If only this was my kitchen:
I am going to attempt to modify my life by automating my kitchen and meal routines.
If there are three time/energy sucks in my life they are: 1. cleaning 2. tidying and 3. meals and kitchen traffic
We have housecleaners which helps totally with number 1. (cleaning) and I am so so so so infinitely grateful for the ladies who clean my house weekly. Having the cleaners also helps with 2. (tidying), though it puts tremendous strain on me for the one day they come to the house because I try to perfectly tidy and order everything so they can come in and sweep the place clean to great effect.
Number 3. (meals/kitchen) are a problem area for me because I find myself lolling around the kitchen....what is the British word for this?? I cannot think of it!!....all day and also snacking all day leaving me with rather lackluster interest in concocting and executing delicious meals for the rest of my deserving family.
While I want to have delicious and healthful meals, I do not want to spend a lot of time cleaning up after the meal (or during it, as many people suggest). I am usually already triple-tasking in the kitchen as-is-- unloading dishwasher or loading it, talking on the phone or listening to a podcast or just relaxing and watching my dish bake.
I have already tasked my instant pot with a lot of great options but I want now to keep myself and my kids out of our kitchen and guest room area. That way we have have a meal, clean it up, and lock it off to stay clean for the next meal.
I also want it all pre-planned and pre-prepped so I don't have to spend time in the kitchen. I don't know if this means once a week cooking, pre-portioned containers, or meal-by-meal cooking with pre-prepped ingredients. It's sort of yucky to eat pre-made oatmeal, waffles, or eggs, in my opinion, when they could easily have been fresh.
My first attempt for this week is to put the baby gate up in the kitchen walkway to bar entrance from the babies and kids (AND myself, though I can just step over) except for three times a day for meal prep. Maybe I should stick a fruit bowl on the dining room table in case the kids want a snack. One orange each or one apple each for each day, to be replenished the next morning.
Any advice? My week one journey will be the fruit bowl and the baby gate. To be discussed next week.
