4 Simple Ways to Clear Counters

We have all seen them, those neat and tidy kitchens without a stray spoon or spatula in sight. Here are 4 simple steps to clean counters that I swear by:

4 Simple Ways to Clear Counters

1. Completely clear your counters. Remove everything and place it on your kitchen or dining room table.

2. Wipe your counters with your favorite cleaner ( I use a solution of 1 cup vinegar to one cup water with a 5-6 drops of Dawn dish soap), or you can use a sponge with warm, soapy water.

3. Look at your appliances that you placed on the table-- is there anything that you don't use daily that can be put in a different place, or in a cabinet or pantry? Is there anything you can donate or give away? Before you move everything back, take stock of your counters for a few minutes. If you only use your toaster or blender once or twice a week and if you have limited counter space (like I do) maybe it would be better stored someplace else. A little space on the counter is a good things, there is no need to clutter it up!

4. Now, put the remaining items back on your counters and think about zones as you are returning the items. For example, it you keep your baking goods (like flour and sugar)  on the counter, put them where you store your mixer and measuring cups. Put your coffee maker by the mugs and so on.

Once you have returned all of your items to the counters, make a conscience effort to keep them clean. After every meal put things back where they belong, don't pile dishes on the counters and empty your sink and/or dishwasher (if you have one). My number one suggestion to keeping your kitchen clean and your counters clear, is to develop a kitchen cleaning routine. This will help immensely and you will feel much better in the morning when you wake up to clean counters.

 

 

5 Things I Do at Night to Set Up My Morning for Success

I am a creature of habit. I could easily eat the same thing for lunch every day (a tuna salad sandwich, Doritos, and grapes) and I would be completely satisfied.  In addition to being a creature of habit, I can get completely overwhelmed at the length of my to do list. Because of these two characteristics, I tend to rely on my routines. My routines tend to make me feel safe and they give me a sense of security. They also help me know what to do next so that I do not get overwhelmed. The routines that I follow are: my morning routine, my afternoon routine, and evening routine. I also have my Sunday routine or my GYST day routine.

However, my evening routine is the most important routine that I follow every night. Without my evening routine my mornings would be chaotic. Without my evening routine I would be lost and behind all day long.

So, here are........

5 Things I Do at Night to Set Up My Morning for Success

Clean the Kitchen. There is nothing that makes me feel behind in the morning than walking into a dirty kitchen.  Just taking a few minutes in the evening to do the dishes, clean the counters, and sweep the floor can make a world of difference in my attitude and my productivity.  I try to clean up right after supper each night and empty the drainer before I go to bed (I don't have a dishwasher).

Plan your day. This is an important one for me. I plan my day the night before so I don't forget an appointment or an activity that one of the kids has to go to. I even plan the most mundane things like laundry, brushing teeth every morning and every night.


Declutter the living spaces. I cannot go to bed with a messy house, it causes too much stress for me.  It's the one habit from my childhood that I cannot break.  I take 30 minutes to declutter the living room, the kids bedrooms, and to do a quick swipe in both bathrooms. It's alot less stressful (at least for me) to wake to a clean house then to wake up to a messy one. Am I right?


Read. I try to take the last hour or so before bed to read a chapter in the book that I am currently reading. This helps me to relax and actually helps me sleep better at night.


Go to bed early. Finally, I try to go to bed early every night. There are times that this just does not happen, but most nights I am in bed by 930pm.

What things do you do at night to have a successful morning. I would live to hear in the comments below!

 

Beating the Sunday Scaries: 7 Strategies for a Stress-Free Weekend

The Sunday Scaries refer to that overwhelming feeling of anxiety and dread that often sets in on Sunday evenings as the weekend comes to an end and the workweek looms ahead. It's a common experience for many people, but luckily, there are strategies to help combat these Sunday blues. In this blog post, we will explore seven effective strategies to beat the Sunday Scaries and make the most out of your weekends. 

1. Plan Ahead

One of the main causes of the Sunday Scaries is the fear of the unknown and the feeling of being unprepared for the upcoming week. Take some time on Sunday to plan your week ahead. Create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and schedule your time efficiently. By having a clear plan, you can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the unknown.

 

2. Practice Self-Care

Make self-care a priority on Sundays. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it's taking a long bath, reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness exercises, find what works best for you and dedicate time to it. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being can significantly reduce the Sunday Scaries.

 

3. Reflect on the Positive

Instead of focusing on the negatives, reflect on the positive aspects of your weekend and the upcoming week. Write down or mentally acknowledge the highlights of your weekend, grateful moments, and things you are looking forward to in the coming days. Shifting your mindset towards positivity can help alleviate the Sunday Scaries.

4. Get Organized

Use Sunday as a day to get organized for the week ahead. Set aside time to tidy up your living space, do laundry, and organize your belongings. A clean and organized environment can help create a sense of calm and control, which can reduce anxiety and stress.

5. Make Time for Pleasure

Ensure you include activities you enjoy in your Sunday routine. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or indulging in your favorite leisure activities, making time for pleasure can create joyful moments that counteract the Sunday Scaries. Plan something fun or rewarding to look forward to on Sundays.

6. Establish Work-Life Boundaries

Boundaries between work and personal life are vital. Avoid checking work emails or doing work-related tasks on Sundays. Instead, dedicate this day solely to personal matters, relaxation, and leisure. By setting clear boundaries, you can prevent work-related stress from encroaching on your weekends and contributing to the Sunday Scaries.

7. Cultivate a Positive Sunday Night Routine

Create a Sunday night routine that is calming and promotes relaxation. This routine could involve activities such as journaling, meditating, enjoying a comforting tea, or taking a relaxing bath. Establishing a consistent routine can signal to your brain that it's time to wind down and helps prepare you for a restful night's sleep, paving the way for a stress-free week ahead.

 

By implementing these seven strategies, you can beat the Sunday Scaries and make your weekends more enjoyable and peaceful. Remember, everyone experiences the Sunday blues to some extent, but with a proactive approach and a bit of intentional planning, you can overcome them and start your week with a positive mindset. Embrace the weekend fully, take care of yourself, and ensure you have a smooth transition into the coming week.