The Back-to-School Reset

Preparing for the school year signals an end to the relaxed days of summer, but creating routines and organized spaces before classes begin can make the transition much smoother for the entire family. Ease into the school year with these simple tips to get back in the school groove.

Adjust Schedules
Start adjusting bedtimes, wake-up times, meal times, and morning routines a couple weeks before the big day. Gradual changes make those first few early mornings a little easier on everyone.

Create a Homework Zone
Set up a quiet, well-lit workspace for studying and homework, and stock it with school supplies. If possible, designate a larger area for creative projects that require more room.

Design a Relaxation Space
Help kids decompress by creating a cozy relaxation area away from the homework zone. Soft lighting, comfortable pillows, and a calm environment give kids a place to unwind and recharge.

Get Organized
Create a place for kids to drop their stuff when they get home from school. A closet, mudroom, or entryway with designated spots for backpacks, jackets, and shoes will keep things neat and reduce last-minute panicking over lost items. Designate a pantry shelf for snacks kids can access themselves. Thoroughly clean bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets to make getting ready easier every morning.

Stay on Track
Keep a family calendar, planner, or weekly schedule visible to track school events, assignments, activities, dinners, and appointments. This will help kids see all there is to look forward to and keep everyone organized and prepared throughout the year.

Print This Article

Reface or Replace?

When a kitchen starts to look dated, cabinets are often among the first things homeowners want to update. The big question is whether to reface or replace them. Both options can beautifully transform the space, but they differ significantly in time, cost, and results.

Refacing involves keeping the cabinet boxes and replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. It’s typically less expensive than a full replacement and can be completed more quickly with less disruption. Refacing works well if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you like the layout of your kitchen.

Replacement means ripping out your current cabinets and installing new ones. This allows you to update your layout, improve storage, and potentially select higher-quality materials. The downside is that a full replacement is more expensive and takes a longer time to complete.

Print This Article

Surprising Household Items You May Be Cleaning Too Much

Most of us know someone who treats tidying, scrubbing, and polishing like an Olympic sport. But did you know it’s possible to clean some things too much? The truth is, the fibers and surfaces of some household items can be damaged by too much cleaning.

• Skip rinsing dishes for most dishwashers. Just scrape off food and load.
• Launder sheets weekly. Comforters can go weeks or months between washings.
• Wipe down stovetop and oven spills as needed, but only clean the oven three or four times a year. Scrub the stovetop monthly.
• Dust regularly, but avoid dulling wood surfaces with furniture polish — apply it just two to four times a year.
• Go easy on the glass cleaner when it comes to mirrors. The reflective backing can be damaged by overcleaning.
• If you keep dry foods in sealed containers, you only need to clean the pantry twice a year. Promptly wipe up any sticky spills.
• Bathmats and washable entryway rugs need frequent laundering. Rugs in low-traffic areas should be vacuumed as needed and steam cleaned once a year. 

Print This Article

Low-Maintenance Plants

Plants bring life, texture, and color to a home, but not everyone has time for high-maintenance greenery. Here are some easy-to-care-for plants that thrive with little attention.

For indoor spaces, ponytail palms are known for their ability to adapt to lower temperatures and low light. They sport fun foliage, require minimal watering, and can even act as an air purifier.

The pet-friendly prayer plant is another indoor option, boasting beautifully patterned leaves and flourishing in little light.

For an eye-catching focal point outdoors, ornamental grasses like feather reed tolerate a variety of weather conditions and resist many common pests.

*Some plant varieties can be toxic to pets and children, so research your selections before purchasing.

Print This Article

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients
¼ cup avocado oil
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp. fresh thyme, minced
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. fresh rosemary, minced
¼ tsp. pepper
6 bone-in chicken thighs
6 chicken drumsticks
1 lb. baby red potatoes, quartered
1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh oregano for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 425^° F. To make the marinade: whisk together the first 7 ingredients in a small bowl. Pour ¼ cup marinade into a medium bowl, add chicken, and stir to coat. Chill chicken mixture for 30 minutes. Cover and chill remaining marinade.

Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any liquid left in the bowl. Place chicken and potatoes on a baking pan in a single layer. Pour reserved chilled marinade over potatoes and top with lemon wedges. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until potatoes are tender and chicken temperature reaches 170^°–175^° F. Top with fresh oregano.

Serves 6

Print This Article