3 Tips to Simplify your Life

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Designing “inviting interiors” is our expertise. But sometimes enhancing day-to-day environments through preparation, scheduling, and innovative ideas is necessary. Here are some useful tips we live by and a new approach we're experimenting with this back-to-school season.

1. Quick Breakfast Idea: Chicken Mini Dupe Mondays

Mondays can be a drag, especially when it comes to getting everyone up and ready for the day. That’s why we’ve introduced "Chicken Mini Mondays" in our household. This protein-packed breakfast is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re using the oven or an air fryer, these mini chicken sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults alike. By combining these nuggets with this bread you get something that tastes like the famous ones.

Why It Works:

  • Routine: By dedicating Mondays to this specific breakfast, you eliminate the morning decision-making fatigue. Everyone knows what to expect, and you can focus on getting out the door on time.

  • Convenience: The ingredients are easy to find in the freezer section of your grocery store, making it a no-brainer to keep on hand.

  • Energy Boost: Packed with protein, these chicken minis provide the fuel needed to kickstart the week.

2. Lunch Organization: Centralized Snack Station

Packing lunches doesn’t have to be a chore when you have a system in place. One of the most effective strategies we’ve found is organizing all the lunch containers and snacks in a central location. For us, that means the pantry. By keeping everything in one place, you can streamline the lunch-packing process and make it easy for the kids to grab what they need.

Why It Works:

  • Efficiency: No more searching through multiple cabinets or drawers. When everything is in one spot, you can pack lunches faster and with less stress.

  • Empowerment: Kids can easily help themselves, making it easier for them to participate in the lunch-packing routine.

  • Variety: Keep the pantry stocked with a variety of lunch items like simple charcuterie ingredients, PB+J supplies, and salad fixings so there’s always something tasty to choose from.

3. Health Tip: The “Sick Bin” Strategy

Let’s face it, back-to-school also means back-to-germs. While you can’t avoid every cold or flu, you can be prepared. Enter the “Sick Bin”—a small container filled with essentials like tissues, hand sanitizer, cough drops, and more. Having this bin ready to go makes it easier to handle sickness when it inevitably strikes.

Why It Works:

  • Preparation: When someone starts to feel under the weather, you won’t have to scramble for supplies—they’re already organized and ready to go.

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place can reduce the stress and worry that comes with sick days.

  • Health Habits: Encourage your kids to wash their hands, take their vitamins, and stay hydrated to minimize the chances of getting sick.

Pro Tip: Include disposable gloves and a fresh toothbrush for each family member in the sick bin. When illness hits, it’s a small but significant step in preventing the spread of germs.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can make the back-to-school season a little less stressful and a lot more manageable.