Designing and organizing your space is a process. It takes time, effort, and desire. Most of us have the "want" part, so finding hours and energy may be what’s keeping you from moving forward.
I’m naturally pulled toward organizing my space and keeping it that way. But like you, I’ve got many other things (and beings) pulling at my time and energy, too.
I do not and cannot do it all alone. Period.
Over time and many trials and errors, I’ve discovered routines that work for my family. They help keep us in (mostly) working order while leaving room in the margins, or "off-hours", to pursue the home we want to build together.
weekday capsule meal plan
Sounds complicated, but it’s downright simple. Here’s what our capsule meal plan looks like:
Mishmash Monday (essentially, leftovers)
Taco Tuesday
Pasta Wednesday
Slow Cooker Thursday
Naan Pizza Friday
Having these go-to meal categories makes prep and cook time very quick. More often than not, I don’t bother with a recipe but work with what’s available in our fridge, freezer, and pantry. My husband takes care of more thoughtful weekend meals and Sunday’s supper usually includes a protein I can repurpose into a couple of the above categories. I’ll also vary the theme (like soft tacos vs. hard tacos. vs nachos on Tuesday) to keep it interesting. We are looking forward to expanding our recipe repertoire in the future, but for now, this really works and it’s one big thing I spend next to no time thinking or cooking each week. Amen.
morning kid routines
A pictograph card illustrating my daughter's morning routine.
My girls do so much better when their day has structure, so setting them up with a daily morning practice was a game changer for us. They’ve been practicing their morning routines for about a year and a half, and it’s been worth the consistent effort and, let’s be real, some parental nudging. Here’s what they do:
Make bed.
Potty and wash hands.
Brush teeth and hair.
Get dressed and hang up pajamas.
Breakfast (also using a capsule plan here!)
Reading time (before leaving for school).
At four and seven years old, they’re pretty capable, but repetition is key. There’s no weekend pass because that’s a Monday mountain of starting over we don’t want to climb. My big hope is that they’ll someday understand the value of doing each of these essential AM tasks and do each habitually so it doesn’t even have to be an extra decision they have to make when their lives truly get busy. For now, it’s getting the necessary done so we can all feel good about starting our day.
what seemingly tiny habit or hack is working for you at home?
I rely on an OXO timer for getting us out the door every morning. It saves me from responding to, “how many more minutes” (again), and of course, keeps our cooking and baking edible. Tell me what’s helping you out in the Comments, and remember to take a breath and use that extra time in the margins for you.
Always,
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