It’s a  wonderful back-to-school idea to start the new academic year off on a positive note while also reminding kids to be kind, generous, and thoughtful, especially towards those who invest time and energy into their wellbeing and futures! 

Grab your choice of cleaning supplies, print out and attach this gift tag I have for you below and there you have it! Feel free to print as many tags as you like depending on how many teachers are lucky enough to get a cleaning supply gift! 

More Back To School Inspiration

• 20 Pretty Back To School Supplies
• My Favorite Back to School Lunch Supplies
• 30 Non Sandwich Lunchbox Ideas

Back to School Cleaning Supply Teacher Gift with Free Printable

1. Print out the gift tag on cardstock. You can download the free printable with this link.
2. Cut out the tag around the outer border.
3. Punch a hole in the corner of the tag.
4. Attach the tag to the top of the cleaning supplies with the ribbon.

TIPS FOR MAKING CLEANING SUPPLY TEACHER GIFT

• Decorative ribbon, string or even an elastic band can be used to secure the gift tag on your cleaning supplies.
• If you don’t have ribbon or string on hand, you could also make use of double-sided tape to secure the tag on the cleaning supplies.
• While store-bought cleaning supplies are a convenient option, if you already make your own cleaning solutions at home or have a recipe you want to try, go right ahead and gift your homemade cleaning solution instead! It’ll add a personal touch while also appealing to those who are environmentally minded. 

Print

Back to School Cleaning Supply Teacher Gift with Free Printable

Grab your choice of cleaning supplies, print out and attach this gift tag I have for you below and there you have it! A great teacher gift!

Ingredients

• Printable gift tag
• Ribbon or twine
• Cleaning supplies

Instructions

• Print out the gift tag on cardstock.
• Cut out the tag around the outer border.
• Punch a hole in the corner of the tag.
• Attach the tag to the top of the cleaning supplies with the ribbon.

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There are some important things you will need to do to get your house prepped for the colder months. Just tackle a couple of these simple chores each week, and your home will be good to go until next Spring! Of course if you are one of the lucky ones living in the south, some of these might not apply. Here is a FREE PRINTABLE of my handy dandy check list. Grab a clip board, print the list, and get to work!

CLICK HERE for free printable

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

How to Prepare your Home for Fall:

INSIDE

• Ensure that the furnace is in proper working order
• Change air filters
• Bring out winter bedding and clothes
• Inspect an clean fireplace and chimney
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries
• Check and replace work weather stripping
• Create a dedicated space for muddy shoes and rain coats
• Check and service the HVAC system
• Drain the hot water heater
• Reverser your fans (they will circulate warm air if they turn clockwise)

Outside

• Stock up on firewood
• Check the roof for and obvious signs of damage
• Clean the gutters and downspouts
• Clean the BBQ grill
• Winterize your pool with a winterizing and closing chemical kit, and cover with pool cover
• Service and prepare your snowblower
• Put away or cover outdoor furniture
• Drain and stow hoses
• Check exterior caulk and redo if necessary
• Fix cracks in your patio and driveway

Garden

• Clean flower and garden beds
• Rake up leaves and clear brush
• Mow and fertilize the lawn
• Bring in potted plants
• Plant bulbs for spring flowers
• Cut back perennials
• Cover tender plants with mulch

Looking for more household help? Check these posts out!

• 12 Things you Should Clean Right Now
• 7 Steps to a Clutter Free Home
• Age Appropriate Chores

The post How to Prepare your Home for Fall (free printable) appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Need To Try

Here are some genius uses for dryer sheets that you need to try out today! No matter what your favorite brand or scent is, you can benefit from these dryer sheet hacks below. We all know dryer sheets help soften up our clothes, offer a fragrant scent, and work at breaking down static in our clothes. But, I wanted to go beyond our laundry care, and share ways to save back used dryer sheets to use around your home.

Genius Uses for Dryer Sheets

Deodorant Marks

Nothing is worse than putting on an outfit to see deodorant marks on the sides of your shirt. Instead of a quick outfit change, grab an old dryer sheet and rub it back and forth over the spot where the deodorant is. This will instantly pull up the deodorant, so you know longer see the white residue on your garment.

Pet Hair

Take a dryer sheet and use it to rub over furniture, clothes, lampshades and more in your home. It will help to lift away any dog or cat hair that might be lingering. When you are done just toss the sheet and use a new one until your area is free of pet hair.
How do you use dryer sheets around your home?

Chrome

If you have chrome fixtures in your home, simply wipe clean as normal. Then take a used dryer sheet and buff the chrome to give it incredible shine. This can also help to repel water that might hit your chrome fixtures.

Dusting

Grab a dryer sheet (new or old) and use it to wipe down your wooden furniture, window blinds, and even baseboards. The dryer sheet will help to lift the dust, and it will cling to the dryer sheet.

Repelling Rodents

You can use dryer sheets to stuff into any holes you might find in your home where you think mice are getting in. This is a simple way to deter the rodents so they won’t come into your home. If you are unsure of where they are at, simply place dryer sheets in areas like attic or basement that gets minimal traffic.

Clean Your Iron

Just lay out a dryer sheet and set your iron to the lowest setting it has. Then allow your iron to warm up, then slowly rub your iron over the dryer sheet, and watch the residue disappear. Do this until all the residue is removed from the plate of the iron.

Static In Hair

Slip a dryer sheet into your purse for when you are on the go. If your hair is having a ton of static, just wipe the dryer sheet over your hair and instantly the static disappears.

Bug Cleaner on Vehicle

If your window or headlights are splattered with bugs this summer grab an old dryer sheet. Dampen the sheet and use it to scrub away bugs on your headlights and windshield. Don’t use the dryer sheet on the painted areas of your vehicle as this can scratch and ruin the pain. Once you wipe away the bugs, use another cloth to dry up any leftover mess.

Stuck On Food In Pots and Pans

Fill your pot or pan with warm water and soap and then toss in a dryer sheet. Let the pot sit for at least one hours and then go back and wash and rinse your pot. This will help to lift away any stuck on food that you are unable to get off the pot. Repeat the process as needed.

Scissors

If your scissors are not working as smooth as before and not cutting right, you can buff the blades with a used dryer sheet. To sharpen the blades fold aluminum foil together and cut through it. Then repeat buffing blades with dryer sheets. It will help lubricate your scissors for a clean and sharp cut.

Do you have any other creative way to use dryer sheets?

The post 10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Need To Try appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Raising little kids into well-rounded adults is no easy task and as you face each day you may find that you’re having a difficult time staying positive during trying times. Doing too much as a parent can lead to lack of sleep, which then forces you to walk around exhausted every single day.

The problem with being an exhausted parent is that you still have to take care of your kids and get through each day without making the kids feel the pain of adult life. If you’re looking for ways to be a more positive parent when you’re simply too exhausted to do much of anything, then continue reading for some tips on how to be a positive parent when you find yourself completely exhausted.

How to be a Positive Parent When You’re Exhausted

Take a Nap – even if it’s just 20 mins of quiet time.

The reality of being exhausted is that it usually stems from doing too much and not getting enough sleep. No one is going to be very happy nor positive if they’re not getting enough sleep each night. It’s hard enough to focus on daily tasks when you’re exhausted, never mind trying to raise kids. Try to take a nap throughout the day to recoup your mind enough to be a positive parent for your kids.

Make a Plan – even if it’s just a short plan.

Develop a plan for taking care of the kids when you’re exhausted. No matter how hard you try to get enough sleep or stay sane, you’re still an imperfect human who will have an off day. If you wake up and realize that you’re too exhausted to do much of anything, sit down and create a plan for the day so that you have something to focus on that doesn’t require too much thinking during the day.

Let it Flow – let it go as Elsa says

If you’re so exhausted that the idea of making a plan for the day exhausts you even more, then try to let things flow by. Allow things that you normally would try to be proactive about slip to the side, it won’t harm your kids’ development by allowing one day in their life to just be a day that you sit back, relax and only make sure their needs are satisfied while everything else goes with the flow.

Be Sneaky – it’s ok to be sneaky every once and awhile

Last, but not least, find sneaky ways to set your kids up with activities that will keep them entertained, calm and moving through their day without needing too much from you. This will help ensure that you remain a positive parent when you’re exhausted and that the kids are taken care of. This will provide you with some time to sit down and relax while the kids enjoy independent play time. And independent play is oh so important right now.

Hint hint: Have you printed out my funny quarantine word search yet?

These are just some of the ways you can work to be a positive parent when you’re exhausted. The key to handling parenthood when you’re exhausted is to try to create a day that doesn’t require you to do too many things and remains calm until bedtime for the kids arrives later in the day. Rock of Rockstar Mommies.

The post How to be a Positive Parent When You’re Exhausted appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Sanitizing, disinfecting and cleaning are on the top of our minds right now. While you are probably already a pro at cleaning your phone, countertops, and bathrooms, there are a ton of places you have probably forgotten to scrub, BUT very important to clean. Those of you who know me, know that I am a germaphobe, and pride myself on my sanitizing skills, but even a couple of these I have missed.

12 Things You Should Clean Right Now

1. Vacuum handle – Holy cow. I’m embarrassed to say, I don’t think I have ever Cloroxed my vacuum handles! (yes handles, I have several vacuums)
2. Refrigerator handle – Some people totally forget this one.
3. Microwave touchpad – Think of this as your gross kitchen remote control.
4. Cleaning supply bottles ⁠— Even if you are cleaning with gloves on, you can transfer bacteria and viruses back on to to the handles of the bottles.
5. Floor baseboards ⁠— These get wiped down all the time, but how about sanitized? This is most important when you have littles in the house.
6. Remote controls and gaming controller. – Most of the time when you are channel surfing, or gaming, you are also snacking. So all those germs will be going right into your mouth if you are snacking on chips, popcorn, or candy.
7. Light switches – Think about how often you touch these. EVERY DAY!
8. Toilet flusher – These can be just as gross as the inside of your toilet.
9. Dresser handles – Door knobs are a no brainer when cleaning, but the dresser handles in our bedrooms are something I rarely think about cleaning.
10. Car ⁠— This includes your steering wheel, gear shift, radio buttons, door handle, seat and your keys.
11. Mail box ⁠— Just take a Clorox wipe with you when you go get the mail. Problem solved.
12. Reusable grocery bags – Make sure to give those a good cleaning after shopping at the stores. Here is a link explaining how to clean the different kinds of bags.

Side note: If you are not following GoCleanCO on instagram, you need to start now! She has SO MANY cleaning tips, and a secret mixture of bleach, water and tide that will change your cleaning game completely! Ps. Don’t forget to follow The Rockstar Mommy too!

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CLEANING SUPPLIES (some maybe hard to get during this time)

• Spin Mop – with removable washable mop
• Microfiber clothes – we use these on everything!
• Box of rags – these are long lasting, reusable and easy to sanitize.
• Powdered Tide – this is key in the bleach, water, tide mix!
• Soft Cleaner – This stuff is that bomb! It is a Rust and Stain Remover for Stainless Steel Sinks and Countertops, Porcelain and Ceramic Tile, Copper, Brass, and More
• Steam Mop – got dirty grout?

The post 12 Things You Should Clean Right Now appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

Funny Quarantine Word Search Printable

We are all trying to keep our sanity during this world wide quarantine.  I thought it would be fun to lighten things up for a change! This funny word search was made to highlight all the items, tools and language we have been grown accustom to during these past couple months. I bet you have used, worn, or said at least 5 of these listed words in the past 4 weeks. HA!

Not only are word searches fun, they can help lighten your mood! According to funster.com, these word puzzles can actually cause a dopamine increase. The website explains, “When we finish a task, like finding words in a word search puzzle, our brains reward us with a surge of dopamine. Keeping this dopamine flowing can keep us motivated in other areas of our lives.”

So whatcha waiting for? Grab your favorite highlighter, pen or pencil…..  CLICK HERE for the PDF printable version of my Funny Quarantine Word Search Printable and getting hunting for some words.

Who will be the first one to find the toilet paper!

NOTE: Diagonals are in use for this word search. I made this one a medium difficulty level so the whole family can enjoy and be challenged. If you GET STUCK…. here is the answer key.

PRINT NOW

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How To Plan For Thanksgiving with Less Stress

Preparing your home: 1 month before.

As Thanksgiving draws near, you will likely have people staying with you. Now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for guests, and preparing your home for a full house! Start by going through your holiday dishware. Make sure you have enough place settings for everyone and serving dishes. If you don’t, now is the time to get them before the Thanksgiving rush in stores. Next, give your home a good deep clean. Remember that your guests will be staying in rooms that don’t usually get a lot of foot traffic, so take one room at a time and scrub down your home! Change the sheets on the guest bed, and get things ready now so you won’t have to think about it when Thanksgiving gets closer.

Preparing your menu: 3 weeks before.

Start thinking about what you are going to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast. You want to keep things simple while also making sure that there is enough food for everyone. If you’re unsure what to make, stick with this setup: Turkey, three side dishes, one dessert. If you have a larger family, then you may need to add additional sides or desserts. If you want more variety, ask your guests to help out by bringing a dish.

Prepare your table setting and decorate your home: 2 weeks before.

If you want to prepare a table setting or decorate your home for Thanksgiving, go ahead and get that out of the way now. This will make your Thanksgiving holiday less stressful, and everything will already be in place! If you need to make something for your tablescape or home, you’ll have time to do it this week.

Start shopping for food: 1 week before

Now is the time to start gathering your food. Most Thanksgiving food can be stored and even cooked ahead of time! Take advantage of your freezer to start buying things ahead of time, so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store. Start preparing your desserts and anything that can be made ahead of time.

The day before Thanksgiving prep.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and now is the time to start preparing your food! Start by getting anything out of the way that you can now! If all you have time to do is cut up your vegetables and prepare the gravy, do it now! This will save you tons of time in the morning!

Thanksgiving Day

It’s Thanksgiving Day, and it’s time to start cooking! Take out your prepared foods and make a note on the dishware when they need to go in the oven. Next, start preparing the food that will take the longest to cook. This will likely be the turkey. Get out a sheet of paper and write down a timeline for when things need to go in the oven and start preparing them as soon as you can within reason!

I hope this planner has helped you better prepare for Thanksgiving so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday with your friends and family.

The post How To Plan For Thanksgiving with Less Stress appeared first on The Rockstar Mommy.

8 Things Productive Moms Do Before 9 am

Make Your Bed

Before you even start your day off, be sure to make your bed. This will help inspire a productive mindset and make you feel ready to take on the day. The process of making your bed helps you feel like you’re already winning at life and allows you to start the day with a winning mentality.

Start One Load of Laundry

Laundry is one of those never-ending tasks that can get quite daunting. Starting one load of laundry before 9 am allows you to feel like you’re tackling household chores before the busyness of the day sets in. Starting laundry at the beginning of the day will allow you to get more laundry done each day.

Drink Water

Water is a necessary part of human life, but it also works to hydrate you in a way nothing else can. Start your morning off right by drinking at least 16 ounces of water before you venture off to do your day to day tasks away from the house as a means to make your brain wake up and energize your body.

Empty the Dishwasher

If you’re like most moms, then you probably started the dishwasher after dinner the night before. This means your dishwasher has some clean dishes in it ready to take care of. Be sure that you start your day off by emptying the dishwasher so that you have on less thing to do later in the day.

Write a To Do List

Being able to have a to-do list that you work off of every day helps inspire a productive day because you have a road map, so to speak, for what needs to get done that day. This will allow you to keep your mind clear as you work to get things done before 9 am.

Plan Dinner

Every productive mom knows that planning what’s for dinner at the start of the day will help inspire a more productive day. Knowing what you’ll cook the family later in the day helps you to get the supplies ready and options out so that when dinner preparation time comes you’re ready to simply get the meal items together and cook without much extra time involved.

Get Dressed

Being a stay at home mom or work at home mom means there are many mornings that you neglect taking a shower and getting dressed. It’s much easier to just jump out of bed and start your day, but if you truly want to be more productive in life then it’s best to take a shower and get dressed before 9 am so that your mind and body are ready for the busy day ahead.

Exercise

Develop a simple exercise routine that helps inspire a productive day. This could be some stretches or yoga, perhaps a short 20-minute walk around town. There are no real rules for what type of exercise you should do before 9 am, but the key is to have some physical activity before 9 am to help you start the day off right and feel motivated to get everything completed.

These 8 things productive moms do before 9 am are a wonderful way to switch up your morning routine to ensure that you’re able to have a productive day no matter how much life throws at you. Use my tips shared today as a means to have more free time all the while getting stuff done.

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How to Stay Motivated and Organized as a Stay at Home Mom

Create a Realistic Schedule

Sit down and think about what you have to do in a single day. Write down necessary tasks and prioritize them in a list. Now that you have a list of prioritized daily tasks, it’s time to create a realistic schedule. Set specific times for each task and be sure to devote one hour of your day for break time.

Take Breaks

This leads us to the next step in staying motivated and organized as a stay at home mom, take breaks. The best way to keep from going insane is to schedule a minimum of two 15 minute breaks and one half hour lunch break every day.

Create a Budget

It’s important that you work to create a budget when you’re a stay at home mom so that you don’t stress out about finances. If your partner is the only one working then you both need to sit down and evaluate the income versus expenses to create a solid budget to stick with to keep financial peace.

Wake Up Before Kids

Let’s face it; your day is full of kids. Everything you do all day long will have something to do with your kids and your duties as a stay at home mom. This is why it’s very important for you to wake up before the kids get up. This can be your moment of peace to prepare for your chaotic day.

Meet with Friends

Having playdates with friends so that the kids can play and you can socialize at least once a week will help you to stay motivated as a stay at home mom. Having time to meet with friends and a chance to let your kids play together will help break up the mundane day to day lifestyle of a stay at home mom.

These are just a handful of ideas for you on how to to stay motivated and organized as a stay at home mom. Each of these tips will help guide you forward to feeling more relaxed and with more energy as each day passes during your stay at home mom days.

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5 Ways to Get Kids to Help with Spring Cleaning

Give Choices

Don’t assign spring cleaning chores to your kids, ask them which chores they want to do. Create a spring cleaning chore list that is kid-friendly. Place this list somewhere where your kids can pick a specific number of spring cleaning chores to do during your family spring cleaning event.

Offer Rewards

Some parents opt to offer incentives or some form of reward system to help get kids to help with spring cleaning. Since these chores may be up and beyond the kids regularly scheduled chores, you may want to offer some sort of reward system or incentive to get them moving and helping.

Age-Appropriate

When it comes to getting kids to help with spring cleaning, it’s important that you assign age-appropriate chores. If the chore is too tedious or extreme for a kids’ age then they’ll get more discouraged and frustrated which could make them give up completely.

Have a Blast

There’s something about the words “spring cleaning” that don’t sound like much fun, but this can be a fun event. Whether you set timers to challenge the family to get things done quicker or you make a game out of spring cleaning or play music and dance around, there are ways you can make this FUN.

Be Creative

Dusting can be done with a pair of socks. Cleaning windows can be done with a fun, kid-styled spray bottle. There are many creative adjustments you can make so that the kids have fun with their spring cleaning chores, such as using socks to dust.

If you’re going to be venturing into spring cleaning season with kids in tow, it’s important that you use my tips to help get those kids involved without any drama. The key to getting kids to help with spring cleaning is to require their assistance, allow them to have choices and make it fun for them. When you use my tips you’ll find that the kids are happy to assist in spring cleaning this year.

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