I think most people who are responsible for keeping the household in good order have a wishlist of gadgets and other goodies that they would like to have for their home. This wishlist goes beyond just the basics needed to keep a household going over (in other words, it won't include necessities like washing machines and vacuum cleaners, although I have done without a washing machine in emergencies... but that's another story). These items are ones from the "very handy to have but not essential" category.
1. A dishwasher. I would like to do a time-and-motion study of how long it takes me to do the dishes every day by hand. And how much time and energy gets spent in either making the children do the dishes - followed by re-doing the plates and knives that a grumpy ten-year-old didn't do properly. And a dishwasher hides all the dirty dishes out of sight while it's waiting to be run, and the cats won't be tempted to jump up on the bench if the slightest residue of fish or chicken lingers on any plate or knife (they never learn). Dishwashers are supposed to use less water and to sterilise the dishes better, too.* Don't peek into the oven. Each time the door is opened, the temperature drops 25 to 50 degrees.8. A miniature water feature that can fit on a desk. I love the sound of running water - it's very soothing and refreshing. 9. An exercycle. While walking is by far the best exercise and weights can be improvised with bottles of water and baked bean cans, it's sometimes too beastly out-of-doors to go out for a walk in the evening, or else the only time I have free for exercise is at night after the kids are in bed and I can neither leave them alone in the house (if the husband comes with me) or go walking alone in the dark (if the husband stays at home with the kids). An exercycle gives a good workout but isn't as boring as stepping up the stairs - it's possible to prop a book up on the handlebars while you bike.5. A coffee grinder. To grind fresh coffee rather than using ready-ground coffee. The taste is unbeatable.* The dryer will run most efficiently when drying clothes of the same thickness.* Put full loads in the dryer, but don't overload. Overloading makes the machine less efficient and more costly to operate.Under your house, put a polyethylene vapor barrier on the ground. This will keep a lit of moisture from getting into your home.
8. A miniature water feature that can fit on a desk. I love the sound of running water - it's very soothing and refreshing. 9. An exercycle. While walking is by far the best exercise and weights can be improvised with bottles of water and baked bean cans, it's sometimes too beastly out-of-doors to go out for a walk in the evening, or else the only time I have free for exercise is at night after the kids are in bed and I can neither leave them alone in the house (if the husband comes with me) or go walking alone in the dark (if the husband stays at home with the kids). An exercycle gives a good workout but isn't as boring as stepping up the stairs - it's possible to prop a book up on the handlebars while you bike.
Author: Nick Vassilev
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