.

Do you long for this too? If not…

Will you join me in the challenge of becoming a woman of noble character? Will you join me in building virtuous homes for our families? It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

Related: What is Virtue?

Related: Efficient Homemaking

Related: Virtue Quotes

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The virtuous woman as it is in the book of Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV 

Who can find a virtuous woman? Can you find her in yourself?

Virtue is much more than moral values that we live out. It is more valuable than that because it takes a lifetime to cultivate virtue.

Have you recently stopped to evaluate what virtues you need to work on?

Here are the well known verses form the book of Proverbs that give us a role model of what virtue looks like in real life.

I hope you thoughtfully read these verses and learn how you can become a more virtuous woman starting today!

Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 

The heart of her husband doth safely trusteth in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She make it herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh a fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

What is a Virtuous Woman?

A woman of virtue and a virtuous wife is what we aspire to be. It is not who we are now, but it is who we can flourish into. It is us at our full potential.

This beautiful picture of a good woman are the words of King Lemuel that his mother gave him. These were the things that he should look for in the ideal wife.

She should be a godly woman that her husband could have full confidence in, a woman of valor, and excellent wife in every way.

She should have eager hands for hard work in any of the affairs of her household whether it concerns winter clothes or good and delicious food.

She should be a Christian woman who is ready to serve the poor.

A woman like this is a wife of noble character and a beautiful woman. She is a woman of worth.

I want to be her! Don’t you?

Who can be a Virtuous Woman?

It is a good thing for married women who already have a husband, children, and homes to cultivate virtue, but virtue is also for the single woman who maybe doesn’t get married, too.

The unmarried whether they are young women or a few years older can all profit from following the example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Yes, it is written with marriage in mind for the woman to run a household, but single women can have many of the virtues mentioned here. Some of them relate to basic needs of life that any woman can learn and apply to her own life.

Even unmarried women are homemakers, too. Their roles simply look different without the responsibilities of a husband and children. 

They still have to make a home for themselves and in many ways, single women may have less distractions than what we typically think of as homemakers to keep them from pursuing virtue. 

Although it is mentioned that for wives their own husbands will praise her and their children will call them blessed, virtue is valued in an unmarried woman and there are many who will praise them for it, too.

Virtue in all its splendor and glory and refining is for any woman.

Final Thoughts on the Virtuous Woman

If I stop and think about becoming this worthy woman, it seems like an impossible dream to wish for. There is no way I could be her. There is so much distraction and so much that challenges me in the day to day to be virtuous. 

It’s hard to think of trying to be the kind of woman who excels at homemaking because is there is so much that I find hard to keep up with already. It seems impossible to make a virtuous home sometimes.

Though if there is anything that I have learned in this year so far, it is that we need to dream the impossible dream. Impossibility inspires and challenges us to our full potential. We need impossibility.

So I know it seems impossible for me to be fully virtuous in my homemaking or as a wife and a mom, but I’m going to strive for it anyways, to reach for it anyways, to dream the impossible dream no matter what it takes.

Will you join me in this journey of becoming a virtuous homemaker? Would you care to learn how to truly be christian women with all the virtues alongside me? Will you seek the noble things of virtue to make a virtuous home with me?

Let it be a life long goal of ours to take the key words of this chapter from this book of wisdom and apply it to our hearts and homes!

Come! Let us strive to flourish into virtuous women together!

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Homemaking quotes for your own home

Homemaking is the most important work that any wife or mom can do. It’s hard work, but very rewarding as you create a haven with your unique tastes and personality.

There are household duties and daily tasks, not to mention cultivating human relationships. There is so much that goes into the work of a woman that it takes some measure of skill to manage it all especially if you have a family of small children.

This is why I have gathered some homemaker quotes for you, hoping that you will find some inspiration to motivate you in your far from ordinary work.

Enjoy!

Homemaking Quotes

A home should be a treasure chest for living. – Le Corbusier

Home is where the heart is. – Pliny the Elder

A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams. – Unknown

The housewife works hard, of course–but likes it. Most people who amount to anything do work hard, at whatever their job happens to be. The housewife’s job is home-making, and she is, in fact, ‘making the best of it’; making the best of it by bringing patience and loving care to her work; sympathy and understanding to her family; making the best of it by seeing all the fun in the day’s incidents and human relationships.

Cleaning your house can also be a workout. – Jessica Biel

The housewife realizes that home-making is an investment in happiness. It pays everyone enormous dividends. There are huge compensations for the actual labor involved…

There are unhappy housewives, of course. But there are unhappy stenographers and editresses and concert singers. The housewife whose songs I sing as I go about my work, is the one who likes her job.

– Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Songs of a Housewife: Poems by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body. – Benjamin Franklin

A home is a kingdom of its own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A clean home is a happy home. – Unknown

There is no spectacle on earth more appealing than that of a beautiful woman in the act of cooking dinner for someone she loves. – Thomas Wolfe

I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion. – Jani Ortlund

There is no occasion when meals should become totally unimportant. Meals can be very small indeed, very inexpensive, short times taken in the midst of a big push of work, but they should be always more than just food. – Edith Schaeffer, Hidden Art

Homemaking is a passion you can pass on from generation to generation. – Elizabeth George

The kitchen is your natural setting as a woman and you should look beautiful, not bedraggled, in it. Whether you go to work or work at home- or both- take advantage of the opportunity the kitchen offers for expressing your wifely qualities in what you wear. Pinafores, organdies, and aprons look wonderful, as do gay cotton wrap-arounds that slip on over your dress while you make breakfast. Too much attention is paid to kitchen equipment and decor; too little to what is worn in this setting. Why look like Cinderella’s crotchety stepmother when you can be a lyrical embodiment of all that a home and hearth means! 

– Anne Fogarty, Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing. – Phyllis Diller

There is romance in housework. – Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

I’m only a housewife, I’m afraid.” How often do we hear this shocking admission. I’m afraid when I hear it I feel very angry indeed. Only a housewife: only a practitioner of one of the two most noble professions (the other one is that of a farmer); only the mistress of a huge battery of high and varied skills and custodian of civilization itself. Only a typist, perhaps! Only a company director, or a nuclear physicist; only a barrister; only the President! When a woman says she is a housewife she should say it with the utmost pride, for there is nothing higher on this planet to which she could aspire. – John Seymour, Forgotten Household Crafts

Few things are more important than finding a home and working at it constantly to make it resonate with deep memories and fulfill deep longings. – Thomas Moore

To entertain at home is both a relief and a rediscovery – of rooms and settings, of your favorite things, and particularly of your own tastes and ideas. – Martha Stewart

Home is the nicest word there is. – Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little Women

Final Thoughts

Words inspire like nothing else, and though women’s work is never done, I hope you found new strength to be the best homemaker you can be.

Home really is the best place to be and no matter if your little ones wake you up at any given hour of the night and feel like spending time with you constantly every hour of the day; hopefully, you find that this ultimate career of homemaking really is the most exciting thing you could ever do with your life!

MORE ON HOMEMAKING!

23 Inner Beauty Quotes that Homemakers will Love

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Bedtime poems for kids, inspire young minds to dream of goodness

Bedtime poems for kids is a great way to share the last few moments of the day with your children before you say good night. It can be hard to get children to wind down after a busy day. 

That is why poetry and bedtime stories are one of the best things to soothe hyper older kids or distracted younger children. They can be funny poems, nursery rhymes, charming poems, or simply your favorite bedtime poem. It can even be a whimsical poem or a silly poem like the one below by Lewis Carroll. 

The selection here may be new poetry to you. They may not be the popular ones by William Blake or Lord Tennyson, but they are classic poems that will be a great addition to your bedtime routine. They are some of my favorite poems and prayers that hold many great truths for children and what better time than a minute till bedtime to share meaningful words of wisdom and powerful tools for later in life.

Make sure you read on till the end to get the free eBook of poems!

Enjoy!

A Psalm of Life

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,— act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

Afton Water

by Robert Burns

Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes,
Flow gently, I’ll sing thee a song in thy praise;
My Mary’s asleep by thy murmuring stream,
Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream.

Thou stock-dove, whose echo resounds thro’ the glen,
Ye wild whistling blackbirds in yon thorny den,
Thou green-crested lapwing, thy screaming forbear,
I charge you disturb not my slumbering fair.

How lofty, sweet Afton, thy neighbouring hills,
Far mark’d with the courses of clear winding rills;
There daily I wander as noon rises high,
My flocks and my Mary’s sweet cot in my eye.

How pleasant thy banks and green valleys below,
Where wild in the woodlands the primroses blow;
There oft, as mild Ev’ning sweeps over the lea,
The sweet-scented birk shades my Mary and me.

Thy crystal stream, Afton, how lovely it glides,
And winds by the cot where my Mary resides,
How wanton thy waters her snowy feet lave,
As gathering sweet flowrets she stems thy clear wave.

Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes,
Flow gently, sweet river, the theme of my lays;
My Mary’s asleep by thy murmuring stream,
Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream.

Jabberwocky

by Lewis Carroll

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: 
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe. 

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!” 

He took his vorpal sword in hand;
Long time the manxome foe he sought— 
So rested he by the Tumtum tree       
And stood awhile in thought. 

And, as in uffish thought he stood,       
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, 
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,       
And burbled as it came! 

One, two! One, two! And through and through       
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! 
He left it dead, and with its head       
He went galumphing back. 

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?       
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! 
O frabjous day!
Callooh! Callay!”       
He chortled in his joy. 

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves       
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: 
All mimsy were the borogoves,       
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Be Not Discouraged

By Daniel C. Colesworthy

Be never discouraged
Look up and look on;
When the prospect is darkest
The cloud is withdrawn:
The shadows that blacken
The earth and the sky,
Speak to the strong-hearted,
Salvation is nigh.

Be never discouraged
Mock, mock at the tears
That fall in your pathway,
And laugh at the fears
That sometimes will darken
The sunniest face;
Push on and be foremost
In the van of the race.

Be never discouraged
The heart that will quail
And sink at a spectre,
How can it prevail?
From morning till sunset
‘Tis cheerless and still,
As the shadows that slumber
On the bleak, icy hill.

Be never discouraged
The true and the wise,
While others are waiting,
Secure the rich prize:
No object of terror,
No word of alarm,
Shall hinder their progress,
Or stay the strong arm.

Be never discouraged,
If you would secure
The earth’s richest blessings
And make heaven sure,
Yield not in the battle,
Nor quail in the blast;
The brave and unyielding
Win nobly at last.

Be never discouraged
By day and by night
Have glory in prospect
And wisdom in sight;
Undaunted and faithful,
You never will fail,
Though kingdoms oppose you
And devils assail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you like 60-minute poems or longer ones like these, bedtime poetry is a wonderful way to instill the love of reading to young children not to mention that they have the sweetest words and will calm any young kids that are having a hard time drifting off to sleep. 

If you enjoyed these poems and would like some more, here is the eBook that includes these and other poems from poets like Emily Dickinson, a prayer by an unknown author, and other famous poets of our time. Add these to your nighttime routine. 

Another great addition to your daily routine for naps and bedtime is the wonderful book called The Children’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and make a small commission at no cost to you if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for your support! Read here for the privacy policy and disclaimer.

Younger kids may enjoy the I Spy children’s books series. They aren’t exactly poetry books, but they do have rhyming phrases in them. My toddler loves to read these little books right before bed.

Whether you are looking for the perfect poem to substitute for a bedtime story or something soothing to calm your little one on a stormy night, try some of these poems.

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William Shakespeare quotes on Beauty, life lessons, and friendship

Shakespeare quotes on beauty, life lessons, and friendship are beautiful quotes to inspire and motivate you on your homemaking journey. Not only are they perfect for your own self to read and appreciate, but they are also a good thing to share with your family and friends.

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, perhaps the greatest writer in the English language. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”. Shakespeare’s works are widely read, studied, and performed throughout the world. He wrote about 38 plays and 154 sonnets, as well as a variety of other poems. Shakespeare’s plays include

• Henry VIII
• Midsummer Night’s Dream
• King Lear
• Julius Caesar
• The Merchant of Venice
• The Gentlemen of Verona
• King John
• Twelfth Night
• Merry Wives of Windsor
• Comedy of Errors
• Taming of the Shrew
• Much Ado About Nothing

Some of the following are the most famous quotes taken from Shakespeare’s sonnets and these plays.

Enjoy this little adventure of looking at beauty, life, and friendship through Shakespeare’s words!

Shakespeare Quotes on Beauty

Is she kind as she is fair?

For beauty lives with kindness.

Beauty itself doth of itself persuade the eyes of men without an orator.

Virtue is beauty, but the beauteous evil.

Are empty trunks o’erflourished by the devil.

To me, fair friend, you never can be old, For as you were when first your eye I ey’d, Such seems your beauty still.”

​​One beautiful heart is better than thousand beautiful faces. So choose people having beautiful hearts rather than faces.” 

Could beauty, my lord, have better commerce than with honesty?

Shakespeare Quotes on Life Lessons

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.

The golden age is before us, not behind us.

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.

Go wisely and slowly. Those who rush stumble and fall.

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

Listen to many. Speak to a few.

For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds. Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

Be great in act as you have been in thought.

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Come what come may, time and the hour run through the roughest day.

We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players;

Shakespeare Quotes about Friendship

Never play with the feelings of others because you may win the game, but the risk is that you will surely lose the person for a lifetime.

Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.

Absence from those we love is self from self-a deadly banishment.

The course of true love never did run smooth

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove. 

Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say good night till it be morrow

Final Thoughts

Did you enjoy these quotes from Shakespeare plays and sonnets? I hope they inspired you as a homemaker to create a place of beauty, goodness, and deep friendship for your family and those who enter. They need a place to rest and flourish in life. Let love and kindness be known to them through you as you grow in virtue!

Inner beauty quotes to inspire women to seek true beauty

True inner beauty is one of the most beautiful things in life. In many ways it is more beautiful than physical beauty, but what does real beauty look like?

What is the definition of beauty?

Some say it is in the eye of the beholder, that we each define beauty for ourselves. It is hard to clearly define beauty, but I do know this.

Beauty is good character.

There is a kind of beauty that is focused on outward appearance, but there is also a kind of beauty that resides within a woman of virtue. A virtuous woman is a beautiful person.

Someone with deep character has a kind of radiance about them. This is a beautiful heart, a beautiful soul.

The best way for me to share with you what beauty can be is to take you on a beautiful journey through the words of others.

Come with me and let’s see what beauty is!

Inner Beauty Quotes

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. – Audrey Hepburn

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.– Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

A women’s greatest asset is her beauty. – Alex Comfort

A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears. – Anne Roiphe

Beauty lies not in a flawless complexion but in the stories that are told by each transitioning line on a woman’s face. – Alyscia Cunningham

Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within. – Byron Pulsifer

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness. – Maria Mitchell

Inner beauty should be the most important part of improving one’s self. – Priscilla Presley

Beauty has a lot to do with character. – Kevyn Aucoin

Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates. – Kate Angell

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. – Kahlil Gibran

Beauty is not who you are on the outside, it is the wisdom and time you gave away to save another struggling soul like you. – Shannon L. Alder 

Create a beautiful inside and you will look more beautiful on the outside. – Charles F Glassman

Her inner beauty is what makes her outer beauty exquisitely beautiful. – Stephanie Lahart

Like the moon, I have learned to be beautiful in darkness. – Collette O’Mahony,

How beautiful a woman can be if kindness is her true beauty. – Debasish Mridha

Elegance is the only beauty that never fades. – Audrey Hepburn

Beauty is defined not by our physical appearance but who we choose to be. – Andrew Davenport

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. – Audrey Hepburn

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. – Saint Augustine

No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful. – Eleanor Roosevelt

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years. – Audrey Hepburn

Final Thoughts

Don’t these inner beauty quotes inspire you to cultivate inner beauty?!

This is what homemaking is all about. It’s about creating a place of beauty and peace so that our family can flourish. A big part of making a home is being an example of this virtue ourselves. If we want our girls to be virtuous and have the truest form of inner beauty, then we need to be women of strong character first.

It’s okay to wear your gold jewelry and the prettiest things, but they need to see that beauty is more than an outer appearance. There is more to their whole life than outward beauty. This is the whole point.

I hope you were encouraged by these quotes to continue cultivating inner beauty for you and your home! Related: Best 26 Virtue quotes: The Homemakers Top Quotations

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A look at virtue through the first two chapters of After We Believe by N. T. Wright

We desire quality. We want well-made clothes, delicious, healthy food, and a well-decorated, home. We place such an emphasis on quality in our material goods. But do we desire to possess quality in our character as well? Does our internal character hold up in the face of daily challenges and difficulties? This is the essence of a virtuous life.

In homemaking, there are many opportunities to test our character. This is especially true if you have little ones! They have a way of drawing out how you really feel about the situation. While my desire is to respond to them with virtue, I must admit it rarely happens. Nevertheless, a virtuous home is my dream. It isn’t virtuous yet, but this is my goal that I am striving for as a homemaker.

I long to have a home overflowing with:

• Love
• Wisdom
• Happiness
• Peace
• Humility
• Compassion
• Perseverance
• Elegance

These virtues are how I want my home to be described. If you came to my home, they are what I want you to leave with. If we met in the store, this is the impression I want to leave with you.

I am not there yet, and neither is my home. Frankly, I find it difficult to know exactly how to build this kind of life for my family and others. Where should I begin? How do I build a life of character?

The first stop in my journey is this book After We Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N. T. Wright.

It begins with the question, “Why we are still on earth if we have already acquired that which our soul desperately needs?” Why are we not taken to heaven after our conversion? How do we live now that we believe?

The initial answers are on page 33:

• The goal of why we are here is to live a happy, fully flourishing life.
• The path that leads us there is the virtues.
• We get there by practicing the virtues over and over again until we have mastered them and they are second nature to us.

We are here to flourish, to excel at being human, to grow into our full potential.

It begins with…

A Transformation of Character

Virtue requires us to be changed. I think, we would all agree that no matter how hard we try, none of us have made it to the top. None of us are fully virtuous. We all know that there are things we need to work on. To be virtuous, we have to undergo a process of transformation where our habits and minds change (p. 16).

It isn’t that we choose to be virtuous and all of a sudden we are virtuous. It is continually choosing virtuous behavior every day that changes us over time.

To be virtuous, the way we act and live must change over time.

A practice of difficult things

Being virtuous is far from easy. I have a toddler and it is very hard not to get frustrated as he is learning to talk. I can’t fully understand what he is trying to say sometimes and it tries my patience daily.

He is so helpful, too. The other day, we were putting away laundry. I grabbed the bathroom towels and washcloths and went to go put them away. In his sweet way, he wanted to help so he grabbed the kitchen towels and followed me. They slipped from his hands and fell all around the toilet. That is not all though, for whatever reason, he decided that one of them belonged in the toilet.

Yes, sadness. All my hard work washing the laundry and now I’m fishing what once was clean out of the toilet to go and wash it…..again. I was not virtuous in that moment.

It would be silly to “throw in the towel” (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and tell myself that its all over. I will never be a virtuous mom and I will never make a virtuous home.

Virtue requires me to practice difficult things until they become second nature (p.23).

A Discipline of the Mind

It is so hard to discipline your mind. In the moment, there is nothing glorious about exercising your mind. I would much rather watch a movie or play a game than exercise my mind. It is to easy to not want to, but just because it is hard does not mean it won’t be good for me.

There is a story in this book where a father had to keep anxious thoughts out of his mind in order to focus and rescue his daughter(p. 22). Most of us at some point have been in an emergency situation like this where we have to think clearly and act quickly. Character in these situations does not come by accident. It is the result of discipline.

Training of any kind does not easily tempt us, but it is very necessary for us to flourish.

An Understanding of Being fully Human

Are we living up to our potential? Are we thriving and flourishing as God created us to? We each have our gifts and talents. Are we developing what we have been given and mastering skills in areas where we need to grow? (p. 25)

Talk about conviction! I used to play the piano, sketch, and read books more often, but since I have had children, those things have been pushed aside in order to tend to my little ones and the house keeping. How will I find time to master one of these if not all?

Can I learn to be patient, kind, and compassionate while raising children and making a home? How long will it take?

Acquiring the Habits of Virtue

How do you start exercising virtue in our lives? The author compares acquiring virtue to learning a new sport, musical instrument, or language (p. 39). The goal is to practice until the skills become second nature to you so that when you preform, it comes naturally for you to make a winning shot, play a sweet melody, or converse with someone.

Often, we see the end product of other peoples hard work and wish we could do that, but instead of practicing the necessary skills until we have mastered them like they did, we expect the mastery to come naturally without putting in the hours.

Pursue virtue with a conscious effort. It doesn’t come naturally. It’s work.

Review

Before we all get discouraged about all the extra work it sounds like we need to be doing on top of everything else, let’s recap what N. T. Wright said:

• The goal of why we are here is to live a happy, fully flourishing life.
• The path that leads us there is the virtues.
• We get there by practicing the virtues over and over again until we have mastered them and they are second nature to us.

Now for the practical.

As mom’s, we do not have to go looking for opportunities to practice being virtuous. They have a way of finding us, but we ought to strive our hardest in those moments to act and think with character. Someday it will be second nature, but for now, we must practice.

What are you going to work on this week? What are you going to work on mastering?

My goal is to pick up playing the piano again. I have a million other things to do, but I figured some practice is better than none. Even if I can only give five to ten minutes several times a day (with me practicing on the lower half while my son bangs on the top half), I will still be farther along than if I did none at all.

Practical tips on how to be a better homemaker

How to be Efficient in Homemaking

How is your homemaking journey? Are you stressed about getting things done? Are you procrastinating on your housework? Do you want to spend less time doing chores? You are not alone. We are all there with you. No one is perfect, and no one can keep up with everything all the time.

Let me share with you what I have learned in my own homemaking.

Your mood affects more than you realize.

It can be so hard to be cheerful and want to do the dishes again. You just did them yesterday, but here you are doing them again. Our daily lives can become really monotonous, and wear our spirits down. The last thing you want to hear right now is “Just be happy” so I’m not going to tell you to be happy. Instead, I’m going to say “What will help you want to do this task that you are struggling with?” Music? Then put on your favorite album. Chocolate? Then eat a piece or two.

The point is find something small that brings you joy and choose to do that every time you do that chore. I used dishes as the example because I struggle with this simple task. To help with that, I watch YouTube videos while I wash them. I forget to be grumpy about doing them again because I get to watch another video from one of my favorite channels, The Minimal Mom. It is such a helpful distraction! I am not a complete minimalist, but minimalism has some homemaking tips that I haven’t thought about before and are super helpful.

Sometimes what you need to do is find something to be grateful for about that troublesome task. Happiness does bring gratitude, but did you know that gratitude can bring happiness, too? When you choose to be thankful, it can make you happy. It doesn’t have to be super spiritual either. Sometimes it looks like this, “I’m thankful for this fork (as I put it in the dishwasher). I’m thankful for this plate (put it in the dishwasher). “I’m thankful for this cup.” It seems like a silly thing to do, but it helps. Try it. It will help you more efficient.

RELATED POST: How Can I Be a Happy Homemaker?

Uncomplicate the complicated.

If it is too hard to do well, maybe it is too complicated. Break it down. For example, I typically find it rather hard to wash, dry, and put all the laundry away in one day. Break tasks down in your mind and do one step at a time. It is a whole lot simpler and easier to do one step instead of three. If you only got one load washed and dried today and don’t have time to fold it, no worries! Put the clean clothes in a basket and worry about it tomorrow. Just keep at it.

Simplify until it is manageable. If a load of laundry is too hard to do, consider a minimalistic approach. Simplify your family members wardrobes by keeping out only what you need for a week or even less time if you do laundry more often. Store your extra clothes and see if having less things to wash will help you stay on top of the task.

Other tasks that are easy to break down include:

• Sweeping
• Washing dishes
• Cleaning the bathroom
• Dusting

I recently went back to work part time and am consistently too tired to wash dishes so I started to procrastinate. It was a terrible feeling and fed my grumpiness to see a sink full of dishes first thing the next day.

Do you know what I did? I stored everything extra away. There are now less dishes being used, so I have fewer dishes to wash and I have to wash them before I can use them again. It might seem like the hard way to do it, but it works so well for me.

The most important thing to do is to keep it simple. Simple routines will make you a more efficient homemaker. Keep your daily tasks or chore lists simple. Whether you live in a big house or a small house, keep your simple.

Focus on what is necessary.

My husband told me this all the time because I stress about things not getting done. He said it so much that it is engrained in me now.

When you are overwhelmed, stop and think about what actually needs to be done today and focus on doing those things in the simplest way possible.

New things you want to learn can wait. When you are stressed, the most efficient thing to do is narrow down what has to be done for the survival of your family that day and focus and getting those things done. First things first. Find the most important things and focus on them before trying to do other household tasks.

Hey Friend!

Does housework overwhelm you to the point of discouragement? Do you wish you could finally get on top of it all? Do you have the homemaking dream of keeping your home in order, but struggle to actually do so on a day-to-day basis?

Are you struggling to manage your time at home?

Check out my new eBook Systems & Routines: Simple Time Management for Homemakers! It includes all that I have learned about systems and routines and how they have helped me manage my time and home well!

Make a plan.

Planning helps tremendously with stress. Meal planning can organize all the chaos around meal prep. A cleaning schedule can help you make sure at least the bare minimum gets cleaned like the bathroom and living room. We are creatures of habit and planning a homemaking routine that includes a morning and an evening routine helps keep the day on track. This is a good way to feel more efficient.

Eat a snack.

No, this isn’t a typo. If you are dragging your feet or don’t have the energy to do a certain task, one of the best things to do is to eat a little snack. Cheese and fruit is my favorite snack. Pair your favorite protein with a carb. This combination does wonders for someone needing an energy boost.

Some simple energizing snack ideas are:

• a cup of whole milk
• a cup of juice with a little salt and some cheese
• a piece of bread and cheese

To be effective homemakers, we have to feed ourselves the energy necessary to get things done.

Start now.

Good habits make a good homemaker, but they don’t happen by themselves. You have to do the work to break the bad habits and form new ones. It’s slow and tedious at times, but these daily disciplines are worth it.

Start now forming a new habit for something you need to work on even if you feel like you have very little time to devote yourself to it. The hard work will pay off. Your future self will appreciate all the small changes you made on a regular basis and it will make you a great homemaker.

Now is a great time to start cleaning the kitchen floor or even just making your bed. Whatever it is that you are struggling with, make a plan on how you are going to improve and start it.

Someday it will be second nature.

Do the little things because they make the big things. Find what works for you and just keep doing it on a daily basis, week after week. Soon that task that you struggle with so much now will become second nature. The most important thing is to keep striving towards excellence. Just keep at it. These are the best tips I can give you.

Now what are you going to work on? What is it that you are going improve? What keeps you from efficient homemaking?

MORE ON HOMEMAKING!

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Come and explore the beauty of virtue with me through these philosophical quotes and thought-provoking words of wisdom!

Virtues are character traits like compassion, patience, and love- all the things we as moms, wives, and homemakers aspire to be. Virtue in and of itself is the practice of these things. It is the discipline of doing the hard things like choosing right responses over and over again that causes us over time to become virtuous.

Virtue also has this idea of practicing hard things other than character traits until they become second nature. That is how we flourish. When we master the daily tasks that overwhelm us, we are less stressed and feel more productive. It allows us to take that extra energy and time that we were spending on those things and include other things like reading, crocheting, or any other enjoyable pastimes without feeling guilty or regret.

The pursuit of virtue was really prompted by the wise man and ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Since then, it has been sought and spoken of by renown men in history like George Washington, Thomas Paine, Edmund Burke, and Winston Churchill. They were men of personal integrity and great virtues.

Can you imagine bringing up children like them? Just think what kind of homes they grew up in and all the influence of their mothers had on their lives…

We need all the encouragement we can get in this high calling of homemaking so I compiled some virtue quotes to inspire us to keep doing the hard things even when we don’t feel like it.

Come and explore the beauty of virtue with me through these thought provoking words of wisdom!

Quotes on Virtue:

Virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices become second nature. – N. T. Wright

It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues. – Abraham Lincoln

The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons. – Aristotle

The home is the chief school of human virtues. – William Ellery Channing

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect. – Sydney Smith

Some virtues are only seen in affliction and others only in prosperity. – Joseph Addison

Strive to attain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones. Do not make light of a fall even if it be the most venial of faults; rather, be quick to repair it by repentance, although many others may commit a large number of faults, slight and grievous, and remain unrepentant. – Saint Basil

I doubt whether men were more virtuous in aristocratic ages than in others; but they were incessantly talking of the beauties of virtue, and its utility was only studied in secret. – Alexis de Tocqueville

The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance. – William Shakespeare

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. – Marcus Aurelius

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. – David Starr Jordan

Virtue is like health: the harmony of the whole man. – Thomas Carlyle

A good character is something you must make for yourself. It cannot be inherited from parents. It cannot be created by having extraordinary advantages. It isn’t a gift of birth, wealth, talent or station. It is the result of your own endeavor. It is the reward that comes from living good principles and manifesting a virtuous and honorable life. – L. Tom Perry

Virtue is the health of the soul. It gives a flavor to the smallest leaves of life. – Joseph Joubert

Without virtue, and without integrity, the finest talents and the most brilliant accomplishments can never gain the respect, and conciliate the esteem, of the truly valuable part of mankind. – George Washington

There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. – Alan Cohen

Though a hundred crooked paths may conduct to a temporary success, the one plain and straight path of public and private virtue can alone lead to a pure and lasting fame and the blessings of posterity.

– Edward Everett

Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises, being assured that they will gain strength by exercise, as a limb of the body does, and that exercise will make them habitual. – Thomas Jefferson

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors. – Confucius

Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set. – Francis Bacon

There is no sanctuary of virtue like a home. – Edward Everett

Virtue has more admirers than followers. – Norman MacDonald

He who sows virtue reaps glory. – Leonardo Da Vinci

Virtue is the fount whence honour springs. – Christopher Marlowe

Virtue has a secret dignity, even with those that ridicule it. – Norman MacDonald

Our virtues are like crystals hidden in rocks. No man shall find them by any soft ways, but by the hammer and by fire. – Henry Ward Beecher

Final Thoughts!

I hope, these inspirational quotes have encouraged you to find the best way to create a virtuous home for your family. As human beings, I know, we are drawn to virtue. As homemakers, we seek to build a good life for our family by creating a flourishing home, a virtuous home. Deep down inside, we don’t want the mere appearance or a little virtue in our home. A heart desires true virtue full and blooming like a flower with its sweet scent filling our life and home. I think, we all aspire to craft a beautiful place full of goodness where the greatest virtue(love) abounds. We want all the goodness of the world for our home.

Will you join me in seeking our own virtue so that we can build virtuous homes in spite of it all? Will you strive to live up to your full potential as a wife, mom, and homemaker? Will you search after these good things, these great things and good deeds called virtue?

Will you come and seek this beautiful road towards virtuous character with me?

MORE ON HOMEMAKING!

12 Qualities of a Virtuous Woman

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman?

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Practical tips for homemaking

Welcome to the wonderful world of homemaking!

Are you wondering what to do all day as a new homemaker or how to be good at it? It can be tough when you first start out on your homemaking journey, but don’t stress. Women have been doing this since the beginning of time and they are still doing it today. You can do it, too.

Making a home can be challenging because there is so much to do all the time, but it is so rewarding. You get to create a beautiful haven for your family where they can rest and enjoy life. It takes a lot of sacrifice, but it is worth it.

You might be wondering…

What does a homemaker do all day?

As a homemaker who is at home full time, you get to order your days however is best for you. There are a few things that happen around certain times of the day (getting up and going to bed, meal times, etc.), but for the most part, you get to choose what happens when.

This is what a basic homemaker does in a day:

• Get up and get dressed – There is nothing more that derails your motivation as staying in your pj’s all day. You don’t have to get all fancied up. A simple routine that works well and is flexible is perfect. Little things like developing this discipline will help you be a more effective homemaker.
• Make food – There is nothing like homemade food! How fancy your meals are depends on you skill and the time and effort you want to give to it. If you struggle with keeping this area organized, look into meal planning. The most important thing though is to feed your family good quality food, but don’t stress over it. Cooking your own food can be challenging while also trying to balance everything else as a beginner homemaker, but strive for excellence slowly, step by step.
• Clean house- This applies not only to the dishes, sweeping, and vacuuming, but also to the deep cleaning that may not happen every day. Hard work like cleaning is not a very glorious thought, but it is a great skill to master.
• Wash laundry – You wear clothes, your man wears clothes, all God’s children wear clothes, and you have the blessed responsibility to make sure they get clean and put away. There are so many different ways to do laundry. (This would be great time to check out laundry tips for beginners.)
• Grocery Shopping – Most of what we need for life comes from the store. Finding deals or comparing prices can save you a lot of money. Take the time to research practical tips on saving money in this area because this is also one of the biggest spending categories your family will have. You could save so much by keeping an eye on how much you are spending at the grocery store.
• Support – Even if, it is just you and your man for now, he needs your support and encouragement every day. The best ways to support your husband are by mastering home management and being beautiful when he gets home.

What are traditional homemaking skills?

If you are really good at doing a few things around the house, that is fantastic, but we all have so much that we can learn. No matter how much you already know in any area there is always something more you can learn or improve.

A traditional homemaker masters these skills:

• Baking
• Decorating
• Deep cleaning
• Planning meals
• Making a grocery list
• Buying good quality meals for a good price
• Growing food
• Entertaining children
• Preserving the food you grow or buy
• Making scrumptious food and beverages
• Sewing
• Ironing

RELATED POST: 15 Old Fashioned Homemaking Skills

How can I be a good at homemaking?

Don’t worry if you have a lot to learn. Know what you need to work on and practice it as best you can. Take advantage of the time you spend with friends and families and pester them with all your questions. Make good use of online tools like YouTube, Pinterest, and even Google itself to research what you don’t know. If it suits you better, take a class online, or in person.

Even when you get good at doing something, there are a lot of things that randomly come up that you would never have thought you would need to know. Get good at educating yourself about the things you already know a little about, and take the time to learn new skills as well. It can be fun and entertaining to work on something new like decorating a cake or making your own decor.

Hey Friend!

Does housework overwhelm you to the point of discouragement? Do you wish you could finally get on top of it all? Do you have the homemaking dream of keeping your home in order, but struggle to actually do so on a day-to-day basis?

Are you struggling to manage your time at home?

Check out my new eBook Systems & Routines: Simple Time Management for Homemakers! It includes all that I have learned about systems and routines and how they have helped me manage my time and home well!

Don’t stress over being the perfect homemaker. This is your husband’s home and when new family members come along it if you don’t have any already, it will be their home, too; but this is also your own home. Let it be a place of rest for you, too. Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for excellence and you will be a successful homemaker.

Choose to bring quality into your home. You have to store and take care of everything you let in into your home. Don’t waste space for something that won’t do your family any good. A good practice to have from the get go is to only let good quality stuff in when you can. You don’t have to buy the most expensive brand. For most things, there is a middle ground between the cheap stuff that won’t last very long and the pricey stuff you can barely afford. Learn how to read reviews on things before you buy them online. It may take a little practice with a few mistakes, but you will learn quickly and save your family a lot of money and frustration by learning to purchase quality items at a good price.

Don’t just make a home. Create the best possible home that you can. Dream about what it could look like, and take action to make it what you want it to be like!

What makes a good homemaker?

A good homemaker does not only mean being good at homemaking. It isn’t all about what you do. How you do it is important, too. You are creating an atmosphere for your family, not just keeping house. Your attitude, how you carry yourself, and how you choose to accomplish tasks all add or subtract from your home.

A good homemaker…

• works on her character. Your home needs you to strive to be happy, grateful, kind, and loving. It’s hard work, but it is necessary for your home to thrive.
• sacrifices. There will be a lot asked of you more in some seasons and less in others. There is an ebb and flow to a homemakers life, but a good homemaker embraces the opportunities to give of herself so that a home can be made well.
• creates beauty. Decor, music, candles, etc. They may seem like a little extra at times, but these things add quality to life. If nothing else, a house that is clean and organized is refreshing to live in and a good place to be.
• is frugal. Don’t waste anything. I am not referring to accidents that have to be thrown out. Though it is unfortunate, that is your tuition in learning. It is not a waste. What I mean is learn to use things all the way up. Don’t let things go bad.
• is intentional. Do things on purpose and do them with excellence.
• takes care of herself. Even if you have some health concerns, take the time to care for you yourself so that you can take the best possible care of your family.

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Can you be a homemaker and work full time?

Absolutely! You don’t have to be a stay-at-home mom. If you have a home, than you are a full-time homemaker. Even if you need to work outside of the home, that is okay. Homemaking looks different for everyone. Though you don’t have as much time on your hands, enrich your home with the time that you do have. Even though you don’t get to be at home all the time, you can still create a beautiful life and home for your family.

Master the daily tasks like laundry and dishes. Perfect your routines with a daily schedule or to-do list so that it takes you less time, but still gets done well.

(If you need help with a homemaking routine, go over to Back Road Bloom. I have read almost every blog post there so I highly recommend it.)

Have a cleaning schedule so you can keep a tidy house. Declutter unnecessary things so you can keep house more efficiently. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Though you have the responsibility of making the home, there is no shame in delegating. Manage your home the best way you can even if you can’t do everything yourself. Do you what you can, do it well, and don’t stress. Enjoy the journey through all the seasons of homemaking!  

RELATED POSTS: 5 Old Fashioned Homemaking Tasks that will Simplify your Life

Final Thoughts!

Homemaking is a wonderful journey (at least from my personal experience)! I love it and I hope that you love to take care of your home, too! There is so much to do, but let’s make it a habit on a daily basis to strive for excellence in our home. I hope these homemaking tips are helpful and encouraging.

MORE ON HOMEMAKING!

Old Fashioned Homemaking for the Modern Woman

How can I make my Homemaking easier?

17 Homemaking Tips for Busy Homemakers