Living Clean

January 2010 Blog Posts (11)

Well here I go again with Spring into Spring! I think it's been a good idea to print off the Spring into Spring Challenge and to use it again and again. I use it in combination with the Boost Circuit…

Well here I go again with Spring into Spring! I think it's been a good idea to print off the Spring into Spring Challenge and to use it again and again. I use it in combination with the Boost Circuit and the Take 5 daily missions, and this seems to make a big difference.

I am able to accomplish a lot without even thinking about it! The routines are almost becoming automatic...

If I go a couple of days without doing anything, it isn't too hard to get back into doing the challenges, and… Continue

Added by Fee on January 30, 2010 at 4:22am — 2 Comments

Reorganising filing cabinets

I gave away a full sized photocopier and the relief is enormous - such an opening up of empty space.

The house is coming on - but is still a long way off dazzling.

Today I am clearing a wooden filing cabinet - one of those little ones that fits under the desk.

It is in the area by the piano and I am going to bring it out of there and put it where the photocopier was - to sort - but ultimately it can go out. It could go up to Ronaldo's room or could go under my… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 17, 2010 at 5:00am — No Comments

Memo for myself about future blog posts

My blogging has been quite active for the last couple of days. That's because so many things have been cancelled in the snow that I have had some extra time in the house and as I spent a lot of the holidays working on this and it all started to come together, I have just decided to push it to the next level. On Monday though, I have loads of meetings and functions starting again, so I won't be able to do this. But I hope to keep up the basic method of making a circuit of the house and… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 10, 2010 at 7:30am — 1 Comment

Menu plans - the lazy way

I have been to Sparkpeople and downloaded 2 menu plans. One is for 'this week' and one is for 'next week'. I have also recorded my weight and measurements etc. The good news is, I am losing weight again.

I have been quite tempted by some menu-planning software, but I can't buy anything at the moment because of my deep financial crisis. However, they do have free menu-reading software and free menu-reading books and free menu books. One day when my finances are better I could buy it -… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 10, 2010 at 5:00am — No Comments

What I found under the sink

Under the sink was not too bad, at least from the organisational point of view. I must have tidied it at some point or maybe someone else did.

It was really quite tidy.

All the shoe shining stuff has disappeared, from under the sink though, and I think this may have gone into the cupboard next door to the sink. This next door cupboard is a totally different matter - it is terribly untidy, crammed to the gills with miscellaneous stuff and spare lightbulbs that I can't find… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 10, 2010 at 4:30am — No Comments

Feeling of real Progress

When I think of my 'cleaning journey' if that is the right word, I am reminded of the saying: 'The darkest hour comes before the dawn'. I have been cleaning away and felt there was no progress for ages. Then I felt really down about it - but now it feels as though there has been a big shift and everything is moving forward again.

It is as if you hit rock bottom before the shift comes.

The biggest thing that is improving this time is that the channel is there for the… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 9, 2010 at 4:45am — No Comments

Getting a better flow

I am starting to get a better sense of flow - and have made great progress on the bedroom today - a large area of floor has now appeared. Some stuff has gone back there, but it looks a lot neater, at least it is in bags and tucked away.

Last week I cleared and sorted the drawers that hold most of my current clothing.

Today I have revisited these drawers and also the crazy piles of clothing.

I have sorted the coathangers and have hung up those things that need… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 8, 2010 at 10:25am — No Comments

The NTL man cometh

Today there is a beneficial crisis that may take my housekeeping agenda forward.

The NTL man cometh and the box sitteth in my bedroom area.

This means I have to clear that area so he can reach it to fix the TV.

Yesterday I removed a large printer that was sitting in that area.

There is some linen there and this has gone onto the bed, but must go back in linen cupboard.

The excitement mounts as I have taken some junk out of there - including… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 8, 2010 at 7:52am — No Comments

Today's big emergency clearing

I am now sorting the stuff that has come from the bedroom floor. Most of it will quickly slot into - washing paper or other category - so just doing a quick sort of this and allocating it all where it goes and then going back to vacuum the floor there. I will keep this ongoing post - recording as I clear. I am quite excited today and have renewed energy for this job.

I've hung the washing out - to make room for more - there is deep snow, but the sun is out and it might dry a bit or… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 8, 2010 at 7:30am — No Comments

Start the New Year Out Right

This year I seem to be having a slow start in getting organized for the new year or doing my regular pass at decluttering projects. It's in a large part because of a project we're doing in the kitchen - putting on our new wood counter top.

What a process this has been - actually a year in the making since we had originally been going for granite or something for last Christmas.

This is a LOT cheaper and just as nice, if not nicer. More about that… Continue

Added by Jan Ferrante on January 3, 2010 at 7:48am — No Comments

Frustration of getting nowhere

Progress is very slow - but I need to take more photos and to keep reminding myself of tangible signs of progress.

Peter brought a load of stuff down from the loft - which was a complication as things were getting a lot tidier.

However, it was good to get some progress on the loft - which is supposed to be cleared by March.

I started to sort out my bedroom - which became badly cluttered again when I chucked a load of stuff in there for Peter's… Continue

Added by Louise Lotz on January 2, 2010 at 5:45pm — 1 Comment