15 min. to Holiday Bliss!

Hey! We've been doing 15 minutes a night this week to get ready for the holidays!!! Let's catch you up and let us know how it's going....

Get rid of anything in the fridge that is expired, went bad or simply stuff nobody likes.

‎15 minutes tonight: a quick and dirty. You've decided what you're keeping in the fridge. Take everything out onto the counter keeping like with like. Do a quick wipe down of the shelves and drawers. Return everything to the fridge- again- keep like with like. Most importantly, make sure you can SEE everything you have. If you can't see it, you won't use it! If there's time, do a quick wipe down on the outside, too.

Tonight's 15 minutes: You'll need certain food items for the holidays and they'll be going on sale soon so let's get to the pantry. Decide what portion you will want to work on tonight, whether it's a shelf or a whole cabinet. Same as the fridge, empty items keeping like with like. Check all expiration dates. REMINDER: If it's something nobody likes or you can't imagine when you'll use it - this is a great time of year to donate those items! Do a quick wipe down. Put items back - like with like - and establish the one in, one out rule. (You have to use something before buying another.) Let the kids help!!

Tonight's 15 minutes: If you have a large pantry, keeping working on that tonight. You want to complete a task rather than skipping around. Plus, we want to make sure your pantry is in tip-top shape! If you completed your pantry last night, let's make a shopping list for the holiday. REMINDER: Shop at home first. Can you tweak a recipe and use what you have? Can you make cherry pie instead of blueberry? You get the idea... Once you're done- pop the list in your wallet so it's accessible in the store. When an item goes on sale, scoop it up! If it's not on your list, ask yourself do you really need it??

Okay...you're all caught up!! See you tomorrow!

The Kid Gets It!

I thought I'd share one of my all time favorite pictures!! My nephew, Joey, (3-years-old when this picture was taken) was asked to help put the pool toys away. Notice his use of vertical space? I think he did a FANTASTIC job! : D

Let's Talk Trash!

Ok, so it's garbage night and you finally get someone to empty the trash can...but have all the wastebaskets been emptied? Let's make garbage night a chore for everyone...not just mom. Everyone empties their wastebasket and recyclables from their room, bathroom, office, whatever. Don't forget the laundry room! While we're at it, let's get rid of everything! Take this time to empty the fridge of all expired foods, unused leftovers and those things that have gone bad. One simple guideline my mom always said "When in doubt, throw it out!" While we're at it, let's give the freezer a once over- really quickly. Now, all the garbage is out of the house, the garbage trucks will whisk it away tomorrow and you have a clean slate! How lovely! : D

Back to School - Get in Gear!

I know you're running around getting everything ready for the kids to get back to school. Take this time to get the whole family set up and back in the routine of the school year. Start with your time schedule. Get everybody up earlier and to bed earlier so that your inner clocks are prepared. Set up homework stations, chores lists, shower schedules and leisure time now before you have homework and carpooling and after school activities. Don't forget your desk. Is it stocked?- take advantage of the back to school sales especially for expensive items like ink and toner...And, as always, get everyone involved- maybe have a night of brainstorming ideas for each area. And don't forget to add fun stuff too!! How about a cook-off, a hidden treasure to be found while cleaning (nobody will miss a spot!), or a contest for donations (c'mon, you knew I'd say to declutter ; )  The closer you are to getting back to routine when the times comes, the easier it will be to be to handle the new challenges and changes that every new school year brings!

Let the Kids Help!

Summertime is the perfect time to establish new routines and habits into your household.  The kids are home from school and the daily routine has slowed down a bit. (I know, just a bit!) Are you taking advantage of this time? It's also a great time to do some things together while getting "chores" done. Make cleaning out the garage a family event! Make it fun. How about throwing in a scavenger hunt? Whoever finds mom's 45 of  "How Deep is Your Love?" wins a prize or gets to skip a night of doing dishes...use your imagination and make it fun!! Then move onto the next project. It's a great time to start teaching the kid's how to do things...here's where you need to let go of "perfect" or "crazy"a little.  For example, towels don't need to be folded a certain way - they really don't.   A ten year old will load the dishwasher like a ten year old - not like you but hey, dishwasher is loaded...let it be! Be sure to incorporate these new chores into  the schedule on a regular basis so when school starts, the routine is already in place and expectations are already being met!!