Happy Home Hub

Years ago, I became seriously ill, plagued by chronic pain and extreme fatigue. As my condition worsened, I could no longer work and found myself bedridden for months at a time. During this period, only the bare minimum of daily tasks got done. On top of that, I developed a shopping addiction, often spending $100 or more at places like Dollar Tree, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target (LOTS of Target) without even realizing the impact.

When our daughter moved out , we were left with an extra room in the house. Initially, we planned to turn it into a guest bedroom. However, after starting therapy and engaging in self-reflection, I’ve experienced a significant shift. I’ve become more energetic and have discovered that I now feel restless and anxious if I’m not keeping my mind engaged. I’ve found that I need to stay busy or occupied, as the stillness tends to amplify my anxiety.

After I finally emerged from a flare-up and started feeling my mood lift, summer was just beginning. To my surprise, I found myself getting into gardening—a hobby I never would’ve imagined I’d enjoy. A childhood friend I reconnected with through social media gave me inspiration to try just a couple things to start the garden.  I read all of her content and subscribed to her blog.  It turned out to be so much fun, especially with my 4-year-old grandson by my side, eagerly helping me with every little task. One of the sweetest moments was when he proudly picked a fresh strawberry from the garden.

 

But the real comedy came when he decided to make me a salad. Instead of using the shredded romaine I had in the fridge, he went straight for the bowl of cilantro that was freshly chopped.  He put our tomatoes and strawberries with ranch dressing!  So sweet.  

remember where the tape or razors are located.  

 

Here’s a peek at my daily routine:

  • Make the Bed: If my dog allows, the first thing I do every morning—it’s amazing how such a simple task can instantly make the day feel a little more organized and set a positive tone.  

  • Dress Head to Toe: This is a game-changer. Thanks to FlyLady’s advice, I’ve learned that getting dressed, even if I’m just staying home, boosts my motivation. When I’m dressed and presentable, I’m much more likely to run errands, tackle cleaning, and not stay curled up in my pajamas watching TV.

  • Swish and Swipe: Before hopping in the shower, I take a minute to quickly wipe down the bathroom vanity and toilet. A fast swirl keeps everything looking fresh, white, and smelling good—no more bathroom mess piling up!

  • Rotate Laundry: I try to stay on top of it daily, so laundry never feels like an overwhelming mountain. Plus, I love the satisfaction of seeing it done!

  • Pick Up Any Trash: I take a quick walk through the house and grab any stray trash, and carrying a basket or bucket random items that need to be returned home go in there...instantly making the space feel tidier instantly.

  • Sweep the Stairs and Entryway: A quick sweep of these high-traffic areas makes the whole home feel cleaner and more inviting. Especially with a husky!

  • Plan Dinner: I make sure to think ahead about dinner and thaw anything out if needed. Planning ahead takes the stress out of dinnertime! This is my least favorite thing.  

  • Rotate Dishes and Shine the Sink: This is one of my favorite tasks. After loading up the dishwasher or washing by hand, I make sure the sink is sparkling clean. It’s one of those small victories that can really elevate the whole kitchen.

 

  • Spend an Hour on the Website and Blog: I dedicate some focused time to work on my website and blog, updating content and brainstorming new ideas. It’s also when I review my weekly calendar and create a to-do list to keep myself organized and on track.

  • Take Meds and Vitamins: A quick but important reminder to take care of my health—keeping up with my medications and vitamins is essential for staying on top of everything.

  • Start Dinner: I begin preparing dinner so it’s ready when needed. Whether I’m cooking from scratch or just warming something up, getting a head start makes evenings much smoother.

  • Zone Cleaning: I tackle one specific area of the house that needs attention. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or another zone, focusing on one area at a time keeps the cleaning process manageable and prevents overwhelm. 

  • Rotate Laundry: I keep the laundry cycle going, rotating loads so they don’t pile up. Staying consistent with this small task makes a big difference in keeping the laundry monster at bay!