Like the majority of people out there, I have been heavily focused on cleaning things such as door knobs, light switches, and countertops to avoid getting a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. If you are currently working from home or abiding by the “Safer at Home” guidelines, you may be looking for extra ways to keep yourself or your family busy.
Some of the best advice on how to stay busy and active during this time has already been shared by Coaches Kayla, Melissa and Megan in some of their recent blogs. But what if there were other places in your house that could use your time and attention? Call it Spring Cleaning, call it COVID-19 Cleaning. Whatever you call it, have you checked out these cluttered areas lately?
Behind the Washer and Dryer
Have you ever wondered where your long-lost glove ended up? Missing sock? Extra change from your pockets? You guessed it! Tucked away under or behind your washer and dryer. You never know what treasures await you until you make it a point to clean this area of your home.
The Hallway Closet
If you have a hallway closet, you know what I’m talking about. Extra bed sheets, towels, bathroom supplies….it’s there and if it looks anything like mine it could use some extra TLC. Lucky for me I not only have one hallway closet, but I have another closet by our front door that could use some attention.
The Junk Drawer
The junk drawer - if you say you don’t have one, you might be lying! Ours is filled with pens, batteries, tape measures, and many other items because who doesn’t need all those things within arm’s reach? Now might be the time to sort through the clutter and rid the junk drawer of unneeded or multiples of items.
Inside of the Refrigerator and Oven
These are two places where bacteria and grime can start to build up if not kept clean. Dirty refrigerators and ovens can even make our food taste funny! Take some time to clean these areas for not only your health, but to help your food taste better.
This sounds like a lot of cleaning! One way that I keep myself on task with these larger areas is to pick one area per day or per weekend to tackle so it doesn’t seem as daunting. If you have some extra time right now you might be able to tackle this list a little faster.
Now that you have a clean oven, here is an easy sheet pan recipe to try!
Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, and Asparagus Sheet Pan Meal
Ingredients
- 1-2 sweet potatoes diced or sliced thin
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2-4 pieces of salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Seasoning-one of my favorites for fish is Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper seasoning
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil and cooking spray for easy clean-up.
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into even pieces. Wash and cut the ends off the asparagus.
- Place the sweet potatoes, asparagus, and salmon on the baking sheet. Coat everything with the seasonings and olive oil. Remove the salmon and asparagus from the sheet pan and set aside. Spread the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add the salmon and the asparagus to the baking sheet and place back in the oven for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked. Serve!
Be Well and Stay Well!
-Sarah
Recipe idea modified from
Salt and Lavender.