Good Morning Everyone! I have decided to do a weekly winter series called “Things That Work For Me”… Lots of people have questions and queries about how I manage our household of seven. It’s a juggling act most days but I do have some tools and tips that really help. I have a little list of products, services, house rules and routines that make a big difference. There are lots of moments in my day when I’m thankful for having found a way to make life easier.
As superficial as it may seem, I’m going to start with something very basic, my pink bench.
I found this bench at TJ Maxx several months ago for the clearance price of $7.99.
I am 5’1″ and I’ve been climbing on chairs to reach things for as long as I can remember.These are my cabinets. They are very, very tall. It’s virtually impossible for me to get things down without a little help. This bench gives me almost eleven inches, making me six feet tall! 
That’s a lot of help with the milk glasses!
And it folds up so that it can be easily hidden almost anywhere.
just like this, although I never put it away.
It’s also used as a barrier for Dino’s food so Winnie doesn’t eat it and a place for whoever is passing through the kitchen to sit for a minute. I’ve had many great conversations with my kids lately while they’ve relaxed and I’ve cooked. I revel in the fact that I can just reach up and get almost anything down without having to climb up on a chair or ask one of the four other people who are taller than me to do it.
It’s the little things that make life easier.
Enjoy Everything!
Michele
The Salem Garden 