I’m heading out to relax at the lake for some much needed vacation time and it can’t get here soon enough! The past few weeks have been incredibly hectic and demanding and I am planning little else but relaxing and a bit of gardening.
As I’m planning my time in the RV I’m reminded that the space is small and that I have to pack light which is a huge challenge for me. I have been known to take three bags for an overnight trip!
Not only does my daily routine need to simplify but the items I deem ‘necessary’ do not always have to accompany me. It makes me wonder if I could perform a more simplified routine at home and take less time to make more time.
How do your weeks loom ahead of you? Are you overwhelmed by tasks and errands and endless to do lists?
I have been learning a lot about myself and my capacity to do it all – I am finding it is possible but some days the energy is low and the motivation is far, far away. So feel OK to give yourself those days to revive and recuperate.
Other days you will feel motivated and strong and ready to tackle anything (like this morning when I did two loads of laundry before work!)
Take advantage of those days and prepare and plan for possible days ahead when you aren’t feeling your best.
Gather yourself for a power prep day and simplify your week! Food ingredients, some awesome snacks and your favorite movie.
Plan a day when you will have the house to yourself and will have fewer interruptions (I hope that is possible!)
Start early in the morning with your first load of laundry while you wait for your favorite coffee to brew. If you have one of those single serve coffee machines, hurry as you only have 30 seconds to throw in that first load!
With coffee in hand sit down and write out the menus you would like to prepare for the week, you may have already done this to populate your shopping list or you may be like me and create recipes on the fly depending on groceries.
Once your first cup of coffee is finished, it’s time to throw a load of laundry in. You now have one hour to prep the first part of your meals. Brown or sautee all meats that you will be preparing for the week and then once you start assembling your recipes the task is easier because you don’t need to stop and heat up another frying pan.
Proteins are cooked, the second load of laundry and the second cup of coffee are in order.
One more hour to assemble, chop, package and freeze a few dinners. You can whip up six casseroles, lasagnas or stews/chilis in two hours and have dinner covered with one night to eat out or order in.
You have now reached my favorite part, load one out of the dryer and load three into dry.
You now put up your feet and start watching your favorite movie while folding your fluffy clean laundry. Take a break every hour to switch loads, fold while watching and by early afternoon your power prep day has been very successful! Simply easy and kind of fun.
Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.
