Ultimate Fall Cleaning Routine ~ Family Room

After the kitchen I would say our Family a Room areas are the worst as far as needing detailed attention. 

We have a small living room/office area that we haven’t really done anything with yet. A large bonus room/school room that has already taken a beating the last 2 weeks and then our main family room. 

I haven’t decided if I will split each room up or do it by task yet. Getting a room completely done is appealing but also not having to get supplies out more than once is too. 

Starting at the top so all the dust falls 

Dust ceiling/walls

Change filters

Start washing the couch covers 

Then wash the throw blankets, or get them out if I haven’t yet. 

Replace pillow inserts/covers if needed

Polish furniture 

Windows and window tracks 

Clean walls(I just use these and they work like a charm) 

Fill in nail holes 

Update pictures 

Clean baseboards 

Go through magazines, candles

Make sure CDs and movies are in order 

Vacuum and mop  

Spot clean rugs that can’t be washed 

Touch up wall and baseboard paint

When it’s all done, I usually treat myself to a couple new candles or something 🧡

Ultimate Fall Kitchen Deep Cleaning Guide

Its been a few years, and a few houses, since I've updated and shared this.  Between birthdays, Halloween and then Thanksgiving, it can get pretty busy here and doing a thorough deep clean before the madness really gets underway helps things run smoother and makes decorating easier also. You know that's one of my favorite parts!

Before you even look at the list below, remember this, it takes days or even a week! Don't get overwhelmed if you don't have a chunk of time to do it. I'd  guess most of us don't, I just add a few things to my regular cleaning each day until it's done. This is meant to reduce stress, not create it :) 

First things first.. diffuse, or light a candle, good music on (if you like slightly dark sad songs, I've got ya 90 minutes on Spotify HERE lol.  The list below is in the order I go, because some stuff needs to sit and work. But you can do what you have time for. 

Oven. Get something working on that. I use Bar Keepers Friend paste and get it on the crusty parts and let it sit while I do other stuff. 

Get ready to dump stuff. Trash expired items in your fridge, freezer, pantry, spices etc. Anything you aren't going to use can go to food pantry if it's not expired.  MAKE A LIST of the things you need to replace though so you don't end up without a key ingredient.   

After the trash is done, leave the bag out and clean the inside of the trash bins. I just use hot water and some dish soap, maybe a sponge if it's really bad, usually the hot water and soap soak takes care of everything though. While that is out, I clean under the sink. Take everything out, wipe it out and don't put crap back in that we aren't going to use. 

Do the dishes, get the dishwasher going and the sink empty.  While the dishwasher is going, polish your sink. I use bar keepers friend here also, along with a Scrub Daddy.  clean the inside of the microwave. I use water in a bowl with a drop of lemon oil, microwave for 1 minute, let sit to loosen junk up and then wipe out.  I use that warm water and my sponge to clean the small appliances like our Instant Pot, that get used and ABUSED all year, every day. 

Once the dishwasher is done, I put 1/2 C of Baking soda down the disposal, and then 1 C of vinegar, run the disposal and wrap that up with about 2 C of ice.  Take the disposal cuff off (gag, trust me, so gross) and I toss that in the dishwasher, clean the dishwasher filter, also super gag, then making sure no kids are helping with dishes, and run the dishwasher on a clean cycle to get them both done. 

1. Throw Curtains in the washer 
2. Dust/vacuum above your cabinets
3. Clean Out Cabinets and pantry, purge, wipe, organize etc. 
4. Clean Window Tracks.. this is super handy 
5. Clean Windows.  E-Cloth Polishing Cloth is my jam! I just use water with it. 
6. Wipe Out Fridge and Freezer
7. Get the Oven and Stove cleaned up before you start the cabinet fronts
8. Polish/Wipe Down Cabinet Fronts
9. Really clean your chairs, barstools and table legs
10. Clean Baseboards. I promise if you do this every couple weeks, it will be a breeze
11. Counters and Backsplash, use whatever you love. I love my Scrub Daddy for this too. 
12. Sweep/Vacuum I do both when I am being really thorough. 
13. This is not a popular opinion, I am ok with that, hands and knees scrubbing on the floor. Not the whole floor, but you know that spots the mop hasn't managed, or where it doesn't reach. I just use the eraser side of the scrub daddy and water, it doesn't take too long.  
14. Then mop, I use a microfiber mop similar to the Spin Mop 

After that I have a huge warm drink, tea, coffee, whatever. And I rest and let the floor dry, order microwave and fridge filters that need replaced and hang curtains back up.

Then when I have time and know little hands and feet won't be a problem, I touch up the paint/stain on cabinets and baseboards, caulking and wall paint. 

DONE! Then, weekly maintenance makes Spring Cleaning feel like a breeze.

I added the products to my Amazon Storefront.. They should be on the top depending on when you view this.  Direct links in post too, and feel free to shoot me a message with questions. I want to help you feel good about home. 

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

Fall 2020 * Trying to Get Back to Real Normal* Kitchen Faves

I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s no perfect time to share this. 2020 has just been 😒. Just when I thought we were making the turn to a teeny tiny bit of normalcy...forest fires, whole town fires, evacuation, postponing school, smoke for days, and then more postponing school... it’s just been rough and sad and not normal in any way. 

I am hoping that I can just will some normal bits into place by trying to get back to our normal as much as we can. Usually over the summer I have purged and made sure we have all the things we need in good condition. One area I’ve needed to replace stuff and do some shopping for, is the kitchen. We had a TINY kitchen before and sacrificed having utensils and convenient items that took up space. 

I'm also going to get started on our Fall Cleaning this week, starting in the kitchen. Now is a good time to address needs/wants, space and value before buying anything.  That will FEEL normal to me, even if nothing else does. The end of September is our normal deep cleaning. 

Now we have an abundance of room but I want to be mindful and stick to useful items. I’m sharing my top 9, most used, kitchen must haves for our busy family of 6.  There are a few things I still want to add, like an airfryer, I need to make sure we have room for it. 

1. Instant Pot 

We have 2. And use at least 1 a day. It’s so versatile, yes it takes up a good chunk of space but it is SO worth it! 

2. Butter Bell

There are so many to choose from and really do keep butter soft and fresh! 

3. Immersion Blender

It’s been my favorite for sneaking in a TON of veggies to soups, it doesn’t take up much space. 

4. E-Cloths 

Worth the money, they truly get our stainless sparkling with just water, and I don't love to have, or use a bunch of icky cleaning products. 

5. Dutch Oven 

Especially for Fall. I feel like slow cooking is just so much better in a Dutch Oven. The versatility of stove top to oven makes it worth the space for me. 

    6. Scrub Daddy Sponges

Seriously, the best! They are so weird, I don't know how they work but I love em! No scratching, safe on the counters and easily scrubs off dirty dishes. 

    7. Reusable "jar" bags

They are just cute! And I like that they don't take up a lot of room when not in use, they stand up when in use so I can line them up in the fridge or pantry easily. 

    8. Freezer Prep Pans

These stack nicely, I don't worry about them changing temperature and breaking. And, no dishes. That's a win.

    9. The CUTEST Ramekins

These are the perfect size for kid snacks, and they don't look babyish. There are all kinds of shapes but these hexagon ones are so cute!  

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

Baked Oatmeal Oatmeal Bites

Baked Oatmeal 

I really love this, it was SO tasty and easy to throw together, there’s about a hundred different ways to make it different. Dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips. 

All you do is dump it all in a bowl and mix it up. Then pour into a greased 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Alternatively you can fill about 15 cupcake liners 1/2-3/4 full and bake for the same time. I prefer the cupcake liner method.  I love these silicone liners. The colors are 😍. 

1 1/2 C Quick Oats 

3/4 C Milk (of your choice) 

1/2 C Brown Sugar 

1 Egg

1/4 C Butter Melted 

1/2 Cup Nut Butter melted ish. Enough that you can stir it in. 

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla 

1/2 tsp Salt 

1 tsp Baking Powder

That’s it! Let them cool a little bit and eat right away or completely cool and they are simple to cut, and easy to grab and go.  With the muffin version, I let cool then flash froze and tossed in a gallon bag for quick breakfast on the go. They thaw pretty quick! 

Once you make them you can see what consistency they start at and go from there with adding different stuff.

 I added chocolate chips to ours and made them muffin style the last time I made them. 

I want to use coconut and coconut milk on a batch too with some pecans maybe. 

Cranberry and dried apple is one of my favorite combos. 

Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla protein, dried peaches or strawberry, some jam (maybe reduce the sugar a bit)  so many possibilities! 

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

Breakfast Prep Rotation Schedule

Breakfast Schedules/Rotation. I love/hate them. We don’t do this is in the summer because everyone gets up and eats at different times and does their own thing. But during school, it’s something that feels like it makes our mornings run a little smoother. We had a couple years where our kids ate breakfast in class so this hasn’t been a thing at our house for a while!  I like it because I don’t have to answer questions about breakfast, there’s plenty of days where it’s not on me to make breakfast because I can prep most of it ahead of time.  It still leaves weekends for more elaborate breakfasts and special treats. I feel like it helps the budget too! 

Pancakes/Pancake Muffins~ I Make ahead = very little dishes for Monday morning 

Yogurt Bowls~ I can use these and make ahead from the big containers or buy the small containers if I find a deal. We add fruit and granola

Oatmeal~Instant Pot Oatmeal the night before and it’s done, or if I am slacking, we have instant oatmeal and I am not going to feel bad about it 

Egg Bites/Burritos ~Both made ahead and both very little clean up. Win/win 🙌🏻 

On Friday we have other options too, waffles, bagels, sausage etc

Do you do something like this too? Maybe it’s just 1 or 2 days a week where you don’t have to think about it? 

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

Instant Pot Egg Bites Starbucks Dupe

I was super intimidated by these, glad I tried try em! And because this is a real life blog, they don’t LOOK perfect every time. But they taste just right and freeze/reheat super easily. 

The recipe I used was 

9 eggs

1 tsp baking powder
Little 1/2 1/2
Salt Pepper

Add ins varied
I did spinach, bacon, cheese, mushrooms

I just whipped em in a bowl although I’ve seen some people use a blender, and some people add cottage cheese and other things. There’s no right or wrong way. Try what you like!

I used bacon fat instead of spray in our molds and it worked fine
I struggle with filling them the right amount. I’m guessing about 1/2 way makes the right size.
Then pop the lids on the molds and set on rack in IP with about 1c water in bottom and steam setting for 8 minutes! I did quick release and popped them onto a tray to freeze.

See, some are really ugly 🤭

To reheat just cover with a paper towel in the microwave for about 45 seconds, depending on your microwave. Or let them thaw a little and use the toaster oven.  

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

2020 Back to School Challenge

I can’t even believe I am typing this. But maybe I am just giving up on this Summer and am ready for our next chapter? I don’t know. It’s been rough here, as I am sure it is for many of you too. I am feeling defeated in some ways and others I am feeling a little motivated, so I am running with that tiny bit of motivation and knowing that I’m going to have to do a LOT of this unmotivated. 

School will be back in session before we know it, I mean, yes, time is going kind of slow when we feel stuck at home but it’s still going to be fast. I need as much of our normal as I can muster for these big changes. 

The changes will be different for every family, I’m not even sure what our changes are yet. I AM sure that mornings will still be chaotic so I am starting with ways to combat that. Breakfast is up first because it’s not going to kill our budget and it’s simple. A small chunk of time while we feel like there’s an excess of it, traded for hours worth of time in the mornings when it’s all a rush. 

Last week I made some french toast sticks and pancakes, like 50 of them because I already had the skillet on and the dishes dirty from making pancakes for breakfast. I did mix em up a little. I made traditional ones and also 

Strawberry protein (added a little vanilla protein and some of our fresh strawberries) 

Coconut Protein (powdered coconut oil and protein) 

Then just flash freeze them on a cookie sheet and transfer to gallon size bags.

I also made a few batches of the egg bites in the instant pot. If you haven’t tried it before, go for it! Easy and inexpensive, can mix em up with whatever you have in the fridge. They are portable and quick to reheat. I’ve added the molds to my Amazon store. 

Look how ugly these are 🥴

Some other things I’ve got on the plan to make for breakfasts in the next couple weeks are

More French toast sticks 

Breakfast sandwiches 

Breakfast burritos 

Mini Muffins 

My goal is to have 2 months worth of breakfasts for the kids before September 1st. Obviously we will need more than this because they are still eating breakfast everyday 🤣 The other aspect is sometimes I find a deal on waffles, kodiak cakes are a fave, and I will grab some of those, so I have a little reprieve, and bagels. 

If you have a bread outlet near you, go! It’s one of the ways we can really stretch the budget and stock up. Ours has bags of bagels, bread, English muffins and more for $1.10 each and often do B1G2F. So 3 loaves of bread (or whatever) for $1.10.

That’s what we use for Breakfast sandwiches and quick breakfasts. Texas Toast for French toast sticks, uncrustables at home. Lots of options if you stop their first. You never know what’s going to be there. 

I’ve got a big list of things I want to accomplish before school starts. Whatever that’s going to look like, I thrive when I have boxes to check and boxes that have been checked. Are you making goals for before school starts? Projects to finish before it starts raining again? Tell me about ‘em!

Disclaimer *this is our real life, I’m not staging pancakes for y’all. Just being real because I am not here to influence you, I just want to encourage you 😘 

There is laundry on our bed and we live here. Sometimes there’s a picture that looks good. I promise it’s just that picture. 

*May contain affiliated links* I participate in Amazon Associates Program occasionally. I won't recommend a product I wasn't myself interested in trying or have tried. I may receive monetary compensation for participating. This does not change the price for you.

Quarantine Morning Routine for Mom

Well here we are, a month plus in to this craziness and I am finding a real need to address my current routine, you can find it HERE.  Guess what? It's not working. 

 It’s just not working while we are home all day, working and schooling here, and eating ALL day, right? I feel like every mom has said their kid is eating non stop. 

Starting with a list (I love lists 😍) of the things that need to be done before 8, 10, 12. I like to break mine down in chunks of time. Some people call it time blocking, I don’t really label it, I just do it because it’s logical to me. 

So my list before 8 

For me and *kids

Walk 

Coffee & Quiet Time 

Check planner (for the very very few things still on it) 

*Get ready for day.. to go no where 

Pack Lunch for hubby (if not done night before like I should have)

*Breakfast for Kids

Clean up Kitchen 

*School Prep/Check In

Before 10 

Check Meal Plan 

Daily Chores (find my schedule HERE) 

Check Bills (I have a problem, I know) 

Before 12 

*Finish school work for day

*Play Outside  

Read

Breakfast for me 

*Chores 

That’s it

 I know when I shrink it down it doesn’t seem like much. I’m happy to share more details, just ask. I just don't know how helpful it would be to all since we all have different situations/kids/chores etc. 

We leave at noon most days to grab lunch, drop stuff at my moms, errands (very rarely) or taking Ramsey to the golf course.  So thankful that’s still allowed right now. It’s a good safe outlet for him.  Afternoons are just pretty much a whatever ya want/free for all with some exceptions. From 2-3 most days is QUIET TIME FOR EVERYONE. We all need a break or nap.  No electronics from 12-3. They aren’t sitting on them much anyway but I like that there’s a definite break, and I hope we will be extending that time. They are on so much in the mornings for school.  

Evenings have been a disaster because I haven’t kept up on our usual and I haven’t even tried to work with what we had going on to adjust to new circumstances.  Working on that this week, especially since we know this is longer term than we first thought. 

Also, long time since I've been on, so HI!! Things have changed A LOT. Maybe this quarantine will get me back on here monthly, weekly? Something more than once a year? Come find me on Instagram www.Instagram.com/FolkHollow it's been pretty quiet there too though. I will say that the last few months I've felt more like blogging/Vlogging though so hopefully I can do something with those urges. 

Hope you are all well