The holidays are coming fast! I always get nervous about having people in my home for the holidays. Especially at this busy time of year, things get messy and disorganized quickly. In my dream world I would have days and hours to clean everything up, but I usually only have a short time to fit it in. There are a few sure fire things I do to prep my house for guests to make it visitor ready in 30 minutes or less.

This list is prioritized in the order that tasks should be done. The first few make the biggest difference, so if you have a limited amount of time you can focus on doing as much cleaning as you can in order. Make it through as many steps as you can in 30 minutes.

You can also tweak the order to suit your needs. If your house is one major dust ball, you can always move that up higher on the list, and the same applies to any of these. Although I do always recommend starting with “manage the clutter” because it makes the biggest difference.

If you do it right, you’ll be able to fake a super clean and guest-ready home in 30 minutes!

1. Manage the clutter

Do you know why all the awesome decor pictures in magazines and on Pinterest always look amazing?

No clutter.

There’s no papers strewn about, or toys on the floor. No empty glasses are left sitting on the coffee table, and no board games are sitting out half finished on the kitchen table. Surfaces and floors are clear of clutter.

To me, this is the step that makes the biggest difference. When all your clutter is out of sight, your house will look at least 50% cleaner.

So the first thing you should do is gather all the clutter in any areas guests will be, and put them in some kind of box or basket. A laundry basket can work well for this. And then put the basket out of sight, in a closet or in a corner of the room.

And voila, your house will appear magically cleaner!

And think broadly in terms of what you can consider clutter. Even if you usually have 10 jackets hanging on the hooks by the front door, those can be put away for guests. The same goes for shoes. Entryways are always important to have extra room when guests come, because their things will end up adding to whatever clutter is there already.

This isn’t a long term solution, just a quick fix. In general if you specify a location that every item in your home belongs, you’ll find you have much less clutter. Maintenance is usually the easiest way to keep your home guest ready.

2. First impressions

First impressions matter!

Whatever the first impression of your home is will affect how comfortable your guests feel in your entire home. If you make the first impression positive, they will think the rest of the house is cleaner. Psychology is strange, but it works.

So consider what your guests will see first, and make sure that space is clutter free and clean. For me the biggest thing is my kitchen island, which you can see from the front door. Keeping it clean and clear of debris and any clutter makes the entire house feel cleaner. Even something as simple as moving a recipe print out from the island to the counter makes it feel cleaner.

3. Sweep and vacuum

It’s amazing what a difference it makes to have clean floors. Your home could be covered in clutter, or spills on the counters, and as long as your floors are clean, it won’t feel icky or dirty.

If your guests come in and take their shoes off, they don’t want to be stepping on yesterday’s crumbs (all though I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of this at times!) Walking on a floor that doesn’t have any dust or crumbs makes you feel like the house is clean, no matter what else is going on.

For us one of the major floor messes is dog toy stuffing. Our pup likes to tear up his toys faster than we have the energy to pick up all the fluff. Just getting the fluff off the floor makes the house look and feel much cleaner.

So even if your floors aren’t amazingly gleaming and shiny, just getting dust and debris off will make a huge difference. Walking on a clean floor is a sure way to make your guests feel comfortable. I’m in love with our dyson vacuum which makes vacuuming go so quickly.

4. Tackle odors

Smell is such a powerful sense. A house can look clean, but if it doesn’t smell nice, nothing else matters. Luckily smells can be a pretty quick fix.

Scented candles, a quick spritz of some homemade febreeze, or simmering some apples and cinnamons on the stove can make a big difference.

5. Clean all surfaces

Do a quick wipe down of surfaces in rooms your guests will see. Clean up bathroom and kitchen countertops, and also wipe down any coffee or side tables. A quick cleaning will make such a big difference. My reusable cleaning wipes are perfect for this.

I think the bathrooms make the biggest difference. When there is no dust and hair all over the place, it feels so much cleaner. Getting the toothpaste gunk off the sink really just makes it look that much better.

Clean surfaces will make your guests feel comfortable to rest their hands or arms on surfaces. After all, there’s nothing that feels ickier than accidentally placing your hand on something sticky. Clean surfaces are the way to go.

6. Dust major areas

If you have time to make it to this step, your house will already be looking almost guest ready. Dusting is just a little extra bonus to your hosting-friendly home.

Hopefully your house isn’t super dusty, but if it is make sure to give it a little extra oomph with homemade dusting spray.

You know best where dust collects in your house. Focus on visible areas (don’t worry about tackling the top of the kitchen cabinets this very second). If you have time to, dusting the baseboards will make your house feel so much cleaner. But that’s really just icing on the cake.

7. Mop floors

Nothing says clean like a good shine! Taking a few minutes to mop and shine wood, laminate, and tile floors will make your guests think that your house is the height of cleanliness. I make an awesome homemade wood floor cleaner that really gives it an awesome shine.

If you make it all the way to step 7, your house will be spic and span. Or, at least your guests will think it is. They don’t need to see the giant box of clutter in the closet, right?

Anyways, this last step will give your house that extra boost. Shiny floors are the ultimate “this house is so clean” message. The look and feel of them is so inviting.

So there you have it! Use these steps to get your house guest-ready in 30 minutes or less. No one has to know how messy you really are, right?

Enjoy hosting!

My favorite cleaning supplies

The post Cleaning for the Holidays in 30 Minutes or Less appeared first on Pins and Procrastination.

All these printables are free, fun, and most importantly, beautiful! I think there’s a little something here for everyone. With more than 25 to choose from, you’ve got decor for every fall occasion. Some of the printables are halloween or thanksgiving specific, but they’re all appropriate for the fall season.

Honestly, I can’t believe how adorable they all are! Each printable is easy to find and download, and they all will get you in that autumn mood.

1. Hello Fall

A perfect way to start! This adorable printable from Glued to my crafts blog mixes a few of my favorite things- pumpkins and watercolors. Head over to her blog to download this awesome printable.

2. 10 More Fall Printables

One Sutton Place is generous enough to be sharing TEN free printable designs! I love this cutout pumpkin one- but you should really look at the whole post because they are all lovely.

3. Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Yellow Bliss Road knows the key to many a woman’s heart! This adorable printable is very on point. She even links to past fall printables that are just as beautiful and fun.

4. 3 autumn printables

The Happier Homemaker  has made some absolutely beautiful printables here. All three are free, so you should definitely take a look!

5. Fall watercolor

I love this design by I should be mopping the floor. Not only does she have the cutest blog name, she’s got some great design chops. These watercolor pumpkins are stunning.

6. fall chalkboard printable

I should be mopping the floor got two features in this post, because I couldn’t resist this printable either! Who doesn’t love a good chalkboard design?

7. Fall leaf printable

This muted understated leaf would fit right into any home. A Night Owl Blog put this printable together and it is beautiful.

8. Give Thanks

Shanty 2 Chic doesn’t dissapoint with this black and white printable. I love those fonts!

9. Charcoal Thankful Printable

I can’t get enough of this print from Lolly Jane. The charcoal background really makes the colors of the wreath pop.

10. Fall Bucket List

Planning inspired has come up with an instant fall classic! These are all on my fall bucket list- and who doesn’t love seeing them all together like this?

11. Wellies Print

Falling leaves and rain are some of the best parts of fall. Craftaholics Anonymous came up with this adorable wellies print that highlights those two things.

12. Autumn printable

classy clutter came up with this adorable design! My favorite part is the swirls on the pumpkins.

13. blue pumpkin

I love that the red painted cottage used an unexpected fall color. The light blue contrasts perfectly with the fall yellow to make a lovely design.

14. Thankful printable

I love this simple design from Apartment Living Blog. The leaves also kind of look like feathers, so it’s very thanksgiving-ey.

15. 4 free thanksgiving printables

Tabler party of Two came up with 4 adorable designs that you have got to check out! I love all of them, but this “give thanks” is my favorite.

Well, what do you think? Get yourself these adorable free printables today!

The post Decorating for fall: 25 Free fall printables appeared first on Pins and Procrastination.

Is your thanksgiving coma ready yet?

Ah, the feast, the fun, the family. Then the cleanup. And you know what you’ll be eating for the next few days… it’s taking up your whole fridge. But rather than eating the same meal over and over, why not put those leftovers to use and repurpose them!

I found my 15 favorite blogger thanksgiving leftover recipes just for that purpose. And I would eat every one. Hopefully we are of the same mind, and you enjoy drooling over these just as much as I do! I may be more excited about these than the real thanksgiving dinner…

1. Mashed Potato and Stuffing Patties 

This recipe by Pocket Change Gourmet is brilliant! I would eat these for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And I love that they use mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey, the big 3 of leftovers!

2. Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potato Empanadas

Hello Natural came up with such a fun twist on thanksgiving leftovers! This will definitely give your meal a new twist. And they look so amazingly delicious.

3. Leftover Stuffin’ Muffins

I love making non-muffin muffins. Egg muffins, turkey muffins, whatever, if you put it in a muffin tin I’m on board. Budget Bytes is definitely winning on this recipe- the perfect Black Friday breakfast!

4. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

So I’m the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of casseroles- but this one by Favorite Family Recipes looks amazing. Like thanksgiving in a pan. It uses all the best thanksgiving ingredients- and man I want some right now!

5. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pesto Panini

I’m kind of a pesto fanatic. So I couldn’t resist including this awesome panini by Damn Delicious. Cheese, pesto, and leftover turkey? Sign me up!

6. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey and Mashed Potato Chowder

What could be better than cooking leftovers in a slow cooker? So easy and low maintenance, and your home will smell amazing all day. Baked By Rachel has stolen my heart with this recipe.

7. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza

And if she hadn’t already done it- check out this clever twist on pizza by Baked By Rachel! I love that the mashed potatoes basically become the sauce. Definitely a fun way to eat your leftovers.

8. Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

Thanksgiving or not- I’m making these ASAP! They look too good to pass up. What a delicious concoction from Little Spice Jar.

9. Next Day Turkey Vegetable Soup

I love soup. The best part of fall and winter is that it isn’t too hot to eat it! So make sure to try this recipe from Back to Her Roots- it looks delicious, and is a great way to trick yourself into eating more vegetables and a little less starch.

10. Savory Crepes with Thanksgiving Turkey and Stuffing

Butter With a Side of Bread has come up with a delicious crepe recipe to use up those leftovers! Definitely droolworthy- do you see that picture? I might just make the gravy drizzle…

11. Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Just a Taste has come up with a perfect easy to make Black Friday breakfast. Definitely something the family will love the morning after your huge feast- and who doesn’t love getting use out of their waffle maker?

12. Leftover Crockpot Turkey Chili

I love turkey chili. Love it. Passion for Savings has come up with such an easy and simple turkey chili for leftovers. So easy, it’s perfect for those who are so exhausted from cooking the day before!

13. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

I love Pot Pies. If you want your second thanksgiving coma, this recipe from Damn Delicious is the perfect leftovers recipe for you. I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t want some of that?

14. Turkey Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is one of my favorite lazy meals. Will Cook For Smiles married my favorite lazy meal with thanksgiving leftovers- the perfect combo, in my opinion.

15. Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad Sandwiches

Last but not least- a classic from Love From The Oven. Turkey salad! The pecans, cranberries, and apples definitely elevate this leftovers turkey salad.

I hope these recipes help inspire you to repurpose your leftovers this year!

The post 15 Droolworthy Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes appeared first on Pins and Procrastination.

Since it’s thanksgiving and all, I thought I’d write a few thank you notes. After all, I’m gonna need practice for the wedding. Alright, jokes aside, I do have a lot of things to be thankful for. And I thought this would be a great format to share it, and hopefully help other people realize how many things they have to be thankful for too.

Thinking of things you are grateful for every day can help make you a happier person. I know it’s certainly something I do. So brace yourself for lots of thanking. Warning: it may get sappy.

I have to start with my fiance first right? I think that’s a rule. Anyways….

Dear Lars,

Thank you for doing your best to make me happy every day that we have been together. Thank you for all the sacrifice and hard work you do at work and at home. You are the best support system I could ask for. Thank you for being you, for making me laugh, for doing the dishes, for cleaning Falafel’s cage, for surprising me, for loving me, for the silliness, for the back rubs, for carrying heavy things, and for making me smile. I don’t want to stop writing this note, but I will go on forever if I don’t stop. I love you.

Dear Falafel the Hedgehog,

Thank you for bringing cuteness into my life every night. Thank you for snuggling in my pocket. Thank you for making the cutest noises when you eat treats. Thank you for being the best wheel runner and explorer. Thank you for not judging me when I sing to and about you. Thank you for giving us a use for the ridiculous tshirts we were given. Thank you for making us laugh and smile.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for being the most wonderful supportive parents anyone could ask for. Thank you for knocking me down a peg when I’m being a know it all. Thank you for showing me what true friendship is. Thank you for being cool enough to be my friends now that I’m not embarrassed of you like I was when I was a teenager. Thank you for supporting me every day and helping me whenever I need it. I literally don’t know what I would do without you.

Dear Harry Potter,

Thank you for being an endless source of entertainment and inspiration in my life. Thank you for teaching people to love reading and be tolerant and understanding. Thank you for the comfort.

Dear Hannah,

Thank you for looking out for me. Thank you for working so hard on our relationship. Thank you for forgiving me when we fight. Thank you for all the many, many laughs and smiles. Thank you for being the best sister ever. Thank you for being the perfect example of people who are complete opposites being friends. Thank you for being there whenever I need you.

Dear Amazon Prime,

Thank you for being so fast. Thank you for getting me ingredients when I need them in a hurry. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you.

Dear the rest of my family and friends,

I had to lump you all together because if I wanted to individually express all the things I have to be thankful for this post would have never ended. I have the best support system I could ever dream of. Thank you for the advice, for the fun, and all the help you’ve given me. Thank you for teaching me how wonderful and different humans are. Thank you for helping me learn who I am and never judging me.

Dear dogs,

Thank you for showing us what a loving heart is.

Dear My Fabulous Readers,

Thank you for being a positive and wonderful blog community. Thank you for every one of you that reaches out to me. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for just glancing at a post. Thank you for making what I do more fun. Thank you for catching mistakes when I make them. Thank you for telling me your stories. Thank you for making me feel like my words can make a small difference for a few people. Thank you for giving this blog meaning and purpose.

Thank you all.

Love,

Susie

The post Thank You Notes appeared first on Pins and Procrastination.

We all know family and food are the heart of thanksgiving, but let’s face it, you probably want your table to look great too. The place settings, the table cloth, the accent colors are all things you take into consideration. But the heart of the thanksgiving tablescape is definitely the centerpiece.

Well, luckily, there is lots of room for creativity on thanksgiving! I was originally going to make this post with only one centerpiece, but I had so much fun playing around and coming up with ideas that I had to do four!

So, here are four different thanksgiving centerpieces for four different types of hosts:

1. The Flower Lover

If you just love having fresh flowers in the center of the table, this is the centerpiece for you. It’s more fun than just using a plain vase on the table.

To make this centerpiece, all you have to do is hollow out a pumpkin and stick a vase inside that is appropriately sized to fit inside your pumpkin. You could even do several mini pumpkins with small flowers in them.

There are so many options for beautiful fall flowers, so you really can’t go wrong with this centerpiece.

2. The Candle Lover

There’s nothing like the ambiance created by flickering candlelight. It’s romantic and cozy at the same time.

To make this centerpiece, you need to have candles of various heights and sizes. I think it looks nice to intersperse it with different kinds of candle holders and add a little greenery in there- everyone loves succulents!

If you like the look of my vases/ candleholders you can make them yourself– it’s a super easy dollar store craft!

3. The Space Saver

Thanksgiving is primarily about food, and it sure takes up a lot of space on the table! Well, you don’t have to sacrifice cuteness. Just make a small centerpiece!

This centerpiece is made with a wine glass, a jar, and a candle holder. They are filled with acorns, and then have a flower on top. Any kind of large, full flower will work. I’m partial to sunflowers, personally. You can even use a succulent if you’re more into greenery. There’s lots of options!

The key here is to have different heights and widths. That’s what makes it work.

4. A Little Bit of Everything

Sometimes you want to go all out- and this centerpiece certainly does. With beautiful fruits, a cornucopia, flowers, candles, and a pumpkin you can create this lovely centerpiece.

If I had any I definitely would have used more gourds in this centerpiece. It’s really a little of everything. The cornucopia definitely gives it a very thanksgiving-ey feel.

And yes, the fruit was delicious. Just eat your centerpiece for dessert! Honeycrisp apples and pears are so wonderfully decadent and amazing.

So- now that you’ve seen my thanksgiving centerpieces- go out and make your own! Email me a picture and I’ll feature it!

The post Thanksgiving Centerpiece 4 Ways appeared first on Pins and Procrastination.