I was recently thinking about all the times in my life when I choose “the next best” instead of the “best” because it’s faster, easier, cheaper, and more fitting with my current stage of life.
As I pondered all these “next best” choices, I realized these choices are one of the reasons my life is simpler, less stressed, less chaotic, less busy, and less full. I’m elaborating more on this today!
I’m often asked how we contain our construction messes and prevent them from traveling into every other space in our house (especially since we have always lived in our house during our renovations).
And since we’re currently in the middle of a VERY messy house project, I thought this would be a perfect time to share how we keep our construction mess to a minimum!
In general, I am the type of person who finds value and self-worth in how productive I am and what I can accomplish in any given period of time.
If you have a similar “do it now” personality — or if you’re just weighed down by too much on your plate, I’m sharing a few relatively simple and very doable ways I have been able to enjoy fewer things on my to-do list, fewer outside commitments and obligations, and a whole lot less stress!
A few weeks ago, I had a craving for chicken spaghetti. I searched Pinterest, mashed a few recipes together, and substituted with the ingredients I had in my house… in my opinion, the results were a pretty solid success!
If you’d love another quick and easy recipe to add to your weeknight roundup, give this one a try!
I don’t usually blog about health or nutrition — mainly because I’m not super passionate about these topics. However, I AM passionate about simplifying overwhelming topics and concepts so they feel doable for us normal, average, everyday people.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the “don’t buy”, “never eat”, and “stay away from” advice from the “experts”, and just want a few simple ways to slowly start improving your nutrition, I think today’s post will be just what you’re looking for!
Although it has been challenging for me to find my groove again after coming back from vacation, I’m feeling more productive, more efficient, and more “normal” again after a couple weeks at home.
I tried a few new recipes last week, read a bunch of books, and found a some fun goodies on Amazon — I’m sharing all of that, and more, in today’s post!
It’s been just over a year now since we finally got all 3 of our kids on a relatively decent sleeping schedule… and since then, Dave and I have enjoyed hours of kid-free time every evening.
I’m often asked to share what exactly we did to get our kids to sleep better — and although I don’t have a specific 3-step or 5-step process, I hope that some of the thoughts I share in today’s post will help those of you in the thick of sleepless nights!
Over the last 10+ years, I have used many different pots and pans, and I think I’ve finally figured out what I want/need from my pans, as well as a handful of features I really dislike.
For those of you who share my enthusiasm for random product reviews (good and bad), I thought it might be helpful if I shared a few things I dislike about various pots and pans. I’d love it if you shared more in the comments!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve set self-imposed deadlines for myself and my life — everything from school work and piano lessons as a child to blog work and home maintenance as an adult.
I do realize that self-imposed deadlines might not work perfectly for every personality type… but they sure do have a HUGELY positive impact on my own life… and today, I’m sharing a few reasons why.
Last week, our family flew to Kissimmee, FL, with my entire side of the family for spring break… and even though I felt more tired when we got home than before we left, I’d have to say that the week was a success (considering we traveled with 3 children 5 and under!)
Today I’m sharing a bunch of pictures from our trip!
For me, “homemaking” in 2017 looks quite a bit different than it did years ago… and while I probably wouldn’t ever introduce myself as “Andrea Dekker, a homemaker” I’m also not ashamed to consider “homemaking” as a large and important part of what I do every day.
After reading this post, I still don’t expect you to love it as much as I do — but maybe you won’t hate it!
Over the past few years, Dave and I have dealt with our fair share of pest issues — everything from bats and bees to moles and mice. However, THIS year, we’re taking some preventative measures that will hopefully keep the pests out all spring and summer long.
I’m also sharing how the act of “prevention” has helped me to simplify and de-stress my life!
Almost all of us have some sort of issue or problem we struggle with on a daily basis… and sometimes we just need to vent.
Inspired by a recent reader question, I decided to share 7 bad (and better) responses for when a friend (or spouse, or child, or other relative) comes to us to vent, to share a concern, or to ask for our advice.
Today I’m sharing one simple thing I’ve been doing with my kids that has helped them listen to me so much better.
Of course, they aren’t magically compelled to do everything I ask without moaning, groaning, whining, and complaining… but we are making progress, and that’s all I can ask for right now!
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