Clutter Challenge Day #4

So today marks day 4 in the Clutter Challenge.  I slowed down a bit yesterday, and didn't end of up really clearing my desk until this morning.  Meanwhile I've worked on two additional projects today - so I feel caught up.

So if you remember from my last post, my desk, where I sit at daily looked like this:

before

Its an awful workspace, but I cleared a lot of garbage out, took things like jewelry to right place, and just organized a bit better.  In my defense this desk, has suddenly become the accumulation of the things that were at my work desk, plus the things previously there.  But here are the results!

After

I'm pretty happy with the results, the black file on the end, and white storage under the desk are their own special clutter mess that a plan on tackling during this challenge.  The black file really needs help as it has labels for projects/groups I'm no longer involved with.

before

My project today was to tackle the kids feeding stuff drawer, which is at C's level, so he likes to help organize.  I took everything out of the drawer and tossed a lot of stuff we never use (we had probably 15 pacifier covers and I can't remember the last time we used one.)  I also sorted the things that we are not quite ready to use with H yet into an empty basket that we keep in the kitchen, as we might as make it hold things.  I also put burp cloths in there since H now self burps and we don't need them often.   If we can keep this up, this should make it much easier to find things!

Basket with burp cloths and future items.

After

My last project of the day was to determine if all those extra items we've been keeping in the basement are worth it (kitchen stuff like coffee mugs, old napkin holders, etc.)  I found about 9 things that I'm going to try and sell on craigslist first.

For tomorrow I'm thinking I'll tackle our front hall - too many shoes, coats, mittens, and scarves.  Plus mail, and I need a way to store H's shoes as they are too small for our shoe bench and they get loss easily!

Clutter Challenge Day 2

How did your first project go?

Mine took a bit more time than I expected.  First of all, our Christmas decorations were still up.   Secondly, H was/is incredibly fussy.

Before

But happy with the results, threw out most of the paper/plastic bags that hold stuff, but don't really hold a shape, so they constantly fall over.



Our biggest collection of holiday stuff is Christmas.  I organized the boxes into sub categories (linens, outdoor decor, etc.)  I also made sure every box has what's in it written on the top and two sides, so I don't spend as long trying to figure it out.

Here's the results.  Our mini Christmas tree is the only thing in a bag still, I couldn't find a box that would fit it.  I'm really happy to have all the Halloween costumes in a box, rather than half stuffed in a basket or laying across random boxes.  Lastly each holiday has at least one box, making it much easier to grab the right stuff.  I got a rid of a box called "Other Holidays" by doing this, which means I won't have to go through the most recent holidays stuff to get to the bottom of the box.

After

My project for the next 24 hours in my desk.  As you can see there is quite a bit of stuff on it.  A lot of it not really desk related.  And I have a hard time finding the things I need, but for whatever reason, my desk has become one of those catchall in the house.  Like we need a proper junk drawer or something.

somehow I still use my computer here.

10 day clutter challenge

Does anyone else feel like all the new stuff from the holidays makes your home feel smaller and you have too much?

If so, join me in my 10 day clutter challenge.  We'll organize, toss, and donate all that stuff in your house.

It's a simple challenge.  Pick something to tackle that's driving you crazy.  Take a picture of your before.  Organize.  Take a picture of your after.  Repeat each day.

My first thing is going to be our holiday decorations.  Halloween costumes, easter eggs, and ornaments just everywhere.

Crafts - Yarn Letters

Letter H hanging on the wall (zoomed in)

 To decorate above H's crib I spelled out his name with these homemade letters.

Each letter doesn't take very long, but I kept putting off finishing these with two wiggly boys.  And one of the letters I did backwards at first, so that didn't really encourage me to finish, because it looked so perfect minus being backwards.

I liked how these turned out a lot, so I am considering making something similar above our front door (either a large K or the house numbers...)

I bought everything I needed at Pat Catan's, but I believe you could find all of these items at any craft store.

Supplies:

• Paper-Mache letters, similar here.
• Glue Gun and Gluesticks
• Yarn, I used a flat yarn.  Pat Catan's sells bags of balls of yarn on clearance.  That's where I found mine.  Something similar would Lion Brand's Fettuccini line. I find the flat yarn hid ends and trouble spot better.



Starting the H.  I forgot to the end at the top,
had to go back try to tuck it in and wrap around
the front part of the letter again.

• Something to attach it to the wall.  I bought picture hangers, but my husband wished I had used 3M Strips instead (maybe next time!)

How to:

1. Examine the letter, try to pin point trouble spots.  For instance, the ends of each H.  
2. For the ends cut smaller strips that are 2-3 inches.  Glue the strips on.  I made a line of glue on the front of the letter, then attached each strip.  Then flip the letter over, make a line of glue and attach the other end of the yarn strip.  Trim the strips, but don't worry too much as they will be covered by more yarn.  Repeat for each letter end.  
3. From the back of the letter attach the end of your ball of yarn.  Start wrapping it around and dotting glue as needed.  I always glued the yarn when it reached the back, and would add dots on the sides and front as needed.  When finished wrapping a section, glue and tuck in the end to the back.  It's okay to break wrapping into multiple sections.  With H I started on the bottom left, got to the center, wrapped the whole letter for the middle, and then continued wrapping the the top right.  After that I wrapped middle to make feel more stable and cover the sides.  The I wrapped the bottom right and upper left individually.  
4. Certain letters are easier to do than others.  I think J, I, S, T, D, and Y would be the easiest.  I think N, R, Q, and Z would be the hardest.  Lastly, try to make sure you have the front and back correct.  You don't want to beautifully wrap a letter only to find out its backwards.  
5. Attach your wall hanger, hang it up, and show off your newly completed project!

Next time I make this I'll try and take better pictures, I got into a zone and forget to take more helpful photos.

Completed letters on the wall, trying to still keep some privacy,
but wanted to show the yarn go multiple directions.

Holiday update!

H dressed as Baby New Year at our
annual New Year's Eve Party

First of all Happy New Year!  2013 was an adventurous for us, so I'm looking forward to all the fun things happening in 2014 (turning 30, M finishing grad school, H's first birthday, taking a real vacation!)

There are two things I would like to accomplish in this post. First the final Holiday Weight Loss Challenge update, and then a Holiday gift review.

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/22: 1X6.4lbs 01/02: 1X6.2lbs .2 lb loss!
• Hips 12/22:  44.5"  01/02:  44.5" Same
• Waist 12/22: 40" 01/02: 39.5"  .5" loss!
• Left Thigh 12/22: 24" 01/02: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/22: 13" 01/02: 13.5" .5" gain

So I did a great job on the healthy snack/lean protein goals, terrible on the exercising.  So I actually was expecting to go up.  I'm really excited that I lost a total of 3.6lbs during a season full of delicious foods, alcohol, and too many cookies.  I wish I had been able to get more in the habit of exercising, but the week of being sick really put a dent into things.  Here's hoping a pick up a few more good habits in 2014.

I'm thinking of doing another challenge soon, I'd really like to lose 10lbs by the end of February.  I'm attending a clothing swap and I'd really like to like to swapping for the next smaller size.

We had a wonderful Christmas - we got to see both our families and friends.  This was the first Christmas where C was excited - he lets us sleep in until 9:30am, but once he was up he shoved M's glasses on his face and yelled "presents! presents! eggies!"  So our stocking from Santa trumped eating scrambled eggs.

I wanted highlight a few gifts the boys received and a few gifts that we gave.  

dollhouse

My parents gave the boys the Melissa & Doug High Rise Dollhouse.  C loves it, although his new robot and airplane spend a lot of time in there too.  H likes to look at it, I think he'll really enjoy it as he gets bigger.  My in-laws gave H the Kidsline nap mat in Yellow Giraffe.  It's adorable and it doesn't take up too much space.  Previously we were using a Moses Basket, but H has recently gotten too big and finds ways to wiggle out of it, this napmat has become the perfect next thing, its not as clunky as a pack n play and its super soft.  On a humorous note, C got the book version of "What does the fox say?" from his Uncles.  When its read out loud, it reminds me of William Shatner covering a song.  Lastly, I love the Gund Baby Simply Modern Bear set that H received, we got him the blanket bear, my grandma gave him the stuffed animal which comes with an adorable baby bear, and my parents got him the matching teether.  We also received many other wonderful toys, clothes, and books, but I can't list them all.  Plus most of H's presents are still in their packaging, since he's just starting to play with toys.  The gifts from my parents and grandmother came from Fun Buy The Pound, but they don't have an online store for me to link too.  I suggest if you are in the Pittsburgh area to stop in and check it out.

H in his nap mat

Some of my favorite gifts to give this year...

• Zimmerman Kitchen Lotions & Soaps: Andrea was really great at working with us to put together a selection of products to send to my Sister and Brother-In-Law.  Andrea makes everything herself, and the lotions are great for people with dry skin!
• The Jesus Storybook Bible on DVD.  Our church gives this bible at Baptism, but its hard for C to sit through the story.  For whatever reason, he'll watch the same story, same wording though.  Atleast its a start...
• Flowers!  1800Flowers did a great job with the flowers, gift baskets, trees we sent to friends and family.  With a shorting Christmas season, and losing a week to being sick, this was a nice way to get gifts out.  They also started a passport program where you get free shipping for a year when you pay $30.  Which has already paid for itself.  We did use Teleflora for one gift, and they were terrible.  They didn't have any tracking available, didn't let me know that the flowers that were supposed to arrive on the 24th were not going to be delivered then.  Then they promised me they would deliver on the 26th.  Once again did not deliver or notify me of changes.  Promised me that they would deliver on the 27th.  Morning of the 27th I get an email saying they can't make the arrangement I picked...the flowers did arrive on the 27th, and the recipient was pleased.
• C got a robot bib from this etsy shop.  He loves it.  Its his first pick of bibs.
• Another Etsy gift, for my BIL's girlfriend was a great clutch from the Sweet Sugar Beet.  Haley makes fantastic bags, she's done both my diaper bags, as well as my wedding clutch, and gifts for my bridesmaids.



T-Rex Shirt

• T-Rex Shirt for my brother.  Saw this and knew it was for him.  First time using Fab.com, they shipped quickly and both items I bought were well received by the giftee.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's!

Weight Loss Challenge! 9 Days left!

So how are you all doing?

Well, I don't even think I need to analyze my goals this week.  C came down with a fever Monday night and got the entire family sick. So I have not concentrated on this at all.  Our sleep schedules are off, runny noses, bad coughs, not a great time to diet or work out.  I lost weight, but I think thats because I had a loss of appetite for a few days and most of my meals involve soup.

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/15: 1X7.4lbs 12/15: 1X6.4lbs 1 lb loss!
• Hips 12/15: 45"  12/22:  44.5" .5" loss!
• Waist 12/15: 40" 12/22: 40"  Same
• Left Thigh 12/15: 24" 12/22: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/15: 13.5" 12/22: 13" .5" loss!

How to participate this week: 

1. Review your goals and figure out why they didn't work if you failed.
2. Come up with 6 goals if you failed some, 7 new ones if you passed completely (as clearly you need more of a challenge!)
3. If you failed, like me, your six goals should include the ones you didn't pass.
4. Give yourself one free day of not worrying about this.  I'm choosing Christmas.

New goals:

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. 

Walk 3 times this week. 

Complete an arm exercise three times this week. 

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. 

Start adding more lean protein to my diet.

Stretch for 10 mins everyday.

Weight Loss Challenge and Update!

So for those of you following along, how did your week go?

Here's my updated stats:

• 12/8: 1X7.8lbs 12/15: 1X7.4lbs .4 lb loss!
• Hips 12/8: 45"  12/15:  45" Same
• Waist 12/8: 39.5" 12/15: 40"  .5" gain
• Left Thigh 12/8: 24" 12/15: 24" Same
• Left Arm- 12/8: 14" 12/15: 13.5" .5" loss!

Here's how my goals went:

Drink 5 glasses of water a day.  Passed!  I noticed that I am drinking more water and I don't have to think about it as much

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. Failed. I started off this week doing awesomely, but I had 2 days where we ended up being out later than expected, plus 3 parties.  Hence the gain in the waist, I noticed a big difference on how I felt at the end of this week after not doing anything for awhile.

Walk 3 times this week. Failed, I got 2 out of 3.  The snow didn't help.

Complete an arm exercise twice this week. Passed.  Slowly getting toned.

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. Failed.  So when you make a goal, make sure you have some healthy options before deciding this should be a goal...

Eat a piece of fruit 5 out of 7 days. Passed.  We bought oranges, so lots of citrus.  C has been stealing all the bananas, so I haven't had that as an option.

How to participate this week: (Same as last week)

1. Review your goals and figure out why they didn't work if you failed.
2. Come up with 6 goals if you failed some, 7 new ones if you passed completely (as clearly you need more of a challenge!)
3. If you failed, like me, your six goals should include the ones you didn't pass.

New goals:

Complete the Petite Athleat's the 300 challenge at least 4 out of 7 days a week. 

Walk 3 times this week. 

Complete an arm exercise three times this week. 

Try a healthy snack first before opting for a sweet snack. 

Start adding more lean protein to my diet.

Stretch for 10 mins everyday.

I found out that my local Market District Giant Eagle has health & wellness programs, including a personal consultation with a dietician!  This program is sponsored by Highmark, so if they are your insurance carrier you get a free consultation each year.  I had mine on Friday and thought she did a wonderful job of finding me foods I would like to eat, highlighting what I did well, and areas to improve on.  She also did a great job helping me figure out where I should be weight loss wise (since the BMI shouldn't be your end all be all, since it doesn't calculate muscle and frame).  Right now I need to lose about 37-47lbs to be in my ideal range, where the BMI has me at over 50.  

This means if I can lose 5lbs a month for the next 10 months I should be in good shape!  That feels like a much more reasonable goal.

In other news, here's H and Santa at one of our parties this week.  H is asleep, and C was not having it...