3 HUGE TIPS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE TIME YOU SPEND IN THE KITCHEN.

This photo shoot is how I picture the scene in my husband's head, when he's hungry and I'm busy and I ask myself . . . "Sheesh, can't you just make a Peanutbutter and jelly sandwich?"

1. DELEGATE!

It's okay to delegate, BUT you need to make it easy for them, totally spell it out for them.  Make sure they know the lay of the land! It does you no good if they keep asking you "Where's this?" and "Do we have any "fill.in.the.blank?" to the point where you want to scream "ARGGGHH! Nevermind, I'll do it myself!!! Nobody wants this scenario! Well, maybe the do sometimes, but you want to live with a self sufficient family who respects your time as well.

This tip applies to both food and dishes/cookware. Keep things organized and expect your family to do the same. A place for everything and everything in it's place. This is especially true when it comes to food, so there will be the least possible waste.

Put labels or diagrams on the inside of the cupboard door so they know what's in there and where to put it back correctly. I know it's not rocket science,  but they act like it is, right?

Make a list of what is running low and have it posted where it works best for your family, so that you can decide if you need to replace it on your next shopping trip or if it can wait till next time. Maybe you even have an extra in the "overflow" pantry.

2. Enforce the "Clean As You Go Rule"! By the time I finish cooking and I'm ready to sit down,  and enjoy ny meal, the kitchen is basically clean. If the dishes aren't washed, they are at least rinsed. Everything is wiped down and looking pretty good.  I'm totally enjoying my food and family more! I seriously hate finishing dinner and then having  to do a major clean up of the kitchen, even if I have help! I don't know about you, but I don't mind leaving dishes in the sink overnight, as long as they've been rinsed. (Hubs hates this and will do them if I don't, he's super sweet that way . . .but it will very easy for him as they're rinsed, Win Win, right?)

Everybody cleans the spot they sit at and toss any garbage they have and rinse their own dishes. Everybody helps clear the rest of the table and puts away what they can. Bam, you're done! Go play! :)

3. Lastly, keep a bag or basket handy that you and everybody else can toss the stuff that tends to accumulate and pile up on the kitchen table, counters and floor.

Don't let peeps walk by something an not put it away, saying "That's not mine" or "I didnt see it" Put it in the bag.

Empty it once, before bed. Dump in the middle of the floor and give them 5 minutes to put it all where it belongs.

I'm going to try this system with the grands with a fun and easy DIY bag I made from a tshirt. I'm going to do a quick tutorial for that very soon! I'll keep you posted on how this works out.

What tips and tricks do you have for keeping your kitchen chaos to a minimum. Also let us know if you'd like to write a guest post on this subject or perhaps another topic altogether? Leave a comment here or go to our collaboration page for details. We'd love to hear from you! ❤

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Nancy