Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 3, Number 4, DeMotte, Jasper County, 8 June 1933 — The Household [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Household

By LYDIA LE BARON WALKER

Routine is a stabilizing method to follow when one has many duties to perform, and especially when outside activities are entered into, or special work must be accomplished. In order to make the most of the working hours, a daily schedule is advised, since no two day’s work follows the precise order throughout. This daily schedule is put to good use by one

woman of my acquaintance who has to combine household duties with remunerative occupation which can be done at home. Her schedule is as important as her engagement book in which dates and times are noted for social and other engagements. The schedule is made the night before each week day. Hours and even minutes are definitely set down against each occupation, and the times stipulated when it is time for the next to begin. The amount of time required for the specific things is sufficiently allowed for, such as

preparation of foods for meals, serving them and clearing up afterwards. For example, while meals are punctual, the time which is needed for the preparation and cooking of some foods is less than others. Therefore, the scheduled time for getting meals varies with menus. A certain flexibility results, and so each day has its agreeable variety without sacrificing efficiency. Every homemaker appreciates the multiplicity of tasks which are included in her vocation, and that many of these tasks are continual although constantly different. For example sewing may consist in dressmaking or in darning, but it remains sewing. It needs to be pushed ahead, sometimes a little, sometimes a great deal, each day. But the idea of getting it finished definitely is not considered, any more than actually finishing any daily routine work. A dress is finished, a meal is through, but repetition in variety follows. Sewing. So in making a daily schedule a set time for sewing is included. The work progresses, within the limitations of the time scheduled. Then this work is stopped without expecting the completion of the job. The work is pushed ahead along the lines most needed and within the time scheduled. The rush of sewing is, in this way, eliminated. The woman knows she has a daily amount of

time for needlework, and accomplishment is made easy. A time for rest is scheduled. comes right after the midday meal. Then a period of relaxation for reading or napping gives the afternoon tasks new zest. A time for her own vocational work is so placed that her mind is fresh, as it must needs be as it is one of mental activity. Evenings are free. When anything comes up in the way of entertainment appointments, the schedule is arranged to permit of them. One great advantage of this schedule system is that it prevents a person from getting diverted from doing the important things by frittering moments away in trivialities. It also keeps one keen to recognize what must be done, and to include time for it in the near future. By daily scheduling one’s time routine is given its needed variety. Bedroom Ensembles. An ensemble of a hooked rug and a coverlet or quilt to match in design and colors is a smart appointment for a chamber, especially when the room is furnished in old-fashioned style. An equally distinctive ensemble results when the rug and coverlet are developed in quilted patchwork, which has all the appeal of quick work to modern homemakers. The coverlet to go with the hooked rug can be in candlewick tufting in which the little tufts closely resemble those in the hooked work. Or the design on the rug can be developed in patchwork or the spread in the same colors found in the rug. ©, 1933, Bell Syndicate.--WNU Service.