Update to Goals - Mid Week Check In

Charley playing at our local park.


Happy Wednesday and today, I would like to share a Mid-Week Check In on progress to goals, as this helps keeps me accountable and motivated. (Hopefully it does for you too.)

Health and Fitness Goals- I have been going to the gym for Zumba two to three times a week. I was sidelined last week by a bad cold/bronchitis. Today, in addition to Zumba, I am taking a two mile hike with my cousin this afternoon. In addition to our glutes getting a good workout, our spirits do too, as we always have a nice chat.

I have scheduled my biometric screening for our health insurance, just had the annual "boob tortilla press" aka mammogram, my well woman check with oil change and tire rotation, with eye exam coming up next. The jokes about this flow easily for me with my black clinical sense of humor, but after acting as a "surrogate sister" for a dear friend during her recent lumpectomy, and now pending radiation treatment, I do take screening very seriously. DENIAL is the most deadly disease of all.

One objective our family really needs to work on is, improving our diets. It's a challenge with teenagers.

Decluttering Challenge- I have pitched, donated, or recycled approximately 575 items with lots more planned. Our youngest son and I went through his clothes, and organized his closet and drawers. I have to do the same with my oldest son, who did give me 6 clothing items to pass down to his brother or donate, when he got new jeans and shirt for school.

I also cleaned out my refrigerator, and probably some new strains of bacteria too, when I tossed over 36 bottles and jars of CONDIMENTS. Next, in the kitchen zone to tackle, are the kitchen and garage pantries. We have been cooking up freezer and pantry items too, which reduces cost and clutter!

Thank you for your support, motivation, and knowledge, in helping me accomplish my goals, one step, one piece of paper, one pair of outgrown jeans, at a time.

I try to foster an attitude of appreciation, to recognize the incredible abundance, (overload perhaps?), that these tasks represent. My cup runneth over, and I am reminded of a quote by Erma Bombeck about how dirty dishes meant the family is well fed.

Please let me know how you are doing this week towards all your goals, and again, thank you very much.

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Motivation Monday

This week Motivation Monday caught me by surprise. I've been sick and having a three day weekend I just suddenly remembered today is Monday not Sunday, good thing I get up early!

As far as our "Get Rid of 100 Things Challenge", I was already above and beyond last week. How are you doing? Have you reached 100? No worries, there's still half the month left if you haven't started yet!

This week I haven't had any major progress, although I did sit down yesterday and go through a box of paperwork - shredded most, probably another 500 items added to the list if we count each one - or counted as only one since it was one box, but the time it took deserves more credit than one item don't you think? You know how that is!

This week I'm going to ask for motivation from you to help me decorate the beach house over at Minimalist in the Making.  Here are links to the three decorating ideas I've been thinking about - Beachy, Nautical or Colorful Tropical and here is the house as it looks now. I'd love your opinions.

Getting the rental home decorated will be fun and will also enable me to let go of all kinds of things I've been holding on to not knowing if I would be using them or not. This will be yet another huge decluttering step in my recent adventures!

Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

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Virtual Closet Clean Out

In addition to actual drawers and closets, I have also been cleaning up my "virtual closet", aka my Email folders and Inbox.

I spent over an hour deleting outdated and unneeded mail, thousands of emails. It's amazing how email is full of junk mail, that isn't even Spam.

I have been unsubscribing from all unwanted emails, to help stop the flow into my inbox.

I am also practicing the immediate delete, if I don't need to save an email or act on it, then off to the trash/recycle bin it goes.

What real life tools and tips do you use to help reduce virtual overload?

Thank you so much.

Photo of "Flying Spam" from Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Los Angeles, CA.

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Motivation Monday - 100 Things Challenge

The first week of the "Get Rid of 100 Things Challenge" has come to an end. Don't worry if you haven't been playing along or haven't accomplished it yet, this challenge is for the entire month of January. There are still 3 weeks left to accomplish the mission!

I'm proud to say that I have gone above and beyond already. During the first few days I took well over 100 items to Goodwill - they were mostly the boys outgrown clothes, games and books that they no longer wanted, one box filled with throw pillows, several sets of sheets for a full size bed that we no longer have, and another box was just filled with miscellaneous items.

I've been so bad lately about taking photos of my progress. Once I start working I am going on high speed, I just don't think about it, and even if I did I just couldn't take the time to photograph each and every item (sorry Lydia). Someday when I have things a little more under control I will join 365 Less Things and then I will photograph everything leaving my home. Right now I just want the massive amounts of stuff out!

I do have one comparison photo to show from this week - a before and after at our vacation rental home. Mostly things were just moved around but I can guarantee at least another 10-20 items down for the challenge that went in the garbage or recycling...

A little decorating, a little more furniture exchanging, cleaning out the storage area, and we'll finally be ready for our first vacation renters!

I would love to hear about your progress this week. Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

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Happy ChrisMess - Decluttering Challenge

This is my office. This is my office at the holidaze. Any questions?

Welcome to my ChrisMess.


For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, you have to make a mess to straighten things up, like the rats nest of wires and dust bunnies den, for my various peripherals, and voila, new computer!

Before-


After-


I have been participating in MarthaM's decluttering challenge for the New Year, and I am well over 300+ items that have been put into the recycling, pitch, or donate pile. And I still have a lot more to clean up in my office.


I am also gathering my old and broken electronics including a printer, cell phones, and hard drives, (erased with the aid of strong rare earth magnet, available at hardware stores), for an electronics recycling round up this weekend.

How is your mess coming along? Thank you so much!

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*Motivation Monday - New Challenges for 2012!

Happy New Year to all!

I don't make New Year's resolutions but do love to look at the New Year as a fresh start. I have many things I'd like to accomplish this year and lots of changes ahead.

This year for Motivation Monday I'll be bringing you a new challenge the first Monday of each month. I hope you'll join me!

For the month of January - Get Rid of 100 Things Challenge!

Unlike the original 100 Things Challenge to get rid of everything we own other than 100 things we will start much smaller - how about a challenge to get rid of 100 things in the month of January?

It doesn't matter if you donate, sell, giveaway, throw in the garbage, or recycling - the goal is just to get 100 things out of your home no matter how big or small.

I will update you with my progress on Mondays throughout the month. Will you join me? It's more fun if we work as a team - together we can do it!

Wishing you a Motivated Monday and a Happy New Year!

*Also posted at Minimalist in the Making

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Motivation Monday: The One a Day Challenge - Week 2

Last week we started the One a Day Challenge where we pick one thing a day to declutter. It can be one bag, one box, one basket, one drawer, one shelf, one cabinet - or even just one single thing.

I made good progress this past week, even better than expected! 

I donated 8 boxes of miscellaneous craft, office, scrap-booking and and school supplies...

Realistically - I don't craft, I don't do any scrap-booking, and the kids school supplies were getting ancient. I don't think either of the boys will want Spiderman folders, little rounded tip scissors, or the massive supplies of crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. now that they are in high school.

My office supplies were ridiculous too. I'm all for not having to buy what we already have, but when we have so much that it has to be packed away and can't find it when we need it is when we know we have too much.

Why was I saving all this stuff to begin with?!!

I put some larger items down at the curb with a free sign, I didn't realize how far away I was for the photo but you can see them way, way down there to the right of the driveway.

Also while cleaning out the garage this weekend (links to before and after links are on our sidebar for Show and Tell) this is what will go to the garbage and recycling this week...

Last is a box of clothes. When I did the Closet Declutter Challenge mid August I left an empty box in my closet and vowed to put anything that didn't work for whatever reason in there immediately for donation. I have stuck to my rule, these have now been donated...

How did you do this week? 

Ready for Week 2? Together we can do it!

Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

Don't forget to join me at my new blog Minimalist in the Making to follow my journey to Minimalism.

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Motivation Monday - The One a Day Challenge

The last few weeks I've been focusing on a series about Minimalism here along with reading books and blogs on Minimalism. I have so much "stuff" in my life that I need as much motivation and inspiration I can get!

When I feel overwhelmed I seem to do best when I announce it publicly and especially when I can recruit others to join me in a challenge. Working together always seems to make things easier, and it's a way to hold ourselves accountable too.

In keeping with the Minimalist theme this week I'd like to kick off the One a Day Challenge...
.

{Graphic Credit}

CHALLENGE - Pick one thing a day to declutter. It can be one bag, one box, one basket, one drawer, one shelf, or one cabinet. 

Easy right? Are you in?

For me it's really hard to get motivated with decluttering during the week. My days are long with very little time to squeeze in anything extra. To top it off, I'm more of an all or nothing kind of person. That works out great when I have time to do it "all" but when I don't "nothing" gets accomplished. I'm hoping this challenge will motivate me to take those baby steps and do it a little bit at a time - it's the only way I'm going to get anything done!

Join me at my new blog Minimalist in the Making to follow my journey, and we'll meet right here next Monday to discuss our first weeks One a Day Challenge progress.

Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

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Taming the Paper Tiger

Happy Wednesday and thank you for your visit.

MarthaM's Minimalist challenge has motivated me to deal with some much procrastinated items, including cleaning and sorting three file boxes worth of "stuff" in my home office.

I have finished sorting all three boxes and need to finish some filing and shredding. It's amazing how much paperwork is generated, even when I do so much online and allegedly "paperless".

Sorting can be a real mental chore, and I never spend anymore than 3 seconds making a decision about the paper I am holding.

I don't stress about setting up categories, a natural organization always seems to present itself whether I'm cleaning up paperwork or closets.

I had piles for shredding, recycling, prompt action required, and I also separated the various categories of Medical, bills, financial documents, maps, and personal memorabilia.

During this somewhat ardous task, a few treasures were found - gift cards, stamps, and photos.

I am really appreciative of MarthaM for the virtual kick in the booty with this challenge and her inspiring example. The feeling of accomplishment and progress helps me want to finish, and also, continue to do small things daily to "get ahead of the curve".

Thank you so much, and what tips or routines do you use to tame the Paper Tiger??

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Small Acorns, Mighty Oaks

Ancient tree on the Carmel-Monterey Coast of California.

When I am feeling less than "motivated", I have to remind myself that small, consistent changes have meaningful results. I work to turn off the soundtrack in my head that is discouraging and negative, "Holy Cow, look at this mess, I'll never finish", and replace it with something positive, "Let me see how much I can get done in fifteen minutes."

It never ceases to amaze and humble me, how we are truly our own worst enemies on so many fronts, and that we need to acknowledge, accept, and own "it", if we truly want to, and are ready to change. Berating and beating yourself up over stuff you are not ready to deal with, is just a waste of energy and very self defeating.

So, with that little pep talk in mind, I've been able to accomplish much that has been on my regularly procastinated upon "to do list". Including, but not limited to-

Clean out of bathroom drawers for old makeup, and medicine cabinet for expired medications, including plans for drop off to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

Brought over a bag of clothes to the junior high school Drama club.

Donated two big bags for Show Choir rummage sale.

Reducing my pantry and freezer stashes by planning meals around items at hand.

I also went through our canned goods and non perishables for donations to the local food pantry.

I am saving money by not buying things we don't "need". I am using up the "purchased on sale" and freebie stash of shampoo, shower gel, etc.

The local trash company offers a 20% discount from your bill if you switch from a 96 gallon trash can to a 35 gallon size for weekly pickup. We still have unlimited recycling and yard and lawn clippings pick up, in addition to three big trash bags, up to 8 times a year, if needed. We rarely fill our blue barrel above halfway, and we recycle and compost over 75% of our household trash.

The family calendar have been brought up to date, at least for now. I've scheduled our routine medical and dental check ups, and did some financial paperwork too.

The cars have also had their "routine maintenance", especially important now that our oldest is driving.

In September, I completed a month long fitness challenge, and in a couple weeks, I will be participating in a two hour "Party in Pink" Zumbathon to raise money for Breast Cancer research. I have also been walking daily and going to the gym three times a week regularly.

When I list all my accomplishments, I realize how these small things really add up. Thank you so much for letting me share and also, what little acorns have you planted lately?

Thank you again and Happy Wednesday.

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Motivation Monday - Closet Declutter Challenge

As most of you know I recently moved. I did a good declutter of my clothes before the move, but at moving time there was no time to try on, just at a glance kind of decluttering. I did get rid of a lot before the move but once we moved in I kind of just hung and piled what was left in my new closet - it's a nice little cedar lined walk in and it's not even shared, our master bedroom has two, one for me and one for hubby - nice!

I know there is still more that needs to go that I will probably never wear. Today I am going through it all one more time to see how many work outfits I can put together and to get it all more organized. Maybe I will reward myself with a couple new items for back to school time :-)

Since we started The Motivation Station I have a different outlook on things. I use to fluctuate in weight so often that I would never part with clothes no matter what size I was at the moment - I had my fat clothes, my skinny clothes and everything in between. Now that we concentrate here at TMS on working out, eating healthy, etc. I no longer feel it's necessary to hang on to stuff that doesn't fit. If my clothes start feeling a little uncomfortable I know it's time to kick up the workouts, not go buy bigger clothes. If those bigger clothes are already in our closets it just makes it easier to give in to weight gain before doing something about it!

So what do you say - ready to clean out your closet? Yes, this is a challenge! Will you accept?

I will post updated photos here on this post later today. If you can't get around to doing your own closet today just commit to doing it at some point this week, and then link up your before and after post on our TMS Show and Tell on the sidebar.

UPDATE... Closet declutter and organization complete!

Entering the closet just to the left is where I am keeping my 7 tie-dye bathing suit cover ups which is what I live in when I'm at home, so comfy, and one for each day of the week. They are great for around the pool, make great night gowns and are decent enough to just wear around the house and still be able to open the door if someone knocks - or just walks in as often happens here.  Next to those is my giant flip flop collection which goes all the way to the floor. I have work flip flops, home flip flops and even dress flip flops. I live in Florida so I live in them whenever possible, 24 pairs at the moment...

The set of drawers in front of the flip flops is on rollers and moves easily with the slightest touch. That set of drawers houses my undergarments, bathing suits, shorts, scarves and other accessories. See the box on the floor on the left in the back? That's my donate box the kitty is hiding in. Anything that I find I just can't wear for any reason will go directly to the box, no turning back...

The outfits I've put together here are 20 work outfits, enough for 4 weeks of workdays. There are 10 various long pants, capris and skirts each matched with two shirts...

Behind the outfits are my purses hung in what would normally be wasted corner space...

I'm down to 7 pairs of high heels and 1 pair of sneakers...

These are all the leftovers not matched up - but most are fall and winter clothes arranged in order from coolest to warmest in the back. I hung all my jackets in the corner space like I did the purses on the other side. The one little container on the top shelf is for solid color shirts that are used under some of the hanging clothes, usually the light print cover ups, it's the only thing on the top shelves!...

And here is the final overall shot of the closet. Everyday pants and capris to the left and more work pants to the right - although the bottom shelf are pants that fit that I probably won't wear anyway - they will go to the donate box it there are still sitting there in a couple of months...

Linking up to The Organized Junkie's 52 Weeks.

Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

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If Mama Ain't Happy

If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. I woke up this morning and immediately started a treasure hunt for our camera so I could download some photos* for my blog post. Of course, it took me a good twenty minutes to find it, and Not Before I was completely aggravated and annoyed by the "piles of stuff" that seems to accumulate and aggregate like barnacles on a ship! I think I have hit my nadir with the house and my two very soon to return to school teens and their detritus trail. I just wrote out a very specific task list for them, breaking down their household chores from "clean up your room" into "put your clean clothes into drawers", "empty hamper", "organize desk drawers". I also have my "honey do" list too, but first it's a good thing I am going to the gym this morning to work out my frustration!



Thank you for letting me vent, and please let me know how you cope when you hit your low points.



*P.S. Of course the cute video I took of our dog howling wouldn't upload to blogger! GRRRR, now where is that punching bag???

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The List Makers Shall Inherit the Earth*

A list is a most powerful thing. There is a sense of satisfaction, dare I say, accomplishment, based on the simple act of crossing off something on your "To-Do" List.

I have finished some longstanding and quasi-neglected things on my list, including deleting over 100 out of date documents and emptying the recycle bin on my computer, in addition to cleaning up my desk top icons.

I also updated the household budget (ugh, now I can see why I procrastinated on that little assignment), and did some filing.

I also installed my back up printer, since my other printer has an invisible paper jam I can't clear, and there is nobody who fixes printers anymore. It is apparently cheaper to buy a new printer than fix one!!!!

In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of some chores like cleaning my office, I listed smaller tasks like cleaning the closet, the drawers, and bookcase separately. This helps me stay focused and motivated, even if it's just one drawer or shelf, at least something got Done!!!

What lists have you been compiling lately and what have you accomplished?

How do you cope with feeling overwhelmed and make things more manageable?

Please let me know in the comments and Thank you So, So MUCH!

* Along with the meek, (this is according to my wise 83 y/o Dad who organizes a shopping list based on the layout of the store. Hey, he's a retired engineer who now does the household errands.)

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and insight from last Wednesday, I appreciate it, and you very much.

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Motivation Monday - Let's Talk Laundry

One room I keep ignoring as I've been going through my declutter, sorting and organizing process is the laundry room. There isn't really a reason but I just seem to keep working around it. Maybe because it's always in use. This weekend over at my blog MM's Missions I committed to getting my laundry room done this week for the 52 Weeks of Organizing.

This is how it looks right now. Quite a mess. I plan to get it cleaned out and organized hopefully after work today. I thought you might enjoy doing a laundry room challenge with me. Just take a before photo, get your laundry room decluttered and organized this week. After making it all nice and pretty take an after photo and post your before and after photos on your blog, Be sure to leave a link in the comment section once you have it posted.

Now let's talk about the laundry itself. It sure can pile up fast can't it? When my children were younger I made it a habit to do a load of laundry a day to keep the piles under control. It takes almost no time at all to do one load of laundry, but having loads and loads to do at one time is a big pain! If you keep clothes done during the week all you have to worry about is throwing in sheets on the weekends, and folding those can be avoided by putting them right back on.

I have a secret - you don't have to sort clothes. Nope, they can all be thrown in together. Of course if you have some dedicates you'll want to keep those separate but things like jeans, t-shirts, shorts, socks and towels can all be tossed right in. This is something I've always done and never ruined a thing. Just be sure to wash any new dark clothing with only other dark clothing for the first washing or two, after that it will be fine.

I had to laugh when I read the same thing in The Organizing Junkie's Book Clutter Rehab - she doesn't sort her laundry either! It made me feel so much better to know I'm not the only one!

Now that my children are older they are in charge of their own laundry for the most part. Kids can learn to do it themselves by the time they are big enough to reach the knobs. Of course the younger they are the more help they will still need with folding but if you "help" them for awhile instead of doing it for them they can and will learn how do it. Folding t-shirts is still a challenge for my teen boys so they like to hang them up instead, works for me!

Another tip - if each person in the family has their own laundry basket there won't be anymore mixed up socks or clothes that were hand me downs winding up back in with the older child's clothes and it's so easy for children and teens to just bring out their basket when it's full and dump it all right in the washing machine.

How about ironing? I just say no! I can count on one hand how many times I've ironed something in the last 10 years. I just simply don't buy clothes that have to be ironed, and most clothes that are folded or hung straight from the warm dryer don't need to be ironed anyway. Save yourself some steps and stress, don't leave those clean clothes sitting it baskets, get them taken care of right away. If something does get a bit wrinkled just toss it back in the dryer with a damp towel for a few minutes and wrinkles disappear.

Do you have any laundry secrets to share?

Don't forget to get motivated and join the laundry room challenge this week!

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I Survived the Yard Sale

Yard sales are always educational, and the biggest lesson that I learned, is, that I won't be doing this again any time soon. It's a lot of work, especially for the $110 total. It was a good experience for our son though, who is realizing it is hard work to make money, especially when things are priced for 25 and 50 cents each. My son also got to see his mom chase down a woman who tried to steal a sweater. Some People!!!! Really, it just makes your blood boil.

So, in addition to preparing for thieves, having plenty of change and small bills on hand, it was also really helpful to have all the merchandise priced and labeled in advance.

My son and I set up our table and clothesline the night before which was also a time saver.

We had friends stop by and visit which makes it a fun social event. Over 70 houses in our neighborhood participate in the annual sale. My son and his girlfriend went scouting for treasures and found a nice piece of art for her room.

The best part of the sale for the boys was splitting the money. Mine was getting rid of all the clutter and regaining some space back.

Before:

After:

Can I hear an Amen that this little extravaganza is Over?!? AMEN!!!

Thank you very much.

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Decluttering Motivation from "Hoarders"

One of my guilty pleasures is the TV show, Hoarders. It's "trainwreck TV", the subjects are so pitiful, you can't turn away. Watching this show results in a range of emotions for me, from disgust, pride, humility, and yes, strangely enough, motivation. Watching this show reminds me of how much emotional attachment people place on "things", and use the act of collecting and shopping to cope.

"Hoarders" is motivating because of some new tips, but also, how important teaching cleaning and decluttering skills are for children.

Some of the tips I have learned from the show are the 3 second rule, (make a decision to toss or keep in three seconds), and to lay things out so the items are all visible, and the boys can quickly scan for items they wanted to keep. I also did the "first decluttering pass", and cleaned out the items that were outgrown or worn out.

Our sons have been working on these skills in abundance and I am glad to share that they have been helpful, (with direction and nagging, I mean, Encouragement!) I was really impressed when our youngest sorted through this pile of clothes and got rid of well over half!

Before-
Before-
After-

These is just one area. In total, I have decluttered and cleaned 21 drawers, 4 bookcases, 3 closets, and one armoire getting ready for our yard sale this weekend. Tomorrow, I am going to start pricing merchandise, make signs, and organize the tables and display.

What have you learned and accomplished lately? Thank you so much.

Treasure people, use things.

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Motivated by Others

Happy Humpday! Thank you for sharing the inspiration and support in helping me get organized and motivated. Here's a few projects among many that I've been working on, and even more importantly, finishing!!!

I purchased and assembled, (consists of the high tech procedure of screwing the 4 legs into the top), this foyer side table, to use as a small desk for our sons' backup computer. (I saved 25% of the price with a $10 off coupon and a sale discount. ;oD). This computer has been sitting in a box since the holidays and it was great to get it all set up and working again. When furniture, rug, and drapery shopping, a tape measure is your best friend, both at home and at the store. The salesperson also knows you are a serious shopper when you have a tape measure in hand.

My other big project is to continue to get ready for our yard sale in a few weeks. I usually am averse to yard sales, but our son came up with this idea to raise funds for his Show Choir fees, and we are trying to teach him the value of a dollar. Also, the idea of getting motivated to clean closets and drawers is another bonus.

I have been making great strides on both my closet and my younger son's room. I channeled my inner "Stacy and Clinton", hosts of What Not To Wear, and went through every article of clothing and if it didn't fit right, was out of date, not worn x years, then Adios! I have 3 boxes, over 9 cubic feet each, filled with clothes, toys, and books ready to be priced and tagged. I am using some of the suggestions from dear Tamy's yard sale experiences, including preparation, pricing, and promotion. I am fortunate that the yard sale is well attended, having been a tradition x 35 years in the neigborhood with dozens of families hosting sales. It is a lot of fun to see friends and neighbors come out to swap their "junque"!

Have you been motivated lately by others to get organized or change behavior?

Thank you so much, Martha @ Sense of Humor is Essential

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Tuesdays With Kris: Make-up Mayhem!

My love for make-up has turned into, well has always been, a disaster! Traveling doesn't help as I usually throw everything into a plastic bag to avoid airport shenanigans, and then that bag remains as my way of organizing my belongings for the face until the next trip! See...

Yeah, not pretty! I went ahead and bought an organizer off of Amazon with a gift card I still had. While I wish it maybe had one more tier for my individual eyeshadow sets (I'm a make-up freak) this size will at least prevent me from binges at Sephora, or will encourage me to purge what I don't use.

Not bad! This bathroom is also shared with a boy!

I need to thank all of you ladies here for inspiring me to do this. I love the Decluttering posts and am glad that I can FINALLY contribute! Next stop... the Closet. My love for clothes is an even more dangerous addiction!

Also, not sure if she is in your area but a lovely lady named Nikki has a business: Simplify Your Space. She de-clutters, reorganizes, and will just make your life better! I just created her website and brand creative. Check it out!

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Motivating for Work, Home, Health, and Fun!

It's been busy here at the Sense of Humor is Essential stop on The Motivation Station line. I've been motivating for work, home, health, and family, and trying to find the balance in it all.

Work has been busy, not only with my usual patient care, but I have preparing to give a presentation to my fellow nurses on the topic of Cardiac Medications. If you want to learn about something, just prepare to teach it to someone else. It will be done remotely through a slide presentation and teleconference, so I hope no technology glitches or brain lapses!

I have been working a little each day and week on decluttering and realtor ready projects as described by Monday MarthaM.
Here's the Before of our garage pantry -


Here's the After, and yes, our boys like their carbs. I got great deals and stocked up following Mrs.Spock's money saving ideas of course!

I cleaned out the freezer in our refrigerator, and have been using up the meat and staples from our deep freezer. I have also been cleaning out clothes, toys, and books to get ready for our community yard sale next month. Our 15 y/o is helping to help raise funds for his Show Choir fees. Money can be quite motivating, especially for teens.

On the health and fitness front, I have completed my annual health screening which includes a cholesterol and blood sugar levels, waist, blood pressure, pulse, and weight check. The company offers health coaching to address any concerns including stress and diet. I had my annual eye exam and Boob Tortilla press, I mean mammogram. I am back into the gym routine of three times a week and take Zumba once a week which I love!

There have been lots of fun times too these last couple weeks including a birthday excursion for our 13 y/o son, his brother, and a few friends to Universal City Walk to go indoor parachuting at IFly Hollywood. They literally had a blast!


Our family also had a wonderful time at a Superbowl party and my husband cooked up a storm for the party, including homemade bruschetta with roasted tomatoes, chorizo filled dates wrapped with bacon, and crab cakes with horseradish cream. I so appreciate my husband's culinary expertise and passion!





Thank you so much for letting me share what we have been UP to, and please what's happening with you and yours?

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Motivation Monday - Over your head in clutter?

  Photo credit Google Images

I've been talking a lot lately about getting organized and simplifying, it's always been important to me but just how important it is didn't really hit home until I had to deal with the huge task of having to sort through and clean out my mother's belongings. It became very clear that "stuff" holds us back from living life to the fullest. It's like chains holding us down, using up our time, and in some cases using up our money too. Let go of the stuff and be free!

It's so much easier to keep our surroundings clean and organized if we don't have a lot of clutter, and isn't it so much easier to function both physically and mentally in clutter free, clean, organized surroundings? Do you want more time in your day? Get rid of stuff and you will free up time almost magically!

Think about it - how much time do we spend dealing with our stuff whether cleaning it, moving it, looking for it, putting it away, etc.? Why do we hold on to so much stuff to begin with? Is it memories, guilt, fear of not having enough, saving things because they could be worth something? Maybe it's time we think about that and acknowledge the emotional reasons for the clutter before we can let it go.

Here's a few things that might help...

1. Photograph items you are holding onto just because of memories. It's much easier to store a digital photo in a folder on your computer than it is to store the stuff!

2. Are you holding onto stuff because it has some value even though you don't want or need the items - sell them. No, not later, right now! Be honest with yourself. When is the last time you sold something? Is it really ever going to happen? If you answered no then let it go. If you are going to hold onto things to sell be sure they are stored away together and ready to sell. Give yourself a sell by date and mark it on the box. If you haven't sold it by that date donate it!

3. Donating things to others brings good karma. Trust that if you ever need something the good you've done for others will come back to you. I honestly don't recall one single time I've ever wished I had something back that I had given away.
 
4. Live by that old saying "A place for everything and everything in it's place" - if it doesn't have a place it has to go!

5. Pick one room to completely declutter and organize. Pay close attention to how you feel while you're in that room compared to more cluttered areas of your home. I promise it will make you want every room to be clutter free!

Do you have any tips to add about simplifying and getting organized? Please share!

Join me on my quest to live simply, live well.

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