I've spent a long time sorting out my kitchen recently. It's nowhere near finished but it's well on the way. My husband and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary last month, and with that came the realisation that most of our wedding presents were still boxed up and taking up room at my parents house (shameful!). So I finally set to work and clear some space for them. We're now using our wonderful new dinner service and wondering why we wanted quite so much stuff. 4x dinner plates, 4x small plates, 4x cerial bowls, 4x rice bowls, 4x pasta bowls, 8x wine glasses, 4x coffee mugs, 4x tea cups and 4x saucers... and then there's serving bowls and various other things! I thought the kitchen was full before but somehow I've sorted it out, got all that in and still got more space than when I started!
I'm getting rid of - 1 full dinner set, five metal storage containers, four coffee cups (I'm not admitting how many we're keeping), two wine glasses and four large glasses, a huge bag of tuppaware (all with lids!), a large food processor (second hand gift from my Grandma that I've never used - I have a small one I use all the time), my bread machine (this may yet be saved... I love it but never use it, and it takes up a lot of space!). I'm also gifting a sprout grower to a friend as the only time I used it they went mouldy before I could eat them! She's much better at things like that than me.
So I have a large collection for our local charity shop - and some room in my cupboards! All in all a well spent weekend I think!
Monday, 11 August 2008
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Going well
We've been very busy recently decorating our bedroom, which has been an eye opener for me. Something should remain under the bed! Three large boxes of "stuff" that haven't been touched since we moved into the house three years ago. I've not done anything with them yet but I've vowed that nothing is getting a free pass into my new beautiful bedroom. At the moment it's completely empty (even the bed was removed this morning to get the new carpet down) and nothing is going back in unless I "know it to be useful or believe it to be beautiful". I'll keep you posted on how much / little stuff I get rid of!
The get fit plan is also going well. I'm not managing to do too much actual excersize but I'm making sure that at least 5 days out of 7 I'm doing 30 mins activity. Mostly that has been stripping wallpaper and painting, but I figure if I'm out of breath it counts!
The get fit plan is also going well. I'm not managing to do too much actual excersize but I'm making sure that at least 5 days out of 7 I'm doing 30 mins activity. Mostly that has been stripping wallpaper and painting, but I figure if I'm out of breath it counts!
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Get Fit
This month my new thing is a desire to get fit. I do pretty much no exercise... which isn't a great start. I've read Leo's great post How to Go From Sedentary to Running in Five Steps and I'd like to give it a go. The problem is I doubt I can commit to four times a week. To be honest I'll be lucky to get 3 half hours to myself a week!!
I need to get fit as we've undertaken a challenge to climb all 214 "Wainwrights" that's peaks in the Lake District written about in the wonderful books by Alfred Wainwright. It's a big challenge, and while I can do them - I would like to do it with a bit less puffing, panting, turning red, and resting!
I need to get some running shoes and a sports bra, but not until I get to the running stage. So the initial cost is nothing! My husband has just finished a big contract that saw him away most of the week (so time to myself was none existent!) now he's home I plan to make use of him. Starting Wednesday I'm going to get out for a 30 min walk three times a week. I plan to do Weds, Sat and Mondays. If I miss one I may be able to make it up then.
I'll (try to) keep you posted about how I get on!
I need to get fit as we've undertaken a challenge to climb all 214 "Wainwrights" that's peaks in the Lake District written about in the wonderful books by Alfred Wainwright. It's a big challenge, and while I can do them - I would like to do it with a bit less puffing, panting, turning red, and resting!
I need to get some running shoes and a sports bra, but not until I get to the running stage. So the initial cost is nothing! My husband has just finished a big contract that saw him away most of the week (so time to myself was none existent!) now he's home I plan to make use of him. Starting Wednesday I'm going to get out for a 30 min walk three times a week. I plan to do Weds, Sat and Mondays. If I miss one I may be able to make it up then.
I'll (try to) keep you posted about how I get on!
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
One Thing Monday
I cleared out lots and lots of junk this weekend, unfortunately I didn't take any photos!!
This Monday we took two bags and huge box of videos old toys and general other stuff to charity shops, it's like a huge weight has been lifted, and it certainly has given me some room to move!
I also learned a wonderful new word Kipple. "The word kipple refers to unwanted or useless junk that tends to reproduce itself."
This Monday we took two bags and huge box of videos old toys and general other stuff to charity shops, it's like a huge weight has been lifted, and it certainly has given me some room to move!
I also learned a wonderful new word Kipple. "The word kipple refers to unwanted or useless junk that tends to reproduce itself."
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Spring Cleaning
I've just read a great article by Erin on Simply Stated (not a blog I normally read but linked to from Unclutterer, I may need to check out some other articles there). This post: Spring Cleaning: Start with systems is fantastic, I hope she wont mind if I use it as a base for a post.
The idea is that the first part of Spring cleaning should be to start with the mechanical systems in your home and get them into full working order - take some time for a little maintenance! I've reproduced the list below with my comments.
1. Have your furnace professionally inspected. This is probably the most expensive item on the list of spring cleaning activities, but definitely worth the investment. If you have a central air and heating unit, be sure that the inspector also checks your drains, lines, and reservoirs. If you like the person who came to do the work, go ahead and make an appointment now for next year.
We have a boiler, it is possible to get these serviced, and while ours is under 3 years old I may look at doing that - it's something you really don't want to break down. Though I would suggest this is something that may be more useful to do in Autumn as your starting to need it rather than Spring when it's work is winding down.
2. Change your furnace filters.
Not applicable on a boiler thank goodness!
3. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them once the new batteries are in place.
Very good idea, this is something I think about doing and never get round too - we could also do with installing a smoke alarm upstairs, having only one isn't a great idea.
4. Change filter in range hood.
Yes, I need to do this... I need to find out what filters it needs!
5. Check dates and charge on fire extinguishers and replace if necessary.
Not applicable.
6. Have a professional sweep your fireplace chimney, inspect your flue, and test vents.
Not applicable.
7. Flush your water heater tank by carefully following these instructions.
Not applicable - boiler heats water on demand.
8. Vacuum out your dryer's vent hose and scrub the lint filter with soapy water and a bristle brush.
Nope, no dryer.
9. Clean out the lint trap on your washing machine if applicable.
We did this a few weeks ago as it was rattling, the things we found...
10. Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts.
Hmmm, might be a good idea. I'll ask my other half.
11. Remove, clean, and store storm windows and replace with screens.
No idea what these are, must be an American thing!
12. While storm windows and screens are off the windows, wash their exteriors and interiors. You may want to hire a professional window washer for this task if you live in a multiple-level home. Don't wash them with a power washer or hose because you may damage the seals on the window, instead follow instructions based on your window type.
Yes, washing the windows is def. on the todo list. Outside and instide too!
13. Wash window blinds and curtains per manufacturer's instructions.
Agh, yeah, probably better do this too.
14. Have lawn mower serviced and prepared for summer use.
Ours is electric, I don't think they need servicing.
15. Replace battery on garage door opener and check belts/chain on drive opening mechanisms.
Not applicable. As an aside I'd love a garage door opener!
16. Schedule and run a test with your home security system provider.
Wha? No idea what this means either!
17. Send area rugs and hall runners out to be cleaned, and have wall-to-wall carpets professionally cleaned throughout your home.
Surely a good sweep of the laminate and vacuum of the carpets would do... even this hasn't been done for a while!
18. Inspect wood floors for damage, scratches, and wear patterns. Have floors waxed or refinished if necessary.
yes, exactly... sweep up. ahem.
19. Check walls for paint touch up, cleaning, or repairing needs. Fix accordingly.
Riight, I'll take a look when I get home. This is a lot more detailed than I was hoping. But I'm sure it'll make the place look lovely.
20. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans, and replace light bulbs and blades as necessary throughout your home. If the fixture has a ceramic or glass component prone to collecting dust or dead bugs, you will want to remove these and clean them with a mild detergent. Be sure to dry fully before replacing. Don't forget to check exterior lights, too.
I always forget to dust light fittings, this is a great idea!
21. Clean dishwasher drain if do not have a self-cleaning model.
Also, never been done. Good idea!
22. Take interior and exterior trash cans and litter boxes to a self-service car wash and power wash these items.
Another good idea, the bin is getting nasty, a spring clean would do it a world of good I'm sure.
23. Review paper filing system. For more help on this subject, see this Unclutterer article.
Something to look into... get a filing system.
24. Polish door handles throughout your home and oil any squeaky hinges.
Yep, that will be cool too.
25. Remove air vents and clean off dust and debris.
Not applicable!
It's a very in depth list. I don't think half of them will get done. But I may find time to do some of them over the weekend.
The idea is that the first part of Spring cleaning should be to start with the mechanical systems in your home and get them into full working order - take some time for a little maintenance! I've reproduced the list below with my comments.
1. Have your furnace professionally inspected. This is probably the most expensive item on the list of spring cleaning activities, but definitely worth the investment. If you have a central air and heating unit, be sure that the inspector also checks your drains, lines, and reservoirs. If you like the person who came to do the work, go ahead and make an appointment now for next year.
We have a boiler, it is possible to get these serviced, and while ours is under 3 years old I may look at doing that - it's something you really don't want to break down. Though I would suggest this is something that may be more useful to do in Autumn as your starting to need it rather than Spring when it's work is winding down.
2. Change your furnace filters.
Not applicable on a boiler thank goodness!
3. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them once the new batteries are in place.
Very good idea, this is something I think about doing and never get round too - we could also do with installing a smoke alarm upstairs, having only one isn't a great idea.
4. Change filter in range hood.
Yes, I need to do this... I need to find out what filters it needs!
5. Check dates and charge on fire extinguishers and replace if necessary.
Not applicable.
6. Have a professional sweep your fireplace chimney, inspect your flue, and test vents.
Not applicable.
7. Flush your water heater tank by carefully following these instructions.
Not applicable - boiler heats water on demand.
8. Vacuum out your dryer's vent hose and scrub the lint filter with soapy water and a bristle brush.
Nope, no dryer.
9. Clean out the lint trap on your washing machine if applicable.
We did this a few weeks ago as it was rattling, the things we found...
10. Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts.
Hmmm, might be a good idea. I'll ask my other half.
11. Remove, clean, and store storm windows and replace with screens.
No idea what these are, must be an American thing!
12. While storm windows and screens are off the windows, wash their exteriors and interiors. You may want to hire a professional window washer for this task if you live in a multiple-level home. Don't wash them with a power washer or hose because you may damage the seals on the window, instead follow instructions based on your window type.
Yes, washing the windows is def. on the todo list. Outside and instide too!
13. Wash window blinds and curtains per manufacturer's instructions.
Agh, yeah, probably better do this too.
14. Have lawn mower serviced and prepared for summer use.
Ours is electric, I don't think they need servicing.
15. Replace battery on garage door opener and check belts/chain on drive opening mechanisms.
Not applicable. As an aside I'd love a garage door opener!
16. Schedule and run a test with your home security system provider.
Wha? No idea what this means either!
17. Send area rugs and hall runners out to be cleaned, and have wall-to-wall carpets professionally cleaned throughout your home.
Surely a good sweep of the laminate and vacuum of the carpets would do... even this hasn't been done for a while!
18. Inspect wood floors for damage, scratches, and wear patterns. Have floors waxed or refinished if necessary.
yes, exactly... sweep up. ahem.
19. Check walls for paint touch up, cleaning, or repairing needs. Fix accordingly.
Riight, I'll take a look when I get home. This is a lot more detailed than I was hoping. But I'm sure it'll make the place look lovely.
20. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans, and replace light bulbs and blades as necessary throughout your home. If the fixture has a ceramic or glass component prone to collecting dust or dead bugs, you will want to remove these and clean them with a mild detergent. Be sure to dry fully before replacing. Don't forget to check exterior lights, too.
I always forget to dust light fittings, this is a great idea!
21. Clean dishwasher drain if do not have a self-cleaning model.
Also, never been done. Good idea!
22. Take interior and exterior trash cans and litter boxes to a self-service car wash and power wash these items.
Another good idea, the bin is getting nasty, a spring clean would do it a world of good I'm sure.
23. Review paper filing system. For more help on this subject, see this Unclutterer article.
Something to look into... get a filing system.
24. Polish door handles throughout your home and oil any squeaky hinges.
Yep, that will be cool too.
25. Remove air vents and clean off dust and debris.
Not applicable!
It's a very in depth list. I don't think half of them will get done. But I may find time to do some of them over the weekend.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
One Thing Monday (A bit late...)
Ok late, this is the first chance I've had to post though.
I'm not as pleased with this cupboard but I have managed to get rid of some clutter.
Before:
After:
I'm not as pleased with this cupboard but I have managed to get rid of some clutter.
Before:
After:
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