A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers
September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!
Calling All My ADHD'ers: Taming the Chaos of Cleaning!
Dawn's Simple Life

Struggling to stay on task and feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone, and I've got some tips to help you stay focused and make cleaning more manageable.

Does this sound familiar? You start cleaning the living room, find something that belongs upstairs in the kids' room, take it there, but then spot a cup that needs washing. Suddenly, you're doing dishes, but wait—you need a dish towel, so off to the laundry you go. And before you know it, you're in a whirlwind of tasks, none of them fully completed.


I’ve been there too, stuck in a vicious cycle of bouncing between chores, feeling overwhelmed and getting nowhere. But I've found some methods that help me stay on track, and I hope they’ll help you too!

Tip 1: The Bin Method grab a few bins—one for each room. Label them however you like (marker or label maker, whatever works). As you clean, bring the bins along. When you find something that belongs in another room, toss it into the appropriate bin. Stick to cleaning the room you’re in—no more running back and forth! When you’re done, drop each bin in the corresponding room and empty its contents one at a time. This keeps you focused and reduces distractions.


Stay on Track with a Schedule It’s easy to get sidetracked throughout the day, so consider writing out a schedule. Display it somewhere visible like a dry-erase board or large notepad. You could also use your phone or watch timer to remind you when it’s time to switch tasks—this can help you stay on track and prevent that "squirrel" moment.


To help you out even more, Dawn’s Simple Life is working on a printable PDF version of a cleaning schedule binder! It will include customizable templates, daily, weekly, and monthly checklists, and tips on staying organized. Keep an eye out for its release—this will be a great tool for anyone looking to stay on track with their cleaning routine!


Small Wins Add Up Focus on one small task at a time. For instance, if a messy kitchen adds stress, make dishwashing part of your daily routine. Stick to it for two weeks, then once you’ve mastered that, add another task. Building habits slowly helps prevent overwhelm.


Let’s tackle cleaning together, one room (and one distraction) at a time!

More Dawn's Simple Life inspirations

A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers
September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!

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