I think there are no truer words when it comes to parenting.
I felt this love and continue to feel this deep-rooted love from my parents.
As a parent myself now, I hope my sweet children can sense this love from my husband and me.
Such a beautiful quote, and a wonderful reminder to shower our children with love.
Xoxo,
Christy Lee
Does anyone want the secret code to keeping a clean and tidy house?
I went on a quest to find the answer to keeping a clean and tidy home.
I reached out to five of the cleanest people I know and they handed me all the answers.
What was interesting?
In the end, most of their tips were similar if not identical.
Proving, that if you follow these tips…you can keep that clean house.
In a way, these cleaning tips are a “lifestyle” change. It’s basically guaranteed if you follow these tips, your house will be spotless.
Here are the the top 10 cleaning tips from the cleanest people out there:
Clutter and mess can be narrowed down to this–every, single item in the home has a “home.”
Even more, put those items in their designated spots. And if there are NO designated spots for items–make one.
For example, mail can pile up and add clutter. Make a designated spot and system for mail. Recycle the junk mail, have a place for bills, magazines etc. If items are properly put in their place, then naturally–the clutter is very minimal.
A huge organization tip that was mentioned time and time again, was that all items that seem to be adding clutter need to be put in their proper places.
2. Clean up after EACH meal:
Yes you heard right. After every meal clean up right away. This means plates are washed or put in the dishwasher, the counter is wiped down, the floors are swept. The entire eating area is clean and ready for the next meal to come.
The logic behind this, is that you will have MUCH less to clean at the end of the day if you clean up after each meal.
3. Make your bed as soon as you wake up:
Basically, everyone that contributed to this post mentioned the importance of making the bed everyday.
Waking up and getting the bed made provides a fresh start and makes the room look clean and tidy.
4. Prepare for the next day:
Meaning, get your kitchen and living space clean and tidy before bed so that when you wake up you have a clean and organized space.
If you can quickly clean the main living spaces before bed, your next day will be easier and you won’t be playing catch up with cleaning items.
You wake up in the morning with a clean slate, it sets a “clean tone” for the day.
Items suggested: Don’t leave dishes in the sink, run the dishwasher every night, wipe down kitchen counters, return items to their proper areas so there isn’t clutter throughout the house.
5. Make time to clean something everyday:
It was mentioned that the following cleaning tasks were completed on a weekly basis:
-Vacuuming
-Cleaning hardwood or tile floors
-Dusting
-Laundry
-Clean bathrooms
It was not mentioned that there were certain days to complete each task, but each and everyday, some type of cleaning task was completed to make the home feel more clean and organized.
6. Get the entire household involved in cleaning:
Whether you have a lot of kids or if it’s just you and your husband/roommate at home, get everyone involved in cleaning up.
I was always taught the phrase “many hands make light work,” and this holds true with cleaning the house.
And often times, kids enjoy cleaning more than most people think they do!
7. Don’t start another task or activity before cleaning up the most recent task or activity:
This holds true for kids and adults. Basically, if you folded laundry, DO NOT move onto doing the dishes or running errands etc. UNTIL all the laundry is put away.
Finish cleaning tasks and you won’t constantly be playing “catch up” on cleaning the house all day.
8. Add refreshing and rejuvenating fragrances to the home:
Many of the clean people I talked to mention that they love to have a candle warmer or a diffuser with clean and refreshing scents to add to the essence of the room.
Just that little extra detail can go along way to making the house not just feel clean, but smell clean.
9. Toss and De-clutter Items that Aren’t Being Used:
Simple and to the point, if there are items in your home that are rarely or never being used …get rid of those items!
Items that add clutter and disarray are unnecessary.
Try to de-clutter and discard items once a month so that your house stays clean and organized.
10. Don’t keep small appliances on counter tops:
Do you notice that when you go to someone’s house and their kitchen is clean and “spotless” that more often than not, there are NO small appliances stored on counter tops.
Instead, they store their small appliances such as a toaster in cupboards and shelves and pull them out as needed.
Less clutter on the counter, makes such a clean and tidy area.
I hope these ten items can be helpful and useful to you as you strive for a clean home.
What tips would you add to the list?
I would love to hear in the comments below.
xoxo,
Christy Lee
This Delicious Gluten-Free Fried Rice is sure to quickly become a family favorite!
The best part? It is VERY easy to make.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, let me know if you end up making this delicious dish in the comments below!
Ingredients:
–2 Tablespoons olive oil
-1 cup chopped carrots
-1/3 cup sweet onion
-1/2 cup frozen corn
-1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
-1-2 stems green onion
-3/4 cup spam (or chicken, tofu, any meat of your choice)
-2 eggs
-1 cup cooked rice
-1 tablespoon sesame oil
-3 Tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
-1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Directions:
Hopefully this can be a fun, new recipe to add to your dinner menu.
Let’s making eating gluten-free tasty and enjoyable!
xoxo,
Christy Lee
What a wonderful celebration … to celebrate our Veterans.
And we can’t forget, it’s also a day to celebrate the fallen soldiers and their families.
When I had my first child, my son, my entire perspective changed when it comes to veterans.
For years I had taught history, and I felt that I had the deep rooted respect for all veterans that had served our country.
I was wrong.
When I held my little boy close to me I remember the thought coming to mind, “I would be forever broken if something ever happened to this precious child.”
And then it struck me.
These veterans all had mothers.
And how tragic was it that some of those sweet mothers, never had their “baby’s” return into their arms.
Yet, somehow, they had to keep in living.
Perhaps knowing that you and I benefit from the freedom their child fought for… helped these broken mothers endure.
We are so deeply blessed to love in this beautiful country .. the U.S. A.
And I hope we remember everyday, not just Veterans Day,the sacrifices made for each one of us.
Thank you to all that have served our country and that continue to serve our country.
Thank you to our veterans families as they sacrifice so much as well!
Happy Veterans Day!
Xoxo,
Christy Lee
This is a series of post that I will continue to add to because, well, it’s a HUGE part of who I am and there are so many thoughts that can go into this topic.
Motherhood unfiltered.
We live in a society of filters.
We live where something that looks amazing and beautiful … isn’t valid because it’s been manipulated in a way —in which it looses its raw identity.
Motherhood has been filtered and I want to talk about the unfiltered.
Motherhood is hard and beautiful all rolled into one.
There are moments of beauty and peace, and moments of anxiety and turmoil.
Motherhood is not easy, it is hands down the HARDEST thing I myself have ever done, and yet it is the best thing I’ve ever done as well.
Within a thirty minute time period, my emotions travel from happy, to sad, to excited, and mad, to laughing, to crying and on and on.
The mental exhaustion is the test of motherhood. And yet, with that comes some of the most precious moments that will ever occur in life.
Those precious moments of “I love you,” or “mommy you’re my favorite,” watching your children light up when you come home from a night out..those are the precious moments that are truly priceless.
So yes motherhood is amazing and hard —and don’t be fooled by the pictures on social media that everyone has it “figured out” better than you.
Just remember motherhood is an incredible journey …it will always have ups and downs but in end .. it will be worth the wonderful ride.
xoxo,
Christy Lee
1. Mint Arrow Messages:
this podcast is uplifting and catches my interest with the variety topics they cover. They talk about marriage, parenting, addiction, grief and the list goes on and on.
They always invite great guest speakers too which is always fun!
2. Better Than Happy by Jody Moore:
Jody Moore has a fun and motivating podcast. She talks about improving yourself in a variety of ways. She adds some great guest speakers, and keeps conversation interesting and engaging.
3. Stuff You Missed in History Class:
If you haven’t listened to this podcast, you’ll enjoy it! This podcast goes into detail about fun, and intriguing items that took place in history, that aren’t always discussed or well-known.
If you enjoy history at all, you’ll love this podcast!
4. The Key Nutrition Podcast:
Brad Jensen is the man behind the key nutrition podcast and he does an excellent job talking about health and nutrition.
This podcast has some great guest speakers and the topics are intriguing and motivating. If you want to learn more about health and nutrition this podcast is excellent.
These are the current podcasts that I’m listening to.. I would love to hear what podcasts you’re listening to in the comments below.
Until next time,
xoxo,
Christy Lee
