Since doing the Whole 30 a while back I have tried to incorporate the Paleo diet more and more in our daily life.  The area that I struggle with is when it comes to packing the school lunch. If I am being honest I struggle with that even without trying to follow a Paleo diet.  There are so many great foods but the kids only have 20 minutes for lunch.  So what I pack needs to be quick and easy and doesn't make a huge mess.  Because let's face it that messy lunches and a white school uniform shirt do not mix well.

image credit: Everyday Paleo

In the mornings I sometimes feel like I am lucky if I can get out of the house with matching shoes on, let alone to eat breakfast.  In order to get my protein as well as have something that is easily portable I usually end up making a shake.  Some days I like a fruity shake other days something with a little chocolate.

Making the switch to clean eating has been a gradual change for our family.  While most meals were easy to convert and we were already pretty healthy in our food choices.....sometimes I just didn't have the ingredients I needed.  If you are like me you really can't just waste food and throw everything out and start fresh.  And let's face it most of us cannot afford to do that either.  So, as I was making the switch I bought  new ingredients as I needed them and made the change gradually.

Here is a list of the items that I use in my pantry and what I consider to be my staples.  I compiled my list from various websites, recipe books, and Tosca Reno's suggestions.  While this is in no way a complete list and I still find myself running to the store here and there, it is a good start.  Most of these items, especially the grains, I buy in bulk to help cut down on the cost as well as the number of trips to the store.  As you start to build your clean pantry remember to think whole foods with no added sugars or preservatives.

Happy Shopping!

Nothing makes me feel better than a "clean" smelling house.  I love the smell of a freshly cleaned kitchen or bathroom but I don't always like the way cleaners smell.  There are many ways to use vinegar as a natural and safe way to clean your house.  I just really despise the the way it makes the house smell.  So, here is one of the easy and safe ways to clean in the kitchen and leave it smelling yummy.  

Simply mix 2 cups of water in a microwave safe dish and 1 Tablespoon of vanilla.  Place in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes and simply wipe out when done.  I don't know about you but somehow I am the only one in my house who cares to clean the microwave after each use.  Needless to say sometimes there can be some gunked on stuff.  This makes clean up a breeze even if it has been a few days since someone has cleaned up.....the warm vanilla smell is just a bonus.

I have received so many questions about the play kitchen we built for Hannah's birthday.  I must give the credit to the wonderful Ana White.  If you have not visited her site you need to run over there and check all the amazing plans she has.  I am serious.....run, don't walk!  Ana White Play Kitchen

Danny and I worked on this project together......meaning he did all the cutting and building and I did all the painting and accessorizing.  I am sure he would tell you there was a little direction giving in there as well, but it was more just friendly tips. =) Starting out we pretty much followed the instructions from Ana's site.  The only thing we really wanted to change was the fridge.  I wanted it to be a top and bottom fridge instead of a side by side.  Many people out there in blog-land have built this fridge so if you get stuck or want other ideas just Google play kitchen and you will be amazed.