Cleaning up while the kids are awake used to sound impossible to me. Until Sophie was a year old, I’d get caught up in the chaos of eating lunch, food prep, or bedtime routines and I wouldn’t take charge of getting daily messes cleaned up...until Sophie was asleep. Naptime automatically became a ‘watch the clock’ situation of running around tidying and doing dishes with one eye on the clock, all the while wishing I was doing something else before she woke up again. It was a perspective … [Read more...]
17 Autumn Projects To Do Before The Seasons Change
I know, I know -- maybe it seems early to think about winter! Here in Minnesota, it feels like September has barely arrived and people are already going all out with fall decor while keeping one eye on the impending cold. But that's how we plan ahead in this state! ;) Personally, I've been thinking about winter a lot already this year because I've been trying to plan ahead for our little one! Our daughter is due mid-October and while I'm so excited, I'm also a bit overwhelmed at the idea of … [Read more...]
Guest Room Wifi Password Card (a free printable!)
Setting up our guest bedroom here in our rental home has been one of my favorite projects yet! We really enjoy hosting friends and relatives overnight - not only is the conversation and company fun for Bjorn and me, but we also like knowing that people have a peaceful, inviting place to sleep when they're in town! RELATED READING: 5 Tips For Hosting Overnight Guests (+ a printable guest room checklist!) Since we're currently renting, I didn't paint the room or do anything major to … [Read more...]
Homemaking Checklists Roundup (+ a Giveaway!)
Over the past few years, I've really been able to hone in on certain, more specific topics for Just Bee. One of my favorite topics to write about lately is the home: creating a cozy home, organizing it, cleaning it, and filling it with love. :) I'd asked my readers a while ago what topics you'd enjoy reading more about and the majority of you said you'd be happy to see more homemaking posts! It was really exciting to see more interest in terms of posts on this topic, since it is something … [Read more...]
Kitchen Tidying Checklist (Free Printable!)
Which housekeeping tasks fill you with a sense of satisfaction? I feel the most settled on evenings when I leave a clean, tidy kitchen downstairs. I just love glancing back at the freshly wiped countertops, the dish-less white farmhouse sink, and flipping the little yellowy sink light off before heading upstairs for the night, knowing all is well and all is set for the next day. But – I don’t want to spend all evening after work standing in the kitchen! So it's important to … [Read more...]
4 Reasons to Savor Solitude
It's official - I'm an introvert! As a teacher, though, I have a highly social job. I'm constantly chatting with other teachers and paras as well as a ton of second graders each day! But I sure do recharge by spending some quality time with myself - or sometimes with just one other person. I love "introverting" together with a friend at a coffee shop or working on a low-key project together with Bjorn. I've found over the years, though, that I crave alone time after (or between) … [Read more...]
How to Clean Your Bathroom in Just 10 Minutes (+ a Printable Checklist!)
I know today's post topic isn't altogether glamorous...but hey! This is real life and it sure is important! ;) Let's Talk Bathroom Cleaning! Thank you to those of you who weighed in on Just Bee's topics in my most recent reader survey. I took each and every one of your comments and insights to heart, and I'm pleased to say that an overwhelming majority of you voted "yes" on continued and increased homemaking posts! Personally, I'm thrilled because keeping a home (and … [Read more...]
How to Clean Your Bathroom In 10 Minutes
I know today's post topic isn't altogether glamorous...but hey! This is real life and it sure is important! ;) One of the things I've really had to master once I started living on my own (and now, living with my husband) was a housekeeping and cleaning schedule. Much of cleaning a house has to do with building up habits of cleanliness. I make sure to clean the bathroom at least once a week, typically on weekends, though I especially like it when I can get to it the night before trash day … [Read more...]