Junk Is Junk - Toss It

It's the thirteenth day into my January resolution and I can't believe the money I've saved!  My resolution was to only make a resolution for a month at a time; not the whole year. So far it's working for me.  January's resolution was to spend money only on food, gasoline and medicine. So far I haven't used a credit card even once.  And I actually put money into my savings account. Why haven't I thought of this before?

I am continuing to drop something into the donation box as often as possible and last week I took seven shopping bags to the local thrift store.  Saw a chair there that would be perfect in my living room, but no, no, no.  I was able to resist and keep my resolution one more time.

So, are you thinking you don't have anything to donate?  Oh but you do.  Everyone has a junk drawer.      A junk drawer is just that; a place for junk.  Where does junk belong?  Sort out what can be used and put it in the Donation Box and toss anything that is broken.  Now you have a clean drawer.  A nice place to store spices, napkins or maybe a handy place for healthy snacks.

Enjoy your new space and remember, junk is junk.  Toss it!

Happy New Year! Resolutions? What Resolutions?



It's the second day of 2013 and so far I've been true to my resolution.  A record perhaps?  I've decided to go easy this year and only make a resolution for one month at a time instead of the whole year.  I am not that strong willed.  More of an immediate gratification type.  When I want to do something, I want to do it right now.  When I want something to eat, I want it right now.  So, no, New Year's Resolutions for the whole year have never worked for me.

My January 2013 resolution is to work on uncluttering my home.  Minimalism seems to be an attractive route but not to the extreme.  It just means that I am not going to buy anything to bring into the house except food, medicine (if needed) and gasoline for my car.  Yes, take out pizza is food. 

My Christmas decorations and tree are all packed away and I even pulled some items for the donation box.  My December donations made their way to a little shop run by a local church to raise funds for those in need in the community.  It felt good to get rid of things I've been clinging to for years.  A little brave of me even.  So, put those things in the donation box for another month and don't look back.  You'll feel better for it.  Happy New Year to You and Yours.

December Organization

"THE HURRIER I GO, THE BEHINDER I GET"

 

 

 

I don't know who said this first but I would imagine they were in the throes of getting ready for the holidays and company coming for the big feast.  Sometimes stress is good for you, but when it starts to overwhelm you, it's time to STOP!  Time to do something just for you.  Maybe a little power nap before the kids get home from school.  Perhaps sipping on a cup of sweet Jasmine tea and having a nibble of some of those cookies you've been baking.  As for me, I'm going to spend some time with a sweet friend at the movies today.  After I'm refreshed, I'll be able to attack today's assignment.

 

Here it comes.  The one tip you have been dreading.  Let's clean out the refrigerator!  I know, that ranks just behind cleaning the oven on your list of favorite things to do in the kitchen.  Just think of how nice it will be to open the refrigerator door and be able to find just what you need when you need it.  No stress!

 

I usually have an insulated cooler handy for the frozen items and perishables.  Your condiments should be fine sitting on the counter while you clean.  As you remove items, check for expiration dates and toss what needs to go.  Put that on your grocery list so you won't be without what you need.  Also, get rid of any leftovers.  No, don't save last night's mashed potatoes.  They'll just be green the next time you lift the lid for a look.   Next, have a bucket of hot water with some Dawn dish soap in it.  Dawn will help cut the greasy spills that have accumulated.  Don't have it too sudsy or you will be spending too much time rinsing.  You will also want to run a sink full of hot sudsy water.  Take out any and all removable shelves and drawers to clean in the sink.  You can also clean the empty containers now.  Then take your bucket of water and start wiping down the interior.  After you have dried everything off and returned the shelves and drawers to their proper places, you can reload the food.  Now is a good time to specify certain areas for certain foods.  And look, you have lots of room and all those leftovers you threw out will leave you with some nice shiney clean containers to store Christmas dinner leftovers.  There...wasn't that relaxing?