[#1]

Most people have lots of labour saving gadgets from washing machines to slow cookers to bread makers. All tasks that housewives previously did by hand. Do you think that these really do make our lives easier and less rushed or do you think they just cause us to cram even more activities into our day?

Hugs

Jillxx

[#2]

Most people have lots of labour saving gadgets from washing machines to slow cookers to bread makers. All tasks that housewives previously did by hand. Do you think that these really do make our lives easier and less rushed or do you think they just cause us to cram even more activities into our day?

Hugs

Jillxx

[#3]

Hi Jill,

Good question.

I think they can be a double edged sword. Yes, they are great but I also think they can lead to waste. 

When we were close the end of paying off our debts the washing machine packed in. There was no way I was going to spend cash on anything other than the debt at that time, even something that would only set us back a couple of weeks. So I did without. I think it was about 6 months I had no machine and I quite enjoyed it. It was summer so that made things far easier. But it really made us think about how much clothing we got through in a week. And to have to handwash everything made me appreciate everything a bit more. And I certainly never got into a position where I'd washed more than I could get dry in a day - something I can be guilty of when I use the machine.

Similarly we have been without our Henry hoover for a few weeks, he needed a new motor and went off to the Henry hospital. It made me realise how little I need one tbh. We only have carpet in a couple of rooms and I enjoyed getting to know all the nooks and crannies with the broom, handbrush or floor cloth. I am very happy that he's back but it wasn't as bad as I thought. Plus I made sure I swept every day whereas when I hoover it's not daily.

The same with handwashing, I'm one of the only people I know who doesn't have one and I really don't mind. I love all my cups and plates so it's kind of nice to decompress after a meal, to handle all the stuff and appreciate how it's made, not to mention the fact it doesn't take long. But whenever I go to a friends house they make a massive song and dance about packing and unpacking the dishwasher - I think it's because I do little and often but a dishwasher is only put on a couple of times a week. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I was out working and was tired after a day out of the house or if I were to be less physically able as I currently am.

[#4]

Some labour saving devices, like automatic washing machines are a real boon. Think other stuff though can often just take up space. I love making my own bread but don't have the time, even with an automatic bread making machine to use make it all the time.

hugs and muffins

Tabbs

"been there, done that , got the t-shirt!"

[#5]

I find the slow cooker really convenient. It means I can chuck everything in the morning, forget about it and then when DP gets home from work he can help himself to his dinner. :-)

I like Sam's point about a washing machine meaning you wash more than you can dry. With us wanting to sell I've been more aware of how much washing is laying around the house and think only washing what I can dry AND iron is a really good idea. My ironing at the minute is far more than I can cope with. :-(

[#6]

I wouldn't be without my washer/ dryer machine or dishwasher, with 5 in the house it'd be a nightmare to keep ontop of it all especially given I've still yet to fully embrace the housewife role.

I have gadgets I don't use a lot that are a waste really like the big blender, and slow cooker I think in a year its been used 2 times.

[#7]

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts ladies.

I would never be without my slow cooker, it is so versatile. I thought the point about the washing machine was a very good one, it does encourage us to do great mounds of laundry which then has to be dried , ironed and put away. I once heard the saying that one keep clean was better than 10 make cleans in regards to washing.

I really enjoyed hearing your views on this ladies.

Hugs

Jillxx

[#8]

Hi

I am back lol, our family PC died on us 2 weeks agao it was the power supply that blew and then we had to send it back to the company and wait for them to exchange it as it was under warranty and then DH had to fit it. Thankfully we have it up and running at the moment. It certainly made me appreciate how much I use the internet  though.

I wouldn't be without my washing machine although I do try and make clothes last, I have never neen one for wearing something once and then washing it (except underwear of course). I think we are probably guilty of washing too much because with modern technology it's so easy. If I had to handwash everything I would be much less scrupulous. As long as it isn't smelly or dirty then it's fine to wear something a few times.

I also love my hoover, but as we have no carpet at all downstairs it wouldn't be a disaster if we didn't have one for a few weeks. Carpet sweepers are pretty good at picking up the detritus of everyday living. I don't have either a tumble drier or a dishwasher and have never wanted either. I have never seen the point of either, it makes me laugh when people wash the pots and plates first and then put them in the diswasher. It seems really pointless lol, if you are going to do that then just flippin well wash them in the sink, saving time and money..  

[#9]

Hi Bumby,

lovely to have you back with us :-)

Hugs

Jillxx