Classic Southern Style is a lifestyle blog owned by Mickey McDonald. Any information presented on this site is for general information and entertainment purposes. Opinions expressed are mine alone (or those of the author, in the case of occasional guest posts). While every attempt is made to ensure information presented is accurate, it is possible that there are errors, omissions, or changes. Information presented should not be taken as any kind of professional travel advice. Always consult with your travel agent or company..
Disclosure Policy
This blog is a source of income, and therefore may be used to promote products and services. Classic Southern Style may accept sponsorships, which will be disclosed and clearly identified. We only promote products and services that we use and that we believe can benefit our readers.
If a product or service is given to Classic Southern Style free of charge or if we have been compensated, this will be disclosed. It will not guarantee a positive review. We will give our honest opinions and the company/sponsor will not have influence on editorial content.
Affiliate Disclaimer
This blog contains affiliate links for which we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to the reader. This means that if you purchase products or services through these links, we will/may be compensated. As an affiliate, we only recommend products and services that we genuinely enjoy and feel would be of value.
Classic Southern Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties. Should you comment or sign up for emails, your information is collected for that purpose only, meaning the distribution of this blogâs posts and newsletters.
Should you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer or any other matter regarding this site, please email us at zest4travel@yahoo.com.
Thanksgiving can be stressful! If you’re in charge of the cooking, trying to juggle multiple dishes at once and having more than the normal number of people to feed can be intimidating, even if it’s not your first go time. The last thing you need when you’ve already got both ovens running and three pots on the stove is a mishap, so planning ahead is always a game changer.
It’s safe to say that among all the dishes on the holiday table, having a winning gravy is essential. Whether you’ve invited guests that will simply drizzle it on the bird or drench nearly everything on their plate in gravy, you’ve GOT to get it right. With dishes like dressing/stuffing , mac and cheese and mashed potatoes on the table, skimpy gravy simply won’t cut it
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a healthy helping of smooth, velvety, savory turkey gravy. There’s no secret that turkey gravy is essential to a southern Thanksgiving table. But there is a secret to homemade turkey gravyâand that is a solidly seasoned and flavorful base,
After the turkey is done roasting, deglaze the pan filled with the turkey drippings using stock or wine to get all those delicious bits on the bottom. Those add so much flavor to your gravy. Next, strain the liquid into a fat separator – this will be the basis for your gravy. You will then add this to your roux (explained below) to make your delicious turkey gravy.
Nailing the right consistency for your gravy can be more challenging than it seems. If you find yourself with gravy that is brothy and runny, you may be wondering the best way to thicken gravy fast. Don’t worry – after many years of cooking Thanksgiving, I have just the solution for an easy way to thicken your gravy time for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Thicken Gravy with a Slurry
If your gravy is on the skimpy/runny side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don’t add your thickener directly to the gravy, that will create gummy lumps – yuck! Instead, whisk three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.
You can then slowly and gradually add a small amount of the slurry into the liquid you made from the turkey drippings using a whisk, until it begins to thicken. Allow the gravy to simmer a minute or two before adding more. Once the gravy is thick enough – STOP! Using too much can cause your gravy to solidify into a gel. Before you know it, you’ll have Thanksgiving-worthy gravy ready for your turkey and mashed potatoes. No one will suspect that it was ever any other way.
Thicken Gravy with a Roux
This is my favorite method and one I use every year. Many gravy recipes start with a roux – a cooking process that turns raw, doughy flour into a nutty, flavorful base and adds a wonderful deep brown color to your gravy. To make your roux, use an equal amount of flour and fat, (I prefer high quality butter) and follow these simple steps:
Melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk into the butter until all lumps are gone.
Whisk continously until the roux turns a golden to medium brown. This can be done earlier in the day when you aren’t in a time crunch to get everything done. Just leave it on the counter at room temperature.
Slowly add the roux into the gravy, whisking and simmering the mixture until it is the desired consistency
Cook the Gravy Longer
Oftentimes, a thin gravy just needs more time on the stove. This method is also useful if you accidentally overdid it on adding stock to your gravy. Continue to simmer the gravy, uncovered, until enough liquid evaporates to thicken the gravy.
Why not use this method in every case of a watery gravy? Sometimes, cooking the gravy down can cause it to become too salty. Taste the gravy every few minutes to check for seasoning, and add a thickener if needed.
Other Gravy Thickeners
Have people who are gluten free? While you’re likely to cornstarch in the pantry, there are other substitutes you can use to thicken gravy, following the same instructions for creating a slurry:
Arrowroot
Tapioca starch
Potato starch
Place in a Gravy Boat
Bring your amazing gravy to the table or serving area in a pretty gravy boat. Amazon has lots of great options. I love this one.
Whichever method you choose to thicken your gravy this year, relax and enjoy preparing food for those you love. Sharing a meal together is the most important part. No one really cares if everything isn’t picture perfect.
Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more inspiration and useful tips!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission â at no extra cost to you â if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies, it helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
Donât miss out on these great deals for your home!
Amazon Prime Days are July 8-11âŚ.donât miss out on these great discounts!
This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
Night Lights Plug Into Wall [2 Pack], Color Changing Night Light 33% off
Champagne Stoppers – Patented Seal – Made in Italy – Professional Grade WAF Champagne Bottle Stopper – Prosecco, Cava, and Sparkling Wine Stopper 30% off
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Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover – 4oz 2 Pack Spray Cleaners for Clothes, Tablecloth, Carpet, Upholstery and Laundry 32% off
Beautiful Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Grinder Set of 2 – Pepper Mill & Salt Mill with Adjustable Coarseness – Glass Spice Shakers – Easy Clean Ceramic Grinders w/Spoon & Cleaning Brush 30% off
Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more inspiration and useful tips!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission â at no extra cost to you â if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies, it helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
Classic Southern Style is a lifestyle blog owned by Mickey McDonald. Any information presented on this site is for general information and entertainment purposes. Opinions expressed are mine alone (or those of the author, in the case of occasional guest posts). While every attempt is made to ensure information presented is accurate, it is possible that there are errors, omissions, or changes. Information presented should not be taken as any kind of professional travel advice.
Disclosure Policy
This blog is a source of income, and therefore may be used to promote products and services. Classic Southern Style may accept sponsorships, which will be disclosed and clearly identified. We only promote products and services that we use and that we believe can benefit our readers.
If a product or service is given to Classic Southern Style free of charge or if we have been compensated, this will be disclosed. It will not guarantee a positive review. We will give our honest opinions and the company/sponsor will not have influence on editorial content.
Affiliate Disclaimer
This blog contains affiliate links for which we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to the reader. This means that if you purchase products or services through these links, we will/may be compensated. As an affiliate, we only recommend products and services that we genuinely enjoy and feel would be of value.
Classic Southern Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties. Should you comment or sign up for emails, your information is collected for that purpose only, meaning the distribution of this blogâs posts and newsletters.
Should you have any questions or concerns about this disclaimer or any other matter regarding this site, please email me at travelswithmickey@yahoo.com.
Before we begin, itâs important to understand how these nifty balls of wool actually work. Wool dryer balls are our favorite way of cutting down the drying time of the laundry â after all, they can help you save up to 30% of electricity for each load.
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
How exactly do wool dryer balls work?
Made from 100% organic sheepâs wool, theyâre made to bounce around inside your dryer, creating air pockets that allow the moisture from your clothes to escape quickly, thus speeding up the drying time. Because theyâre naturally moisture-wicking, these woollen balls absorb water as they go, too. And since they are 100% natural and organic, they donât shed micro-plastics or contribute to pollution like dryer sheets.
Why shouldn’t you use dryer sheets? Dryer sheets are detrimental to your dryer due to the residue they leave behind, which can clog the lint filter, restrict airflow, and potentially cause overheating or fire hazards. This residue can also coat the dryer’s sensors, interfering with its ability to properly dry clothes. Instead, they speed up the drying process in order to save on electricity, money, and environmental impact.
How long to they last?
Wool dryer balls can typically be used for up to 1,000 loads. That is a pretty long time in laundry years. But if theyâre starting to attract lint, look a little bit unraveled or you notice static electricity in your freshly dried clothes, you might be wondering if itâs time to replace them.
How can you tell it’s time to replace or revive them?
Lingering odors: If the dryer balls are retaining odors from your laundry, they need to be refreshed or replaced.
Matted or flattened appearance: Wool dryer balls can become compressed and matted over time and this can make them less effective.
Loose fibers: If you notice pieces of wool starting to come off, it’s a sign that the balls are worn out.
Decreased fluffing power:If the dryer balls are not effectively fluffing your clothes, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Why should you refresh your wool dryer balls?
After heavy use, the wool in your dryer balls can start drying out. This means they become less useful at absorbing moisture and therefore in need of a bit of TLC. By caring for your wool dryer balls, youâll ensure they last even longer â a money-saving trick for your laundry and a nice little boost for the environment, too.
How to revive wool dryer balls
Step one: Wash your wool dryer balls
Lint or fiber build-up on your dryer balls can lead to them being less effective than usual. The best way to address this is by running your dryer balls through the washing machine on a gentle cycle using hot water. Put them in a sock or mesh washing bag to protect them, throw them in with other laundry, and off you go.
Step two: Dry them on a high heat
Once theyâve been washed, the next step is to throw them into your dryer on a normal cycle. Because theyâre made of absorbent wool, they might end up being quite heavy post-wash, and might take a long time to dry. Keep an eye on them and ensure theyâre fully dried before you take them out of the machine. You can also air dry them, but again, it will take a long time due to the amount of water they can hold.
Step three: Use them on your next drying cycle
Your drying balls should be ready to throw into your next batch of laundry. For that subtle touch of fragrance, donât forget to add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oils to the balls before you do. This is a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly way of giving your clothes that perfect just-laundered scent!
If you are looking for a good, environmentally safe laundry detergent, ACTIVE has several great options.
Youâve revived your dryer balls several times but itâs finally time to say goodbye. How can you dispose of them in an environmentally safe way? Because wool dryer balls are completely natural, they will biodegrade in your compost bin, compost heap, or even just in the soil in your back garden.
Another fun idea, if youâre good with crafts, you can turn the wool balls into a toy for your pet or use them as scented balls to keep your clothes smelling fresh when stored in your closet or dresser. Just add a few drops of essential oilsto them before placing them with your clothes. You can also use them to protect your favorite blankets or quilts from insects with peppermint oil.
Final Thoughts
After heavy use, the wool in your dryer balls will start drying out themselves. This means they become less useful at absorbing moisture and therefore in need of a bit of TLC. By caring for your wool dryer balls, youâll ensure they last even longer â a money-saving trick for your laundry and a nice little boost for the environment, too.
Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more inspiration and useful tips!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission â at no extra cost to you â if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies, it helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
Summer has finally arrived and party time is in full swing. Make your summer parties more enjoyable for everyone with comfy seating, ambient lighting, and more.
Throwing an outdoor party thatâs fun, festive, and filled with food, drink, and conversation requires a little prep and planning.
Whether youâre having family over for an impromptu patio day or are prepping for a giant Fourth of July bash for the entire neighborhood, these tips are designed to help make your life easier.
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
Craft a Signature Cocktail
Rather than stock a whole bar, make one (easy) big-batch cocktail as a crowd-pleaser. You can also offer wine, beer, and some nonalcoholic options and viola….your outdoor party bar is done.
One of our favorites is the classic Pimm’s Cup or a Bourbon Slushy. You can find the recipes for these and other drinks on my Pinterest board.
Create a Mobile Drinks Station
Stock a bar cart with essentials: glasses, ice, a cocktail shaker, and swizzle sticks. Simply wheel it back to the kitchen if supplies run low, then slide it back outside to keep things flowing.
Keep the Menu Simple
Serve seasonal classics for a backyard party: Salads, fresh fruit, and cold drinks will satisfy the crowd, and you wonât have to stand at a hot stove for hours. Alternatively, fire up the grill, then you hang out with your guests as you prepare the food, so you wonât feel isolated in the kitchen. Plus…someone will always offer to help!
Opt for Finger Foods
Offer a menu that focuses on foods that can be eaten without utensils Think hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, fresh veggies or charcuterie boards. For dessert, offer cupcakes, cookies or brownies.
Plan on a Potluck
Potluck is a great option for your partyâespecially if youâre planning for a large crowd. Decide what you want to provide (main dishes and drinks are common), and let your guests fill in the blanks with some snacks, sides, and desserts. This way…everyone gets to participate and show off their culinary skills.
Make Your Meal DIY
You supply the ingredients and let your guests create the feast. If you have an outdoor pizza oven, all you need is pre-made pizza dough and sauce, shredded cheeses, and an array of toppings to let everyone create a masterpiece. Or do a fun DIY bar…..make your own tacos, an over-the-top salad bar, baked potato bar, chili bar…be creative and let everyone have fun! Ice cream and sundae toppings can take care of dessert.
Keep Cold Foods Cold
To keep perishable dishes chilled, fill a large bowl with ice and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the dish on top, and it will stay colder for longer. Just be sure to keep an eye on these dishes and replace the dip and ice bath as needed. If using a cooler for drinks, these freezer packs from Amazon work great.
Upcycle Your Decor
Reuse cans, bottles, and jars to hold utensils or straws…it’s fun to cover them in cloth or paper that matches the theme of your party. Use mason jars as glasses. (Bonus: You can simply recycle your party goods at the end of the night.)
Do you have empty liquor bottles that you hate to throw away? Add lights or string lights to them and place them on table and the buffet! Click on the pictures for purchase information.
Choose Unfussy Decorations
Floating peonies and gardenias make a pretty centerpiece. Just pour water into a large serving platter and trim the stems off of each flowerâno floral design skills necessary! Recycle glass jars or wrap cans in themed paper or fabric as centerpieces filled with fresh flowers or even put napkins and utensils in them.
Let Someone Else Be Your DJ
Looking for the perfect music for your party? Rather than spending the time to find and download it, look for options on music streaming services. It is easy to find a selection of party playlists, whether youâre looking for a relaxed vibe, throwback songs, or a full-on dance party. Amazon Prime has a great music service.
Focus on Comfy Seating
Thick, comfortable chair cushions will encourage guests to linger at the table. If you donât already have some, consider investing in replacement cushions in a weatherproof material. Patio heaters can also help create a comfortable outdoor environment if temperatures dip at night. If you don’t have enough tables and chairs, you can always rent them rather than purchasing.
Get Creative With Disposables
Use brown craft paper across a table for a casually finished look and super-easy clean-up. Set out crayons or markers and let your guests decorate the table! I have also used themed fabric that I purchased at the fabric store…easy to wash and save for another party and cheaper than buying tablecloths. Disposable dinnerware will save with clean up too!
Define Your Outdoor Space
An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, but it also helps define your outdoor space. If you have a yard that gets full sun, consider setting up multiple patio umbrellas and mini-seating areas around the backyard or deck. These shaded retreats will also encourage mingling at a larger party.
Keep Bugs Away
Circle your party area with citronella candles light when the sun starts to set. The scent will help keep bugs at bay. Also, consider setting out a bottle (or two) of bug spray on the perimeter of the party for guests to use.
Do you love the look and ambience of an open flame? A fire pit will add a cozy atmosphere to your party and is something you will use often. Be considerate of your neighbors…wood burning fire pits create a lot of smoke and ash. If you live close to other people, a gas fire pit might be a better option.
If you don’t have the room for a large fire pit, there are tabletop options. These look great on an patio coffeectable.
Final Thoughts
A summer party is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and spend time with family and friends. I hope these tips help you prepare for your next gathering and help you have an easy and stress free party. Please share any tips you have!
Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more inspiration and useful tips!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
The first time we visited Charleston, we stumbled into this really cute shop….Old Whaling Company. We instantly fell in LOVE! You can smell the wonderful fresh, clean scents from outside. And the decor is so adorable!
All their products are made by hand in Charleston. How many companies do you know and love that are actually hand made in the US and with quality ingredients? This company is quickly growing….they have 3 stores in Charleston and products in many stores, including Whole Foods and Amazon!
The company began in 2012 and originated from the desire for a gentler alternative to everyday bath and body brands. Their mission is to create beautifully crafted, gentle, affordable bath and body essentials inspired by the sea.
I have been buying their candles and body butter for several years. I will share some of our absolute favorites below, with links on where to purchase them.
Candles
We absolutely love Old Whaling Company candles. The soy wax candles are 12oz and feature a signature blend of soy and olive wax. These handmade candles burn longer than traditional soy wax candles and include a lead-free cotton wick. There are sooo many wonderful scents to choose from too!
This is one of my all time favorites…grapefruit and bergamot. It is a fresh, clean scent that is perfect year around.
For holiday time, the Coast Christmas candle is perfect. This scented Christmas candle will fill your room with the fragrance of fresh pine trees and just a hint of snow in the air.
Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit while decorating or wrapping presents, celebrate the holidays with the warm glow and cozy, Christmas scent of our Coastal Christmas Candle.
Shower Steamers
They just came out with a brand new product – shower steamers! Simply place a shower steamer on the floor of your shower and let the steam transform your daily shower experience into a luxurious oasis! They are currently available in five scents.
Body Butter
To say I love their body butter would be an understatement! I have a large one by my bed and use it every evening. I also take a travel size with me whenever we go away.
A few of my favorites are Seaweed and Sea Salt Body Butter and the Sea La Vie Body Butter. This body butter is a perfect moisturizer for after-shower, shaving, sun, or as needed. It is lightweight and soaks in quickly. Ingredients include shea butter, organic sunflower oil and organic aloe vera.
Bath Bombs
Bath bombs have become very popular lately. Old Whaling Company handcraft their sea-inspired bath bombs to leave your skin feeling moisturized and lightly scented. They are available in 13 options, including fragrance-free, and are made with baking soda, citric acid, epsom salts, olive, and soybean oil.
A popular scent is Coconut Milk Bath Bomb. This is warm, tropical aroma of coconut milk paired with splashes of tropical fruit and inviting florals. It isn’t overly sweet and is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle scent of summertime.
This sweet fruity blend is perfect for warming up on cold nights. A citrusy hint adds freshness to this warm plum fragrance. A soft sandalwood and winter orchid bottom note complete this festive favorite.
This is only a small portion of what they offer. There are also bar soaps, bath accessories and gift boxes. If you can’t decide, they also offer gift cards, which make a wonderful holiday gift.
I hope you visit Old Whaling Company, either online or in Charleston.
You can find many other useful home items in my Amazon store too: Travels with Mickey
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
*As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Everybody talks about spring cleaning, but for many families, spring is the busiest time of year. There is little for time clearing everything out of the cabinets and going through things. Kids are starting spring sports and schools are in full swing. Fall is usually a little slower for most people. Embrace it and do your cleaning now. Plus, you will have a clean and organized home for the holidays!
Itâs time to get to work. Hereâs a to-do list for household cleaning and organizing that prioritizes the needs of the season.
Transition Your Closet from Summer to Fall/Winter
Make sure youâre prepared to dress for the changing weather. Depending on where you live, the severity of the change in the weather will vary. If you live where the leaves are changing and the temperature is dropping, then itâs time to bring out the warmer clothes from storage and pack away the lighter weight clothing. If you are lucky enough to live where the weather is pretty much the same all year round, then this is a good time to say take stock of what you have been wearing the most and decide if you need to update or replace items.
Pack Away Summer
Before storing all your summer gear, take stock of what you did and didnât use. Ask yourself…what did I really use this summer? Is it worth storing if I didn’t use it? Be realistic about what items to keep and what is better off in the donation bin, sell online or have a garage sale.
This is the prime time to work on those areas that are just too hot to work in during the summer. Areas without AC like the attic, garage, or shed are often used as storage spaces but can be too hot to tackle during the summer. Now that itâs a little cooler, this is a good time as any to re-organize and declutter. Don’t wait until winter….these areas may be too cold to spend time in.
Update Your Storage Containers
The trick to accessible storage is categories. Separate your things into seasons, activities, holidays…whatever works best for you. Then, store them together in sturdy containers. Examples would school supplies in one bin, pool gear in another and holiday decor in designated containers. Label them so that you know EXACTLY what is in each one. I have used color coded lids too…red for Christmas, orange for Fall, etc. It helps to use all the same type and size. This will assist in organizing the storage area.
Once youâve packed away all the summer supplies, move those bins to the back of the storage space and bring the next season forward. School supplies can come into the house and be put into use. By bringing the Halloween, Thanksgiving and winter holiday decor forward now, you will have easy access to it when you are ready to decorate!
The holidays will be here before you know it but not close enough yet to panic. This is the perfect time to leisurely prepare and sort through what you have. Decide what you need for the holiday season and stock up to fill in any gaps before the shopping gets crazy and you are super busy with preparations for the big day!
Check on the decorations you stored away last year to see if they are still in good condition. Check your gift-wrapping supplies to see if you need or want any new items. This is a good time to repack your decor also. I use special containers for my tree ornaments and wrapping paper.
Temperatures are finally dropping! Itâs the season of warm, homemade treats full of fall flavors like cinnamon, apple and pumpkin. Group together your bread pans, muffin tins, cookie sheets and ceramic dishes. During the summer these items can get pushed to the back of the cabinet in favor of outdoor entertaining gear. Now is the time bring them back to the forefront! Give them a good cleaning to make sure they are ready for use.
Update your Spices
This is the perfect time to give your spice drawer a good cleaning. Spice drawers are often overlooked and can quickly get disorganized. Replace old spices, especially ones used in baking….they lose potency as they get older. Keep an eye on your local grocery store for specials or 2 for 1 offers! This is a quick and easy project that can be done in just 30 minutes.
Check your pantry for staples like flour and baking powder. I like to have a bag of flour on standby…nothing worse than wanting to make something and not having enough!
This is also a great time to clean out the entire panty and reorganize. I just did this with my daughter. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to walk into my pantry and see how clean it is. I used all the same containers to make it uniform.
Your spice drawer isnât the only place where food may be outdated. Sort through your pantry to discard outdated food there, too. Old cans, packages, marinade packets, yeast….these all have expiration dates. I recently found a can of french onions (the ones used in green bean casserole) that expired years ago. Not sure how that got past me, lol!
The same goes for your medicine cabinet. Medicine expires….check your cough and cold medicine, pain relief, vitamins, etc. This is also a good time to dispose of old cosmetics and makeup.
Update Your Linens and Organize the Closet
As the weather cools, many people like to swap their bedding for something warmer. If youâve got different sheets the seasons or holidays, this is a good time to make sure that theyâre still in good shape. Donât forget the guestroom! These may have been out of use for longer and require some extra attention. See what condition your towels and linens are in. If they’re all worn or discolored, it’s time to replace them.
Freshen Guest Rooms
Restock your guest room with everything an overnight guest would need to be comfortable, like blankets, snacks, bottled water, etc. Give the rooms a thorough cleaning. Make sure closet and drawer space is available and plenty of hangers. Put new soaps, shampoo, body wash, etc. in the guest bathroom, maybe even a candle. Buy a luggage rack or two so guests have a place to put their suitcase off the floor.
Guest rooms tend to become prime real estate for overflow storage. Look at what has accumulated and decide if it is something you still need or if it is excess clutter.
Set Up a School Area
School comes with a lot of stuff and it all needs space. Designate a place for doing homework and filing of important papers that come home from class to keep them organized.
The things kids bring home can easily create clutter. No parent wants to throw out the drawings brought home by young children, but you canât let them overtake every surface in your home either. Designate an area to display their work and rotate it as new pieces arrive. Decide what you want to keep and place in a plastic bin or file for the future. I love this bulletin board. It has that farmhouse look and is magnetic!
With school also comes the onset of new schedules. A master calendar is an excellent tool for keeping the family organized and on schedule. This might also be a good time to reevaluate everyoneâs chores, as older kids may have less free time available, due to homework and extra activities.
Do you have a designated drop zone? Or does your family use the first available flat surface to drop everything? Our current home has a convenient built in drop zone, but even that gets cluttered. Spend some time organizing a drop zone and have a system in place.
Designate where backpacks, shoes, and jackets will go and make sure that the area is clutter-free and organized. Invest in some sturdy containers, provide hooks for jackets and a place for keys.
I hope this helps you get a little more organized this Fall. If you have any suggestions or tips on what works well for you and your family, please share them!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please donât keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttonsare below). Thanks so much!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you to http://www.countryoutfitter.com and Jenny Bradley for the reminder of how to act on a date. I could not agree more!
“Social media and cell phones have killed traditional dating and the etiquette that went with it. What was once a black and white process has somehow seeped into the grayâ where guys and girls text or message back and forth on social media for weeks on end before the guy finally gets up the courage to text the girl he likes to ask her if she will go out with him. (Thatâs assuming he actually asks her out or even uses the word âdateâ in a sentence). Itâs apparently much easier to see if she wants to âhang out,â which leaves so much room for interpretation, and inevitably lead to an exasperated girl finally asking the guy, âSo are we just âhanging outâ or is this a date?â
Perhaps, itâs time to re-teach dating etiquette in the hopes that a few young guys and girls can reject the ambiguity of current dating trends in favor of a straightforward and respectful approach â one that takes place in real life and not just on the Internet.
1. The guy always calls the girl. The girl never calls the guy. I distinctly remember how angry my mom would get when flirty junior high girls called to talk to my cute 7th grade brother. Sheâd give them a short dating etiquette lesson that ended with her abruptly hanging up the phone. (Of course, this was back when girls had to actually call the âhouse phoneâ â a word I have had to teach my sons). Girls, make the guy call you, not the other way around. If a guy really likes you, he will call. If he doesnât have the guts to dial seven numbers and say, âhello,â then heâs not worth dating.
2. Guys need to call it a âdateâ and make their intentions known. Fellas, itâs time to man up and actually use the word âdate.â Make your intentions clear from the beginning. If you like a girl, tell her that you like her and want to go on a date. If you want to get to know someone better then say that, and if you just want to go out âas friendsâ then make that clear too. Dating just for fun is great for high school kids, but not so great for those 20 and 30 somethings who are ready to get married, so just keep your intentions clear and you can avoid all the awkwardness and ambiguity of âhanging out.â
3. Guys always go to the door to pick up their dates. Guys should always go to the door to pick up their date, preferably with flowers in hand. This way the guy can introduce himself to his dateâs parents, giving her father a firm handshake, allowing him to say a few words about âshotgunsâ and âshallow graves.â (This, is, of course, assuming she lives with her parents). Either way, guys should go to the door.
Whatever you do, guys, donât call from the car or text âHey, Iâm here.â Itâs lazy and kind of cowardly. And, girls, if a guy ever just pulls up and honks the horn, do yourself a favor and donât bother walking out the front door.
4. Dress nicely for a date. Girls have no problem with this. They try on five different outfits and spend hours planning what they will wear, but guys, please take a shower. Put on deodorant and a nice (clean) shirt and jeans, (maybe even some cologne).
5. Guys â pay for the date. Girls â donât order a salad. This is a non-negotiable, especially for a first date. If a guy canât afford to pay for the date, then he shouldnât have asked the girl in the first place. And, girls, on behalf of all guys everywhere, please donât order a salad to try and save the guy some money. He will not appreciate your gesture, and it may even offend him.
6. Donât forget basic manners. Guys should open car doors (and all other doors) and pull their dateâs chair away from the table. Itâs not that your date is incapable of doing these things for herself. Itâs just a matter of showing respect.
Girls should also be thankful and polite. When the guy does what he âshould,â say thank you â thank you for inviting me, thank you for opening the door, thank you for dinner.
7. Give your date your full attention. Put your phone away! Make eye contact and talk to your date even if itâs the longest two hours of your life. Donât act bored or disinterested (even if you are). There is nothing more off-putting than seeing your date trying to entertain himself/herself or stay connected to everyone (except for your) while on a date. The photo of the awesome sushi you ordered can wait to be posted. Live in the moment, not in your photos.
8. Walk your date to the door, and make sure sheâs home on time. At the end of the night guys need to walk their date back to the door, and if youâre young enough to have a curfew, then make sure your date arrives home early or on time. There is no better way to make your dateâs parents question your integrity than by breaking their rules
9. If a girl isnât interested in a second date, she should let the guy know. Girls, make sure you donât lead a guy on because you donât want to hurt his feelings. If he calls you for a second date, and you arenât interested, then tell him you arenât interested. He would rather know upfront, I promise!
10. Kindness, respect, and honesty go a long way! Above all, treat your date with kindness and respect, and be honest about how you feel. Youâll find that these three virtues will go a long way when it comes to dating.”
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