I was inspired

We have a huge problem in our house..... The dreaded school bags.

After reading The Organised House Wife blog post, I got to thinking. We rent and our landlord doesn't like holes in the wall, so a fixed structure wasn't an option.
I bought a little storage unit the other week, it has those cloth draws that are pretty popular. It was this that I decided to transform.

I bought 1800ml Malamine board and some hooks and got to work.

TADAAAAAA!!! I am pretty chuffed with it.



I am going to make some adjustments, I want a pocket for school related paperwork and a mounted box for hats, I wasn't able to find what I wanted so will keep on the look out.

How's the Serenity?!

I am feeling a bit chuffed with myself and my goal for being productive this year.

Mr P took a large load to the dump today after we cleaned out the shed. We do have a rather large bit to go, but I am pretty certain a lot of the junk has gone.
My Dad took a load to the recycle this week too, I know we will have a lot to give away, but we have started to do so.

My bookcase has been tidy and well organised for a whole week. Score!

Now for the hotspots,the kitchen and dining table, to be smashed and I am on a roll!

Ways I am conquering the crap:

Reducing my work by reducing our belongings.

We had heaps of clothes, more than anyone could wear in a month.
I have gone through the boys draws and now when they pull every piece of clothing out of their draws, it isn't so bad. I make them pick them up and put them away. They aren't folded anymore, but the boys have figured out is much easier to keep them in the right spot.

I am a book gatherer. I LOVE books, they are like old friends. Comfort.
I was given some really useful advice so I am going to share it.

Books? Must be a true source of inspiration, have the intention to be re-read, have continuing lend-ability or everyday reference-ability, etc)

Fewer objects enhance our lives, not more.

Everything has a place and everything in it's place

It has always been a fight to get my boys to tidy up. I didn't realise it had so much to do with how they understood the process. If something has a spot, they know where it is to go when they pack it up.
I have made some play sheets for different activities. They play their games on the sheet and they put the toys away with the sheet. It works so well. I have to redevelop the storage unit that we have for the boys things because it isn't all that productive, but it will be. I think hooks for bags and the slide storage units for bigger toys is the way to go. I am using an old entertainment unit so not all the shelves are the right size or shape.

Do little bits often

There is always something to do. ALWAYS. It is so draining to be thinking of the million and one things that the dawn of a day brings. So I make sure I make a goal at the beginning of the day.
I have subscribed to 'the domestic housewife' page on Facebook. I have only been a follower for the last week but she always posts a goal to accomplish each day. You can follow her's or make your own.
I give myself rewards, if I have done a certain amount of time on a chore, I will give myself the same time on the computer, or reading. Then I do some more of the task and then might make myself a cup of tea, play with the boys, or any fun activity.
It doesn't feel so much like hard work when broken up.

So these are my strategies. I feel successful because I am accomplishing the mountain!



I sure do love the serenity!

Productivity

I have had a word for the last few years, which is something I strive to remember and to be.
This year, 2012, is my year of productivity.
I am needing to be productive in my goal of good mental health. I have struggled with depression since I was pregnant with my now 3 year old.

I am wanting to be more productive in my daily chores. I have started by decluttering and slowly I am working through our house to minimalise the work I have to do.

I am going to be productive with being more active. More movement = more energy. I need that.

I am going to be more productive about booking time for me. Be it making an appointment for the doctor when I have had an infected toe for 4 months, or taking time to do craft which makes me happy.

It is a large goal, but if I make it the focus for this year, I know I will be more content in life.

So my song for myself is this I like to move it. Will-I-Am It never fails to make me 'move it'.