Domesticated (Or Things I Learned from My Mother)

-Clean. Not in the Susie Homemaker, got a petty coat on, and a feather duster. I'm talking yellow rubber gloves, blue Brite! sponge and some Clorox wipes. Keeping a home clean, organized, and smelling a little like bleach is HEALTHY thing. It takes daily maintenance. If you don't sweep the floor or vacuum for two weeks, your carpet and/or floor will be layered with two weeks of dust, hair, and dry skin. Let's keep it fresh, ladies.

-Make your bed a place for sleeping. And maybe a little bit of TV. Sex, if applicable. This means change your sheets at least 3 times a months and have everything organized (see above). The mind tends to shape itself around what it sees. If your dirty laundry is laying all over the place and you got more than one item (that is not a pillow) on your bed, your mind will feel as cluttered as your room is. Don't throw your backpack and school supplies on your bed. Move your computer away from your bed and sit on a stability ball at your kitchen table. That way, when you finally hop into bed your body immediately thinks of sleep. And maybe a little bit of TV. Sex, if applicable.

-Know how to make at least one dish for each meal of the day. My mother knows how to make more than 3 meals, of course. It's a different story when you're 24 years old and you only have to take care of yourself. The same 3 meals everyday is cool as long as you got something else to snack on. Worry about cooking other meals when you have a husband and children. If you have roommates, it's cool. They each know how to cook at least 3 meals and will hopefully share their yummy snacks!

-You don't have to spend $$ on a nice wardrobe. My mother pays $15 for a pair of jeans that makes her legs look BANGIN! She'll window shop at the local Macy's for some ideas then head to Ross or the BX on base and buy a knockoff for half the price. Frugality in fashion=not a bad idea, ladies. Myself, I can only shop at the Buffalo Exchange on 23rd & Mission. Yes, that specific one. I don't know why. Instead of heading to a mall to get fitted, I like to go for used clothing that once looked good on somebody else and will now look BANGIN on me. =) Plus, once I learn how to do my laundry and actually take care of said clothes, I can bring them in and possibly sell them for a little extra cash or a 30% discount.

-Know how to do your laundry. If you spend $$ on clothes, please know how to take care of them. Get back at me on this one. I'm still learning (see above).

-Rest. Modern women have too many things to do to survive- resting should definitely be one of them. After your work is done, sit on a recliner with a soft throw blanket, watch Wowowee all afternoon, and fall asleep. When you wake up you'll have a clean house, a full stomach and an impeccable wardrobe.

Holler at Mama who turns 50 this Sunday!