HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE – JUNE 2024

Published exclusively for clients of Bluegrass Cleaning & Hardwood Refinishing Company.

Juggling motherhood and keeping your house in order can feel like an impossible task. Between endless diaper changes, playtime, and those precious moments of naptime, it’s easy to feel like your home is constantly in a state of disarray. But fear not, weary moms! Here are some practical tips to help you conquer the chaos and create a haven of calm, even with your little one by your side.

Firstly, embrace the mess. Let go of the idea of a perfectly spotless home. Young children naturally create clutter, and trying to fight it will only lead to frustration. Focus on creating designated play areas where toys can be contained, and establish a quick and easy clean-up routine at the end of the day.

Secondly, prioritize and delegate. Not all tasks are created equal. Focus on keeping the high-traffic areas of your home clean and tidy, and let less critical areas go for a bit longer. Delegate tasks to older children whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or family.

Finally, embrace the moments of calm. Look for opportunities to sneak in short bursts of cleaning while your little one is napping or playing independently. Even a 10-minute tidy-up can make a big difference in how you feel about your space. Remember, a calm and happy mom is better for everyone!

We’ve All Been There: Hilarious & Heartwarming Mom Fails (and Triumphs!)
Let’s face it, motherhood is an adventure – and sometimes, that adventure involves questionable fashion choices on our little ones (think: lipstick masterpieces) or unexpected “gifts” left strategically around the house (think: mystery puddles). But amidst the chaos, there’s also a deep well of love, laughter, and those precious “aha!” moments that make it all worthwhile.

The Stain Brigade

Coffee Catastrophe

“One morning, I was running on fumes trying to get myself and my toddler out the door. In my sleep-deprived state, I somehow managed to spill a full cup of coffee all over my little guy’s brand new white outfit. Let’s just say daycare drop-off was an interesting experience!” – Sarah M., Atlanta, GA

Mystery Marker

“I swear, toddlers have an uncanny ability to find markers in the most obscure places. One day, I discovered my daughter had used a permanent marker to draw a beautiful (but very permanent) masterpiece all over our living room couch. Thankfully, after a lot of scrubbing and some upholstery cleaner magic, the disaster was averted (mostly).” – Jessica L., Austin, TX

The Fashion Faux Pas

Mismatched Mayhem

“There’s something about mornings that makes even the most well-rested mom forget basic outfit coordination. One day, I sent my son to school sporting a bright red and yellow striped shirt…paired with neon green polka dot pants. Let’s just say the teacher gave me a very sympathetic look at pick-up time!” – Emily C., Chicago, IL

The Great Accessory Debacle

“My daughter has a fascination with anything shiny. One afternoon, I realized she’d somehow gotten hold of a roll of duct tape and proceeded to “accessorize” her entire outfit with it. Needless to say, it was a sticky situation (literally)!” – Maria S., San Francisco, CA

The Unexpected Victories

The First Steps

“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching your child take their first steps. My son was a bit on the cautious side, but after weeks of encouragement, he finally took that leap. The tears of joy (from both of us) were definitely worth the wait!” – Lisa P., Seattle, WA

The “I Did It Myself!” Moment

“My daughter can be quite the picky eater. But the other day, she surprised me by announcing she wanted to help make dinner. Together, we made a simple salad, and the look of pride on her face as she declared, ‘I did it myself!’ was priceless.” – Katherine B., Denver, CO

We want to hear from you too! Do you have a hilarious motherhood anecdote to share? A heartwarming moment that made your heart melt? Leave a comment below and tell us your story. You might just be featured in our next email!

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere.

To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing!

A man walks into a library and asks the librarian for books about paranoia. The librarian whispers, “They’re right behind you!”

Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two tired!

What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells!

The kitchen can quickly become a battleground for busy families, especially during the summer months. Between meal prep, after-school snacks, and those inevitable spills, keeping the kitchen clean can feel like a never-ending struggle. But fear not, mama warriors! These 5 quick cleaning hacks can help you reclaim your kitchen and restore a sense of calm (at least until the next mealtime!).

1. Develop a Daily Cleaning Routine: Taking a few minutes after each meal to wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaner prevents grime buildup. This small task makes a big difference in maintaining a clean kitchen.
2. Pre-Soaking is Your Friend: Don’t let dirty dishes conquer your sink! Instead, fill it with hot, soapy water and pre-soak pots, pans, and utensils right after use. This simple step loosens baked-on food particles, making cleaning a breeze later.
3. Harness the Power of Your Microwave: Your microwave can actually help you clean! Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a tablespoon of vinegar. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, creating steam that loosens tough grime on greasy splatters and food stains inside. Once cool, simply wipe clean!
4. Baking Soda: Your Natural Cleaning Ally: Baking soda is a natural cleaning powerhouse. Create a paste of baking soda and water for a quick oven refresh. Spread the paste on the oven floor and interior walls, focusing on greasy areas. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight for stubborn stains, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
5. Invest in a Multipurpose Spray: A good quality, all-purpose cleaner that’s safe for most surfaces is a cleaning workhorse. Keep a spray bottle filled and readily available for quick clean-ups throughout the day. Use it on countertops, appliances, cabinets, and even floors.

Remember, consistency is key! By incorporating these quick cleaning hacks into your daily routine, you can keep your kitchen looking and feeling fresh, even on the busiest days.

This flavor-packed dish is a winner in every way! Tender chicken and colorful veggies all come together on a single sheet pan for a fuss-free dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 head of broccoli (cut into florets)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 red onion (sliced)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange broccoli florets, red bell pepper slices, and red onion slices around the chicken.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and sriracha (if using).
5. Brush the chicken and vegetables with the honey-soy sauce mixture.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. Serve immediately with rice or your favorite side dish.