A Few Tips for An Uncluttered Life

I figured if I boast that I live an uncluttered life, I probably should share a tip or two.

1) Get rid of clutter. My brain does not seem to work if there is a lot of "stuff" lying around. I could be writing the most important document, watching the most amazing show, or listening to the most hilarious story my children are telling - but.... my mind will wander over the to counter where paper litters the island or where toys need to be picked up. It is probably not normal.

However, it is necessary.

I hear people complain all the time about the state of their homes. How they are such a mess and they can never get "caught up". Some people don't care. Hats off to them - they don't sweat the small stuff. But I think that an organized home reflects not only the state of our home, but also the state of the person behind the home (Have I stepped on anyone's toes yet?)

Some easy ways to "Get Rid of the Clutter".....

a. When the mail comes, don't just set it down. Sort through the throw away and junk mail and deposit it promptly in the recycle bin. I do this sometimes when I am still outside and I can easily throw it away in the Big Purple Recycle Bin. Bills can be put in your in basket (everyone has one of those in their office area, right?!) or in any TRAY that is marked for important priority viewing.
Letters, cards, and other informal matter can be read (envelope discarded in trash) and posted on the fridge, put in that special box, or also discarded after read. I will read thank you notes and then toss them. I don't need a constant reminder that someone is thanking me. Once read is enough for me. The message has penetrated my heart where it will live forever.

b. Make sure all dishes are done at the end of the day. Start the dishwasher for cheaper rates during the night and unload in the morning (or give the job to one of the kiddos). I tend to hand wash all my pot and pans, etc.. after dinner and let them air dry overnight. In the morning, during the percolating of the coffee, I put these items away so the kitchen sink is clean.

c. Make one fell swoop of picking up items in the late afternoon, early evening, for an uncluttered house before bed. It's nice to wake up to a clean house. I start in one room and begin picking up items to be put in other rooms. Because my house is a tri-level, I will store things on the staircase so I don't make many trips up and down. This is not the time to dust or vacuum. Merely picking up stray items will make a huge difference in the appearance of the home.

d. Lastly, find a spot in your home to call your own. It could be the living room chair where the sunlight comes in and brightens the room. Maybe it's your bedroom where privacy abounds and you can reflect and think about whatever crosses your mind. Perhaps it's outside in your backyard where the fresh air, flowers and trees are calming to your spirit. Where ever this place is, take time to thank God for all the provisions He's given. Everything you have picked up, washed, or put away was given by our Great Provider. Thank Him not only for the stuff that clutters our home, but for the 4 walls that surround it.

I hope your home is a dwelling place that you and your family enjoy together!
Cayce

Totally Confused

I am in a tech class right now trying to learn all about google. To say that I am lost, would be very kind. Why do you think I am blogging, rather than following along with this super techno savy brainiac. I have figured out how to make a calendar, though. You can't have an uncluttered life without a calendar. Did I mention that I am also a list maker? Can I get an Amen out there! Here's to all the list makers in the world. I wish nothing but things crossed off your list today and everyday. Alright, I'm just rambling because I am avoiding the cybersphere. I really do have to get back to this class. Did I mention that I was in Palm Springs? If I get anymore overwhelmed, I'll have to call in for a sick day and rest by the pool!
Happy googling,
Cayce

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What Are You Into This Month?

Found this link at Adventures in Babywearing and thought it sounded fun and interesting.
(I can't use the word "interesting" too often around here because Ashley has a tendency to think I think she's up to something!)

What are you into this month?
Pretty much blogging, American Idol, Golden Spoon, Austin's outings, and finding new ways to teach my low group in Reading.

TV Show I'm loving
AI, CBS morning news with my coffee in bed

Music I'm loving
I am not a big music person. I can sing along, but I never know who is singing what song.

My Favorite Blog Entry this month
Fiddledeedee is great for a laugh every time. I love the one when a six year old is trying to sell her girl scout cookies.

Blog I am always visiting
2nd Cup of Coffee is a great site! Go there for an American Idol blow by blow if you ever miss an episode.

What are you into?

Which is Worse?? Being Cheap or Living in Denial?

I still don't know if I'm pregnant.

I am too cheap to buy the pregnancy kit. Do you know how much they cost now adays? I could get 15 minis at Golden Spoon for 1 kit.

I also like the idea of being in denial and living my life as though I don't have a care in the world. That is except for a husband with his own business that needs constant prayer for new customers, a kitchen that is torn up (my husband is the general contractor and will get to it when he can - ok), that all my gourmet meals are made on a campstove hooked up to a propane can, I have a daughter living in Virginia trying to make her way in the world (or at least Virginia Beach), I have a daughter who will graduate from high school in June if Senioritis doesn't send her into another zip code in which she will never show back up at school, and a 7 month old who is teething (He hasn't even cried, but I felt he'd be left out if I didn't say something about him).

So, I have chosen to wait until next month to see how it goes. I am 44 years old and can make decisions like that now. H#2 doesn't believe I am - so no problemo there. The girls have no idea - of course no matter how much I ask them to read my blog - they laugh and say "Yeah, right, Mom." so they don't know, and I tell Austin all the time - but he's pretty good at keeping secrets.

Until then, I will have my fill of Golden Spoon. Right now I'm hooked on Just Chocolate and St. Patricks Day Mint!

Thought I'd Throw in Some Pics

This is Ashley and Austin at the Duck Pond. We go to the park weekly and check out the scenery. It's a great time, but you definitely have to keep an extra eye out for flying poop.

On the right is (starting on the left) Kayla, Ashley, me, Todd (H#2) and Kalie. This was taken in Alaska at 10:30 P.M. Quite a sunset!

I'll post more, but H#2 needs some dinner right now.

This Week's Menu!

This is a short week for me! Ya hoo!! I'm off to Palm Springs on Thursday and won't be back to cook until Monday. So, it's all about leftovers this week! H#2 and Austin won't be in P.S. until Friday, so I planned enough for them until we reunite!

Happy Cooking! Go to Saturday Stirrings at It Coulda Been Worse to see more ideas for recipes!

P.S. I started my recipe box on FoodTV.com. Great way to store recipes without all the clutter!
An Uncluttered Life!

Sunday:
BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Cole Slaw
Rocky Road Bites

Monday:
Classic Meat Loaf (Sandra Lee's book S.L. Semi-Homemade Cooking 3 pg 20)
Smashed Potatoes (Rachel Ray)
Garlicky Green Beans

Tuesday:
Meat Loaf sandwiches
Oven fries (Ore Ida : coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 T rosemary, sprinkle with garlic powder, toss and bake)
Yogurt Parfaits : layer vanilla yogurt with granola and fresh fruit

Wednesday:
Bollito Mistro
Spicy Baked Macaroni (see Bollito Mistro page and find link below it!)