Adults often have a harder time with this than kids but I suggest repeat meals. One of two options….serve the exact same meal for lunch and dinner or serve dinners meal the next day for lunch. Less prep, just make more. Less planning too!
We do this for our adult lunches. Cook enough supper for lunch the following day. We cook several meals on one day so the rest of the week’s meals are pretty much done.
I rely on this a lot. I make a big batch of something that freezes well. The leftovers live in the freezer and I end up with 3 or so options in there to choose for my lunches and/or dinners. Chili, pasta sauce, curries, whatever you like.
My biggest piece of advice.... Don't plan a surprise 50th birthday party, between your son's 4th of July Birthday, and your beach trip on the 14th (which is the hubby's actual birthday). Stressed to the max...
Too funny, last night I was trying to explain to my husband that I keep a “fall in the river” bag in the car with a complete outfit from inside out-and he thinks I’m nuts. Being in a woman’s body and being a mom is just inherently…risky! 😂
I keep my work bag stocked with my ID, work phone charger, lunch bag and a foldable reuseable bag. Wallet, sunglasses, keys and phone all transfer over on Sundays.
STEP on the Gas let the games begin sooo true. I'm currently taking care of mom on dialysis dad had a stroke (I had to move in temporarily) my husband is 3 miles away at home.... 🤗🤗🤗
I think one snack time would help. Kids do too much mindless eating today, which is why we have too many overweight young kids. If you're feeding them sugary or high-carb snacks, that makes them want to eat more. I see women having a bag full of snacks they take in the car just to go to the grocery store and do errands. Giving your body a rest between meals is better; kids will eat their meals better, and so will adults. With the high cost, that should be the first thing to let go.
nope her kids are not overly overweight....they seem too active to maintain the weight and at their ages I don't think they should be made to be super controlled with what they eat......but then I have seen on the videos what Erica keeps in her fridge and closets....
Meal planning is my arch nemesis!!!! With our families dietary needs I’m constantly overwhelmed! 🤪 law carb, low sodium, Celiac Gluten free, no dairy, no eggs, no beef, no grapefruit and FODMAP diet, add on a few dislikes and I’m at my wits end!
Low fodmap is hard. Wishing you luck and patience to find maybe 7-14 EASY recipes that work and then just cycle through. ❤ Maybe the carbs can be an add-on?
Erica, it's so wonderful to witness your evolvement! Last year, I had a feeling you were progressing into a capsule wardrobe. You have really done well with figuring out your clothing preferences. This video was awesome. After paring down your home & your clothes, you're paring down your life! You are clearly taking charge & I have no doubt you will "lalala" this summer! Lalala-LOL! Mom-to-mom, I really appreciated this video.
Hi Erica... thank you so much for your videos. I had my two nephews and niece stay with me for a week this summer (it's normally just me and my dog at home) and I was so organised naturally just because I've been regularly listening to your videos! I took them to a Scripture Union camp every morning and evening and had a bag sitting at the front door ready to lift when we were going and my dishes washed and put away every evening! It really helped me and I felt like such a grown up!
I'd like to chime in with saying to have a few snacks per person with a drink ready to go in a bag. I've been paying too much buying those things when I'm out and about!!!
We never have anything expansive on our summer bucket list. The only things that’ll cost us is eating strawberries and icecream. We make a point of choosing free stuff for our bucketlist 🤑☀️ we have annual passes for our local ”zoo”, I bought them on 50% discount last fall.
While I would like to have a simple summer - this year's is filled with life changes. Oldest moving to begin her career as a teacher. Middle going off to college out of state. Youngest in theater & driver's ed. Caring for my elderly mom in my home. Morning routines help. My calendar & lists keep me on track. However, some seasons of life are just packed!
Love the organization by bags. As a person with ADHD I find that idea very appealing. Ditto on the simple no-cook meals. Lots of great ideas for summer and year-round. Thanks Erica!
I love all of your tips! Can you share how you organize the car? I wanted to have things complete in the car but it always ends up as a mess. Thank you!
Oh yes, it is ridiculously expensive in the world right now. In Australia Lettuce used to be $2.50 - $4.50 in the before times, climbed steadily to $5 - $6.50 We had floods where there would be current harvesting and there are severe shortages. $9 -$12 and hungry jacks (burger king) put cabbage on their burgers for a hot second. And that's only the current shocker. It's over a wide variety if food and items.
Yes to bag organization! We have the swim bag, the church bag, the American Heritage Girls bag, ..... makes it so easy to grab and go. We also do the summer daily checklist for the kids and a bucket list.
Living in Annapolis, you have easy access to the numerous and FREE National monuments and Smithsonian museums and zoo in DC. Great family activity and budget friendly when paired with a picnic lunch. We did this often through my now adult kids elementary years.
Thanks Erica 👍 I like your sitting in your rocking chair vibe 😊 Simplify 🙌 You are a bag lady like me! It makes it so easy to pick up & go. Designated bags are a good solution for you as I've seen you use them effectively over the videos. I wonder if clear bags would be of interest to you?
We live close to the beach. I use the bag system as well for our beachy things and keep them 8n the trunk... You never know when you just drive there. 😁😎🏖️
My kids are wildlings too. 😂 if there is mud or water they will find it. I find I am not good at restocking the items. do you have. avideo of your can bags and are you good about remembering to restock the used clothes and swim stuff or grab the sunscreen before you leave?
The essential bag is always my go to. When I know where and what we are doing I prepare a bag with items we may need to include water and snacks. Always a good idea to carry an extra towel or two. I also put in flip flops if not wearing them just in case i want them. You have come up with a great system and please share your winter tips when the time comes. Thanks much for the video. Love to all your family. So enjoy your channel.
I’ve learned the hard way that having an extra pair of flip flops on hand is a good idea. I wear them so often now that I’ve had two pairs break on me. They seem to last about two years with almost daily use.
I love using me slow cooker in the summer. A lot of people think using a slow cooker is for stew or soup in the winter but using it in the summer is perfect so your house doesn’t get heated and it is super easy, you can spend the day at the beach and still come home to a great meal.
In Alaska I'm already feeling like summer is on the way out ( trying not to get depressed) & as caregiver our wants and routines are on back burner to health emergencies. Still going to borrow uniform wardrobe idea and bag prep
@ericalucas would you please put your checklist for kids on your blog? I think it will really help my kids and keep my babysitters sanity this during the week and mine during summer.
I want to have a lot of fun this summer.... the past 4 years we had less fun then I wanted. Before for the house and then the past two years for the craziness. this year I am already hitting a wall trying to balance the fun with the house hold stuff. 😢 I don't want to waste another summer not being able to leave because of home obligations but I also don't want to have everything like up when we have too much fun.
Great tips! I like those check off lists 👏🏻 Might have to incorporate them here 😅 Half way through the summer and we’re still finishing my oldests homeschool work since PCSing happened 3/4 of the way through the year. That calm and restore looks nice- is it cleaner ingredients?
