Make It Easy to Get Ready at the Same Time

One of the biggest benefits of keeping duplicate supplies is that it allows multiple people to get ready simultaneously.

Of course, this will save time, but it will also reduce the number of times you have to tell someone to hurry up, remind a child to move faster, or scramble because you can’t get into the bathroom when you need it.

When everyone has access to the things they need, there’s less waiting and less frustration.

Some things still need to happen in the bathroom. But if you can move even a few steps of your morning routine elsewhere, you may find that your whole household flows more smoothly.

Don’t Let Minimalism Become Inconvenient

I appreciate the idea of owning fewer things. Less clutter means less to clean, organize, and manage. But I don’t think the goal should be to own as little as possible at the expense of convenience.

If buying a second (or third) hairbrush means your children aren’t arguing over the bathroom, or keeping extra hairspray in your bedroom saves you from rushing back and forth every morning, that extra item may be worth having.

Sometimes, the simplest solution isn’t to find a better way to share one item. Sometimes, it’s just to go out and buy another one.

This works in other areas of your home too!

You might keep scissors in the kitchen, bathroom, and office.

You might store various cleaning supplies on different floors, or basic household tools in more than one convenient location.

Having what you need nearby can save time and make everyday tasks easier.

The key is to be intentional. Duplicate the things that genuinely improve your routines, rather than buying extras simply because you can.

A Simple Morning Organization Project

If your mornings tend to feel rushed, take 10 minutes to think about the items your family uses most often.

Ask yourself:

• Which items do we frequently have to wait for?
• What do we always seem to be searching for?
• Which parts of our morning routine could happen outside the bathroom?
• Would keeping a duplicate of a few everyday items make our mornings easier?

Choose two or three items to start with, and find convenient places to keep them. You might be surprised by how much difference such a small change can make.

You don’t need a complete bathroom renovation, a complicated morning routine, or a perfectly organized home. Sometimes, all you need is another toothbrush in the right place!

Remember, the goal of organizing isn’t simply to own less. It’s to make your home work better for you and your family.

And if stocking up on a few extra bathroom essentials helps everyone start the day with a little less rushing, I think that’s a perfectly reasonable trade-off.

I’d love to know if you follow this anti-minimalist advice!

But you’ve got to start the night before!

One of the best ways to simplify your mornings is to stop trying to do everything in the morning. A little preparation the night before can make a big difference in how smoothly the next day begins.

Here are seven simple, specific things you can do tonight to help tomorrow morning run more smoothly. Our family has utilized these tips for a decade now — so I can attest that they work well for toddlers, teenagers, teachers, and more!

1. Pick Out Clothes the Night Before

This might seem like a small thing, but deciding what everyone will wear before bedtime can eliminate quite a bit of morning stress.

Instead of scrambling to find clean pants, searching for a missing sock, or discovering that the shirt someone wants to wear is still in the laundry, take a few minutes to get clothing ready the night before.

Depending on the ages of your children, this might mean laying out their clothes, reminding them to choose their own outfits, or fully dressing them in their clothes before they go to bed (it sounds crazy, but my younger 3 sleep in their clothes every night and it saves so much time).

Don’t forget to check the weather to make sure everyone has what they need for the day, whether that’s a sweatshirt, snow boots, gym clothes, or a coat for the bus stop.

The goal is simply to eliminate one more decision from your morning.

2. Pack Lunches & Waters Ahead

Packing snacks and lunches is a huge money-saver, but it also takes time, energy, and forethought (it’s one of my least favorite things to do).

I usually pack lunches for the younger kids, but older kids can definitely pack their own lunches.

We have a designated kitchen counter for the lunch bags and water bottles. The kids lay out their lunch bags, pick out snacks, and fill their water bottles at night (mostly with ice so they stay cold all day). Their actual food has a designated shelf in our fridge, so all they have to do in the morning is grab their food container from the fridge, grab their ice pack from the freezer, and put everything into their backpacks.

We have a friend who keeps a mini-fridge in her mudroom for school lunches, snacks, and waters. If you had room for this, it would be a cool idea.

RELATED READING: 

• Simplify School Lunches
• Simplify School Snacks (this worked well with my little kiddos)

3. Clean Out + Restock Bags Every Day

The first thing our kids do when they walk in the door after school is clean out their backpacks.

• Backpacks go on their hooks.
• Outdoor gear is put away in the mudroom.
• Dirty items go immediately into the laundry room.
• Ice packs go back in the freezer.
• Food containers are put in the fridge or dishwasher.
• Water bottles go in the designated basket on our counter.
• Lunch bags go in the pantry.
• Library books go on our designated shelf.
• Homework is done on the kitchen table.
• Any parent forms or information go on my desk.

All of this takes less than 5 minutes, and they usually do it without prompting, while they are telling me about their day and I’m getting a snack out for them.

Dave and I do the same thing whenever we get home — we take anything that doesn’t belong in our vehicles and put it away, along with anything in our bags that we won’t need again tomorrow.

This habit allows us to start each day with clean bags, reduces lost or misplaced items, keeps our vehicles very clean, and makes it easier to re-pack our bags later that night because we know where to find everything.

Later in the evening, after lunches are packed, we pack up anything we’ll need for the following day — library books, homework, sports gear, musical instruments, cold-weather gear, umbrellas, etc. and have it ready to go in the mudroom (or even in the van, if that makes sense).

RELATED READING:

• Practical Tips for Neat and Clean Vehicles with Kids

4. Plan Ahead for Easy Breakfasts

Breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated to be nourishing or enjoyable. In fact, simplifying breakfast can be one of the most helpful ways to make mornings feel less hectic.

Think about what your family enjoys eating and find a few simple options you can rotate throughout the week.

You might prepare overnight oats, bake muffins ahead of time, keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge, or portion out yogurt and fruit.

If you prefer a hot breakfast (like our family), consider which parts you can prepare in advance. Mix pancake batter the night before, prepare overnight French toast ahead of time, keep breakfast burritos in the freezer, or make a breakfast casserole when you’re preparing dinner the night before and simply reheat it the next morning.

You don’t need an elaborate breakfast menu or a different recipe every morning. If you get my weekly newsletter (which includes my meal plan), you’ll see that we usually rotate through the same 5 breakfast items (pancakes, waffles, muffins, French toast, and quiche), so I can attest to the fact that a few reliable options are more than enough.

Also, it sounds like a small thing, but even setting the table the night before can save a few minutes the next morning.

Find a breakfast routine that works for your family, and don’t feel pressured to make it more complicated than necessary.

RELATED READING: 

• Our Favorite Hot Breakfasts
• How I Do Hot Breakfast on School Mornings

5. Check the Calendar and Make Your To-Do List

One thing that can make mornings feel overwhelming is not knowing where to start when you wake up (so you just sit and drink coffee while scrolling your phone).

If you take a few minutes the evening before to look over the calendar and make a to-do list, you’ll feel more prepared from the moment you wake up.

Make note of any appointments, early meetings, school events, sports practices, special clothing requirements, or anything else that might affect your morning. If someone needs to leave earlier than usual, you’ll know ahead of time instead of discovering it while you’re trying to get everyone out the door.

Then, make a short to-do list for yourself.

This doesn’t need to be a detailed schedule or an elaborate productivity system. Just jot down the things you need to remember or accomplish the next day — I call this my “Top 5 List,” and I’ve been making one every evening for nearly 2 decades!

I find that getting these things out of my head and onto paper (or into your phone) makes it easier to relax in the evening. Instead of mentally running through tomorrow’s responsibilities while I’m trying to fall asleep, I have a plan I can refer to in the morning.

And remember, your to-do list doesn’t need to include everything you could do. Focus on what actually needs to happen.

6. Give Yourself 10 Extra Minutes

I know this sounds obvious, but one of the simplest ways to make mornings less stressful is to build in a little breathing room.

If everyone needs to be in the car at 7:30, don’t plan for the entire family to finish getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and gathering belongings at exactly 7:27.

Real life happens. Someone can’t find a shoe. A child spills milk. You remember something that needs to go into a backpack. These things aren’t necessarily emergencies, but they can feel like emergencies when you’re already running late.

Try working backward from the time you need to leave.

Based on that time, decide when everyone needs to be dressed, when breakfast should be finished, and eventually when everyone will need to wake up.

Then bump that time up 10 minutes earlier.

I’d personally rather give my kids 10 extra minutes to finish breakfast or get ready so they don’t feel frazzled and rushed. I figure they won’t get much out of 10 minutes of sleep, and it could make all the difference in helping us make the bus on time!

Also, I always wake up at least 15 minutes before the kids so I can quickly make my bed, get dressed, use the bathroom, and turn on a few lights.

Technology Note: I didn’t mention this when I originally wrote this post 8 years ago, but we don’t let our kids use any technology before school because it distracts them and wastes time. They simply wake up, get ready, eat breakfast, and head out the door.

7. Go to Bed on Time

Of all the ways to improve your mornings, this might be the most important one (and the most often-overlooked)!

It’s tempting to stay up late finishing chores, scrolling on your phone, watching one more show, or trying to squeeze a few more things into the day. And sometimes, staying up a little later is worth it.

But if you’re consistently tired when your alarm goes off, even the best morning routine can feel difficult.

Getting enough sleep makes it easier to wake up, think clearly, be patient with your family, and handle the little inconveniences that inevitably come along.

Establish a reasonable bedtime for yourself (and your kids), and do what you can to stick with it. If you have a few tasks to finish in the evening, try setting a time when you’ll stop working and begin winding down.

A rested mom is better equipped to handle a busy household than an exhausted mom who has checked every item off her list!

A Calmer Morning Starts the Night Before

You don’t need a complicated morning routine, a perfectly organized home, or children who never lose their shoes to have a better start to the day.

Often, it’s the little things, done consistently each day, that make the biggest difference: choosing clothes ahead of time, packing lunches, checking the calendar, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour.

You might not need to implement all 7 of these ideas, either.

Start with one or two that would make the biggest difference for your family and see how they work. Small changes are much easier to maintain than trying to overhaul your entire routine overnight.

And as you work toward calmer mornings, remember that the goal isn’t simply to get everyone out the door on time. It’s also to create a better atmosphere in your home.

Our mornings are often the last few minutes we have with our families before everyone heads off in different directions. Rather than spending that time barking orders, searching for missing belongings, and rushing everyone along, we can make a little room for conversation, encouragement, and a kind goodbye.

We can’t guarantee that every morning will be peaceful. But with a little preparation and a few simple habits, we can make it easier to send our families into their days feeling loved, supported, and ready for whatever comes next.

Pancakes:

Pancakes are quick, easy, and usually don’t get many complaints from kids!

It only takes a few minutes to mix up a batch of pancake batter, but you can mix it up the night before if you’re short on time. Simply fire up the griddle when you wake up, and hot pancakes are only minutes away!

Note: This is the XL griddle we’ve used and loved for years.

Pancake Recipe Ideas:

• Light and Fluffy Pancakes (a classic recipe)
• Whole Grain Oat Pancakes
• Sourdough Starter Pancakes
• Puff Pancakes (these are in the oven)
• Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes (grain-free)

Waffles:

Belgian waffles are a close second for favorite hot breakfast foods in our house. I often use the same batter for either pancakes or waffles — sometimes letting the kids choose which one they want.

It’s very easy to mix up the batter the night before, and any leftover batter keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days too.

The biggest downfall of homemade Belgian waffles is that we could only make one at a time — until I found this “double decker” Belgian waffle maker!

Waffle Recipe Ideas:

• Light and Fluffy Waffles
• Make-Ahead Waffle Mix

French Toast:

The third most popular breakfast food in our home is French Toast — and this one really is super simple (my kids make it for themselves all the time).

We love using sourdough or cinnamon bread for French toast as it’s very sturdy and holds up well to being dipped in eggs. However, almost any bread will work. Baked French toast is also a great way to use up slightly stale or freezer-burned bread, rolls, buns, etc.

I keep a large zip-top bag of bread crusts and leftover bread chunks in our freezer at all times. I use this bread whenever I make baked French toast, croutons, or sausage stuffing. It’s an easy way to reduce wasted bread.

French Toast Recipe Ideas:

• French Toast Sticks
• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

Eggs:

At this point in our lives, we go through roughly one dozen eggs every day (often more). However, they are relatively frugal and fairly nutritious, so I’m OK with that.

Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy eggs for breakfast (and throughout the day).

Egg Recipe Ideas:

• Easy Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs (these are the best!)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Fried Eggs
• Omlettes
• Hearty Egg Casserole
• Egg Sandwiches (like an Egg McMuffin, only better)
• Breakfast Burritos with Egg and Sausage

Hot Cereal:

My kids will occasionally have a bowl of cold cereal as a snack, but in general, we are not a cold cereal family (I never liked it as a kid either).

For the record: Dave loves Cheerios

Hot cereal, however, is a different story. It’s so hearty and filling, and I love serving it with a “buffet” of toppings so people can pick and choose what flavors they like best.

Hot Cereal Recipe Ideas:

• Traditional Oatmeal
• Baked Oatmeal
• Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
• Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
• Homemade Cream of Wheat (I make it with freshly milled wheat)

Meat:

One of my favorite quick and easy hot breakfast foods that I make nearly every morning is the pre-cooked sausages from the freezer section at Costco.

They only take a few minutes to cook in my cast iron skillet and the kids love them. They are also really easy to keep on hand in the freezer.

When I have a bit more time, I’ll fry up a couple of pounds of bacon and keep it in the fridge. I also have a couple of recipes (see below) for fun ways to serve breakfast meats

Meat Recipe Ideas:

• Bacon
• Sausage (patties or links)
• Omelettes (we love putting cooked meat in our omelettes)
• Cheesy Sausage Quinoa Bites
• Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites

Muffins:

Muffins are one of my personal favorite hot breakfasts because I make the batter the night before, bake them in the morning, and I can do other things while they bake (instead of flipping pancakes or stirring eggs).

I make 2 dozen at a time, and the kids usually take any leftovers as school snacks.

These are my favorite muffin tins — nothing sticks. However, I do love using these cute muffin liners when I give muffins as a gift or bring them to an event.

Muffin Recipe Ideas:

• Blueberry Muffins
• Banana Muffins
• Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
• Rhubarb Muffins

We literally just repeat some version of these 6 basic hot breakfast foods day after day, week after week.

Sometimes I throw canned pumpkin puree or smashed bananas into the pancake or waffle mix. Sometimes I add blueberries or chocolate chips. It’s the same recipe, just with a few tweaks to make it feel new.

Same thing with muffins, omelets, and breakfast burritos. I just use a basic recipe and mix in whatever we have in the house so we aren’t eating exactly the same thing every morning.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely find that many of the recipes linked above can be ready to go in 15 minutes — or made the night before!

I love sitting around the table every morning and enjoying breakfast together before we all go our separate ways… and a nice hot breakfast makes this much more likely to happen!

Do you have a favorite hot breakfast?

Leave it in the comments — bonus points if you have a link to a recipe!

A Few Benefits of Living Intentionally:

• Less stress
• Better health (likely due to less stress)
• Better resource management (time, money, health), which reduces stress
• More confidence in making decisions and setting boundaries
• Better relationships (due to better boundaries)
• More alignment with your core values and beliefs

One unexpected benefit I’ve enjoyed, after years of living intentionally, is how quickly I can pivot and make changes when an area of our home, family, or life isn’t functioning as well as it could be.

When a space in our home feels too crowded or simply isn’t serving our family well in our current season of life, we declutter, reorganize, or swap rooms to make it work better (you know we love a good room swap!)

When our schedule feels chaotic and a bit too full, we reevaluate our priorities and make changes accordingly, even if it means saying “no” to something good.

Instead of simply dealing with the discomfort, suffering through the stress and strain of overcommitment, or complaining about how disorganized/busy/frazzled I feel, I have the time, energy, and confidence to take action and make the necessary changes immediately.

Whether it’s rearranging the kitchen pantry so the kids can reach their own school snacks, adding new email subfolders to clean out my inbox, changing up our laundry routine, saying no to opportunities that don’t align with our current values, implementing a new morning routine as the kids get older, or moving furniture around so our spaces function better for our family’s current needs…

I love being intentional about the way I run our home, family, and lives in the midst of so many ever-changing dynamics.

Spoiler Alert: there is a lot of truth to these statements.

NOTE: A Candy Countdown Chain is another great use for extra holiday candy!

Ingredients for Candy Apple Dessert:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 32 oz. Cool Whip)
• 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar (if making your own whipped cream)
• one 3.4 oz. box Instant Pudding mix (I use vanilla)
• 2 cups cold milk
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped (no need to peel them)
• 1 c. mini marshmallows
• 1/2 c. salted peanuts (optional)
• 1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 4-5 full-size candy bars, chopped (or 12-15 fun-size candy bars)
• any other candy or mix-ins you want to add

Ingredient Variations

There are so many ways you can tweak this recipe… here are just a few ideas:

• use butterscotch pudding for a more “caramel” taste
• use white chocolate pudding mix for a richer taste
• use almond or oat milk if you can’t do dairy
• use Cool Whip if you don’t want to mess with making your own whipped cream
• use more Cool Whip to make it extra creamy
• use chocolate chips instead of candy bars if you’re in a pinch
• omit the peanuts if you have an allergy
• try peanut M&M’s for the chocolate and peanut crunch
• add crushed pretzels for a nice salty crunch
• use crushed Oreos (or any crushed cookie or brownie) in place of the candy bars
• use a combination of candy bars (Snickers, Twix, Reese’s, Rolos, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, etc.
• drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel topping over the dessert for a nice presentation

It’s hard to mess this one up… and it’s really fun for kids to help!

The Best Apples for Candy Apple Dessert

The most important thing (in my apple-loving opinion) is to use very tart, crisp Granny Smith apples.

You can make this recipe with any apple variety, but I’ve tried several different apples over the years, and nothing tastes nearly as delicious as Granny Smith apples.

This recipe just needs that tartness to balance out ALL the sugary sweetness!

How to Make Candy Apple Dessert

1. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

2. Add in cream of tartar and whip for 30 seconds (this stabilizes the whipped cream so it doesn’t “deflate”).

NOTE: I do not add any sugar to my whipped cream because the pudding and candy are sweet enough. However, feel free to add 1-2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar when whipping, if desired.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens.

4. Fold pudding mixture into whipped cream just until combined.

5. Stir in apples, marshmallows, and nuts.

6. Add chopped candy.

7. (optional) Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with extra chopped candy.

8. Eat immediately or cover and refrigerate for later.

One “word of warning”: if you bring this dessert to a potluck, you probably won’t come home with leftovers — so save a bit at home to enjoy later!

Can You Make this Dessert Ahead?

Yes! If you’re short on time, this dessert will easily keep in the fridge for 24-36 hours.

However, if you use homemade whipped cream, just make sure you use the Cream of Tartar so it doesn’t turn soupy in the fridge.

Also, you might want to wait to add any crunchy items (like nuts and pretzels) until closer to serving time, just so they don’t get soggy.

More Delicious Apple Recipes!

• Whole Grain Apple Cake with Cinnamon Yogurt Whipped Topping
• Apple Zucchini Bread
• Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Cinnamon Applesauce
• Apple Butter
• Apple Bacon Pecan Salad

What are your favorite easy desserts?

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

These jars are easy to clean with wider “mouths”, and a great size to reuse for bulk food storage, freezing broth or liquid items, gifting smaller portions of homemade soup, or making pretty flower bouquets.

I have a special shelf in my laundry room devoted to extra glass jars. When the shelf is full, I stop saving, but since I’m always using and giving the glass jars, I rarely ever fill the shelf.

Here are some of the ways I reuse glass jars…

Flower Bouquets

This is how it all started many years ago. I wanted to gift some of our flowers to neighbors, the kids’ teachers, friends from church, etc., but I didn’t have enough vases in the house. I started buying them up at thrift stores, but realized that could get pricey over time too (plus, I didn’t want to burden anyone with another vase they didn’t need).

I eventually realized that pasta sauce jars are an ideal size for garden flowers, and the recipient can simply trash or recycle the vase when they toss the flowers.

Storing Bulk Foods

Thanks to the fact that I grew up canning with my mom and grandma, I have a massive collection of Mason jars (most of which are likely considered “vintage” at this point!)

However, I like to save these jars for canning or storing pretty things (like my grains).

For all the items I keep behind closed doors in my pantry (granola, nuts, trail mix, croutons, etc.), I repurpose glass salsa, sauce, and pickle jars.

They don’t match or look as pretty as my Mason jars, but they fit perfectly on my narrow pantry cabinets and make it easy to quickly see what’s inside.

NOTE: Here’s a link to the chalkboard labels I use. And these are the awesome plastic Mason jar lids I love.

Freezing Broth

You need to be careful with this, as you don’t want the jar to crack in the freezer, but as long as you leave about an inch or two of headspace when filling the jar, you should be fine.

Jars are a great way to freeze broth without worrying about it leaking during the defrosting process (like it often does when frozen in zip-top bags).

Smoothies

I don’t personally do this, but we have friends who reuse glass jars for smoothies. They drink them with a straw, so it doesn’t matter if the lip is funny or not. They can secure the lid for easy transport and recycle or trash it when they are finished.

Here’s one of my favorite smoothie recipes.

Sourdough Starter

When I first started making sourdough, many years ago, I used an old glass jar for my starter.

I eventually “graduated” to an actual sourdough crock (which is much easier to stir), but if you’re looking to get into the sourdough world for cheap, these glass jars will work!

Glass jars are also a great way to gift some starter to a friend or new sourdough baker.

Look for one with a wide mouth — that will make your life easier.

Single Serving Soups

We give lots of food gifts to older single folks from church — and they don’t need a lot of food.

I’ll often use a smaller jar to give them one serving of homemade soup, along with a homemade roll and a homemade cookie.

It’s easy enough to set aside when I’m making a full meal for our family, and I don’t need to worry about getting any dishes returned to me.

Here’s an older video showing how I reuse glass jars!

If you enjoy gifting food or flowers, or if you’re just looking for a few extra storage containers for your own pantry, start saving your glass jars and put them to use in and around your home.  

Yup, I believe I just encouraged you to SAVE something!

Do you have any other uses for store-bought glass jars? 

To say this hutch is “exactly” what I hoped for is an understatement.

My family is tired of hearing me wax on and on about how much I love this cabinet, and my grandma always says, “We shouldn’t love things, only people”, but I adore this cabinet, and I’m sharing my excitement with you because…

• this hutch is a perfect fit in the corner of our kitchen where I wanted it to go.
• the dark-stained pine is just what I was hoping for (no restoration required!)
• it’s an actual antique — clearly hand-made, and all one piece.
• it’s very clean, solidly built, and has simple lines.
• the narrow upper shelves are the perfect width to display my great-grandma’s half-gallon Mason jars of grains, beans, corn, etc.
• the large “counter” area easily accommodates my pretty mill and whatever bowls I’m working with at the time.
• the huge base cabinet (with no shelves) is exactly what I needed to store my buckets of extra grains and my less attractive, but very useful grain mill.
• the lip on the front “hides” my modern electronic scale.
• both of my grain mills can stay plugged in, as the cabinet has pre-drilled holes inside, so I can simply dump my grain in and mill away.

Can I get a slow clap for this one, ladies?

The only thing I wasn’t sure of was if the hutch would actually hold all my grain and milling supplies (which have multiplied significantly over the past 8 years).

It’s no coincidence that when I finally pulled out every last jar, bucket, bin, and bag of grain, the jars fit absolutely perfectly on the shelves, and I fit all but one 5-gallon bucket of grain in the bottom cabinet!

I even had exactly the right number of chalkboard labels left in my stash for every last jar.

This beauty was clearly meant to be in my kitchen!

Yes, Nora; an old hutch really can make me this happy!

Now… I need to figure out what to do with all the empty cabinets that previously housed my grains and milling supplies.

Favorite Routine = Mini Maintenance Projects

I’m pretty good about staying on top of little home organizing projects, but the change of seasons always gives me extra motivation to “get stuff done”.

Last week, I washed all the swimsuits and towels, kept one “hot tub suit” out for each person, and loaded up the winter gear into the cubbies in our mudroom.

I also went through all our books, reorganized the Den bookshelves, and brought a couple of boxes away to the donation center.

And, of course, I reorganized all my grains (but you’ve heard enough about that already).

Each of these projects took me roughly 30-45 minutes to FULLY complete — not all afternoon or all weekend. And now I don’t need to think about our books, swimsuits, or winter gear for another 6 months.

Next on my list of “mini maintenance projects” are:

• games/cards
• costumes/dress-up clothing
• wrapping supplies (in preparation for the holidays)

Don’t underestimate the power of mini maintenance projects to keep your home clean and organized enough.

RELATED READING: It’s Not Magic, It’s Maintenance

Favorite Luxury = Two Washers/Dryers

When we flip-flopped our full bathroom and tiny laundry room back in 2018, we created a much larger laundry room and a cute half bath.

We also decided to hook up our “old” washer and dryer in the basement for a second laundry area — BEST decision ever!

My original rationale for putting a second laundry hookup in the basement was so we’d never be without a washer and dryer during the (very extended) renovation process. But also, I knew it would be convenient with 4 growing kids and lots of laundry.

Since our basement is unfinished, it was extremely easy for the plumber to tie into the existing plumbing to create new hook-ups in the basement.

For roughly $500 in parts and labor, I’ve been using, loving, and benefiting from a second laundry area in our basement for the last 8 years!

It’s not pretty or fully “finished off”, but it does the job and allows me to plow through my laundry in half the time (literally!)

I realize every home might not be able to accommodate 2 washers and dryers, but I’m sharing this in case you’re in the process of renovating and never considered adding a second laundry area.

If you have plumbers and electricians coming into your home already, and you have a space to plop an extra washer and dryer, it likely won’t be that expensive to add another hookup somewhere in your home.

RELATED READING: Why You Need a Laundry Routine

As women, our bodies and hormones are constantly changing, our responsibilities aren’t getting any lighter, and we’re often so busy taking care of everyone else that it feels easier to throw money at the situation, hoping a new pill or program will finally “fix” everything that is apparently wrong with us.

But what if feeling better didn’t require another expensive habit, another thing to research, or another item on our ever-growing to-do lists?

What if we just focused on the basics?

1. Getting outside.
2. Drinking water.
3. Eating real food.
4. Moving our bodies.
5. Sleeping more.
6. Making space for real life.

Doesn’t that sound easier?

I don’t care what the latest internet trends say; you don’t need a new supplement, a time-consuming workout program, or protein Doritos to be healthier.

I’m not a trained expert, but after more than a decade of nerding out on health and wellness research, reading dozens of books, journals, and articles, talking with many doctors and wellness experts, listening to hundreds of health-related podcasts, and watching various trends play out in my real-life “circles”, I’m convinced that the best things we can do for our physical, mental, and emotional health are also the simplest and cheapest (and I AM an expert on “simple” and “frugal”).

These tips aren’t particularly exciting. They won’t make anyone rich selling a new product.

But they are practical, doable habits that real people like you and me can fit into our busy schedules to support our health and improve our quality of life.

Best of all, most of them are completely free!

If you’re tired of trying the latest trend to improve your health, take a deep breath and keep reading. I think you will feel more empowered and less overwhelmed at the end of this article!

1. Get Outside

When life gets busy, it’s easy to spend nearly all day inside our homes, cars, schools, and offices. Thankfully, a little time outside is one of the simplest ways to improve our physical and mental health!

Morning sunlight, specifically, is proven to lower cortisol and start our circadian rhythm — making it easier for us to fall asleep at night. (source)

Getting outside doesn’t have to become another fitness goal either. You don’t need to count your steps or close a ring on your smartwatch.

Just go outside because it feels good and it’s good for you!

A Simpler Health Goal = Spend 10 minutes outside every morning and evening.

Don’t wear sunglasses or sunscreen. Take a few long, slow breaths, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D!

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking…

• Drink your coffee on the porch (even in the cold winter months!)
• Take a 10-minute walk.
• Read for 15 minutes outside.
• Wait at the bus stop with your kids.
• Sit outside at your child’s practice (instead of staying in the car).
• Eat dinner on the patio.
• Set an alarm and head outside for 5-10 minutes between household chores or work assignments.
• Go for a family walk after dinner (this is great for digestion).

It almost sounds too simple, but the effects of a little extra sunlight (even through the clouds) can be profound.

2. Drink More Water

I’ve been preaching “drink more water” for years now. My own family (and thousands of you) are fully on board!

And yes, we just drink water… plain tap water from the kitchen sink.

Those special powders, electrolyte packets, flavored waters, energy drinks, and fancy sparkling waters look flashy, but they truly aren’t necessary for most healthy adults.

Unless you’re running a marathon or bodybuilding, plain water is just fine.

If you’re feeling a little dehydrated, put a pinch of Himalayan pink salt under your tongue (so you can’t taste it) and wash it down with a glass of water. This will give you a boost of electrolytes and minerals for mere pennies.

If you enjoy flavored water, add lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint.

Drinking more water is extremely beneficial for our internal organs, our brains, and our skin. Plus, it can help to curb snack cravings, as we often confuse feeling thirsty with being hungry. A simple glass of ice water might be all you need when those hangry feelings surface!

A Simpler Health Goal = Drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

As an example, a 130-pound person would strive to drink 65 ounces of water, and a 160-pound person would shoot for around 80 ounces of water each day.

Here are some ideas to help you hit that goal:

• Keep a glass of water by your bed and drink it first thing when you wake up.
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. (These are our favorites).
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator.
• Drink water with meals (this will save money too).

The goal here isn’t to create another rigid hydration rule or ban your favorite beverages. It’s simply to encourage you to reach for water first when you feel thirsty or hungry.

It’s an easy, inexpensive choice that will positively impact your health!

Related Reading: How to Drink More Water Each Day

3. Eat Real Food

Eating well has somehow become one of the most complicated aspects of modern life.

We apparently need more protein, fewer carbs, the “right” fats, “better” sweeteners, organic everything, and carefully calculated macros. One week, a particular food is considered essential. The next week, it’s something we should avoid. It’s nearly impossible to stay up-to-date on all the latest trends in “healthy eating”.

As much as I try not to let all this hype affect me, I can’t deny the fact that eating nutrient-dense foods makes a huge difference in our health and well-being.

I don’t worry about protein or macros or calories or sourcing all the cleanest ingredients, but I DO stick to mostly real foods as much as possible.

Fruits, veggies, meats, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, eggs, etc.

It’s been a long journey of small changes each year, but these changes have transformed the way our family eats.

A Simpler Health Goal = Swap packaged snacks for fruits and veggies.

It’s so easy to buy pre-packaged snacks and dole them out whenever the slightest hunger cue arises… but those snacks are often filled with junk ingredients and preservatives. Instead, offer fresh produce as a real food snack alternative.

Here are a few ideas:

• Keep a bowl of apples, bananas, and oranges on the counter at all times.
• Store washed grapes and berries in containers in the fridge.
• Have no-sugar-added dried fruit in the pantry.
• Use 100% fruit/veggie squeeze pouches for on-the-go snacking.
• Serve a veggie tray with fun dips for after-school snacks.
• Keep bags of frozen berries in the freezer for summertime snacks or smoothies.

Produce isn’t as cheap or fast as Goldfish crackers, but it’s significantly cheaper than going to the doctor all the time because you’re sick. Fresh produce offers so many health benefits (more fiber and nutrients, less junk and filler ingredients) and is an awesome snacking habit for kids and adults.

Related Reading: How We Make More Produce Work For Our Family

4. Move Your Body

You don’t need a gym membership, name-brand leggings, an expensive workout app, or overpriced exercise equipment to be physically active.

Walking, gardening, riding a bike, doing yard work, and playing with your kids or grandkids all count as movement.

And the benefits go well beyond burning calories or changing the number on the scale. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, improve sleep, support brain health, and lower the risk of several chronic diseases! (source)

Regular movement is also a practical way to maintain strength, support bone health, and help our bodies continue doing the things we enjoy.

The trick is to stop thinking of exercise as something that requires a separate block of time we don’t have.

A Simpler Health Goal = Look for opportunities to move throughout the day.

Here are a few ideas for busy schedules:

• Stretch for 5 minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed.
• Walk around the neighborhood with a friend or while your kids ride their bikes.
• Take a 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner (with pets and family or alone).
• Work in the garden, rake leaves, or tackle a little yard work.
• Walk around the sports field while your child practices.
• Use a walking pad under a stand-up desk in your office.
• Set a timer every hour and take a lap around your house or office.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator when practical.
• Do a few squats or wall push-ups while dinner cooks.
• Balance on one foot while brushing your teeth.

Eventually, you might try a free workout video at home, or start lifting weights a couple of times per week… but the goal right now is simply to move more regularly each day.

Related Reading: Simple Tips to Move More

5. Sleep More

Sleep is often one of the first things we sacrifice when life gets busy.

We stay up late folding laundry, answering emails, finishing work, or enjoying a few minutes of quiet after everyone else has gone to bed.

Yup… I’ve been there too!

And then we wonder why we’re tired, irritable, and reaching for caffeine or sugar the next afternoon.

Unfortunately for busy adults, sleep is not a luxury or a reward for finishing everything on our to-do lists; it’s an essential piece of our health puzzle because our sleep affects every aspect of our lives.

We can’t always control when our children wake up, whether a family member is sick, or how much work needs to get done, but we can usually make small adjustments to promote more and better sleep.

A Simpler Health Goal: Create a Bedtime Routine

It might sound silly, but adults benefit from a regular bedtime routine too!

These tips will help you find a routine that works for you:

• Wake up at a similar time each morning.
• Get morning sunlight to jump-start your circadian rhythm.
• Set a reasonable bedtime and treat it as an appointment with yourself.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks in the evening.
• Put electronics away 30 minutes before bed.
• Take a hot shower (your body cools when you get out, which makes you sleepier).
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable.
• Give yourself permission to leave a few chores unfinished.

If you have young children, a newborn, or a family member who needs nighttime care, getting enough uninterrupted sleep may be difficult. Do what you reasonably can, accept help when it’s available, and focus on the parts of your routine you can control.

And if you’re consistently struggling with sleep, especially if you snore heavily or feel exhausted despite spending enough time in bed, talk with a traditional or naturopathic doctor. Midlife sleep problems deserve attention, not just another cup of coffee!

Related Reading: Why We Hired A Sleep Consultant

6. Make Space for Real Life

Physical health is important, but feeling healthy also means having enough mental and emotional energy to enjoy your life. And this is where I think many of us could benefit from simplifying.

We spend so much time consuming information about how to improve ourselves that we forget to enjoy the lives we already have.

We compare our bodies, homes, routines, wardrobes, and family lives with carefully curated pictures and videos.

We read about what we should be doing, buying, eating, and changing, and before long, taking care of ourselves becomes one more source of stress, anxiety, and even depression (all of which will negatively affect our sleep, appetite, mood, and more).

A Simpler Health Goal: Take a social media break.

I stepped away from social media over 6 years ago (both my personal and business accounts), and I honestly don’t miss it. I know not everyone is like me, but I do think everyone should take regular social media breaks — whether it’s a couple of hours every evening, one day per week, a 40-day Lent fast, or whatever you decide.

The mental break from all that information will positively affect your health.

I’m trying to keep it simple, but I also want to include a few other ways to “Make Space For Real Life” (this is a big category!)

• Stop scrolling the News — especially anything that’s not local.
• Stop spending time with toxic people (I know you’re thinking of someone).
• Stop working a job you hate (not immediately, but start planning for a change).
• Stop signing your kids up for every possible activity. Stay home once in a while.
• Stop doing things out of guilt or because “no one else will do it” (this is so freeing).
• Stop wondering what others think of you — they are all only thinking of themselves anyway!

It’s amazing how much “extra” time we have when we stop constantly consuming information to improve our lives and simply focus on living the life that’s right in front of us.

Here are a few ways to fill your free time…

• Read an actual book.
• Join a Bible Study or local moms’ group.
• Call a friend to hang out (in person).
• Work on a fun project or hobby you’ve been putting off.
• Plan a date with your significant other, a friend, or one of your kids/grandkids.
• Take a nap.
• Bake (if you enjoy this) and give half the goodies away.
• Do a puzzle.
• Take a class in something you’re interested in.
• Go on a walk.
• Go to bed earlier.

Related Reading: 5 Tips to Touch Your Phone Less

NOTE: If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, seek professional support. Simple habits can support mental health, but they aren’t a substitute for treatment when it’s needed.

Let’s Put it All Together!

The beauty of these simple habits is that they don’t all have to be separate activities that require more time, money, or planning.

With just a few adjustments, you can combine them into the routines you already have.

Here’s what a day of healthier choices might look like:

Morning:

• Wake up on time and don’t touch your phone or computer.
• Drink 8-10 ounces of water.
• Stretch for a couple of minutes.
• Eat a simple, nutrient-dense breakfast (eggs and toast, fruit and cottage cheese) and drink more water.
• Go for a 20-minute walk to get some fresh air and morning sunlight.

Mid-Morning:

• Drink another glass of water and grab an apple if you feel hungry.
• If you can hold off until 10:00 to drink your first cup of coffee, it’s better for cortisol levels.
• Do a minute of bodyweight squats or wall push-ups while you brew your coffee.
• Text a friend or family member to ask how their day is going or set up a time to get together.

Afternoon:

• Drink another glass of water or herbal tea
• Eat a nutritious lunch (I usually eat leftovers from the night before)
• Take a 10-15 minute walk outside.

Evening:

• Drink another glass of water.
• Add a few extra vegetables to your dinner.
• Spend time talking together around the table.
• Plan out the next day and make a to-do list.
• Prep breakfast, lunches, clothes, etc. for tomorrow.
• Put electronics away 30 minutes before your “bedtime”.
• Take a hot shower and stretch before you climb into bed.
• Read for 15 minutes.
• Turn out the lights and go to bed.

Nothing listed above will cost you any extra (in fact, you might save money by drinking water and eating at home). And in my experience, nothing listed above feels impossible to do with little children, older children, pets, or even a job outside the home.

There is certainly a place for modern medicine, appropriate medications, nutritional guidance, and professional healthcare. But for many of us, it’s worth remembering that the foundation of good health is not nearly as complicated as the internet makes it seem.

1. Get outside.
2. Drink more water.
3. Eat real foods.
4. Move your body.
5. Sleep more.
6. Make space for real life.

You can do this!

Instead of asking, “What else should I be doing to improve my health?” perhaps you should ask, “What simple things could I do a little more consistently?”

Maybe it’s going to bed 30 minutes earlier.

Maybe it’s taking a walk after dinner.

Maybe it’s putting your phone down and enjoying a conversation with your family.

Pick one small thing today, make it part of your ordinary routine, and give yourself time to build from there.

You don’t need a perfect body, a perfect diet, or a perfect wellness routine to enjoy a healthier, happier life. You just need to take reasonable care of the body and life you already have.

And that’s a wonderfully simple place to start!

I created a simple A.P.P.L.E. acronym to help you develop 5 habits that will eventually help you simplify your home and life without overhauling or overwhelming.

As you consider your home and life and all the many ways you might like to simplify and streamline, I encourage you to take a deep breath and work to implement one of these tips today.

E = Eliminate Excuses.

If you’ve made it this far into reading the article, you’ve likely thought of half a dozen excuses why my tips just won’t work for your life, your home, your family, your schedule.

Guess what? I guarantee those excuses won’t get you any closer to your goals either — so you might as well give my tips a try.

Or maybe you can relate to the following excuses…

• But it was a gift… (Who cares! If you don’t want it or need it, get rid of it.)
• But I might need it someday… (But you might not.)
• But it’s still in perfect condition… (Great, donate it and let someone else enjoy it.)
• But it might be worth something… (Then sell it and get it out of your home.)
• But I’m saving it for my kids and/or grandkids… (Give it to them now and let them decide if they want it or not.)

It’s not always easy to push past those excuses, but if you truly want a simpler, less cluttered home and life, you must stop making excuses and get to work!

RELATED READING: 10 Excuses We Make to Keep Our Clutter

What do you think… can you remember APPLE? 

If not, save the picture below to your phone screen or computer desktop to remind yourself!

My Favorite Apple Recipes! 

We can’t have a post about apples in the fall without sharing at least a few easy and delicious apple recipes!

Here are a few of my favorites…

• Whole Grain Apple Cake (pictured below)
• Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
• Home-Canned Applesauce
• Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Apple Zucchini Bread
• Apple Crisp
• Caramel Apple Salad
• Apple Bacon Pecan Salad with Apple Vinaigrette
• Apple, Berry, Banana Smoothies

Which recipe will you try first? 

Feel free to share your favorite apple recipe or your favorite simple declutter-busting tip in the comments.

The changes I’ve made are small, simple, and usually even easy… so the likelihood that I’ll stick with the change is very high. And you know what, I haven’t even thought about buying or using margarine, Crisco, vegetable oil, or any other seed oils in many, many years.

I made the switch. I changed how I bake and cook, and it has become a habit I never even think about anymore. In fact, my kids don’t know what margarine or Crisco are (I asked them earlier this week!)

The point I’m trying to make is not about what fats you cook with… but rather, the positive difference a few small, non-overwhelming changes can make over the trajectory of your life.

I speak from personal experience, hundreds of reader testimonials, and scientific evidence. (source, source, source)

You’ll Love Homemade Taco Seasoning

Today’s recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning is one of those small healthier changes I made over a decade ago, after realizing how much junk was in the store-bought packets… and how easy it was to make my own taco seasoning exactly how my family likes it.

Truthfully, it wasn’t an easy swap for me… because it required an extra step. It was easier to grab the $0.99 packet of taco seasoning at the store versus measuring out all the individual ingredients. I caved a few times and used store-bought, but then one day, I simply decided I wasn’t going to buy a store-bought packet ever again.

And I haven’t.

The recipe itself is extremely simple, using fairly common spices you likely already have in the house.

It’s also very easy to make an extra-large batch and store it in your pantry, so you won’t need to think about it again for many months.

If you’d like to make one healthier swap this week, this month, or even this year, give homemade taco seasoning a try. It might just lead you down a rabbit trail to make more homemade seasonings!

Ingredients for Mild Taco Seasoning

The list below is my family’s favorite (I do not add the Cayenne pepper). However, there are endless ways you can mix it up, based on your taste preferences or what you have in the house.

Also, keep in mind that the recipe below makes a large batch — you’ll only use 2 Tablespoons of the finished mixture in place of 1 store-bought seasoning packet.

• 1 T. Onion powder
• 1 T. Garlic powder
• 1 T. Oregano
• 1 T. Salt
• 3 T. Chili powder
• 3 T. Paprika
• 3 T. Black pepper
• 5 T. Cumin
• 1/2 t. Cayenne pepper (if you want a little spice)

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

The instructions are so simple, it’s almost not even worthy of being called a “recipe”… but here you go!

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Pour mixed spices into a glass spice jar or small canning jar with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Label and store in your pantry until needed.

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

1. Use 2 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning mixture for every 1 pound of meat or beans (or for every 1 packet of store-bought seasoning called for in your favorite recipes.

2. Add 1/2 cup liquid (water, broth, lime juice, tomato juice, etc.) for every 2 Tablespoons of seasoning — just to help it stir into the meat mixture.

3. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Easy Recipe Ideas with Homemade Taco Seasoning

Keep in mind that many of the recipes linked below may still call for a packet of taco seasoning (that’s what I previously used, and I haven’t updated all my recipes).

Just remember, you can substitute 2 Tbls. of homemade seasoning for every pound of meat/beans or for every packet of store-bought seasoning called for in the recipe.

• Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
• One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole
• Taco Soup
• Burritos
• Wet Burritos
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Fiesta Chicken Salad
• Taco Salad

Use this recipe as a starting point! 

Tweak or change it to fit your tastes and preferences… and maybe as a springboard for other healthier food swaps down the road!

And remember to visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family-friendly recipes!