Spring Clean Your Life

I am a new woman.

Oh sure, I know.  I've said that before.  You probably have, too.

I'm turning over a new leaf.  Starting Fresh.

And why do I need to "restart"?  Probably for the same reason as everyone else.  I have restarted many times before and fallen flat.  Not this time.  I have changed my state of mind.  Somehow this time I am giving up to God the results of my transformation and the transformation itself.  He will be seen as strong through my many, many weaknesses.  I will form positive habits to better myself and my family for His glory.

Two weeks ago today, I decided to change everything about the way I approach my life.  Simplify.  To start I am doing three things: creating a routine for success, getting healthy, and purging my family's "stuff".

How am I doing these amazing things you ask?  One baby step at a time.  In my search for a new and interesting podcast to listen to (more on my love of podcasts later), I stumbled upon simplemom.net (Tsh Oxenreider.  I am currently reading her book Organized Simplicity and her e-book One Bite at a Time, which is only $5, but most of her best info is on her blog for free!  I have also been doing the 31-day challenge at takebackyourtemple.com.

In only 2 weeks I have lost a pants size, developed a workable morning routine that includes exercise, organized & purged about 50% of my house, transformed my prayer life, and increased my energy & sense of contentment in all (ok most) situations.  This blog will be a journal of my continued journey and resource for others who love to learn new things.  I am a highly imperfect (sometimes bordering on pathetic) home manager, but I am daily trying to better myself in order to further bless my family.  Happy learning!

Project Simplify - The Closet Before & After

This is my 1st ever blog post here on my new blog.  I'm starting off short & sweet to show you the miracle closet transformation inspired by Simple Mom.  This is the ONLY closet (that isn't in a bedroom) in our 950 sq ft house.  It has previously been a catch-all instead of a useful space... until now!  Without further ado, the "before" pics:

Ick.  As you can see, on the bottom we have bamboo curtains that my husband has been "going to hang up" for nearly 5 years now, a vacuum cleaner for carpet (we have hardwood floors), audio-video cables that don't go to any of our electronics, a box of blankets that I can't get to cause of the junk, and... a shotgun.  (Just F.Y.I. its unloaded and the safety is on.)

So here are the steps I used to tackle this monster:

1. We removed all the coats and jackets.  Anything that we knew we wouldn't use till winter went in the cold weather clothes box in the shed, but that was only three cause Louisiana weather is truly insane.  I also talked my husband into donating three of his seventeen, yes I said SEVENTEEN, to a local shelter.
2. I removed everything from the closet and let my five-year-old vacuum it with our hand-held vacuum.
3. I collected all the extra blankets cluttering up the house and sorted them into quilts, throws to keep, and throws to donate.  
4. I put the throws I wanted to keep back in the box, put the box back in, and hung up the coats.
5. Sorted the junk on the top shelf into tools for the house, tools for the workshop, and trash.
6. I put the tool box with stuff I use around the house regularly, like screwdriver set, might hooks, duct tape, measuring tape, etc back on the shelf.
7. We keep our (nonflammable) cleaning supplies in the hot water heater closet, which sucks, so I pulled out the stuff I use most often like Febreeze, Pledge wipes, and Swiffer Vac stuff in a box.
8. I added a box for electrical adapters, surge protectors, and extension cords.  I also added a box for light bulbs.
9. Finally, I put in the pack'n'play, my yoga mat, and the Swiffer Vac.  Put two extra over-the-door hooks on for diaper bags and back packs... and voila!!!

It only took me about 3 hours total to achieve my "after" even with a break in the middle to put the kids to bed.  In the interest of full disclosure, I have not labeled the boxes yet, but I am borrowing my mom's label maker tomorrow.  

I am so excited about having this useful space.  It was so irritating and stressful every time I opened that closet, but now I think I'm going to leave it open just so I can admire it.  I cannot wait to see what I can do with next week's project.  

I think I'll go sort out the bathroom cabinet now...