​~ Stewards of the Home ~​

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​Okay, so many of us have likely heard the saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness” and we may think to ourselves that there must be some truth to this saying. Let's think about it for a moment. God is pure and without stain or spot, so it makes sense that being clean is a good representative of God, right? Well……. Partially and here's why, or at least as we see it. 

We are pretty sure that this statement is not true in every area of life; in fact, we can confidently say that it is only true in matters dealing with the spirit and the heart. How do we know? Because in matters of the house and home (for example), we can probably all testify to knowing (or knowing of) some super clean people, that are far from being holy or godly…and vice versa.

So that said, exhale and don’t freight if you are like the countless individuals who can admit (privately or openly) that the struggle is real when it comes to stewarding over your home and trying to juggle either some, or all, of these things: keeping a clean home, preparing nightly dinners, being a present parent and/or spouse, church/spiritual life (Bible study, Bible reading, prayer life, church services, etc.), working (in home or outside of the home) and/or keeping up with a family or individual schedule. Now if you can relate, let's all shout, "Yes and Amen!!", then take a moment and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you are not alone.

This section was created to help our visitors find ways to steward their homes, with a little less stress. We are offering some tips and ideas that may prove to be beneficial in helping you either develop into a good steward over your home, or perhaps offer some fresh ideas you can add to your "repertoire" as you continue practicing good stewardship over your home. To that, we believe that part of being a good steward, is not only being thankful for the things God has given us, but also taking care of, and managing, those things to the best of our ability. It is our sincere opinion that  no matter what kind of house you live in (apartment, R.V., van, house, mobile home, etc..), God is able to bless it--- especially when we show him that we are faithful servants over it---and you can make it your home; the place where you and your family grow, love, share and find peace.

As the name of this website suggests, it is our desire that we all find peace and acceptance with where God has us right now in our lives. We don’t have to live in a mansion (nothing wrong if we do), nor do we need personal assistants, maids and cooks at our beckoning call to successfully steward our homes; we just need to find a way to take care of and manage what we have been blessed with.

Now, we know that cleaning and being organized is not the answer to ALL of life’s problems; however, we do believe that it is possible to find peace and appreciate the things God has given us, when we take care of our blessings and when we are organized and feel like we have time to enjoy those blessings...you will be surprised (if you haven't already experienced this) at how much value a little cleanliness and organization can add to our lives.  

So as we mentioned earlier, we have included some house cleaning and home organization tips and ideas below. Along with that (for no other reason than we thought you might enjoy it), we are including some D.I.Y cleaning products (and some D.I.Y ideas to help make the house smell fresh and welcoming), as well as some easy and inexpensive dinner ideas that may make weeknights a little easier and less stressful. Enjoy!
Side Note: If you watch social media, you may see a lot of people with an extremely messy home (or in general, just doing things that they shouldn't) and that may make you feel better, or you may feel like you can relate, but the truth of the matter is that most of those people are presenting a messy home (or filming themselves doing things that are...let's just say doing things that do not exhibit characteristics of the Holy Spirit) so that they have content (something for you to keep coming back to and watching). So, we say that, to say this... don't get caught up in the drama. Do what makes you and your family feel comfortable; do what makes your house a home (that said, make sure that what you do reflects the God that is living in you).  Yes, we said earlier that you are not alone, and that is true. There are other people who also struggle with trying to keep a clean home while also keeping up with life's demands; however, that does not mean we should become complacent (this is true not only in matters relating to this topic, but true also in matters relating to our Christian walk and our relationship with God). Always strive to do better and be better. Above all, strive to please God in EVERY area of your life...even when it seems contrary to popular demand, or the current trend. 
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House Cleaning & Home Organization Tips and Ideas:

House cleaning tips & Ideas
     1. Have a Convenient (and sensible) Designated Space to Store Items- If everything in your home has a designated space, it is more likely that items will be placed in the appropriate area, rather than being thrown around anywhere that seems most convenient in the moment. For this to work however, the designated space must make sense, and everyone must be aware of the purpose for the space. Take a look at some examples...
  • Shoe Bins or Shoe Racks: If everyone takes their shoes off upon entering the home, place a shoe bin or shoe rack near the entrance; this will keep shoes neatly stored in one location, versus scattered around the entrance area or the house in general.
  • Keep Everyday Items in the Room it is Meant to be Used In: If you are using, or bringing, an everyday item in the house that is for the kitchen, it doesn’t make much sense for the item's storage space to be in the upstairs bedroom closet. Really, how likely are you to put away a kitchen item after you have used it, if you must walk all the way upstairs to store it?
  • Place Toy Bins in Convenient Locations: The same ideas we used in the previous examples, can be applied for toys as well.  If the toys are stored in the child’s bedroom or playroom and they are allowed to play in the family room or den, then they are going to be less likely to put the toy up in its proper space if it is in a totally different room. Now, this is not a debate on where to allow children to play, we’re simply stating that placing a toy bin in the area they play in, can go a long way with children (or parents that must clean up after them) putting away toys when they are finished playing with them.
Regardless to what the item is, assign a place for it to be stored.  A good rule of thumb is, if you can't find a place for it, consider whether or not you really need it, and if you do, think about whether or not there is something that you don't need taking up valuable space. Making a conscious decision everyday to put away the things used or brought into the house, will help in keeping a tidy home and make cleaning day a lot easier.
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     2. Clean Up After Yourself…IMMEDIATELY- Now this seems like it shouldn’t need to be said, but you’d be surprised how many people miss this concept, so take a look at some of these ideas...
  • If you spill milk or juice, clean it up immediately. The time it takes to clean up freshly spilled milk, juice, or coffee (for example), is way less than the time it takes to clean up beverages that have been allowed to sit, dry and/or stain the surface it was spilled on.
  • If you drop trash on the floor, pick it up and throw it away; leaving trash on the floor or the tabletop is not only a bad habit, but it will send a message to the entire house that it's okay to place trash in that location and it will inevitably become a "dumping" site.
  • When you finish using a dish, clean it or place it in the assigned area. If the problem is that people are leaving dishes scattered around the house, consider making a rule that younger family members must only eat and drink in the kitchen or dinning room areas; this way you have less dishes in areas they likely shouldn't be. Another idea is at the end of the day or night (right before you clean the kitchen for the evening), walk through the house with a "dish basket" or dishpan and collect all the dishes that have been carried away to other areas of the house. You could also make a rule that family members must bring down their "stray" dishes before dinner time and place them in the dishwasher, or sink to be washed.
Tip: If you have a dishwasher, consider emptying the dishwasher every morning and throughout the day place used dishes in the dishwasher.  At the end of the night, before bed, turn on the dishwasher. This will make nightly kitchen cleaning easy, and it will help keep the kitchen tidy during the day. It will also help eliminate heavy water usage. Even if you don’t have a dishwasher, hand wash the dishes you use once you are finished with them (again, a freshly dirtied dish, is easier to clean than one that has been sitting for hours with dried food and sauces on it). Another idea, if you and/or family members are constantly drinking water throughout the day, have “assigned” cups. For example, maybe one person uses a pink cup, and the other person uses a blue, or black cup, etc., (NOTE: the same dishes do not necessarily have to be used every day by the same person, but for that day, that specific cup will be used by that individual, until they wash it). The cup can then be placed in the sink and reused by that member throughout the day; this will eliminate an excess of dishes.
     3. Conduct a Nightly Walk-thru of the Main House Areas- Most people make sure the house is nice and secure before tucking in for the night.  So, as you walk-thru the house making sure that windows and doors are closed and locked, tidy up along the way. For example, if you keep blankets in the family room, make sure they are folded and put in their proper location. Make sure that couch pillows are puffed and on the couch, versus strewn across the floor. Peek inside the bathroom(s) and make sure that the countertops are tidy, clothes and towels are picked up off the floor---you can even give it a quick spray with some air freshener. Tip: As you are walking through the house, carry a basket with you so that you can collect any items that may have been misplaced.  Then on your way to bed, drop those items off to their proper locations.

     4.Clean the Kitchen...Every Night Before Bed- Just like it is believed that making up your bed first thing in the morning is a good start to the day, we believe also that waking up to a clean kitchen in the morning is also a good start to the day (especially since every family member will likely, at some point in the morning, visit the kitchen).  Another Kitchen Tip: As you cook, clean the dishes you finish using- or put them in the dishwasher-before everyone sits down to dinner.  This will help make the final clean up a lot easier, especially if you are left to do the dishes on your own.

     5. Have Designated Workspaces- Now this is a good idea for homework, and mom and dad’s work, but it is also a good idea if you are in the process of completing renovations or D.I.Y’s in the house. Have a space set aside to sort of, “contain” the clutter that may come along with whatever is being done in that workspace. For desk areas, make sure you include storage for writing tools, scissors, or staplers; as well as storage baskets for papers and books so that they don’t become scattered everywhere. Also, make it a habit to tidy up the area before leaving it.

In cases where you are completing a home renovation or D.I.Y project inside the home, try to keep tools or project items in the space you have designated, and as hopeless as it may sound, try to keep it somewhat “organized”. This just means that instead of throwing the hammer around on the floor somewhere…anywhere, consciously place the hammer in the “tool section” when you are finished working with it.  If you are working with wood, keep the pieces stacked together in a corner of the room or near a specific wall within the designated space. Also, tidy up the area after you have finished working for that day (i.e., sweep or vacuum, make sure things are in their designated section and not strewn across the area; keep nails and screws safely in containers, keep tools safely out of reach of younger family members and safely out of walking paths).

Tip: When completing home projects, set a start time and stop time. This way, you give yourself time to tidy up before “tapping out” from exhaustion, and you will be able to make time for other tasks around the house.

These simple steps will help keep other areas of the home clean and free of unnecessary items, and it will make cleaning that specific workspace easier.  

     6. Create Cleaning Schedules and Chore Lists- Create a cleaning schedule that will allow you to stay on top of cleaning tasks and one that will help with keeping the home tidy and presentable during the week.
  • Start by making a list of chores that need to be completed every day (this will vary by household) and a list of chores that need to be completed once or twice a week (again, this will vary by household and personal preference). Don’t forget to include those chores that may only need to be completed monthly, quarterly, and yearly (i.e., cleaning the garage/shed, cleaning baseboards, cleaning the trash bins, changing filters, washing the windows, decluttering the home, etc.).  
  • Assign chores that DO NOT need completing everyday, to a specific day of the week (i.e., Monday-vacuum, clean bathrooms, Tuesday- Wash bedding, dust); assign these chores according to your schedule and how frequently the space will need cleaning due to your family size, and use of the space.
  • Recruit family members to assist in these tasks by assigning chores.
  • Place the chore list and cleaning schedule in places where every member can view it (Remember: out of sight, out of mind). Keep your schedule where you and household members can see it, and then make a conscious decision to DO it!  Keeping a clean and tidy home is more doable and less stressful when all members of the family help. Also, by creating cleaning schedules, the task will become less overwhelming, and you are more likely to be consistent with it.
home organization Tips & ideas
​1.   Create a family calendar and put it where everyone in the home can easily see it- Pick a day (ideally a Saturday or Sunday, but really it depends on what works best for you and your family) and discuss the schedule for the upcoming week. Be sure to get everyone involved so no events (big or small) are left out and everyone is aware of the “definite” happenings and the “possible” happenings (Tip: Consider color coding these two so that everyone can easily distinguish between what is definitely happening and what is possibly happening---this will take out the guesswork and eliminate confusion and frustration). This way, everybody knows their roles and how they may need to help out to ensure an easy week. This can also be done in a household of one, or two; size doesn’t matter. The important thing is “to be in the know” and be proactive, versus reactive (as much as possible, of course things will happen unexpectedly, and you must react accordingly). If you don’t already do this, it may sound like a bit too much; however, when you write out what needs to be done and when it needs to be done, you are simply creating a plan for your time, even if it doesn’t always work out exactly as anticipated. 

Side Note: It’s always important to give yourself grace and be willing to be flexible. A calendar helps you to remember all that needs to be completed for the week, but it can also serve to help you see the need to reprioritize, especially when you have too much planned or…too much of the wrong things planned (i.e., have you forgotten to set aside time for God, self, family?).
 
2.   Have a Schedule or Daily Routine- This is not only important for younger family members, but the mature members of the family may find it beneficial as well. For example, have a scheduled time to wake up and do what needs to be done to start the day. So, whether your mornings include spending time with the Lord, making up your bed, eating a good breakfast, watching the morning news, or all of the above; having a morning routine, or scheduled wake-up time, not only gives you a good head start to the day, but it also allows you the opportunity to enjoy your mornings. Just remember to be sure and give yourself ample time to get everything done, without feeling rushed.  
 
Still not convinced? Well consider this, each day is unique to itself. This simply means that September 17, 2021 (for example) will only happen once—-you may have similar days and moments, but the day itself will never repeat itself. So, take advantage of the day and every moment in it. Having a daily schedule or routine allows you to make time for the things that really matter.

3.   Have a Family Emergency Kit/Plan- This does not only include disaster kits/plans (which are absolutely a good thing to have), but it can also include a plan for what the family will do if a car breaks down, someone gets locked out of the house/vehicle, someone’s work schedule changes, or someone becomes ill.  Don’t misunderstand, a bad situation or having a “monkey wrench thrown in the plan” is never pleasant…even when you do have a backup plan, but it certainly does help when you know what to do if something outside of the norm happens; it’s like having an emergency fund, no one ever wants to actually use the emergency fund (because that of course would mean there was an emergency), but it certainly does help to have it available if you or your family ever need it. It gives you a peace of mind.
 
4.   Create Grocery Lists and Meal plans- Grocery lists obviously help us remember what we need when we go shopping, but they also help us to stay on budget and it keeps us from being wasteful (buying things we don't really need or want). Creating a weekly meal plan helps in knowing what the plan is for the week as far as breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals go. Meal planning is especially helpful if your are cooking or preparing food for others; it is also beneficial when attempting to save money or make more healthy food choices. Tip: Place the grocery list and meal plan in a place where other members of the family can see it (those that are old enough to go to the grocery store or cook). This way, if for some reason the person who usually does these tasks cannot (maybe they become ill, must work late, or go out of town), someone else can; it will help to eliminate stress.

5.   Food Prepping-This is another good idea to help take away the stress of planning dinner after a long and busy day; it also helps to keep you from visiting fast food restaurants too frequently during the week. Think about it, if you don’t have to think about what’s for dinner, you are more likely to go home and eat what you have. Also, if lunch is already prepared, you are more likely to choose that over going out to buy something. Choose a day of the week where you have time to either pre-cook your meals for the week, or simply prepare them (i.e., season meat, chop veggies, combine ingredients) and put them in a storage or cooking container so that it is ready to go. Note: make sure that you are storing your meals in the proper containers (airtight, freezer friendly, BPA free, etc..) and either place them in the freezer, or refrigerator (this will depend on what you are preparing and when you will be eating it).  Don't forget to include the date you prepared it and heating/cooking instructions; just in case someone other than yourself is cooking the meal for the night.
 
6.   Create “Stations” in Your Home-Depending on the family, the well-known “Command Station” may very well be the heart of the home, making the kitchen a close second. The “Command Station” is typically where individuals keep the family calendar, reminder notes, messages, keys, school papers that need signing, mail, backpacks, etc.…However, there are other stations that may prove beneficial and worth giving a try as well. Consider some of these ideas below:

  • Breakfast Station- A place dedicated to placing the week’s breakfast foods like dry cereal, oatmeal, breakfast pastries/bars, breads (i.e., bagels, English muffins, etc.). Creating a Breakfast Station will teach little ones how to become more independent and it may help them learn to make responsible food choices (even if they can’t prepare their own food, they will be able to see what’s available and choose what they want to eat). It will also help add an easy flow to the morning, especially on those mornings where you must grab something quick. Tip: if you don’t have a large space, consider reserving some space on a kitchen countertop, or placing items on a dining room buffet or small cart that can be kept in a kitchen or dining room corner; perhaps make space in the pantry or food cabinet.    
  • Clothes/Shoes Stations- A place where the clothes and shoes for the next day, are placed the night before. This is an awesome idea because everyone will know exactly where their clothes and shoes are and it will eliminate the frantic search for a missing shoe or sock, one minute before its time to leave. Tip: consider making time every night before bed to iron clothes for the next day and place them on a hanger near the shoes and accessories (belts, socks, backpacks…) that will be worn with the outfit. This is helpful for every member of the family, no matter the age. You can even do this with preparing the baby’s diaper bag for the next day.
  •   Lunch Prep Stations- Designate a place where you keep the lunch bags/boxes, foods, snacks, and/or drinks for lunch.  For foods that must be kept in the refrigerator, see if you can make room for a small basket that can house your sandwich meats and cheeses (if your refrigerator does not come with a designated space already). For veggies and fruits, wash and slice them prior to storing them away (or on food prep day) and place them in labeled storage containers that are easily accessible. For dry foods and snacks that can be stored outside of the refrigerator, store them in a basket or storage bin that can fit in an easily accessible location in the pantry or food cabinet.  These simple steps will make lunch prep easier and something that everyone (age appropriate of course) in the family can assist with. 
Tip: Prepare lunches the night before to make mornings easier, and to help eliminate the need for spending extra money every day on purchased lunch.  
 
​Having stations in your home can make mornings so much easier when you are trying to get out the door on time. So, whether it’s a breakfast station, clothes and shoes station, lunch station, or a command station, you may find it helpful to dedicate a space, somewhere in your home, that you and family members can use to help stay organized.

 D.I.Y House Cleaning Products & Easy Dinner Ideas:

D.I.Y house cleaners
Note: You can use less drops of essential oils if you find the scent too strong; some oils can have a strong aroma when too much is used so be careful to use them in moderation. Also, because some of the cleaners may contain vinegar, be aware that it could be harmful to porous stones like granite or marble. Ingredients should be mixed by an adult, or with adult supervision. Be safe and exercise caution when mixing ingredients
​1. All Purpose Cleaner  
Ingredients:
         1 cup white vinegar
         1 cup water
         About 10- 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice
Tip: tea tree oil is good for fighting bacteria, so consider adding some drops of this oil into your cleaning solution (we recommend a smaller amount of this, about 5-8 drops, since it can have a strong scent, but it really does depend on your level of tolerance). Orange, rosemary, and lavender are also good oils to add to your cleaner. If you prefer something more “natural” add fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon rinds, or try combining orange rinds and lemon rinds.
 
Instructions: In a clean and empty spray bottle, add all the ingredients.  Close the spray bottle tightly and shake to combine.
NOTE: Be sure to write the name of the product and the ingredients on the back of the bottle so that everyone in the home is aware of what is in the bottle.

2. Glass Cleaner 
Now of course, water and vinegar will do the trick, but try adding a little bit of dish soap to get an even better clean; depending on the dish soap, you may even get a better smell than just using vinegar alone  (Tip: try adding a grease fighting dish detergent to this cleaner for glass surfaces in the kitchen).
 
Ingredients
 
         1/2 teaspoon of dish soap (your choice)
         2 cups of water
         ¼ cup of white vinegar
 
Instructions: In an empty, clean spray bottle, combine all ingredients. Secure the top and shake to combine.
NOTE: Be sure to write the name of the product and the ingredients on the back of the bottle so that everyone in the home is aware of what is in the bottle.

3. Hard Surface Floor Cleaner  
Here again you can simply use vinegar and water, which will work great for cleaning most hard surface floors.
 
Ingredients
 
         About 3 teaspoons of liquid dish soap of your choice (Caution: when choosing your liquid dish soap, please      make sure it does NOT contain bleach, moisturizers, or bacteria fighting ingredients as you will be using other ingredients that may interact with these ingredients in a dangerous way; also, some moisturizers may damage your floors).
 
         About 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice (you can use more if you find it necessary)
 
          ½ cup of white vinegar
          ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol
          2 cups of warm water
 
Instructions: In a bucket, or clean (and empty) spray bottle, mix all the ingredients. If using a spray bottle, secure the top and shake to combine.  If you are using a bucket, use your mop (or other mixing tool, such as a wooden dowel or paint mixing stick) and carefully stir to combine. 
 
Note: While this floor cleaner is safe to use on most hard flooring surfaces (linoleum, vinyl, laminate, or tile), it should be tested on an inconspicuous (un-noticeable) spot before using on the entire floor. Also, because the cleaner contains vinegar, be aware that it could be harmful to porous stones like granite or marble.
 

D.I.Y Air Fresheners
1. Carpet Deodorizer
Ingredients:
       About 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice (Tip: try blending oils together to create a scent of your own!)
       1 cup of baking soda
       ½ cup of cornstarch
Instructions: In a container combine the baking soda and cornstarch.  Then add your essential oil and stir to combine all the ingredients. Sprinkle the mixture over your carpet and let sit for about 30 minutes, and then vacuum. 

2. Simmer Pot (Air Freshener) 
 Ingredients:
       Orange Slices (1-2 oranges, or just use the orange peel)
       Lemon Slices (1-2 lemons, or just use the lemon peel)
       Fresh Rosemary (about a sprig, or handful. You can also use other herbs of your choice, i.e., bay leaves, basil)
       Cinnamon Sticks (2-3 sticks. Tip: You can usually find cinnamon sticks in the seasoning aisle of your grocery store)
       Whole Cloves (About 1-2 Tablespoons)
Instructions: In a medium sized pot, combine the ingredients. Add water, filling the pot about three-fourths, or most of the way full, and then bring to a boil. Once the pot comes to a boil, reduce it to a simmer on the stove. Continue to keep an eye on the pot to not let the water evaporate more than halfway full. You can add more water if necessary. In a matter of minutes your house will be filled with a lovely aroma! 
 
Note: You can create various simmer pots based off your personal preference, so have fun creating these easy and natural home fragrances!
Easy Dinner Ideas
Note: While these dinner ideas are all simple and easy, children should always be supervised by adults if preparing meals. Also, use safety precautions, and always follow your manufacturer’s cooking manual when using kitchen tools and appliances.
​1. Hearty Sandwich with Chips
 
Ingredients:
 
Hearty Bread (of your choice): i.e., Hoagie Buns, Italian, French Baguette, Rye, Ciabatta, Country White Bread, Sourdough, or Brioche
 
Sandwich Meat (of your choice; cold or hot!): i.e., Pastrami, Turkey, Ham, Tuna, Salmon (smoked, or baked), Prosciutto, Bacon, Pancetta, Chicken (baked, fried, or roasted, shredded, pulled, or sliced!), Pork (baked, fried, shredded, pulled…your choice!), Salami, Pepperoni, Roast Beef. Tip: try mixing meats to take your sandwich to the next level!
 
Veggies of your choice: i.e., Lettuce, Arugula, Asparagus, Pickles, Tomatoes (fresh, dried, roasted, your choice), Olives, Banana Peppers, Olives (black or green!), Onions, Chives, Cucumbers, Peppers (green, red, yellow…your choice), Avocados, Roasted zucchini, Alfalfa Sprouts. Tip: for a healthier sandwich night, consider making a veggie sandwich!
 
Condiments of your choice (if preferred): i.e., Mayo, Ketchup, Mustard, Italian Dressing, Ranch Dressing, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, Everything Bagel Seasoning (good on so many different things, not just bagels).
 
Cheese of your choice: Swiss, Gouda, Muenster, Provolone, Cheddar, or American. Tip: if you visit a deli, you may be able to try some cheeses that have add-ins like garlic, or herbs. 
 
Add-ons: Grapes, Dried Cranberries, Eggs (boiled, or fried), Figs, Sunflower Seeds
 
Side Dish: For the side dish, you can of course use any chip of your choice, but you could mix it up by making fried kale chips instead.  You could also substitute the chips for a pasta salad, fruit salad, cole slaw, chef salad, or soup.
 
Now, we did not make an actual recipe for the sandwich in this dinner idea because how you choose to eat it will depend on your, and/or your family’s, taste buds; however, we have included some good choices below.

  • Grilled Ham and Cheese (sub, sandwich, or slider)
  • Italian or Submarine Sandwich/Sub
  • Cheese Steak
  • Turkey and Swiss
  • Asparagus and Bacon
  • Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato
  • Chicken Salad 
  • Tuna Salad
  • Chicken and Bacon
  • Turkey and Bacon
  • Veggie Sandwich/Sub
  • Tuna and Avocado Sandwich
  • Baked Pastrami (or cold is good too)
  • Grilled Cheese
 
Likewise with the side item, choices are endless here and what you choose to prepare or cook to go along with your hearty sandwiches will depend on your, and/or your family’s, taste buds. So, we will not include all the recipes to every side item listed; however, we have included a recipe for baked kale chips.  Enjoy!
 
Kale Chips
Ingredients
     1 Head of Kale (wash and dry thoroughly)
     2 tbsp. of olive oil
     Sea Salt or what you have available (to taste, preferably start with a pinch and increase as needed)
     Tasty Add-on’s: Garlic Powder (since we are using salt, we recommend using garlic powder here.  Add to taste, but start with a pinch and increase as needed), and/or Cayenne Pepper (again, start with a pinch and increase as needed or to reach your desired spice level)
 
Instructions:
Preheat oven at 325 degrees F.
 
Wash and dry your kale leaves (Tip: dry completely by patting them dry with a napkin, salad spinner, or lay pieces flat on a cooling rack until completely dry)
 
Remove the stems and ribs. Then cut or tear into pieces that resemble chips.
 
Place chips onto a lightly greased baking sheet (do not overlap pieces) and drizzle olive oil over the kale, making sure to cover all the leaves.
 
Season with salt (or other seasonings of your choice).
 
Bake in oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning once half-way during cooking. Make sure that the chips do not overcook or burn. Keep in mind that all ovens are different so watch the kale chips to determine if you need to adjust the cooking time.
 
Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Add more seasoning if needed.
 
Tip: you can cook these in an air fryer. Prepare in the same manner. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes.  Make sure to check chips half-way through cooking (about 2 minutes), give them a shake and continue cooking if necessary. You do not need to preheat your air fryer.
 
2. Homemade Pizzas (with a slight twist) 
 
This is a fun dinner idea because the base is optionless, so think outside of the box!  
 
         Pizza Base Ideas: Here we are substituting your traditional pizza dough base, with some easy, delicious alternatives. Pick one of your choice! 

  • Cooked Chicken Breast- Fillets are a good choice here, but you can also use regular chicken breast---Optional: just use a meat tenderizer (a.k.a “kitchen mallet”) and pound to your desired thickness
  • Hearty Bread (Country White Bread, Ciabatta, Sliced Italian Bread, Pitta Bread, Naan, Flat Bread), 
  • Wraps
  • Puff Pastry
  •  Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Eggplant
 
        Topping Ideas: Pepperoni, Crumbled Sausage, Bacon, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Ham, Chicken, Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Anchovies, Beans, Fruit
 
         Veggies: Banana Peppers, Tomatoes (sliced or diced), Peppers (red, green, yellow…your choice!), Spinach, Arugula, Artichokes, Olives (black or green), Onion, Broccoli
 
         Sauces: Marinara, Salsa, Alfredo, Spicy Sauce, Pesto, BBQ Sauce
 
         Cheeses: Mozzarella (sliced or shredded), Feta, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Gorgonzola, Pecorino-Romano, Havarti, Blu Cheese, Parmesan. 
Tip: To add a special twist to your cheese, visit a deli to see if they have some cheeses with add-ins like honey, figs, or herbs.
 
Side Item Ideas: To help make your dinner complete, try serving up this homemade pizza with one of these items…
  • Salad (chef or Caesar) 
  • Garlic bread or Garlic knots
  • Baked potato wedges or baked French fries- Try this: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle wedges or fries with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary or parsley (to taste); toss to coat all the potatoes. Bake in oven at 425 degrees F for about 15-25 minutes (flip halfway through baking). Note: Every oven is different, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
 
For dessert, who can resist a chocolate chip cookie, or brownie to top off a fun and delicious pizza night. For a healthier treat, try a cool slice of watermelon or a scoop of fruit salad topped with light whipped cream, or use yogurt for a dip (Tip: add about 1-2 tablespoons of honey or syrup to your yogurt)!

​3. Easy No Fuss Pasta Carbonara- This dinner idea, while there are many variations, has made the list because it is not only easy to cook, but you can make it with or without meat!  

Ingredients
 
Pasta of your choice- Traditionally this would be served using spaghetti or linguini, but we’re confident that it will work with bowtie, or penne pasta as well (use what you have…no fuss, remember). Also, this recipe would use a small box (16 oz) of pasta, but you can always tweak (or double) the ingredients to suite your needs.
 
2/3 cup of Cheese- Pecorino Romano is a great idea; however, parmesan will work as well, or you can use both, just split it in half making 1/3 cup of Romano and 1/3 cup of parmesan (Remember, this dinner idea is supposed to be no fuss so use what you have, and add more or less cheese if it suites your taste buds!)
 
3-4 Slices of Cooked Bacon (chopped into bite-size pieces…the actual size is going to be to your liking) - you could also use pancetta, ham, pork jowl (traditionally used), or store-bought bacon bits.

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

3 Large Eggs 
 
2-3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
 
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
 
Tip: Adding 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream, or ricotta cheese, to the egg and cheese mixture will give you a creamier sauce.
 
Cook pasta according to package directions, making sure to lightly salt the water (about 1-2 Tablespoons of salt) as you will want to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water to be used later.
 
In a pan, cook the bacon until crispy and then add the garlic.  Once garlic is added, only cook for about another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.
 
In a bowl, whisk the eggs and cheese together (add the heavy cream or ricotta cheese here, if you choose to use)
 
Once the pasta has finished cooking, make sure you reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, and then drain.
 
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the cooked bacon and garlic, toss ingredients together.  
 
Add the reserved pasta water, and then the egg and cheese mixture (Tip: you can temper the egg and cheese mixture before adding it by adding about 1 teaspoon of the reserved pasta water and whisking quickly so that the eggs do not scramble). Toss the ingredients together.
 
Top with more cheese (if you desire) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
 
Add-on’s: You can top with red pepper flakes for a little bit of a kick, or you can top with parsley!
 
Serve this dish by itself, or with a side of salad, rolls, and/or baked chicken (or meat of choice).
 
4. Garlicky Shrimp and Pasta
 
Ingredients:
 
Peeled and Deveined Shrimp 
 
2- 3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)- you can kick it up a notch and add more garlic if you'd like!
 
Seasoning of your choice

Pasta (For a healthier twist, try using spiraled zucchini instead of spaghetti noodles).  
 
 
This dinner idea is super easy, and it can be on the dinner table in 15-20 minutes! 
 
All you do is: 
  • season your shrimp to your liking (making sure to add the garlic) and then sauté, or bake, them. 
  • Cook your pasta according to the package directions (if using zucchini, heat a pan with butter or olive oil and sauté spiraled zucchini in a pan until they are tender. If you desire to, season zucchini to your liking, but keep in mind that the shrimp will be seasoned as well). 
  • Combine the ingredients, top with some parmesan cheese (if desired) and…dinner is ready to be served! 
Add-in: You can also add broccoli, and/or diced tomatoes, to your dish if you are using pasta.
 
Twist: Try seasoning your shrimp using a ranch seasoning packet, Cajun or blackened seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, or Italian dressing. 

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