Today I want to share how I tackled the spring cleaning of our back entryway / mudroom space. With speed. This Spring speed cleaning means that we are now set up for the warmer weather ahead. Bring it on!
SPRING SPEED CLEANING
It’s that time of year. When transitioning from one season to the next, you are never quite sure which items to keep out. Will snow boots be necessary, or will flip flops suffice? How heavy of a coat will be needed? This questioning creates a major clutter problem, at least at our house. Essentially, everything is left out, ‘just in case’ it might be needed.
I finally got tired of tripping over all the excess left out by our five children, and set to work on cleaning up our back entryway / mudroom space.
This is quite possibly the most awkward space I have ever been tasked to organize. It is small, and filled with stairs. The one little bit of flat floor space that it has just happens to be in the path of the door swing. Not a great setup for a functional mudroom; But we are renting this house, and there isn’t much we can do about it.
Thankfully, this should be the last season change we make here, and come next winter we will be able to utilize the mudroom at Arrow Hill Cottage!
MUDROOM SPACE BEFORE THE SPEED CLEANING
We have done our best to maximize what little space the mudroom has to offer, by putting up coat hooks and using a shelf as a shoe organizer. It seems to never fail though, after a few weeks, this space needs to be organized yet again.
Because have five small children who use this mudroom on a daily basis, I know full well that my efforts to clean and organize it will only last a limited amount of time. That is simply the nature of this type of space. Thankfully, it isn’t an area that guests typically see.
Instead of using an entire day to deep clean, as I have done in other rooms, I opted to practice speed cleaning. I set my timer for sixty minutes, and got to work.
SPEED CLEANING TIPS
For a successful speed cleaning in your own house, consider these valuable tips.
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WALKING INTO
Survey the space you want to clean, and think about all of the tasks needed to get the job done. It might be helpful to write out a list, which you can reference while cleaning.
Understand that during a speed cleaning session, you may not be able to cross off every item that is on your list. Prioritize which are most important, and start with those first.
SET A TIME LIMIT
More importantly, be sure to stick to it! I recommend no more than one hour of efforts in any one space. It is quite motivating to know that once the timer rings, you can put away the cleaning supplies and be done. Having a time limit is also likely to keep you moving at a good pace. You may subconsciously try to ‘beat the clock’, so to speak.
STAY FOCUSED
Speed cleaning should aim to improve the overall appearance of the space, without fussing over minor issues and unnecessary details. For example, organizing shoes in a mudroom might be a good use of time. Removing dirt from the bottom of shoes, on the other hand, could stall your progress.
DON’T BE A PERFECTIONIST
Just as you can’t buy everything you might desire when you are living on a tight budget, you won’t be able to perfect a space that is cleaned in a short amount of time. Again, the point of speed cleaning is to do something, not everything. Even small improvements matter when it comes to cleaning, decluttering and organizing a space.
WATCH ME SPEED CLEANING
I recorded the process of changing our mudroom over for the season. Notice how important it is to make quick decisions. While cleaning and organizing the mudroom, I was also thinking about decluttering. There were plenty of items that I was able to toss or donate!
I came across rain boots with giant holes, gloves that looked like they had gone through a shredder, and outgrown snow pants.
Following my own advice, I stopped after my pre-determined hour had expired. That meant that I wasn’t able to get to everything I had hoped. The items that are left-over can be tackled easily on another day.
THE RESULTS (AFTER)
Considering only sixty minutes were invested in this space, I am quite pleased with the end results. My main objective was to free the steps of clutter. Gone are the boots that we constantly tripped on, as well as the box of snacks. Success!
The second priority I had was to switch out seasonal items. Winter snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and ice skates were all cleaned quickly and packed away. The summer towels and swimming suits were brought out of storage, and each child’s rain boots were given a specific spot.
Shoes are now neatly placed on the shelf. As mentioned before, I am not fooled into thinking it will stay looking like this for long. I will, however, surely enjoy the clutter free space while I can!
Of course, I also did a quick sweep, and mopped the entire floor. In addition, the muddy parts of the walls got a spray down. The room has a nice, bright feeling to it now.
There was not enough time to tackle the shelf closest to the door. This shelf houses many partially used cans of paint. I have a feeling that most of them will need to be disposed of, when we move. And so, I feel comfortable leaving the task for later.
ADDITIONAL CLEANING RESOURCES
Do you need more motivation to get started on your own speed cleaning? These resources might be helpful.
Raising a family is difficult enough without having to worry about money challenges. Today I share the money saving tips that our large family uses to relieve the pressures.
We are a fairly frugal family. In part, because, for many years we have relied solely on one income for our day to day expenses. My husband has been the primary bread-winner for our family. Any additional money that I am able to bring in, through designing homes or other various small business ideas, has always gone toward debt payment. Or, applied to any ‘extras’ that we are saving up for, such as Christmas gifts.
This financial set-up has allowed us a lot of flexibility. I have been able to be a stay at home/ work from home mom for over twelve years now. It has also meant that we need to be very careful with how each dollar is spent. We are big believers in the importance of following a budget, which I will discuss a bit later in this post.
First though, I want to share with you some of the most effective money saving tips that our family uses, to live on one income comfortably.
CUT THE CORDS
Technology really seems to be king, and they know it! They like to lure you in with introductory prices, and then increase your rates once you have gotten comfortable. Advertisements from technology companies leave you feeling that you need their products, when in reality you may not.
Cable tv
One of the first large sacrifices that we decided to make was to eliminate cable tv. We found that, out of the two hundred plus channels offered with our cable package, we watched only a handful. Instead, we switched to Netflix, which is just a fraction of the monthly cost. An added bonus is that there is a huge variety of kid programming, which allows our children to access their favorites whenever they want, and without the need for a dvr.
The blog Young House Love wrote a wonderful article about how they cut their cable tv. They tried out a variety of alternate options and compared them. If you are considering making the switch away from cable tv, I highly recommend you read this post.
Phone
We also cut our phone cord. It seemed to us that most of the calls we were getting on our home phone were coming from telemarketers or people who dialed the wrong number. Switching to a ‘home’ cell phone was our solution. When people ask us for our home phone number, we give them the number of that cell phone and nobody is the wiser.
This setup will be even more useful when our oldest son begins driving or attending activities away from home. We can simply hand him this dedicated cell phone to use, instead of getting him his own plan.
EAT AT HOME
Eating out is ridiculously expensive. Once the tip is added in, a sit down restaurant meal for our family can easily top one hundred dollars. Considering a weeks worth of groceries for our family of seven is just slightly over one hundred and twenty five dollars each week, eating out doesn’t make any sense at all. One of my long term goals for Arrow Hill Cottage is to grow a large portion of our own food, and learn how to preserve fruits and veggies through canning.
Meal planning
We have been following meal plans for a couple of years now. I started out with a four week rotation, then added a couple extra weeks into the mix, for variety. I have plans to feature my favorite recipes on the blog, complete with a video tutorial of each meal, so be watching for that!
Pack lunches
School lunch is another area where a lot of money can be saved. At our kid’s school, a meal is just shy of three dollars. Multiply that times five kids, and just one week of meals can run up a seventy-five dollar bill! Because of this, I am sure to pack lunches for our kids a majority of the time.
The rule at our house is that each child is allowed to pick their two favorite meals each week, to eat from the cafeteria. The remaining meals are brought from home, and the kids have a hand in picking out what goes into the lunch boxes. We also tell them to bring home whatever portion of their cold lunch isn’t finished at school, so that they can use that food as an after school snack. Less food waste means money money in our pockets!
BUY SECONDHAND
There is a thrill in buying a brand new item, sure. But, generally speaking, you aren’t likely to be getting the best value for your money by making this type of purchase all the time. In fact, one of the best money saving tips that I can offer is to buy items secondhand whenever it is feasible.
Vehicles you can afford
Surely you already know that new vehicles go down in value as soon as they leave the sales lot. And, besides your home, the vehicles you purchase for your family might be one of the largest purchases you will ever make. Because of this, it is very important to find a good deal.
Buying used can sometimes have a stigma; But I highly doubt that many people could spot a used, four year old vehicle over one that is brand new, just by looking at it.
Shop used items
Shopping at second hand stores for household items, clothing, and toys can also save a lot of money.
I firmly believe that second hand stores have really upped their game in recent years. Generally, they do a good job of screening broken, stained or blemished items. Those that make it to the store shelves have a lot of life left in them.
You can find some real treasures, and save a bundle!
DO IT YOURSELF
You can save your family a lot of money by learning to do things by yourself, instead of calling somebody to do the job for you. With online access, tutorials for just about everything can be found. From small car repairs to craft projects, a video reference is likely available.
Even basic daily chores, done yourself, can save you money. Simple tasks that we personally take on ourselves include mowing our own grass and washing our vehicles by hand, instead of going through the car wash. I also learned how to cut hair, which saves us at least $80 per month.
VACATION NEAR HOME
Family vacations, though wonderful for creating memories, can really put a dent in your pocket book. Instead of spending a ton on airfare, lodging, and restaurants, consider vacationing closer to home.
For example, we live in Minnesota’s lake country but personally do not live on a lake. Our kids are just as thrilled to stay the weekend at a local lake cabin as they would be to travel to Disneyland. Being able to play on the beach and put our toes in the sand is a change of pace for all of us, even if the location to home is close.
ELIMINATE THE EXTRAS
If you are looking for a place to start for a quick money saving win, this is it. An extra is anything that you use to treat yourself on a regular basis, or something that you don’t use often but like to have available.
Though they aren’t typically large expenses, put together they tend to add up. For example, that morning coffee that costs close to five dollars at the posh coffee shop, could be replaced for a much more budget friendly home brewed cup.
Memberships
Memberships can be particularly luring because they offer up a convenience factor. Consider if you make it to the gym often enough to justify the monthly price you are paying, or if you could stay fit by working out at home.
Do you need the weekly food prep service delivered to your door, or would an effective meal plan do the trick?
Entertainment
Many people don’t think about the free forms of entertainment that are available. The library not only loans out books, but music cds and movies as well. Consider borrowing something for free every once in a while, instead of always rushing to the theater each time a new film comes on the big screen.
Take in the public park in lieu of paying an entrance fee to an amusement park or museum.
RESEARCH SPLURGES
There will definitely come a time when you will be purchasing big ticket items such as a new television, furniture piece, or appliance. These purchases should not be taken lightly, as they should be considered as an investment item.
Talk with friends who have recently purchased similar items and ask their opinions and recommendations. Do a bit of online research with company such as Consumer Reports.
It is also important to note that certain items do tend to go on sale certain times of the year. Find out when the sales happen, and save yourself some money!
JUST SAY NO
This might not be a popular tip to discuss, but it is very important. Saying no to ourselves seems to be particularly difficult, as it makes us feel as if we are denying ourselves of something we deserve. In reality though, by making a foolish purchase you could be denying yourself financial stability.
Don’t use credit
It is as simple as that. It is just too easy to buy something on credit with the intention to pay it off. And maybe most of the time you are able to do that. But what happens if there is an unexpected event that prevents you from doing so. The interest rates are going to bite you, and make you wish you had never made the purchase in the first place.
Don’t let yourself get into that type of situation. When you use the money that you actually have to buy what you need, you can feel confident that it won’t break you.
Stay out of stores
With almost one hundred percent certainty, I can predict that if you walk into a store to ‘just window shop’ , you will walk out of it with something you didn’t actually need. I know this is true, because it happens to me all the time!
When we had our month long No Spend Challenge, our eyes were opened to this phenomenon. By simply staying out of the stores entirely, we saved quite a bit of cash.
To kids
Sometimes saying ‘no’ also means saying no to our kids. Whether it is them asking for another toy, or wanting to sign up for an event, remember that it is your money that you are using. All the final decisions of where it goes will rest on your shoulders.
Likewise, don’t feel as though you need to sign your child up for expensive activities just to keep them busy or give them a chance to meet friends. If they aren’t that into it, it’s okay to skip.
For example, our oldest son was involved in soccer as a third and fourth grader. By the summer of his fifth grade year he was eligible for the traveling team. The cost of this program was two hundred and fifty dollars, and would require that nearly every weekend of the summer would be spent on the road in attendance of a game. We asked him if he loved soccer enough, to make that large of a commitment (both in time and money). He told us no. Kids are smart.
USE A BUDGET
If you get nothing else from this list of tips, please hear this. Budgeting is so, so important. Sure, it isn’t the most fun thing to do in the world, but it will make a world of difference.
We have used a budget for well over ten years, and I honestly don’t think it would be possible for me to go without one at this point. It is so helpful to not only see how much money we have to work with each month, but also to track our spending as the days go by. If we find ourselves overspending in one category month after month, we can re-evaluate the situation and determine if we have been foolish, or if that category needs to be beefed up.
Personally, I love the Everydollar budgeting software and app, which are both free! There are plenty of other popular and well respected options though, such as YNAB (You Need a Budget) and Mint. Check them each out, and determine which is a good fit for your family.
MONEY SAVING TIPS VIDEO
Listen to me discuss our families most successful money saving tips.
SAVE THESE TIPS
If you are looking for ways to cut everyday costs, and boost your savings, be sure to pin these money saving tips!
USING our creativity to keep ourselves busy. The beginning of the month saw quite a lot of snow and yucky weather, which meant more time indoors.
The kids did a great job of entertaining themselves with various activities such as dress up, and creating art. They also had a couple of school programs that put a smile on our faces.
ANXIOUS to begin building. The piles of snow are now melting and we are seeing bare ground finally after a very long winter! This is making us more excited than ever to start the building of Arrow Hill Cottage! We have been in almost daily communication with our contractor, the bank, and the city offices – to get all the proper documentation in place for potentially an early May start!
This has been a dream such a long time in the making, that it almost doesn’t seem real – even now. We have plans to document the building process with a once per week video update on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe there if you want to follow along!
CELEBRATING our baby boy. {L} is now eight years old! That fact is really hard to believe! It literally seems like just yesterday we were leaving the hospital with our cute little blue bundle.
{L} has a smile that can light up a room, even with all the tooth gaps as of late. He is athletic and energetic, and quite the jokester. We love him so much and hope that his eighth year is wonderful!
SHARING our gifts with others at the school talent show. This is such a fun tradition at our school. We are always entertained by the different acts that take the stage. Most of our kids are still too shy to perform in front of a crowd, but {D} was able to participate in a few different acts: An instrumental guitar solo, a vocal/piano + guitar duet, and a violin trio.
We are blessed by his talents and are proud of him for sharing his gifts with others through his performances.
This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our family YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!
This week I spent some time doing a jewelry declutter. I thought that it would be a quick process, and in a lot of ways it was. But, it also got me thinking – even the small things can make a big impact when it comes to decluttering and organizing.
I’ve never been much of a jewelry wearer. Though I like the idea of wearing jewelry, and I think that it looks nice on other people, wearing it myself is uncomfortable. It might be because I have sensitive skin and the metals make me itch. Or it might have more to do with the fact that for many years any necklaces or earrings I wore ended up being tugged on by my kids. These days, I tend to only wear my wedding ring on a regular basis.
While going through all of our belongings in an effort to only bring our favorites to Arrow Hill Cottage, I knew I wanted to leave no stone un-turned. And that meant I would need to take a close look at everything we owned. Even the smallest of items that seemingly take up little space.
STARTING THE JEWELRY DECLUTTER
And so, I opened up my little cabinet and started my jewelry declutter. Funny story about this little jewelry cabinet. It was one of the first gifts my husband gave me when we were married nearly seventeen years ago. I’ll admit that I was less than thrilled when I opened it. Why? Well, because what I had suggested to him as a ‘gift hint’ when he asked was a stand up furniture piece jewelry cabinet, not some small little table top storage piece.
I remember thinking that there was no way all of my jewelry would fit inside it. I wanted bigger, I wanted better. But was it necessary? Not even close. Looking back, I think my husband knew me better than I knew myself. He had seen that I didn’t wear jewelry often. He had noticed that when I did wear something, I always grabbed for the same one or two items.
This cabinet has moved with us into each home we have shared together. And, if I’m being completely honest, I don’t think I have opened it once since we moved into our current rental farmhouse four years ago. Are the items it contains precious and useful to me? I think we all know the answer to that question.
LAYING THE JEWELRY OUT
Opening up the cabinet and laying every piece of jewelry out on the table was like a blast from the past. Necklaces from junior high. Sparkly hair combs from high school prom.
A handful of keys that unlock… who knows what!
There were also a few sweet surprises. My wedding jewelry that, although I don’t intend to wear ever again, I could never part with. And, my husband’s high school class ring, which I distinctly remember him wearing the first time we met. When we started dating he put it on a chain and I wore it around my neck.
WATCH MY JEWELRY DECLUTTER
THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS PROCESS
As I was sorting through everything, I realized that, on a very small scale, jewelry can serve as a metaphor for all types of clutter.
Stop and think about it. A bracelet is a small item. So small, in fact, that we find no harm in holding onto it, even if it isn’t something we use or really love. Add to it a few more bracelets, a necklace or two, and a pack of earrings. Suddenly we are finding ourselves needing a place to store these items. It’s like a snowball that keeps getting bigger.
Compare jewelry to other item types in your home. Those dresses you are holding onto, hoping that the next time you slip them on they will fit perfectly. The camping gear your family used once, then stored away. The space that these unused items are taking up is more valuable than you may currently realize. And the more items that are accumulated, the more space that is needed to store them.
This is why it is important to be honest with yourself regarding each and every item in your home. There is no reason to keep anything that is not special or useful.
NEW JEWELRY STORAGE SOLUTION
After my jewelry declutter, I was left with a handful of special items. Will they go back into my jewelry box? In a word, no. Just as you a person doesn’t need an entire walk in closet for a few pairs of jeans, I do not need a storage box for my favorite jewelry.
Instead, I will be storing my special items in a set of silk and velvet bags. These small bags have special meaning to me. They were given to me when I purchased a set of pearls during our adoption trips to China. Twice we watched skilled women string the pearls of my choosing, add the clasp, and delicately place them into a bag. Two adoptions, two bags.
The bags will be placed in my sock drawer, where they will be kept safe and easily accessible. And you can bet that every time I look at them I will have a smile on my face.
I also will be keeping a small, velvet lined, silver jewelry box that was my grandma’s. It will surely find a place of importance in the new house decor.
Don’t worry though. My husband has given me his full blessing to donate or sell the jewelry box he gifted me all those years ago. I hope it falls into the hands of someone who will cherish it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m extremely happy to admit, once and for all, that I’m not a jewelry wearer. And that is okay! The pieces I have kept reflect my personality and style, and have strong memories attached to them. That is what is more important to me. If you are considering a jewelry declutter, I definitely recommend it! Don’t let the little things get in the way of the big picture you envision for your life!
As a busy mom of five, I am always looking for healthy snack alternatives for my kids. This recipe for strawberry frozen yogurt bites fits the bill so well. It is a healthy and quick snack that’s so delicious they feel like they are having a treat.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FROZEN YOGURT BITES
Aside from being delicious, frozen yogurt bites are extremely healthy. The following benefits are an added bonus to their refreshing taste.
Gut Healthy
As a fermented food, yogurt contains natural probiotic cultures that actually strengthen the digestive tract. If purchasing the yogurt to use in this recipe, look for Greek yogurt that contains even more added probiotics to aid in gut health.
Fresh Ingredients
Each yogurt bite is packed with heart healthy fresh fruit. They also include antioxidants from both the fruit and the high quality honey.
Gluten Free
Depending on the type of yogurt that is used in the recipe, these yogurt bites can be considered gluten free. Be sure to check the label on the yogurt to determine if there is any gluten included. Your best bet, if trying to make this recipe gluten free, is to look for plain whole-milk Greek yogurt to use.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES (VIDEO)
STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES RECIPE INGREDIENTS
It doesn’t get much more simple than this three ingredient recipe!
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries (about 12)
2 cups Greek Yogurt. I used vanilla flavored yogurt, but you could also opt for a more natural plain yogurt, and flavor it with organic vanilla extract.
Wash strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut most of the strawberries into quarters. These will be chopped up in the blender and do not need to be in super small pieces. Cut the remaining strawberries into small pieces to be used as garnish.
Layer ingredients into the blender or food processor. Be sure to place the strawberries at the bottom.
Blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly
Transfer the mixture into a bowl or measuring cup with a pour spout. Though this step is optional, it does make the next step much easier!
Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds. Alternately, you can use muffin tins or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add strawberry garnish
Freeze for 2-3 hours
Remove from candy molds. The strawberry yogurt bites are ready to be enjoyed! To prevent freezer burn, place the yogurt bites in an airtight container if you plan to eat later.
SHOP THIS POST
I love my large glass batter bowl. It makes pouring into the small candy molds extremely easy. It is also handy for pancake and waffle batter, and a variety of other uses.
These are my favorite candy molds. The frozen yogurt bites pop right out! Because candy molds are available in a wide range of shapes and patterns, you can find the perfect one for your use.
PRINT THE STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES RECIPE
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites
This simple recipe creates a refreshing and healthy treat that can be enjoyed anytime, even on the go! Perfect for an easy breakfast for kids.
Wash strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut most of the strawberries (10) into quarters. These will be chopped up in the blender and do not need to be in super small pieces. Cut the remaining strawberries (2) into small pieces to be used as garnish.
Layer ingredients into the blender or food processor. Be sure to place the strawberries at the bottom.
Blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly
Transfer the mixture into a bowl or measuring cup with a pour spout. Though this step is optional, it does make the next step much easier!
Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds. Alternately, you can use muffin tins or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add strawberry garnish
Freeze for 2-3 hours
Remove from candy molds. The strawberry yogurt bites are ready to be enjoyed! To prevent freezer burn, place the yogurt bites in an airtight container if you plan to eat later.
ADDITIONAL VARIATIONS
This recipe can be made with any variety of fruit flavors. Blueberries, Cherries, and peaches are all great and tasty options. Make a mix to have on hand for breakfast or snack time!
While silicone candy molds create the perfect bite sized pieces, alternatives can be used. Ice cube trays would be another option. Muffin tins or baking sheets can also be used, but will need to be covered in parchment paper so that the mixture does not stick.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Be sure to pin this post so that you can try it for yourself! Also, be sure to check out all of my other healthy recipe ideas.
As part of our journey to simplify life, my husband and I have been trying very hard to be intentional about the time we spend with our family. In this post, I share how we have been implementing screen free family day as part of our transition to a more peaceful household.
At the beginning of the year, we had the idea to dedicate one day each month as intentional family time. In order to be fully present, we also decided that we would be turning off all screens for that day. This includes watching television, visiting social media channels, or checking our phones.
Now that we have successfully completed screen free family day three months in a row, I want to share with you the insights that we have noticed.
OUR FAMILY DYNAMIC
First, if you are new here, a little background on our family. We would be considered a large family by today’s standard, with five children. Our oldest son is 12, and our youngest, a daughter, is 5. All of our children are exposed to technology on a regular basis, and have been taught to use it safely.
We have been careful to teach them that technology should be used as a tool and not a crutch. They also have been told that though it can be enjoyable, it is also an easy thing to abuse and consume too much of. As such, we are careful to monitor their activity and limit their time in front of screens. By doing so, we hope to help them become responsible technology users.
WHY SCREEN FREE?
Craig and I had begun to notice that we were being more and more lenient with screen time, and found some negative side effects. Our youngest son, for example, was beginning to exhibit poor behavior and attitude. Our girls would argue about which tv show to watch together. We felt these changes were directly related to the amount of time spent in front of the screen.
Knowing that it was our job, as their parents, to do some redirecting – we had an idea. We would start a screen free family day. Our first goal for this is to have a screen free day once per month. Ultimately, it would be wonderful to have one day per week as a reset day.
INCORPORATING A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY
When we first brought up the idea to the kids, they were skeptical. They saw it as a punishment instead of something that could be beneficial. But once we insisted that the entire family would be involved, including us as parents, they were excited.
As a family, we sat down and wrote out ideas of things to do together. We decided that family day, though different each time, would include the following categories:
CHORE
Knowing the value of hard work, we wanted to incorporate a chore that we could all do together. We try to find a chore that will benefit us as a family. On the list are ideas such as raking leaves, chopping firewood, deep cleaning a room inside, and planting a garden.
MEAL PREPARATION
Our kids all enjoy spending time in the kitchen. I will admit though, that at times when they ask to help I turn them down. Mainly, I justify that cooking the meals will be faster and less of a hassle if I do it on my own. However, as part of screen free family day, we are opening up the kitchen and getting everyone involved. We have been rotating through the kids, asking them for meal suggestions each month.
We have seen some interesting suggestions already, such as a chili hamburger meal.
DEVOTION
As a Christian family, we find that it is very important to stay in God’s word. We try to tailor our devotion to topics we are dealing with as a family. This is a great time for us to all discuss, and maybe resolve some pressing issues. We find that even our youngest children are capable expressing their feelings and emotions in a group setting.
QUIET TIME
On screen free family day, we make it a point to reserve a bit of time for the house to be still. This is a great opportunity to take a nap, write a letter to a friend, or read a book. I have really come to look forward to quiet time and the peace it brings. It feels wonderful to allow our brains to rest from any chaos or commotion we may be facing.
FUN ACTIVITY
Of all the categories, this has been the most fun for the kids to sink their teeth into. We have quite the list of activities they want us to do together. Hiking, water fights, bowling, playing at a park, and going out for ice cream are a few examples.
WHAT DOES A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY LOOK LIKE?
During a recent family day, we made a screen exception so that I could film with my camera. Take a glimpse at a ‘day in the life’ of our family on a screen free family day.
THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED SO FAR
Through our first three months of implementing screen free family day, we have learned so much. We are quickly finding out what works best for us, and what we need to avoid.
KIDS ARE HAPPIER IN OUR PRESENCE
We have definitely noticed that our kids enjoy the company of their parents. Of course, we have always known that, but the fact that they have our full attention, without distractions, has been really special.
EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED
We think it is very important to make sure everyone is involved in all aspects of family day. Though some of the kids may moan a bit about having to take out the garbage or help with a meal, we make sure that they participate. By making sure everyone is involved, we are instilling in our children that as a family we can work through the good times, as well as the bad. The easy, as well as the difficult. We are in this together.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE FANCY
Knowing that we can just lounge around in our PJ’s all day is just exciting for the kids as telling them we are going out for dinner. Sometimes the most simple moments are the cherished ones.
LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF SCHEDULING
Though it is good to have a general idea of how the day will play out, we are acknowledging that we also need to leave room for spontaneity. The element of ‘anything can happen’ is very exciting for kids. One of the best memories we have made so far during screen free family day was an impromptu sledding trip. The kids asked if we could go, and we had no reason to say no – so we did! It was a blast!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY
Check out these additional blog posts for tips on how to effectively go screen free.
I hope that this information has been helpful for you, especially if you are considering a screen free family day of your own. Pin these ideas for future reference!
As my husband and I move in a conscious direction toward minimalism and a more simple lifestyle, our entire family is being impacted. We have seen huge positive changes in our children. Today I will discuss the top ways I have observed that minimalism benefits kids.
Many think of minimalism as a trend for adults wanting to take a breather from the fast paced, over-cluttered life they had been stuck in. In actuality, however, it is a lifestyle that benefits all generations. The youngest members of a family, the children, may in fact be the most impacted by minimalism. The habits they form early in life will set them up for success in a variety of ways.
HOW MINIMALISM BENEFITS KIDS
One of my resolutions for this year is to look for inspiration from those who have gone on this journey before us. By reading about other families experiences, and observing our own children through this transition, I have found the following to be the top ways that minimalism benefits kids.
FEWER DISTRACTIONS
We all know that spending time in a clean space can lead us, as adults, to be productive. When children live in a clean home they are also better able to better focus on tasks. Homework, for example, is much easier to tackle when the child isn’t tempted by a mountain of toys or variety of video games.
Distractions can present in a variety of ways. Though we think most often of physical distractions, other obstacles such as worrying can divert just as much attention. The stress that is relieved by not having to deal with, clean, and keep track of un-necessary items or events is important to note as well.
Fewer distractions also means that there is room for focused attention. Your child may find that they have a knack for sewing, a love for reading, or a passion for acting. By eliminating the unwanted distractions in life, they can better focus their energy on the things they love.
LESS LIKELY TO LOSE THINGS
How many times have you been ready to leave the house when your child complains that he or she can’t find a shoe or backpack? The sudden scramble to find the missing item quickly escalates into hard feelings between parent and child. Feelings that can easily be avoided.
It’s no secret that items are easier to find when they are given a ‘home’ and are returned there after each use. This is a technique that parents can set up and encourage their children to follow. Of course, there will be some trial and error, but the benefits of this habit are worth the effort.
A child is more likely to take better care of, and track of, their personal belongings when they see them as being important. One shoe missing of fifteen pairs owned probably won’t seem like a big deal to them. Grabbing a different pair out of the pile is easy. But if the child owns only two or three pairs, the loss of a shoe will make a much larger impact.
MORE CONFIDENT DECISION MAKERS
It is easy to become overwhelmed when faced with a lot of choices. As adults, we are faced with many decisions each and every day. What should we wear? What should we eat? Is this event something I want to attend? When children are given too many options they can become mentally paralyzed, worrying about making the right choice.
In this way, fewer choices can actually help children become more confident in their decision making. Choosing one shirt to wear from four options is much easier than choosing from a pile of forty. Each successful decision made will add to the child’s confidence. This confidence will then spill over into more important life decisions, such as choosing relationships that are healthy and behaviors that are productive.
BLOSSOMING CREATIVITY
One of the most frequently listed minimalist benefit for kids is their ability to be creative with the things they have. Children have the amazing gift of imagination. Surrounding them with too many play things that ‘entertain’ them actually hinders and stunts their ability to be imaginative.
Some of the best toys that you can have on hand for your children include those that promote open ended play. Wooden blocks that can become roads, towers, or dining plates. Art supplies that can be manipulated into endless creations.
Many minimalists also note that with fewer toys their children spend much more time outdoors. Outdoor play has many benefits, including the access to fresh air and natural vitamin D. Creativity also blossoms in nature, especially in the use of large motor skills. Fort building, scavenger hunts, or an exciting game of hide and seek in the woods are just a few examples.
IMPROVED SHARING ABILITY
Minimalist children tend to be less possessive and have a lowered sense of entitlement. That’s not to say that they won’t still admire items when walking through a store, for example. The difference is that though they may voice their pleasure of an item, they don’t long for it in an unhealthy way.
Because they understand that things are just things, it isn’t as difficult for them to share with their siblings, for example. They know that even if the item breaks or gets damaged in some way, it won’t be the end of the world. Kids who grow up in a minimalist environment learn early on that happiness doesn’t come from what you own.
STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS
When it comes right down to it, I firmly believe that the main goal of minimalism for most people has less to do with belongings and more to do with relationships. And so, it is wonderful to note that one of the greatest benefits that minimalism affords children is a stronger bond to those they are close to.
That age old sibling rivalry of making sure everything is ‘fair’ begins to break down. No longer are they concerned about having more, because they realize that more doesn’t always mean better.
The time commitment that parents may have been spending handling all their belongings is lessened through minimalism. Those hours are re-allocated as quality time with their spouse and children.
These stronger bonds create a more open dialogue between all family members. Since it is no longer the norm to hide junk behind cabinet doors or under the bed, the hiding of secrets or emotions isn’t commonplace either.
FAMILY MINIMALISM MOVEMENT
There are many families who are shifting their focus to live a more minimal lifestyle, in an effort to regain time with each other. These families realize the importance of their relationships over belongings. I have teamed up with a group of blogging moms who are on this journey and have seen how minimalism benefits kids. Check out their blogs and social media accounts for additional tips and encouragement!
In this video I discuss examples of some of the ways our own five children have benefited from a more minimal and simple lifestyle.
We are excited to continue on this path, especially as we move into our new home, Arrow Hill Cottage. This home has been designed to meet our basic needs in an efficient way. Any luxuries that it includes have been well thought out and deemed beneficial for individual family members as well as the family as a whole. Moving into this new home will mark a major, pivotal shift for our family. I would love it if you could follow along with us on this journey. We should be breaking ground and begin construction in just a couple of months!
WHERE TO START FOR KID MINIMALISM
It all starts with you. Behavior modeling is so important and impactful for children. They will see your mood change as you clear the clutter. They will realize how much more time you have for them. When mom and dad are no longer arguing about all the junk laying around, they kids will notice.
And at some point along the journey, the kids will realize that this isn’t just something that parents do. It is something that families do. Families that care more about each other than material items. And they will ask what they can do to pitch-in on the effort.
Then, help them go through the toys. You will likely be blown away by how easily your children are able to choose which items to keep and which to part with. The truth is that, for most kids, many of the items they claim as theirs came by way of your pocketbook. Their attachment to them is only surface deep. Either they play with it, or they don’t. Let them make these choices and you will see a snowball effect when it comes to other categories, such as clothing.
PIN THESE INSIGHTS
Thinking about a more minimal life for yourself and your family? Use these insights about how minimalism benefits kids as motivation to take the leap! In the end, you will end up with fewer things, yet so much more overall.
The girls shared bedroom in our rental house is a small and simple space, which both our daughters love. Today, I want to give you a little tour and explain a few of the ways we made the room functional and fun!
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Of all the rooms in our rental house, I am pretty sure that the small girls shared bedroom gives me the most joy. It is full of fresh colors and simple details and, even with it’s tiny footprint, offers a lot of functionality.
GIRLS SHARED BEDROOM
As I mentioned in my post about the boys shared bedroom, we like to keep our sleeping spaces simple. The main purpose of a bedroom is to promote sleep and relaxation. As such, we tend to minimize distractions.
This particular bedroom is the smallest in the house, at only 8 feet by 9 feet . At first, the room as a nursery for our daughter {M}. But when we were in the process of adopting our older daughter, {K}, we looked at different options on how to make the room functional for both girls. Because {K} has a joint condition, which hinders her mobility, we were faced with a few additional challenges.
THE BEDS
When looking at bed options, we knew we needed both beds to be accessible. Bunk beds, though space saving, would not be appropriate for our daughters because of our oldest’s needs. Our solution was to convert our Jenny Lind style crib into two toddler sized beds. This was a relatively simple DIY project that turned something unusable into the focal point of the girls shared bedroom.
The girls absolutely adore their beds and how close it allows them to sleep at night. Since our girls are both relatively young (and small), the toddler beds have worked well. They will be getting twin sized beds for their room in the new house, however. You can see their new room design for Arrow Hill Cottage in this post.
Between the bed sits a small thrifted nightstand, which I painted in a soft blue color. The shelf serves as the perfect spot for extra stuffed animals.
Because the beds are small, we were able to use toddler bed sheets from Pottery Barn. The sets were purchased as a gift from the grandparents. A white queen sized blanket was cut in half, the edges sewn, to create two bed covers. Each girl also has a special quilt, decorative pillow and stuffed animal to complete their bedding.
THE DECOR
The girls shared bedroom features plenty of special decor items, including a pair of decorative birdcages filled with paper cranes. Twenty-one origami cranes were created by me during our first adoption wait. Each individual crane represents a month that {M} lived without us by her side. They now serve as a cheerful reminder of the importance of family.
The other side of the room features a mirror, turned art piece, above the book case. A collection of art, created by the girls older brothers, hangs on the wall near a rocking chair. This chair used to be Craig’s grandfather’s and has special sentimental value for that reason.
THE STORAGE
The main storage pieces in the room include a book stand, and the girl’s dresser. The book stand was once in the Carnegie library in our town. When the library closed, they sold off most of the shelving and decor, and I was able to pick up this unique piece for a great price. Although we store most of our children books in the boy’s bedroom, we rotate some onto this stand on a regular basis.
Having the books arranged facing out makes it easy for the girls to choose their favorites for story time before bed.
The wooden dresser that sits in the corner of the bedroom was mine when I was a little girl. A gift from my grandpa, it is a special piece that will surely move with us to the new house. We keep the girls pants and shirts in the dresser, and they each have two drawers apiece.
The shelf above the dresser is both functional and decorative. While the baskets contain extra bedding and blankets, special artwork, including this fabulous art print, adds sentimental value to the room.
GIRLS SHARED BEDROOM CLOSET
Because of the way that the rental farmhouse was built, there is quite a bit of storage in the eave space. The girls ended up with the largest closet in the house. Though they definitely don’t need this much space to store their clothing, they love their closet.
Removing the drawers from this old dresser and using baskets makes it easy for the girls to find what they need. The baskets are filled with socks, undergarments, and pajamas. On top of the dresser, the girls like to keep their special jewelry boxes and play ‘make up’ station.
They definitely have plenty of dresses and shoes, most of which were received as hand me downs or gifts from friends and relatives. I think that at some point in the not too distant future I will need to sit down with the girls and determine which of these hanging items are their most favorite.
Though they will have a small walk in closet at the new house, it isn’t our intention to fill it the the max. Keeping our favorite clothing items has been very rewarding for both Craig and myself, and I am sure it would be great for our kids as well.
GIRLS SHARED BEDROOM TOUR
I hope you enjoyed the photos of our girls shared bedroom. If you’d like a more in depth view of the room, be sure to check out this video tour!
ADDITIONAL GIRLS SHARED BEDROOM IDEAS
These stunning girls shared bedrooms are very inspiring. I’m sure any little girl would love to spend the night in any one of these rooms!
Sisters Garden Bedroom by Ellison Made
Pretty in Pink Big Girl Bedroom by Stage + Style + Stra
SPENDING a lot of time indoors. The weather this month was not favorable at all. If it wasn’t snowing, the temps were well below zero. There were quite a few school days that were either late or cancelled completely.
We found things to do inside – playing with kinetic sand, reading, watching movies and making homemade pizzas. It has been fun, but I’ll admit that we are more than ready for Spring to make it’s appearance!
CELEBRATING Valentine’s Day. We had a good time making up little Valentine’s boxes for the kid’s class parties. At home, we relaxed as a family, reading books and eating heart shaped food. It was a simple and intentional Valentine’s Day, that was really very refreshing.
We also celebrated {I}’s tenth birthday at home. It is hard to believe that he is already in double digits! This boy is one of the sweetest, kindest and well mannered kids you will ever meet. We love him so much!
FINISHING up basketball season. The last games are just a few days away. Both boys have been able to grow their skills quite a bit this year, and are grateful for their teammates and coach for a wonderful season.
When the weather did cooperate for a few days this month, the boys took their practice outdoors with Craig.
WELCOMING the year of the pig! Happy Chinese New Year from our two Asian sweeties! We went to their favorite Chinese restaurant in celebration, and of course they wanted to dress up in their ‘silks’. We are blessed by them, and are happy that we get to share in their cultural holidays!
This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!
Kitchen cleaning can really be a chore. Though keeping the kitchen clean is something that is ongoing, a deep clean session is required every so often. This article provides a kitchen cleaning checklist, plus tips on how to get the job done well. Be sure to read until the end to see a video of my own personal kitchen cleaning and declutter!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
If you plan to do a major kitchen cleaning in one day, be sure to get plenty of rest and to drink enough water during the process. It can be tiring work! Gather your favorite music, or download a few of your favorite podcasts to listen to. This really will help the time be more enjoyable! Be sure to think about what your ultimate goals are for your kitchen. If you want to cook more, every decision should be driven by that. If it is a calming space you’re after, keep that in mind while you work.
DECLUTTER THE DISHES/ CUPS AND COOKING ITEMS
In order to truly see how many of any given type of item you own, Marie Kondo suggests to lay them all out in one place. When it comes to dishes and cooking items, it is really easy to collect more than we actually need or use.
Think carefully about which items you use often. Are there small appliances or serving dishes that can do double duty? Which is the one coffee cup you tend to gravitate toward? Are the others in the cabinet really serving you well just sitting there taking up space? Trust that the items you decide to part with will likely be useful for someone else.
Once you have sorted through the items and begin to put things back, don’t automatically assume that the place it was before is the best option. Really think about where the items will be most useful.
RETHINK THE ‘EVERYTHING’ DRAWER
If you are like me, you have a drawer in your kitchen that is dedicated to cutlery – knives, forks and spoons. Then you have a drawer that is for everything else. I’m embarrassed to show you what mine looked like before my deep clean declutter. It was basically a tangled mess of serving spoons, spatulas and other random items. In my mind, I justified this scenario saying that at least everything was in one spot. However, because the drawer was so full, it was still overly difficult to find items when I needed them.
I emptied out the entire drawer and eliminated all of the items that we rarely used. I decided to place the most regularly used items in a large ceramic container I had purchased on sale a few months ago. Items were positioned standing up for easy accessibility. A few odd things, such as a potato masher and apple slicer, did not fit comfortably. They were given a spot in the cutlery drawer instead.
This solution looks nice and is functional!
SORT THROUGH THE PANTRY / FOOD STORAGE PLACES
Go through all the areas where food is stored. That may be in a large walk in pantry, or in simple cabinets and drawers. While kitchen cleaning, remove any expired canned or boxed goods. Remember that you can not donate expired items. Though it will seem like a waste to dump all of this food into the trashcan, it may serve as a good reminder to only purchase items that you can use quickly.
I will admit that our Lazy Susan cabinet, which holds most of our dry and canned goods, was filled with expired product. Most of these items had been gifted to us by someone who didn’t want to throw them out herself. We thought we might eat the food, but never did. And now, it has made it’s way to the trash anyway. Lesson learned.
TAKE CARE OF THE WORK HORSES
The appliances and sink are the work horses of the kitchen. They work hard so that, in some cases, you don’t have to. You can respect their help by cleaning them regularly.
FRIDGE
A fridge is likely the most overlooked appliance in the entire kitchen. It silently does it’s job, acting much like a storage cabinet. But, the fridge has a step up on the standard cupboard in that it keeps our food fresh. If it were to break down, we really would miss it’s function!
Fridges can benefit from a regular cleaning. Remove any sauces that are basically empty, throw out any questionable food, and wash the crisper drawers and shelves.
OVEN
The oven has to be one of the most dreaded items to clean in the entire house. It is large, grimy, and downright awkward to sanitize. That may be the reason why many of us put off the task until the grossness has gotten well out of control.
There are plenty of techniques people swear by when it comes to oven cleanliness. Bren, from the blog Bren Did, has a wonderful post that compares all of the homemade and natural oven cleaning methods. And she found a clear winner! One tip I have found to be helpful is to place aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven. It will catch splatters and spills, making cleaning up a lot faster!
MICROWAVE
If your microwave is set above your oven/stove, as ours is, it is likely to see it’s fair share of grease. A simple spray of white vinegar and a hot rag rinse can do wonders. Make sure to remove the turntable and give it a thorough washing as well.
DISHWASHER
I personally have very little experience with a dishwasher, since we don’t own one and don’t plan on installing one in the new house. However, I do know that even this little cleaning machine needs a good clean of it’s own on occasion. 101 Days of Organizing has a great post on how to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and grime free.
SINK
Give your sink a good scrub with a natural scouring product, such as baking soda. Spraying a stainless steel sink with vinegar and rubbing with a damp rag can help to remove any pesky water spots. Be sure to clean the faucet handles and nozzle with natural products.
CLEAN ALL THE FLAT SURFACES
Kitchens have likely the largest amount of surface area that needs cleaning. Where you can get by in a bedroom without needing to clean the walls for many years, for example, the same is not true for a kitchen. Look at each and every surface as an opportunity to really make the room shine.
FLOORS
If your kitchen has any area rugs, now is a good time to shake them out or throw them in the washing machine. Sweep the entire floor, then mop with warm soapy water.
COUNTERS
It is important to keep counters as clear as possible. After all, they are intended to be working space! By keeping them clear and clean, your kitchen will be more efficient, and look a lot less cluttered. This is one of the seven daily habits I believe to be most important for a tidy house, and a clear mind.
WALLS AND CABINET DOORS
When deep cleaning, be sure to spray down walls and cabinets doors. Pay special attention to the cabinets that are near the oven, as they are most likely to have grease build up.
Walls should be painted in a satin or semi gloss finish, to ensure a wipe-able surface and easy clean up.
Give the back splash extra care, checking grout lines for signs of mildew and wear.
CABINET INTERIORS + TOPS
While you are sorting through your dishware, remove everything from your cabinets and drawers and give them a quick wash. Add shelf and drawer liners for an easy clean surface. They come in many fun styles and are relatively inexpensive. This post from Salvaged Inspiration has great tips on how to fit the liners perfectly.
Don’t forget to clean on top of any cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling. This soffit space can collect plenty of dust, especially if you use it for decor display!
MY KITCHEN CLEANING VIDEO
I recently went through this exact same process with the kitchen in our rental home. And though it was an exhausting long day of hard work, the reward was worth the effort!
SAVE THESE KITCHEN CLEANING TIPS
Not ready to start your major kitchen cleaning and declutter yet? Save this checklist and tips for later!
