1. Starbucks

I don’t particularly enjoy coffee, and can’t remember ever purchasing coffee for myself from any coffee shop. However, I do occasionally purchase drinks for teachers or friends, or use a free drink coupon at our local Biggby’s.

That said, I have never spent money on Starbucks in my entire life… although my teen daughter has.

2. Perfume

I’ve received plenty of lotions and perfumes as gifts, and I’ve also redeemed plenty of freebie coupons at Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, but I have no memory of paying for perfume with my own cash.

Again, my teen daughter could not say the same.

3. Credit Card Interest or Fees

I got my first credit card when I was 16 years old, and since then, I’ve paid off the balance in full every month. No fees, interest, or other penalties.

4. Alcohol at Restaurants

We rarely spend money on alcohol at home, let alone at restaurants — simply because it’s expensive, unhealthy, potentially addicting,  and unnecessary (in my opinion).

For the most part, we drink water — lots and lots of water.

We usually have fun drinks for Family Movie Nights (usually on Saturday evenings), and once in a while, we’ll get lemonade or pop (soda) at restaurants. Otherwise, water is better for our teeth, our brains, our bodies, and our wallets!

5. Dry Cleaning or Laundromat

I’ve never even been to a dry cleaning or laundromat facility… I know, it’s almost hard to believe!

I’ve become a pro at washing “dry-clean only” items at home and save time and money as a result. So far, I haven’t ruined anything yet (knock on wood!)

6. Delivery Fees

Although I’ve been tempted to order groceries and have them delivered, I’m just too picky with my produce to let someone else find it for me. Plus, I actually enjoy grocery shopping now that I can go when the kids are in school.

And believe it or not, we’ve never had food delivered to our home! Likely because we don’t eat fast food that often, but when we do, it’s usually because we’re out and about, so we just swing in and pick something up.

I’ve never had flowers or gifts delivered, and it’s a rare occasion when I’ve ever paid a shipping charge for anything (thank you, Amazon Prime!)

7. Manicures or Pedicures

My cousin did my nails for free (at her house) the day before my wedding… other than that, I’ve never had a manicure or pedicure, nor do I desire to have either.

I have super ticklish feet, and my nails are short and stubby, so I can’t imagine paying money to make them more visible.

8. Facial

Same thing… never had one, don’t really want one (although maybe I don’t know what I’m missing!)

9. Massage

I’ve never had a professional massage before — however, I do see the benefit in this and wouldn’t totally turn one down if I ever happened to be in the right place at the right time.

For now, our hot tub does the trick, offering a “free” at-home massage whenever I want one.

10. Hair Removal (waxing, laser, etc.)

I’ll admit, I’ve looked into laser hair removal and priced it out… but I just can’t convince myself to fork over THAT much money for hair removal, when shaving works fine (for now, at least).

I’m also sort of terrified of waxing (I’ve never tried it). Thankfully, I’m not that hairy!

One new-ish hair removal product I recently started using is a dermaplane razor for all the peach fuzz on my face. Wow, why didn’t I try that sooner!?

11. Hair Cuts for Dave and the Kids

Our children have never been to a professional salon, and Dave hasn’t paid for a haircut since we started dating.

I do pay my neighbor to cut my hair a few times per year, but I’m trying to convince Nora that she could learn how to do it.

NOTE: This is the hair trimmer I use on Dave and the boys.

12. Fake Anything (lashes, extensions, nails)

What you see is what you get with me.

No fake nails, lashes, hair extensions… or any other body parts.

13. Concert Tickets

My parents have taken our entire family to a few symphony concerts over the years, and I once won free tickets for a Point of Grace Christmas concert before we had kids. Other than that, I’ve never paid for concert tickets.

Dave has enjoyed a few concerts with fellow teacher friends, so I’m glad he can go with them and let me stay home.

14. Valet Parking

We don’t frequent many establishments that offer valet parking (unless Culver’s starts offering this service in the near future).

Also, Dave and I are very capable of parking our own car and walking a few blocks, if necessary.

15. Lottery Tickets

I’ve thought about purchasing one several times over the course of my life, but I’ve never actually done it.

Dave is a math teacher, and we know the odds of winning are horrible and that buying lottery tickets is basically just throwing our money away.

Yes, it would be pretty sweet to win the MegaMillion, but highly unlikely… so I’ll save my money!

16. Gambling

In addition to lottery tickets, we’ve never spent money on gambling (at least not that I remember).

I did, however, spend time in a Las Vegas Casino just after my 21st birthday (true story!) Dave and I were given $10 worth of coins to use in the casino, and we used them in slot machines until they were gone. We didn’t win anything (shocking, I know!)

17. ATM Fees

Would you believe that I’ve never even used an ATM machine before!?

I love our small local bank, and just wait until they open at 9:00 if I really need cash. Otherwise, Venmo, PayPal, or credit cards usually work just fine.

18. A Brand New Vehicle

We’ve never purchased a vehicle “off the lot” — but rather, through friends, relatives, or via Facebook Marketplace.

We still drive nice vehicles that are in good condition… we just save a bunch of money on the sticker price (and on our auto insurance).

19. Public Transportation

Although I’ve always driven used vehicles, I have always had a vehicle to drive… which means I’ve never had to pay for public transportation.

We have taken taxis and shuttles on vacation, but they were always included in the price of our plane or resort tickets.

20. Illegal Drugs

Ok, this one is a bit of a stretch, but I thought I’d throw it in there because it is true — not even for “medicinal” purposes (which, I’m told, is becoming more and more normal these days).

21. Tattoos

Wow, tattoos sure are popular these days.

Aside from the fact that they are expensive and I don’t like needles, the main thing preventing me from getting a tattoo is the thought of how saggy it will look when I’m old!

22. Real Gold Necklaces and Earrings

Aside from my wedding ring, my “mother’s ring”, and some jewelry I inherited after my grandma died, I don’t have any “real” jewelry — it’s all costume pieces I find at thrift stores or cheap places in the mall.

And if you really want to get technical, Dave purchased my wedding ring before we were married, my mother’s ring was a gift via a blog sponsorship, and the jewelry from my grandma was given to me — so I don’t think I’ve ever spent my own money on real jewelry.

23. Instant Pot

These were all the rage for years, and I sort of wanted to get one, but just didn’t want to store it.

I do use my 2 slow cookers and my toaster oven many times each week… so who knows, I might be missing out by not having an Instant Pot. So far, I haven’t made the purchase yet.

24. Botox

I know so many people my age who are doing Botox… but right now, I can’t imagine a world where this will be something I choose to spend money on.

The idea of being less wrinkly sounds great… but I’m also OK with looking my age!

25. Music Downloads

Back in the day, I had a little collection of CDs, but ever since music started going digital, I haven’t purchased a thing.

I do always snatch up the 3-free months of Audible or Satellite Radio whenever those offers pop up, but I’ve never paid for access.

26. Extended Warranties

We often buy things used… which means they don’t come with warranties at all, but even when we’ve purchased new electronics or appliances, we’ve always opted not to purchase any extended warranties.

We’ve found that, as long as we purchase products with easily-accessible replacement parts, any necessary service calls are usually fairly inexpensive… making it unnecessary to purchase an extended warranty.

Yes, we might get burned by this at some point… but not yet!

For the record, I do not feel deprived or like my life is boring. And, I realize there are likely many things I regularly spend money on that you might not (things like whole grains, a gym membership, Amazon Prime, car washes, specific yard tools, and renovation expenses).

Aside from the illegal drugs, there’s likely nothing wrong with spending your money on any of the things listed above — as long as you aren’t going into debt to spend it.

We all choose to spend our money in different ways, which makes me curious…

What would be on your list of “things you’ve never spent money on?“

It’s also a really fun meal for kids to help with — even really little kids can do it!

You’ll Love Strombli

If the reasons I listed above aren’t enough for you, just take a look at all the gooey cheese and savory pizza toppings stuffed inside a soft doughy crust with your favorite seasonings sprinkled on top.

It looks fancy, but I promise, it is not difficult to make.

I almost always use my homemade whole-grain bread dough for the crust, but you can easily use frozen bread dough or refrigerated pizza dough from the store.

NOTE: You should not use pre-baked pizza crusts.

How to Make Stromboli

1. Prepare your dough (either make it, buy it, or defrost frozen dough).

2. When you’re ready to assemble the Stromboli, preheat your oven to 375ºF.

3. Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a cookie sheet (I use these sheet pans).

4. Spread meats, veggies, and cheese, evenly down the center of the dough — leave roughly 4″ on each side. NOTE: I always end with cheese so it melts down through the rest of the toppings.

5. Using a scissors or pizza cutter, slice the extra dough on the sides of the toppings into 1″ strips.

6. “Braid” the strips by bringing one strip to the center, then pulling a strip from the opposite side over the first strip. Continue on, pulling strips from every other side, until toppings are enclosed.

7. Brush top crust with melted butter or oil (optional) and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasonings.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until crust is slightly brown.

9. Cut, serve, eat, and enjoy!

Stromboli Serving Suggestions

Just like pizza, stromboli can hold its own as a full meal… however, if you want to serve it up with a few sides, here are some we enjoy:

• any type of lettuce salad
• broccoli bacon salad
• shredded brussels sprout salad
• cold pasta salad
• raw veggies with dip
• fresh fruit
• chips (any type) with dips and/or salsas

How to Reheat Stromboli

Strobmoli is delicious as leftovers — but definitely tastes best when reheated in a toaster oven versus a microwave.

NOTE: This is our favorite toaster oven — we use it daily!

Stromboli is such a delicious meal any time of year, and for almost any occasion.

If you’re looking for a super easy meal to add to your weeknight (or weekend) rotation, give Stromboli a try… and then let me know what you think.

What are your favorite Stromboli fillings?

Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family-friendly recipes!

Don’t Sort Every Load

Gone are the days of separating lights, darks, whites, delicates, and everything in between. For most modern fabrics and detergents, sorting isn’t nearly as necessary as it once was.

Instead, consider washing similar-weight items together (like towels or jeans) and letting the colors mix. You’ll save time, reduce the number of loads, and simplify the entire process.

In our home, we actually “sort” by where the items will need to be put away — all the boys’ laundry is in one load, the girls’ laundry is another load, and Dave & my laundry is a load. That way, when it comes out of the dryer, it all goes to the same place.

Don’t Pre-Treat Everything

Honestly, I rarely ever pretreat anything, and I haven’t for years.

I just dump a Tablespoon of Oxi-Clean in each load, and 99.9% of the time, things come out spotless.

The few stains I try to remember to spot-treat are ink, dry-erase markers, and oil

NOTE: I do almost always use hot water, which helps with stains.

Don’t Avoid Whites

Many moms avoid whites because they seem harder to care for — but whites don’t have to be high-maintenance!

A little bleach or OxyClean White Revive can keep them looking fresh with minimal effort.

I honestly gravitate towards white towels, sheets, and even white slip covers because they are so easy to bleach without worrying about colors fading (and I’ve bleached many slip covers over the years!)

Don’t Use Too Much Detergent

More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much detergent can lead to buildup, dingy fabrics, and even extra wear on your washing machine.

Try using less than the recommended amount — you might be surprised how well your clothes still come out (and how long your detergent lasts!)

Better yet, try using eco-friendly laundry balls instead of traditional detergent. We’ve been doing this for years, and things always come out clean.

I also totally skip fabric softener and use wool dryer balls instead.

Don’t Wash Clothes After Every Wear

Not everything needs to be washed immediately. Jeans, sweatshirts, pajamas, and even some shirts can often be worn multiple times before hitting the hamper.

We’ve gotten our kids in the habit of putting everything in the hamper each night (because their clothes are legitimately pretty dirty) but Dave and I regularly wear our clothing multiple times before washing.

We also have our own bath towels and only wash them once a week.

And sheets — I wash them every other week if I’m on top of things, but usually more like every 3 weeks, and we all live to tell about it.

Washing less frequently not only saves time and money, but it also reduces wear and tear on your machines and helps your fabrics last longer.

Don’t Let Laundry Pile Up

Waiting until you’re buried in laundry makes the task feel even more overwhelming and time-consuming.

Instead, determine what a good laundry routine might be for you and your current season of life (1 load a day, 1 laundry day per week, twice a week, etc.). Then, aim to stick with that routine until it stops working for you.

For the record, I consider “doing the laundry” to mean:

• washing everything
• drying everything
• putting everything away (not letting the clean clothing sit in baskets for days)

A little consistency goes a long way when it comes to laundry!

Don’t Forget Machine Maintenance

Your appliances will stay happier and perform more faithfully if you remember to maintain and clean them on a semi-regular basis.

For me, this looks like running a washing machine cleaning tablet through our washers every other month, and cleaning out the dryer vents a couple of times per year.

Want More Laundry Tips?

I’ve got a bunch!

Click here for access to all my time-saving, energy-saving laundry tips.

My grandmother would probably shake her head at some of these suggestions… but after 20 years of doing my own laundry, I’m telling you, they work.

For the record, I don’t actually mind doing laundry. I just like finding ways to simplify and streamline the process.

By letting go of unnecessary steps and outdated rules, you can save time, spend less, and create a laundry routine that actually works for your life.

Because laundry will always be there… but it doesn’t have to take over!

Do you share any of my laundry don’ts? Do you have any of your own?

Thankfully, I’ve made continual progress in my freshly-milled flour baking hobby!

I’ve found my stride and developed a handful of go-to recipes that (for me) seem to work well every time I make them. I even have a dedicated binder for all my whole-grain recipes.

Most importantly for our family, I finally landed on what we consider the “best”, softest, most delicious sandwich bread recipe — made with freshly milled whole grains.

It’s even good enough for PB&J, and that’s saying something!

This same dough recipe works for sandwich bread, dinner rolls, hamburger buns, cinnamon rolls, stromboli, pizza crust, and more.

I won’t claim my recipe is “foolproof” because if you’re new to making bread, or new to freshly milled grains, you will likely need a few rounds of trial and error before you find what works for you.

But, if you’re looking for a super soft loaf of whole-grain sandwich bread, my recipe has worked well for our family for many years now, and I think it will be a great starting point for you, too!

If it doesn’t turn out the first time, just make it into French toast or croutons!

Super Soft Sandwich Bread Made with Freshly Milled Whole Grains

This recipe can easily be halved or doubled… depending on your mixer capabilities and your need for whole-grain bread dough. However, as written, it makes enough dough for: 

• 4 loaves (8″ x 4″ — 25 oz.)
• 3 large loaves (9″ x 5″ — 33 oz.)
• 2 giant loaves (13″ x 5″ — 50 oz.)
• 10 mini loaves (5.5″ x 3″ — 10 oz)
• 48 dinner rolls or slider buns (2 oz.)
• 24 large hamburger buns (4 oz.)
• 45 cinnamon rolls (15 per pan)
• 3 large Stromboli (18″ x 6″)
• 5 Pizzas (12″)

Ingredients for Whole Grain Sandwich Bread

2 c. water — any temperature is fine. I always use city tap water, but others swear you’ll get better results with filtered water.

1 c. milk (or buttermilk) — I always use full-fat whole milk, but feel free to try whatever you have in the house.

4 T. butter — you could substitute coconut oil

4 T. honey — feel free to use granular sugar, brown sugar, or even molasses

1 egg (optional) — this helps the bread stay fresh-tasting longer. If you’re going to eat it in one day, you likely won’t need the egg.

2 t. sea salt — you will immediately realize if you forget the salt (speaking from experience )

2 T. Rice Bran — this helps to soften the texture of the bread. It makes a big difference (in my opinion).

2 T. Vital Wheat Gluten — adding additional gluten helps with the stretchiness of the dough, and creates higher-rising bread.

1,000 grams freshly milled hard white or red wheat berries (6-7 cups)

2 T. Instant Yeast — you can use active yeast, but it’s faster and easier with instant (I’ll explain more below)

melted butter for brushing — this helps to ensure a softer crust

Substituting All-Purpose Flour

If you want to try this recipe with all-purpose flour, you’ll likely need more flour. You will also be able to omit the rice bran and vital wheat gluten.

I’d say start with 6 cups of flour, and slowly add more until you reach the desired dough texture. You might need as much as 9 cups of flour!

You could also make this recipe with half freshly-milled flour and half all-purpose flour, if you’re not sure your family would like 100% whole grain bread yet (I did this for a long time).

I personally wouldn’t take the time to substitute store-bought whole wheat flour, as it creates very dense bread and doesn’t have any of the nutritional value of freshly-milled flour, as it has been sitting on store shelves for well over 24 hours.

How to Make Whole Grain Sandwich Bread 

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, butter, and honey.

2. Microwave on high for 1 -2 minutes, or until butter is completely melted and the temperature is between 110º and 120ºF.

3. Pour melted butter mixture into a heavy-duty mixer (Kitchen Aid or Nutrimill) with the dough hook attachment.

4. Add egg, salt, rice bran, wheat gluten, and 600 grams of freshly milled flour.

5. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, or until combined.

6. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 20 minutes (this allows time for the freshly milled flour to absorb much of the liquid).

7. After 20 minutes, sprinkle yeast over the dough and add half of the remaining flour (about 200 grams).

*NOTE: If you were using active yeast, you would need to “activate” the yeast with the wet ingredients, and it would start to rise while letting the dough rest for 20 minutes. This is why I choose instant yeast, because I can add it dry to the dough when I add the extra flour.

8. Mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, adding more flour as necessary.

9. Continue mixing the dough for 4-5 minutes, until it’s soft, sticky, and easily forms into a ball. (It should be a bit sticky, but not fully suctioned to the bowl or your hands.)

10. Form the dough into a ball and place it into a very large greased bowl.

11. Cover with greased plastic wrap or a wet towel and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

11. After the dough has risen significantly, punch it down and form it into another smaller ball by pulling the dough from the outside into the middle.

12. Divide the dough into smaller portions and form into bread, buns, cinnamon rolls, etc.

13. Place prepared dough into greased baking pans, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

14. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

15. Brush melted butter over the tops of risen dough and bake according to the details below.

16. Brush melted butter over the tops again once the bread is removed from the oven.

17. Let bread sit in baking pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Baking Times

Remember… all ovens are different, so watch your dough the first time.

• four 8″ loaves = 40-45 minutes
• three 9″ loaves = 45-50 minutes
• two 13″ loaves = 45-50 minutes
• dinner rolls, buns, & cinnamon rolls = 15-18 minutes
• strombolie (after you fill it with toppings) = 20-22 minutes

If you’re an avid bread baker, I’d be honored if you tried my recipe and gave me a little feedback (and share it with others!)

If you’re still a wanna-be whole-grain-bread-baker, add my recipe to the list of recipes you’ll try until you find YOUR perfect recipe.

And if you have absolutely no desire to attempt your own homemade bread, I’d encourage you to try some of these (non-yeast bread) ideas to incorporate whole grains into your daily diet. 

How to Store Homemade Bread

Homemade bread, buns, cinnamon rolls, etc., should ideally be stored at room temperature and eaten within 48 hours to enjoy maximum freshness and softness.

However, if you want to bake in bulk, or if you find yourself with a bunch of extra bread, simply wrap it well in plastic wrap or in a freezer bag and freeze it.

Baked goods will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months with no freezer burn (if properly stored).

Do not store bread or rolls in the refrigerator, as they will dry out quickly.

More Whole Grain Recipes

• How to Substitute Whole Grain Flour in Almost Any Recipe
• 15 Easy Ways To Eat Whole Grains Every Day
• Beef and Barley Stew With a Kick!
• Baked Oatmeal
• Homemade Oatmeal
• From-Scratch Granola Bars
• Rhubarb Crisp With Whole-Grain Oat Topping
• Whole Grain Cornbread from Scratch
• Hearty Whole Grain Oat Pancakes
• Homemade Croutons
• Banana Bread with Whole Grains
• Monster Cookies
• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Rustic Whole-Grain Granola
• Whole Grain Apple Cake with Cinnamon Yogurt Whipped Cream
• Whole Grain Oatmeal Caramel Bars

My Favorite Whole Grain Bread Tools

• NutriMill Harvest Grain Mill (they are regularly out of stock — sorry!)
• NutriMill Artiste Stand Mixer (with dough hook)
• Huge food storage container with lid (to let the dough rise in)
• USA bread loaf pans
• USA extra-large sheet pans
• Large Baking Stone
• Colapsible Cooling Rack
• Bulk Instant Yeast
• Wüsthof Bread Knife 
• I buy my grain in bulk from Country Life Natural Foods, but you can also get it on Amazon

It’s a lot of information for one post, but I certainly hope it’s helpful for any of you who are interested in baking, eating, or simply learning more about whole-grain bread! 

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, or contact me directly.

Happy Baking (and Eating)!

But how do you decide how much is “too much” of any particular item?

This is a question I get almost every week… and instead of vague rules or guilt-driven decluttering, I encourage you to try my practical two-part guide to help you decide “how much is too much” for yourself!)

Remember: the goal isn’t a perfectly minimalist house. It’s a home that feels manageable. A home where you can find what you need, clean up quickly, and enjoy your space without feeling stressed about all your stuff.

Keep that in mind as you walk through this two-step approach to decluttering.

1. Evaluate how much you actually need or use.

It’s surprisingly easy to hang onto more than we realistically need (especially for those of us who are frugal and keep things “just in case we might need it someday“!)

So before worrying about storage bins, baskets, or organizing systems, start with the most important question:

How much do you actually need and use?

Clothing

If your closet could use a little help, ask yourself the following:

• How many outfits do I wear in a typical week?
• What type of climate do I live in?
• What actually fits?
• Do I need separate wardrobes for work, home, casual, church, events? Or do I wear the same things most days?
• Will I realistically gain or lose large amounts of weight in the near future?

Kitchen gadgets:

Many of us have drawers filled with single-purpose tools we rarely reach for. If this sounds like you, ask yourself:

• Do I use this often enough to justify the space it takes up?
• Is there another item I could use to do the same thing?
• Could I store this rarely -used item somewhere outside the kitchen?

Toys

If you have kids or grandkids around, toys can multiply quickly. But children often play best when they have fewer, more engaging options instead of piles of toys dumped on the floor.

Consider only offering a few toy options for a month and see if your kids ask about the missing toys. If not, sell or donate them and enjoy the extra space.

If you have the storage space, rotate toys monthly; otherwise, if space is tight, donate or sell toys that take up too much space and aren’t used regularly, then use that money to treat the family to a fun night out (we’ve done this several times and the kids love it).

RELATED READING: Our Kid-Friendly Lego Storage

If you actually need and use all the item(s) in question, you likely don’t have “too much”. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can hold onto everything forever, though (keep reading).

On the flip side, if the items are collecting dust, serving as sentimental reminders of “the good old days”, or waiting for “someday” to arrive, I encourage you to free up some space and let those items go.

2. Consider your storage space. 

Do you have a massive walk-in closet to accommodate your ever-growing collection of clothing? Or does your tiny closet realistically only hold 30 hangers?

Do you have a spacious mudroom to store all your shoes and outdoor gear? Or do you get by with a few hooks and a pile of shoes by the back door?

Do you have plenty of toy storage? Or is your toy storage limited to a bin under each child’s bed?

If you don’t have adequate storage space, it likely means you have too much and need to let something go.

This doesn’t always feel fair to those with less physical storage space — but the truth is, if you don’t have space to store your items, those items will always sit out and be constant visual clutter.

The goal here isn’t to deprive yourself, it’s to identify the number of items that actually serve your family, your home, and your life.

What if you need something but don’t have the space to store it?

I know, I know — I get this question all the time.

If you find yourself in this situation, you have a few options:

• Get rid of it anyway, and make do with what you have.
• Find a better, more efficient storage solution.

3 Ways to Find (or Make) More Storage

1. Use Vertical Space: 

You likely have more space than you realize — you just need to look up!

• Use vertical bookcases to store toys, games, books, and more.
• Hang a cabinet above your toilet to store extra bathroom items.
• Add a kitchen cabinet divider to “double stack” shorter items.
• Add a 2nd rod to your closet for more short-hang clothing
• Hang a loft in your garage for extra outdoor gear, holiday decor, or outdoor toys.
• Hang over-the-door shoe organizers on the backs of your doors — we use ours for gloves and mittens, small kids’ toys, bathroom essentials, and so much more.

RELATED READING: How we use vertical space to maximize storage. 

2. Rearrange What You Already Have: 

Sometimes, simply rearranging what you already have will magically create more storage space. For example:

• If you double-fold your pants, they will take up less vertical space and more horizontal space than if you triple-fold them.
• Slim hangers take up less space than traditional plastic hangers.
• Storing your shoes in over-the-door shoe organizers on the back of your closet door takes up much less space than storing them in boxes or on shoe shelves.
• Square and rectangular containers store more than round or oval containers
• Folding your t-shirts and tank tops as I do will save you space and make it easier to find the shirt you want to wear.

3. Use Double-Duty Storage: 

This is one of my favorite tips because it’s quick and easy. All you have to do is look for ways to store items within something that serves a useful purpose.

• Use decorative baskets (with lids) to store craft supplies, photos, DVDs, etc., and stack the baskets to make a side table next to a chair or couch.
• Use bunk beds with built-in storage shelves or beds with under-bed drawers for extra storage.
• Use a decorative cabinet to store extra linens, kids’ toys, computer equipment, gift wrap, or almost anything. We did this to create a mudroom years ago.
• Use a storage ottoman or bench instead of a coffee table and store blankets or games inside.

Remember, simplicity is not always about having less or living with bare shelves; it’s about having what you need and being able to quickly and easily access it when you need it.

When you find that balance, something wonderful happens.

• Your home feels calmer.
• Cleaning takes less time.
• The mental load of managing “too much” begins to lift.

For busy parents and grandparents, that kind of simplicity is more than nice… it’s incredibly freeing!

A Practical Way to Start Today

If you want to try this process immediately, pick one small category today.

• Your everyday shirts
• Kitchen utensils
• Kids’ books
• Coffee mugs

First, gather up the entire lot and ask: How many do I actually use and need?

Second, decide where those items will live. If they don’t comfortably fit in the space you’ve chosen, keep trimming until they do.

No complicated system. No all-day organizing project.

Just clear limits that make your home easier and more pleasant to live in!

What’s one thing you might have “too much” of?

I’m certain my passion for productivity is one of the main reasons motherhood was SO challenging for me in those early years.

Full days and weeks went by with seemingly nothing significant accomplished — at least according to my mostly undone to-do lists.

Looking back, my to-do lists were much too ambitious for a mother of an infant who never slept. Even still, I constantly struggled with feelings of inadequacy, inefficiency, and a very negative self-worth. 

Then, I started making “Done Lists”…

It was during those early months of motherhood that I began making “Done Lists” for myself almost every night. 

I’d force myself to look back over the day and write down every little thing I did — things like:

• made the bed
• took a shower
• made dinner
• held a napping baby
• walked around the block
• kept a newborn alive
• kept food in the fridge
• did a load of laundry
• read 5 pages in my book
• picked up the living room
• made breakfast and dinner for our family
• packed lunches
• held a fussy baby for the vast majority of the day

I know those of you who thrive on productivity and crossing things off your list can relate to my struggles!

As the years went by and my expectations of what I could and could not accomplish each day became more reasonable, I stopped making a physical Done List every single day. 

However, I still regularly sit down and mentally tally everything I’ve done in a given day, week, or other period of time… and I do still make physical Done Lists throughout the month.

Why You Should Make a Done List:

1. Done Lists are instant mood boosters.

Making these mental Done Lists is one of the simplest things I do to instantly boost my mood.

It’s such a great feeling to look over a long list of things you accomplished (even simple things) instead of continually adding more and more to your to-do list and feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do yet.

2. Done Lists are a great way to practice gratitude and appreciation.

Look over your list and be grateful for everything you DID accomplish, instead of berating yourself over the few things you didn’t accomplish.

Be appreciative of the ability you had (physically, mentally, emotionally) to do everything you were able to do, to help and serve others, to be creative, to make music, to play and read and write, to work around your home and in your garden, to rest, etc.

We all have so many gifts and talents that we use every day (often without thinking much about it). Making a Done List helps highlight our gifts and provides an opportunity to be grateful for them.

3. Done Lists breed contentment.

For me, it’s significantly easier to be content with my home, life, abilities, etc. when I focus on what I DID accomplish and what I DO have versus what I didn’t accomplish or what I don’t have.

Of course, I don’t think we should be “content” to the point that we’re lazing around all day, not growing or improving or using our gifts… but I also know it’s not fun to live a life constantly wishing for more.

This sounds simple (because it is), but it’s not easy.

It takes continual intentional work to be content with our current lives, and making a Done List can help.

What to put on your Done List:

There aren’t any rules as to what you can and cannot put on your Done List — but here are a few ideas to get you thinking (remember, nothing is too small).

• time spent playing with your kids or grandkids
• errands you ran
• meals you prepared
• pages of a book you read (for yourself or to children)
• craft projects you planned or implemented
• gifts you purchased, wrapped, or sent
• hobbies you worked on
• any household chore you made progress on
• emails, texts, or cards you sent to friends or family
• phone calls you made
• activities you finished
• time spent at work, school, or volunteering
• tackling homework with children
• driving various family members to and from activities or meetings
• watching a child’s sporting event or music concert
• spending time with an aging or sick friend or relative
• journaling or meditating
• exercising or even just walking around the block
• personal care (a.k.a. did you get a shower in today)
• any other seemingly small task you can think of

This might sound silly at first, but give it a try before you judge!

Different Types of Done Lists:  

Start out with Daily Done Lists, just to create the habit.

Transition to Weekly Done Lists if that feels more doable long-term.

Create Monthly Done Lists for specific projects (at home or work) or to track time spent on specific projects (like how many books you read in a month, how many bags you donated, how often you exercised, how many blog posts, videos, or other forms of content you created, etc.)

Make a Family Done List after a fun vacation or holiday break. Our family regularly does this before the kids head back to school in August and in January. We talk about all the fun things we did over break, the things we ate, the people we spent time with, the places we visited, the highs and lows, etc. It’s mainly a time to reflect on our time together (and be grateful for all the good in our lives).

Encourage your kids to make their own Done Lists — just so they can have that sense of accomplishment when they look over how many things they were able to do each day (even if they needed some help). This can really boost their sense of independence and motivate them to use their time wisely each day.

Start Today!

Take a moment at some point today to think back over everything you’ve accomplished and physically write it down. 

Moving forward, I encourage you to make a Done List whenever you need a little boost or just want to slow down and reflect on all the small, simple (but very worthwhile) things you accomplish each day. 

I’m telling you — it works!

Have you ever made a Done List?

Whatever the reasoning, it took many years of domestic life to finally come to terms with the fact that cleaning windows really isn’t all that difficult or time-consuming!

Plus, the joy I get from seeing the sun streaming through clean, streak-free windows more than makes up for the few minutes it takes me to clean each window.

Fast-forward almost 2 decades, and I’ve developed a “system” to simplify the window cleaning process.

DIY All-Natural Window Cleaner!

I’ve always known that vinegar and water made a frugal, all-natural window cleaner, but I personally felt like this combo left my windows and glass a little streaky.

Several years ago, I tested different combinations of pantry staples, and I came up with an extremely simple, DIY window and glass cleaner that just so happens to use all-natural ingredients you probably already have in the house!

I’ve used this glass cleaning recipe for years and can attest to the fact that it works wonderfully.

I still prefer to just use the window cloths I mentioned above, but if you’re more of a spray-clean type gal (or if your windows are REALLY grimy), give this recipe a try!

Ingredients for Window Cleaner

• 2 c. Water
• 1/4 c. White Vinegar
• 1/4 c. Rubbing Alcohol
• 1 Tbsp. Corn Starch

How to Make All-Natural Window Cleaner

1. Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle
2. Shake gently to combine
3. Spray mixture on windows, mirrors, or any other glass surface
4. Wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel
5. Enjoy streak-free windows for pennies!

That’s it!

My tried and true, overly-tested, simple, inexpensive, homemade, all-natural window and glass cleaner!

I often put it in a bottle with the recipe right on the side, so I always know how to make more.

We don’t do a ton of travel, but over the years, I have gotten much better at packing less…

I ask myself (and my kids) these 6 questions whenever we’re packing for a trip. They help me not to forget the things we actually need, and not to pack too many extras.

I hope they are helpful for you too!

1. Is it practical for this vacation?

Most of the vacations I’ve been on are for the sole purpose of relaxation. We sleep in, go for walks, lounge around the pool, play mini golf, and eat at casual restaurants. So for us, there’s no purpose in bringing fancy clothing. We bring a couple of pairs of shorts, a few t-shirts, flip-flops, swimsuits, and a sweatshirt.

If this is the type of vacation you’re planning, consider that when you’re packing. Also, since you most likely won’t see a ton of people you know (if any), consider wearing the same thing a couple of times as long as it’s not too dirty.

And remember — you can always do a load of laundry halfway through your trip.

2. Does it fit?

This might seem like a dumb and overly-obvious question… but I’ve been caught off guard by kids who grew so much in one year that their clothing from a few months prior didn’t fit (and we realized this after arriving to our destination)!

There’s certainly no sense packing something that doesn’t fit or that isn’t comfortable to wear, so I suggest quickly trying on the items you plan to pack (you and your kids).

It’s amazing how much they grow over one season, and last summer’s shorts, sandals, and swimsuits might not fit anymore this spring. Or, if you’re in the middle of having babies and fluctuating sizes, your clothes might not currently fit either.

In addition, trying things on allows you to make sure zippers, snaps, and buttons are all in good order before arriving at your destination and realizing your one pair of jeans won’t zip.

3. Can you layer this piece?

I’m a big fan of layering… even more so when I travel.

By layering, you can mix and match a few different pieces to create a totally different look. This is also helpful if you don’t know what the weather will be like.

I’ll often pack a few tank tops and layer them with different t-shirts/cardigans/etc. Then I pack one pair of pants, one pair of capris, a casual skirt, and a pair of shorts that can be mixed and matched with any combination of tank tops, shirts, cardigans, etc.

5. Can you live without it for a week?

This is the question I constantly ask my kids when they are packing… because traveling is not like living at home.

I remind them that they don’t need every home comfort on our trip, they don’t need every toiletry they like to have at home, and no one really cares what they look like on vacation.

We don’t need many activities, games, or technology, as we’ll find our own fun on the trip. We also don’t need nearly as many books as we think, because we never end up reading as much as we think. A few card games and 2 books apiece are plenty.

We don’t need to be fully accessorized (jewelry, hair, extras, etc.) and it doesn’t matter if our shoes go perfectly with our outfit, as long as they are comfortable and practical for the weather.

NOTE: Shoes are a huge space hog when traveling. I like to wear a bulkier pair of shoes for traveling, and then pack only 1 or 2 smaller pairs along (preferably ones that coordinate with many different outfits).

6. Can you buy/rent/find it when you arrive?

Many things are likely easier to buy or find when you arrive than wasting the time/space to pack them — especially if you are flying and paying ridiculous rates for checked bags and carry-ons.

We usually don’t pack any showering products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, etc) because we use whatever the hotel provides. We also don’t pack beach towels and simply use the hotel pool towels instead (they’re not as nice, but we save a ton of space). And, aside from a few snacks and/or a sack lunch, we don’t pack much food either. It might be a bit more expensive to buy groceries when we arrive, but it saves so much hassle and bulk when traveling.

If you’re flying, it might be easier to buy a cheap styrofoam cooler when you get there, or to rent car seats and boosters if you need them. Golf clubs, tennis rackets, and pool toys are often available for free or cheaply to rent when you arrive as well.

If the items you want to pack get a “no” from the first 4 questions or a “yes” from the last 2 questions, then they are probably items you DON’T need to pack.

Think of all the space (and stress) I just saved you.

What are your tips for traveling with less?

Surprisingly enough, our kids really like taco salad, so we sometimes have it as a full meal with chips and guacamole on the side.

Taco salad is also a great meal to take to potlucks or other group gatherings, as everyone loves it.

It’s easy to make ahead (just add the chips and dressing when you’re ready to serve), and it lasts in the fridge for several days if you’re a “leftovers gal” like me!

It’s a winning recipe any time of year!

Ingredients for Taco Salad

• Romaine lettuce — 2 heads, roughly chopped
• Cooked taco meat — I like to add onions and use my homemade seasoning
• Black Beans — one 16-ounce can, drained and rinsed
• Shredded cheese — 1-2 cups, depending on your preference.
• Cherry tomatoes — halved
• Green onions — chopped
• Cilantro — chopped
• Catalina dressing — or dressing of your choice
• Doritos or Tortilla chips — crushed
• (Optional) salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for serving

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

There are SO many ways you can tweak this recipe based on what you already have in the house, your own family’s taste preferences, or even what’s on sale that week.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

Lettuce — pretty much any type of head lettuce will work, including bagged lettuce. I would stay away from spinach or other “greens” as they have very different flavors that I personally don’t think work as well with the taco meat.

Taco Meat — I often keep containers of pre-cooked, pre-seasoned taco meat in the freezer for a quick meal… it’s perfect for taco salad too. Just let it defrost!

However, if you prefer chicken or ground turkey, those will work equally as well in this recipe — just make sure it’s fully cooked and seasoned before adding it to the salad.

You can easily alter the spiciness of this recipe by using spicier seasonings on your taco meat too.

Black Beans — I personally love black beans, but if you aren’t into beans, you can omit them (or use another type of bean).

Cheese — the best part! I love using a Mexican blend of shredded cheese, but whatever cheese you like and have in the house should be fine.

Additional Veggies — feel free to incorporate as many or as few extra veggies as you’d like. I almost always use green onions instead of white, yellow, or purple b/c the kids don’t notice them as much! We also like halved cherry tomatoes versus a diced tomato because the cherry tomatoes aren’t as juicy to “water down” the salad. Sometimes I add chopped peppers, chopped cucumbers, corn, or a variety of other veggies I have on hand.

Herbs — I love the taste of fresh cilantro, so this is a “must” for my taco salads. If you’re not a fan of cilantro or would rather use a different spice or herb, feel free.

Dressing — We like Catalina (and it’s so easy), but I know others who use Ranch, or Ranch mixed with salsa. I’ve also seen recipes for “taco salad dressing” that have a few more ingredients but are relatively simple to make. This is totally a preference thing.

Also, I don’t always put dressing on the entire salad, as our family prefers different dressing options. Plus, by serving the dressing on the side, the leftovers last longer.

Chips — any flavor of Dorito, Frito, or tortilla chip could work for this recipe, even those Tortilla Strip salad toppers. That said, if you don’t think you’ll eat the salad in one sitting, you might want to offer chips on the side so any leftovers don’t get soggy and gross.

How to Make Taco Salad

1. In a large bowl, layer lettuce, taco meat, beans, cheese, veggies, and herbs.

2. Pour enough dressing over to fully coat — mix well.

3. Serve with a variety of crushed chips, along with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

4. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed food storage container for 3-5 days.

How to Make a Single-Serving of Taco Salad

As I mentioned above, taco salad is one of my favorite lunches… and super easy to whip up since I usually keep containers of taco meat in the freezer.

SIDE NOTE: When I make taco meat, I cook it with onions and black beans, so I don’t need to add them separately to my lunchtime salads.

When it’s time for lunch, I chop up whatever lettuce and veggies I have on hand, then add a bit of cheese and a few scoops of taco meat (I like it cold).

Sometimes I use dressing, other times I choose salsa or guacamole.

I top it off with a small handful of crushed chips.

Quick, easy, delicious, and fairly nutritious too!

What are your favorite salad recipes?

Check out ALL my yummy family-friendly salad recipes here!