Favorite Quote

A friend recently texted me this photo — which I thought was very fitting for Dave and our current season!

Back when we first got married, we made 2 somewhat counter-cultural decisions…

1. We would live off one income and put the rest towards savings, retirement, investments, etc.
2. Dave would not get a summer job after we had kids, unless we absolutely needed the extra income.

Compared to many, we have a fairly boring life… but we’re thankful Dave can be home with us every summer.

Simon recently commented about how strange it was that his friend’s dad had to work all summer. I told him it was much stranger that his parents did NOT have to work in the summer.

I’ll take a boring, frugal life at home every time!

Favorite Archived Post = 40 Years in Photos

I celebrated my 40th birthday last June, and put together a fun post with 40 pictures – one from each of my 40 years.

It was so fun to write, and even more enjoyable to read it again this week!

For example, we might assume our rushed mornings are due to the lack of a morning routine.

But a better morning routine might not address the real issue. Sometimes the frantic morning isn’t actually a morning problem… it’s an overcommitment problem.

Maybe we’re staying out too late because of back-to-back activities. We regularly get home later than we planned, leaving us scrambling to pack lunches, clean up the kitchen, lay out clothes, and get everyone to bed so they can squeeze in enough sleep before waking up and doing it all over again the next day.

When morning arrives, we hit snooze because we’re exhausted from getting to bed too late. We move more slowly, and the kids drag because they’re tired too. Tempers flare, shoes are missing, breakfast is a granola bar on the way out the door, and everyone leaves home feeling frazzled before the day has even begun.

In that moment, it’s easy to think, We need a better morning routine.

But if we trace the problem back to the root, we may realize the real issue started the night before… maybe even several days/weeks earlier, when we said “yes” to one too many things.

Related Reading: Organized Days Start with Organized Nights

If we want to bring more balance back into our lives, we have to stop treating symptoms and start looking for root causes.

Find the root cause with “5 Whys”

The “5 Whys” is a technique that gets to the root cause of a problem by asking “Why?” roughly five times.

By drilling down through layers of cause-and-effect, this method moves past surface-level symptoms to uncover the core issue, helping prevent recurrence and creating lasting changes.

Here is an example of how a busy family might trace a frustrating morning back to the root cause:

The Problem = Mornings are always rushed and stressful.

Why #1: Because we have a hard time waking up.

Why #2: Because we usually get to bed too late.

Why #3: Because we don’t get home from our many extracurricular activities and meetings until 8:30, and still need to pack lunches, clean the kitchen, do homework, etc.

Why #4: Because each child is on a different team with a different schedule, and we volunteer for various church and school groups 3 times per week.

Why #5: Because we said “yes” to too many good and fun things without thinking about how they would impact our family and home life.

The Solution = Learn to say “no” to some extracurricular activities so you can have more downtime, including getting to bed on time and enjoying less-stressed, less-rushed mornings.

Related Reading: 99 Effective Ways to Say No

The 5 Whys Works in Most Situations

Rush mornings are just one small example (one I regularly get questions about). However, the 5 Whys method has proven useful with many recurring problems at home, at work, and in life.

• workplace productivity
• marital strife
• customer service incidents
• scheduling conflicts
• even some health issues

Of course, the 5 Whys won’t magically fix an issue for you, but it can get to the root cause, which will give you more clarity on the best solution for the issue (not just a bandage to cover it up for a while).

Here’s a 3-minute video that goes deeper into the 5 Whys Method.

Bringing Balance Back To Your Life

In my experience, balance rarely comes from adding more systems, more planners, or more productivity hacks.

It comes from subtraction.

Related Reading: 5 Choices When You’re Short on Time

Balance comes from identifying the true source of the chaos and making intentional changes, because when we address the root, the symptoms often begin to resolve themselves.

A calmer, earlier evening leads to better sleep.

Better sleep leads to smoother mornings.

Smoother mornings create a more peaceful tone for the entire day.

A more peaceful day allows for calmer evenings… and the cycle continues.

Little by little, balance returns to our homes, families, and lives — not because we’ve learned to hustle harder, but because we’ve finally addressed what was throwing things off in the first place.

Next Steps

Think through some of the pain points in your day, your home, your relationships, and your routines… then choose one to dig deeper.

Ask yourself “Why”, and then ask again and again until you get to the root cause of the issue.

THEN, start brainstorming possible solutions.

This likely will not be a quick process with instant results — but rather, a slow recognition of how seemingly good things (like kids’ activities and volunteering) can completely throw off the balance in our homes and lives.

Once you honestly name the root cause, you’ll finally be able to work towards restoring balance and order!

Ingredients for Layered Lettuce Salad

• 6 c. chopped lettuce (2 heads Romaine lettuce)
• 1 c. chopped broccoli or broccoli slaw mix
• 1 c. chopped cauliflower florets
• 1 c. frozen edamame or peas
• 1/2 c. onion (red, yellow, or green); diced
• 1 large carrot; shredded
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced or crumbled
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 c. bacon pieces (cooked and crumbled)
• 1.5 c. plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 c. mayonnaise
• 1/4 c. white vinegar
• 2 T. granulated sugar or honey
• 1/4 t. salt
• 1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese
• cherry tomatoes for garnish

Ingredient Variations

This salad is very forgiving, so feel free to swap out any of the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in the house.

Here are a few ideas…

Lettuce — Use a bag of already-chopped lettuce with carrots and cabbage mixed in, or chop up a bunch of spinach if you’d prefer that.

Veggies — I like lots of veggies, but you can omit any of the veggies if they aren’t your favorite. Also, feel free to add sliced cucumbers, chopped peppers, shredded cabbage, etc.

Eggs — if you don’t love hard-boiled eggs, just skip them. Or, serve them up on the side (this is what I do, as some of my family doesn’t like them).

Cheese — most varieties of cheese will work in this recipe, although fresh Parmesan on top really is a nice flavor boost.

Meat — I usually just stick to chopped bacon, but you could skip the meat entirely, or add chopped ham, salami, pepperoni, or even grilled chicken to make a heartier meal.

Dressing — my family loves the mayo/yogurt dressing, but feel free to experiment with other dressings you enjoy too. I will say that using a thicker dressing allows it to sit on top of the salad, which keeps the lettuce fresher longer.

Garnishes — I love the look of cherry tomatoes on top of the dressing and Parmesan cheese, but you could certainly skip them. You could also do hard-boiled eggs on top, slice radishes, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Make Layered Lettuce Salad

1. Chop lettuce and place it in the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ pan.

2. Layer lettuce with all veggies, eggs, cheese, and bacon.

3. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

4. Pour/spread dressing over salad mixture.

5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the dressing and top with cherry tomatoes and/or cucumber slices, if desired.

6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This is a great make-ahead salad!

One of the reasons I turn to this recipe time and time again (besides the fact that it’s delicious) is because it holds up so well in the fridge.

It can easily be made a full day in advance without getting soggy.

It’s also very transportable and looks yummy when you bring it to potlucks or BBQ parties (I rarely take leftovers home).

This Salad is Great as Leftovers

Speaking of leftovers, this salad really does hold up well in the fridge, making it great for leftovers later in the week.

Whenever I make this salad, I always plan on enjoying leftovers for lunch at least twice during the week — sometimes on its own; other times, paired with a bit of leftovers from a different meal.

You could also plan ahead and pre-portion individual containers of salad for lunches if you work outside the home.

After years and years of enjoying this salad for so many different occasions, I can confidently say it is a winning recipe (if you can really call it a recipe).

Experiment with what you have in the fridge and make your own Easy Layered Lettuce Salad today!

Do you have any favorite make-ahead salad recipes?

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

If you want / need to clear some clutter but aren’t sure where to begin, these five simple questions will help you cut through the overwhelm and speed up the entire decluttering process.

I ask these questions to myself ALL. THE. TIME. And I go through the process with my children the first week of summer break, as well as over Christmas break.

THE dress that we wear for half a day, and then store in the back of our closet (or in the basement or attic) for half a century.

I realize I’m less sentimental than many… but if you’ve ever questioned your decision to keep your wedding dress perfectly preserved in a gigantic box that takes up loads of space you’d love to have for something more… useful/practical/necessary, then keep reading!

I’ll share what I did with my dress (it might shock you!) and a handful of other ideas to repurpose your formal gowns.

Also, there are so many other fun and clever ideas in the comments, so make sure you scroll down to read those too!

What I Did With My Wedding Dress

I won’t keep you in suspense… I chopped it up about a year after our wedding.

Yes, you read that correctly… I cut all the fabric off the skirt and put it in a small vacuum-seal bag to save for later (I already had my project in mind).

I threw out all the scraps and sold the “poofy under-skirt layers” to my sister’s friend, who was getting married later that year.

How I Repurposed My Wedding Dress

I eventually used some of the fabric to make an adorable baptism outfit for our boys.

I am so thrilled with how the outfit turned out, and that I got to use it twice!

It was 100% worth cutting up my wedding dress for this adorable little outfit.

I have some fabric left in the vacuum-sealed bag, which takes up almost zero space in the bottom drawer of my dresser. I plan to offer this remaining fabric to each of my children whenever they get married — they could use it as a ribbon around their flower bouquet or boutonnière, as a garter, or a sash on their dress, etc.

Maybe no one will use it, but I have a bit of fabric left if anyone is interested.

1. Sell it.

These days, almost any wedding dress could be “in style” as there are so many unique wedding themes popping up.

Even if you think your dress is outdated, it might be just what another bride-to-be is searching for (that means you get to make her day by selling your dress!)

Take a few flattering pictures, set a reasonable price, and list it on Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, or bring it to a local consignment shop (we have ones that specialize in formal gowns).

You might be surprised how quickly it sells.

More cash, less clutter — that’s the way to go!

2. Give it away.

If I didn’t have plans to make the baptism outfit, I likely would have given my dress to a local thrift store.

Obviously, not everyone could simply give their wedding dress away, but I always see wedding dresses at thrift stores and secondhand stores, and I just think it would be such a blessing for someone on a limited budget to be able to wear a great dress while it’s still in style.

Plus, I got my dress for $90 off the clearance rack, so donating and letting someone else enjoy it would have been my preference.

If you’d like to support military brides-to-be, you can donate your dress to Brides Across America.

3. Donate it to raise money for a cause.

I know a handful of women (in person and online) who donated their dresses to raise money for cancer or another great cause.

There are different charitable organizations in every state, so if you’re interested, do a quick Google search for places to donate wedding dresses in your area.

The Bride’s Project is an organization in Michigan that uses donated wedding dresses to raise money for cancer.

4. Donate it to the Angel Gown Program.

Speaking of donating, the Angel Gown Program has been suggested to me over and over and over again by friends and readers.

Volunteers with the Angel Gown Program use wedding dress fabric to make itty-bitty burial outfits for stillborn babies.

This ministry (and others like it) is meaningful and important to SO many families — it would be a great use for your old wedding dress.

5. Make another wedding, rehearsal dinner, or prom dress.

I know of people who have used parts of their dress to make prom dresses — or even wedding dresses for their daughters.

I’ve also seen a trend of girls altering their mom’s wedding dresses and wearing them as a “rehearsal dinner dress”.

If you have a creative daughter, granddaughter, niece, or other young friend who needs a prom or wedding dress, consider offering yours as “material” for her to use to create something special and unique.

6. Use the fabric to make anything.

As I mentioned above, I used my wedding dress fabric to make a baptism outfit for Simon and James. However, baptism outfits aren’t the only thing you can make with wedding dress fabric.

Consider anything and everything from pillows, hankies, and garters (potentially for future children’s weddings) to photo album covers, Christmas ornaments, baby quilts, doll clothes, stuffed animals, Christmas tree skirts, or decorative pillows in your own home.

7. Do a “trash the dress” photo shoot.

The “trash the dress” photo shoots became popular a few years after my wedding (after I had already cut my dress into pieces). I have several friends who did these photo shoots and they all turned out really great.

I actually know of wedding photographers who offer a trash-the-dress photo shoot as part of the wedding package. That might be something to ask about if you, or someone you know, is getting married soon!

8. Let your kids use it to play dress-up.

If you’re not quite ready to get rid of your dress but want to do something useful with it — why not let your kids use it for dress-up?

After all, what little girl wouldn’t love to play around with her mom’s wedding dress?

9. Wear it for a Halloween or costume party.

Your wedding dress might just be the perfect (frugal) Halloween costume, mystery dinner attire, or other fun/funny event clothing.

And when you’re done with the party, you can donate the dress!

10. Use it as a photo prop for newborn photos.

If you simply can’t bear to see your dress trashed, cut up, or used for play or donated, keep it in your closet and use it as a nice white fluffy backdrop for future newborn photos (this looks especially cool if you have a poofy dress).

Personally, I’m so happy I haven’t needed to store my wedding dress all these years, and I love knowing I used part of it for the boys’ baptism outfit.

Do you have any creative ways to repurpose a wedding dress?

This easy “recipe” for bacon-wrapped sausages has been one of my go-to recipes for almost 2 decades now.

And I type “recipe” in quotations because once you make these, you won’t need the recipe again… they are that easy.

You’re welcome

We Love Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites!

An EASY recipe that combines two of our favorite breakfast meats into one bite-sized morsel, coated with a delicious brown sugar glaze, is sure to win the approval of kids (and husbands) everywhere!

Seriously, everyone loves these!

And don’t limit them to breakfast and brunch. Bacon-wrapped sausage bites work for appetizers, game-day snacks, holiday party foods, backyard BBQ sides, and more.

How to Make Mini Sausage Bites

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy clean up).

2. Measure brown sugar into a bowl and set aside.

3. Cut bacon slices into 4 short pieces and open the package of smokie links.

4. Dip each tiny piece of bacon into brown sugar, pressing to coat both sides.

5. Wrap one bacon piece around each sausage link and secure with a toothpick.

5. Place sausages on the prepared baking pan. (You could also put them in a food storage container at this point if you’re making them in advance.)

6. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bacon is cooked and crispy.

7. Serve immediately, or place in a slow cooker (on warm) to keep them hot until you’re ready to serve.

8. Toss the foil (and the mess!)

How to Make Them In Advance

If you’re short on time, you can assemble the sausages (with bacon, brown sugar, and toothpicks) the day before and refrigerate them in a sealed food storage container.

When you’re ready to bake, simply arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake according to the directions above.

What are your favorite brunch recipes?

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

If you share my all-things-in-moderation approach to cleaning products, but love the idea of keeping a handful of simple DIY products on hand for the majority of your cleaning needs, the recipes below are a great place to start.

Each recipe is quick to make, easy to customize, and uses ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice that often have multiple uses around the house.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire cleaning routine or commit to making every product from scratch. Even swapping out one or two cleaners can be a simple way to save money and reduce unnecessary waste.

Sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best!

1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

This one-ingredient all-purpose cleaner couldn’t be simpler… and it’s extremely frugal too.

It’s the vinegar-based cleaner I use for almost everything — tables, high chairs, toys, bathrooms, wood floors, tile floors, and almost any other hard surface. I have one bottle mixed up under our kitchen sink, and another in our Bathroom Cleaning Bucket.

The basic recipe:

• Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in any spray bottle.
• Use to clean and wipe down most hard surfaces.

NOTE: The vinegar smell goes away in less than 5 minutes.

Related Reading: More than 100 Uses for Vinegar

2. DIY Window & Glass Cleaner

More often than not, I use the MysticMaid window cleaning cloth to clean our windows, mirrors, or any type of glass. Just get it wet, thoroughly wring it out, and wipe down the mirrors — no cleaning solution of any type necessary.

I’ve been using the same cloth since I got married — so it was a good investment!

However, if you’re looking for a window-cleaning spray, I recommend the recipe below.

The basic recipe:

• Mix 1 c. water, 2 T. vinegar, 2 T. rubbing alcohol, and 1.5 t. cornstarch in a small spray bottle.
• Shake well.
• Spray on windows, mirrors, or any other glass surface.
• Wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel

Related Reading: The Easiest, All-Natural Window and Glass Cleaner

3. DIY Shower Cleaner

I was skeptical about this shower cleaner, but it really does work. I even asked one of my friends who is a professional cleaner, and she says she uses this recipe on all her client’s showers!

The basic recipe:

• Pour 1 c. white vinegar and 1 c. Blue Dawn dish soap into a spray bottle.
• Gently shake.
• Use in all your showers!

Related Reading: The Easiest Homemade Shower Cleaner

4. DIY Chrome Cleaner

Seriously, this “cleaner” works miracles on my chrome shower fixtures — and it takes me all of 3 minutes to complete.

The basic recipe:

• Rub the cut side of a lemon on your chrome fixtures.
• Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Related Reading: How to Clean Chrome with Lemons

5. DIY Granite Counter Cleaner

When we had granite counters installed in our new kitchen, we were told we shouldn’t use a vinegar-based DIY cleaner as the vinegar could eat away at the granite. So I set out to find another homemade cleaner that would be suitable for my new counters.

It didn’t take long to find one that worked really well, and I’ve been faithfully using this recipe ever since.

The basic recipe:

• Mix 1/4 c. rubbing alcohol and 3-4 drops of dish soap in a 16 oz. spray bottle.
• Fill the bottle the rest of the way with water (about 1 and 3/4 c.).
• Use to clean any granite surface. 

Related Reading: Read more details about this cleaning method here.

6. DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

Along with our granite counters, we also installed stainless steel appliances in our kitchen. I was originally hesitant to get stainless steel because I hate all the fingerprints. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how low-maintenance our appliances are.

That said, I still wipe them down on a daily basis with one of 4 simple DIY cleaners.

My favorite method is using a damp microfiber cloth. However, vinegar, dish soap, and a little oil are all great options as well.

Related Reading: Read more about my favorite stainless steel cleaners.

7. DIY Drain Cleaner

I’ve been successfully cleaning my sink, shower, and tub drains with this DIY mixture for years — even before I had my own house. It’s so fast and effective, and really frugal compared to the expensive (and super smelly) drain cleaners you can buy in the stores.

The basic recipe:

• Dump 1/2 c. of baking soda and 1/2 c. salt into the drain.
• Pour 1 c. of vinegar down the drain (it will bubble and foam up).
• Slowly pour an entire kettle of boiling water down the drain (it will bubble and foam again).
• Use a plunger or a drain snake for heavy clogs (when necessary).

Related Reading: How to Clear a Clogged Drain

8. DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner

If you’re looking for a great way to clean your garbage disposal, sharpen the blades, and put some of your citrus rinds to good use, I’ve got JUST the recipe for you!

The basic recipe:

• chop citrus peels (or whole citrus fruits) into small chunks
• place chunks into ice cube trays or mini muffin tins
• pour vinegar over peels until compartments are full
• place trays in the freezer until completely frozen
• store tabs in trays or in a zip-top bag in the freezer until you’re ready to use

Related Reading: How to Make Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tabs

9. DIY Fabric Softener

We installed a full-house humidifier on our furnace a few years ago, but even still, our house tends to get dry in the winter months, which means more static cling on our clothing.

Wool dryer balls are my go-to for reducing static cling, but there are so many other useful methods too — like safety pins, aluminum foil, vinegar, and simply using less detergent or drying on a lower temperature.

Related Reading: 10 Easy Static Cling Fixes

11. DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes, it’s probably time! Luckily, the DIY recipe I use is super quick and easy, and it just uses 2 ingredients.

The basic recipe

• In a large bowl or small sink, mix hot water and vinegar (baby shampoo also works well).
• Swirl your brushes in the mixture until they come clean (you may need to refresh the water several times).
• Gently squeeze out excess water.
• Reshape brushes and let them dry on a clean towel.

Related Reading: DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner.

Pretty simple, huh?

I know there are many more DIY cleaning products, but I’m not interested in recipes that require expensive ingredients or time-consuming processes — I’d rather buy from the store!

The recipes I’m sharing here are the most basic, tried-and-true, SUPER simple recipes I’ve used to successfully clean my home for nearly 2 decades… so I know they work and I know they are doable for busy lives.

More DIY cleaning resources:

These are my favorite microfiber cleaning cloths. They are so inexpensive (only $10.89 for 5 cloths), and I order a bunch at once to save on shipping.

If you’d rather not spend money on rags, try making DIY t-shirt rags. They’re super soft, they’re free, and they don’t leave any lint behind! I often use these for really grubby jobs, and then toss the rags when I’m finished.

Here’s the link to ALL my cleaning posts from the beginning of my blog!

After you simplify your cleaning cabinet, read this post on 8 tips to simplify my weekly cleaning routine. Who knows, you might actually even enjoy cleaning once you have a simple routine… or maybe not!

What are your favorite DIY cleaning products?

If you’re a newer reader, our yard didn’t always look like this — it’s been YEARS in the making.

For example, here’s a progression of this area over the last 15 years.

What you don’t see are the countless hours of work that went into creating the park-like landscape.

It was mostly a labor of love, and we absolutely enjoy the fruits of our labor, but it didn’t just “happen”!

If you’d like a similar focal point in your landscape, look for a “Redbud multi-stem”, not a bush or a tree. The multi-stems are so fun because they grow large (15-20 ft high and wide) but are very easy to prune into whatever shape you desire.

We’ve chosen more of a “tree” shape (we prune all the lower branches), which creates a canopy over the plants below it (lots of shade-loving plants).

It takes a few years for the shape to evolve, but it’s totally worth the effort!

First, let’s redefine hobbies.

A hobby doesn’t necessarily need to be something big like starting a book club, training for a marathon, or learning to play an instrument (unless you truly want that).

A hobby can be as basic as taking a daily walk around the block, reading a few pages of a book before bed, starting a new coloring book, or calling a friend while you fold laundry.

These small, meaningful activities still count — and they still refill your tank.

So how do you make time for hobbies?

Let’s look at a few ways you can make time for life-giving hobbies in your life — no matter how full your days are!

1. Lower the Bar (a lot)

One of the biggest barriers to hobbies is the idea that they need to be something new, impressive, or productive.

They don’t.

• Reading two pages is still reading.
• Walking for 10 minutes is still movement.
• Making one small flower arrangement is still beautiful.
• Chatting with a friend while doing dishes still counts as connection.
• Reading one Proverb each day is still enlightening.

When you stop striving for big and bold (which will take significantly more time and energy), you’ll likely find you have opportunities throughout your day to enjoy smaller, less-intimidating hobbies.

2. Stack Hobbies with What You Already Do

Hobbies don’t necessarily require extra time (something that is likely at a premium for you). Instead, look for ways to layer hobbies into your existing routines.

Here are a bunch of ways I do this in my everyday life — some of these ideas might work for you too.

• Listen to an audiobook while driving or cleaning.
• Call a friend while walking or folding laundry.
• Stretch, walk, do yoga, or read a book while your kids play outside.
• Read or listen to a podcast while waiting in the pickup line.
• Knit while watching a sporting event.

This approach works because it doesn’t require you to rearrange your life — it simply adds a little joy to what’s already there.

3. Keep Your Hobbies Visible and Accessible

Out of sight often means out of mind, especially when life is busy. And while I personally prefer to keep most of my flat surfaces clean and decluttered, I do keep regularly-used items somewhere I can easily access them.

This is especially important when you’re trying to change your behavior (like adding in a few hobbies to your life).

• If you want to read more, keep a book on your nightstand or in your bag.
• If you want to sketch, leave your notebook and pencils in a specific spot on your desk or the counter.
• If you want to walk, keep your shoes by the door.
• If you’re learning a new instrument, let it out (I left my cello out for almost a year!)

These days, it’s rare that I go anywhere without earbuds, a book, and/or my current knitting project… making these hobbies always accessible, and not any extra effort.

4. Let Go of All-or-Nothing Thinking

You don’t need a full hour to enjoy a hobby. And you don’t need to do it perfectly. Hobbies aren’t about perfection; they’re about enjoyment, even if it is only a few moments of enjoyment.

• You don’t need to finish a full chapter.
• You don’t need to watch the full movie in one sitting.
• You don’t need to paint a masterpiece.
• You don’t need to walk three miles.
• You don’t need to shop all day.
• You don’t need to have a deep, hour-long conversation.

A little bit still counts, so use those 5 minutes before bed, the 15 minutes before everyone wakes up, or 10 minutes after dinner when everyone is happy, full, and doing their own thing.

I admit that squeezing hobbies into short pockets of time isn’t always as enjoyable as having a full afternoon to immerse in your hobby of choice, but it is better than nothing at all!

5. Involve Your Family

Some hobbies can actually include your family, instead of competing with it.

• Go for family walks or bike rides.
• Have a family reading time or movie night together.
• Plan a crafting afternoon with simple crafts that younger kids can do by themselves.
• Bake or cook for fun, not just necessity.
• Leave an in-progress puzzle on the table for anyone to work on throughout the week.
• Go to the tennis courts with a friend and their children — let the kids mess around while you 2 play more competitively.

It won’t always be peaceful, but it can still be enjoyable!

6. Remember Why Hobbies Matter

Hobbies aren’t selfish — they’re sustaining.

• They give your mind a break.
• They help you feel like yourself again.
• They sprinkle small pockets of joy into ordinary days.

And when you’re a little more rested, a little more fulfilled, and a little more connected, you show up better for everything else, too.

100+ Simple Hobbies for Busy Adults

For those of you who don’t even know where to start or what type of hobby to pursue, I’ve got you covered with a giant list of more than 100 simple hobbies for busy adults!

Quiet + Restful Hobbies

• Reading (books, magazines, devotionals, daily Bible verse)
• Audiobooks or podcasts
• Journaling (gratitude, brain dumps, prayer journal)
• Coloring (adult coloring books or even kids’ pages!)
• Sitting outside with coffee/tea
• Listening to music intentionally (not just background noise)
• Watching a comfort show (guilt-free)
• Puzzle books (crosswords, Sudoku, word searches)
• Stargazing

Creative, No Pressure Required, Hobbies

• Sketching or doodling
• Watercolor painting (very beginner-friendly)
• Hand lettering or calligraphy
• Writing (short reflections, blog posts, stories)
• Photography (even just with your phone)
• Scrapbooking or memory-keeping
• Decorating or rearranging a room
• Simple DIY crafts
• Knitting or crocheting (start small!)
• Sewing (I enjoy altering clothing I find at thrift stores)
• Seasonal decorating

Movement-Based Hobbies

• Walking (outside or on a treadmill)
• Stretching or basic yoga
• At-home workouts (short + simple)
• Dancing in your home
• Bike rides
• Playing outside with your kids or grandkids
• Gardening or yard work
• Hiking local trails
• Jump rope (it’s harder than you think!)

Productive, But Still Enjoyable Hobbies

(Because sometimes “doing something useful” feels relaxing!)

• Baking (bread, muffins, cookies)
• Trying a new recipe, just because
• Organizing a small space (drawer, closet, pantry)
• Decluttering (one area at a time)
• Meal planning
• Budgeting or tracking expenses
• Couponing or finding deals
• Planning future trips (even if just dreaming!)
• Home projects (painting, small updates)

Connection-Based Hobbies

• Calling or texting a friend regularly
• Voice messaging instead of texting (Voxer, Marco Polo, etc.)
• Writing letters or cards
• Hosting simple coffee dates
• Walking with a friend
• Game nights (family or friends)
• Book discussions (casual, not formal!)
• Volunteering
• LEGOs with your kids (unless the pieces would drive you crazy!)

Learning (In Small Doses) Hobbies

• Listening to educational podcasts
• Watching short tutorials (YouTube, etc.)
• Learning a new recipe each week
• Practicing a new language (apps or flashcards)
• Reading nonfiction books
• Learning about nutrition, gardening, whole grains, or homemaking
• Memorization (quotes, scripture, poetry)
• Word puzzles (on paper or Apps)

Outdoor + Fresh Air

• Sitting on the porch
• Gardening (flowers, herbs, veggies)
• Birdwatching
• Nature walks
• Visiting local parks
• Sitting at the beach (maybe without the kids and all their gear)
• Picnics (even super simple ones)
• Watching sunsets/sunrises
• Collecting rocks, leaves, or flowers with kids

“While You’re Already Doing Something” Hobbies

(Habit stacking for the win!)

• Audiobooks while cleaning
• Podcasts while driving
• Calling a friend while folding laundry
• Stretching while watching TV
• Practicing gratitude while doing dishes
• Listening to music while cooking
• Doing yard work while playing with kids and pets outside

Micro-Hobbies (5 – 15 Minutes)

• Reading a few pages
• Tidying one small space
• Stepping outside for fresh air
• Writing a quick journal entry
• Watering plants
• Doing a short workout video
• Practicing a creative skill for a few minutes
• Sending a thoughtful text or note

Seasonal / Rotating Hobbies

(Keeps things fresh without overwhelm or boredom)

• Summer: gardening, walking, grilling
• Fall: baking, decorating, cozy reading
• Winter: puzzles, crafts, baking, journaling
• Spring: decluttering, organizing, planting

Just-for-Fun (No Productivity Allowed) Hobbies

• Scrolling Pinterest for ideas
• Window shopping (online or in-store)
• Rearranging furniture
• Trying a new coffee or tea
• Watching old movies
• Playing simple games on your phone
• Singing along to music

The “best” baked potato isn’t about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — it’s about taking a basic staple and preparing it well. And when you do, you’ll have a side dish that’s just as comforting as it is practical.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, trying to stretch your grocery budget a little further, or simply desiring to keep your growing kids fuller longer, mastering the baked potato is a kitchen skill worth having in your back pocket!

The Best Potatoes for Baking

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to baking… if you want that classic fluffy interior, russet potatoes are your best bet. Their high starch content and thick skin make them ideal for that light, airy texture.

Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option if you prefer a slightly creamier, buttery consistency.

When selecting potatoes, look for ones that are firm, free of green spots, and relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Ingredients for Baked Potatoes

• Potatoes (see note above for the best varieties)
• Oil or melted butter
• Salt

Favorite Toppings for Baked Potatoes

• Butter
• Salt (garlic salt is also nice)
• Sour Cream
• Chives (fresh or dried)
• Cheese (your favorite variety)
• Cooked Broccoli
• Cooked Bacon Crumbles
• Chili
• Taco Meat
• Any other favorite herbs or seasonings

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, there are various ways to actually bake your potatoes… I’ll detail a few below, but keep in mind, the end results will still be delicious, no matter what baking method you choose!

How to Bake Potatoes in the Oven

If you have the time, the oven-baking method produces the best overall texture — both in the crispy skin and the soft, fluffy insides.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Scrub potatoes clean and dry thoroughly.
3. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
4. Rub lightly with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
5. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack for crispy skin (wrap them in foil first for softer skin.)
6. Bake for 45–60 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
7. Once fully baked, cut a slit down the middle and squeeze the sides of the potato.
8. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Faster Baked Potato Methods

Sometimes you need dinner on the table now. Thankfully, baked potatoes are flexible.

Microwave Method (Quickest Option)

• Wash and pierce the potato with a fork.
• Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Microwave a single potato on high for 5- 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Cut a slit down the middle of the potato and squeeze the sides.
• Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

NOTES: For crispy skin, finish in the oven for 10 – 15 minutes. For soft skin, wrap the potato in a damp paper towel before microwaving.

Air Fryer Method (Crispy + Efficient)

• Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork.
• Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake potatoes at 400°F for 35 – 45 minutes.
• Cut a slit down the middle of the potato and squeeze the sides.
• Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off Cooking)

(I use this method ALL the time — it’s perfect for busy weekdays!)

• Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork.
• Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Wrap potatoes in foil and place them in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours.
• Cut a slit down the middle of the potato and squeeze the sides.
• Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

On an Open Fire (Fun For Camping)

• Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork.
• Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Wrap potatoes in a double layer of aluminum foil.
• Bury potatoes in the hot fire coals and cook for 40-60 minutes.
• Cut a slit down the middle of the potato and squeeze the sides.
• Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

On the Grill (Another Fun Summer Option)

• Wash and pierce the potato with a fork.
• Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Cook potatoes (in any method above) until about 75% cooked through.
• Cut potatoes in half and rub cut sides with more oil and salt.
• Place the cut sides down on the grill, cover, and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
• Serve with grill marks facing up and with all your favorite toppings.

Ways to Use Leftover Baked Potatoes

I always make extra baked potatoes because I know we will eat them.

Here are a few simple recipes if you find yourself with extra baked potatoes.

• Slice them and make super crispy fried potatoes.
• Cube them for ham and potato soup or mash them for cheesy mashed potato soup.
• Reheat them as a side dish for another meal.
• Scoop the filling out and make twice-baked potatoes.
• Make homemade potato salad.
• Chop into small bits and add to an omelet.
• Make loaded baked potato casserole.
• Remove the skins, add milk, and make chunkier mashed potatoes.

Easy Baked Potatoes

Print

Baked potatoes are the ultimate simple, frugal side dish – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect with almost any meal. They’re a filling, family-friendly favorite you’ll come back to time and time again.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold are best)
• Oil or melted butter
• Salt

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

Toggle ingredient group

• Butter
• Salt (garlic salt is also nice)
• Sour Cream
• Chives (fresh or dried)
• Cheese (your favorite variety)
• Cooked Broccoli
• Cooked Bacon Crumbles
• Chili
• Taco Meat
• Any other favorite herbs or seasonings

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Scrub potatoes clean and dry thoroughly.
3. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
4. Rub lightly with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
5. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack for crispy skin (wrap them in foil first for softer skin.)
6. Bake for 45–60 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
7. Once fully baked, cut a slit down the middle and squeeze the sides of the potato.
8. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

You can cook your potatoes in a microwave, air fryer, slow cooker, campfire, or even on a grill -- see post for additional instructions.

Also, here are a few helpful tips:

• Wash them well. They can be surprisingly dirty.
• Don’t skip the oil and salt. This is the secret to flavorful, crispy skin.
• Check for doneness properly. A fork should slide in easily, and the potato should give slightly when squeezed (use a towel so you don’t burn your hands!)
• Fluff immediately. Slice open and fluff the inside to release steam and keep it light.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  My Favorite Potato Scrubber
• 
  7-Quart Slow Cooker
• 
  Our Favorite Air Fry Oven

More Potato Recipes

Told you we love potatoes!

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Oven-Roasted Potatoes with herbs and butter
• Oven-Roasted Potatoes with oil and salt
• Baked Herbed Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes
• Really Good Fried Potatoes
• Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

What are your favorite ways to eat potatoes?