Stop Making Me Feel Bad, Real Simple

I was talking to my mom last night, who is pretty much my hero when it comes to housekeeping. This woman's skills in the realms of dusting, organizing, canning and gardening are tops! So with that in mind, I thought it was cute, and a little sad, that Mom informed me she plans to discontinue her subscription to Real Simple.

"There are all these great suggestions, and I think to myself, 'I have to remember this! I should cut this out! But where will I file it? I need to start a new file. I need to clean the hood of the stove. When was the last time I vacuumed under the fridge?' and pretty soon I'm just feeling bad for myself. I can't keep reading this."

This is also the reason Mom didn't renew her subscription to Martha Stewart Living (the gardens were just way too nice and she couldn't afford the home furnishings she saw and liked) and Better Homes and Gardens. Aw man, Mom. Quit beating yourself up!

Maybe I'm just still young and hopeful enough, but I'm happily devouring my Real Simples and Livings every month, cover to cover, and yeah I have never dared to clean the hood of the stove (though I wrote myself a sticky note suggesting it!) but I am going to try making this soup tonight. We'll see what happens.