today it's pens and pencils part 1

So pens and pencils are multiplying like bunnies in our house. I think I dread throwing things out because it is one more thing to add to the landfill. With pens and pencils, there is no exceptions. If it still works why throw it out? (see my problem peoples?) However I think my house IS becoming a landfill. So I am off to test which ones work... and then I will do more research to figure out what to do with the other pens/pencils that still work???

Suggestions are welcome.

And here is a lovely link. This person has their pens down to 2 each color and 2 pencils....eeee gads! This link does have a suggestion for people like me....I will try to get my stash down to one cup! Check it out if this sounds familiar!

Purposeful Beauty

As mentioned before- we have no storage in our lovely little home. So I googled and stumbled upon a site that gives some extra ideas. These also add extra charm....extra plus!!!!
extra storage

stuck in a funk?

De Clutter tips to the rescue! Found some good articles that will help!
The first is a method of doing a few 5's- toss 5, put away 5, delete 5, focus 5 and relax 5!
Check it out!

The second is a way you can mentally help your self! Don't read this later!

next year

(28. Sept. 2008)

yep. next year I will have (praying I will) a clothes line. It will be grand. Not the bugs and bird poop though.
Speaking of drying clothes: Here is a link from my MR. How to make your towels more absorbent.

this one is for you

(Proof that I am a hoarder...just passing this way of life down to my chillin)

So what have I been up to? Being Mrs. and Momma and de-cluttering.

My small storage deprived house has been on my to do list for way too long. I am a hoarder of all things sentimental which means every card I have ever received...to paper way too lovely to recycle has made it's way to some box or empty space in my house.
The purging, organizing, scanning, sorting and life changing has all started with a book I happened upon while browsing the half price book section.
"Simplify Your Time: Stop Running & Start Living!" By Marcia Ramsland

I am not a big reader but this book was easy to follow and read chapter by chapter. One thing that I try to do is as I am organizing is google my way to success. I often find I need more direction on my life simplifying. I usually then google my issue and find that other people on the internets have the same issue/s...and random organized people will give their two cents on the matter. Problem solved...I can move on!
One site I have found to be most helpful? Why certainly I will post that link....simplify your life away!
declutter link

I think I have some other links...but I have to take my loves to the fair now. Yummy food, animals and the art tent is calling my name!

loads of dishes

I have always assumed and never tried just putting my dirty dish directly into the dishwasher. I thought I had to have one of those fancy ones- you know the one in the commercial that cleaned a plate with a whole cake on it. Well the dear mr. sent me a very informative email and it looks like this household will not be rinsing anymore pre-dishwasher dishes.
Here is the link: dishwasher
and more reading from the link above: dishwasher 2

I especially liked the 2nd link because it gave a very helpful hint on drying your dishes (called flash dry). I usually just open the door at the very end and air dry the dishes...but the tip makes the drying process go a lot quicker. Bummer now I don't have a good excuse when I am too lazy to unload my dishwasher:)

Also just wanted to throw in my most FAVORITEST dishwasher cleaner! I have tried a few different natural cleaners...and none of them really worked. Shaklee dishwasher detergent. Not only is it safe for the environment it is also safe on your pocket book! A little bit goes a long way!
Don't worry you will be hearing more about Shaklee on this here place!!