Breathing Room

I just looked out my window to see one of my dear friends pulling out of the driveway to take her second of 7 off to college..and her ONLY girl. Maggie. Beautiful girl child that has loved on my children and many others since the day that we met her. As I began to pray for them to have a safe, blessed, beautiful day, it hit me. Not like a brick, but like a soft pillow...gentle but noticeable. That’s going to be us in just 6 short years. Wow. We all know the day comes when you give your children wings and they fly. But to watch that car pull out this am, knowing and loving the people inside, moved me to a deeper thought of the day that it will be us. Immediately, The Lord said to me,”This is why you are doing what you are doing...this is why you are being intentional in the education of your girls...and this is why you are pouring into them each day, until you are often overcome with exhaustion....so that one day, when you may pull out of your driveway headed towards college and adulthood, they will be ready...ready with the full armour of ME, ready to face the world, make an impact in the Kingdom, and show the world who I am by the way that they live out their lives.” That was my word from Him this morning...

And that is why I haven’t written for Life~Uncluttered for an entire year. As a family, we were de~cluttering within. You see, last year, about this time, we stepped out in faith and took the road less traveled in our parts...a hybrid school of sorts...where the girls went to a Christ centered academy for 2 days, and homeschooled the other 3 days a week. It was something we were intrigued by, felt being led to try, so we went for it....and are we glad we did. For our family, it was spot on. God knew exactly what we needed and it was one of the best academic and familial years of our lives. I’ve talked before on this blog about the fact that being “organized” and “uncluttered” is about way more that paper stacks, junk drawers and attics. It’s about LIFE! Now don’t get me wrong, ya’ll know I love to tackle me some junk drawers and paper stacks...but if your very existance, your heart, your mind, your body, your time, are cluttered, no amount of purging, sorting and filing will be an adequate fix. So this past year, for us, has been just that...an attempt to slow it down, unclutter our hearts, minds and schedules...and a time to regroup and decide what to let into our lives. So as it is with physical clutter, what comes into our house or car or office must have a home, a place where you know that it lives. But even more essential to an uncluttered and restful life, anything that you “let in” to your heart, mind and schedule, must also have a home..there MUST be room for it...or it will look just like your worst junk drawer...you know the one that makes you cringe when you open it, worrying that something may jump out at you.

So as you all begin a new academic year, my prayer is, for those of us that seek physical order in our homes, that we may take some time to look inside and begin to unclutter there...and take a real good honest look at how and where we spend our time....As a family we found that once we uncluttered the schedule a bit, we had the breathing room to see the work that needed to be done on the inside...I pray the same for you. 

For those that have messaged that you missed the blog, my hope is to write more often...but only if there is “room”!

For He is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order.

1 Corinthians 14:33

Summer Garage Improvement!

Oh my! Summer is off to a great start....busy, but great! Just wanted to quickly post a few photos of a garage I just recently did...a garage inhabited by a busy family and that is often the gathering spot for neighborhood kids. You often will find their parents hanging in the driveway while kids play too......hence important to have balls, riding toys, folding chairs and the like all in arms reach!

We started by removing anything and everything that did not belong in the garage or that the family no longer used or needed. That included paint cans, extra car seats that are rarely used, and beach toys. My rule of thumb for a garage is, if an item is used only once or twice a year, and you usually don't need it in a moment's notice,  then the item does not belong in the garage....just makes sense to me...place it in the basement or attic storage. It is also important to get in the right mindset when purging..get real with yourself..is the item really used, and would you or your kids miss it?...many times the answer is "no". Another general rule I like to use is to have as little on the floor as possible...it helps to keep the floor clean and discourages clutter. One last thing we did in this garage that I loved was to buy a few clear tubs with lids to place on the set of shelves. In there, we placed soft totes and coolers that they may grab on their way to the pool or picnic. The tubs keep things neat and together, and because they are clear, the family can see the contents easily.

Lots of "stuff" piled on the shelves

Old paint cans and things on the floor..just needed a few hooks!

Love these mesh baskets that hold anything from balls to bubbles!

Riding toys have to be on the floor for the little ones...

All dad needed!

Hope you enjoyed the photos! I always love to add some fun...and usually chalk board paint is involved:) Happy Wednesday!

Does Your Med Closet Need A Check~Up?

 

I had a cough last week, and my husband brought me some Vicks Vapor Rub (how sweet) that expired in 2001! 10 years ago...Funny, though, that it still had that strong, oh so familiar smell. For the life of me I do not know how that got by me in February when I took the time to go thru all of our medicines. We were headed out of town and had a family member coming to stay with the kids...so I took an hour or so and gave the ole med closet some love! How is yours? Can you go right to a medicine the minute that you need it? You should be able to...Check out a few of theses...aren't they great?

Yours doesn't have to be as fancy as the ones above...I personally like mine pretty, but I like pretty. These will do...It works...it's labeled..It is organized....You don't have to spend an arm and a leg on baskets...but remember, you can often get great ones at the dollar store, Walmart or a discount store like Tuesday Morning...

Here are a few tips:

1. Set aside some time where little ones will not be able to get into medicines

2. Clean off a countertop or surface where you can work..give yourself some space

3. Remove all medicines from closet or drawers..don't forget to search the rest of the home

4. Go thru meds, purge those that are expired, leaking or not able to close properly

5. Sort the meds that are left

6. Make a note of the meds that you need to purchase to have a current, stocked closet

    Think cold, cough, daytime, night time, fever, pain, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, tummy aches, etc 

7. Make a note of how many "types" of bins or baskets that you need..

8. Dispose of Prescription and OTC medications properly..here is a link to help

9. Then the most fun...purchase number of containers needed ( i'd get 2 extra), label and organize! 

10. Try to always return medicines to their proper home..you'll be glad you did at 2a.m. when you're looking for Motrin for Johnny's fever!

Yep, you'll check out your med closet every time you walk by it for awhile...just like any other space you get organized and pretty-fied!

Hope this helps, Ya'll!

A Sabbath Space

So, it's been awhile...funny this is called "life~uncluttered", cause I've been a little cluttered myself. My move a year ago coupled with all the work that we've had done to the house, and the fact that I piled on too many commitments, has made my blogging take back seat. Who knew I loved writing? And how I have missed it so. Maybe it is the subject matter that I really am passionate about...all that aside, I hope to be back more regularly, and have adjusted my self expectations to once a week writing...hope that's good for you....and hope I can meet my new goal.

If you are looking for concrete organizing ideas in this one, I apologize. Dare I say, though, that this topic is far more important than any bin, basket, hook or closet space.

I am nearing the end of an amazing bible study/book reading of the Resolution For Women, by Priscilla Shirer with some truly amazing women. A chapter that we just finished reading and discussing this week was titled "Sabbath Spaces". In a jist, it was about intentional time set aside for rest, rejuvenation, and time to reflect...but not only that. To my very pleasant surprise, she spoke of actual Sabbath "Space". I know, for myself and my family, that having an organized, clutter free home is something definitely of spiritual matter. Come on y'all, we all know that grace, patience, kindness and gentleness are NOT virtues we exude when we are knee high in stuff and clutter. To put it in my own words would be a mute point, because Priscilla Shirer did it so well.

She says "in order to protect ourselves from being controlled and enslaved by our chaos, we must become women who intentionally create "Sabbath Spaces"- margin in our lives (and homes) that are left purposefully clean and clear...failure to do so will only create more bondage".I, for one, desire to absolutely be free to live and love with NO bondage...and you?

She goes on to say that "as easy as it is for our calendars to be overrun with responsibilities, our own homes can also turn into pits of clutter and chaos, causing them to fell like less of a haven and more like a dungeon we want to get out of". I, for one, want my home to feel like a haven, a refuge from the nutty world out there...a place where my family and friends can come and relax. Shoot, I want it to be a place where I can relax...there's a good one...us? The ladies of the house? Relax? Well, I am here to say that if you will work to create the "Sabbath Space" in your home and schedules, you can do it too...

Work this week to look around. Where does your family spend the most time? That's where you may want to start. And start small if the task seems overwhelming. For gosh sakes, just having the kitchen table clear may be all you can do one day...or the garage cleaned out enough to park one car. Just begin to create a few Sabbath Spaces. You"ll get hooked....I promise.

Here are a few more thoughts to help you get started:

For a moment, put yourself in your husband's shoes ( if married). Many of these guys have stressful dog eat dog jobs out there. We need them to look forward to stepping through those doors where they can take a deep breath and just, be...
Same for the kids..school is stressful, chaotic at times and full of pressures...it's never too early to teach the kids the importance of their own lives and spaces to be less cluttered...their bedrooms should be a place of their own,.,their "Sabbath Space". You get the point.
Maybe you should start in the master bedroom...This is one of the first rooms I advise people to work on. This is a space I believe should be pretty, and special. Simply close your eyes and imagine the room you would like it to be and go for it...just because guests may not see it doesn't mean it shouldn't be free of junk and stuff. WE know it's there and it messes with us on the insides...just like loaded down drawers and basements...

I hope this has given you a glimpse of what it is that makes my passion for organizing and living simply so fierce. I know from personal experience and from working with people on projects, it changes you. On the insides. You have a choice. Clutter and chaos or simplicity and order. Or a mixture of the 2, which happens to the best of us at times:) next post, I promise, will have photos! Thanks for reading this far down..I know I was long winded.

~Jennifer

A Place For Our Jewels!

On the hunt for cute jewelry storage for my little girl's 10 year old room up-do...and found so many inspirational pictures..thought you all might enjoy!

This is actually made out of branches from the yard,
spray painted white. Glued into a painted wood block! Very eco-chic!

Beautiful...just super relaxing to look at!
Source

LOVE This one..personal fav for my own dresser..but need other colors!
Source

See how to do this!
You could use anything..chicken wire, twine, yarn..endless possibilities!

Easy DIY! Too cute! Source

Love this too! Especially for the sewers out there!
Source

I would probably paint this a fun color, but who can't find a chair at a garage sale? Wow!
Source




Hope everyone is having a great week~Jennifer

Yes, I am cluttered too..

I hate to admit it, but I will. My life is cluttered. There you have it. I am human. I am just like you. I have stacks of mail right now and what I guess will be hours of filing and sorting to do. Last week I forgot snacks for my daughter's basketball team, and realized, by a few comments and looks of disbelief from my friends, that they had the idea that I have it all figured out...the whole uncluttered, simple living, orderly home thing...nope..I just love the idea of it...the pursuit of it...

See, here is my mail clutter..i am willing to bet I need about 1/3 of this! Now ya'll know one of my dirty secrets! I don't always practice what I preach..usually around holidays:)

Come on, we all know that sick feeling in our stomachs when things are out of control, either in our home or in our schedules, or that "monkey on your back" feeling when you have drawers full of junk, basements full of things you'll never use, or attics splitting at the seams with boxes that you haven't opened in years..I seek simplicity and order because I loathe those feelings...I detest what clutter in my life does to my insides...then it, in turn, affects all relationships that are important to me...and usually the one that suffers the most is the one that I have with my heavenly Father!! the first thing that goes is my quiet time...and that is the one thing I need the most..time with Him! 

Whatever your belief, I feel sure you can relate..clutter just sucks the life right out of us!! We simply get so bogged down in it that we miss much of the joy that each day can bring. So there you have it..I don't have it down to a complete science as of yet, but I work steadily in my home, on my schedule and on my "insides", to keep things simple!!! 


Here are just a few things that I have found helpful on my journey to de~cluttering my life. Hope you enjoy and can use at least one!


1. Wake up 30 minutes before the chaos begins..have your quiet time, prayer, cup of coffee and then get moving!
2. Do not buy anything that you do not LOVE or NEED!..stop the thought process that you have to fill every nook and cranny of your home!
3. Create a Family Communication Center
4. Never leave dishes in the sink at night..if you awaken to clutter, your day is pretty much determined to be just that! (in my experience)
5. Make your bed! (And teach your kids to make theirs..how nice would it be for them to come home to a neat rom!)
6. Pray before you commit!..now I'm not saying here that I will pray before I commit to lunch with a friend..but before you commit to anything that may take your time and attention from your family.
7. Sort your mail every day..and be real with yourselves about coupons, catalogs..will you REALLY use them or will they end up in a drawer? Usually the latter!
8. Keep a bin somewhere handy that you can toss things in that no longer belong in your home..then you can sort at a later date..(ie:goodwill, give to friend, consign)
9. Put away laundry before beginning more..and if your children put their own away, help them learn to make it a priority!
10. CHALK BOARDS! Have them, use them!


I have many more..but we can start with these..Now off to sort my mail that got way out of hand over the last month...


Now take a listen to this...She speaks right to me!! De~cluttering is more than just organizing your linen closet and cleaning out the basement..it is about getting rid of all that junk INSIDE too! I hope this blesses you as it has me!

Happy Tuesday! Jennifer

Seize The Moment!

Don't you just hate when clutter costs you money? Man, I do..it drives me nuts..I went on a major shopping trip today. Came home and found that I bought some things that I already have..grrr..

I dropped everything and cleaned that bad boy out, the refrigerator, I mean..and his brother the freezer..looked at all expiration dates..toss..toss..toss..

A little wipe down here and there..and wham! I had a clean, clutter free fridge and freezer...sometimes you just can't plan these things..seize the moment when you are frustrated with something and you will purge with gusto as I did! 

Conservation Clutter, that would be..I guess..some things I tossed from the freezer that might have been edible, but, really, am I going to make homed dumplings anytime soon? Or frozen quail that my dear dad gave me a year ago? Don't think so..toss!

So it took me 45 minutes or so..like I had an extra with company coming for dinner? NOT! but now it's done and boy, do it feel good!

Same type of thing happened a few days ago..had been living without my "family communication center" ever since we moved into this house in April...missed it so and I recommend that all my clients have one..so, I got to work and made it happen! No time the the present..and I am so glad I did!! Here is a peak...will feature several on another blog another time..have a great weekend!

I love how it turned out:)

Jennifer

Let's Begin Our Decluttering Plan! No better time to start!

“Order is Heaven’s first law.” 

Alexander Pope

I sit here this morning, several days before the beginning of a new year, with great anticipation for 2012! For some reason, deep inside, I have a feeling it is going to be something special. It has been years since I have made " resolutions", for I never seemed to obtain them when I did. This year, though, there are several things that I want to do, so I am making a 2012 "bucket list".  The most exciting things on my list are to grow my organizing business,  raise baby chicks in the spring and to learn how to crochet. These things aren't just going to miraculously happen, so I am beginning to take a few deliberate steps. 

Is becoming more organized and less cluttered one of your goals for the new year like it is for so many others? Studies show, and this is obvious by all of the magazine covers at the grocery store, that most Americans long for a more organized environment in which to live, work and play. Has it been one of yours for many years? What has kept you from obtaining it? There are lots of random reasons that I have heard over time and here are just a few...

There aren't enough hours in the day

I don't have enough space

I don't have enough money

I don't know where to start so I just don't

I could sit and write a rebuttal for all of these but why should I? Sometimes I feel the same way..but at the end of the day, I know what it does to my insides to have things orderly and simple...to have drawers cleaned out, filing cabinets orderly, all things in their places and the excess gone...all you have to do is live that way briefly and it will change your world. I am not kidding. There is something that happens inside when things on the outside are uncluttered. You see, I was not just born with the uncluttered gene. It was forced onto me by downsizing to a small home years ago...and I thank God for that..otherwise, my currently larger home would be busting at the seams with a bunch of stuff that I do not need or want. You do not have to downsize to get there though...you just need to make the choice to make the change...little by little, with no excuses. And if the queen of "I can keep that and make something out of it" (me) can do it, SO CAN YOU!!

Let me give you some nuggets to start your wheels turning before the new year...I am reading a book right now that my dear friend Susan gave me called "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, and in short, she is on a year long mission to find more "happy" in her life. She tackles a different area of her life each month..amazing, isn't it, that the first thing she goes for is her "stuff and clutter". She says that she "craved a existence of order and serenity". Does that speak to you like it does to me? go figure that I LOVED this chapter. Here are the "kinds" of clutter that she talks about in her book. Think through these one by one, and can I suggest that you even write them down on index cards of a sheet of paper to refer to when you are doing your clutter clean up in the weeks to come? I am..and over the next month, together, we will use these categories as we get rid of our unnecessary "stuff". 

Nostalgic clutter- things you hang on to from your earlier life that do nothing for you now..(5 million sorority tee shirts)

Conservation clutter- things that in their own right are useful, but completely useless to you. (30 florist vases in your cabinet)  

Bargain clutter- things that we have purchased because they were a great deal, but you now find little or no use for them. 

Freebie clutter-  things that have been given to you because someone else had no use for them and thought you did! Thanks a lot for that!

Crutch clutter-  things you use, but know you shouldn't..can't wait to tackle this one.

Aspirational clutter-  things you have that you want to use...but end up just causing you guilt..like my scrap booking paper....it's been in the house for several years...and not moved..it's not going to happen..its not in me..it's going bye bye!

Buyer's remorse clutter-  okay, we all know what this is...the shirt that has had the tags on it for a year...or the shoes you have worn twice in 2 years...

Okay, now instead of feeling overwhelmed, you need to try and think of this as fun...keep in mind how exhilarating that it will be to have closets, drawers and cabinets clean and orderly. And to be able to find things when you need them. Take baby steps...one day at a time...one drawer at a time.

I hope that you will journey with me, and If you know someone that may find this useful,  please share this with them..and encourage them to subscribe to my blog!!

Amazing Idea For Christmas Loot!

Just had to share this..For those of us that don't wrap....If you are like me, at the last minute, I fear that I don't have enough "stuff" for the wow! factor on Christmas morning..What? Really? Well, yes, unfortunately, I do. This morning we got it all out and took a look..and I had a grand idea..Get it all ready, out of packages, tags gone..and put it in clear plastic bins..DONE! Then, Christmas Eve is simple and stress free..and QUICK...for those of us that love our sleep:) Hope this helps! It took me all of 20 minutes! I'll never NOT do this again! 

Happy Birthday To My Savior!

My Un~cluttered Christmas!

Ok, are you taking slow deep breaths? I am having to remind myself to! 

Do you, like me, find it a little annoying that every time you turn on the radio, they are reminding us how many more days until Christmas..as if we don't know!

LOVE THIS SIGN..AND NO IDEA WHERE THIS CHURCH IS!

How are you doing at keeping your Christmas season un~cluttered? I would say mine has been marginal. There are some things that I wish I had done different already. But instead of making myself feel guilt or frustration about my moments of disorganization, or things we missed, I am making notes and reminders for next year..and, yes, putting them in my calendar with reminders. A peak at a few of mine..there are lots!

Note to self, dated Sept 1, 2012: Do not sign up to be party mom for both Holiday parties..YIKES!
Note to self, dated October 15, 2012: Make list of people to buy for and begin buying locally made, unique items!
Note to self, dated Nov 15, 2012: Refer to folder on desktop that contains simple Christmas decor ideas

Ok, so you get the point...no reason that we can't get better and better at managing our holidays so that we have more time to spend doing the things that matter most this time of year! Maybe this is something that you can try..love my iphone for this...so easy to make reminders on the fly!

Funny, we had a "family meeting" of sorts this year at Thanksgiving when we discussed what each of us loved the most about Christmas..Our tops were sparkling Christmas lights at night, decorating sugar cookies, finding the elves and their mischief, watching a few of our favorite Christmas movies together, LOTS of board games and Christmas Eve with our church family and friends! Those are precisely the things that I have made sure happen for us....so I may not have the perfectly decorated home this year, (it's not even fully furnished) or have gotten my cards out on Dec 1st, but so far, though there are a few moments of panic here and there, The McClures are keeping it fairly un~cluttered!

Please take a minute to read this blog from I.N.F.O. if you want more inspiration on making your Christmas the best that it can be! Look forward to checking out some of the suggested readings..may, as he says, "kick my butt", but sometimes it needs to be kicked! It's never too late to slow the bus down!

And might I suggest, if you have not already, before Saint Nick arrives, supply each of your children with a clear plastic bin of decent size, hand it to them and tell them to fill it up with toys that can go to another child, things that are broken or that they simply do not play with..that is on the schedule for this afternoon! Then take off of your premises quickly!!!! Wish us luck!

Wishing all of you that read this, a very Merry Christmas! Looking forward to organizing in the new year, and continuing to strive for simplicity, order and contentment!

Luke 2:14
"Glory To God In The Highest, and On Earth Peace, Good Will Toward Men."


See ya in 2012!~Jennifer

A Peak At A Few Of My Projects!

Even I love to see my before and after photos! I truly love doing this! I hope you enjoy too! 

Busy Family Mudroom Before....

Family of 5 Coat and Backpack Hooks Before...

Family Command Center Before...

Hooks After installation of a little bead board and hooks!  A place for keys, now, too! And, of course, a fresh coat of paint in a soft, inviting color!

New "Family Command Center" where mom color codes the kid's activities and has plenty of room for artwork, invites and a cubby for each child's papers!

Unfinished Room In Basement Before...

This mom wanted an "Art Room" where her boys could paint, create and play...Before, it was a room in the basement that was used to stash things out of sight in a hurry..We purged, sorted and containerized. And then,

Isn't this great? We had the walls, unfinished ceiling and floors painted! 

Ready for Lots of Fun!

Unfinished Basement Storage Area

This client , again, is a busy mom of 3 and seems to be a bit of a decorator/crafter! She just needed to some help to get down there, focus, purge and containerize!

There was lots of space, we just got things off of the floor and placed on additional shelving! Now she can see all that she has!

Check out these GREAT labels, and clear bins! I love clear because you can see what you have!

Now when she needs supplies for entertaining, she has it all in one place!

For her holiday decorations, we just purged and added bins..Then stacked neatly! Her husband, that takes it all up when she asks (how sweet), can see clearly what he needs to get!

Close up of the labels! Love these!

And Lastly, A Pantry Re~Do

Before, not too bad...but stuff on the floor makes me crazy, and nothing really had "a place"!

After, with the addition of a few baskets, can organizers, buckets and chalkboard labels, everything has a home!


With that, I am going to go and snuggle with my family! Happy Thanksgiving all! 

I am Hooked on Hooks!

Can one really have too many? There are uses in every room (and outdoor living space for that matter) in your home..I have them by the doors for keys and flashlights, in a hallway for purses, backpacks and leashes, in the bathroom for towels, closet for belts and jewelry......I could go on and on! You get the point though..they can hold anything that needs to be readily accessible and they keep your drawers, countertops and floors free from clutter! They can also serve as great decor!


Here are some of my favorite photos showing off their hooks!! I find lots of these photos on pinterest. Follow me on pinterest here, and you can see where these come from! The best thing about using hooks is that you can find fun, attractive hooks these days without breaking the bank..I buy lots of mine at Hobby Lobby (1/2 price of course), World Market and some at antique malls! 

I love this! I have started my on "fav" hook collection to do this in my long hallway!

This is the beginning of my own collection for my "hallway of hooks"! Will post when up!  Going for the very random look, so I just pick one up when I happen upon something that I love!

Love the randomness!

Chevron design stenciled on..an easy DIY idea!

What a great idea here! Lace stencil on the wall with hooks for jewelry! 

And who said getting and staying organized is not fun? Certainly not me!

Do I  have YOU hooked?