How to Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Planter

How To Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Planter. If you’re tired of battling mosquitos, a DIY mosquito planter might be the solution you’ve been waiting for!

I mentioned in my first container garden update that I would do a separate post detailing the plants I have in the planter I deemed my ‘DIY Mosquito Planter’.  While we don’t get a ton of mosquitoes, we do live by a creek (damp) so we do see them around and they are not my favourite bug to live with.  In one of my Pinterest escapades, I discovered that I could create a container full of plants that mosquitoes don’t like. Namely, plants of the citrus scented variety.

Not only does the scent of the plants keep mosquitoes at bay, I can even tear off a leaf and rub it on my skin if I’m finding they’re getting too close.  I may even bring a leaf or two along on any hikes we might be doing!

Here’s what I put in my DIY Mosquito Planter:

• Citronella Geranium (I would use these leaves on my skin)
• Marigold ‘Lemon Gem’
• Catnip
• Lemon Thyme (can be used in cooking too!)
• Gazanias (only because I had extra from another flower pot)

I was looking for lemon grass but I couldn’t find any before I got tired of driving to all our local nurseries.

You could also try:

• Citronella Grass
• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Basil: Especially the lemon and cinnamon varieties.

I’m excited to see how this works as the summer goes on. I hope it fills out nicely and that pretty flowers appear!

Have you ever made a DIY Mosquito Planter?  Did it help ward off the mosquitoes?

You might also enjoy:

• Gardening on a Budget
• Create a Lasagna Garden in a Container
• The Best Soil for Container Gardening
• The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• 10 Best Vegetable Gardening Books

How to Start Seeds Indoors

You might be itching to get your garden going, but chances are the outdoor sowing season is still a ways away. Well no worries, here’s how to start seeds indoors several weeks before the final frost of the season!

By starting your seeds indoors, you can get a jump on the growing season while saving some money in the process. Here is what you need to know on how to start seeds indoors.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

First, let’s take a look at what you will need:

• Seed starters (you can use anything: yogurt cups, egg carton cups, egg shells, K-cups…etc.)
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Spray bottle
• Cookie sheets or a tray of some sort
• Wood craft sticks
• Marker
• Clear Plastic Wrap

I’ve linked to some items on Amazon for convenience, but you can gather supplies from anywhere to fit your budget.

A good rule of thumb for when to start your seeds is 4 weeks before the last frost of the season. This will vary depending where you live, so consult The Farmer’s Almanac to find out when the perfect planting time is for you.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by placing the seed starter cups on the cookie sheet or tray. This way, the surface under the cups is protected and you can easily move them if you need to. Also, make sure the containers you choose have drainage holes.
2. Fill each cup 3/4 of the way full with nutrient rich potting soil. Seedlings need a light, airy soil mix that drains well. You can buy a seed starting mix at a garden center or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
3. Plant the seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for planting depth and spacing. In general, plant the seeds twice as deep as their diameter.
4. Cover the seeds with soil and mist the area with your spray bottle. Misting is easier and cleaner than a watering can, plus it will keep you from over watering.
5. Use the wood craft sticks and marker to make plant markers for the seedlings so you know what they are once they start growing.
6. Pull a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of the seed starters. This will allow light in but will help the plants retain heat. NOTE: You will need to remove the plastic wrap every few days to mist the soil to keep it moist. Just be sure to return the plastic when you are done.
7. Place your seed starters in a window where they will get at least 6 hours of sun per day. If you don’t have an area where this is possible, a sun lamp will work.
8. As soon as you see sprouting, remove the plastic wrap. Continue to water every few days and keep the soil moist at all times.

In just a few weeks, your seeds will be seedlings and soon they will be ready to get transplanted outside. Be sure the threat of frost has passed and you follow package directions when transplanting.

See how simple starting seeds indoors can be? Give these tips a try and get a jump on the growing season now!

How to Get Started Organizing When You’re Overwhelmed

Sometimes, to get started organizing is the hardest part. You want to start, but you feel overwhelmed because you’re just not sure where to start!

Today, I want to share some suggestions that may help you to get started organizing!

Make a list

Sit down and make a list of all the areas in your home that you would like to see organized. Seeing everything written down could help you to pick something, whether it be a small task or an area that annoys you! Simply pick one thing, do it, then cross it off!

Start small

For the overwhelmed person, starting with a small project, such as a single drawer, could be just the thing to trigger your resolve to keep going onto the next small project. You’ll find yourself moving from one small project to the next, until you’ve finished each area of your home! Here are some small project ideas to get you started:

• A drawer
• A shelf
• A closet
• One surface space
• Your spices
• One cupboard
• Medicine cabinet

Start in the room that requires the least amount of work

It’s a possibility, that by starting in an area of your home that requires a lot of organizing hours to complete, could turn you off before you start to see any results. I personally, love to see almost instant results. So, in a continuation of the tip above, when it comes to organizing, starting somewhere that doesn’t require a lot of effort will motivate you to carry on.

Start on the area that annoys you the most

Is there an area in your home that annoys you to no end because you can never find what you’re looking for? Start there. If tackling an area means it’ll make your life more manageable while you’re working on organizing other areas, that annoying spot could be a great place to start!

Just start

If you’re naturally a planner and you’re trying to get things just right in your head before you start, the planning process could actually scare you into doing nothing. Instead, clear your mind and tackle a drawer. Once you see how easy that was then you can move on to another, then another. Take baby steps and don’t overwhelm yourself by looking at the whole room.

Set goals

Set goals that will allow you to look at the big picture. Let’s say to want to organize your kitchen. You could leave it at that, but how overwhelming does ‘organize kitchen’ feel on your to-do list? By imagining how you want your space to feel, setting a timeline and breaking down the areas in your kitchen, you will be way more prepared to succeed! Let’s write the kitchen example out:

“I want my kitchen to feel clutter-free with each task area easily accessible so I can get my cooking/baking/cleaning done efficiently.

I will give myself one month to complete my kitchen, by spending 15 minutes a day on one of these areas:

• Pantry items
• Pots & pans
• Cooking utensils
• Eating utensils
• Cups/mugs
• Tupperware
• Plates/bowls
• Serving ware
• Baking ware
• Small appliances
• Dish towels/cloths
• Under sink cabinet
• Etc.

I will make time every day between 3pm and 5pm. I will also take before and after photos of each area so I can continue to be inspired.”

I hope that example helps you to see how setting goals for each room in your home will help you feel less overwhelmed!

Get motivated

Find yourself some motivation! Here are some ideas:

• Read organizing blogs – These blogs are full of useful tips for everyone!
• Read décor blogs – Maybe envisioning what your space could look like will motivate you?
• Watch an organizing show -Something like The Home Edit could really help light the organizing fire.
• Have guests over – Nothing gets your act in gear when you’re anticipating company! (or maybe this will only force you to shove things in the closets…)
• Lose something – hehe, but seriously, I’ve gone on organizing rampages when I can’t find something of importance!

Set the timer

If you know a project will take you 3 – 4 hours or more, you’re likely to put it off.  But, if you work at it and organize in small bursts, by setting a timer for 15 – 30 minutes, you’re more likely to get your project done!  Or how about doing a quick project (sorting the mail) while you’re waiting for water to boil or the microwave to finish?

Hopefully these are some ideas to help you get started with organizing your home to make it a place that you love being in!

What I really want to know though, is that I’m not the only person that tries to get as much done as I can while I’m waiting for the microwave to beep? 😉

Where do you start first when you organize?  Did these tips help?  Share your ideas in the comments below!

Related organizing articles:

• How to Sell your Clutter for Cash
• 5 Reasons you should let go of Clutter
• Thoughtful Home Organization Tips from the Dollar Store

40+ of the Best Planners to get you organized

I’m must confess. If I could, I would buy all the pretty planners out there. Just the idea of having all my to-do’s and ideas in one place gets practical old me really excited. I’m currently using an academic planner. Meaning it runs until June 2026. This suits my life because our summers are pretty unstructured. I can jot down my to-dos, appointments, reminders, menu plan, shopping list and even my ideas!

If you’re after a good planner, but haven’t quite found “the one” yet, this round up is sure to help you find one of the best planners that will work for you!

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

First of all, let’s take a look at some things to think about before purchasing a planner:

How to Pick the Best Planner

Purpose: Knowing what you wish to keep track of in your planner is key to finding the right one for your needs. Do you simply want to keep track of appointments? A monthly calendar might be great for you. If you want to keep a to-do list and appointments easily accessible, then a weekly planner could be the right fit. If you intend on keeping a to-do list, appointments, a meal plan, a shopping list and some thoughts or ideas, then a daily planner would be perfect!

Portability: Will you be carrying your planner around with you or will it just be sitting on your desk or counter? If you will be carrying it around, then the size of the planner matters. Make sure the size you choose fits into the bag or purse you will be using. I personally like the 8″ by 5″ size best.

The Best Monthly Planners:

WSBL Grow Wild 2026 Monthly Pocket Planner – This one is pretty, a great price and includes some extra features like a back pocket, to-do lists, address and phone number pages, and password pages.

Brownline 2026 DuraFlex Monthly Planner – This is a great basic 11″ by 8.5″ planner that would be great for leaving on a desk.

At-A-Glance 2026 Monthly Planner – Another great basic, monthly planner that includes thick pages so you don’t get ink bleed.

5 Year Monthly Planner – Because this is a 5 year planner, I think this would be great to use as a personal notebook, journal, or diary! Or, you can use it to set goals, important dates, or deadlines, as well as jotting down notes and ideas.

Staples 2026 Monthly Planner – This is a smaller 6-7/8″ x 8-3/4″ basic monthly planner that includes telephone and address pages, dates to remember page and more.

High Note Monthly Planner – I love the vibrant colours of this one! It’s even nicely decorated inside. Includes a pocket and monthly goal planning pages.

2026-2028 Monthly Planner – This is a large, three year monthly planner with lots of space to write!

2026 – 2027 Monthly Planner – This monthly planner offers generous monthly boxes without being bulky. Perfect for slipping into bags.

Blue Sky Day Designer 2026 Monthly Planner – If you enjoy seeing everything for the month laid out, this planner looks fantastic! Has some nice extras for goal setting and routine tracking.

The Best Weekly Planners

High Note Weekly Planner – This one is so pretty! It is slightly larger than a typical weekly planner at 9″ x 10″. It includes some goal setting and project planning pages for every month. Also includes monthly tab dividers, a handy pocket and some stickers.

Lonely Oak 2026 Planner – This planner is the perfect size for bringing everywhere. Includes Monthly Tabs, Elastic Closure, Inner Pocket, Yearly Overview, Contacts Pages as well as My Vision & Mind Map page.

Rozzby 2026 Weekly Planner – This planner includes monthly tabs, elastic closure, lots of writing space and a section for priorities on the weekly pages.

Valome 2026 Weekly Planner – In many weekly planner, Saturdays and Sundays have only half the space weekdays do. But in this planner, they have the same amount of space!

2026 Weekly Planner – With lots of room for planning, this portable sized planner might be perfect for you!

Blueline 2026 DoodlePlan Weekly Planner – This is a simple planner but it includes colouring areas! How fun!

Planberry Weekly Planner – This is a great undated weekly planner if you really want to hit some goals this year. Also unique to this planner, you will find built in budget planner sheets!

Paper Harbour Planner – This undated weekly planner is made and printed in Canada! Space for 12 months, 52 weeks, one bonus week, and lined journal pages.

Clever Fox Weekly Planner – Another undated planner great for hitting goals and reflecting on life.

Moleskine Classic 2026 Weekly Planner – This one is unique in the way that it features an entire week on the left and an entire page for notes on the right. Perfect if you love a lot of room for thoughts and ideas or note taking.

Action Day Weekly Planner – Each day offers hourly scheduling from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Also includes a 12-page teaching tool to see yourself as the person you want to be, what values you want to live by, your goals and actions. 

Blue Sky Sophie Weekly Planner – This beautiful simple weekly planner is perfect for a clean look at your week or adding fun doodles or stickers!

At-A-Glance 2026 Floral Weekly Planner – This pretty weekly planner is simple in its design and includes handy tabs to easily flip between months. This is the 8.5″x11″ size.

Amy Knapp’s Family Organizer – A planner especially for moms! Includes a big space for a weekly to-do list, tear off grocery and menu plans, motivational quotes and stickers!

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2026 Planner – A simple weekly planner that includes interesting facts, quotes and helpful tips!

Passion Planner – This one looks great for goal setting as well as keeping track of your weekly to-dos. Their Instagram page looks like it’s full of inspiration on how to use it.

Emily Ley Simplified Weekly Planner – I have used this in past years! I love the colours and simplicity of it. I also like how each day is separated into two parts: My Day and To-Do.

Legend Undated Weekly Planner – This one is great for the working person that wants to track work to-dos and personal to-dos. Looks fantastic for goal setting and creating a better you.

Wordsworth Undated Weekly Planner – This one reminds me of the Simplified planner, but with a heavy dose of goal setting pages that look helpful!

Poprun 2026 Agenda – Includes Hourly Schedule & Vertical Weekly Layout! This one is a larger size, but there’s also a smaller one available.

GoGirl Weekly Schedule Planner – This undated planner also has a vertical layout with spots for goal planning.

2026 Weekly Planner – This one is just so classic feeling. Linen cover, simple lines inside, tabbed dividers, pen holder, inner pocket, ribbon bookmark!

The Best Daily Planners

Brownline 2026 Daily planner – This is the one I used for years, but then they added the times in 30 minute increments. I am personally not a fan of the times added, but that doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for you!

2026 Daily Simplified Planner – This is like a Weekly Planner that I have used in the past, but a daily version that includes time slots for each day.

Day Designer Daily Planner – This is a premium planner with a price tag to reflect. However, it has so many features that are laid out nicely! The daily calendar view page contains hourly schedule in 1 hour increments, top 3 priority items, to-do list, notes section and an inspirational quote, as well as a dedicated gratitude section.

To Do List Undated Daily Planner – If you are looking for a way to track your daily to-dos, fitness, meal plan, and top priorities for each day, then this planner is worth looking at!

Clever Fox Daily Planner PRO – This undated planner is unique in the sense that it lasts just 3 months if used consistently. Perhaps a great way to test drive a planner! This planner has everything though: create a vision for your life, define and break down your goals, and incorporate these goals into your schedule. It has a separate page for each day of the week, with an hourly schedule, daily goal, priorities, to-do list, daily reflection, and plenty of space for extra notes.

Blueline NotePro Undated Daily Planner – This planner has an undated daily planner on left side and is ruled with margin on the right side for note taking. Perfect for the working prfessional.

KESOTE 2026 Agenda Daily Planner – This soft leather-like cover daily planner is a great price!

Poprun 2026 Daily Planner – This daily planner presents spacious everyday planning with hourly schedules for your appointments, which makes your busy daily routines organized.

The Best Specialty Planners

The Meal Planner – This printable planner made by me, will help you plan every aspect of your meal planning!

52 Week Meal Planner – This planner contains space to plan a year’s worth of meal’s and grocery lists. 

Weekly Meal Planner – This is like the meal planner above but has dedicated spaces for breakfast and lunch ideas too.

Travel Planner – For every trip, track your budget, list must-see attractions, map out shopping and dining spots, and keep tabs on your itinerary.

Legend Travel Planner – This travel planner looks fabulous! Includes everything you need to help research and plan all essential aspects of your trips, including your travel budget, accommodation, transportation, things to see, packing list, and more.

The Cleaning Planner – This printable, step by step plan will help take the overwhelm out of cleaning.

Monthly Budget Planner – Keep track of your spending, plan monthly budgets and set savings goals with this planner!

The Budget Planner – This printable, easy to follow planner takes the overwhelm out of budgeting.

Teacher’s Planner – This planner will help you keep track of weekly lessons, seating plans, attendance, and grades!

CREATE Blog and Editorial Calendar – A planning and editorial system designed for ambitious bloggers and biz owners to create intentional content, grow and nurture an audience, and build a business around their blog

Mega Homeschool Planner – Whether you homeschool 1 child or many, this planner will keep you organized, hold your important records, make planning a breeze, track anything, is portable and conveniently stores away.

Coupon Planner – 52 Weekly (undated) shopping pages to plan which stores to hit, keep track of sales, and organize your coupons to make the trip as smooth as possible.

There you have it, the best planners you can get in Canada. If you use a planner, do you purchase the same one year after year or do you like to switch it up?

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• What the Heck is a Bullet Journal and How Can it Help Me?
• How to Create and Keep a Spending Journal
• How to Create a Budget Binder

7 Must Haves for Pantry Organization

Take a peek inside your pantry. Go ahead, I’ll wait…

If your pantry is anything like most pantries, you may be looking at mass chaos sitting on those shelves.

If your pantry door is kept closed because it’s not suitable for anyone’s eyes but yours, it may be time to start organizing that space. The good news? It can be simple to get it done and you will have your kids packing their own lunch in no time flat.

Here are a few must haves for pantry organization that will help you get that jump-start to organizing your pantry.

Do Away with the Packaging

Who says that your food items have to be stored in the boxes or packaging that they came in? Instead, check out these Airtight Clear Storage Containers for your pantry space.

Not only do they come in different sizes, they are clear so it’s easy to see what is in them. They also seal tight to keep the air out, keeping food fresher, longer. You can use them to store noodles, cereals, grains, coffee…anything! 

Organize your Cans

Cans can take up a ton of space. If you find yourself digging and digging to look through cans to see what you have on hand, you need a change.

Try using a 3-Tier Can Rack Organizer instead. It can hold different sized cans and allows you to place them in a way that they are easily seen. These can save a ton of space!

Use Every Square Inch

Remember that door that we talked about earlier that hides all those things that are lurking in your pantry? Use that space on your door! It’s an area that you might as well be utilizing to free up more shelf space.

Look at installing the Door Mount Cabinet Organizer! It hangs on the door to save space, and you can place your spices, plastic wrap, or other items in it for easy access.

End Bakeware Frustration

How much time do you spend digging around for the proper bakeware that you are wanting to use? If your answer was longer than a few seconds, then your current method of storing bakeware isn’t working. They should be easy to access and grab when needed.

Give the StoreMore Bakeware Rack a peek to see if it would fit well in your pantry. It has built-in dividers that help you organize your muffin pans, baking sheets, and other bakeware in a nice, neat, organized manner.

See All Your Spices at Once

Quit playing hide and seek with your spice jars. Get them visible, all at the same time! Nothing is more frustrating than when you are cooking and need to find the basil quickly. But where, oh where, did the basil go??

Eliminate the time spent searching by using a Spice Gripper Clip Strip. (Try saying that fast five times!) Not only does this allow all your spices to be seen easily, it keeps them all in one place as well. Sounds like a win to me! 

Use a Carousel for Random Items

Don’t let the small random items become your nemesis in your pantry! Instead, find ways to organize it better.

Look at implementing a Lazy Susan Organizer for your spices, baking supplies, oils, barbeque and picnic supplies, cleaning supplies or other random items. This handy little gadget is a fun carousel that spins for easy access.

Wrangle Food Wraps

Sometimes all those food storage wraps can be annoying to organize. Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, parchment paper, even plastic bags.

These self-adhesive door storage boxes look ideal for wrangling food storage wraps, storage bags or whatever else you think would fit perfectly.

Use Storage Baskets

I think the answer for many organizing conundrums, can be baskets. Specifically plastic storage baskets for the pantry.

I have my pantry cupboard full of baskets that hold snacks for the kids, pastas, grains, chips, canned goods, baking supplies and so much more! I simply pull out the basket with the item I need, grab the item and get on with my day! I like plastic in this situation because they are easy to wipe down.

Your pantry doesn’t have to get the best of you. You can control it, you can organize it! Try a few of the must haves for pantry organization above and see if they help clear that clutter! You may be surprised at how a few easy changes can quickly give your pantry more functionality. Less clutter in your pantry means less clutter in your mind!

Related articles:

• Eat from the Pantry to Save
• Basic Pantry Staples List (and Free Printable)
• How to Stock your Pantry on a Budget
• How to Organize Your Pantry

I’d love to hear your must haves for pantry organization. Let me know in the comments below!

The best affordable flannel sheets in Canada

With cold weather nearly upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to stay cozy and warm in your home. One way to combat the chill is to invest in a set of flannel sheets for all the beds in your home. Flannel sheets are made out of cotton but are heavier, warmer, and softer than your normal cotton bedding.

In this post today, I have rounded up the some of the best affordable flannel sheets to keep you sleeping peacefully until warmer weather arrives again. Because this is Simply Frugal, this list contains affordable, budget-friendly options that will keep your wallet happy too!

One fun thing about flannel is that there are a ton of fun patterns to choose from. Plaids, Christmas themes, winter themes, kid patterns, geometric designs and so many more. Here’s a list of some really fun patterns I found on a budget:

1. Vanessa Blue flannel sheets – From Bed, Bath & Beyond
2. Black Pine Trees flannel sheets – From Bed, Bath & Beyond
3. Red/black Buffalo Plaid flannel sheets – From Bed, Bath & Beyond

4. Snowflakes Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca
5. Eddie Bauer Montlake Plaid Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca
6. Stirling Plaid Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca

7. Wildlife Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart
8. Dog Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart
9. Black Swiss Cross Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart

10. Christmas Tree Trucks Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart
11. Plaid Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart
12. Dark Blue Plaid Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart

13. Sakura Flannel Sheet Set – From Linen Chest
14. Holiday Plaid Flannel Sheet Set – From Linen Chest
15. Colourful Trees Flannel Sheet Set – From Wayfair

Costco also has some great affordable flannel sheet sets, but I am unable to link to them as they are a seasonal item in-store only. Homesense is also worth a look for budget friendly sheets.

Because there are great solid colour flannel sheets too, I’ve rounded up my favourites below. Solid colours are great to dress up a patterned duvet or to simply add a pop of colour or coziness to any bed.

1. Laurel Wreath solid Flannel Sheet Set – From Walmart
2. Bare Home Solid Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon
3. Grey Solid Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon

4. Light Pink Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca
5. Navy Flannel Bed Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca
6. Heathered Grey Flannel Sheet Set – From Amazon.ca

I hope you enjoyed this selection of cozy affordable flannel sheets! There are so many different designs and price ranges from the sources I found. I’m sure you’ll find something that suits you well!

Related Articles:

•  5 Places to get Fun Family Christmas Pajamas in Canada
• The Best Advent Calendars in Canada

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

15-Minute Decluttering Tasks: Quick Fixes for a Tidy Space

In our fast-paced world, finding time for long decluttering sessions can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t need hours to make a significant change! With just 15 minutes, you can tackle small but meaningful decluttering tasks that will help keep your home organized. Here’s a guide to quick and effective 15 minute decluttering tasks that you can easily fit into your busy schedule.

1. Sort Through a Single Drawer

Pick one drawer in your home. Maybe the kitchen junk drawer, a desk drawer, or a bathroom drawer. Empty its contents, discard expired or unused items, and neatly organize the remaining essentials. These clear organizers are perfect for drawers! A tidy drawer can not only make a difference in how cluttered your space feels but also make daily tasks way more efficient.

2. Clear Out a Magazine or Book Pile

Books and magazines can quickly accumulate. Spend 15 minutes sorting through a stack, recycling old magazines, or donating books you no longer need. You’ll free up space and make your reading area look more organized.

3. Organize Your Purse or Backpack

Our bags often become catch-alls for random items. Take 15 minutes to empty your bag, discard old receipts or expired coupons, and sort through the remaining items. Use pouches or small organizers like these to keep things tidy.

4. Declutter Your Desk

Your desk can easily become cluttered with papers, pens, and random office supplies. It can feel overwhelming, but spend 15 minutes sorting through these items and you’ll see it was not as bad as it seemed! File important documents, discard unnecessary ones, and organize your supplies into drawers or containers.

5. Clean Out the Fridge

The refrigerator is a prime spot for hidden clutter. In just 15 minutes, check for expired food, clean out spills, and reorganize shelves. This quick task not only declutters but also ensures your food stays fresh and your fridge remains sanitary. Try to make it a weekly habit so it takes no time at all!

6. Declutter a Closet Shelf

Choose one shelf in a closet and sort through its contents. Remove items you no longer use or need, and organize what remains. This quick decluttering task can greatly enhance the functionality of your closet.

7. Organize Your Entryway

The entryway is often the first impression of your home and can quickly become cluttered with shoes, coats, and mail. In 15 minutes, tidy up this area by putting away shoes, sorting mail, and hanging up coats. Adding a small basket for keys or other small items can also help keep things in order.

8. Sort Through a Set of Towels

In the bathroom or linen closet, towels can take up a lot of space. Use 15 minutes to sort through your towels, discarding any that are worn out or stained. Fold and organize the remaining towels neatly.

9. Clean Out Your Car

Your car can accumulate clutter just like your home. Spend 15 minutes removing trash, organizing the glove compartment, and clearing out any items you no longer need. If you have a little extra time, give the seats a quick vacuum to get rid of dirt and/or crumbs.

10. Organize Your Kitchen Utensils

Kitchen drawers can become a tangled mess of utensils. Take 15 minutes to sort through them, remove duplicates or items you rarely use, and organize the remaining utensils in a way that makes them easy to access.

11. Declutter Your Digital Space

Your digital life can be just as cluttered as your physical space. Spend 15 minutes cleaning up your desktop, deleting unnecessary files, or organizing your email inbox. This digital decluttering can improve your productivity and reduce stress. Whew!

12. Sort Through a Basket of Laundry

Laundry baskets can become catch-alls for various items. Spend 15 minutes sorting through the contents, returning items to their proper places, and dealing with any laundry that’s been piling up. Listen to an audiobook or podcast to turn it into a “fun” task!

13. Tidy Up Your Coffee Table

Coffee tables can quickly gather clutter such as magazines, remote controls, and random objects. Use 15 minutes to clear off the table, organizing or discarding items as needed. This will help create a more inviting and calm living space.

14. Organize Your Jewelry

Jewelry can easily become tangled and disorganized if you don’t take care of it. In 15 minutes, untangle necklaces, sort earrings, and put your jewelry back in its proper place. Using small containers or organizers, helps keep your jewelry accessible and untangled.

15. Purge Old Greeting Cards and Paperwork

Greeting cards and paperwork can accumulate over time. Take 15 minutes to go through these items, keeping only the ones that are truly meaningful and recycling the rest. This task helps keep sentimental clutter to a minimum.

There you have it! What 15 minute decluttering tasks would you add to the list?

By decluttering in manageable 15-minute tasks, you can maintain an organized home without feeling overwhelmed. Consistent small efforts can lead to big improvements, making your living space more enjoyable and functional.

Related Articles:

• These 12 Cheap Organizers are Very Useful
• 25 Brilliant Organizing Tips
• 31 Things to Declutter This Year

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Cheap Road Trip Hacks You Need to Try

Will you be heading on the road with your family this summer? Road trips can be a great way to spend time with your loved ones or to get a brief respite from this crazy world. Whatever your reason for the trip, planning is key.

One of the most challenging things for a family road trip is just getting to your destination. Anyone who has taken a trip with kids knows there are constant stops for snacks, bathroom breaks and meltdowns over a toy or blanket that may have fallen beyond their reach. If you prepare for the situations you can control, your trip to your destination will go smoothly (and hopefully with as few stops as possible).

Before you hit the road, be sure to take a look at these cheap road trip hacks. The dollar store or even Amazon are great places to look for inexpensive items that can be used to make your trip run as smooth as possible. Here are some cheap road trip hacks using simple items that will ensure your next road trip adventure is a success.

Shower Caddies

These mesh plastic caddies are great for snacking in the vehicle. Use the compartments to put a juice box or water bottle, bags of snacks, napkins and utensils. Each person in the car should have their own. No more making stops to get everyone their snacks. They can help themselves as you drive. Or even a plastic Shower caddy would be great and more sturdy for meals from the drive thru.

Mesh Pop Up Hamper

These small hampers fold up into a disc so they don’t take up much room in the car. Pop one up to be a catch all for larger toys or put a plastic bag in a small one and place in the back seat with the kids so they can throw their trash in it (and not on the floor).

Elastic Sheet Straps

Elastic sheet straps have little tabs that affix to fabric on each end. Tired of your kid losing their blanket and you have to pull the car over to find it? Do you want them to have a sweatshirt or jacket readily available? Attach one end to their clothes or fabric of their car seat and attach the other end to the blanket or jacket.

Plastic Mattress Protector

Plastic mattress protectors are a must have in your road trip arsenal. You can use them as a picnic table cover in a pinch if you stop to eat at a rest area or park. You can also use them to catch sand and dirt in the trunk or cargo area on gear, clothes or shoes. If your lodging on the way to your trip isn’t up to your usual standards, you can use these mattress protectors to keep you and the sheets separated.

Mesh Bags

Mesh bags are great for road trips. Most dollar stores sell them in a pack of two or three and they have so many uses. You can tie one to the back of a headrest and put your child’s blanket and stuffed animals for easy reach. You can also use mesh bags to air dry wet items or collect dirty laundry.  

Accordion Files

Sometimes your car can become a dumping ground on a road trip and before you know it you find yourself looking for everything from sunscreen to bug spray. Accordion files can keep everything in one place. Place the item in a gallon size plastic bag and label the top. This also works for games, coloring sheets, puzzles and other activities for the kids. Empty the pieces into a gallon zipped bag, label and place in each compartment.

Shower Trays with Suction Cups

Are you tired of picking up Legos or small toys and want to keep them together and in arm’s reach of your kids? Suction holders can be the perfect solution. Just suction the trays to your kids’ window and they have a place to store their favorite things.

Stacking Pill Organizer

When you take a road trip, space can be limited. One way you can save space is by using the stackable pill bottles. Put your eye cream, toothpaste and lotions in them to avoid having to bring larger containers. You can put over the counter medications in them. Or if you like to bring your favorite spices along, you can put them in there too. The possibilities are endless.

Shower Caps

Shower caps are also a great staple to have on hand. If you make stops and your kids get their shoes dirty, you can place them in the shower caps. Or if you don’t want to take their shoes off, place the caps around their shoes. If you stop to have a picnic, you can also use these to snap around a plate to keep the bugs away from your food.

Cupcake Liners

Grab a pack of cupcake liners to help keep cup holders clean! Place cupcake liners in each cup holder, and when they start getting filled with crumbs and dirt, you can replace them in just a few seconds. It will save you so much time not having to wipe your car down. Let alone avoiding possible sticky messes.

Cereal Container

Plastic cereal containers make for surprisingly good garbage cans. They’re narrow enough to squeeze into a smaller space, and the lids snap tightly into place. Plus, there will be minimal spillage if it gets knocked over.

Fishing Lure Box/ Small Hardware Storage Box

These small boxes can be used to keep things together in the car during travel, whether it is small parts for crafts, spare change or earbuds to your devices.

Cookie Sheets

No need for any of those fancy car desks for activities! Just grab some cookie sheets! The raised edges keep crayons from rolling off and the metallic surface is great for playing magnetic games and puzzles of all kinds.

Clip-on LED Light

For night driving, you may get distracted by turning the overhead lamps on for the kids to read. The clip-on LED reading light can come in handy. Clip onto seat belts so kids can have a reading light at their disposal. Clip onto your kids if you have to get out of your car at night to stretch your legs or go into a dark rest stop. These are portable and give just enough light for them to read, but not enough that it will distract you from driving.

Do you have any cheap road trip hacks to share? Leave them in the comments below!

Related Articles:

• How to Save Money on Food While on Vacation
• Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

These 12 Cheap Organizers Are Very Useful

In a world where clutter feels like it’s taking over and chaos is always knocking at the door, staying organized is key. But let’s be real, a lot of the fancy organizing stuff out there can cost a pretty penny. That’s where cheap organizers swoop in and save the day!

They might not break the bank, but they sure know how to tackle clutter in clever ways. Whether you’re living in a small apartment, a bustling family home, going for budget-friendly organization can be a game-changer for everyday life.

So, let’s dive into the world of cheap organizers, where practical meets affordable. Below, you’ll find a list of 12 cheap organizers on Amazon you can get for $25 or less.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Over The Door Organizer – $20

I think one of these over the door organizers would be perfect for those kids who love knick knacks! Or for holding baby supplies. The option are endless, really. See it on Amazon.

Mop and Broom Holder – $20

We have something like this in our garage to wrangle the mop and brooms and I love it! This one from Amazon looks even better than what we have. I like that it has small hooks for hanging other small things! See it on Amazon.

Tea Bag Organizer – $18

If you have tea drinkers in your home, this tea bag organizer is going to be so nice to have! Say goodbye to stacking boxes that you have to individually move to get to the flavour you really want! See it on Amazon.

Pants Hangers – $20

If you are short on space in your closets, these pant hangers could free up a lot of space for you! There are ones especially for skirts too. See it on Amazon.

Hanging Shoe Organizer – $20

This is advertised as a shoe organizer, but I think this you could store so many different things in one of these! May hair care, toys, gift wrapping supplies, office supplies and so much more! See it on Amazon.

Purse Organizer – $12

Constantly finding it a struggle to find stuff in your purse? One of these handy purse organizers could be just the thing you need! See it on Amazon.

Mail/Key Organizer – $21

This organizer would make a great addition to any entryway or kitchen. Use the hooks to keep track of car keys, spare keys, and other small items, and use the main compartment to keep track of your mail. See it on Amazon.

Drawer Organizers – $25

I have these all over our house! I’ve got them in our bathroom drawers, kitchen, the girls’ craft desk… they are so good! These are interlocking and I find they slide around less than ones that aren’t interlocking. See it on Amazon.

Bunk Bed Organizer – $20

This is the first time I have seen one of these, but instantly I knew it could be very useful! My youngest has a bunk bed in her room and I like that she could have a place to put her water bottle, books and knick knacks. See it on Amazon.

Food Storage Organizers – $20

I have a couple of these in our fridge. One holds yogurt cups and the other holds apples/oranges. I love that these ones have removable dividers, making them great for organizing snacks in the pantry. See it on Amazon.

2-Tier Under Sink Storage – $27

These 2 tier under sink organizers are brilliant! I have one under our kitchen sink and one in each of the bathrooms! Highly recommend! This is a two pack on sale! See it on Amazon.

Water Bottle Holder – $22

How amazing would these be for easy access of all the water bottles and travel mugs? No need to take everything out just to get the bottle you’re wanting. See it on Amazon.

Want to see more of my organization picks from Amazon? Visit my Amazon storefront to see more than 50 recommendations! (Not every item is under $25 though.)

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

How to Organize Closets on a budget:

Organizing all the closets in your home can seem daunting, but I’m here to tell you that it is possible to whip them into shape in one weekend. Dedicate one weekend to closet organization and you will be so pleased with yourself come Monday morning! There’s also no need to order fancy and expensive closet organization systems. It’s totally doable to organize closets on a budget, in a weekend! While you may need to enlist a friend to be the objective voice of reason (as to whether to keep or toss something), it can be done!

Start with the clothes closets.

In each clothes closet (bedrooms, entry coat closet etc.), you’ll need to go through the contents and sort each into like piles (clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.). You’ll also want to make a few other piles for items to donate, return to original owner, or toss. Deciding what gets the axe can be hard, and is the most time-consuming part of the whole process. If you just can’t do it, this post I wrote might really help you out!

Next, you’ll want to hang everything by category (tops, bottoms, dresses, etc.). Keep in mind that if you hang everything on the same style of hanger, the clothes will line up evenly, which matters aesthetically, but also keeps clothes wrinkle-free.

Keep all of your shoes in one place, whether that’s a hanging organizer or a shoe rack. Some people use a cubby system, while others use clear plastic boxes. Whatever floats your boat!

Be sure to save room for accessories, hats, gloves, scarves and even jewelry. Use containers to keep them wrangled in one place, or hang hooks on the wall, if room allows. Your perfect solution to organize closets on a budget might be found at the dollar store!

Move onto the bathroom linen closet.

This is a closet that I highly recommend you take the time to sort, toss and donate from. It’s typically a tight space, so why waste precious real estate on expired medicines and cosmetics, or threadbare linens?

Once you have the items you are going to keep, designate a first aid container and label it so that anyone visiting your home can access these items if needed.

Keep cosmetics together and group them into containers based on what they are (This includes bath, body, and hair products.) Purchase an over cabinet door hair dryer & styling tools organizer to keep your tools off the counter.

Fold all of your linens as similarly as possible and as compactly as possible. I like to roll our towels.

Next, tackle the kids’ closets.

You’ll handle these the way you handled the other clothes closets with a few additions.

Stack any games or puzzles that live in the closet by size and put any other toys that would normally end up in there inside of containers on the top shelf.

Depending on the size of the closet, you can put a large, plastic tote on the bottom for outgrown items that you plan to hand down to another child, or you could set up a cubby shelf for toy, book, shoe or accessory storage.

Finally, organize that pantry!

Sort the items into categories and set aside foods you intend to donate. Check the dates on everything. You have to make sure all food, including spices, are still good. To really get on top of your pantry organization game, use matching containers (either labeled or clear) to house cereal, pasta, rice, flour, sugar, coffee and other items of this nature. If you have workout supplements, baby items or pet supplies, be sure to separate them into different spaces.

Now exhale! While your house may still have clutter to handle, you can focus on those areas another weekend. It’s totally possible to organize closets on a budget in a weekend! The main take aways are: declutter first, then group like items together. There may not even be a need to purchase any supplies to organize! You’ve got this!

Related organizing posts:

• Creative Ways to Use Ordinary Objects for Organizing
• Thoughtful Home Organization Tips from the Dollar Store
• 6 Essential Must Haves for Pantry Organization
• 7 Ways to Pare Down your Clothes

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

What to do when you’re overwhelmed by your messy house

At this moment, my house is not in tip top shape. In fact it feels quite chaotic to me. In some sense, I’ve come to terms with the state of my home because of the season I’m in with young kids at home. However, there are days when I find my home quite overwhelming and something needs to be done before my sanity is jeopardized. 🙂 A clean and tidy space makes for a happier mom.

So today I give you four QUICK things that you can do when you’re overwhelmed by your messy house:

Make the beds

Fluff the pillows, throw the covers back on. Doesn’t have to be perfect, but having the beds made makes me breathe easier. Even when there are piles of laundry on the floor! The bed is the biggest visual surface in a bedroom, so having the bed made creates calm for your eyes.

Clear off the outside of the fridge

Art work, shopping lists and magnets galore. I love displaying my daughters’ art work from school and the fridge is just so convenient for having my grocery list. But once in a while, a good wipe down is necessary and I don’t bother to put anything back up for a while afterwards.

Sweep the floors

One word. Crumbs. Everywhere! Nothing irritates me quite as much as stepping on some crumbs and having them stick to my bare feet. Ewww! Because of this, I try to sweep the floor every day and vacuum at least once a week. I’m amazed at how much better I feel after the floors have been swept.

Clear the kitchen counters

This is a constant battle of mine. Our kitchen doesn’t have a lot of counter space so anything extra on it makes it more difficult to do every day tasks. Needless to say, our kitchen counters are a drop zone for school papers, mail and dirty dishes. While it’s a never ending battle, I try to clear off as much “extras” as I can on a daily basis. Getting the dishes done (with my favourite dish soap) is also key!

Another thing that really helps me when I’m overwhelmed or paralyzed by my messy house? I create a plan to stay focused! Check out this fun HOME CLEANING PLANNER – with room by room checklists, daily + weekly task lists, and seasonal cleaning checklists to make sure it all gets DONE in a systematic way!

What sort of things do you like to do when you’re overwhelmed by your messy house?

Related Posts:

• Free Printable House Cleaning Checklist
• 7 Things People With Clean Houses Do Every Day
• How to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff
• 7 Simple Tweaks for a More Productive Day
• 3 Things I do Each Evening for Success the Next Day
• 5 Quick Tricks to a Cleaner Home

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

How to Get Started Container Gardening

Not everyone has access to plantable land, so container gardening is a great way to enjoy fresh, healthy produce all summer long!  Growing produce in pots is perfect for where I’m currently at in life.  It’s more manageable since there’s hardly any need to pull weeds and there’s no need to till the land.  The only maintenance is regular watering!

Not only does a container garden save space, it saves money as well. Something that is important with the cost of food forever increasing!

While I’m not an expert, there are some tips I’ve learned that I’d love to share, to help you get started container gardening.

Start small

The first year I decided to try my hand at container gardening, I went a bit crazy.  Rather than trying out a couple of different plants, I decided to try almost every plant that claimed to be for small spaces.  As the summer went on, I lost my enthusiasm and most of the plants ended up being neglected. I’ve since learned to assess where I’m at in life to determine just how much time I’ll have to maintain my garden, which helps me decide how many plants/seeds to buy.

Buy your seeds and plants

Container or urban gardening is becoming quite popular these days.  It’s quite easy to find plant and seed varieties that are produced especially for growing in compact situations. In fact, I picked up a couple of different seeds that were from an “Urban Garden Collection” line of seeds by Thompson & Morgan. Did you know, Amazon also sells seeds?

For the types of plants that do best in containers, see my post The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening.

Get the right pots

Don’t think you have to spend a lot of money to build up a container collection. In fact, I got all my pots (black 5 gallon buckets that trees or big shrubs come in) from the golf course that I used to work at. I didn’t pay a cent! While this is not an option for most of you, many greenhouses sell 5 gallon tree buckets at an affordable price. You could also keep your eyes open on sites like Kijiji, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for any suitable container. There’s no need to break the bank, especially when you’re just getting started container gardening.

These Grow Bags are also great!

In choosing the size of your pots, take a look at the packages or labels on the plants that you have purchased.  If they’re especially meant for containers, the packages or labels will usually tell you if you need a big pot or if a small one will suffice. Tomatoes, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, and peppers generally need large containers, while lettuce, radishes, herbs, and onions are suitable for shallower containers.

Find the light

When determining where to put your containers, sunlight is a very important thing to factor in.  Most vegetables need a lot of sunlight so I placed most of my containers on our back patio where they get all the afternoon sun. I put my lettuce containers in the front where the morning sun only hits for a couple of hours; lettuce doesn’t like to get too hot. Your seed packs and plant labels will tell you how much sun each plant prefers.

Buy good potting soil

Once your containers are in place, you’ll want to fill them with a good quality potting soil. Not top soil and not regular garden soil.  Potting soil is always modified to ensure proper drainage and aeration which is important to the health of your plants.

Filling large containers can be costly. To reduce the cost and also the weight of the container consider adding a filler to the bottom of the container to take up space. Crushed pop cans, plastic milk jugs, packing peanuts and even those empty black/green plastic flower pots you just used are all great options.

Plant, Water, Wait

Finally, it’s time to plant your seeds or starter plants!  Plant each fruit and vegetable according to the directions found on the label or packaging.  Water everything well.  (You may want to use a spray bottle for little seeds, like lettuce, so they don’t get washed away.)  Now, sit back and watch for everything to start growing!

Book Recommendation

I always like to have a good garden book at home to reference. Google is great, but there can be a lot of differing information out there! Small-Space Vegetable Gardens: Growing Great Edibles in Containers, Raised Beds, and Small Plots is a great reference book that I look to time and time again!

I hope these easy tips will help you gain confidence to get started container gardening! Have you ever done any container gardening? What will you be planting this year?

You might also enjoy:

• 5 Ways to Grow a Garden in Small Spaces
• The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• 5 Container Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
• 20 Reasons to Plant a Garden
• My recommended container gardening supplies

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

The Best Vegetable Gardening Books

Are you hoping to add some new vegetable gardening books to your library this year? If you are, I’ve rounded up a great selection of the best vegetable gardening books for those of us in Canada! These are must-haves if you are looking for inspiration for growing the best vegetable garden, no matter what size of space you are working with!

10 of the Best Vegetable Gardening Books

This book by veteran Canadian garden writer Doug Green is full of information that will educate Canadian gardeners in all aspects of planning, installing, planting, and caring for their new garden. Gardeners will learn how to ensure their garden is eco-friendly and how to save money by storing, canning, or freezing the bounty of the garden.  With hundreds of full colour pictures, Guide to Canadian Vegetable Gardening is sure to be the standard for Canadian gardeners for years to come.

When he created the “square foot gardening” method, Mel Bartholomew, a retired engineer and efficiency expert, found the solution to the frustrations of most gardeners. His revolutionary system is simple: it’s an ingenious planting method based on using square foot blocks of garden space instead of rows. Gardeners build up, not down, so there’s no digging and no tilling after the first year. And the method requires less thinning, less weeding, and less watering.

The first frost used to be the end of the vegetable gardening season — but not anymore! In The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener, Nova Scotia–based gardener and writer Niki Jabbour shares her secrets for growing food during every month of the year. Her season-defying techniques, developed in her own home garden where short summers and low levels of winter sunlight create the ultimate challenge, are doable, affordable, and rewarding for gardeners in any location where frost has traditionally ended the growing season.

Smith’s legendary high-yield gardening method emphasizes wide rows, organic methods, raised beds, and deep soil. Succeed with fussy plants, try new and unusual varieties, and learn how to innovatively extend your growing season. With thorough profiles of hundreds of popular varieties, The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible provides expert information and an inspiring roadmap for gardeners of all skill levels to enjoy abundant homegrown vegetables.

Small-Space Vegetable Gardens explains the basics of growing a bounty of edibles in a minimal amount of space. Andrea Bellamy shares all the knowledge she’s gained from years of gardening small. You’ll learn how to find and assess a space, how to plan and build a garden, and how to sow, grow, and harvest the 60 best edible plants. This hardworking and enthusiastic guide will help you take advantage of the space you have—whether it’s a balcony, a patio, a plot in a community garden, or even a small yard—to create the food garden of your dreams.

Vertical solutions deliver more yield in fewer square feet, especially perfect for the urban gardener. They’re less work, too, so you can forget all-day weeding and watering. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and pole beans, have been grown vertically for a very long time, but those who need to maximize space can grow almost any type of plant vertically—from melons and squash to carrots, peppers, and pears. Vertical Vegetable Gardening is your thorough guide for growing all types of leafy, root, and other vegetables vertically.

Your patio, balcony, rooftop, front stoop, boulevard, windowsill, planter box, or fire escape is a potential fresh food garden waiting to happen. In Grow Great Grub, Gayla Trail, the founder of the leading online gardening community (YouGrowGirl.com), shows you how to grow your own delicious, affordable, organic edibles virtually anywhere.  Whether you’re looking to eat on a budget or simply experience the pleasure of picking tonight’s meal from right outside your door, this is the must-have book for small-space gardeners—no backyard required.

Savor your best tomato harvest ever! Craig LeHoullier provides everything a tomato enthusiast needs to know about growing more than 200 varieties of tomatoes, from planting to cultivating and collecting seeds at the end of the season. He also offers a comprehensive guide to various pests and tomato diseases, explaining how best to avoid them. With beautiful photographs and intriguing tomato profiles throughout, Epic Tomatoes celebrates one of the most versatile and delicious crops in your garden.

With Lasagna Gardening for Small Spaces – you can create the garden of your dreams, no matter how limited your growing space is. Pat Lanza’s proven lasagna gardening method produces amazing results in pots and small plots. Even in beds just 4 inches wide, you can grow bountiful, beautiful gardens with no digging, no weeding– no kidding!

Homegrown Pantry picks up where beginning gardening books leave off, with in-depth profiles of the 55 most popular crops — including beans, beets, squash, tomatoes, and much more — to keep your pantry stocked throughout the year. Each vegetable profile highlights how many plants to grow for a year’s worth of eating, and which storage methods work best for specific varieties. Author Barbara Pleasant culls tips from decades of her own gardening experience and from growers across North America to offer planting, care, and harvesting refreshers for every region and each vegetable.

What are the best vegetable gardening books that you can recommend?

Related Vegetable Gardening Articles:

• The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• The Easiest Herbs to Grow
• 20 Reasons to Plant a Garden
• How to Earn Money from Your Garden

Printable 2024 Weekly Household Planner

Here’s a GREAT printable planner from The Confident Mom! It’s a printable 2024 weekly household planner!  If you are looking for help with getting household tasks completed, check out this planner and support a Mom working from home! 

Here is why the 2024 Weekly Household Planner is so amazing:

The Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner breaks down household tasks into manageable daily and weekly bite-size pieces, utilizing smaller increments of time to keep the tasks from becoming too large and overwhelming. Most of the items can be easily completed in 3 to 30 minutes, and you can select appropriate items to delegate to family members (after all, even with the household planner, you still can’t be “super mom”).

No stone is left unturned because the household planner has a variety of suggested tasks staggered at appropriate intervals and includes everything from meal planning to items often forgotten such as checking your credit report to school shopping. Taking care of yourself should also be a priority, so there’s even “you” time on the list! You’ll be able to efficiently keep up with the tasks that can often be forgotten and feel prepared each morning with a realistic “to-do” list.

Don’t like one of the suggested tasks already filled out for you? Then simply digitally edit the file to remove or add your own task to create your own completely customized list.

The printable 2024 planner is only $24, but you can try a sample week for free!

Stain Removal Guide: 7 Common Stains and How to Remove Them

The threat of stains is everywhere. Every time we eat, go outdoors, do a DIY project, or even do office work we encounter things that can ruin our clothing in a flash.

Because money can be tight and no one wants to have to toss away clothing, it’s important to know how to approach these stains and effectively treat them.

Take a look below at 7 common stains and how to remove them so you’ll be ready to tackle stains in the future and make sure they don’t get the chance to set in!

Use this stain removal guide to learn how to treat common stains:

1. Grass.

Pretreat the stain using an oxygenated cleaner. (I love Baby OxiClean. It seems to work better than the regular OxiClean!) It will help cut through the grass stain immediately. You’ll then want to use a color safe bleach to wash the stain away, using the hottest water setting in the process. For grass stains, you may need to treat the stain twice to fully remove it.

2. Blood.

One of the best ways to treat blood stains is to pre-treat it with cold water. Soak the garment in cold water to help release the stain. You can then treat with a color safe bleach to help remove what remains of the stain.

3. Grease.

A tried and true way to treat grease stains is the use a grease fighting soap such as Dawn as a pre-treatment. Fill the sink with warm water and grease fighting dish soap and allow for the garment to soak. When you launder, use hot water and an oxygenating cleaner.

4. Chocolate.

Did you get melted chocolate on your clothing? No problem. For chocolate stains you will use a hot/cold method. First you can harden the chocolate with ice, then scrape off what you can. Soak the garment in cold water, but wash the item in hot water using an oxygenated cleanser.

5. Wine.

Immediately blot the stain with a soft cloth soaked in club soda. You want to then soak the garment in cold water. Pretreat the stain with an oxygenated cleaner and then use a color safe bleach when you launder the item. Bleach based stain sticks can help treat the item a second time if the stain persists.

6. Ink.

Have you ever heard that hair spray can help release ink from your clothing? It’s true! Take basic hair spray and spray it onto the ink stain. It will help release the ink. Blot the ink with a paper towel and launder as usual. If you don’t have hair spray, you can use rubbing alcohol.

7. Gum.

When gum becomes stuck to clothing it can become a gooey and sticky mess quickly. The best way to remove gum from clothing is to hold an ice cube to it. The ice will harden the gum, making it easier to pull away from the clothing. Hold an ice cube for a few minutes to the gum, peel it off, and wash as usual.

The next time you encounter a stain, you’ll be prepared when you use this stain removal guide! Keep these tips in mind for removing common stains so when a stain hits, you don’t need to worry about throwing that clothing item into the trash.

Do you have any secrets to share for this stain removal guide? Let us know in the comments below!

You might also enjoy:

• Free Printable House Cleaning Guide
• 7 Must-Haves for Making Your Own Cleaning Supplies
• Homemade Stain Remover

Free Printable House Cleaning Checklist

I’m a weirdo, but I actually enjoy cleaning. It’s a nice way to “take a break” from working or loud kids. Now, this doesn’t mean I have a perfectly clean house. Not at all. I did mention I have kids… Regardless, a clean home makes me feel happier when our family can make it happen.

Perhaps you’re like me. You enjoy a clean house, but maybe you struggle with knowing how to get it done. Luckily, there’s an easy way to keep your home neat and tidy without cleaning all day long.

I had fun creating a Printable House Cleaning Checklist that I thought you might enjoy! The printable house cleaning checklist includes daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly cleaning suggestions to help you take the guess work out of keeping your home clean.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE HOUSE CLEANING CHECKLIST HERE.

Looking for even more help especially as life gets busy? Check out this gorgeous HOME CLEANING PLANNER – with room by room checklists, daily + weekly task lists, and seasonal cleaning checklists to make sure it all gets DONE!

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

12 Camping Hacks for Every Camper

If you love to go camping, or even if you have never been camping before, here are 12 camping hacks that are definitely worth a try!

These camping hacks can make your camping experience an easier one, and even help you to be a little more comfortable while you are out enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Take a look at these 12 camping hacks for every camper and see if they will be helpful on your next camp out!

1. Pack the big plastic baggies.

Take a package of big plastic baggies on your next camping trip to see how helpful they can be. You can mix ingredients in them while cooking, you can use them to keep toilet paper dry, and you can even store wet bathing suits and other damp items in them.

2. Make your own fire starters.

One of the easiest fire starters to make is to use empty toilet paper rolls filled with dryer lint. Then all you need to do is set them on top of some kindling and light them. Your fire will take off in no time. When waiting to use your fire starters just store them in a plastic baggie as mentioned above.

3. Try some lavender.

Lavender oil when dabbed in the skin can repel bugs. You can even burn fresh lavender on your fire to keep bugs at bay. Add a drop or two to your skin lotion for all over protection that smells great.

4. Make tin foil meals.

Place some chopped carrots, potatoes, and raw hamburger on a piece of tin foil. Add a little butter and salt and pepper. Wrap the foil up around the food tightly and grill for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. When you open it up you will have a ready to eat feast.

5. Get creative with dessert.

Try the same concept above but instead add sweets to the inside of a waffle cone. Try chocolate chips, peanuts, marshmallows, and other sweet treats. Wrap the cone in tin foil and bake on the flames for just a few minutes. When you unwrap it you will have a tasty mess!

6. Try pool inflatables.

Your basic pool inflatables can make sleeping a little more cozy. Kids especially will enjoy sleeping on pool mat as opposed to the hard floor. This is also a more budget friendly option as opposed to buying a blow up mattress.

7. Pre-make French toast at home

Make up a loaf of French toast and place it in freezer bags in the freezer. When you’re ready to leave for your camping trip, pop them into your cooler. All you have to do to enjoy a delicious breakfast is heat the French toast on a stove or campfire! 

8. Freeze gallon jugs or water bottles and place them in your cooler

They will keep your food cold, and you will have plenty of water to drink for later!

9. Mason jar matchbox

Keep your matches dry and ready to use at a moments notice by creating a simple DIY mason jar matchbox!

10. Store scrambled eggs in a bottle

Try this if you are only making scrambled eggs on your camping trip! Avoid the mess of cracked eggs by prepping the eggs at home and storing the egg mixture in a lidded plastic bottle. Use a permanent marker to label the bottle to show the number of eggs in hash marks.

11. Make face cloth soap holders

How smart is this idea? Make face cloth soap holders for each member of your family to make washing up a breeze! All you need is a bar of soap, a face cloth and basic sewing skills!

12. Don’t forget the microfiber cloths.

Microfiber cloths are awesome for cleaning up picnic tables, drying hair after a swim, and even for washing dishes. They can literally do any job and wear well, even in the rugged outdoors.

Are you ready to give these camping hacks a try? Keep these hacks in mind for your next camping trip and see how much easier they can make things for your entire family.

Do you have any tried & true camping hacks?  Please share in the comments!

It was a project that took so long just to get started, but once we actually did start, it only took about a week to finish.

She knew she wanted to change her pink walls to gray walls. Her favourite colour is purple so I suggested doing her back wall a deep purple of some sort, but she was adamant that all her walls had to be gray. 

So I headed to Pinterest to find inspiration. I was trying to find a warm gray that she loved and we finally settled on Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. Her back wall is actually a darker gray, Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

While I used colours from Benjamin Moore, I always buy any paint for a project from The Home Depot. I like their paint and I find it less expensive than Benjamin Moore paint.

I sort of wish the back wall was darker, but she loves it. Especially with the sprinkle decals that we bought.

Originally, I thought doing that feature wall in a fun peel and stick wallpaper would be a great way to add character to her room. But then I priced it out… Going that route was not in the budget. LOL. So I eventually thought to check out Etsy for wall decals. I found the fun sprinkle decals that she loved in gold. Waaay more budget friendly. (I’ll give links and cost below for everything.)

The most expensive part of her room was her new bed. Everything is new there. The frame, mattress and bedding. We felt it was important to give her something that could last her for a very long time. (But I still got the deals!)

As for the other furniture, her dresser is a family antique that we’ve had forever. Her desk was a present for her birthday from her Oma and Grandpa, as was the nightstand.

I wanted to replace her curtains with some deep purple ones, but apparently she has an attachment to her navy ones. Haha. I’m, okay with that! This is a room made for her and not the design books!

Cost Breakdown and Sources:

Paint: $100 for 2 gallons from The Home Depot
Paint colours: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey and Revere Pewter
Gold Sprinkle Decals: $25 for 279 decals
Desk: Ikea desk bought second hand for $50
Desk chair: Free, it’s one we had around the house already
Nightstand: Made by a family member years ago, but gold knob was added. (It was a gift for my daughter so I’m not sure how much the knob was.)
Bed Frame: $303.31 for full size. (Not on sale anymore, but this is a solid bed!)
Mattress: $289.99
Duvet Cover Set: $64.99 
Purple Pillow Cases: $16.99
Sheets: $24.99 for full size white sheets
Mattress Protector: $27.99
Art work: All bought years ago from Homesense so I can’t link it unfortunately.

Grand total: $903.26I still need to buy her a lamp and maybe something for over her bed, but that will happen one day.

25 Brilliant Organizing Tips

Isn’t it time to get a little more organized? You keep putting it off, but now is the time to buckle down and really get to it. These 25 organizing tips will help you get organized in no time, on a budget.

#1. Use old snack containers – If you’re strapped for cash, then using old containers is an excellent way to get a little more organized in your junk drawers or in your computer desk.

#2. Use a chalkboard – Do you often forget to use your calendar? Try writing your important to-dos on a chalkboard or a white board instead. Place it somewhere you can see on a daily basis. I like this magnetic white board for the fridge!

#3. Keep like items in one spot – Instead of storing like items in various spots around the house, keep them all in one spot. Finding magazines everywhere? Store them all in a magazine file on a shelf.

#4. Create a charging station – Don’t play the “find your charger” game. Create your very own charging station within your home. I like this DIY Charging Station from Four Generations One Roof. If DIY isn’t your thing, or you want something with a smaller footprint, a charging station like this is genius.

#5. Use a Magnetic strip – Place magnetic strips throughout your home to hang items like: knives, spice jars, and even nail clippers.

#6. Use old suitcases for storage – Using old suitcases as home décor will give you a vintage feel, but you can still store items within the suitcase. Double purpose!

#7. Use ice cube trays to store small items – Whether you have smaller toys or office supplies, consider using ice cube trays to store these items in.

#8. Use wine boxes to store your shoes – Maybe this organizational idea isn’t so conventional, but it sure is brilliant.  Here’s a picture for your reference.

#9. Leave reminders on or in your fridge – One place you know you’re heading today is to the fridge, so leave your most important reminders there.

#10. Use an organizer for the shower – Instead of having items fall everywhere as you use the shower, buy a shower organizer. I recently picked one up for $3.50 from Dollarama!

#11. Start recycling – If you’re trying to clear out some of the trash, you can get a little more organized by recycling some of your items.

#12. Clear out the clutter daily – Some people only clear out clutter once a year, stay organized by getting rid of clutter on a daily basis.

#13. Only keep a couple of your kids papers – School papers can really add up. Keep just a few of your child’s papers and put them on display on a cork board or a mini clothesline.

#14. Utilize hidden storage – Put your items into a hidden storage bench in the mud room, living room, and even outside.

#15. Put a grocery bag in your car for garbage – If you are tired of having garbage in your vehicle, then keep a grocery bag in there to collect garbage as you finish with it. Or an empty disinfectant wipe container would also be great!

#16. Organize by color – Make your house a little more fun by organizing everything by color. You might take your family and guests by surprise!

#17. Use mesh bags around your home – Instead of trying to put socks and undergarments in the laundry basket, have your family put them in mesh bags. If they’re all together in a mesh bag, there’s less chance to losing some.

#18. Use a shoe organizer for multiple purposes in your home – A shoe organizer can be used for bathroom items, little kid’s clothing, or even crafting items. Let your imagination run wild with this one.

#19. Organize your priorities – Everyone says organize your time a little better, but organizing your priorities makes more time for the things that matter.

#20. Ban clutter in your house – If you are tired of seeing clutter all over the house, then make a rule that no one can bring clutter into the house. If you bring something in, you have to get rid of something else.

#21. Sell your unwanted items – As you declutter, put the items of value up for sale so you can earn a bit of cash for your savings account. Donate all the other items if they are in good condition.

#22. Utilize under the bed space – A lot of storage can be found underneath beds. You can buy bed risers to raise your bed if you need more room underneath it.

#23. Donate your magazines – You may have a lot of magazines lying around the house. Instead of throwing them away, keep the pages you want and donate the rest.

#24. Utilize hallway space – If you have a long hallway in your entryway; utilize the wall space as much as you can.  Try baskets for mail, slim shoe racks, storage shelf with hooks underneath.

#25. Use one basket per person for laundry – Mixing everyone’s laundry together can make more work for you. Make it easier on yourself using one basket per person.

I hope these brilliant organizing tips help you get a little more organized this year. What tips would you add to this list?

31 things to declutter this year

I love decluttering. Not only do I love the feeling of having more breathing space in my home, but I always find decluttering to be a wake up call to my spending habits. It helps me realize just how much money I’m “throwing away” on things I end up not using or liking in the end. Ugh!

If you want to enjoy a more peaceful home and keep more money in your pocket (because you’ve realized how much you’re wasting!), then I’ve got the perfect list for you! 31 things you can declutter this year. Choose a few or choose all 31 and get to work! Maybe in the end, your list will hold more than these 31 items with all the momentum you’re getting!

Even if you choose just a few things off this list it will feel so good to lighten up! Most of these things are items none of us need but we hang onto “just in case” and feel panicked at the thought of letting them go. In my experience, it’s not often that I have needed something I decluttered. These days, it is so easy to reacquire that needed item by borrowing or repurchasing.

31 things to declutter:

1. Out of date makeup– It’s just unsafe for your skin and eyes. Toss it out and treat yourself to a new lipstick or eyeshadow!
2. VHS tapes– If you are still clinging to VHS it’s time to let it go, it’s not coming back.
3. Old cell phones– Many electronics stores or phone companies have boxes for recycling cell phones and batteries.
4. Spices that have expired– Check your cupboards and pantry, toss out old spices. Here’s an article with details about how long spices last.
5. Non working electronics– If you haven’t dropped off the stereo or DVD player to be fixed and have no immediate plans to do so, just get rid of it.
6. Old stretched out bras– Keep those comfy old jogging pants but stretched out bras are not doing you any favors.
7. Plastic bags– While it is handy saving your grocery store bags for other uses, we all wind up with an excess of them that we just don’t need. Toss them in the recycling.
8. Ragged towels and washcloths– If they can be upcycled for cleaning rags, cut them up into small pieces and find a new home for them. Otherwise get them out of there.
9. Clothes that don’t fit– Clothes more than one size too small/too big should be donated or sold.
10. Unused or duplicate kitchen utensils– 6 wooden spoons? 3 meat mallets? Unopened egg poacher? Clean it all out of those drawers!
11. Books– If you have read it and won’t read it again or you didn’t like it then it’s time to clean off your shelves and nightstand.
12. Single Earrings– If it has been in the jewelry box for a year with no mate, chances are it will always be a single, go ahead and set it free.
13. Single Socks– When you are all caught up on your laundry go through your odd sock basket and match up, get rid of any without mates.
14. Unloved toys– Donate or toss toys as needed. After the holidays kids have an excess and this is a great time to declutter.
15. Unused sports equipment– Ice skates from lessons two years ago that have never been picked up again? Donate them. Too small hockey gear? Sell it!
16. Items that don’t belong to you– If you have a spot that houses casserole dishes, borrowed books, etc. waiting to be returned to friends and family that you borrowed from,  go ahead and return it all asap!
17. Paperwork– Junk mail, old bills, or other out of date filing. Grab an inexpensive paper shredder or toss them in the fire.
18. Odd storage containers– You know that cabinet with plastic bowls that have no lids or lids that have no bottoms? Get in there and toss out mismatched pieces.
19. Old linens– While towels may be cut down and used for rags in the garage, other items like sheets that either don’t fit or won’t be used on current beds, excess comforters (keep one spare) etc., can be decluttered.
20. Blurry photos– If you have a box full of family photos through the years remove and toss the really bad ones, if that is the only one you have for an event you might keep it but otherwise just keep the best of the best.
21. Ink Cartridges– If you have a stockpile of old empty ink cartridges you can find somewhere local to recycle or many places like Staples let you use them for credit towards new ones.
22. Freezer items– Freezer burnt, well past their date, inedible or unappealing food should be tossed!
23. Dried up pens– Take 5 minutes to go through your various pens, test them all on paper quick and throw out the ones that are dried up or leaking.
24. Manuals– I used to be one that kept every single manual/instruction book for every piece of equipment i owned, I had a drawer full of them and rarely ever needed to look at them.  Then I realized that I could find them on the manufacturer’s website should I ever need them and I tossed those suckers out!
25. Spare change– Unless you are saving up for something really big, It’s time to grab that change jar, clean out  couch cushions, get that pile on the dryer and turn it all in. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi or add the cash to your savings account!
26. Craft supplies– Take an afternoon to go through them and donate items you won’t use in the next couple of months to a Children’s program or somewhere else that could use them.
27. Paint– Do you have a garage shelf full of paint that you keep just in case? If it’s just for touch ups pour some into a small mason jar with a lid to make it last. Otherwise dispose of it properly.
28. Personal care items– Old perfumes, lotions, and shampoo bottles with 1/2” left in the bottom-get them out of the bathroom for good.
29. Cards– Open your wallet or purse and declutter customer loyalty, rewards cards, empty gift cards and the like.
30. Pet toys– Toys that are shredded, dirty, and unplayed with should be tossed, just like kids toys they need to be decluttered and occasionally replaced.
31. Boxes– Do you have a big collection of boxes somewhere, either packaging or packing boxes for another just in case? Clear them out and make room.

Any other things to declutter that you would add to the list? Did you get any good ideas for a starting place?

Related articles:

• How to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff
• 35 Things to Declutter Now
• 3 Reasons Why Decluttering Will Save you Money

Back to School Tips and Tricks

If your summer is anything like ours, (late nights, slow mornings, unscheduled days), then the thought of school starting again is probably exciting, but might stress you out a bit. Going from no schedule to a structured day can be tough at the beginning.

Because I find the adjustment tough myself, I have come up with a Back to School Action Plan that I hope you will find useful as well! The plan covers three areas: shopping, meals and organization. By tackling these three things I know our mornings are going to run smoother and we’re going to save quite a bit of money!

Let’s get started with the back to school tips and tricks, shall we?

Back to School Shopping Tips:

Since the first year my oldest started going to school, we have implemented a tradition of going on a date together to get her school items. We both really look forward to spending some quality time together and I think the one on one dates we do is an investment into our future relationship. That being said, we don’t start our date day without a plan.

It can be so easy to walk into a store and buy whatever is on sale or super cute. But lets avoid that this year because quite frankly, it will be overwhelming to know how much money you actually spent on clothing that wasn’t actually needed and now has to be laundered. Ugh.

So, this is what we do here:

Inventory Clothes: This may sound overwhelming, but it literally took us less than 10 minutes. I simply pulled out every single item of clothing (including socks and underwear!) and asked her to say Yes or No to each item. If she said No, that item either got donated or put into the bin for her younger sister one day.

With everything that was a Yes, I took a mental inventory of what she needed. I discovered that all she needs is a pair of indoor shoes and a sweater. That’s it! I also purchase one (on sale) outfit for her first day of school and a “special” accessory.

School Supplies: This is the first year that we have to purchase school supplies since previously everything was included in the school fees for kindergarten and grade 1. Cost is more of a concern for me so, my thoughts for this is to shop the dollar store, home and maybe even Staples when they have a good sale going.

If time is more of a concern for you, try doing all your school supply shopping online at Walmart, Staples or even Amazon. Pick it up in store when your order is ready or have it shipped to your door!

Back to School Meal Planning Tips:

Meals can be a big stress inducer for me so that’s why this year I have a plan for school day breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I even made some printables for you to use!

Breakfast: My kids never know what they want to eat each morning so this year I will decide for them by creating a menu. Every day of the week will be the same thing all year long. For example, Mondays I will serve muffins and fruit. Tuesdays will be pancakes or waffles. Wednesdays will be toast and fruit. And so on.

Find the Breakfast Printable here.

Lunch: This year, my girls and I are going to sit down to brainstorm all the items that they would like eating in their school lunch. I’m going to divide it up into categories:

• Main dishes
• Veggies
• Fruit
• Snacks/Treats

Find the Lunch Printable here.

Dinner: If I don’t have a dinner plan, dinner will either be take out or grilled cheese and tomato soup! 😛 And neither of those are healthy or good for the budget on a regular basis.

Find the Weekly Dinner Plan here.

Back to School Organization

Morning Routines: Rushed, hectic mornings are not my favourite. Admittedly, they happen way more often then I would like.

However, both of my kids still find having a morning routine written down really helpful. To help them along, I’ve made up a list of these steps I need them to follow:

1. Get Up
2. Get Dressed
3. Eat Breakfast
4. Pack lunch (I like to do this while they are eating, but they can put it in their backpacks.)
5. Brush teeth & hair
6. Backpack & Shoes on
7. Out the door

Set out outfits for the week: One thing I found super helpful last year was putting aside 7 outfits for each day of the week. This made getting dressed every morning so easy. My oldest tends to shut down when she has to decide so this has helped her tons.

Labels: With all the money that is spent on school items, it’s not a good feeling when something goes missing! Make it easier to find important and favourite items with labels. We love the labels from Mabel’s Labels so that’s where I ordered ours from.

I’d love to know your back to school tips and tricks. Leave them below in the comments!

We’ve got another birthday in the house!! Today my oldest turns 9 years old! I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. As a parent, I’m feeling so proud of her and I have moments of actually feeling excited for her teenage years. (Those feelings come and go though…LOL!)

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

• The Art of Paying Attention
• Updating a House on a Budget
• Why You Can’t Get Out of Debt
• Freezer Shrimp Fried Rice
• Your Financial Freedom Checklist
• 60 Clutter Free Gift Ideas (Perfect for any time of year!)
• 3 Tests to Do With Your Jeans to Ensure You’ll Love Them
• Master List of Healthy Family Meals

Here are some posts you may have missed from Simply Frugal:

• 7 Creative Uses for Egg Cartons
• How to Create a Budget Binder
• 10 Cheap Road Trip Hacks you Need to Try
• 30 Fun and Frugal Easter Basket Ideas

Happy Spring! We are super excited for Spring in our household. We’ve even been experiencing some warm spring-like weather! How’s the weather in your part of the world?

One thing I’ve been thankful for this week, is emergency savings. Our hot water tank decided it had enough and sprung a leak. So I spent all morning yesterday, calling local plumbers to get quotes and to see how quickly they could help us. Turns out word of mouth works the best! My husband found a soccer teammate that owns a plumbing business that could fit us in! He says it was a good thing he came right away, because our tank actually had a hole in the bottom, so it might not have made it through the weekend without a big flood! So thankful.

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

• The Case for Lowering Your Expectations
• 10 Sustainable Frugality Tips
• Save Money on Easter Baskets
• Plus Size Spring Outfits Capsule Wardrobe
• Easy Yogurt Flatbread (No yeast and no kneading)
• These real life drone photos 
• Most Important Indicators of Success have Nothing to Do with Money
• Give someone a fun surprise with these Free Printable Encouragement Gift Tags

Here are some posts you may have missed from Simply Frugal:

• Mini Fruit Pizzas
• 30 Fun & Frugal Easter Basket Ideas
• 7 Ways to Earn More Money

Well, here we are. It’s my baby’s fifth birthday today. FIVE! How is it possible? I’m loving who she is growing up to be and I’m excited to see her kindergarten journey start this fall. We are celebrating her today with family. Since BC is now allowing small outdoor gatherings, we will meet a few of her friends at a playground this week. I’m so thankful we can do something!

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

• 31 Legitimate Home Based Business Ideas
• Free Spring Cleaning Checklist
• Space Eggs Easter Craft for Kids
• Best Before Dates and Expiry Dates: 5 Things You May Not Know
• The Best No Clutter Birthday Gift
• Things I Wont Buy Secondhand
• 7 Sheet Pan Suppers

Here are three posts from the Simply Frugal archives that I thought you might enjoy:

• Printable Cash Envelopes for Budgeting
• 52 Skills to Learn for Free!
• How to Get Started with Container Gardening

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

• Landscaping Tips for Beginners
• 6 Slow Cooker Freezer Meals in One Hour
• A Game Plan for Getting More Rest
• 14 Snacks You Can Make At Home Instead of Buying
• 10 Minute Baby Blanket
• A Frugal Trick for Making Better Spending Decisions
• How to Make Homemade Nut Butter
• I’m reliving my childhood and bought this fanny pack for Spring and Summer Adventures!

Also, it was a spendy week in our house. My husband and I were in need of a new bed, so we saved up enough cash to upgrade to a king size bed! I always like to see what others purchase so I thought I’d link everything we bought. Since it’s so new, I can’t comment on the quality, but I only buy things with good reviews. Ha ha!

• King size Endy mattress (save $55 if you use this link!)
• Upholstered Button Tufted Platform Bed (It was less when I bought it!)
• Utopia Waterproof Bamboo Mattress Protector
• Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert
• Bedsure Navy Duvet Cover Set 
• Sheets are from Homesense so I can’t link them. They are a grey and white stripe.

The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening

Growing up, my mom would plant a big vegetable garden every year so the idea of growing my own food has always been appealing.  Due to our lack of yard space, I have tried a bit of container gardening in the past, but this year, I intend on going “all out” and documenting my progress!

Although I won’t be able to grow enough vegetables to last all summer long, it’s still nice to know exactly where they come from and to have the satisfaction of eating what I grow.  Nothing beats watching your hard work come to fruition!

When it comes to container gardening, not all fruits and vegetables will successfully grow in containers. From my experience and online research, here are the best vegetables for container gardening.

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Beans
• Peas
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Onions
• Eggplant
• Herbs
• Strawberries
• Potatoes

When you’re purchasing your seeds or starter plants, you’ll want to look for varieties that say they’re good for containers. I always have great success with patio tomatoes and Spring Mix type lettuce.

Will you be planting a container garden this year?  What have you had success with in the past?

Related Container Gardening Articles:

• Create a Lasagna Garden in a Container
• 5 container Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Get Started Container Gardening
• The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• 5 Ways to Grow a Garden in Small Spaces

Here are the interesting links I came across on my travels around the web this week!  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

• Natural Pedialyte Recipe
• Sweet Valentine Treats to Melt Their Hearts
• 10 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System
• Keep Menu Planning Simple
• Raspberry Funfetti Pop Tarts
• Breakfast Meal Prep for Busy Mornings
• Favorite Alphabet Soup
• Stop Buying these things to Save Money

Here are some posts that you may have missed from Simply Frugal:

• Homemade Owie Ointment
• Gifts new Moms Actually want from Baby Showers
• Emergency Supplies Checklist
• Easy Thin Crust Pizza Dough Recipe

Can you believe we have reached the last day in the No Spend Declutter Challenge? It’s so hard to believe we’ve been working away for nearly a month! I still have areas of my house that need some fine tuning, but overall, I’m quite happy! I think I brought in 5 boxes/bags to the second hand store.

One thing I wish I would have been better at, is using stuff we already have in our pantry and freezer. I feel like I still spent the same amount on groceries as I do every month.

Day 18 Declutter Task:

We’re going to close out the month with something that I like to do about once a month or so. A digital declutter. This is when I go though my email accounts and delete emails I no longer need. Unsubscribe from newsletters that don’t interest me any longer. Unfollow social media accounts and delete photos off my phone and computer that are no longer needed.

It’s sort of a mindless task, but feels so good to have only the stuff you need and the stuff you love in the end!

How often do you do a digital declutter?

Day 18 No Spend Task:

Remember when a couple of weeks ago, our task was to create “wants” list? Well, today, we’re going to revisit that list.

When you revisit your list, cross off the things you realize you no longer want. With the items that are still on the list, I want to encourage you to try buying used, borrowing from friends or family, or asking in a local Buy Nothing Facebook group.

I know you will will feel just as satisfied with those options when you receive the items you want!

I’d love to know, after nearly an entire month of not spending unnecessarily, how many things do you no longer want or need?

Thank you so much for joining me this month! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

Day 17 Declutter Task:

Today, we’re going to tackle our desk areas. Now this year, things might look different than normal. You may be using a table as a make shift desk for school or work at home. So I guess you can tidy up the spot you call a work area!

In our home, I have a desk, but the girls are the ones who use it right now for making crafts and colouring. (We are fortunate to have in-class school!) My husband also has a desk that tends to get cluttered up with toys because it’s in our basement where most of the toys are. So today, I’ll tidy them up and make sure all the random items are in their proper place.

Day 17 No Spend Task:

Well, once again, we’re going to intentionally not spend money on unnecessary things! But we are almost finished! Have you noticed a big change in your mindset? Are you less tempted to purchase random items now?

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

Day 16 Declutter Task:

Today, we’re going to declutter and organize our craft/hobby supplies. While we don’t have a dedicated craft room, I still find it very helpful to occasionally go through our craft supplies! I seem to have bins all over the house. I’ll be sorting through my daughters’ craft supplies too. Actually, mainly their supplies. I’m still trying to figure out what my hobby is. 😛

When we moved into our house almost four years ago (!!), we purchased a few of these ALEX drawer units from IKEA. My husband created a desk out of them by placing a piece of pine board overtop. It has been the most wonderful set up for the girls!

Here are some links to great craft organization tips that I thought you might enjoy:

• Oatmeal Box into a Ribbon Holder
• Toolbox into Craft Storage
• Stool into Wrapping Paper/craft Storage
• Amazing Ways to Store ribbon
• Pegboard Craft Organizer
• Clever Craft Spaces
• Use the Back of a Door
• Filing Fabric

Day 16 No Spend Task:

Once again today, we’re going to keep it simple, and not spend money on anything unnecessary. What did you do yesterday for your self care? I ended up with an hour to myself so I forced myself to not do any chores and read a book!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

Day 15 Declutter Task:

Today we’re going to start a task that I dread. Filing paper. I’m not sure why I don’t like it so much, because when I do take the time to to it, it really doesn’t take that long. Once it’s done I’m always left feeling satisfied too! I just don’t know…

I think it was about a year ago that I overhauled our filing system and I’m really liking it! If you are in need of some filing system inspiration, here are some great links:

• How to Set up a Filing and Budget System that Works
• Organizing the Most Thorough Home Office Filing System
• Create File Folders that are Self Maintaining
• Filing System Organization from A Bowl Full of Lemons
• A File System that Actually Works
• This is a great video to help with paper clutter

Related: Tips to Tame the Paper Clutter

Do you have a system that works well for you?  Care to share your tips in the comments?

Day 15 No Spend Task:

I definitely think it’s time for some intentional self-care, don’t you think? If you can’t find time today, make some time this week! Here are some ideas for self care that you may enjoy:

• Journaling
• Reading
• At home pedicure
• Facial masks: Clay, Avocado, egg whites, or oatmeal made into a paste
• Epsom salt bath
• A walk
• Baking
• Homemade scrubs: Strawberry Lemonade Lip Scrub, Whipped Vanilla Coconut Body Scrub, Homemade Grapefruit Scrub

What do you do for self care?

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

Can you believe we are starting our final week of the No Spend Declutter Challenge? I’m finding it hard to believe, but I’m also ready for February! 😀

This week, we’re going to jump around the house a bit with the decluttering tasks to work on areas that I think, will have a big impact.

Day 14 Declutter Task:

Today’s activity for the Declutter portion is to sort through our books and magazines.

I’m so torn with books though. I have some I’m keeping only because I loved reading them when I was younger and I thought my daughters might enjoy them one day. Silly? I’m not sure! However, today, I am determined to declutter at least a few books.

I’ve been buying (and borrowing) less books lately because I bought a Kindle a couple of years ago. I avoided those electronic devices for so long, but in the end they really spoke to my “wanting less clutter” side. And now I’m in love with the thing. I actually read more often! And I love that I can have so many books when we go away! (That day WILL come again!)

Do you have any books or magazines you can be rid of?

Day 14 No Spend Task:

Well, once again, we’re going to keep things simple. No spending on unnecessary things.

In full disclosure, yesterday, I bought groceries for the week. However, I did purchase a pair of $6 pajamas for my daughter because all of her one piece pj’s have holes. Could I have waited another week to get her a pair? For sure. But, Walmart actually had her size (in the boy section) so I snapped it up. I’m feeling okay with that! 🙂

Have you had any slip ups lately? I’d love to know!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

Ah yes, the weekend is nearly upon us! How did your week go with the decluttering tasks and the No Spend? I managed to find a small pile of clothing to donate yesterday. Even that makes me happy though because some of the items I have been holding onto for a while thinking that I could make them work.

Let’s get on with today’s tasks shall we?

Day 13 Declutter Task:

Today, we’re going to tackle our outerwear and footwear. That means we’re finally going to let go of jackets, snow pants and footwear that no longer fit or we just don’t care for any more. Donate or sell the items you no longer need to keep. Outerwear also includes winter gloves, hats, scarves, etc.

This shouldn’t be too hard around here, especially in the footwear department. I don’t have many shoes and my husband has even less!  I think my struggle is going to be convincing my husband that he needs to finally throw away his old broken soccer cleats. (He thinks he might use them one day as backup shoes??) I think if it’s been a year and he hasn’t needed them, they’re gone. 

As for my daughters’ outerwear and footwear, the too small items and out of season ones will go into storage or get donated.

Day 13 No Spend Task:

Today we’re going to take a look again at our No Spend Weekend Ideas for some fun, free things we can do this weekend!

I’d like to do some baking with my oldest. I’ve got a nice big stash of bananas in the freezer that need to be turned into banana bread!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

So, here we are at Day 12, and I realized I made a mistake. For some reason, I added too many tasks to the list! Somewhere along the line I counted the number of days wrong. LOL. While that doesn’t make much of a difference for you, I’m now choosing the tasks from my list that I think are most important. At the very end of the challenge, I’ll leave the list of tasks that we never got to, so you can continue on if you’d like!

Day 12 Declutter Task:

Today, we’re still in the bedroom and tackling something that may seem overwhelming to many of us. I’m talking about clothes. I always find the task of decluttering clothes somewhat daunting. That’s why I loved this video from The Minimal Mom about the easiest way to declutter clothes. You should watch it!

Also, here’s a post I wrote about 7 Ways to Pare Down Your Closet that may help you today.

While I don’t think my declutter pile will be huge this time, I know I’ll have something to donate or sell! I always do!

If you have children, you could also take the opportunity to go through their clothes, if you’d like. I recently went through my daughters’ closets and put away too small clothes and donated stuff they don’t wear, so I’ll skip this today!

Day 12 No Spend Task:

While we’re still not spending on unnecessary things, I thought today would be a good day to make use of our local libraries.

Take the time today to request a few books from your library on a subject that you have been wanting to read about. Perhaps some financial books, cook books or even crafting books. Even a fiction book or two would be great with the weekend coming up! Whatever it is, the library is a fantastic free resource!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!

We’ve reached the middle of the week! Yay! We’re also moving out of the bathrooms and into the bedrooms. Yesterday I managed to rid my linen closet of a couple of things, but not much because it wasn’t that long ago that I went through it. I guess it was just maintenance for me!

Day 11 Declutter Task:

We don’t have enough room in our kitchen for a junk drawer so I’d have to say that my nightstand does the honours well. But it’s all useful junk! You know, chocolate (when I need to escape the kids), flashlight, chapstick, notebooks…

Honestly I’m not sure how good I can make the nightstand look, but I’m going to try! I’m sure I can find a proper home for some items. The bottom drawer was full of books, but I actually moved most of them to the bookshelf the other day.

I think as long as I have the top nicely cleared off, I’ll be happy. Now I hope my husband will get on board with his side!

How’s the state of your nightstand?

Day 11 No Spend Task:

Once again, we’re going to keep it simple. No spending on unnecessary things!

I would also love to hear about one thing that is really tempting for you? What are you missing the most? Or are you missing it anymore? I am missing our occasional stops at Tim Hortons after school! But my daughters have been enjoying homemade hot chocolate instead!

I will be posting each task in the Simply Frugal No Spend Declutter Challenge Facebook Group. This is where most of the discussion will be happening.

I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!

If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!