family – The Self Cleaning House

How Did the Holidays Sneak Up So Fast?

Posted on November 6, 2025November 12, 2025 by theselfcleaninghouse

If the holidays seem to sneak up faster every year, you’re not alone. Here’s a reminder to slow down, find gratitude, and savor the season with faith and peace.

One day it’s blazing hot and we’re sipping iced tea on the patio, and the next… the leaves are falling, the air smells like rain, and somehow the holidays are right around the corner.

This morning, my daughter and I were sitting over coffee when it hit us — Thanksgiving is only three weeks away! How does it always sneak up like that?

Make a Little Plan Before the Rush Begins

Now is the perfect time to take a deep breath and make a simple plan before the busyness hits. You don’t need to have every detail figured out — just a few small steps that will make the next few weeks more peaceful than panicked.

1. Find out who’s coming.
Send a quick text or group message to confirm who plans to be at your Thanksgiving table. It’s amazing how fast those numbers can change — and knowing early helps you plan seats, dishes, and portions.

2. Start the menu conversation.
Write down your must-have dishes — the ones that always make it to your table (looking at you, mashed potatoes and pie!) — and decide what you’d love help with.
If family or friends ask if they can bring anything, say yes! Sharing the work makes the day more joyful.

3. Watch for baking sales.
Stores are starting to roll out discounts on flour, sugar, spices, and butter. It’s the perfect time to stock up — not just for Thanksgiving but for the whole holiday season.
Having a few extra essentials on hand saves last-minute grocery chaos later.

4. Do one thing early.
Pick one task — clean the dining table, polish the silverware, or check your serving dishes — and do it this week.
You’ll thank yourself later.

Remember the “Why” Behind the Planning

It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of lists and errands and forget what we’re really preparing for: a table full of people we love, and a quiet moment to pause and give thanks.

God’s blessings often arrive quietly — in laughter over coffee, in shared recipes, in the sound of family gathering again.
Let’s make room for those moments as we prepare our homes and hearts.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.” —James E. Faust

A Verse for Your Heart

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
— Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

So yes, the holidays may have crept up again… but this year, let’s meet them with calm hearts, warm kitchens, and grateful spirits.

Love you all!
Elizabeth XOXO

If you’re ready to bring a little more peace and purpose into your Thanksgiving prep this year, I created something special for you.
The Holiday Home & Heart Planner – Thanksgiving Edition is a printable guide filled with faith reflections, cozy checklists, and gentle reminders to help you prepare your home and your heart with calm and joy.

Get your copy below for just $7.

🧡 Buy the Thanksgiving Planner ($7)

From My Kitchen

Every fall, as the leaves began to turn and the kitchen filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon, my mom would bake this Fresh Apple Cake. It wasn’t fancy — just warm and full of love. If you’re easing into Thanksgiving planning and craving something simple and cozy, this is the one to make.

Fresh Apple Cake

This week, I’m sharing a cozy favorite — Fresh Apple Cake — an old-fashioned classic filled with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a crisp, buttery nut topping. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

When a recipe card looks like this, you know it’s good!

Serves: 12
Yield: 1 cake
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups all purpose flour
4 cups chopped apples peeled if desired
Topping:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter softened
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch square pans).

Mix the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.

Add dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined.

Fold in apples.

Gently stir in the chopped apples until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and chunky—just right for a moist, hearty cake.

Prepare the topping.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and butter using a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter, then scatter the chopped nuts over the top.

Bake 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the internal temperature reads 200–205°F. The top should be golden and the edges just pulling away from the pan.

Cool and serve.

Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before cutting into squares. It’s delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

12 servings | 420 cal | 5 P | 22 F | 54 C

*Recipe Notes

Apples: Use firm, flavorful apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. A mix of sweet and tart adds depth.

Texture tip: If the center tends to stay doughy, try chopping apples a bit smaller or reducing to 3½ cups. The internal temp test (200–205 °F) is your best guide.

Nuts: Walnuts add classic flavor, while pecans give a sweeter crunch. Toast them lightly before adding for extra richness.

Serving idea: Fantastic warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Storage: Keeps well covered at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Freezes beautifully in individual squares.

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Want to bake along with me? You can open the full Fresh Apple Cake recipe right in Cook’n here →

Cleaning and Routines

Laundry Love: Blessing Family One Sock at a Time

Posted on May 20, 2025 by theselfcleaninghouse

I know laundry has a bad rap.
It’s never-ending, and most people don’t enjoy doing it. But I don’t mind it—actually, I quite enjoy it. It’s relaxing. It’s satisfying. You can do other things while the clothes are in the washer. Our great-great-grandparents didn’t have that luxury, so thank you, Jesus, for technology! I like the challenge of getting a stain out. I like seeing the row of clean shirts hanging in the laundry room.

The Summer of Scratchy Towels

I especially love hanging clothes outside in the summer when I can. My kids used to joke (or maybe it was complaining??!) about “scratchy towel season!” Hey, it was a free exfoliation to use those towels!

But oh, that smell of clothes dried in the sun—there is nothing better.

Blessing My Family One Sock at a Time

I didn’t always love folding clothes. But over time, I began to appreciate the simple rhythm of it—folding things neatly, matching socks, stacking fresh towels. It became a quiet, sacred moment in my day.

When my kids were young, I’d fold their laundry and think about them. And then I began to pray for them.

🧺 “A pair of jeans became a prayer for strength. A favorite T-shirt, a prayer for protection at school. Pajamas, a blessing for sweet rest.”

I wanted to bless them—not just with clean, wrinkle-free clothes, but with the covering of a mother’s prayer. Blessing My Family One Sock at a Time

The Hidden Ministry

It wasn’t glamorous. No one saw it.
But God did.

✨ “And He taught me something powerful: sometimes ministry isn’t loud or public. Sometimes it’s whispering blessings over a sock.”

The Season of Two

Now, my kids are grown. It’s just my husband and me in the house.
But I still fold his socks with love.
I still pray over the man who wears them.
The prayers are different now—sometimes deeper.
And they still matter.

Laundry as Love

Those everyday chores—the ones that feel endless and stuck on repeat—are actually acts of service.
A quiet ministry.
A blessing to those we love the most.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”~1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

A reminder that service—yes, even laundry! —is a way we reflect God’s grace.

👕 “Someday, they won’t be so hard. Your little ones will grow up. The laundry pile will shrink. But you will have blessed those kids’ socks off.”

A Word to You, Mama (or Grandma, or Just You)

Maybe you’re drowning in laundry.
Maybe your house is suddenly quiet.

Wherever you are today, hear this:

💛 God meets us in the ordinary.
There is holiness in the humdrum, if we let Him in.

I would love to hear of ways that you bless your family and ways that you let Him in!

Blessings,

Elizabeth XOXO

Cleaning and Routines

You Can’t Take it with You

Posted on November 21, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

A few weeks ago, my mom passed away. She was an amazing woman, blessed with numerous gifts and talents that touched the lives of many. It’s challenging to comprehend the extent of her impact. Recently, we held a service to celebrate her life, and the turnout was overwhelming. Person after person, each sharing a unique connection with her—be it as a beloved schoolteacher, a recipient of her prayers, or someone she supported during tough times—stood up to share their memories. I feel profoundly honored to have called her my mom and was moved by the stories of lives she touched and changed.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Proverbs 31:20

Today, I went to the Assisted Living home to collect her belongings. Armed with several boxes, I only brought two inside. It became apparent that many things needed to be discarded, prompting me to request a garbage sack. I carefully folded her clothes and placed them in the boxes, intending to donate them to a charity where someone else can appreciate them. Two apple boxes were all it took to contain her entire worldly possessions. It struck me—this was all she had, all she ever needed, and now she didn’t need any of it.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t take it with you,” but its profound truth resonated with me in that moment. My mom doesn’t care about the stuff she used to collect—the yarn, the fabric, the dishes. Whatever she’s doing in heaven, it certainly doesn’t involve missing her possessions.

The next time you find yourself decluttering or deciding whether to keep something, remember, in the end, none of it holds much importance. You can’t take it with you.

Cleaning and Routines

Change is Hard

Posted on September 26, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

Change can be undeniably challenging. When we encounter something new, our brains tend to react defensively, clinging to the familiar. Our “normal” feels safe, while change demands that we venture out of our comfort zone. Despite this, we often strive for change, seeking personal and situational improvements. But the actual process of change can be daunting.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in tough situations – a job, a relationship, or a financial scenario – where change appears to be the solution. Yet, even when we’re uncomfortable with our current situation, it paradoxically becomes comfortable over time.

Transforming habits to better organize our homes can be a shared aspiration, but it’s a challenging journey. Even if we’re dissatisfied with our current state, it remains our comfort zone. Additionally, it impacts our families, who may not embrace change readily. So, how can we make this process smoother for everyone?

First, pay attention to your self-talk. You can change the dialogue in your mind, convincing yourself that this change is positive and will ultimately enhance your life.

Don’t attempt to change everything at once. Altering established habits and situations demands conscious effort, and tackling too much simultaneously can be overwhelming. Small changes can set a cascade of positive alterations in motion, so start with simplicity.

Stay acutely aware of the benefits of the changes you’re making. Visualize how your life will improve post-change. Use this as motivation. It’s easier to commit to something when there’s a visible reward on the horizon.

Persevere! Understand that success often involves setbacks. Keep moving forward; it’s an integral part of the process.

Introduce new rules, expectations or routines to your family with sensitivity. Give them a degree of control over these changes. Explain the benefits in terms that matter to them, not just you. Your teenage son might not be too concerned about your inner peace but framing it as something that benefits them can help.

Support and encourage rather than criticize. Praise their efforts, and be patient. Let them know that change is challenging for you too, but you’re a team and can face it together.

Change is indeed challenging, but it’s also rewarding and vital for growth and progress in life.

Be like a flower: weather the rain, but use it as nourishment to grow.

Choose to change! Choose to have a home and routines that will ultimately give you and your family more time and give you the peace you deserve. I believe in you!

Elizabeth XOXO

Cleaning and Routines

The Price of Neglect

Posted on August 21, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

As my siblings and I continue to clear out and clean our parents’ home, I’ve been struck by how just a few years of neglect can take a toll on a once-vibrant space. Of course, it’s not their fault – circumstances prevented them from keeping up. No one had ventured into the basement for years. Regardless of the reasons, the regrettable aftermath isn’t easy to face, and now we’re faced with a series of repairs. Neglect has become a topic that’s been constantly on my mind during this process.

“Taking care of your possessions is an investment in yourself.”
– Brian Tracy

However, not doing anything is still a conscious choice. Neglecting tasks that should be done is essentially choosing to let things fall into disrepair or become damaged, simply by doing nothing at all. A classic example of this is the sight of old abandoned barns when you drive through the countryside. Left untouched for years, they eventually collapse due to neglect. In our own homes, neglecting basic maintenance could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.

“Taking care of what you have allows what you have to take care of you.” –
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Consider the scenario where a neglected basement leads to a water leak and subsequent mold growth. Dealing with this could cost thousands, and that’s not even considering the repair work. Ignoring garage cleaning might invite mice, leading to a host of problems that aren’t easy to eliminate. These are just a couple of examples showcasing how not taking action actually results in something happening.

So, take the time to perform regular maintenance in your home. Pay attention to the areas you might not normally notice. It’s an investment that could save you significant time and money down the road.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1
Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

Love you all!

Elizabeth XOX

Cleaning and Routines

Momma’s….take care of YOU

Posted on December 6, 2022 by theselfcleaninghouse

For the last almost two years my Mom has had dementia. I am sure she has had it for much longer but that is how long my sister and I have been caring for both her and my Dad, who has Alzheimer’s, so that they can stay in their home as long as possible. This is not something that my Mom would have wanted. She was always so strong and smart and could fix anything. She knows she can’t remember and is confused. It’s so sad to see.

We can do so much to prevent dementia! It is not a game of Russian roulette. We can do something about it. The top leading causes of dementia are high blood sugar/diabetes and lack of good quality sleep. Diabetes can also be caused from a lack of good sleep. Poor diet and lack of exercise affects both blood sugar and sleep. More women than men have dementia. That means we have to be even more vigilant to take care of ourselves.

Alzheimer’s is a Lifestyle Disease

A great read from Dr Amen

If you are into podcasts (I am a podcast junkie!) take a listen to this one on dementia and Alzheimer’s. https://themodelhealthshow.com/steven-masley/

When Moms are stressed, frazzled and busy, what is the first thing that will be sacrificed? Sleep. We stay up late to clean, to do extra work we didn’t get done at work, to pay bills or do laundry. There isn’t enough hours in the day so we steal them from our night. Then we go to bed thinking of all the things still left to do and can’t sleep.

We do that because we are sacrificing for our families, for our kids! What we don’t realize at the time is where that wave is going to end up crashing. I am looking at it. This is not what you want for your kids.

It is absolutely vital to our health and our future to take care of ourselves and stop the chaos and stress and get good sleep. It can be done. Maybe not perfectly, but that is ok. Use daily routines to keep things in check and weekly routines to clean without killing yourself. Let your family know what is expected of them. They might grumble now but they will appreciate it later!

I wish my Mom had taken time for herself. I wish she had prioritized her health and happiness and modeled that for me. Unfortunately, I am sure I taught my kids that same thing, that being a mom means taking care of everyone except yourself. I am sorry girls!!

I can’t go back and change it now and neither can my mother, but I can tell you! Your grown up kids in the future are begging you to go for a walk, to do a little laundry everyday, not do it all till 3 in the morning. They want you to go to the dentist. They want you to get a massage and a facial. They want you to go talk to a counselor. They want you to be happy and have good healthy relationships. They want you to sleep in sometimes. They want you to ask them and dad for help. They want you to know that you are really important. They want you to take care of yourself. Please.

I miss you Mom. This is hard.

Momma’s, for the love of your children, take care of you.

XOXO

Elizabeth

Cleaning and Routines

Holiday Traditions

Posted on November 19, 2018 by theselfcleaninghouse

Traditions are something that you give your family that will last long after you are gone. They are a gift you give your kids and they give their kids.

Traditions make your family unique. It is what makes your family special and different from the neighbor. Tradition gives us a feeling of belonging, a part of something exclusive.

woman preparing christmas table — Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

As parents, it is our responsibility to pass on our core values and beliefs in a way that they will be as meaningful to them as they are to us. There is no better way to instill your values into your children than through tradition. Faith, patriotism, integrity, responsibility, work ethic, and compassion can all be taught through tradition in a way that it becomes a part of them and they will pass it down to their own children.

Traditions give security to children. Something they look forward to year after year. Your children will remember the traditions forever. The gifts at the holidays and birthdays will be quickly forgotten.

Families need to be held together by that bond of memories and traditions. Now more than ever we need to keep our traditions and give that gift of belonging and history to our children so that they never forget who they are!

It is important to involve your children in your traditions! Take the time to explain why you are doing those things and where it came from. Family history gives them pride in who they are and in their family. It’s that sense of being part of something big and special. The most important thing about tradition is that it is done every year!!

Our traditions have changed slightly over the years. When my husband and I were married, we combined and morphed our traditions together and add a few of our own. It makes OUR family unique!

We have a lot of traditions in our family! I will share a few of them with you. It’s always inspiring to see what other families do and I am always looking for new ideas. I would love to hear what you do!

We go to church on Easter morning every year. We have lamb for dinner and always have communion as a family before dinner. Easter baskets for our kids always had a new swimsuit for the season!

When our kids were young we went downtown to the local fireworks display for the 4th of July every year! Over time the crowd got really bad and it just didn’t feel safe anymore. So now we have a huge BBQ at our house, play yard games and do our own fireworks in the street in front with our neighbors. The May Family Annual 4th of July Party is awesome!

The planning, baking, and cooking for Thanksgiving with my girls is one of my favorites. Before we pray over the Thanksgiving dinner, we each say what we are thankful for. After dinner, we play games, watch football, and just hang out in comfy clothes until we are hungry again and then we have rolls with turkey and cream cheese and cranberry sauce, and more pie! Mmmmmm!

The day after Thanksgiving/Black Friday is one of my favorite days of the year! Not because of the shopping. That is fun and all but our favorite part is going to our local annual lighting ceremony, parade and fireworks! Rain, cold or snow has never stopped us from being there. It is the most wonderful time of the year! After the fireworks we go home and have Cheeseburger Chowder for dinner. Yummy!

Putting up the Christmas Tree and decorating it has always been super special for all of us. We all get involved! We play Christmas music, have a fire in the fireplace, drink hot chocolate and have Clam Chowder for dinner.

When our kids were little they always got to open one present on Christmas Eve. My daughter has continued to do that with her daughter but changed it a bit. She makes a Christmas Eve box for her to open. She gets new Christmas jammies, slippers, a new movie to watch that evening among other things. Such a fun thing to do!

On Christmas morning we open presents…like at the crack of dawn! A lot of times my husband and oldest daughter have to work at 7am-7pm Christmas (they are law enforcement) and we want to have them there for presents so we just all get up really early! Then we put on a huge brunch for all the extended family. It is an open house style so that people can come and go as needed. It’s nice to get to see people without anyone feeling like they have to be there at a certain time or stay until the party is over. It works out great! Later in the evening, we have a nice family dinner.

We have always had a big New Years Eve party with lots of friends and family and champagne! They are so much fun!

Keep your family traditions alive! Give your children the memories and traditions that will continue to live on for generations.

Please enjoy my favorite pie crust recipe! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Holiday Recipes / Holiday Recipes

Perfect flaky pie crust everytime!

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 3/4 cup shortening

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 egg

1/2 cup water

Mix first 3 ingredients, add shortening. Cut in until crumbles. Beat water, vinegar and egg. Combine with flour, stirring until moistened. Do not over mix. Divide into 5 pieces. Chill. Makes about 5 single crust pies.

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Cleaning and Routines

Wanna know a secret??

Posted on October 12, 2018 by theselfcleaninghouse

Psssst…… Wanna know a secret??! My house isn’t ALL that clean. You can’t eat off my floors, and my fridge is crowded and a lot of the baseboards are dirty. My desk has kids workbooks and coloring pages on it and there are clothes to be mended on top of my sewing table. We won’t talk about the garage.

We live here. I have a daycare here. There is a lot going on in this house at all times. If you are looking for how to keep your house looking like Martha Stewart’s house, this is the wrong place.

If you want a seemingly effortless tidy home without stress, I am so glad you are here!!

It took me a long time to start this blog because I was afraid of being judged and afraid people would expect me to have a perfect home if I talked about ways to clean your home and keep it clean. I finally went for it, but I want you to know… my house isn’t perfect! In fact, there may be a lot of people reading this that have a cleaner home than I do!

The point of this blog is to help you not have house cleaning rule your life. To do house KEEPING, not house CLEANING.

I will welcome you to my home at any time of the day. My house may have toys in the living room and kids everywhere but the dishes will be done and the bathrooms will be clean. It IS possible to have a clean and tidy home with kids!!

The kitchen is clean after breakfast!

All the toys are picked up before we head outside to play!

The blinds are probably dusty….. I will get there. That’s ok. My routines keep my house clean. When I have a moment, if all six kids are asleep at the same time, I may or may not clean the blinds. The important things are taken care of.

My house will always be moments away from company ready and I welcome you all but don’t expect it to pass a white glove test! It will be tidy and mostly clutter free and I won’t mind at all if you want to use my bathroom. The oven may need to be cleaned and crumbs in the silverware drawer. I have routines for that too and will get to it. I am not going to knock myself out to have everything done all the time and all at once and I don’t want you to either!

So, if you are looking for ways to have your blinds clean and the slider track look brand new, there are lots of blogs for that. I am just here to help you have a tidy home you don’t have to stress about and to teach you habits that make that happen so that you can enjoy the truly important things in life! I promise you, it IS possible!

Check out my routine page and set your Self Cleaning House in motion! Once those basic routines are in cement then we will move on to things like slider tracks and oven cleaning!

Right now, go do your daily routines and then go play with your kids and make some memories.

Cleaning and Routines

Kids Routines and Chores

Posted on September 13, 2018September 20, 2018 by theselfcleaninghouse

The kids are back in school! My granddaughter is in 2nd grade this year. Time sure flies! The first week of school is always really exciting and she is anxious to get up and be ready for school and out the door on time. After that, it starts to get…. a little less exciting. Establishing good routines that first week is super important, and then making sure that they keep it up is important too!

Teaching life skills is one of the most important jobs we have as parents.

Teaching routines, goal setting, and self-discipline sets your kids up for success!

Even though I know my routines inside out and backward, I, as an adult, still like checking each item off and feeling successful first thing in the morning.

It is just as important for our kids to feel that way! Having a list, chart, whiteboard or some other way for them to mark off completed items, helps them feel successful, helps them to know exactly what is expected of them, keeps you from having to tell them over and over to do each item and it teaches self-discipline. Giving them some things that are super simple, especially at a young age, helps them feel good because it is not overwhelming and they have that sense of satisfaction right away. “Look Mom! I already have two things checked off my list!” Even though those two things were get dressed and brush their teeth, we need to let them feel that sense of accomplishment. It will encourage them to achieve more for that good feeling and a good work ethic is born! That sets them up for success later in life!

It’s up to you if you want to reward them for doing chores or routines. My own personal opinion is that it is important to teach them to feel the satisfaction of a job well done and get praise and or appreciation from you, not money. No one pays me to clean my house, unfortunately! It would be much harder for me to have a good attitude about doing it for simply the satisfaction of having a clean home if I had learned that everything I do demands compensation to be worthwhile. It’s extremely important to remember to praise and thank your children for the jobs they do. Don’t forget that we are trying to teach them to feel good about a job well done.

That being said, I think it is a very good life lesson when kids are compensated for doing things above and beyond what is laid out and expected of them. Their routines and normal chores should be expected, but raking the yard or weeding the garden may be a great way for them to earn money for something they really want. Money, or whatever has been chosen as payment for tasks, is a great way to teach them about finances and is extremely motivating.

Here is an excellent short read from Dave Ramsey on this topic!

https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/why-kids-need-value-hard-work

Take a moment to thank your child and praise him for making his bed or even brushing his teeth today and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back and really feel good about what you got done too! Good job!! You are teaching your kids habits that will benefit them for life!

I have been trying a new thing!! I had heard how great fermented veggies were for your gut health and digestion. I wanted to try it! I am always up for a new experiment. The first batch I did was Brussels sprouts. That was the only fresh veggie I had on hand. I wouldn’t recommend them! They were…ok. If you are a fan of raw Brussels sprouts then maybe you would like them. This batch I am very excited about! Cauliflower!

This is a picture on day 3. It is starting to get cloudy! That is just what it is supposed to do!

Fresh vegetable of choice: cauliflower cucumber, carrots, green beans, asparagus, radishes, whatever suits your fancy

2 cups good, filtered water

1 1/2 tablespoon sea salt

3 cloves garlic opt

bay leaf, peppercorns, jalapenos, or other spices you want to use.

1 leaf cabbage or small ziplock baggie of rice

1 wide mouth mason jar with lid

Stir the salt and water together until dissolved.

Pour the salt water over the vegetables leaving 1/2″ of headspace. Tap jar on counter and wiggle around to get rid of air bubbles and pockets.

Fold a small cabbage leaf and press it down on top of the vegetables so that it keeps the vegetables submerged in the salt water. or put a bit of rice in a snack ziplock bag removing all the air and place on top of vegetables to keep the vegetables submerged.

Close the lid on the jar tightly and place it out of direct sunlight in a relatively moderate temperature (68-75 degrees).

You will start to see some bubbling around day 2 or so. After day 2, over a sink (it will kinda fizz and leak as you begin to open it), gently loosen the lid to let some of the gas escape once or twice a day.

The vegetables are ready anywhere from day 4-10. The longer they sit, the tangier they’ll be. Taste them starting on day 4 to figure out your preference. I like them best around day 5 or so.

Once you decide they’re the level of sourness you’re looking for, place the jar in the refrigerator where it will keep for a couple of months.

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Cook’n is a next generation recipe app that makes it fun and easy to share favorite recipes.

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Cleaning and Routines

September Is the New January

Posted on September 4, 2018September 4, 2018 by theselfcleaninghouse

We have had some really HOT dry weather here in North Idaho. The rain we had last week was a sweet relief! The forest fires have been raging and the smoke has been thick in the air. The last days of summer have been spent indoors in AC trying to stay cool and out of the smoke somewhat.

Today was a beautiful sunny day with cooler temperatures and blue sky that we could see!! That rain just washed the sky! It feels like fall is coming early.

With the beginning of fall comes school. The return of early mornings and routines, homework, sports practices and earlier bedtimes. Even if you aren’t in school or don’t have kids in school, it seems to be the perfect time to reorganize, plan, set goals, and make new routines. Maybe its the copious amount of school supplies that you can’t avoid at Target and Walmart?

white blank notebook — Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

Is anyone else obsessed with school supplies? I am literally giddy walking through those isles this time of year! All that fresh paper and index cards and folders and notepads!! It feels like so much yet to be written. So much hope and plans for things that haven’t happened yet. A brand new start. Fresh beginnings. Ok, maybe that is just me?!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

It is truly the perfect time to create new habits, and routines though. You have the tools on sale all around you and the mindset is just there! So take advantage of those magnetic whiteboards for your kids’ chore list. Buy a new planner for next year. Start a new habit using post-it notes to remind yourself. Organize your housekeeping with index cards.

scrabble resolutions — Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.com

Make your “New Year’s Resolutions” this year in September!

Check out these articles on making this September your new January!

https://www.inc.com/gretchen-rubin/why-september-is-the-new-january.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamiforman/2017/09/06/september-is-the-perfect-time-for-new-year-resolutions/#1d8202464235

I have made these Chicken Burritos a few times. I got the inspiration for them from “OMG Chocolate Desserts”. Check them out! They have some incredible other recipes as well!

Chicken Avocado Burritos

Here is my take on this recipe! Super easy, few ingredients and oooohhh soooo good!!

Chicken Avocado Burritos

Serves:
12Yield:
12Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1	rotisserie chicken shredded
3 tablespoons	mustard
1 teaspoon	hot pepper sauce plus more for serving
	salt to taste
	pepper to taste
2 cup	shredded mozzarella cheese or Mexican blend cheese
2	avocados diced
1/2 cup	chopped cilantro divided
12	burrito sized flour tortillas
3/4 cup	sour cream plus more for serving
	salsa
	safflower oil or peanut oil for frying

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl mix shredded chicken with mustard and hot sauce. Stir to evenly distribute. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cheese, cilantro, and diced avocado.
Warm the tortillas in damp paper towels in the microwave to make them pliable.
Spread 1 tablespoon sour cream on each tortilla, add 1/4 of the chicken mixture, form a roll with ends tucked in. Secure with toothpick.
Heat oil in deep fryer to 375* (You can pan fry, I just prefer to deep fry. Less messy.) Fry one at a time until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Drain on a rack over a paper towel.
Serve on a bed of lettuce with sour cream, salsa, hot sauce and cilantro for garnish.
You can freeze uncooked burritos. Wrap individually in parchment and put in a freezer bag. Thaw before frying.

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