Chronicles of a domestic engineer....

Take a speed cleaning lesson from the pros!

2011-11-15T14:34:00.001-08:00

Domestic engineers, or maids, as civilians would say...have mastered the art of speedy efficient cleaning.

We don't waste time or cut corners. We know how to clean fast and clean right!

How to clean your home in 15 minutes..Yes! This can be you!

Before you start....

Pick up and organize your clutter, in each room. Try using a laundry basket, they always come in handy, and 3 trash bags, if you have kids and pets. Then fill them as you sort through, depending on your dust & clutter factor, we can not estimate your time...THEN TIDY YOUR COUCH/SOFA and your half way there!

Always start with the mirrors, or glass...don't forget the sink (after you rinse your mop to wet it for later. "Keep it empty and shining."

Stay tuned...tomorrow we will give you a little more!

Oldie but goodie...

2011-11-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

I found this information online, and copied it....interesting stuff.

"How to Minimize Dust in the House"

Whether you have allergies, asthma, or nothing at all, you should make an effort to minimize the dust in your home. Even if only for friends and other guests, keeping a dust-free home will minimize breathing trouble, allergies, and a generally unkempt look. Keep reading for some basic tips on how to minimize the dust in your home or office.

Central Filter is Key

Many people choose to save a little money and go with a cheap, throw-away air-filter. These filters, however, do not do a proper job of protecting you and your family from harmful airborne particles. Instead, choose a newer, more modern filter. This will not only protect you by catching and holding onto much more of the dust, but they will also last much longer than other, cheaper filters.

Consistently Clean

One of the most common ways to build dust in your home or office is to avoid cleaning in general. Even a light dusting once or twice a week is vastly better than just letting it accumulate. If you have the time, be sure to clean and wipe down your furniture, counter tops, electronics, and other stationary items. Don’t forget to check hard-to-reach places like cabinets, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Utilizing newer dusters will help you to accumulate the dust on the duster instead of just brushing it into the air.

Keep it Outside!

One of the most dangerous types of house dust commonly found in homes is the dust that gets in from outdoors through air leaks. To get into the house, a lot of air must pass through areas that can be dangerously full of contaminated pollutants. Because you could also be losing significant amounts of money on cooling and heating your home, it would be wise to have an infiltro-meter door test done to your home to find any leaks.

Vacuum

Although you might group this with cleaning, consistently vacuuming is important all on its own. Because the floors are where most dust settles, it is constantly being moved around and kicked into the air and into your lungs. Using your vacuum on a weekly basis is necessary if you are trying to lower the amount of dust particles in your home or office. No matter what kind of vacuum you are using, be sure to cover all areas whether they are carpeted or not. Dust can collect anywhere! Also, it is wise to utilize the attachments that come with your vacuum. Using them, you can actually reduce dust in hard-to-reach areas of your home such as on top of tall cabinets and appliances, fabrics like curtains, and even the ceiling fan.

Change Your Sheets

The bed is one of the most common places for dust to collect, in part because of the shedding of human skin cells throughout the night. You must keep in mind that even though you don't see it, it can still be there. To lower your dust count, change your sheets and pillowcases on a weekly basis. Brush and dust off blankets, cleaning them occasionally as well.

www.2bitchesonaboom.com

www.facebook.com/tpalazzotto

Natural Cleaning Products

2011-11-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Modern cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural cleaning product formulations that were passed down through the generations from grandma, to mom, and so on.

The chemistry was right.... so going back to the original ingredients is a way to make cleaning products work.

Lets not re-invent the wheel!!!!

Most are found in your kitchen cupboards. With a little effort and time and you can not only save money you can also easily transform your home into a non-toxic and healthy haven. Here are some links to posts of natural cleaning products you can make easily at home.

http://www.howtocleananything.com/general-cleaning-tips/old-fashioned-home-cleaning-remedies/

Click on the link below for a 50% off Coupon.....

http://maps.google.com/coupons/page?did=0_10143377228228639867&provider=SELF&cid=AAM4QKXYT174ENM5&oi=md_coup&sa=X&ct=coup&cd=1&hl=en&ved=0CDkQ7QRIAA&geocode=FX5-BgIdRR8r-w&ei=d3q5TvC5H43YyQTn8ZTXBA&sig2=uEKWLdxJXBMG0g0pIgNqkQ

Chronicles of a domestic engineer....: Lists

2011-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Chronicles of a domestic engineer....: Lists: Enough about silly tips and how too's...quite frankly, I feel like doing something different today. I have made 15 lists to remind my self ...

Lists

2011-10-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Enough about silly tips and how too's...quite frankly, I feel like doing something different today.
I have made 15 lists to remind my self of other lists.
Yet, the embrace of productivity was very cold, at least I crossed off 3....got me?

empty nesters... if these walls could talk

2011-09-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Often when a child leaves home, the parents have already downsized a bit, especially if other children have moved out prior to this. Possibly, the best strategy, is for parents to discuss how best to utilize the vacant room and to plan and prepare ahead of time; some may wish to wait a few months, just in case the child unexpectedly returns. Others may decide to box and store the child's possessions and move on from this point.

One other consideration involves the reason for the move-out itself: if a child is going off to college, he likely will not return for at least a semester; it may be wise to wait until that time has passed. If the child is moving into his "own" place, and is financially and emotionally prepared, it may be less likely that he return.

It really comes down to a simple matter of preferences and accounting for emotions and practicality. Parents know the child, the situation, and have their own lives as well - it's not all about the child, after all.

Create a Handy Storage System by Your Back Door, Yout front door... any entry way...to eliminate clutter.

2011-03-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

Below are ideas I copied from a website I found...the link is below for you clicking pleasure!

Is your entry a mess? Are you tired of stepping on backpacks on your way to the garage? Does your family need an organized place to store outerwear, purses, and keys? Then this entryway storage system is for you -- no separate mudroom required! You'll only need an afternoon to re-create this assortment of storage solutions by your back door.

Question:

I can’t seem to keep my mud room/laundry area organized. It is the pass through to our garage and gets a lot of use. Any suggestions?

Answer:

The mud room/laundry room is a high traffic area and is often used for many different functions such as:

•Laundry

•Hang Keys

•Charge Cell Phones

•Briefcase, Backpack or Purse Drop-Off Area

•Shoe Storage

•Pet accessories (leash, grooming supplies, etc.)

•Mail Drop-Off

Typically the size of this room runs small, which can create an even bigger dilemma. How do you create a multi-function room within a limited space and keep it organized:

•Determine The Functions of The Room:

More specifically, what is this room used for? Take a look at the list above and add or subtract as needed.

•Eliminate The Clutter:

You were afraid that this part was coming right? You know that there is a few if not many items in this room that either don't belong there, or aren't being used and you must get rid of them! Either toss, donate or sell. Refer to Toss or Keep Guidelines .

•Utilize Existing Storage or Invest in New:

Does this room have existing cupboards or shelves? If so, then definitely utilize this. Otherwise, if you need additional space, you will need to invest in storage to help create this multi-use room.

Consider These Great Storage Ideas:

•Slim Laundry Cart :

This is very slim, and fits in between your washer and dryer - a smart way to utilize that empty space.

•Over Washer/Dryer Storage Shelf :

Affordable and functional - you can't be that!

•Wall Cubby w/Hooks :

This is a good idea if you don't have the room for a hall tree (see below) but you need it for similar functions (hang jackets, store everyday used items, etc.)

•Over The Door Storage Rack :

Although this is intended for CDs & DVDs, it can be used to hold items that you need to remember to take with you: lunch, laundry, mail, books, etc. And, it allows you to utilize an existing space (back of the door) that we don't normally consider using.

•Expanding Coat Rack :

This is great to hang up jackets, umbrellas and pet supplies (collars, leashes).

•Stacking Cubes :

I love this idea, and if you have the wall space it is a great idea to store a number of different items, such as briefcases, outgoing laundry, kid's school supplies and accessories, etc.

•Entryway Organizer : Also know as a Hall Tree, this is on the pricey side, but it is the perfect all-in-one storage and the depth is small which won't take up too much space.

•Cleaning/Laundry Organization Kit :

Great for laundry/cleaning needs and well priced.

•Entryway Organizer :

Another great option for a Hall Tree.

•Key/Mail Organizer :

There are a number of styles and affordable prices that will help prevent you from looking all over the house for your keys! And, remind you to mail those important bills/letters.

•Cell Phone Charger Station :

Never leave the house without your cell phone or electronic devices again with these affordable and useful chargers.

The bottom line is that in order to keep this room organized, you must be diligent about the following tasks:

•Eliminating clutter

•Designate storage for certain tasks: For example, Laundry supplies in one cabinet, cleaning supplies in another cabinet and kid's stuff altogether.

•Always put things back where they belong

ttp://personalorganizing.about.com/od/getorganizedtoday/a/mudroom.htm

Spring Cleaning ( Thanks Martha Stewart)

2011-03-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

Did you know, the concept of spring-cleaning comes from the days when households relied on wood-burning stoves to heat their homes? On the first warm day of spring, a thorough cleaning was conducted to remove the ash and soot left behind.

Thankfully, modern heating has eliminated that problem, but the idea of spring-cleaning has remained. When it comes time to spring-clean, I fill a plastic bucket with essential cleaning tools that can be carried from room to room. ... It's a 2 Bitches thing.

Call us today for your free estimate on your spring cleaning!

CLUTTER FREE FOREVER

2011-03-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

I could tell you a lot about clutter...

...get rid of what you don't need or use...
...find a place for everything...
...and so on.

You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits of clutter clearing simply by imaging your life free of all the negative effects of clutter that we've explored in the past two issues of this newsletter: lack of focus and clarity; feelings of being professionally, creatively, spiritually, and/or romantically stuck; insufficient time and attention for self and family; increased stress, irritability and depression. Wouldn't it be great to be free of all these?

No matter what other factors may be dragging you down, I guarantee you that clearing your clutter will dramatically improve your mood and energy. And then any other problems you are confronting won't seem quite so bad.

When you first start clutter clearing you may be surprised at the emotions triggered by the simple act of dealing with your stuff. You think you're just cleaning out your home, but what you're really doing is rooting around in dusty corners of your psyche and coming eyeball-to-eyeball with unresolved business from the past. The personal relics that lurk within your clutter - college papers, family memorabilia, detritus from a long-dead marriage - can be easier to ignore than to carry to the dump, which is why they've been haunting the back of your closet for so many years.

As you persevere with clutter clearing a moment will come when you realize how much lighter and happier you feel. In the process of coping with your clutter, you've reconnected with your inner self, with dreams and wishes long ignored. Those you've outgrown can be released with a fond smile. Those that make your heart leap with recognition and longing... well, now you have the space, time, and energy to pursue them.

Clutter clearing gets you out of your rut. It shakes loose frozen aspects of your soul and allows them to journey into your heart where they belong and where you can listen to and act upon them.

Eventually, you will find yourself turning to clutter clearing instead of aspirin or caffeine when you notice that you're not as clear-headed, focused or insightful as you'd like to be. If you're feeling lethargic and don't want to exercise, you'll know to examine whether you've allowed a zone of stagnation to creep in around the couch (where you are most likely to be having lazy thoughts in the first place). If you can't seem to decide on priorities for your business, you'll realize it's time to clear off the desk and catch up on paperwork. And if you're not eating as well as you should, you'll remember that clearing off the kitchen counter and cleaning out the fridge will help get your eating habits back on track.

What this all boils down to is that managing your clutter helps you feel like less of a victim and puts you back in control of your moods and your life. You have greater confidence in your abilities and decisions, so you feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future. You respect yourself more, and will probably find that other people treat you better as well. You feel less stressed, and have more courage to try and do new things. You stop turning to material objects to make you happy, because you are content with less.

Clearing out your clutter creates space for possibility. You may find yourself deciding to go back to school, change your career, start your own business, go out on a date, take up painting or singing or ballroom dancing, try out for a part in a play, or... what's your dream? (No wonder clutter clearing can be a little scary! Suddenly there are no more excuses for why you can't pursue that dream.)

Your friends will say you look terrific. They'll wonder where that sparkle in your eye came from, and how you manage to look both energized and serene at the same time. It's because you have released from your life everything that is no longer useful to you. You have let go of the past and are no longer hoarding for the future. You have made space for living freely in the present, where peace resides.

( I may have posted this awhile ago..bear with me...I am working on a new blog! Love ya readers!!)

My Son has another love, and it's not grandma!

2010-08-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

As parents, we are not very comfortable not knowing what is going on in our child’s life. But as your teen starts to date, you will need to take a step back and not try to know ‘everything’. You may at first have a hard time and feel like something is wrong. That is normal – your parenting role is changing. Change always feels awkward at first. On the other hand, your teenager may want to chat about the experience. He/she may have some questions to ask. If so, make yourself available. But remember to try not to ‘read into’ any of the questions and begin prying. (copied from another site)

Wednesday July 7, 2010

2010-07-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

I found this information online, and copied it....interesting stuff.
How to Minimize Dust in the House

Whether you have allergies, asthma, or nothing at all, you should make an effort to minimize the dust in your home. Even if only for friends and other guests, keeping a dust-free home will minimize breathing trouble, allergies, and a generally unkept look. Keep reading for some basic tips on how to minimize the dust in your home or office.

Central Filter is Key

Many people choose to save a little money and go with a cheap, throw-away air-filter. These filters, however, do not do a proper job of protecting you and your family from harmful airborne particles. Instead, choose a newer, more modern filter. This will not only protect you by catching and holding onto much more of the dust, but they will also last much longer than other, cheaper filters.

Clean Consistently

One of the most common ways to build dust in your home or office is to avoid cleaning in general. Even a light dusting once or twice a week is vastly better than just letting it accumulate. If you have the time, be sure to clean and wipe down your furniture, countertops, electronics, and other stationary items. Don’t forget to check hard-to-reach places like cabinets, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Utilizing newer dusters will help you to accumulate the dust on the duster instead of just brushing it into the air.

Keep it Outside!

One of the most dangerous types of house dust commonly found in homes is the dust that gets in from outdoors through air leaks. To get into the house, a lot of air must pass through areas that can be dangerously full of contaminated pollutants. Because you could also be losing significant amounts of money on cooling and heating your home, it would be wise to have an infiltrometer door test done to your home to find any leaks.

Vacuum

Although you might group this with cleaning, consistently vacuuming is important all on its own. Because the floors are where most dust settles, it is constantly being moved around and kicked into the air and into your lungs. Using your vacuum on a weekly basis is necessary if you are trying to lower the amount of dust particles in your home or office. No matter what kind of vacuum you are using, be sure to cover all areas whether they are carpeted or not. Dust can collect anywhere! Also, it is wise to utilize the attachements that come with your vacuum. Using them, you can actually reduce dust in hard-to-reach areas of your home such as on top of tall cabinets and appliances, fabrics like curtains, and even the ceiling fan.

Change Your Sheets

The bed is one of the most common places for dust to collect, in part because of the shedding of human skin cells throughout the night. You must keep in mind that even though you don't see it, it can still be there. To lower your dust count, change your sheets and pillowcases on a weekly basis. Brush and dust off blankets, cleaning them occasionally as well.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-minimize-dust-in-the-house#ixzz0szue3OJk

Summer Storage tips for a small space

2010-07-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

"A place for everything and everything in its place." Wouldn't that be ideal? In the perfect home you'd have a place to put everything where it would either look beautiful or be out of sight until you needed it.

If you have more "things" than you have space you'll find some great storage ideas here. You'll get suggestions for making the most of the space you have and find ways to create storage areas where you might not have thought.

Instead of opening a cupboard and finding a pile of things that do not go there, you can be so organized in your home that you could open a cupboard or door and find exactly what you're looking for. When you're finished using the item, you would be able to open the door again and put the item back. Case closed! Storage should be easy. Is it easy in your home?

Or are you just waiting to move into the more perfect home that will have more closets, a bigger garage or attic, or perfect built-in storage?

Don't wait for a day that may never come. Use some of our storage tips and strategies right now to get your things in order.

You should start your storage project by deciding what you really need in each room.

Everything that you don't need should be moved out of the room. Either throw it away, give it away, or move it into the garage or basement, out of sight.

Once you've decided what you really want and need in each room, look around the room for areas of storage. Is there any open, empty space? Don't just look on tables or closets. Look up, look down, under, and next to - your furniture, your bed, your closets, your cupboards. Any open space can be potential storage space for you.

For example, do you see an open space in a china cabinet, under a sofa table, or under an entry table? Use this space to stack wooden chests, beautifully covered cardboard boxes, or lidded baskets to store memorabilia, magazines, family photos, games, videos or computer disks.

•Look Up

There is probably nothing higher than 5 feet in your room, but there's lots of space above. Install shelves 12" to 18" below the ceiling to display collectibles, plants, hats, or photos. (Note: You can buy ready-made shelves and mounting brackets at any building supply store. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, be sure to use a sticky wax product to hold your collectibles in place.)

•Over the Window

Mount a shelf above the windows of the room for displaying things you don't use but love to look at.

•Wall Space

Find standard open wall shelves of any size at a home improvement center for an inexpensive storage solution for books and decorative objects. A structured wall unit or entertainment center can house books and electronic equipment and provides space for decorative displays. If you're going to stay in your home for a while, you might want to invest in custom-made shelves or cabinets. Any of these solutions gives lots of storage space without protruding too much into the living area.

•Behind Closed Doors

It's ideal not to have to look at the things you're storing, unless they're decorative. Increase available storage space by enclosing shelves and cupboards behind doors. Instead of using an open one, choose a bookcase with doors. A 12" deep shelving unit gives great storage without taking up much floor space. Choose a table for the end of a sofa or beside a bed that has a closed base with drawers or shelves rather than spindly open legs. Find a knee-hole desk with drawers for files and office items rather than an open writing desk.

Return order to your Kitchen

2010-03-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Keeping your kitchen hassel free may seem overwhelming at times. If your like me, in my own kitchen...I often say to myself -"no one is gonna look behind closed doors"... here's the problem with that....are you a no one? While putting away dishes, and pantry items, we look...and it bothers us. What bothers me the most is that I could spend time organizing my kitchen cabinets, only to have another family member come home, empty the dishwasher, and it seems like another tornando hit the drawers again! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the help, but my family needs a lesson in organizing as well...if only they would read my blog!

Real Simple magazine is an easy read, and often has great tips to help us get and stay organized. They released a book called "The Organized Home"...it breaks down room by room in the house and offfers suggestions on cleaning and clearing your junk.

No More Wire Hangers!!!

2010-03-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

After coming out of the closet (no pun intended) several times this week, I have hangers on my mind. Joan's fierce cry of "No more wire hangers ever!" quickly worked its way into my head.
The wire hanger, which has a simple loop of wire, most often steel, in a flattened triangle shape that continues into a hook at the top....continues to drive me crazy. Crazy no more Tara!!!
I have to thank my fabulous client Jackie for this. She presented me with the huggable hanger by Joy Mangano, bought online through the home shopping network. You have seen similar hangers at Target, or Bed, Bath & Beyond...buyer beware...not the same!!!
I have a new love...GOODBYE plastic, wire, and wood!

Fashion Swaps for your old frocks!!

2010-03-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

After re-organizing many closets, taking items to Revente, Curious closet, and Goodwill...I have leftovers!!!

With the rising cost of fashion, it makes more sense to recycle your old clothes with friends. One persons trash, is another persons treasure. It's a great way to get "new-to-you" clothing and accessories, and clean out your closet at the same time.

Do remember, you will need a home for the the items you have swapped.

The rules for a Fashion frock swap are as follows:

1. Make a list, include several groups of like size people.
2. Ask guests to bring at least 5 items to swap, including make-up, handbags, shoes, books, jewelry...anything that one would sell at a yard sale. But keep it simple!
3. Clothing should be on hangers and in good condition. Separate items by categories, such as value type and size.
4. Stage a full length mirror near the swap area, so others can comment on items tried on...in an effort for one not to bring home items they will never use.
5. Have refreshments, and snacks available...usually BYO...and play funky music that reflects a retail store. Music always sets the mood!

(Any items that are not swapped, are in good condition, and in season, try taking them to Revente 803.256.3076 for consignment. Then donate the rest to your local Goodwill.)

Edit your closet like a pro...or be a slave to your wardrobe!!!

2010-03-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

If there are things hanging in your closet that you haven't worn for years, chances are you won't!

There are exceptions-of course...any classic staple such as evening wear, might loaf around for a year or two with out an occasion to wear it.

Rule #1...If you try it on, and take it off right away after looking in the mirror...DUMP IT!!!

Try to stay organized by keeping a box, bag, or basket that you know is you DUMP center. This way, when you purchase new items you will have room, and you never have to see the piece again. Out of sight out of mind!

Rule #2...Professional wardrobe consultants and closet organizers have specific principles that help them help YOU let go of the emotional attachment you may have for an item.

Rule#3...KEEP, DUMP, DONATE!!!!

To really clean out your closet, I follow these 3 simple steps. Free your mind, and transform your space by letting go!!!

"I'll get around to it"... equals procrastionation!

2010-03-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

Overwhelmed by piles of papers... on the kitchen counter, in the closet, on your desk, on the floor, the coffee table, the side table...etc?

I have to admit...my office (not quite this bad) has piles of papers that I really don't need. I make excuses just like everyone such as...I will get a round to it. Do you know what a round to it is?

Well...here is your official round tuit...My Favorite Aunt...Aunt Tippie (Emma) had one hanging on her wall in the kitchen when I was a little girl...I know this image is small, but it reads...

"This is Round Tuit. Guard it with your life as tuits are hard to come by. This is an indispensable item. It will help you become a more efficient worker. For years we have heard people say ...I'll do when I get a round tuit-now that you have one you can accomplish all those things you put aside until you get a round tuit."

Often I, as a professional organizer and a domestic engineer...I'll get a round tuit is a common phrase I use in my own home...today that will change...no more excuses!

CLUTTER

2010-03-12T09:23:00.001-08:00

Clearing out your clutter creates space for possibility. You may find yourself deciding to go back to school, change your career, start your own business, go out on a date, take up painting or singing or ballroom dancing, try out for a part in a play, or... what's your dream? (No wonder clutter clearing can be a little scary! Suddenly there are no more excuses for why you can't pursue that dream.)

Your friends will say you look terrific. They'll wonder where that sparkle in your eye came from, and how you manage to look both energized and serene at the same time. It's because you have released from your life everything that is no longer useful to you. You have let go of the past and are no longer hoarding for the future. You have made space for living freely in the present, where peace resides.

Freaky Friday...

2010-03-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Updated website
www.2bitchesonabroom.com

Wasted Space equals dead space

2010-03-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

NO NO NO..... You do not need a larger house with bigger closets!!!
Purchasing another bookcase is not going to solve you problems either.
We all have more storage than we think, and everyone has space they are not using...I call this "DEAD SPACE"...if you see empty air, you have more than enough space.
TRY... utilizing your dead space by storing tall or bulky items on top of shelves in closets or in your pantry. Hang shallow racks from shelves to fit flat items, such as placemats or napkins, use containers (clear) that stack and flush. Remember to keep it simple in an effort to not loose you mind looking and searching, and making more of a mess.
When you use storage containers (clear)...give your items breathing room. I say this because so many people cram stuff into containers as if it were a suitcase you are taking overseas.

Thinking vertical

2010-03-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Piling papers forces you to dig around to find what your looking for like a cat digs in a litter box!!!
Stacking papers like a deck of cards is a BIG FAT NO NO...try vertical thinking.
Storing papers with a hanging file system allows you to know what you have...no need to shuffle. Keep it simple!

Magic wands and tiaras...I can't help it!

2010-03-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

After a morning of re-organizing a little girls dressing room, wearing a princess crown the entire time, and channeling my inner child, I felt like playing dress up also... only my clothes are not so fun anymore. So I stopped at Revente on the way home.
Getting creative with a small space is not an easy task, but it can be done. The trick for the budget concious is utilizing what you have to make the most out of the space.
Turn on some music, have a diet coke, empty the space, and put it all back. Simple???

Chonicles of a domestic engineer SUNDAY thoughts

2010-03-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

No matter what may be going on in your life, clearing your clutter can considerably free your mind and your space. When your space is cluttered, your mind is cluttered. Do you often tell yourself “I can’t get organized because I have too much stuff?” Clearly, there is a problem with this excuse.
Clutter is silent and sneaky. You have come face-to-face with your enemy, yourself.
Opening this door allows you to feel emotions triggered by your past.
You have an attic, a storage shed, a basement, cabinets, a coat closet, a linen closet, 4-6 clothes closets, and now you’re aggravated. You day to day routine does not allow you the time to tackle all of this. You are overwhelmed, period. You think you need to go shopping for storage bins and trendy organizing tools to assist you. Stop right there. You are creating more of a mess.

The problem is not finding a home for all of this stuff; the problem is the homes for all of your stuff are filled with other stuff. Relics from the past, old photos, piles of paper, need I say more? You are too busy moving items from room to room to collect your thoughts and truly get and stay organized.

First, begin with a plan of attack. Make a short and sweet to-do list. This list should include the problem areas that haunt you. Find some bins lying around the house, at least 3, and label them: KEEP, DUMP, and DONATE.
Then, work and sort your way around the room clockwise, putting items in their designated box. This is a simple act of dealing with your stuff, you may think you are just cleaning, but what you are really doing is rooting around in dusty corners of your psyche.

Best & worst organizing tools: de-clutter

2010-03-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

According to Womans day magazine, here is a list of the best and worst organizing tools:
BEST...
1. Hanging sweater & shoe bags...for closets.
2. Plastic drawer boxes...for cabinets and under beds.
3. A label maker...to mark shelves, bins, and folders.
4. Clear storage containers...that stack and fit flush.
5. Helper shelves... that expand and stack.
6. Wall Calander...with a pocket for each month.

WORST...
1. Bulletin boards...they look cluttered and hide you to do lists.
2. Accordian files...rarely do they have the correct number of slots or labels for your personal needs.
3. Opaque storage containers...dah, you can can't see through them.
4. Hampers with lids...most kids & adults don't bother to open the lid to place clothing inside, it ends up on the floor. ( although they look nicer)
5. Horizontal trays...they become black holes for incoming papers.

Time to de-clutter! But when you are looking over mounds of stuff in your space, it is very hard to know where to start and what to do first.
One of the mistakes I have made in the past....I went shopping for organizing materials pre-declutter. BIG MISTAKE! This added to my mess, and confused me. So I suggest the box method ie: get boxes, label as follows....
1. KEEP
2. DUMP
3. DONATE
(optional)
4. FIX
5. MAYBE
6. ARCHIVE

Any thoughts on this? post a comment and I will try to help!!!

After the Queen of clean: Project Wildewood

2010-03-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Try diving up spaces. Put loose items in piles...I use large Tupperware containers and I suggest that my clients purchase stacking plastic drawers.
I like to start by clearing the entire space ie: NO REALLY...take everything off of the shelves, out of the drawers, etc...it sounds like alot of work, but TRUST ME. Putting everything away gives you the chance to sort through the items, and then you can decide what to keep and what to toss. I found large stoe-all bags, sort of like sandwich bags on steroids, at Dollar tree... they are great for small toys!!!

another before photo of this mornings adventure

2010-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bear with me I am new to this blogging thing...Look at this mess!

Project Wildewood continued....

2010-03-05T12:47:00.001-08:00

Letting things spread and multiply equals tossing a bunch of things into a large open space, it starts to multiply, like gremlins. All you end up with is a bigger pile of mixed up junk. Look at this photo..for example.

Opps... #1 organizing mistake & Project Wildewood

2010-03-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

3/4/10....
Let's face it: when it comes to organizing, most of us must be making mistakes. We stack papers in neat piles and buy clever orgainizing tools, but still chaos and clutter reign. SO WHAT ARE WE DOING WRONG?
The experts say...PLENTY!
In fact, many of the things we do to get organized actually work against us. Find out which moves might be keeping you from getting-and staying-organized, and what we can do to to fix this instead. Follow my OPPS for the next few blogs, post a comment if you can relate.

OPPS #1.....Telling yourself "I'll put it here for now."
It's so easy to stash items wherever you can find a spot for them, and I am so guilty of this in my own house.....dah-and this is what I do for a living? Don't put the turkey platter in the linen closet, or the screwdriver under the sink....you can't find them the next time you look, and off to the store to buy another, and BAM.....you now have 10.
TRY storing the same items in the same place....I know...it sounds sooooooooo easy, NOT!
In the mist of our day....kids, work, dishes in the sink, dogs etc... we....as domestic engineers, move so fast while multi-tasking.... often, we think "Out of site, out of mind, i'll just put this here for now." -(in the junk drawer- I have 2 in my kitchen) UGGGGGGGGGGG....and every time I open that drawer it irks the shit out me. You all know what I am talking about!

Today-Project Wildewood:
This morning I will tackle a playroom that belongs to 3 little girls...this room is only a fraction of disaster....the rest of the home looks like a bomb hit....or 10. Yesterday- I went to assess the sitch....and got so overwhelmed by pink and purple dress up clothes, barbies, hair ties, and little girl stuff...I almost had an anxiety attack, and left....needless to say I am ready to do this today. I thought long and hard about where I am going to start....I am taking everything out of this room, and putting it all back...in it's place. It's a start....I will post some before and after photos while I am there to show you what is involved. Pray for me!

Sleepless in Columbia

2010-03-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

March 3, 2010

Last night was one of those nights I wish I had picked up my ambien RX at CVS...instead I put it off because...well let's get honest, I was being a cheap ass. Sooooooooooooooo...needless to say I napped last night.
9pm...tried to fall asleep
1030pm...went to smoke,, cuddled on couch...saw snow outside...thought about taking a photo, but I was to0 tired.
230am...went to smoke again, snow was melting already.
430am...smoked again, ate cereal, kissed husband goodbye (he went to work)
609am...alarm went off DAMNIT!!! Snooze......................
At this point I said "SCREW IT"...slept until 945am....my 4th grader was still home-SHIT! My fault.
I picked up my RX this afternoon. That's what I get for being cheap.

Tuesday: equals a sense of good humor.

2010-03-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

March 2, 1010

I read in a magazine at Dano's pizza last night:
"Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health."
....then ...on 104.7 wnok this morning - I heard Ace & TJ talk about women that have in their minds (subconsciously) that after marriage or moving in with with a man, they gain a lot of weight. After working so hard to get your man by staying in shape, mani's & pedi's, hair did, and keeping up with fashion.
They said this is due to becoming more involved in your home, spending less time with friends, and not exercising as much.
While the man keeps his routine ie: eating the same, going to the gym, etc....
I beg to differ.
After talking to my good friend Margo on many occasions, we have discussed the importance of maintaining yourself as a woman ....well...TO KEEP YOUR MAN!!!
Ladies, have a sense of humor, but not while you are finishing a box of GOOD HUMOR.

My First Blog

2010-03-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Another case of the Mondays...3/1/10:
Wake up late, coffee not strong enough.....
The computer freezes, pop-ups appear, the dog needs to go out, dishes are in the sink, empty sprite bottles are on the kitchen counter, accompanied with traces of uncooked ramen noodle pieces trailing to the microwave, and the disposal is clogged again.
Often I run circles around myself with the best intentions of "cleaning my own house"....unfortunatly...I have to do this for free, which means I half ass my own and not yours.