Clearing Kitchen Counters, Random Declutter, Tacos, and Soup Night!

[@terryruiz7417]

Erica, you amaze me. I've followed you from the beginning. I couldn't be more proud if you were my own daughter. Your mom is surely smiling down on you and your family.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you for these kind words! ❤❤❤

[@RainyorSunnyEnding]

How you speak to your kids, how you kids speak to you... How you and your husband treat each other. This video made me so happy. You must have such a happy home full of love ❤

[@laurac56]

Skip the shelf unless you desperately need a shelf with pegs there. Simple is best, including on backsplashes.

[@jessicaderstine4061]

This! Further, it doesn't strike me as Erica Style. Too much potential for clutter

[@GoingGreenMom]

And that will be hard to clean there as well. Plus it will blend in with the wall if she paints it the same as the wall? I feel like we are missing something about the image in her head that she is expecting it to look like.

[@hellosteph9206]

I love that you're teaching your kids to plan and make meals! Their future spouses will thank you!

[@shadegarden7375]

Look at Jack knock it out of the park!!👏🏻👏🏻 Good working and contributing!!

[@leahrenea2709]

I've been watching you for years and have to say that you are so wholesome. Love that you cook all your meals and have your son in there making meals. Having said that watching the way you do tacos was absolutely killing this Californian 😂.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oh no! Teach me your ways! 😂❤

[@bethstratton3391]

I think it is great that you involve your children in cooking the meals in your house as you are teaching them such valuable life skills. Erica, I think the shelf you suggested just adds unnecessary clutter to your backsplash and means you won’t be able to push anything against that wall space in future.

[@beachlover4413]

I love how you are teaching your children to be self-sufficient. Love your channel!!

[@sharonsomers5513]

It is so good your son is interested in planning a meal and cooking a meal. Great job!

[@nancycosgrove4005]

You have and continue to amaze me! You are so good and patient with your kids when clearly it would b3 easier and faster to do it yourself🙂they are learning so many valuable life lessons! You have come so far!!!!! I agree with not hanging that shelf up- another flat surface to accumulate clutter

[@conniesmith3922]

Erica, you are a good Mom. Your son is going to make a great partner some day with everything he is learning.❤❤❤

[@dianamarsden1933]

You are raising a great son not to be helpless he can cook! He will make a great man!

[@robinartemis8695]

I love how you asked your son to do his chore so you could do yours

[@RBI3A1]

Am pleasantly surprised that your children are being taught to help ( cleaning ❤️ cooking) in the household, it's not that common. Very important for their future. You're a great mum ❤️ and wife. Looking forward to your next video.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you so much 😊

[@cinder6]

My vote is no on the shelf. Love watching your videos!

[@MelissaLerm]

I love how involved your kids is, your an awsome mom...

[@Sweetgotham]

"How's it going" "Not great" Girl, SAME!!

[@kimberlyweiland554]

Put up the shelf with heavy duty command strips first. That way if you don't like how it looks you haven't drilled holes in the wall

[@glendaw5221]

I think the shelf will be better in your entryway or by the back door. There’s not enough space to use it efficiently. But I do love it so this is just my thought. It will probably look cute in the kitchen!

[@CynthiaMiller-cc3qj]

What wonderful training you are giving your son in the cooking area!

[@TS-sh8xo]

My kids are 25, 23, and 21 today and they could use this lesson of planning and preparing a meal 😅

[@CherylCoolidge]

You are an amazing mama and individual. I have watched you since the very beginning. I am always waiting for your next video.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you so much!!

[@terrivandeberg6040]

Great video. If Andy is free, my garage is FULL

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Ha right?!

[@vzeimen]

So smart to have your kids plan meals and lists etc. One of the best things I ever did was have my kids sit down with the weekly grocery ads with me and figure out meals for the week and look at the sales prices vs reg prices. As they got older, like 15-18 my boys and I took one night cooking classes together which was really fun. Low time commitment but really easy and fun mother/son date nights

[@margobeall8471]

I used to do a lot of canning, but not so much anymore. I too like to keep the different size jars for all kinds of things. But I had way too much. I love the look of the small mouth pint jars, but they are not practical for me. Just last week I donated all pint and quart small mouth jars to my local thrift. I couldn't find anyone who wanted them. How cool you are teaching your kids to cook. It looks really yummy.

[@sashacerny8227]

Goodwill has raised there prices so much and priced the less fortunate right out. There inventory isn’t moving like it use to. They even throw good things away in there dumpsters and forbid you to take it. I’ve seen several beautiful furniture and decor in there dumpster made me sick. So now I just put things out with a Free sign on it. That works.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I am gravitating away from donating there. It’s crazy.

[@kimpilkey3189]

Adding some corn starch to your taco seasoning will help it to thicken and stick to the meat.

[@pameehanson3866]

Always fun to spend time in your kitchen with us! Love these types of videos of your simple living ideas. Seems like the hub of your home when your son is the chef 👩‍🍳❤ Thanks for sharing your family today.

[@josephdaly2015]

I love when you talk where you are going to start on cleaning up. The kids are great to do their chores and are learning so much as well. I don’t envy Andy the garage project 😂. Hope you’re keeping well. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🦮🐶

[@micheleandrews4779]

I love the way you stood back and let your son donor his way. That takes a lot of self control for any mama in her kitchen!! He’s learning so many life skills. You’re making the most of time with your kids and it’s great. Your daughter might could have used a little help from little brother with clean up. Sometimes it’s encouraging to have a friend to help out. The flat bread and soup looked amazing!!❤

[@MyBlessedNest]

I love how you interact with your kids!! 👏👏👏🩷🩷🩷

[@faithacre]

Yea you for teaching your son to meal plan and prepare. My daughter who is a chef was watching with me and suggested trying a smaller and/or shorter chef knife for learning - she bought me one because I'm not super coordinated and have small hands - it makes cutting so much easier. Love your content - you have helped me more than you can imagine.

[@barbaraweber3084]

I can't say enough good things about correlle plates and other kitchen things! Nice homeschooling/kitchen prep with your son. We had a similar thing with our kids when they were a bit older we called it "cooking in the kitchen with _ _ _ _" ) fill in the kids name....I was their assistant that one day a week.

[@marynewell5706]

Love ALL your videos, Erica!!❤

[@dianegriffen2756]

You have some wonderful hard workers there, and your son is learning so many useful life skills in that one meal alone. Awesome!

[@3TXSisters]

Wonderful video! Do you need the shelf? To me, the kitchen is a place where clutter can accumulate quickly anyway, so why add a space for visual clutter? However, it's your home. If you want the shelf, try it. I love the way you parent. Your children are great. Thank you for allowing us to watch the cooking segment. Take care, Linda 🦋

[@tanyajohnston8262]

That size jar are great for drinking from if you need more glasses. They don’t break easily.

[@wewemcrhyne]

If the shelf is only for decoration, I’d leave it off. If it’s functional maybe put it up. Keeping the minimalish look takes priority for me!

[@marciamartin5559]

What are you going to use the shelf for?

[@GloriaBerg]

Erica, I would definitely put the shelf there - love it! If it were me, I would pick a color out of the valance above your sink - maybe the pinkish red or turquoise. Be sure to show us what you do

[@peggersf9709]

👋👋 maybe on your shelf, don’t paint but but stick to wall with those Velcro command strips. See if it’s really what you want/need in that space. I did that with a small shelf, found I didn’t like it in my way. 🤷🏼😊 just thought

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Yes!!!! I’m doing that

[@peggersf9709]

@@EricaLucasLoves 👍🏻 Let me know how it turns out

[@sharongarland8078]

Great job on the meal. It looks delicious. It's awesome that your kids want to be in the kitchen actually cooking an entire meal themselves. Kids are also more likely to try new things if they have a hand in making it.

[@nancynurse4552]

“You beauty!” ❤ Brandon, your meal looks absolutely delicious!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

He’s so funny

[@catherineross7776]

I'd maybe move the basket with the plant by the door up a bit and put the shelf there? Putting it on the backsplash you wont be able to use the hooks?

[@celticsurfersully13]

I had to laugh at your shirt, I always remember I have 8 aprons after I get something all over my top!😄

[@tamaratorres6368]

I would just like to say that your kids are smart & they know what they like. It’s generic. I grew up on generic. I don’t need fancy brands, but I do shop them on an occasion. When there are on sale. Sand Art is so pretty from carnivals, fairs, etc. Also, thank you for this tutorial. Maybe you can do more of these in your videos. That would be a nice addition/change of pace. 💚

[@TS-sh8xo]

I love glass jars also! ❤ I use peanut butter lids for small mason jars to store nuts or spices or small amounts of anything. Love your channel❤🎉

[@christinegreen287]

Hi Erica! I watch all your videos but rarely comment. The kids are getting so big. I love that you allow the kids to “work” around the house. They will become responsible adults for sure. Also…you are so cute. Love watching you! ❤️ Chris

[@suzie2080]

I love how you include your children in the cooking. I failed in that area. Great Job Mom! I really like the shirt you changed into.

[@GoingGreenMom]

We love using mason jars for smoothies and drinking. Wide mouth are perfect size for an immersion blender.

[@SophiaRogers-go7fn]

You are an amazing mother!!!!!!

[@findingaway5512]

He was your son it might be fun to incorporate some culinary school classes into your homeschool. Maybe as he gets older and more confident with tools. I went to a le cordon bleu culinary school and it might be fun for him to learn some of the basic knife cuts on potatoes. Like Batonnet and Julianne, the different dices and how to hold a knife/ guide hand. And learn some other terminology like mise en place. And even just talking about the different cooking terms. I feel like that would be a really fun thing to bond with him on too. Like take him out to a fancy restaurant sometime. You can talk about plating and that kind of stuff too. Like a fine dining unit. I'm sure you guys already do things with units and measuring too. I really love what you're doing with him and letting him do things but still being there for guidance and support. He is doing amazing!!!

[@andreaanthony530]

I love the way you think

[@susanwalgren3939]

These videos where u go thru your day with us, are THE best!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Filmed another one today!

[@joannafoster3423]

I love Corelle! You can have a ton of dishes but they don't take a ton of space!

[@reginabeasley872]

I see a future chef

[@karenstairs8273]

I have the same plate set. I have a thing for jars too!! Teaching life skills is fabulous!! He's doing a great job!! His meal looks fantastic! Good luck to Andy clearing the garage!

[@jacquelynmoloney6172]

"Not great" 😂 poor little love 😊

[@catherinecarney2507]

It is so much fun to watch your kids grow up. Brandon has changed so much in the last year, not only his responsible self but also his looks. Becca and Jack, of course, look older than 3 and 5 when I started watching, but Brandon has certainly started his journey toward what his grown-up self will look like. I love how much you help, but also step back and let your children learn how to deal with the task at hand. Becca had to clean up the floor, but it wasn't going great. Jack wanted to do the vacuuming. Can you clarify if the sugar amount to the taco sauce was 1/2 T or a full T of sugar was needed. I watched/listened to that section several times. I am not sure what you would use the shelf for under the cabinets. I would put it somewhere else or donate it.

[@raymondmonaghan4112]

Hi there sweetie pie hope you are well it's always great to see your kids helping out with Mom and having chores to keep a clean and tidy house love from Eugenie your friend xxx 🏡💕✨🌹

[@siameseire]

What an Incredible Team!!!

[@KlingonPrincess]

So many skills in one dinner (a week)! Maybe he'll add in history by cooking around the world foods. I like the shelf, even green. Its cozy 🌻🍄

[@debraturner9433]

It’s great that you let your kids practice cooking! 😃👍

[@GrunonFeliz]

I keep things like those jars for giving away food to others. Like pot lucks

[@petrakihlstrom8163]

The soup looks sooo yummy🤤

[@jennyksslr]

Yes i like the shelf in that place.

[@nancynurse4552]

For me, the shelf doesn’t allow enough room to use the shelf or hang anything from the pegs.

[@petrakihlstrom8163]

You could put the water in the tomatojar so you use all of the tomatostuff.

[@susanwalgren3939]

Good idea for the shelf.

[@lisaann6267]

instead of a cute shelf unless you know exacly you are putting on pegs, i would put a under the cabinet paper towel holder to clear a little counter space. And ortega has some weird ingredient in their taco shells that makes me a little nauseous. great job on dinner , awesome dinner plan! :) and putting away dishes & vacuuming.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Red meat is actually good for you way better then even chicken. Jack is so adorable

[@GrunonFeliz]

I like the idea of a shelf there, just not that shelf. Hooks? Why?

[@denisebunker6674]

Beef and green beans sound so good.

[@christinagoulart1611]

I hear you with all the plates! It's def necessary when you homeschool and have 4-5 people eating home made meals 3+ times a day! Having to do dishes each meal kept breaking up the flow of our day when we can just put them in the dishwasher and run it at the end of the day.

[@danassimplelife5046]

Good choice for dinner son!

[@voiceojane]

Rebecca looks so much taller! I sense clothes decluttering before fall 😂

[@laurawood4476]

Erica perhaps the jars may have been forgotten by a former resident of your home , especially since they were in the garage .

[@marciamartin5559]

I’ve had my dishes for 32 years and never broke one

[@marilynshelton2371]

Oh, my gosh, my house never gets that chaotic. Then again, I am the mother of an only child.

[@christined2495]

Love how the kids all have their chores, they will grow up self sufficient, great parenting The shelf well for me the more my eyes when I’m looking around the more I don’t want it there. It starts to get on my nerves… I keep my home decor very minimal

[@petrakihlstrom8163]

My daughter gets abit of grumpy if we don't have any broccoli in our tacos 😄

[@lkhorvath4]

What is the shelf for?

[@joyindrelie6715]

The shelf and it's contents would be another thing to clean---it'll need to really be worth it!

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Like the shelf in that spot but what is it's purpose?

[@annettep28]

What do you want to use the shelf for?, the pretty little one? It looks good there, maybe paint it in a light blue? As to plates: mine is a one person household and I have six plates, as well as several bowls.

[@GoingGreenMom]

Lol, I donated all my non-wide mouth jars that are bigger than 8 oz. Because I don't like cleaning them. Lol. And have started collecting weck jars since they are closer to zero waste.

[@ArtyAntics]

Have you ever used the surfaces are hot lava rule? Might help with the kitchen island. I throw stuff on our island in the bin as a consequence of hot lava rule 😮

[@shelleydavies1639]

Personally, I don't think the shelf works...maybe some hooks if that's what you need

[@MR-rw3vc]

😊

[@shadegarden7375]

We need to paint our backsplash!!

[@CB-wt6uv]

My shirts look like that all the time. LOL!

[@happyluv]

My maximal self says yes to the shelf....but the truth is it will probably collect clutter....although your mom's cute little owls would be adorable. Don't ask me I'm hopeless! BTW what brand is your cordless vacumn? and do you like it!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Ooooooooh my moms owls ❤❤❤

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The vac is a Black and Decker. It’s better than my last cordless. amzn.to/3W9XIQY

[@happyluv]

@@EricaLucasLoves Thanks! I have a central vac and I find it so awkward and heavy to lug around, consequently, I end up using a broom/dust pan for quick clean ups. The dust buster thing looks way more efficient. 😊

[@terez1158]

Hi❣️

[@findingaway5512]

The Airbnb we just stayed at had those thin corral plates like you have. And my husband said he really liked how nice everything fit in the dishwasher. The only thing I have personally don't like about them is because I like to have a lip in case there's something that's like sauce or gravy. And I feel like they don't have enough of an edge. I have a favorite play my current plates are all looking very rough and chipped they are not pretty at all but I love the function of them. And I actually would purchase them again it's not something that they make so I have to order on eBay when I want more of those plates. Ironically it was from a set of plates I bought for my husband the Christmas we got engaged he only had plastic plates and I wanted to give him some. They are very masculine and belong in a cabin. 😂 They do not go with our house at all whatsoever. But have held up pretty dang well for 18 years. We had a couple casualties and lately the past couple years we got a few chips. I actually bought another set of four in a slightly different but similar pattern. We were gifted a set of blue plates that I never liked that all broke over time. But I literally never liked those. I do still have one in my cupboard. But I'm sure that will bite the dust it does have some dings in it. I like to use things until they die around here. If I actually did konari on my house I feel like I don't necessarily love a lot of things I use. We also have a lot of furniture that is hand me downs and what not. Or we bought inexpensively.

[@judyzwemke9305]

What purpose does the shelf serve? OR is it just for cuteness?

[@vzeimen]

No on the shelf, adds clutter not cuteness, lol

[@dianegriffen2756]

What is the purpose of the shelf? Is it just for "cuteness" or do you have a specific purpose in mind? Only because you asked: personal opinion I think it makes the space look cluttered - but that is based on not knowing YOUR reason or purpose. It's YOUR kitchen, YOUR space, and if YOU like it and it serves a purpose - even if that's "cuteness", it's YOUR choice!

[@kirstenmarovich465]

Cook all the hamburger into Taco meat. Freeze portions of taco meat to pull out for lunch anytime you need it.

[@lulahbelle970]

What's the purpose of the shelf? Already know what you are putting on it and that those items will fit?

[@ruthlloyd1163]

no shelf