Forget Spring Cleaning—It’s Time for “Spr-all” Cleaning
Spring cleaning gets all the attention.
Apparently, sometime around March or April we're all supposed to throw open the windows, scrub the baseboards, organize every closet and emerge several days later with a sparkling house and a whole new outlook on life.
Yeah. I didn't do that. 😂
But here's the thing: fall actually makes me WANT to get the house cleaned up.
We're heading into the time of year when the windows are going to be closed, we're spending more time inside, the holidays are coming, and suddenly I'm noticing all the random stuff I've managed to ignore for the last six months.
So forget spring cleaning.
We're doing “Spr-all” Cleaning. Spring cleaning...but in the fall. Yes, I made it up. We're going with it. 🍂🧹
This Is NOT a Clean-Your-Entire-House Challenge
Before anybody sees the checklist below, gets overwhelmed and immediately decides they suddenly have somewhere else to be, hear me out. 😂 The goal of Spr-all is NOT to do all of this in one weekend.
I am absolutely not emptying every cabinet, pulling every piece of furniture away from the wall and scrubbing my house from ceiling to floor. I have a life, and I would also like to enjoy some of it. 😂
Instead, I'm looking at Spr-all as a chance to tackle some of those little cleaning jobs that don't necessarily make it onto the normal weekly cleaning list. You know the ones—the things you walk past every single day without really noticing until suddenly...you NOTICE.
It's the cabinet fronts that look perfectly fine until the afternoon sun hits them just right and you're horrified. It's the trash can that gets emptied constantly but hasn't had the actual can cleaned in...well, we're not going to discuss how long. 😂 And it's those baseboards you've ignored for so long that you've apparently just accepted their new color.
THOSE are the things we're tackling. And we're not doing them all at once.
Pick a task when you have a few minutes. Get it done. Feel ridiculously accomplished about the fact that your trash can is now cleaner than it has any right to be, and then move on with your day.
That's Spr-all. 🧹🍂
Before You Start, Grab a Few Things
You don't need a cart full of cleaning products for this. In fact, part of what I like about cleaning with Thieves is that I don't have twelve different bottles under my sink for twelve different jobs. 😂
I'll be using Thieves Household Cleaner for a lot of these tasks because it's a concentrated, plant-based cleaner that I already use all over my house. One bottle goes a LONG way because you're diluting the concentrate with water depending on what you're cleaning.
I'll be sharing more about what's actually in it, different ways I use it and some of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes throughout the month. And my next Spr-all blog will go even deeper into all the different things you can make and clean with that one bottle.
Don't have Thieves Cleaner yet? You can grab a bottle HERE so you'll have it ready if you want to Spr-all along with me.
For basic everyday cleaning, I mix:
1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner + 2 cups water
I keep that in a spray bottle so it's already mixed and ready whenever I suddenly notice some random thing that apparently hasn't been cleaned since 2017. 😂
Beyond that, you really don't need anything fancy. Grab a few microfiber cloths, a scrub brush or two, an old toothbrush for those annoying little crevices, a trash bag and some baking soda. Chances are you already have most of it sitting somewhere in your house.
That's it. No giant cleaning-product haul required.
We're keeping Spr-all simple. Because if I have to make a special trip to the store and buy 14 things before I can clean something, there's a pretty good chance that thing isn't getting cleaned.
The Keeping It Real “Spr-all” Cleaning List
This is not a list of things you must complete. Think of it more like a menu. Look around your house, choose the things that need attention and completely ignore the things that don't.
🍽️ Kitchen
- Cabinet fronts + handles - This was our official Spr-all Task #1. We touch these things constantly, yet somehow I rarely think about actually cleaning them.
- Trash can - Not take out the trash. Clean the actual can—the inside, outside, lid, rim and pedal. Prepare yourself emotionally before looking at the bottom. 😂
- Refrigerator door + handles - Especially around the handles where mysterious fingerprints seem to reproduce overnight.
- Refrigerator seals - Open the door and look inside those little folds around the seal. I'm sorry in advance.
- Top of the refrigerator - If you're short like me, ignorance may have been bliss. 😂
- Backsplash - Pay extra attention around the stove where grease likes to quietly move in and establish residency.
- Small appliances - Toaster, air fryer, coffee maker, microwave...all the things sitting on the counter collecting fingerprints, crumbs and whatever else is happening in your kitchen.
- Under the small appliances - Because moving the toaster is when you discover that apparently you've been feeding an entire family of crumbs.
- Inside the microwave - You don't have to explain what exploded in there. This is a judgment-free zone.
🛁 Bathroom
- Cabinet fronts + drawer pulls
- Light switches + door handles
- Around the base of the toilet - Nobody wants this assignment. I'm putting it on the list anyway. 😂
- Tub + shower edges
- Shower door tracks - If you have them, you already know.
- Faucets + around the fixtures
- Bathroom trash cans
- Exhaust fan cover - This is another excellent “Oh wow, when did THAT happen?” cleaning experience.
🛋️ Living Areas
- Baseboards - But here's my rule: pick a room. You do not need to crawl around your entire house cleaning every baseboard in one afternoon.
- Light switches
- Door handles
- Door frames
- Ceiling fan blades
- Lamps + lampshades
- Remote controls - Think about how often they're touched. Now think about how often they're cleaned. You're welcome. 😂
- Under couch cushions - You may find money. You may find snacks. You may find things you cannot identify. It's an adventure.
- The actual couch - Vacuum it, get into the crevices and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
🛏️ Bedrooms
- Nightstands
- Headboards
- Baseboards
- Ceiling fans
- Under the bed - I'm not saying you have to organize everything under there. We're just acknowledging its existence. 😂
- Closet floor - Pull out the random things that have accumulated and give the floor a quick clean.
- And while you're in the closet, this is a great time to pull out anything you already know you're not going to wear again.
🧺 Laundry Area
- Washing machine - Yes, the machine that cleans things also needs to be cleaned. Rude. Check your manufacturer's directions for your specific machine before deciding what products to use.
- Washer door/lid + detergent area
- Dryer exterior
- Lint trap area
- Laundry room floor
- And maybe finally deal with the three random socks that have been sitting on top of the dryer waiting for their partners since 2024. They've had enough time. 😂
🚪 The Stuff We Forget Everywhere Else
This is my favorite Spr-all category because these are exactly the things I don't notice until I suddenly notice them.
- Door handles
- Light switches + switch plates
- Doors—especially around the handle
- Stair railings
- Window sills
- Blinds
- Air return covers
- Thermostat
- Vacuum cleaner - Yep. Clean the thing you use to clean the other things.
- Cleaning tools - Wash microfiber cloths, rinse brushes, clean mop heads and retire any sponge that has clearly lived a full life.
Please Don't Try to Do This Whole List
Seriously, when you look at that list, please don't turn it into a giant weekend project. Your house does not need to be completely deep-cleaned by Sunday night, and Spr-all is definitely not another thing we're adding to the list of things we should feel behind on. 😂
The whole idea is to tackle these things a little at a time when it makes sense. Maybe tomorrow you notice the bathroom trash can is looking a little questionable, so you clean it. Next week you have some extra time and decide to tackle the baseboards in the living room. Or maybe you have ten minutes while dinner is cooking and wipe down the refrigerator and handles.
It all counts.
I'd much rather get one little forgotten job done here and there than make some giant cleaning schedule, convince myself I'm going to follow it perfectly, get overwhelmed by the whole thing...and then do absolutely none of it.
Because yes, I have absolutely done that before. 😂
So use the list as ideas, not assignments. Pick something when you have the time, cross it off, and move on. By the end of the month, you might be surprised by how much you got done without ever having to sacrifice an entire weekend to cleaning.
THAT is the whole point of Spr-all. 🧹🍂
We’re Doing This Together
Throughout September, I’ll be pulling individual tasks from this list and tackling them as part of our Spr-all Cleaning series. And because apparently once I start noticing the random things that need to be cleaned, I can’t unsee them, I’m sure we’ll find a few more along the way. 😂
I’ll also be sharing some of my favorite Thieves Cleaner recipes, easy DIYs, cleaning tips and little shortcuts as we go. The idea isn't to suddenly become people who spend all of September cleaning our houses. It's just to knock out some of those forgotten jobs a little at a time and maybe make life easier in the process.
And if you're wondering what else you can actually DO with that bottle of Thieves Cleaner, that's where we're headed next. My next Spr-all blog will be “One Bottle, A Whole Lot of Cleaning: My Favorite Thieves Cleaner Recipes.” I'm putting my favorite recipes, dilution ratios and ways I use it around the house all in one place so you don't have to hunt through a month's worth of posts trying to find that one recipe you swear you saw somewhere. 😂
For now, though, pick ONE thing from the list that could use a little attention and tackle it. Then go do something considerably more fun. We're just trying to get some of the random crap cleaned before we head into the season when we're spending a whole lot more time inside looking at it.
We are NOT auditioning for our own HGTV show. 😂🍂🧹
Hi, I’m Jessica! 👋
If you're new here, welcome! I'm Jessica, and Keeping It Real is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. 😂 I share the things I actually use and do in real life—from essential oils and natural-ish swaps to easy recipes, DIYs, home stuff and whatever else I'm currently figuring out.
I'm not here to convince you that I have it all together, because I very much do not. 😂 I just like finding simple things that make everyday life a little easier and sharing them in a way that feels doable for normal people with actual lives.
So if that's your kind of thing, stick around. We're keeping it simple, useful and, most importantly, real. 💙
Keeping Everyone Fed Without Losing Your Mind
August has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute you're soaking up the last few days of summer, and the next you're juggling school schedules, sports practices, work meetings, homework, appointments, and trying to remember whose turn it is to feed the dog. Somehow, in the middle of all that chaos, everyone still expects breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks every.single.day.
If you're anything like me, it's usually around 5:30 that I find myself staring into the refrigerator wondering why nobody reminded me we'd have to eat again. Spoiler alert...they did. Yesterday.
I've learned that having just a handful of reliable recipes can make a huge difference during busy seasons. This isn't about becoming a meal-prep expert or spending your entire Sunday in the kitchen. It's about finding simple breakfasts, easy-to-pack lunches, stress-free dinners, and grab-and-go snacks that you can keep on rotation throughout the school year.
Whether you're packing lunches for little ones, feeding hungry teenagers, juggling sports practices, or just trying to avoid another drive-thru dinner, I hope these recipes make your week just a little easier.
🍳 Breakfast
Mornings during the school year have a way of feeling like a race against the clock. Alarm clocks are going off, lunches are getting packed, someone can't find a shoe, and somehow you're supposed to get everyone fed before they head out the door.
The good news is breakfast doesn't have to be complicated to be nutritious. A little planning goes a long way, and having a few make-ahead favorites on hand can turn chaotic mornings into something much more manageable. These recipes are simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy families who need breakfast to work—even on those mornings when nobody wants to get out of bed.
Overnight Oats
If mornings are hectic at your house, overnight oats are one of the easiest breakfasts you can have waiting in the refrigerator. Spend just a few minutes making a few jars on Sunday, and breakfast is ready to grab all week long. They're filling, easy to customize, and stay fresh in the refrigerator for four to five days.
The best part is that once you know the basic formula, you can change the flavor every week without learning a new recipe. Add your favorite fruit, nuts, spices, or even a few chocolate chips for a fun treat.
Protein Pancakes
Protein pancakes are one of those breakfasts that feel a little more fun but are still practical enough for a busy morning. They are filling, freezer-friendly, and easy to dress up with whatever toppings your family likes best.
I love making a double batch so there are extras ready for the week. Once they are cooled, you can freeze them and reheat them in the toaster, microwave, or skillet. Add berries, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup, and breakfast is done without much effort.
Protein Muffins
These protein muffins have become one of my favorite meal prep recipes because they work for just about any time of day. They're perfect for busy mornings, easy to toss into a lunchbox, and make a great afternoon snack when everyone comes home hungry.
The base recipe is simple, and it's easy to change up the flavor with different mix-ins. Add fresh berries, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to keep things interesting. I like making a double batch and freezing the extras so there's always a quick, homemade option ready to grab.
Lunches That Work as Hard as You Do
Packing lunches day after day can start to feel like you're making the same thing over and over. These three recipes are easy to prep ahead, travel well, and are simple enough to customize for different tastes. Whether you're packing lunches for school, work, or grabbing something between errands, having a few dependable recipes on rotation can save both time and stress throughout the week.
🥗 Protein Pasta Salad
This is one of those recipes that somehow tastes even better after it spends a day in the refrigerator. It's packed with protein, easy to make ahead, and holds up beautifully for lunches throughout the week. I love making a big batch on Sunday so there's one less thing to think about during busy mornings.
The best part is how easy it is to customize. Swap in your favorite vegetables, use whatever cheese you have on hand, or grab a rotisserie chicken to make prep even faster. It's one of those dependable recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Some lunches don't need to be complicated to be delicious. These Chicken Caesar Wraps come together in just a few minutes, making them perfect for busy weekdays when you need something quick that everyone will actually eat. They're great for school lunches, work lunches, or even those evenings when everyone is heading in different directions.
Wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and they'll stay fresh and hold together until lunchtime. Pair them with fresh fruit, veggies, or a handful of chips, and you've got an easy meal that's sure to earn a spot in your regular lunch rotation.
Mason Jar Taco Salad
If you've never made a mason jar salad before, you're in for a treat. Layering the ingredients keeps everything fresh and crisp, so you don't end up with soggy lettuce by lunchtime. Make a few jars ahead of time, and you'll have grab-and-go lunches waiting in the refrigerator all week.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Everyone can build their own jar with their favorite toppings, making it a great option for families with different tastes. When you're ready to eat, simply shake it up or pour it into a bowl, and lunch is served.
Easy Dinners for Busy Nights
After a long day of work, school, sports, homework, and everything else life throws your way, dinner shouldn't be another source of stress. These recipes are simple to prepare, use minimal dishes, and don't require you to spend your entire evening in the kitchen.
Whether you prefer to let the slow cooker do the work, toss everything onto a sheet pan, or throw together a quick casserole, these are the kinds of meals that make busy weeknights feel just a little more manageable. They're family-friendly, reheat well, and might even leave you with leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage & Veggies
If there were an award for "least amount of effort with the biggest payoff," this recipe would be a serious contender. Everything cooks together on one pan, which means less prep, fewer dishes, and a hearty dinner that's ready without a lot of babysitting.
The combination of smoked sausage and roasted vegetables is filling, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever you have in the refrigerator. Change up the vegetables with the seasons, add your favorite seasoning blend, or swap in a different variety of sausage to keep it fresh. It's one of those dependable weeknight dinners that earns a permanent spot in the meal rotation.
Ravioli Lasagna
Some nights you want all the comfort of homemade lasagna without spending half the evening layering noodles and washing extra dishes. That's exactly why I love this recipe. Frozen ravioli does all the hard work, giving you the same cheesy, comforting flavors in a fraction of the time.
It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights, and it's always a hit with both kids and adults. Pair it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread, and you've got a dinner that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen... even though you definitely didn't.
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
This is one of those recipes that feels like a secret weapon on busy days. Spend just a few minutes tossing everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime you've got tender, flavorful chicken that's ready to be turned into just about anything.
Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos or burritos, pile it onto nachos, or use it for quesadillas throughout the week. It freezes well, reheats beautifully, and is one of my favorite recipes for stretching one meal into several different dinners without anyone feeling like they're eating the same thing over and over again.
Bonus: After-School Snacks
If your house is anything like mine, the kitchen somehow becomes the most popular room in the house about five minutes after everyone gets home. The backpacks hit the floor, shoes end up wherever they land, and the first question is almost always, "What's there to eat?"
For many families, though, there's barely time to stop before heading back out the door for soccer practice, dance class, football, cheer, music lessons, or whatever else fills the family calendar. Having a few easy snacks ready to grab can help keep everyone fueled without resorting to the drive-thru or whatever happens to be in the vending machine.
These are simple, family-friendly favorites that are easy to prep ahead and make busy afternoons just a little easier. Whether you need something to toss in a bag before heading to practice, enjoy on the way out the door, or blend up after everyone gets home, these snacks help bridge the gap between school and dinner—no matter where the afternoon takes you.
Apple Nachos
Sometimes the simplest snacks are the ones everyone gets the most excited about. Apple nachos take just a few minutes to throw together, but they feel a whole lot more fun than handing someone a plain apple. They're perfect for after school, movie nights, or those afternoons when everyone is looking for "just a little something" before dinner.
The best part is that you can customize them with whatever your family loves. Drizzle on peanut butter, add a sprinkle of granola, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, coconut, or fresh fruit. Every plate can look a little different, which makes this one a snack that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
Homemade Protein Granola Bars
Store-bought granola bars are convenient, but they can also be expensive and packed with more sugar than you'd expect. Making your own lets you control the ingredients while creating a snack that's filling enough to keep everyone going until dinner.
These protein granola bars are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or tossing in your bag before heading to practice. Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you'll have a grab-and-go option that's ready whenever hunger strikes. They're chewy, satisfying, and one of those recipes you'll wonder why you didn't start making sooner.
Make-Ahead Berry Smoothie Packs
When everyone walks through the door hungry after school, it's tempting to reach for the easiest snack in the pantry. Keeping a few smoothie packs in the freezer makes it just as easy to offer something fresh, filling, and packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Simply dump a frozen pack into the blender, add your favorite milk or juice, and you've got a delicious snack ready in just a couple of minutes. They're especially handy on afternoons when you're racing back out the door for practice, games, or other activities and need something quick that will keep everyone going until dinner.
Keeping It Real
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that feeding a family doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen every night. Sometimes the best meal is simply the one that gets everyone around the table before you're rushing off to the next practice, meeting, or homework assignment.
I hope these recipes give you a few new ideas to make your week a little easier. Try one, try all of them, or use them as inspiration to create your own family favorites. There isn't one "right" way to meal prep or plan dinners. The goal is simply to make life work for your family.
If you make one of these recipes, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Better yet, if you have a tried-and-true meal that saves your sanity during the school year, share it with us. We're all just borrowing each other's best ideas anyway.
Thanks for stopping by Keeping It Real. I hope you'll stick around for more practical tips, easy recipes, natural wellness ideas, and a healthy dose of real life—because around here, we're all just doing the best we can, one day (and one meal) at a time.
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