Progress

I know it doesn't look like much, but I can actually see the base of my desk. My mother says I inherited the gene for collecting papers from her. She apologized profusely when she saw my great progress. My husband is ecstatic by the before and after.

I actually have room to place my computer and other school related things. Yippee for me because I am even more motivated to study. Notice all the papers below the after picture. That's for recycling. When I finished I had one full Whole Foods paper bag and a Girl Scout cookie box filled with paper.

Let's just hope I can keep my desk this way and get rid of all the paper as it comes in. If you have any tips on removing the clutter and keeping it away, please do share with me.

Project #2

Since the girls had no school Monday, it was Project Monday. The task was to sort through closets and weed out the clothes that no longer fit. We had success!

I had piles of clothes on my dresser from the past week. I got all those sorted and put away and pulled out everything I don't wear. There are plenty of things that don't fit, but I have to hold onto them until I can get smaller clothes to replace them. Yes, I've been pinning and belting all my slacks. I was hoping to get rid of more things in my closet, but I didn't.

The girls were having a great time organizing. I was shocked. The best part is that it is organized and they were the main reason it got done. I LOVE when they contribute like that. The plan is to have a yard sale in the next six weeks. The problem is that in the next six weeks we have Mardi Gras parades and Super Bowl amongst other activities going on in the metro New Orleans area. I don't know how I am going to fit it in.

Overwhelmed

Can you say overwhelmed! That is how I am feeling right now. I have six days to plan and prepare a meal for about 50 people on Christmas Eve, prepare one dish for Christmas Day, get everything ready for Christmas, decorate and sanitize our house, and pack for a ski trip. Oh and work throughout the week, too.

I planned on going grocery shopping on Sunday, but it never happened. I mostly know what I'm cooking, but I don't have my list together. I just have to do it and get it done. I thought to let everyone bring something, but I want to be able to eat, too. I have been getting stomach aches and nausea when eating out regardless where it is. So, I thought I would save myself a few tummy aches and add a bit more stress to my life.

I just need to remember to think good happy thoughts when I am getting stressed out preparing everything from scratch and unprocessed.

I may not be around much in the next few weeks because of all the holiday excitement. Have yourself a great holiday and stay safe!

Dreams Do Come True!

As you know, I have three little girls that keep me quite busy. Therefore, it leaves very little time for me to do a lot of the essentials. I am always picking up in the morning, in the afternoon, at night. It never ends. Luckily for my dear husband, he helps out and does much of the cleaning.

For the last 2 years, I have been asking for a house keeper for my birthday, mother's day, Christmas, our anniversary, but nope. Not a one. Until today!

Two ladies were here at 6:45 AM until 3:00 PM today. My house is so clean and everything is put away. It is wonderful. Not sure how long I will get the luxury of a house keeper, but I will welcome them with open arms in 2 weeks.

Now, how do I get the kids to follow rules and put their things away? I guess that goes for husbands, too. This certainly was one happy day.

33 uses for an old toothbrush

Here's recycling/reusing at its best.

33 uses for old toothbrushes:
1. ring cleaner
2. eyebrow shaper brush
3. jewelry cleaner
4. nail brush
5. carpet cleaner
6. shoe cleaner
7. comb and brush cleaner
8. tile grout cleaner
9. cleaning small grooves in the car
10. remove stains out of fabric
11. cleaning around sinks
12. cleaning around the toilet
13. cleaning around faucets
14. garlic press cleaner
15. scrubbing the part of coffee pot where coffee is dispensed
16. dusting the lint catch in the dryer
17. dusting the lint catch of hair dryer
18. cleaning between fork tines
19. cleaning dog poop from shoe soles
20. cleaning sliding door encasement
21. cleaning computer keyboard
22. cleaning inside of bottles
23. make a toothbrush bracelet
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_occasions/article/0,,HGTV_3268_1382191,00.html
24. clean shower tracks
25. clean can opener blades
26. brush your cheese grater
27. clean silk from ears of corn
28. waffle iron cleaner
29. hair dye applicator
30. clean gunk from appliances
31. clean telephone receiver
32. clean light switches
33. clean corners and seams