Amy Slenker-Smith

5 Simple Ways to Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Kids

July 11, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 6 Comments

I still remember when my son ran into his kindergarten classroom and now he's a junior in high school. Soon after that first day of kindergarten, came the onslaught of activities and sports. If we hadn’t paid attention, he would have become over-scheduled very quickly. We continue to be vigilant to ensure he is not over-scheduled and stressed. I hope this is your year to embrace fewer activities. Don't get me wrong, the last two years we missed sports, church, and social events. But many families found it to be a breath of fresh air. It was the reset we needed. So, how about you strike a better balance going forward? And say goodbye to some activities? The research on why it matters is staggering. …

Time to Mourn

May 10, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 3 Comments

Last weekend was the celebration of life for my dad's friend. They played basketball and softball together, went on basketball scouting trips, and even on a family vacation to Sea World. But this friendship is forever cemented in my memory because of the countless summer picnics in our backyard. Every weekend, several couples gathered with their kids. To this day, I can't look at my mom's backyard without seeing a baseball diamond and the elusive home run over the barn. My dad's name is Joe, just like his friend who passed away. I imagine that makes it harder somehow. As my parents get older, I see how the death of friends and family hits them differently. This one hit me a little differently too. One generation apart. But all the same childhood memories. So, I made the trip home to celebrate his life. Closing the Gap I believe trips like this, even on sad occasions, help close the gap created by miles, months, and generations. Over the years, we celebrated a lot of picnics, …

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5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff

April 17, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 4 Comments

One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. "What should I do with sentimental stuff?" Like baby clothes or grandma's china. I suggest a “some not none” approach. In my home, I display my grandma's decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence. My grandmother and I were a lot alike. So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn't the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard. Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff Do This Last- Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories. Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits. Some Not None - If everything …

3 Easy Steps to Organize Your Photos

April 8, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Perhaps you have a pile of photos that looks like this? You're not alone and you can turn them into organized photos online to share with friends and family. Several years ago, I owned 12+ photo boxes. I sorted, purged and threw away thousands of photos to keep only the very best. Little by little, I reduced and organized our family photographs into a digital repository and cloud service. Now, I have peace of mind that memories are preserved and recoverable in the event of a disaster. (Like the pipe that burst in our home!) Additionally, I've learned to take fewer photos. Just one can tell the whole story. Old Photos Do you have a box of family photos tucked away somewhere? Are you unsure of the people in them? Unfortunately, passed down photographs rarely include important details. My Grandma Alice was a rare exception. She not only organized the photos but also sorted them into envelopes for her kids. We spent hours looking through them. What a gift she left us. …

How to Organize Your Food Storage Containers

March 29, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

https://youtu.be/hJXKHseJzR8 Is this your current food storage strategy? It's ok, you're not alone and I can help. Whether you're using plastic containers, glass, Tupperware, or some combination thereof, the key to avoiding this disaster is simple. Boundaries Find one drawer or one shelf and label it 'Food Storage Containers.' Most homes own too many food storage containers and none of them have lids. Declutter First. Organize Second. Recycle stained or damaged containers Match all the containers and lids Keep one shape and one brand of plastic (i.e. Ziploc or Glad. Square or Round) Organize remaining containers and lids in nested piles Respect the boundary you chose and minimize accordingly Set aside extra containers to organize your pantry Recycle unmatched lids This drawer serves as the boundary for my containers and they stack easily. I usually avoid plastic, but it serves a purpose so we purchase sparingly and reuse it many …

A Simple and Healthy Meal Plan for Busy Moms

February 28, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 2 Comments

We value time for family dinners, together. To ensure we eat healthy and sit down as a family, I create a weekly meal plan. A meal plan saves time and money Every Sunday, I build a meal plan and prep ingredients from my arsenal of simple healthy recipes. The recipes are organized and searchable in Evernote. I like the ones that turn into several meals and create leftovers for lunch. Here's how. Grab my FREE Meal Planning Template +5 Weeknight Meals HERE. Mom! What's for dinner? Now, you have an answer. Use Existing Inventory First, check the fridge and freezer for proteins on hand. Veggies? Are there any likely to spoil soon? I clean and cut fruits and vegetables. Make muffins from overripe bananas. Defrost meat. And I also keep a stash of frozen veggies for a quick side dish. With a little prep work, veggies are ready for snacking, steaming, or sautéing. Spinach and romaine on hand for smoothies and salads. Snacks pre-portioned into …

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