Thanksgiving Countdown: Weekend Recovery

Today is Monday and that means Weekend Recovery. For the list of additional chores go here, or here!

Because this is Thanksgiving week, I will be adding extra content everyday to help you get prepared for the holiday!

While you're washing your children's bedding, I always add to wash guest bedding if you had weekend visitors. This week, this chore is NOT optional. Even if you are not planning on an overnight visitor. Its the holidays, people drop by, and you never know when and if they may have that one glass of vino too many! Not only do I want you to wash sheets but wash up the comforter. AND, if you have a TV or phone in there, wipe down the remote and/or handset with and antibacterial wipe! You want to make that guest room cleanlier than a hotel room, dont you?

So, here is what Miss Suzy is doing today. I just put my turkey into the fridge to begin to thaw. If you haven't done that yet..than get to it! I am also going to be making my cranberry sauce because it's a recipe that needs to set for a couple of days to really meld together the great flavors. If you haven't thought of making your own cranberry sauce and always buy canned...please, try this recipe. It's super easy and will really WOW your guests!

Orange Cranberry Sauce
Serves 12 (with leftovers)

Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (1lb. bag)
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup orange juice

Rinse the cranberries in a strainer and remove any stems or blemished cranberries.

In a sauce pan bring the water, sugar and orange juice to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 5 minutes to ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to stir occasionally.

Add the cranberries and bring back to a boil. Cover for 5 minutes, still stirring occasionally. When you hear the cranberries beginning to pop, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Pour the cranberries into a container and allow to continue to cool completely before refrigerating.

Before storing in fridge, lay a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the cranberries to prevent them from developing a film.

I got the recipe from the Saving Dinner website last year when I was subscribed to their Menu Mailers. I have since not needed the Menu Mailers, but still plan to use the Thanksgiving Planner this year for my cranberries and for my dressing! If you are totally lost as to HOW to put together your Thanksgiving meal...I'd suggest printing this resource!

One last thing before I go. While I'm waiting on my cranberries to cool this afternoon. I am going to rearrange my living room furniture. Why? Because shortly after Thanksgiving we'll be buying our Christmas tree. And already having the furniture rearranged will be a huge timesaver that day, and will make it less stressful so we can concentrate on drinking cocoa, singing carols and putting the decorations on the tree!

Weekend Recovery

It's Monday and that means Weekend Recovery time! I know my house sure needs it!! So lets get going on it right away!

1. Read the "Chore List" on the sidebar. Write it down so you don't forget anything and get moving on that. Remember that the chore list is an ongoing list for the whole day. As you see things around your house that need attention (a splash of a spilled drink on the table, a dirty snack bowl, lint on the floor...) tend to it right away, that's the key to keeping your home comfortable!

2. If you haven't started laundry yet. DO IT NOW!! That always seems to be my pitfall at the end of the weekend.

3. Take some all-purpose cleaner and spray down all of the surfaces in your bathroom(s) and wipe them down. Just a quick wipe will get things looking great!

4. Vacuum. Again, just a quick sweep with the vacuum will get your house feeling extra comfortable this morning! You should only have to do this quick vacuum once/week. Don't get super stressed about it because on Friday we will do a more thorough run of it. Throughout the week, don't pull your vacuum out every day. If there's a big thread or piece of lint, just pick it up. Save that vacuum in case of a major mess!

5. Take all your small rugs outside and give them a quick shake. Dont vacuum or wash!

6. Sweep up all debris from linoleum or tile floors. Do a thorough sweep. During the remainder of the week just "spot sweep".

7. Wash your children's bedding. Wash any bedding used by guests over the weekend.

8. One final thing and we're done! If you pulled out any games, puzzles or projects over the down time of the weekend. Get all of those things put back in their proper places. That way nothing will be lost or messed up and they'll be waiting for you the next chance you get!

Please, please don't get overwhelmed! I know that this is alot and I dont expect you to do it all just starting out. Please take your time and if you need any encouragment, email me. You'll find my email address listed in the sidebar under "Doorbell".

Weekend Recovery

Good Monday Morning! Well... the Open House did not turn out as expected, but that's okay!! I have selected a "winner" and will contact them through email about writing a guest post!

My weekend was very hectic! Saturday was my husband's birthday, but before I could focus on that, I had to take my son to a friend's birthday party. It was a Dora Adventure for a group of about ten 3 year olds. Very fun, but even more exhausting!! We finally returned home around 4 and I was all set to make my husband's favorite meal for his birthday dinner. Only to find out that 2 of my 3 step kids were coming for the night and that set a whole new set of chaos my way! I did not have enough to feed them! So, although I was upset,I changed the menu , and it ended up turning out alright! My husband had something else that he loves and was able to open his presents and relax.

How was your weekend?

Now let me give you a quick rundown of our weekend recovery so you can get moving on that!! Believe me, once it's done, you will be completely relieved!

1. Read the "Chore List" on the sidebar. Write it down so you don't forget anything and get moving on that. Remember that the chore list is an ongoing list for the whole day. As you see things around your house that need attention (a splash of a spilled drink on the table, a dirty snack bowl, lint on the floor...) tend to it right away, that's the key to keeping your home comfortable!

2. If you haven't started laundry yet. DO IT NOW!! That always seems to be my pitfall at the end of the weekend. I'm way behind on the laundry. It's chore numero uno today!

3. Take some all-purpose cleaner and spray down all of the surfaces in your bathroom(s) and wipe them down. Just a quick wipe will get things looking great!

4. Vacuum. Again, just a quick sweep with the vacuum will get your house feeling extra comfortable this morning! You should only have to do this quick vacuum once/week. Don't get super stressed about it because on Friday we will do a more thorough run of it. Throughout the week, don't pull your vacuum out every day. If there's a big thread or piece of lint, just pick it up. Save that vacuum in case of a major mess!

5. Take all your small rugs outside and give them a quick shake. Dont vacuum or wash!

6. Sweep up all debris from linoleum or tile floors. Do a thorough sweep. During the remainder of the week just "spot sweep".

7. Wash your children's bedding. Wash any bedding used by guests over the weekend.

8. One final thing and we're done! If you pulled out any games, puzzles or projects over the down time of the weekend. Get all of those things put back in their proper places. That way nothing will be lost or messed up and they'll be waiting for you the next chance you get!

Please, please don't get overwhelmed! I know that this is alot and I dont expect you to do it all just starting out. Please take your time and if you need any encouragment, email me. You'll find my email address listed in the sidebar under "Doorbell".

How much did you get accomplished today?