As I was getting ready for a new week, I started thinking about what I like to do once a week to prepare for the next. I have mentioned multiple times that I prefer to zone clean our home when I deep clean. You can read more on that here or watch here. I typically will deep clean the last week of each month to start a new month feeling refreshed. I will maintenance clean the remainder three weeks, typically on Sundays since I have my husband home.

I thought I would share my weekly cleaning and chores in case you are wanting to implement your own cleaning routine or schedule!

1.Floors

I like to run the vacuum through the entire house as well as mop. We have tile and wood throughout our home as well as small children so it can easily feel dirty.

2.Wipe Down

I like to do a general wipe down of all the counter tops and toilets. I typically wipe down the kitchen nightly, however it is nice to also get to the bathrooms on a weekly basis.

3.Emtpy Trash

Our trash comes on Monday so Sunday is a perfect time to collect all of the trash and empty it. I will get everything I can in our big trash can for the morning.

4.Laundry

Although I feel like I am constantly doing laundry I will make sure to wash my husband’s work clothes and towels every Sunday in addition to any regular clothes that need to be washed.

5.Groceries

I used to shop on Sundays, however now I aim for Friday or Saturday because it isn’t as hectic. We are big meal planners and eat almost everything at home so it is something I have to do each week.

Meal Planning Tips & Planning/Prepping Family Meals

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

As we are finishing a week and preparing for another, I am naturally planning out our meals and making a grocery list. I personally plan dinners for each night and have our “go to” options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks that have become household staples. I thought I would share my process and some things that make it easier for me when planning. I would love to know anything that works for you or your family!

1.Assess Current Items

Before I plan, I always take a quick assessment of foods we already have in the pantry, fridge and freezer. We do not like being wasteful with food so if there is anything that I can use up, I plan around that first. For example, my husband cut and froze his own steaks a few months ago so we are planning on using a batch of those this week.

2.Assess Schedule

When I plan I always see what we have going on that week. If I know I am going to be by myself until late evening, I choose something easy for me and the boys. If it is a busy week in general I choose something that can be eaten multiple days. I also am flexible with the actual days I make a meal in case something comes up.

3.Double Dip

I try and be as strategic as I can when using ingredients across multiple meals for the week so once again we aren’t wasting anything. It also helps our grocery bill which is always an added bonus.

4.File Favorite Meals

I created a family cook book of our favorite meals or standard go tos. As we have tried new recipes and discovered more favorites, I have kept a list on my phone to reference back to. Having a place to keep your favorite meals to reference is beyond helpful. It does not have to be anything fancy, but will help with planning out each week.

5.Try Something New

We have made it a goal this year to try a new recipe each week. I feel like it keeps us out of food ruts and allows us to discover potential favorites. I also think it is good for our boys to constantly be trying different meals.

You can check out the recipe menu for more food related posts. As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

Our littlest love is ten months this week, and it doesn’t even seem possible. I can’t believe I am starting to think of his first birthday! He is becoming more independent by the day and changing so much. He is still exclusively breastfeeding along with solids so my main focus and priority throughout this time as been to keep my body nourished with plenty of food and water. I am so thankful to be able to breastfeed because it encourages me to focus on what matters regarding health and wellness. I thought I would share what I have been focusing on postpartum and my top priorities during this time. I would love to know yours!

1.Water

I have shared multiple times that we are huge water drinkers. I personally drink around 120 ounces a day and feel a huge difference if I am not hydrated!

2.Nourishment

I have been in seasons of counting calories, following plans, or restricting certain foods and it was not fun. I learned whenever I place any type of box around food my mental health takes a toll. I am now at a place where I eat to feel good and fuel my body with nourishment.

3.Sleep

We sleep trained our son around 4.5 months and really honor our night time routine. Both of our boys go down around 7pm and my husband and I turn our lights off at 10pm. I have made an effort to turn off any screen by 9pm, which has made such a difference. I usually will take my shower and read the last hour and really enjoy that time.

4.Quiet Time

I love starting my mornings in a good mental space and really value having uninterrupted time. Our son wakes up between 5-6am to nurse and goes back down after (I count it as a morning nap). I stay up once I put him down to have coffee and do my devotional/journal. Having that time is so needed!

5.Movement

I have really been striving to move my body in whatever way feels good and not put any pressure on what working out “should” look like. Some days I focus on flexibility and mobility while others I lift or go on a long walk. It really differs depending on what my body is needing.

What are some of your goals?

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac