5 SIMPLE TIPS TO TRANSITION TO A PAPERLESS KITCHEN

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

Happy Earth Day!  I thought today was the perfect day to tell you about my family’s transition to a paperless kitchen.  Over the years, I’ve been on a slow journey towards a greener lifestyle.  Certain things were easy, like ditching plastic water bottles, because not only was that a good choice for the Earth, but I also had a vested interest in my family’s health.

Eliminating paper in my kitchen seemed much more daunting.  Paper towels and napkins have become so ingrained in our society as the standard, and reaching for them was second nature, making the task of getting rid of them overwhelming.  Even though I knew it was a greener, less wasteful choice to get rid of paper products in my kitchen, I wasn’t sure I was ready to let go of the convenience factor.

Well, I’m here to tell you my fears were unfounded.  Going paperless is so much easier than I anticipated! These are the steps I’ve taken to transition to a paperless kitchen.  If we can do it, so can you!

1.  SET A TIMELINE FOR GOING PAPERLESS.

When I decided once and for all I wanted to go paperless in our kitchen, I set a timeline in my head.  I had large amounts of paper napkins and paper towels, but said that once they were gone we’d be completely paperless.  I used that time when those products were running out to make the transition, so it wasn’t a cold turkey kind of thing.  We started by using cloth napkins for dinner only, and would use the paper napkins other times of the day when we needed a napkin.  I tried putting the roll of paper towel in a less convenient place so I wasn’t so used to grabbing a paper towel for every little thing.  For us, a slow transition was key.

2.  STOCK UP ON ENOUGH CLOTHS TO REPLACE NAPKINS AND PAPER TOWELS.

You want to make sure you have enough cloths that you aren’t doing laundry everyday.  I’m not doing more laundry than I was before.  I just throw the cloths in with the rest of the towels I’m washing anyway.  We have 20+ cloth napkins on hand.  I didn’t buy them all at once.  Some are from way back when we got married and registered for them and a whole bunch are random napkins I’ve picked up over the years for my pictures for this blog.  We don’t care that they don’t all match, in fact I kind of love that they don’t.  You can pick up cloth napkins whenever you see them on sale to start your collection. Great stores to get for great prices, especially if you find sales, are Target, Homegoods, Pier 1, and World Market.

You also want to have cloths for all the things you would normally use paper towels for: dish drying, hand drying, food drying, and wiping spills.

3.  HAVE ALL YOUR CLOTHS IN A CONVENIENT PLACE.

Our cloth napkins are in a basket on our dining table.  In my eyes, it looks fine for everyday use.  If we are entertaining, it’s easy enough to put away and replace with a nice centerpiece.

I got two cookie jars and put them by the sink, within arm’s reach. In one are the cloths designated for drying food, and in the other are the cloths designated for wiping up spills.  Having these in a convenient place is key.  You don’t want this process to be less convenient than using paper products.

The two other types of cloths we have are for hand drying and dish drying.  Those are kept on separate sides in a drawer by our sink.  One hand drying cloth is kept on the dishwasher handle, used for drying clean hands, and is replaced each day.  The dish-drying towels are kept in the drawer until needed.

4.  HAVE A LAUNDRY BIN CLOSE BY.

The next part of this process if having a place to put the used cloths.  Just like throwing away paper products in the trash was easy, this needs to be easy, too.  We keep a metal bin in the pantry.  You could use the space under your sink or on the edge of your counter.  It just needs to be close so that it’s easy to throw the used cloths in there. The key to success is have a convenient system in place! I clean the kitchen cloths about two times per week, and just throw them in with the other towels I’m already washing.

5.  GET WHO YOU LIVE WITH ON BOARD.

Whether it’s your spouse, your kids, your roommate, or all of the above, going paperless in your kitchen will be a much smoother process if you have everyone on the same page.  I’ll admit that Tim rolled his eyes at me a bit during this process.  When he saw the cookie jars with rolled up cloths he asked, “What, are we opening a spa?!”  You’ve got to love a husband with a sense of humor. In the end, he was on board because I had a system in place to keep the convenience level the same as with paper products.  I know I keep saying that, but only because it’s so important!

This process has been a lot easier than I ever imagined it would be.  Once you have a system in place, you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was necessary to waste so much paper on a daily basis.  Make the transition to a paperless kitchen and you’ll save money and not lose any convenience.

5 ways to make home-cooking more convenient

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem this Ashley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

Spending quality time with your stove can help your wallet and your waistline — home cooked meals tend to be healthier than processed food.  According to Meghan Telpner, nutritionist and author of UnDiet: Eat Your Way to Vibrant Health, the most important benefit of cooking your own food is that you know exactly what goes into it. Here’s her tips on how to maximize the time you spend in your kitchen.

Tidy it up

Get rid of old appliances and ingredients you don’t use. Organizing your space will make it a place you want to spend some time in. “It’s like if you had a cluttered desk or desktop on your computer, you would spend a lot of time looking for stuff, which is not an optimal way to use your time,” Telpner says.

Map out meals

Look at the week you have ahead and figure at how many meals you have to take care of yourself, then plan them out. Choose recipes according to how much time you have. Or take it further: Try using a spreadsheet to plan out each day. Save them, and recycle your plans every few weeks.

Prep after you shop

Make a shopping list based on your meal plan, and stick to it. When you get home, take 20 minutes to wash and slice your produce, which will cut down on cooking time later.

Freeze and store

“It's a bit of a waste of time to make a single serving of a meal,” Telpner says. Cook in larger batches instead, then eat leftovers for lunch or freeze extra servings to pull out on days you’re in a rush.

Borrow some hands

If you live alone, get together with friends, cook together and share. If you have kids, get them involved, which makes it easier and nicer, too. “(Cooking) then become a nice time to wind down from the day and connect with the people you've chosen to share your life with,” Telpner says.

Making Your Kitchen Convenient For Cooking

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem this Ashley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

Are you someone that enjoys cooking and does it as much as possible? Yet, do you actually like cooking in your kitchen? Typically, cooking areas are not organized for frequent cooking. For example, the cutting board is not near the stove, but far from it on a separate counter top. Then again, you might have a small kitchen that you have a hard time maneuvering in. Here, are some good ideas to help you be able to have a convenient and easy kitchen to enjoy cooking in. What Would You Change In Your Kitchen? Is it easy for you to prepare meals in your kitchen? Chances are if you have a huge, roomy kitchen, you cook a lot and love it. On the other hand, if you have to squeeze past things to move around your kitchen, or if the tools and supplies are not conveniently placed, you probably do not enjoy being in your kitchen very long. The most important thing to do to help your organization is to think about what you do not like and what you do like in your kitchen. Get More Storage Space Having plenty of storage places is one of the things that makes a kitchen a great place to work in. First, you will want an area to hold your food and kitchen tools and utensils. This may be a daunting task for those with smaller kitchens. But, you may be surprised just where you can find storage like putting a rack or shelf on the wall, another one underneath the upper cabinets, or by hanging items on the back of doors. It may be fun and a good idea to go to a kitchen store or even hire an expert to help you figure out your best choices. Use Magazines There are a ton of cooking and home decorating magazines that often highlight the kitchens with pictures of the most effective kitchens. You can easily figure out what suits you the best by closely examining several of these pictures. What can you take and apply to your own cooking space? Since decorators are the people that designed these kitchens, their examples should provide you with a lot of great ideas. Add Color Adding different colors may be another option to add inspiration to your kitchen organization. Try to personalize your kitchen decor and see that your cooking area as a reflection of your personal style. This will positively influence the atmosphere of your kitchen and the way you cook. You can just add one piece of equipment, like a hanging copper pan rack over the stove, adding decor and convenience to your kitchen. To get more tips and instruction on setting up your kitchen and cooking, simple visit the Internet and pick up your copy of an ebook on everything you ever wanted to know about cooking, but never dared to ask, to add to your cooking enjoyment.

5 Ways to Brighten Your Home During a Dreary Winter

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

Don't let the dark, cold days of winter get you down. Check out these easy ways to freshen your decor to help keep your home sunny and warm.
The days are short, and many of them, gloomy, cold and full of dramatic weather. Make the most of your long days spent inside by trying to make your home as bright and cheery as possible – a few simple changes can make a big difference.

1. REMOVE YOUR SCREENS.

Mesh screens aren’t necessary if you aren’t opening your windows. Remove them, and be surprised how much extra light streams through when there isn’t an extra layer blocking the flow.

Daniel Pratt, 2013, Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

2. USE LIGHTER-COLORED SLIPCOVERS.

Invest in ivory, white, or any other light-colored fitted slip cover for your sofa and sectional. The brighter colored fabric will feel lighter, and the room as a whole, brighter. Same goes for light-colored tablecloths on your dining room table. They may need to be washed more regularly, but light will deflect from your table and make the room feel brighter.

Sarah Wilson/ Getty Images, 2013, HGTV/ Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

3. LET THE HARDWOODS SHINE.

If you have hardwood floors, consider removing area rugs in rooms where natural light is at a minimum. The light that does stream in will reflect off your shiny hardwoods and onto your walls.

4. SWAP YOUR LIGHT BULBS.

Time to pay closer attention to the coloring of your home’s light bulbs. The difference between a warm white, a cool white, and daylight bulb can greatly change the feel of a room. If your home is anything like mine, you might find that some bulbs work better in some rooms than others; selecting a few and comparing live in your fixtures is the best way to see how it will really look. Those in-store displays situated beneath the fluorescents don’t always do the bulbs justice. Also, this is as good of a time as any to upgrade to LED bulbs for efficiency. For more tips on lighting, refer to this guide and learn how to choose it, what lighting works best in your home, and more.

Jonathan Rachman

5. SELECT LIGHT-COLORED DRAPERY.

Curtains with saturated colors and dark patterns will make the room feel darker. Install lighter-colored curtains in their place for the winter months. While you’re at it, install the new drapes at the far edges of your window, so as not to block any portion of the window and to let as much natural light in as possible.

DIY NATURAL LEMONADE–COOL, REFRESHING AND FUN

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

As the summer heat intensifies, cool down with an all-natural lemonade recipe that puts a twist on a refreshingly sweet drink. This healthy recipe makes a pitcher of lemonade perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, lemonade stands or a relaxing evening on the porch. 

Watch our video to find out how to make this lemonade.

What you’ll need: (makes enough for one pitcher, about 8 cups)

• 2 organic lemons
• 10 organic strawberries
• 2 quarts of water
• Ice cubes
• Large pitcher
• Vinegar

Directions:

1. Soak the strawberries in a vinegar bath (1 part vinegar: 4 parts water) for ten minutes. This will clean them and will not leave an aftertaste.
2. Slice the strawberries in half, making sure to remove the stems.
3. Cut the lemons in even slices. Do not quarter them.
4. Place strawberries and lemons in pitcher. Fill with 2 quarts of water.
5. Place in refrigerator overnight. The flavor and nutrients of the fruit will infuse into the water. The result? Delicious, healthy strawberry lemonade—no sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Just a tasty, refreshing treat.

Tip: The fruit will last 48 hours. Just keep adding more water.

Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled to serve more people.

FOR KIDS

Now that you have a new lemonade recipe, why not build and bedazzle your very own lemonade stand?

LEMONADE STAND BASICS

• Have a plan−do you want to raise money for a local charity or fill up your piggy bank? People like to know how you’ll be spending your proceeds, so be ready to tell them. If you decide to give your lemonade away for free, consider having a donation jar out, just in case your customers are feeling generous.
• Select a location. Choose somewhere that has lots of people (hopefully thirsty!) and see if it’s OK to set up your stand. Your own front yard is usually the easiest spot.

Note: depending on where you set up your stand, you may have to get permits or permission first.

• Build your stand. Get started using something as simple as cardboard boxes or a folding table and cover with a tablecloth. You can get as detailed as you want with the many building ideas you’ll find online.
• Create a sign.  Use a chalk board or make your own out of foam board, stencils, markers and glitter. Attach to the stand and add other eye-catching creative decorations. 

FOR PARENTS

Let the young entrepreneurial spirit take root with the kids, as they serve all-natural lemonade to friends and neighbors! Help make the day a success by spreading the word ahead of time, so everyone can join in on the fun. Put up a poster, hand out flyers or post something on your neighborhood Facebook page to generate interest and excitement. Remind your budding business men and women that courtesy is king. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labors −with a nice, cool glass of lemonade.

How do you cool off in the summer? Have you ever built a lemonade stand? We’d love to hear your story and tips in the comments section.

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

The rainy days of spring have retreated, leaving us to contend with all the fun that comes with summer. Revamp your front and back door areas to make room for summertime essentials. Here are a few tips for transforming your entryway or mudroom into a summery landing pad.

Swimsuits, beach towels, flip flops and sports equipment are just a few pieces of this season’s ever-present clutter. Need a spot to dry off after a run through the sprinkler, a dip in the pool or sweaty yardwork? Why not transform your entryway or mud room into a cooling spot complete with plenty of areas to stow away gear and seats for drying off? Relief is on the way with some helpful tips for repurposing this space and giving it a warm weather vibe.

STEP 1: REFRESH THE ROOM—ADD CHARACTER  

Front door or back door, it’s the first place guests see when they enter your home, so it’s worth the effort to clean it up to make a good first impression. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or isn’t being used—then donate it or trash it. Once you have decluttered the room, add a fresh coat of paint and if you’re feeling ambitious, come up with a theme for the area. For example, you could transform it into a beachy escape by adding plants, baskets and seashells. Make it cheery and bright, a warm welcome for your family and visitors.

STEP 2: COVER THE FLOOR

Cover the floor as you see fit. This time of year, simple sisal or seagrass woven area rugs are a great choice since they are made for greater durability, come in different sizes and bring warmth and charm.

STEP 3: FURNISH THE ROOM 

Your mission is to make the space more useful by introducing designated storage areas for everyday necessities. By attaching shelves with adjustable hooks, you’ll have spots for hanging keys, jackets and handbags right where you need them. The top wooden shelf provides ample space for sunblock, hats and maybe even a seashell or two.

Below the shelf, place a table with a shelf. Add bins on the lower shelf and presto—you now have the perfect spot to hold beach towels, flip flops, pet toys or anything else that gets dropped off at the front door. A lamp or two will help cast a pretty glow over your neat and tidy “welcome center.”

If you have the room, a bookcase extends your storage and display potential. Find one that fits your space and fill it up with bins or baskets and a knick-knack or two.

A storage bench can serve double duty by giving you a place to take off your shoes and put them away all-in-one.

Add little touches like a cart on casters. These come in handy for wheeling in groceries.

Perhaps a stylish coat rack will fit in the corner—a great idea for hanging up wet items.

With an entryway transformation, odds and ends won’t end up in the rest of your home and you’re sure to make great first impressions when guests admire how you’re keeping it all organized in style. How do you rearrange for summer? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

The rainy days of spring have retreated, leaving us to contend with all the fun that comes with summer. Revamp your front and back door areas to make room for summertime essentials. Here are a few tips for transforming your entryway or mudroom into a summery landing pad.

Swimsuits, beach towels, flip flops and sports equipment are just a few pieces of this season’s ever-present clutter. Need a spot to dry off after a run through the sprinkler, a dip in the pool or sweaty yardwork? Why not transform your entryway or mud room into a cooling spot complete with plenty of areas to stow away gear and seats for drying off? Relief is on the way with some helpful tips for repurposing this space and giving it a warm weather vibe.

STEP 1: REFRESH THE ROOM—ADD CHARACTER  

Front door or back door, it’s the first place guests see when they enter your home, so it’s worth the effort to clean it up to make a good first impression. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or isn’t being used—then donate it or trash it. Once you have decluttered the room, add a fresh coat of paint and if you’re feeling ambitious, come up with a theme for the area. For example, you could transform it into a beachy escape by adding plants, baskets and seashells. Make it cheery and bright, a warm welcome for your family and visitors.

STEP 2: COVER THE FLOOR

Cover the floor as you see fit. This time of year, simple sisal or seagrass woven area rugs are a great choice since they are made for greater durability, come in different sizes and bring warmth and charm.

STEP 3: FURNISH THE ROOM 

Your mission is to make the space more useful by introducing designated storage areas for everyday necessities. By attaching shelves with adjustable hooks, you’ll have spots for hanging keys, jackets and handbags right where you need them. The top wooden shelf provides ample space for sunblock, hats and maybe even a seashell or two.

Below the shelf, place a table with a shelf. Add bins on the lower shelf and presto—you now have the perfect spot to hold beach towels, flip flops, pet toys or anything else that gets dropped off at the front door. A lamp or two will help cast a pretty glow over your neat and tidy “welcome center.”

If you have the room, a bookcase extends your storage and display potential. Find one that fits your space and fill it up with bins or baskets and a knick-knack or two.

A storage bench can serve double duty by giving you a place to take off your shoes and put them away all-in-one.

Add little touches like a cart on casters. These come in handy for wheeling in groceries.

Perhaps a stylish coat rack will fit in the corner—a great idea for hanging up wet items.

With an entryway transformation, odds and ends won’t end up in the rest of your home and you’re sure to make great first impressions when guests admire how you’re keeping it all organized in style. How do you rearrange for summer? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.