Sunday, November 29, 2015

November 2015 Reading List














Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

Live Your Life at Half the Price by Mary Hunt

The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Series by Beverly Lewis
The Parting
The Forbidden
The Longing

Friday, November 27, 2015

Clutter Busting Challenge November 2015 Part 2

I have purged a total of 83 items this month. That is the lowest amount that I can remember purging over the last 4 years and 11 months. I'm still making a trip into town to drop off my donations each week.

My Purge Pile:
































You might be interested in:
Clutter Busting Challenge November 2015 Part 1

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Bible Journal















I recently ran across the concept of a Bible Journal. I think it would appeal to many people who like altered art type journals and adult coloring books. It seems from most of the pictures that I have seen a lot of the people doing it are using bibles with wide side margins to allow the art to not completely take over the text.

I’m giving it a try by using one of the many bibles that I own. The one I chose has some extra space in the side margin but not a lot. The point is to study the bible and create a visual to represent what was important to you. I admit it’s hard to write in my bible. I am reserved about underlining text, let alone using art supplies to color in the margins and cover portions of the text. I figure as long as I’m not using my main bible, I could take the risk. I find bibles all the time at thrift stores, so if you decide to give it a try there are low cost bibles available. 

I don't think I could do it like some of the pictures I've seen, although they are beautiful. The concept does make me feel a freedom to be more expressive in my bible than what I would normally do. I’ll be sticking to the margins and not cover up text in one of my extra bibles. 
 
Have you heard of a Bible Journal? Or do you have one?

A few links I found:

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Making the Everyday Special














It can be hard to pass up what you want for what you know is better for you in the long run. I think the trick is to plan fun things, treats, and simple luxuries that don't cost any or much money. Find the ways that you spend money regularly and find an alternative.

You have to change your routine to prepare meals at home, read the books you already own, watch a movie at home with popcorn and drinks. If you’re used to buying lunch in the café, you need to make a nice packed lunch to enjoy. Make coffee and a simple breakfast at home instead of the coffee shop. Do afternoon tea with dessert on a Saturday. That pretty nail polish that you want, you probably have one at home you’ve barely used yet. That necklace that is so cute, you probably have a small jewelry store in your jewelry box. Organize and rearrange what you own to make it a special experience to use. Creating rituals into your day is the key that makes things special.

What can you do with your time instead of buying?

Monday, November 9, 2015

Cleaning Zone 5: Living Room and Family Room


Cleaning Zones
1.       Cleaning Zone 1: Porches and Storage Areas
2.       Cleaning Zone 2: Kitchen/Dining Room and Laundry Room
3.       Cleaning Zone 3: Bathroom and Offices
4.       Cleaning Zone 4: Bedrooms and Closets
5.       Cleaning Zone 5: Living Room and Family Room
Cleaning Zone 5

Living Room and Family Room: Detailed Cleaning List

1.      Dust cobwebs
2.      Dust and sweep floor
3.      Wash wood floor
4.      Clean windows
5.      Dust/Wash wall displays, ornaments and nick-knacks
6.      Clean end tables including inside
7.      Clean corner cabinet including inside
8.      Straighten closets/ drawers
9.      Wipe fingerprints from walls/outlets/switches
10.  Polish furniture
11.  Clean out book basket/magazine racks
12.  Clean fans/heaters
13.  Move furniture and sweep/vacuum
14.  Clean under cushions
15.  Spot clean furniture and pillows
16.  Wash blankets 
17.  Wash curtains
18.  Clean entertainment center
19.  Clean TV/DVD player
20.  Clean computer desks
21.  Clean bookshelf
22.  Clean highchair
23.  Clean table
24.  Clean computer tables
25.  Dust computers
26.  Clean desk

Monday, November 2, 2015

Cleaning Zone 4: Bedrooms and Closets



Cleaning Zones
1.       Cleaning Zone 1: Porches and Storage Areas
2.       Cleaning Zone 2: Kitchen/Dining Room and Laundry Room
3.       Cleaning Zone 3: Bathroom and Offices
4.       Cleaning Zone 4: Bedrooms and Closets
5.       Cleaning Zone 5: Living Room and Family Room
Cleaning Zone 4


Master Bedroom Detail Cleaning List
1.      Clean/Polish Furniture
2.      Clean cobwebs
3.      Wash mattress pad/ Flip mattress
4.      Wash bedding/dust ruffle/make bed
5.      Empty trash/ clean trash can/disinfect
6.      Wash curtains
7.      Wash windows
8.      Clean china cabinet
9.      Clean dresser
10.  Straighten dresser drawers
11.  Clean under the bed
12.  Straighten couch
13.  Put dirty clothes in hamper
14.  Clean mini fridge
15.  Dust & Vacuum
16.  Clean TV/DVD player

Closet Detailed Cleaning List
1.      Straighten the top shelves and baskets
2.      Arrange the shoes
3.      Straighten hanging clothes
4.      Cull some clothes from the rack
5.      Dust/Sweep
Extra Bedroom: Detailed Cleaning List
1.      Clean/Polish furniture
2.      Clean cobwebs
3.      Wash mattress pad/ Flip mattress
4.      Wash bedding/dust ruffle/make bed
5.      Clean under the bed
6.      Wash curtains
7.      Wash windows
8.      Clean china cabinet
9.      Straighten desk drawers
10.  Straighten couch
11.  Clean top of sewing machine
12.  Straighten the closet