Time Management

I have just purchased a book called: 

"Simplify your Time: Stop Running and Start Living!"

by Marcia Ramsland.  

Here are the 3 books she has written. 

I want all 3 of them!

 I haven't even finished reading her book, but have already put into practice some things that I've read.

Here is a tip Marcia gives:

Try and see what you can accomplish in 2 minutes!

Seriously!  So, I put on a pot of water to boil for supper.

...and decided to tackle my utensil holder.

 

There are a LOT of items that are never used in here.  It may not look bad to you, but it's overflowing!

After dumping everything out, here is what I saw:



All I can say is..."yuck"!  And, no...they're not bugs!  LOL!  Looked like Ramen Noodles to me.

Here is what I have kept, and now everything is handy and easy to get at.  Looks much nicer!

 And, all this before the water boiled!!

So, I decided to keep going and see what else I could accomplish in just a few minutes, or more than a few.

This small area is between our pantry and refrigerator. 

BEFORE:



AFTER:

We moved our toaster to this area...it was cluttering up another counter top (but I forgot to take pics of where it had been).  We put the peanut butter containers and cinnamon/sugar mixture in the cupboard above.  The small crock on top of the sugar container is where we keep the butter.

This is the counter where the toaster was kept...between the small crocks.  It always looked so cluttered (for 9 years!).  Oh, and did you see the crockpot?  Yep!  Supper is ready!  (I'm working on better menu planning)

This had been hanging above the sink...what in the world was I thinking?  I have no idea what I was going to do with these things.  So, I took them down.

I thought I had taken a 'before' pic of my island, but couldn't find it.  This is the first pic I took of it cleared off.  Then, I decided I didn't like it.

AFTER

Anybody ready for SPRING!!
I changed switched out the candy to this green Longaberger crock.  Who doesn't like candy?  Just wish it was chocolate!  The toothpicks had been in a gingerbread votive candleholder.  It was time to change that!  And, I love this little pitcher!

My next areas to tackle this weekend are:

How do you think we eat at this table?  We don't.  And, that is something else I am working at changing!  Bad habits are hard to break.

Oooohh...do you see the countertop on the left side of the picture?  I knew I had taken a BEFORE picture!  At least you can get a glimpse of it.

Here is the area I had decluttered a few weeks ago.  It so easily becomes a "hot spot".  I just need to add this area to my daily routine.

So, the next time I feel that I don't have 'time' to clean/organize/declutter, I will remind myself: 

I can do ANYTHING in 2 minutes, or any small amount of time!    

• Swish and swipe toilet
• wipe down toilet, sink and bathroom countertop
• put dishes in dishwasher
• throw a load of wash in washer
• change clothes from washer to dryer
• make bed (this takes LESS than 2 minutes!)
• spot wash the kitchen floor
• fill ice cube trays
• read my Bible
• Pray
• so many more things!

So, what can YOU accomplish in just a few minutes?  Feel free to share your pictures and ideas.

Organizing bit-by-bit,

Shari

Home Management Guide

Quite a few years ago, I made an "Ellingson Home Guide", but didn't stay with it.  I found www.wantingwhatyouhave.com and discovered a better, more improved way of putting together a plan that will keep my home running more smoothly!  Thank you, Heather!

Here is the beginning of MY HMG, Home Management Guide.  Unfortunately, mine is quite 'blah', due to the fact that I have NO colored ink, and must wait until some more monies are available!  However, I am thinking of doing some 'creative' crafting and using some scrapbook paper, our family picture, etc.  Hmmm...maybe I'll have to add that later!

I am using a 1-1/2 inch 3-ring notebinder with a clear cover in the front AND on the spine. 

As Heather does, I am having my Prayer/Bible Study section next.  God should be first in EVERYTHING!! 

 Proverbs 3:5-6 is a very special verse to me, so I have added it to the bottom of this page.  Remember to watch for updated decor of the page.

In this section, I have also added a "Victory and Praise Reports!" page.  I have tried to keep track of the awesome blessings from God, but never in one collected place.  I will also be adding a "Prayer Request" page, too!

  This is the 'not-so-fun', yet 'must-have' section.  My Daily and Weekly Routines!  But...wait for it...not just mine...the kids', too!  Check my lists out...



My "Daily Tasks"...things I want to accomplish, or MUST accomplish to keep the house running smoothly and orderly.  (sorry about the flash glare)

My children's tasks are next!



  

This is the list I have put together for Jordan.  It is not a complete list, as I am just beginning to work on this guide.  I must say, though, that I see some things at work already!!  Yeah!

Here is Kayli's list.  I have forgotten a few things on her's, but again...I'm not done!  She really likes checking things off, so I know this will work for her. 

 This will be my Menu/Food planning section.  I won't be keeping my recipes in here, because I have another binder for that (I do have SOME things organized!!).  This section will be for making my plans, grocery shopping lists, and so on.

I'm not done, and will post more when I've completed more!  If you have any tips or ideas, please send them my way!  Thanks for reading!

Organizing bit-by-bit,

Shari