Channelling Martha Stewart...

Howdy peeps!

It’s been a very busy last few weeks at work as my team and I collectively prepare to land a jumbo-jet-sized project. In two to three weeks I should be free and clear to raise my head above what will either be the burning wreckage of a plane scattered around some jagged rocks OR the mini-bar of the pilots’ lounge in a swanky, over-air-conditioned airport somewhere in a blistering desert metropolis.

For over a month, I’ve been scrounging around for some spare minutes here and there, cobbling together some semblance of a normal life – connect with Muddy; connect with family; try and catch the odd film; eat a decent breakfast; keep on top of the laundry; hit the gym, and squeeze in some news and current affairs via the Economist and/or ABC TV.

So it was a nice surprise to discover a spare 30 minutes at work this morning to do nothing but focus on me, so….I thought I’d update my blog. And channel Martha Stewart in the process.

Several people have quizzed me for domestic tips recently – friends, one current workmate, my manager and recently, the Other Venetian Girl. Wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or weirded out – do I give off an OCD vibe? Anyhoo, given my fondness for lists (especially when I’m stressed and in near OCD Mode – OMG it’s true!), here’s Dusty’s Top 5 Domestic Tips for the Domestic God or Goddess in You.

1.     Hot water is better for laundry. Unless we’re talking woollens, delicates or removing blood stains, very warm/hot water is the BOMB. The potential savings on your power bills (no need to heat water) are more than off-set by the crappy results of cold-water washing. 30-40 degrees Celsius should be your minimum setting. Coupled with a good detergent (OMO liquid or powder), your clothes will sparkle. The science supports it and I will share the results of a Year 9 experiment involving small squares of mud-stained cloth, some glass beakers and a swizzle stick if pressed.

2.     Dishwashing liquid (Palmolive, Morning Fresh, Fairy Liquid) is FANTASTIC for removing tough grease stains in light-coloured clothes, napery and table linen. This was an accidental discovery which is now part of my laundry repertoire. Trust me – it works. Even if you do it in Summer only and let the sun naturally bleach your white stuff, the results are amazing.

3.   ALWAYS line your bakeware with baking paper. This makes an enormous difference to the texture of cakes and pastry crusts in addition to ensuring nothing sticks. Doesn’t matter how weird the shape of the tin or tray is, it’s worth farnarkling with scissors and cutting the paper to fit the vessel.

4.    When moving house, USE PROFESSIONAL REMOVALISTS! You’ve spent money on the house, the furniture, assorted fees and all the trimmings, but then you’ve decided to ‘save’ money by doing the move yourself with a couple of mates and a 4WD??? Are you an idiot??? Three strong and sturdy experts, a proper truck, rigging equipment and trolleys, and a formal contract/agreement (including insurance) will save you a massive headache. A workmate moved house recently, relying on her 60-something father, a brother with a broken thumb and one 4WD to move the contents of an entire house in a single (wet, freezing cold) weekend. Needless to say, the move did not go smoothly. Her lesson: “next time, I’m budgeting for a removalist”. Amen.

5.       Like Liz Lemon in 30 Rock, you can dry clothes in a (CLEAN) oven or microwave if you don’t have access to a clothes / tumble dryer. True.