I'm still creating and crafting. I decided this year to move my Creative blog out separate from my general ramblings so that I had more freedom and confidence. I don't have to be so exposed on the Creative Blog as I do here. My crafty aquaintances can view my work and not my E N T I R E life.
So...where did it go? My Craftiness and Creativity have a new home at leslierahye.blogspot.com. I have become part of weekly challenges, will be being in some blog hops and a number of other creative adventures will begin occuring over there. Follow me on my new path to a VERY Creative 2011. Here's to new habits! Cheers!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Flying in week 2--remembering it's B A B Y S T E P S
This weekend held some fly baby challenges but I think I'm recovering nicely. Tonight my dishes are washed and my sink is shiny. While I'm still a ways away from doing missions and detailed lists, I am plugging through my 15 minutes a day decluttering and working diligently in my kitchen. This didn't get this way in 1 month...I know it will take time to undo. I am prepared for that. really really. This is the week for my control journal. I am a calendar junkie--love them love having MANY of them...I am ready to put my calendar in my control journal, however I'm at "Put paper in notebook" [insert picture of me with no smile-ha!].
This too shall pass. I will get a calendar in my Control Journal soon enough. It's a process...it's about the process.
I listened to the founder of Fly Lady talk today about why it was/is important to get dressed to laceup shoes each day. I found that really thought-provoking. I love a good jammie day like the next person, but I promise to on at least one of my free weekend days where I really don't have to go anywhere to follow the fly-lady plan, after all what I have been doing wasn't working really well, was it? ok...off to being creative!
This too shall pass. I will get a calendar in my Control Journal soon enough. It's a process...it's about the process.
I listened to the founder of Fly Lady talk today about why it was/is important to get dressed to laceup shoes each day. I found that really thought-provoking. I love a good jammie day like the next person, but I promise to on at least one of my free weekend days where I really don't have to go anywhere to follow the fly-lady plan, after all what I have been doing wasn't working really well, was it? ok...off to being creative!
Simplify the Holidays| A Christmas Story
I am aware it's not Christmas, nor is it near the holiday season, but I came across this today when reading Ali Edwards blog about what inspires her. I love her style and her focus and enjoy reading her blog from time to time. It's interesting to learn what inspires those who inspire us. She posted this link when talking about her December Daily--a month-long daily photo journal of December.
This December, out of necessity partly and out of desire mainly, I decided to make presents for the children and family. My parents especially appreciate when I give of myself and so to do my children. I did not get as far as I had hoped in completing their gifts and still have gifts to make. BUT, I did get something handmade to each family member and that in itself lit the spark that shall fuel my fire for this year. It is my intent to have a 100% handmade holidays from me this year. There. I said it outloud. I wrote it on my blog. It's out there, in print...now I'm responsible.
Additionally to handmade gifts this past season, my children and I covered our tree in handmade treasures, garland included. We've enjoyed this so much that we will continue over this year making more handmade ornaments for next years tree. I'm glad we spent more time this year on each other and the joy of the season rather than run ourselves crazy with the commercialism of it all.
Read this post below, be prepared to cry. And I hope you find for yourself a place for sanity in your season next year.
Simplify the Holidays A Christmas Story
This December, out of necessity partly and out of desire mainly, I decided to make presents for the children and family. My parents especially appreciate when I give of myself and so to do my children. I did not get as far as I had hoped in completing their gifts and still have gifts to make. BUT, I did get something handmade to each family member and that in itself lit the spark that shall fuel my fire for this year. It is my intent to have a 100% handmade holidays from me this year. There. I said it outloud. I wrote it on my blog. It's out there, in print...now I'm responsible.
Additionally to handmade gifts this past season, my children and I covered our tree in handmade treasures, garland included. We've enjoyed this so much that we will continue over this year making more handmade ornaments for next years tree. I'm glad we spent more time this year on each other and the joy of the season rather than run ourselves crazy with the commercialism of it all.
Read this post below, be prepared to cry. And I hope you find for yourself a place for sanity in your season next year.
Simplify the Holidays A Christmas Story
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Flying by Baby Steps
So...Day 3 of the week...I've shined my sink [see details below] and go to bed everynight with nary a dish in the sink. I've spent 15 minutes a day decluttering my Dining Room--Entrance had been recently done for Christmas and Dining Room--Which also serves as the office/Scrapping room right now needed it more!
I think I'm supposed to weigh the crap I get rid of--tonight it's 2 big paper boxes full and a small stack of clothes of the kids that no longer fit. I have 1 box of sorted stuff waiting on a home and 1 "tote" of stuff also waiting on a home...it seems the "yarn/ribbon" holder that I had hoped would work is NOT working--too small...esp since I visually have at least 1 more of those to easily fill! ha!
NOW....the Clean House [Style TV] junkie would say, oh, well let's cut that down...This is why NO ONE BETTER EVER CALL CLEAN HOUSE ON ME...I USE this stuff and it is going NO WHERE and NO ONE has asked for it too! HA! ok...that being said, I need a container, and a better ribbon system.
I get dressed every morning because...well I have to go to work!
I logged into the strange little fly lady thingy that's supposed to keep me updated with daily notes.
I joined the online calendar at Cozi.com which is pretty cool. I love calendars!
So...all in all, I'm doing swell...for 3 days in! :)
Shining Your Sink 101 from http://www.flylady.com/ website
I think I'm supposed to weigh the crap I get rid of--tonight it's 2 big paper boxes full and a small stack of clothes of the kids that no longer fit. I have 1 box of sorted stuff waiting on a home and 1 "tote" of stuff also waiting on a home...it seems the "yarn/ribbon" holder that I had hoped would work is NOT working--too small...esp since I visually have at least 1 more of those to easily fill! ha!
NOW....the Clean House [Style TV] junkie would say, oh, well let's cut that down...This is why NO ONE BETTER EVER CALL CLEAN HOUSE ON ME...I USE this stuff and it is going NO WHERE and NO ONE has asked for it too! HA! ok...that being said, I need a container, and a better ribbon system.
I get dressed every morning because...well I have to go to work!
I logged into the strange little fly lady thingy that's supposed to keep me updated with daily notes.
I joined the online calendar at Cozi.com which is pretty cool. I love calendars!
So...all in all, I'm doing swell...for 3 days in! :)
Shining Your Sink 101 from http://www.flylady.com/ website
Note: Follow this procedure the first time you shine your sink. You do NOT need to follow this method everyday. Just keep up the shine with a little window cleaner.
Dear Friends,
I want you to smile from ear to ear when you gaze upon your shiny sink.
I have heard every excuse in the world. Even old sinks can look new again with a little elbow grease.
Here is how you do it:
BE SURE AND RINSE WELL BETWEEN EACH STEP OF THE WAY!
Now if you have a stainless steel sink, I recommend all of the above directions with one extra instruction added: after you soak your sink, rinse well, and use SOS pads to scrub it. This will buff the finish. It will look like new.
- Take all the dishes out of the sink.
- Run some very hot water into the sink. Fill to the rim. Only do one side at a time. Then, pour a cup of household bleach into the hot water. Let it sit for 1 hour. Now, pull the plug with a pair of tongs. If you don't have tongs, then scoop some of the water out of the sink into the other sink and use your hand to pull the plug (wear gloves and don't get the bleach-water on your clothes).
- Rinse your sink well.
- Use some cleanser (Comet, Ajax, or Baking Soda) and scrub your sink. Ensure you rinse ALL of the cleanser from the sink.
- Take a sharp edge and clean around the rim of the sink, just like you would clean dirt out from under your fingernails.
- Clean around the faucets too. You may need an old toothbrush or dental floss.
- Now, get out your window cleaner, I use Windex, and give it a good shine.
- If you still don't like the way it looks, then you could try some car wax. Just know in your heart that you have cleaned it very well now and it doesn't have to be perfect. Our perfectionism is what got us in this situation in the first place.
- Every time you run water in your sink, take your clean dishtowel and dry it out (I lay out a clean one, every night with my before bedtime routine). Before you know it, you will be doing this everytime you leave your kitchen. The rest of the family will too. No more water spots. You will have a clean and shiny sink.
- Don't have a fit if someone doesn't take as much pride in your sink as you do. It is very easy to fix. You have already done the hard part. You will never have to go through this process again. Daily maintenance will keep it looking this way all the time. Nasty hurtful word are not as easy to repair. Just be sure and tell your family what you are trying to do. They will think you have gone crazy.
- If you don't have a dishwasher, don't worry. A dishwasher is just a dirty dish disposal. Clean out a place under your sink and put a dishpan in there. Teach your family, that instead of putting their dirty dishes and glasses in the sink, place them into the dish pan. Get into the habit of putting your dishes away as soon as they have been washed and are dry. No more leaving the dish drying rack on the counter or in the sink. Put it away under the sink when you have finished. If your old one is nasty, you may want to soak it in the sink full of bleach water at the same time you soak the sink or go buy a new set.
- To insure that your family remembers this, put a note in the sink. It will get their attention and remind them where to put the dishes. Be patient! They have never been taught either. It is going to take some practice.
If you still can't get it to shine after the Windex, put a light coat of lemon oil or olive oil on it. I mean just a tiny bit on a cloth and rub it. This will make you smile. Some people have had very good results from Bar Keepers Friend.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Fly Baby Takes flight...
Alright...It's January. I have not blogged yet about my 'word' for 2011 because i'm still finalizing the way I want it. The gist of it is "finished." I'm a great "Starter" but not always a great finisher. SO...that being said, I'm gonna once again attempt the declutter process of my house. I've always loved the magic surrounding the Fly Lady and have decided that once again this will be my approach. 15 minutes a day...I can do that.
So, here it goes...I am once again a fly baby...taking those baby steps towards a decluttered, un-CHAOS lifestyle. So if you wish to fly with me, join me at The Fly Lady
How to Declutter
Taking 15 minutes each day to declutter an area, using the 27-Fling Boogie, and clearing your hotspots are among some of the most powerful tools you can use to create a more peaceful home. Remember: You cannot organize clutter - you can only organize the things you love!
I've included my tips on how to declutter. Put your home on a diet. If this is difficult for you, try reading one of my favorite books, "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston.
When to Declutter: Decide how often you are going to declutter a zone. Do a little every day - use a timer. But be warned - this can become compulsive! Once you get started you will want to clean like a banshee! Don't burn yourself out! Only do small amount at a time. The house did not get dirty overnight and it will not get clean overnight. When you set the timer you can only do two sessions at a time. This goal may seem unattainable right now, but you can do it in little pieces. In a couple of months, the whole house will be decluttered.
Decluttering Equipment: You will need garbage bags, boxes, magic markers, and a dust rag. Label the boxes "Give Away", "Throw Away", and "Put Away". Line the "Throw Away" box with a plastic garbage bag.
Set your timer: for 1 hour (or 30, 15, or 10 minutes - it does't matter how long). Just do the job as fast as you can and do not pull out more stuff than you can put away in that length of time. This means just one drawer, one closet (or even one shelf in one closet), one magazine rack, or digging under just the furniture in the zone. Not all of them at once!
Start at the entrance to the room: Then, work your way around the room clockwise. Do not skip a spot. Whatever happens to be next, just do it.
Declutter Away! With boxes at your feet and dust rag in your waistband, start off by cleaning out and getting rid of the things that do not belong in this room. Put garbage in the "Throw Away" box, donations in the "Give Away" box, and stuff that goes somewhere else in the "Put Away" box. Don't worry that you do not have a place for everything right now. By the time you finish you will. That's a promise from FlyLady!
What to declutter?
Things to ask yourself as you get rid of your clutter:
Do I love this item?
Have I used it in the past year?
Is it really garbage?
Do I have another one that is better?
Should I really keep two?
Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?
Cleanse this room of everything that does not make you SMILE.
Sing this song: "Please release me, let me go" as sung from the stuff's point of view. It needs to be loved by someone and if you don't love it - GET RID OF IT!
Get rid of the garbage! When the "Throw Away" box gets full, pull out the garbage bag, close it, and put it in the trash can, the pickup truck, or wherever you keep your garbage. Put a new garbage bag in the "Throw Away" box and keep on Flying until the timer goes off.
Donations: When the "Give Away" box gets full, seal it off, and put it in your car. The next time you are out, you can donate to the area thrift shop. Do not save your clutter for a yard or garage sale, you will be blessed by giving it away. The value can be deducted on your income tax. Remember you are trying to get rid of clutter - not relocate it somewhere else in your home. Now, grab another box, label it "Give Away", and get back to work.
"Put Away" Stuff: When the "Put Away" box gets full, take the box in your arms and run around the house (good thing you have shoes on - right?) and put the items in the room where they belong. If they have a place, put them there, if not put them in the room where they logically belong. By the time you have finished you will have a place for everything and everything will be in it's place.
Timer Goes Off: When the timer goes off, you have to put away all the boxes, but first you have to empty them all. Go as fast as you can.
So, here it goes...I am once again a fly baby...taking those baby steps towards a decluttered, un-CHAOS lifestyle. So if you wish to fly with me, join me at The Fly Lady
How to Declutter
Taking 15 minutes each day to declutter an area, using the 27-Fling Boogie, and clearing your hotspots are among some of the most powerful tools you can use to create a more peaceful home. Remember: You cannot organize clutter - you can only organize the things you love!
I've included my tips on how to declutter. Put your home on a diet. If this is difficult for you, try reading one of my favorite books, "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston.
When to Declutter: Decide how often you are going to declutter a zone. Do a little every day - use a timer. But be warned - this can become compulsive! Once you get started you will want to clean like a banshee! Don't burn yourself out! Only do small amount at a time. The house did not get dirty overnight and it will not get clean overnight. When you set the timer you can only do two sessions at a time. This goal may seem unattainable right now, but you can do it in little pieces. In a couple of months, the whole house will be decluttered.
Decluttering Equipment: You will need garbage bags, boxes, magic markers, and a dust rag. Label the boxes "Give Away", "Throw Away", and "Put Away". Line the "Throw Away" box with a plastic garbage bag.
Set your timer: for 1 hour (or 30, 15, or 10 minutes - it does't matter how long). Just do the job as fast as you can and do not pull out more stuff than you can put away in that length of time. This means just one drawer, one closet (or even one shelf in one closet), one magazine rack, or digging under just the furniture in the zone. Not all of them at once!
Start at the entrance to the room: Then, work your way around the room clockwise. Do not skip a spot. Whatever happens to be next, just do it.
Declutter Away! With boxes at your feet and dust rag in your waistband, start off by cleaning out and getting rid of the things that do not belong in this room. Put garbage in the "Throw Away" box, donations in the "Give Away" box, and stuff that goes somewhere else in the "Put Away" box. Don't worry that you do not have a place for everything right now. By the time you finish you will. That's a promise from FlyLady!
What to declutter?
Things to ask yourself as you get rid of your clutter:
Do I love this item?
Have I used it in the past year?
Is it really garbage?
Do I have another one that is better?
Should I really keep two?
Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?
Cleanse this room of everything that does not make you SMILE.
Sing this song: "Please release me, let me go" as sung from the stuff's point of view. It needs to be loved by someone and if you don't love it - GET RID OF IT!
Get rid of the garbage! When the "Throw Away" box gets full, pull out the garbage bag, close it, and put it in the trash can, the pickup truck, or wherever you keep your garbage. Put a new garbage bag in the "Throw Away" box and keep on Flying until the timer goes off.
Donations: When the "Give Away" box gets full, seal it off, and put it in your car. The next time you are out, you can donate to the area thrift shop. Do not save your clutter for a yard or garage sale, you will be blessed by giving it away. The value can be deducted on your income tax. Remember you are trying to get rid of clutter - not relocate it somewhere else in your home. Now, grab another box, label it "Give Away", and get back to work.
"Put Away" Stuff: When the "Put Away" box gets full, take the box in your arms and run around the house (good thing you have shoes on - right?) and put the items in the room where they belong. If they have a place, put them there, if not put them in the room where they logically belong. By the time you have finished you will have a place for everything and everything will be in it's place.
Timer Goes Off: When the timer goes off, you have to put away all the boxes, but first you have to empty them all. Go as fast as you can.
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