The ManicaPost
Ann Ruthenburg Fashion
HELLO there everyone, how are you. Today, I will tackle something we discussed on radio the other day. The discussion generated a lot of debate.
Sadly, time is never on our side and we could not discuss it to its fullest.
What was the discussion?
Do housewives/homemakers need to dress up or do housewives/homemakers also have a code of conduct or etiquette that helps them survive the pressure of their career choice?
As a fashionista, I was trained to know and believe that everything and anything has a governing code within its borders and that includes a homemaker.
Homemakers/housewives are people who have chosen to make a career of looking after their home.
We say homemakers because not everyone who looks after the home is married. Now of course, we do not expect a homemaker to dress up in six-inch heels and a tight skirt. But being a homemaker, whether you knew it or not, is a career or a job.
Until that job changes, there are rules whether you like it or not.
Now I need to give you a reality check and something tangible as an example of the perfect homemaker or home-keeper . . . it comes in the form of a maid “house girl” or housekeeper.
As the owner of the house, you will not accept it if your housekeeper came to work wearing a dookie, un-bathed, bedroom slippers, hair undone — will you? So why will you the boss dress like that.
You will not accept your maid coming to work at anytime and then leaving at 12-noon to bath. So why on earth will you then not follow the same rules? Dear homemaker/housewife, there are rules and you are not exempt from them.
Your job like every other job has a time span and you have to manage that time wisely. Whether there are kids, other relatives, no power, no water; if you are a homemaker, do it and do it well without making excuses all the time.
It is shameful for a homemaker not to have taken a bath by lunchtime. You will not do that in the outside workplace, so why are you taking liberties to do that with your homemaker job.
How hard can it be to find an outfit that is respectful when visitors arrive, but is also convenient for you to clean in . . . like a tracksuit. Wear Tommies instead of bedroom slippers. It is that simple. Put roll-on instead of spray, it last longer.
Spray will work when you are done with the housework. Put your hair in a ponytail or bun or wrapped neatly in a scarf instead of a dookie.
Let me tell you, your issue, if you are struggling to finish your household chores and get ready by the latest 10am, it is time management.
Every job has to be done in a certain amount of time. You as a homemaker need to work out what needs to be done, by what time, which day and how.
You do not have to do everything everyday. For instance, putting floor polish and shining can be done once every fortnight or once a month and can be done at night when everyone is a sleep.
Start your day early and start it right.
You my dear need to start in prayer . . . trust me, every homemaker needs to pray before they start their day.
Prepare your body and mind before you start your work. Water therapy is next. Drink at least two glasses of water straight, then take a breather, then drink another two glasses. You do not have to wear full makeup, just something on your face that makes you look presentable.
Preparation is what will cost you time.
Night time is a good time for preparing. Lay your breakfast table the night before. Place water in buckets the night before if your household relies on bucket baths.
Layout your makeup, and clothes in your room ready for the morning. What the kids can do on their own, let them do that. Every child should be able to make his or her own bed and putting their shoes away and placing clothes in the wash basket.
Train your husband to do the same (good luck kkkk). The more others do for themselves the more time you have to do your house work.
Keep set meal times. Make sure your family follow those times. If breakfast is 7am, them by 730am, clear the table.
In fact, make sure each person takes their plates to the kitchen. Tidying rooms and sweeping does not take long. Dusting roofs etc can be done twice a week. By 12 noon, you should be all done and getting lunch ready.
By 2pm, your household duties should be over and you should be on to other things, like kids homework, baking cakes, a little shopping time, friend time even with no money etc.
Have tea at 10am, take a break and you are allowed to do that.
Set lunchtimes, set dinner time. You should be done with dinner by 630pm, plates washed (kids help) and packed by 8pm.
Laundry days should also be set, like twice a week or once a week depending on the size of your family. Panties, bras and socks should be done by each individual if they are old enough (your husband is an exception kkkkk).
Find a day to do laundry when no one is around to disturb you. Maybe a day when the kids are doing sports until late afternoon. Personally, I do laundry around 11pm when everyone is sleeping. I hang it all up the first thing in the morning.
Ironing is done the next day in the afternoon or in the evening in front of the TV where the family will be. I do not miss out on family time.
To be a successful homemaker, you need to use wisdom everyday. You need to think orderly and act the order out. You need to be flexible and time conscious. Preparation precedes success.
You can learn all these traits, just like any other career person.
That is it from me this week. Enjoy your week!
Fashion Diva can be messaged on 0772933845.
