When streaming became mainstream, people stopped collecting DVDs. When Roombas became available, owners of these cleaning “robots” stopped vacuuming. Everyone is happy when they find a way to make their lives a little bit easier, and our home lives are no exception. We spend a lot of time at home, so innovations that simplify chores and maintenance are a welcome discovery. Here are two helpful tips for a more efficient household. CLEANING ON A SCHEDULE We have all blown off chores and told ourselves, “I’ll just do it in the morning.” Procrastination on critical cleaning chores can lead to an intimidating stack of tasks. Not only is the chore backlog more challenging to catch up on, but it can also lead to paralyzing inaction, all of which could have been avoided if you had just addressed the tasks as they came up. If it works for the military, it can work for us. Making your bed first thing in the morning — no matter what — is a great way to set yourself up for a successful, productive day. Former Navy SEAL Admiral William McRaven adds, “And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.” So, it’s worth the effort and makes you more likely to accomplish other chores around the house. Tidy Up Your Space
Likewise, to keep things tidy, clean up wherever you go in your home throughout the day. When you go to the bathroom, spend a minute wiping down the counters and cleaning the sink. If you’re going to the living room to watch TV, do some quick vacuuming or pick up any loose bits of trash. This makes you your own Roomba, although you will likely be less prone to run into walls and get stuck. This doesn’t mean you have to be cleaning at all times to get anything done. Setting a half-hour timer and working to get as much cleaning done as possible is one way to accomplish this. Afterward, you can take a much-needed reprieve and set another cleaning timer later in the day. SOLVING THE STORAGE CONUNDRUM According to an Opendoor survey, people only declutter their homes about four times yearly. A great way to mitigate the inconvenience of decluttering a home is to add additional storage. Doors and walls are often underutilized when it comes to storage. Floating shelves are a great way to display items while freeing up space in your cupboards, drawers, and closets. Likewise, you can use doors for other kinds of storage with over-the-door hangers for towels, clothing, and pouches to hold cleaning supplies, batteries, etc. When it comes to dry food storage, clear bins are always best. That way, whenever you look into your pantry, you can see what you have and how much of it you have left. The key is to make life easier by having your home storage work for you, not against you.
SUDOKU
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a family favorite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients • 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Directions
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