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13 Tips & Tricks To Simplify Life

Black sandpaper on top to light matches

Why didn’t I think of this?

Tension rod to keep lids in place.

Good use for canning lids.

Hard boiled eggs in the oven?  325 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  Who knew? (no link)
(these have had very mixed reviews, read comments below & on the pin before trying)

Dollar store silverware tray keeps toothbrushes out of a cup and organized. (no link)

Easy & non-toxic way to clean a glass cook- top stove to a shine!

Quick and easy way to peel a kiwi.

Source: mylifeandkids via New on Pinterest

Remove permanent marker from wood floors.

Prohibits roll away dice.

Dry erase boards from white corner tiles. Great food labelers for parties!

Source: twitpic.com via New on Pinterest

Great way to repurpose and close bags.

Keys & Change


{wanna follow me there? Click here.}

6
HEALTH/ HOME/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Under The Kitchen Sink Organization

Do you have areas in your home that no matter what you do they seem to just collect clutter?  Well, that is how it has been under my kitchen sink for way too long, and I decided to do something about it!  
I keep cleaning products, paper towels, & garbage bags under my kitchen sink.

Here is a before picture, just to show you what a cluttered mess it was.  I turned it black and white so it is a bit easier on the eyes! You are welcome.
I took a trip to our local dollar store to buy some containers.  I have been on a recent kick of making my own homemade, chemical-free cleaners, so I picked up some spray bottles & scrub brushes.  I got all of this for around $15.00!

Those green dish clothes are great.  They come 2 in a pack for a dollar, and are super absorbent.  They save us lots of money as I use way fewer paper towels when I have these on hand.  I use them wet for washing dishes and because they are so absorbent, I also use them dry to dry dishes.

I mounted an inexpensive tension rod to hang my soon-to-be homemade cleaners.  I saw this idea on Pinterest and had to try it for myself.  It works wonderfully!

I used the containers to hold the dish clothes, scrubbers & to corral my different cleaning products.

I am super excited to have this area organized.  I am much more motivated now to pursue my desire to get rid of as many chemicals as I can and make cleaners that are healthy and effective.  In fact, I was so motivated that made a glass cleaner that works wonderfully! 
Homemade Glass Cleaner
1 cup distilled white vinegar
2 cups water
1/2 tsp dish soap
10-15 drops essential oils
Put all in a spray bottle and shake.
——————–
I have been using just vinegar and water for my glass cleaner, but I missed having a cleaner that smelled good.  This recipe caught my eye because it uses essential oil to add scent.  I chose grapefruit essential oil and it smells so good!

 I plan to make an all-purpose cleaner, homemade dusting spray, disinfectant spray, and weed killer all in the next week or two. 

18
HOME/ Homemaking/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Simplifying My Morning Routine


I have posted my morning routine before, but as life changes, so do routines, and I thought it was time for an update.  I have felt it change, morphing on its own into a more simple routine as I have learned to be more efficient with my time in the mornings.


Here is my new Morning Routine list:

{In My Room-7:15}
~Give Day To God
~Make Bed

~Read 1 Chapter of the Proverbs
~Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup/Teeth

{In Kitchen}
~Make Girls Lunches
~Empty/Fill Dishwasher
~Make Coffee
~Make Lemon Water
~What’s For Dinner?
~Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins 

{Oldest Daughter Leaves, 7:45, I’m usually still in the Kitchen}

{Whole House}
~Reboot Laundry
~House Pick Up
~Wipe Glass Tables
~Wipe Bathrooms

{Kiss 2 Younger Girls Goodbye As They Leave For School-8:45}

{In Office}
~Breakfast/Vitamins/Coffee (yes, I eat at my desk)
~Go Through Email
~Check Calendar


{Whole House}
~Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal
~5 Minute Hot Spot
_______________________


Here are some additional thoughts on each item on my list:

Make Bed
I do this right when I get out of it!  

{my prayer bench is now at the end of my bed, which leaves no room for the workout mat–oh darn.}


Give Day To God
This is a quick acknowledgement at my prayer bench, a prayer that God would use me how He sees fit, and that I would be mindful of Him throughout the day.

{prayer bench.  Curious?  Read more here.}

One Chapter Of Proverbs
This is also done at my prayer bench. My Grandpa did this everyday.  There are 31 Chapters in Proverbs, so whatever day of the month it was, that was the chapter he would read.  I now do the same.  Proverbs is such a great instructional guide to living.  I love the small reminders, and pray that it will help me grown in wisdom.

Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup
Sometimes I even shower…lol. {Actually, most days I shower at the gym}

Make Girls Lunches 
My girls are very independent and responsible thanks to their age (12, 11 & 9),  and their own charts and morning routine, so the only thing I have to do for them in the mornings is make their lunches and occasionally help them with their hair.

Empty/Fill Dishwasher
Gotta start the day with a clean kitchen.  This is the only way I can motivate myself to cook.  No cooking means no eating healthy, so kitchen must start out clean at the beginning of the day!

{I’ve been making Iced Lattes lately. Love this one- 3 ingredient Mocha Almond Iced Latte}

Make Coffee
My favorite.  I get giddy about this.  Mmmm..the smell!

Make Lemon Water
While coffee is brewing, I make a quick glass of lemon water.  I won’t let myself drink coffee until I have had a full 8 ounce glass of lemon water.  A great way to start the morning.


Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins
There is something about us all in the kitchen together in the morning that is positive.  I like knowing what each girl chose to eat for breakfast, making sure they got at least one fruit.  I also have them tell me when they are taking their vitamins so I know they get them into their little bodies each day!

What’s For Dinner?
It is good for me to think about this at the beginning of my day.  Especially when thawing meat is involved or if I want to use the crock pot.  It eliminates last-minute-before-dinner trips to the store because I check to make sure I have all I need at the beginning of the day. 


Reboot Laundry
A load a day keeps the smellies away!  I am working hard on this one.  It really is doable if I just make myself think about it, which is why it is on the list.  I make sure I set the timer in the kitchen when I come back upstairs to remind me to go switch loads.

This one is super easy and a habit.  I just go into each room and make sure there is nothing in there that does not belong, a quick pick up.  Of course, I ignore the growing “Hot Spots” those will be taken care of later.  It is only easy because part of my girls morning and evening charts is “pick up personals,” which means they go into each room of the house and get anything they have left out and put it away, leaving very little left for me to pick up.

 Wipe Glass Tables 
I have a kitchen table and dining room table that both are glass.  They need wiped numerous times a day, especially after my girls have had breakfast at them. 

Wipe Bathrooms

I use Flylady’s “Swish & Swipe” system.  Basically, you keep toilet bowl cleaner in the container of the toilet brush, so everyday you just grab it and do a quick swish (not a good idea if you have small kids, unless your cleaner is non-toxic).  I also take a paper towel and vinegar spray to quick swipe the mirror and sink area.  “Swish & Swipe” keeps the bathroom company ready with just seconds a day. (I do deeper bathroom cleaning once a week, this just keeps it shining throughout the week).  

{my go to breakfast–Overnight Chia Oat Pudding}

Breakfast/Vitamins
Pretty self explanatory.  I need a good breakfast and to remember to take my vitamins.  I love this time of day, sitting down at my desk with coffee and breakfast, checking in on my social media and chatting with some of YOU!

Go Through Email
If I don’t do this daily, my inbox becomes a mess.  Still learning this one… MY INBOX IS CRAZY right now.


Check Calendar
I do this as part of my evening routine, but a quick peek in the morning is always good, too.  I use iCal on my Mac. 


{Clean Mama Has a Free To Do List Printable, which is very fitting for this post!}



Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal

After sitting at the computer for awhile, and before doing any time consuming photo editing or post writing, I get back up and get my body moving again.  I have been using Clean Mama’s Cleaning Routine and I have loved it.  If you like her on Facebook, her fun symbols will come through on your news feed each day, which is a great visual reminder of what to do each day!  Check out her Etsy shop for more amazing free printables, and for a discount, look to the left in my sidebar and you will see her offer of 20% off for New Nostalgia customers.  Love me some Clean Mama!

 5 Minute Hot Spot
Also part of the Flylady System, a “hot spot” is any spot in your home that erupts into clutter easily.  For me, it is our study closet, our desk, our stairs, my trunk, certain drawers, an area that collects clothes in my bedroom…I could go on and on.  Spending 5 minutes a day in a hotspot keeps these areas under control.  I am amazed at how well this one works.  Again, the key is stopping after 5 minutes and knowing you will have 5 more tomorrow..  


________________

There are a lot of things on the list that we all do everyday. Seeing them listed makes it seem like a lot, but really, it is not.  Many of them only take a minute or 2.  This is what works for me, it is not for everyone, and it would look different if I had to leave for work every day. It really, really makes a difference in my day when I do these things regularly and purposefully. This list keeps me on track and helps things run smoothly around here!



7
Decorating/ FUN/DIY/ HOME/ Kids/Family/ Organizing/ Simplifying

My Thoughts During Spring Break

Having my kids home for spring break has got me wondering…

…about this blog of mine. A hobby– turned passion– turned surprise income maker– now takes time.  I now have advertisers, sponsors and write occasional posts on products and get paid for it.  I find myself photographer, editor, writer, social media specialist, administrator, and receptionist all at the same time, and I LOVE IT! It has been a huge blessing, a surprise answer to prayer. We asked God about supplementing our income and what would be the best way to do that, and it seems like this blog is the answer. It brings me to tears when I think of the incredible gift I have been given, to spend time doing my passion hobby, and actually help the family income at the same time.  I have God and YOU ALL to thank for that.

But, as spring break is here, and kids are home, I find myself wondering how in the world am I going to do it all come summer break?  I have felt the pull the last 2 days, the pull between being a mom and being a blog writer.  My little ones win in this tug o’ war game.  I gladly give in.  For you see, I now know that the moments are so precious, and are not forever.  They pull, and I respond pulling them to me into arms that don’t ever want to let go.  Oh if I could freeze these precious moments!

Arms right now are empty, as I sit here in a few surprise quiet moments, as all 3 of my girls are at a friends house down the street.  Thank goodness for great neighbors, another answer to a prayer that we prayed.

Back to summer, I’m not sure how I will balance the two. I know so many of you do it, working mothers, and then those who are my heroes, single mothers.  But, I do know that my family must always come first, and I must notice and cling to those moments that so easily slip past when I am too focused on work.  I know my work is best when I am being the best mom and wife I can be.

I will probably sneak away to a coffee shop a couple evenings a week and take my laptop to the pool.

Another solution I have is bringing you into our days, sharing with you what we do, and keeping my posts simple. So today, you get to see what my youngest and I have been up to, and I will show you a glimpse of a fun little project we did yesterday with some of our neighbor kids.

I received a phone call from Grandma last night, “Can I take you all out for breakfast in the morning?  Can I drop little ones birthday gift off at the house, too?”  So our morning started out with the blessing beautiful weather, an awesome breakfast and time with Grandma.  Grandma Sharon knew that my little one could really use her own comfy chair in her room, and after looking all over the city, she found the MOST special and comfy one.  Such a great gift!  

 My little ones room has been a mess, and I was hoping this would be the motivation she might need to get her room in order.  I was right.  As we were out to breakfast, little one asks, “Mom, do you think we could work on my room today, maybe rearrange it and find a special place for my new chair?”  Yay!  Because I didn’t over schedule our Spring Break, I was able to say “yes” and now her room looks great!  She expressed such gratitude to me for helping her with her room, which melted me.

 {Here is what was eliminated from her room, most of which was under the bed! Eyyy..}

As always, when I get into one project, it seems like the rest of the house falls apart, so I will take some time this afternoon rescuing my house!  The weather is so amazing, I’m thinking it may be a great evening to pack a picnic and have Todd meet us at the park for dinner.  It is 81 degrees and sunny, with just a slight breeze.  Perfect!

Off I go to get to my rescuing, but before I do, here a quick peek at a super fun project we did yesterday.  I will have a “how-to” post coming soon!

It was one of our most fun projects, the girls loved it, and I love that it is healthy for them–no chemicals!

8
HOME/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Five Things To Let Go Of In 2012


Guest Post by Robyn @ She Makes Hats
It’s the time for making resolutions, goals lists, and decide what we want to bring into our lives in the coming year. Every year I make a plethora of these lists, end up feeling overwhelmed, and end up checking off approximately 1/5 of what I thought I would. So this year I’m doing things a bit different – I’m writing a list of five things I want to let go of in 2012. Many of them are universal, so I thought I’d share!

01 / Physically Owning Books. I’ve got a Kindle, and read most of my books on it already, so I’m taking the plunge. My “desert island” shelf will be re-read one last time, and as I read each book I’m going to decide if I still want to keep it around. If I do, I’ll buy it for my Kindle and donate the physical copy. My goal is to have zero books of my own by the end of the year.

02 / Unused Supplies. Whether they’re craft, cleaning, or any other sort of supply, there’s no need for me to have a stockpile. Under our sink are cleaning products we haven’t used in over 2 years – gone. In our office are craft supplies for things I’ll never actually make, projects long forgotten, and crafty habits I no longer wish to have. Rather than try to use it all up, I’m going to let go of those things which will never actually be used, and enjoy the space!

03 / Coke Zero. Did you hear that? It was the sound of my heart dying just a bit – I love me some Coke Zero! The health benefits of cutting soda out of my life are too great however, and so I’m going to figure out a way to say goodbye. Maybe reward myself for kicking the habit with a long-wanted iPad?

04 / Most of my DVDs. I’m not going to touch the husband’s or the boy’s treasured disks, just weed through and let go of the ones that are clearly mine. 13 Going On 30? Gone. Along Came Polly? I haven’t watched it in three years. We have Netflix Instant, so there’s no need to hang onto so many disks. The goal here? From our three cases down to just one.

05 / All those clothes I’ll never actually wear. We all have them in our closet – we hang onto them season after season thinking “someday” or “in five more pounds”, but we never put them back on. I’m thinking of participating inhttp://www.theproject333.com/Project 333 again, and it would be the perfect way to weed my closet out for good!

Is there more to add to this list? Most certainly. But by letting go of just these five things, I’ll lighten my footprint, my conscience, and my spirit! What all can you let go of in 2012?
______________________________

Thank you for your post, Robyn.  I loved having your words and inspiration here at New Nostalgia.

Robyn is a beautiful soul.  Here is just one of many reasons why, taken from Robyn’s blog, “She Makes Hats”:

“A few years ago, I decided to try to live a  more remarkable life and set a goal to knit One Hundred Hats for charity in a years’ time. I met that goal, and continued knitting for charity like mad. But I missed the challenge … and I missed the hats!

So I’m beginning again, on January 1, 2012. This time I’m setting the goal a bit higher, and making the reach a bit broader: I aim to knit and give away 10,000 hats in my lifetime for friends, family, and charity.I have blogged about many other things, and in many other spaces. And for many different reasons. This time it’s for me – a way to honor my goal, a way to track my progress, and a way to document a life lived with hats always on the needles.”


How amazing is that?  Robyn has a new blog, if you love her idea of knitting for charity, won’t you go on over and join her site?  You won’t regret knowing her.


9
HOME/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Organization Ideas

**A repost…tis the season for organization!

Would Love This In My Sun Room!

Source: marthastewart.com via Amy on Pinterest




Everyone Should Have A Donation Station!




A Pretty Pegboard Could Be Used For So Many Things!

Source: bhg.com via Amy on Pinterest




A Simple Magazine Rack




Yes, Please.




Organizing Bins From Spray Painted Bread Pans

Source: nataliejost.com via Amy on Pinterest



I Need This For My Little Laundry Room

Source: ana-white.com via Amy on Pinterest




Cable Storage With Toilet Paper Rolls-Smart!




Organize Measuring Cups



Art Supply Organization

Source: icanteachmychild.com via Amy on Pinterest



Use A Small Tension Rod For Spice Organization

Source: familyhandyman.com via Amy on Pinterest



Store Hair Ties On A Carabiner

Source: lifehacker.com via Amy on Pinterest



Use A Soap Box To Store Card Games




Must Find Pants Hanger!!



Easy Ribbon Organization



Tension Rod To Hand Spray Bottles

Source: smg.photobucket.com via Amy on Pinterest



Old Dresser Painted With No Drawer Fronts-Pretty!

Source: bhg.com via Amy on Pinterest
____________________________________

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2
HOME/ Homemaking/ Organizing/ Simplifying

26 Tips and Tricks To Simplify Life

I have been collecting all kinds of clever tips to make life just a little bit more simple.  Here are some of my favs!

1. Cord organization tips.  I am SO doing this. {link}


2. Marshmallows in brown sugar to keep it soft. {link}


3. Reuse salt pour spout with mason jars. {link}


4. Hash browns in the waffle maker.  Makes them nice a crispy! {link}


5. The secret to an easy to peel, boiled egg.  {link}


6. Use an old glue tip to draw or write with acrylic paint.  {link}


7. DIY picture hanger.  Smart!  I had a friend try this and she said it worked great!  {link}


8. Clean that screen!  {link}


9. Slip proof your rug with acrylic caulk.  Apply a line every six inches, and let dry.  Brilliant!  {link}

 

10. No brown apples for lunch.  I used this tip and it worked great.  My youngest came home from school and said, “Mom, why was there a rubber band around my apple?” {link}


11. Use a rubber band to remove a stripped screw. {link}


12. Did you know a Parmesan cheese lid fits a regular lid canning jar? {link}


13. Hanger chip clip. {link}


14. Magnetic strip inside a medicine cabinet to hold metal hairpins. Genius. {link}


15. For neighborhood kids during homework and chore time. {link}


16. Dry up grease stains with chalk.  Rub on stain as a laundry pre-treat. {link}


17. Take your favorite liquid fabric softener and soak an old hand towel or flour cloth completely with it. Wring it out and let it dry completely, then throw it in with your next load. This mega-fabric softener sheet should be good for at least 40 loads of laundry WHAT A GREAT IDEA!! {link}


18. Great idea for corraling meals for road trips. {link}

19. Spray vinegar on windshield before a winter storm & car windows will not frost over.  Click on link for more winter car tips. {link}


20. Soak old paintbrushes in vinegar for 30 minutes.  Good as new! {link}


21. Makes an old sweater look new. {link}


22. Grow green onions on your window sill. {link}


23. More cord tips! {link}


24. Since I  now cringe to take the time to make anything with sugar in it, I may keep it simple this  Christmas morning and make these!  Cinnamon roll waffles!  Throw on a pot of coffee, serve with fruit and voila’ –a simple, easy Christmas breakfast.  Imagine how your house is going to smell!! {link}

……………..
 
Simple Lemon water.  Simple fruit infused water. Check out this ZingAnything Aqua Zinger. Infuse drinks with fruit and herbs, keep lemons in your water bottle. Get yours here . Read about how I use mine daily here.
 
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