My monthly planning tools, a cozy-clean home + a great tailgate recipe!

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

THIS WEEK, ON THE BLOG:

Our boys counted down the years and months until they could FINALLY play football for our high school's youth program. I hoped they would change their minds. Dave and I encouraged other sports. We tried to talk them out of football. But their determination and excitement eventually won us over.

This summer, Nora found a "Football Mom" shirt at the thrift store and I wore it to all their games. Truthfully, I still don't understand football and I still regularly joke that they should switch to tennis doubles, but I do enjoy watching with the other moms and I love that the boys have so much fun.

I also love that football is finished for the year! 🏈

I've always said that short seasons of busyness are OK, as long as the end is in sight... and I'm glad this busy season has ended. I will happily take my nights and weekends back!

Whether you're ending a busy season, gearing up for a busy holiday season, or smack in the middle of your busyness, I hope this week's content offers at least one resource to lighten your load, simplify your home, or bless your family. 💕

simple food.

These easy and delicious bacon-wrapped sausage bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, a backyard BBQ, a football tailgate, or a holiday party.

They can be made in advance... and everyone will love them! (You should probably make a double batch).

get the recipe -->

organized home.

"Cozy Clean" is my way of describing a home that feels peaceful, clean, and inviting, yet still lived-in.

If that's the feeling you want for YOUR home this fall and winter, I've got 10 tips to help you create your own cozy clean home, starting today!

learn more -->

intentional living.

As we near the end of another year and I get more questions about planners and calendars, I thought I'd share how (and why) I switched from weekly planning to monthly planning back in 2022.

It has been a great switch for me, for our family, and for our home... it might just work for you too!

keep reading -->

In other news...

A new book: I'm currently listening to The Secret History of Home Economics and loving it. I've been taking Buster on extra-long walks so I can listen to one more chapter!

A new recipe: I recently made this milk chocolate buttercream for vanilla cupcakes -- it was delicious.

A new "splurge": We were gifted a car wash membership last Christmas that went through the spring. We washed our own vehicles over the summer... but I decided it was worth the $20/month "splurge" to pay for a membership. I love a clean car, and I love not washing it myself when it's cold outside!

A new season: I officially swapped our mudroom from summer to winter this past weekend. Out with the swimsuits, sunscreen, and goggles, in with the coats, hats, and boots.

A new toy: This summer, we gifted James a Hoverboard Razor + seat for his birthday... and Clara decided she wanted the same gift for her recent birthday (yes, we now have 2 of them).

If you're looking for a great gift idea, consider a Hoverboard (with a seat) all our kids love it.

NOTE: we found both our Hoverboards in like-new condition for $40 on Marketplace.

Our Meal Plan

This is our clean-out-the-fridge meal plan as our 12-year-old fridge bit the dust over the weekend and we're shopping for a new one. 😬

Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, broccoli, cauliflower, fruit
Cheeseburger Soup, rolls, crackers, fruit
Pancakes, eggs, bacon, smoothies
Sub sandwiches, chips, raw veggies, fruit
Tacos, chips, salsa, guac, raw veggies
Grilled brats, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, salad, fruit
Charcuterie board for movie night

p.s. We have SOOOOO much road construction on our street and in our surrounding neighborhoods, we almost can't get out anymore. Our neighbor put these construction barrels in their yard -- clever Halloween decor, and possibly a nod to how we're all feeling about the lengthy construction mess!