A Morning Routine
I am a firm believer that a green home must also be one that is clean and organized. I know that I personally do not make wise, green decisions when I feeling overwhelmed by clutter and dirty dishes. When I am overwhelmed, I’ve noticed that a lot more seems to end up in my trashcan rather than the compost or recycling. I also find that when my meals are not organized for the week, we tend to eat over-processed and over-packaged foods.
Now I need to be honest here and say that, lately, I have not been running the tightest of ships. The house is cluttered. There are dirty dishes in the sink (and on the counters). I have been making nearly daily trips to the grocery store or, worse yet, McDonalds.
This happens to most everyone (at least me). We all have our ups and down. But for me this has gone on long enough, and I need to fix it. I am striving to be greener and in order to do that, I need to tackle the mess that is my house right now. So imagine my delight when I came across a blog that is beginning to feature a weekly challenge to work towards making your home a haven. Every Monday, Tammy’s Recipes will feature a weekly challenge. This week’s challenge was to come up with 5 habits that make up a morning routine. Something to be done every day no matter what…
So I’ve given it some thought, and this is what I have come up with for myself:
- Wake up kids and get everyone dressed.
- Breakfast, coffee and vitamins.
- Put away clean dishes.
- Start a load of laundry.
- Check the dinner plan and start any necessary thawing/marinating/slowcooking.
This doesn’t look like much, but it is a start, and it will build on other habits in the future (such as getting the dishes cleaned the night before).
What are your morning routines?
Filed under Cleaning and Organization |6 Responses to “A Morning Routine”
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Love getting that early morning headstart on dinner!
I can only wish my mornings were so easy! My husband isn’t a problem. He know to get himself up and gone before the rest of us (ALL FEMALES) get up. I get a quick shower, wake the oldest teen (who won’t get up when I call) then wake the younger teen (Who then hogs our single bathroom) then I try to make my lunch while refereeing the two girls fighting over use of the bathroom. I leave for for work more than a 1/2 hour before either catches the bus to school.SO I issue warnign to check that ALL the lights are off before they leave and it doesn’t always happen. Supper is not thought about until I return home that night. Ah well… I can dream…Then again they ARE teenagers, and another 4 years… and they’ll both be gone…won’t they?…PLEASE!!!!LOL
I had a really great routine but then I had another baby. She’s now two (I don’t know where the time went!) and it seems like I’m still trying to find a routine that works. I make breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have dishes and laundry. I have two little girls who deserve my constant, undivided attention. I have a wonderful husband who needs my constant, undivided attention. I have a grandfather with Alzheimer’s who we like to visit when we can. I have parents who have an organic farm that love when we can help with the animals, etc. I have a blog and a column that I love to write. And all that is just on a Monday…
I think most moms have a ton of stuff to fit into their day, I just haven’t figured out a great routine (YET).
But I’m optimistic. I love my life and wouldn’t change a single thing. I just need to be more organized.
Great post!
Boy, is it ever different being n empty nester & retired! I can eliminate Step #1 entirely. You forget how all- consuming little ones are to say the least. I envy you but I was there twenty odd years ago & I remember how hard & fun that was. Just have Steps 2 to 5 now but sometimes ,to my chagrin, I leave the dishes untouched & do them whenever… My favorite meals are still one pan or pot dinners or slow cooker meals. And we are starting to have a new appreciation for leftovers, delicious if just a day old!
Tami- Thinking ahead to dinner is a new habit that I am really trying to establish. I hate getting to dinner-time and not having a clue what I am going to make and then scrambling to thaw something! My morning routine this week has been an absolute God-send!
Tracy- I am NOT looking forward to the teenage years…you’ve just confirmed many of my fears!!!
Wendy- Your comment made me tired just reading it! As mothers we all have so many things on our plates. I’ve just recently begun working again and my new morning routine has helped to keep our household from falling into complete pandemonium and chaos!
Sue- I always love your comments! They are so candid and fun! Thank you for all of your support and love!
[...] do have to say that having the morning routine has helped to keep our home and family from falling into a pit of utter chaos as I have returned to [...]