Kitchen

[PamelaSue72]

I do my own work. I intend to continue for as long as I can.

[151949]

It was taking me 3 to 4 days to get around my house and thoroughly clean it - and I was very tired and in pain all the time from the constant effort. We have very high ceilings and very high built in cabinets that required a lot of time up and down ladders. I told my DH that I was not able to get everything done by myself anymore and he was going to have to help me. After only one time helping me - he decided that wasn't for him and he would rather get someone in to help instead. Having a housekeeper come in and do all the things I had so much difficulty doing is the most wonderful thing ever! She crawls around on the floor and dusts all the baseboards - she gets up on the ladder and cleans the tops of all the built ins and anything else that is high - she dusts all the crown molding and all the plantation shutters. She climbs up and cleans the tops of all the kitchen cabinets. She washes down all the tile on the walls in the Bathrooms and the backsplash in the kitchen. She cleans all the ceiling fans.She comes every 2 weeks and in between I do the daily maintenance of our home - which I am easily able to do. Together we keep this place spic & span and pleasant to live in. When we go home to Pa for the summer - we live in a camper - everything is small and compact and I do all the cleaning there - no ladders required. For those who are able to do all your own housework and yard work - great for you. Unfortunately, God did not let all of us enjoy great health and the years have taken a toll on our abilities.

I still cook every day and do my own laundry and grocery shop. I volunteer at the food bank at my church and within our community when there is a project I feel I can do.For instance yesterday some of the men were going around cleaning mildew from the mailboxes( we have gangboxes) with a power washer and then a few of us ladies were going in after them and doing the final detail cleaning.

[wildcat fan]

My father insisted that my mom get someone to clean the house. She works hard at her job, so she gets to come home and relax and spend time with family. She's not one to go shopping for herself, and if there's anyone in this world who deserves some pampering, it's my mom. I see nothing wrong with hiring a cleaning service if the family can afford it, and mom doesn't mind at all. I don't have a cleaning service at my home because I'd rather save my money or spend it on something else. I like to have things done a certain way, and I understand OP's point about the benefits of doing things myself.

[house_cat]

On 2/13/2015 Frau K said: Yes, I do miss leisure time......

I have friends who spend every weekend at Disneyland, or in Vegas, Laughlin, Palm Springs. These are not rich people. I guess they just have different priorities than mine. I've asked them, "When do you do clean your house? Grocery shop? Laundry and Ironing?" They think I'm kidding. Apparently, in my neck of the woods, few people do that anymore. I can spend an entire Sunday afternoon ironing and my friends tell me they don't own an iron. What? How can this be?

[151949]

On 2/14/2015 house_cat said:

On 2/13/2015 Frau K said: Yes, I do miss leisure time......

I have friends who spend every weekend at Disneyland, or in Vegas, Laughlin, Palm Springs. These are not rich people. I guess they just have different priorities than mine. I've asked them, "When do you do clean your house? Grocery shop? Laundry and Ironing?" They think I'm kidding. Apparently, in my neck of the woods, few people do that anymore. I can spend an entire Sunday afternoon ironing and my friends tell me they don't own an iron. What? How can this be?

Well, either someone is being paid to do it for them or they live in a hovel or they are very efficient.

I actually have a niece who I dearly love but she makes her life so hectic - anyway she had a housekeeper but the poor lady was overwhelmed and quit so now my SIL goes over there every day and cleans her daughter's house for her. I think my niece should be ashamed to have her 70 year old mother cleaning for her, and I actually did but in and tell her so. So she has hired a service to do the heavier cleaning and my SIL "only " has to do the daily cleanup. I am biting my tongue. This child has been spoiled her entire life and now, even at 42 years old it continues.

[Heart of Spade]

I guess it all depends on your lifestyle. As a SAHM, I feel those things are my "job." I take pride in my home and making nice meals for my family. I've always cleaned my own home (I would be one of those people who cleaned for the cleaning lady!), and I can't imagine subjecting anyone to our dirty laundry.

I have an acquaintance who is a SAHM and hires people to do literally everything (housekeeping, laundry, yard work, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, in-home dog washing, you name it). I don't know what she does all day! I know it's none of my business, but I'm really curious. I have seen her be very active in many ways, so I don't think it's disability driven. I guess she spends the day scheduling all her help!

[Ms X]

If I had the $$$, NO WAY would I clean my house or even cook my food. I'd also have someone give me manicures. Sadly, I can't afford it. As long as people pay their service providers well, it's a boon to the American worker. People want to make decent money, and thanks to those who have funds jobs are available in this sector. I would pay well, so it would be a win/win.

[sandy53]

I had a cleaning lady when I was working and considered it some of the best money I spent. Even if I had the time, I did not have the energy. Now that I am retired, I do my own cleaning and I like doing it myself.

I have always done our cooking. We do eat out about once a week, but something is always wrong (slow service, poor food quality, rising prices, etc.) so I prefer to eat at home. I can prepare simple, tasty, nutritious meals with no wasted food.

[ValuSkr]

Doing your own dirty work, as you say, builds character, I'd say.

[brii]

What I don't do well, I pay someone to do for me. I clean my own house and I shop and cook. I get my nails done every two weeks. Some might consider that a luxury or wasteful - but I do not feel that way at all.

I don't feel guilty about it and I certainly don't care what other people do or don't do with their money.