Every year, I count down my top 10 blog posts, and it’s always a very telling exercise. My list shows that 2021 was, as usual, a year full of organising and cooking for us mums. I hope my ideas have made your lives a little easier!
I have to say that I’m kind of disappointed none of my self-care posts made the list of my top 10 blog posts this year – I hope you’re all taking some time for yourselves between all this dinner making, budgeting, and gift buying! Remember to show yourself the love and care that you show others, mama!
As usual, I’ll be counting down my most popular posts based on views from number 10 to number 1.
Here they are!
10. 5 easy steps to a tidier home
It seems that everyone wants a tidier home, but it’s hard to stay on top of things with kids running around undoing our efforts! These 5 low-effort ways to get a tidier home can make a big difference without adding to your workload.
Why I published this blog post: Don’t we all appreciate those easy ways to make the house look a little nicer?
9. 3 Summer slow cooker recipes to try this week
If you let your slow cooker collect dust in the summer, these recipes are for you! Beef barbacoa tacos, white chicken chili and ribs are all great summer fare that require little effort.
Why I published this blog post: So many people tell me they use their Crockpots all winter but put them away for summer. I wanted to show you that there are lots of great summer dishes you can make!
8. 15 Quick & easy beach snacks for kids
If feeding your kids at the beach feels like it requires deep strategic thinking that sucks all the fun out of the day, this list of quick, easy and portable snacks is just what you need!
Why I published this blog post: I was tired of always grabbing the same bag of snacks every time we headed to the beach, so I wanted to put together a big list to draw from to shake things up a little because we went to the beach A LOT this summer.
7. 7 Outside the box gift ideas for Christmas
Candles? Bath gel sets? Chocolates? Scarves? You won’t find any of the usual gift ideas here. Apparently, lots of us are tired of racking our brains to come up with gift ideas only to end up settling for yet another gift card. Giving someone a unique gift they’ll appreciate is the best feeling!
Why I published this blog post: I had to think hard to come up with some unique gifts this year. Really hard. And this is what I came up with. There were some great ones I didn’t end up using, so I hoped it would give some mums some inspiration!
6. Surprising foods that are not as healthy as you think
Some foods just sound healthy, like juice, vegan meat, and low-fat foods. And while they certainly look the part, I shared some good reasons you should steer clear of these foods.
Why I published this blog post: I did a fitness program that really opened my eyes to some of the things lots of us mums feed our kids (and ourselves) that aren’t quite the health foods we think they are, and I wanted to spread the word.
5. 7 Day meal plan schedule (downloadable PDF guide)
Is it any surprise that my free downloadable meal plan schedule was popular enough to earn a spot on my top 10 blog posts list? Few things are more frustrating than not knowing what to cook or realising bedtime is just around the corner and dinner isn’t anywhere near being ready. This post and the schedule I included make it easy to get into meal planning.
Why I published this blog post: I know a lot of us mums want to be more present with our kids, and meal planning has made a huge difference for me when it comes to spending more time together after school or during weekends.
4. 10 tips to start budgeting in the new year
I was never good at budgeting when I was younger, but I’ve got it down pat now. I realise my specific methods might not work for everyone, but there are some universal tips that can make everyone’s budgeting endeavours easier, no matter how much you earn or how you prefer to track expenses.
Why I published this blog post: Is there really any better time to start budgeting than the beginning of a new year, when we’re all looking ahead with hopes of being more organised and making it the best year ever?
3. Spend less on groceries (up to 50%) and still eat well
Why is it that the cheapest foods are often the least healthy ones? I think most mums would rather not give up healthy, whole and organic foods to get their grocery bills down, so I’ve found some clever ways to stretch that food budget without serving your family ramen packets every night.
Why I published this blog post: I have a teenage boy at home… need I say more? Honestly, I love a good challenge and I wanted to share ways I’ve found to cut food expenses without compromising my family’s health.
2. 10 easy dinners for when you don’t know what to cook
The internet is full of Instagram-worthy recipes that look amazing but take trips to 3 different stores and a whole afternoon to prepare. That’s nice if you’ve got the time and energy, but what about those nights when you just need to get something on the table fast and don’t know where to begin? Well, this list is a great starting point, with lots of great meat, pasta and vegetarian ideas.
Why I published this blog post: I wanted to share some of my go-tos when I need something easy that the whole family loves because I had a feeling lots of mums have been there – and judging by the popularity of this post, I think I was right!
And coming in at #1 in my top 10 blog posts is one of my more recent offerings…
1. 10 Christmas gift ideas for kids (no toys included)
Move aside, plastic toys that won’t get a second glance three months from now. These 10 ideas deserve any space they take up in your home and are a lot more interesting and useful than what’s in most toy catalogues.
Why I published this blog post: I am a big fan of keeping down clutter, so I love giving my kids gifts that are fun yet functional and can be used over and over.
Bookmark this and come back to it when you have a few precious minutes to yourself!
Love,
Nakita xxx
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