February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 Recap

Hello again, savvy savers! So for the Day 11 challenge, I challenged everyone to clean off your homes most prized real estate, your counter-tops.  So, today as my counter-tops were already cleaned off, but I thought I would share some of the ways I keep them cleared off!  

 A few ways I keep my counter-tops clear:

• I keep my toaster oven, microwave, tool crock trio, and produce baskets on a small bakers rack.
• All paper products, wraps, and lunch items are stored in in-cabinet wicker baskets. 
• Snacks are stored vertically in hanging baskets.
• I keep a rack above my sink for washing accouterments and my favorite e-Pantry candles! 
• I keep my small appliances in a bottom cabinet; grill and baking appliances on one shelf, and all others on the bottom shelf. 
• I place my cutting boards in an upcycled magazine holder, on the side of my pantry.
• All spices, food, and pantry items stay in the pantry!
• Extra tools belong on my pullman cart beside my fridge!

I also created a coffee and tea station on top of my antique buffet table in my dining room. The station holds all of my mugs, cups, and baskets holding my k-cup products in cabinet, to maximize space. I find that having all of my Keurig, tea station, electric kettle in one area not only cuts down on kitchen clutter, but forces my family to better utilize out dining room space; being able to sit and drink tea coffee, and cocoa in a designated area promoted quality family time for us all!

And before anyone asks, are my cabinets cleared out? You betcha! I just love how much more efficient my home has become in the few weeks my counter tops have been cleared off. Every projects, from pantry cooking, prepping blanching projects, to folding laundry now has an area! And at the end of the day, when I wipe my counter tops off I feel a true sense of relief, not seeing clutter in every direction I turn! I highly recommend clearing of your counters, as it truly is a game changing experience! 

As well today, I was also able to accomplish:

1. As part of my #Choose30 Daily Challenge, I woke up at 7:25, walked my fur babies, showered, & dressed to my shoes. (Thanks, Flylady!)
2. Worked on my daily Motivated Moms Planner.
3. I finished a day’s worth of clerking assignments ahead of schedule!
4. I cooked from my pantry for each meal.
5. Read my daily devotional.
6. I waked two miles.

Today I saved:

• I eat at home this evening for dinner, saving our family $6.95. 
• I recycled, upcycled, and composted one bins of deluge, and saved $0.25, the cost of 1 trash bag. 
• My family drank water today, and saved $0.69, the cost of a 2-liter of soda.
• I also did not watch cable tv, and saved $3.68 by doing so.
• I lost a half day’s worth of electricity costs, and saved $3.00! 

So, overall today my family saved: $14.57

This months savings goal remaining: $374.60

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Day 12 challenge! 

Here’s to saving,

 

Challenge Links:

• The 31 Day No Spend Month Challenge!
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 (Commitment & Pantry Organization)
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 Recap
• February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 (Menu Ideas)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 Recap
• February No-Spend Challenge: Day 3 (Dine Out At Home)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 3 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 (#Choose30 Challenge)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 (Coupon Swap)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 (Rain-Check Shopping)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 7 (How To Save On Your Utility Bills) 
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 (Preparing For Cleaning Week)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 Recap 
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 (Establishing Cleaning Routines & Decluttering Zones)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 (Bathroom & Linen Closet Organization)
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 Recap
• February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 (Clean Off Your Counter-tops)