8 Minute Microwave and Cut Flower Decluttering Project

This project took 7 minutes and 39 seconds. It included removing everything but the microwave, cutting boards (stored behind the microwave) and knife block; cleaning and dusting the area and contents; purging the clutter; categorizing the items being returned to the area (my sunflower trivets and my husband's magazines and what I presume is the last cookbook he used to make dinner last night); putting the things that belonged elsewhere away (if they belonged somewhere else in the kitchen) or in a basket for distribution later; culling the dead flowers from the arrangement; trimming the stems of the keepers; rinsing the old vase out and putting the remaining flowers in a new vase.

The first two photos are the "before" images. I included both because in the first one it looks more cluttered but you can only see the whole area in the second one.

This last photo is the "after" picture. So much nicer! I'd have moved hubby's cookbook and magazines (he has a bookshelf for his cookbooks and a storage area for his magazines) but figured he had them in the kitchen for a reason so I'd let him deal with that when/if he wants to do so. I'm so thankful that he cooks I can certainly live with a bit of clutter in the kitchen.

I hope this inspired you in some way! If so, I'd love to hear about it. You're also welcome to join my clutter busting Facebook community. Whatever your goals, may God bless you and keep you!

Full links and related posts: 
14 minute kitchen counter clutter clearing project: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/03/14-minute-kitchen-counter-clutter.html
16 minute desk decluttering project: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/16-minute-desk-decluttering-project.html
My personal home vision post: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-home-vision-new-series-on.html
Easy exercise motivation trick: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-exercise-motivation-trick.html
Clutter Clean in 2013 Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterCleanIn2013
My 2013 reading goals: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/ten-terrific-goal-boosting-books-for.html

14 Minute Kitchen Counter Clutter Clearing Project

Before decluttering

As I mentioned in my desk clearing post, I love quick and easy decluttering and organizing projects that immediately make a difference. Above is a photo of my kitchen counter before I spent 13 minutes and 51 seconds (which I rounded up to 14 minutes for the title) decluttering, cleaning and organizing it.  That 14 minutes included removing everything but the blender, loading the dishwasher (I'd decided to do a timed project right after I emptied it and noticed how cluttered the counter was), placing a new roll of paper towels on the holder (not pictured), recycling the old paper towel tube, purging the clutter, categorizing what I decided would go back, dusting everything that needed it, and putting everything that really belongs somewhere else into a basket for distribution later.

Above is the "before" picture of my cluttered kitchen counter.  As you can see, it's kind of busy and there's too much stuff out which limits the work area for cooking.

After decluttering

The "after" picture is a breath of fresh air. I didn't fuss with my husband's sponges or "his side" of the counter (not pictured) but I think our shared side looks a whole lot better. While it does mean the kitchen is more his than mine, I'm truly blessed with a wonderful husband who cooks dinner every night so I definitely want to respect his space.

I relocated the phone to a little shelf that rests on the left side of the counters. I also keep bananas there but there's plenty of room for both. That was a well spent 14 minutes and these quick successes make it easier for me to stay motivated to plug away at my larger, long-term decluttering projects.

I hope this inspired you in some way! If so, I'd love to hear about it. You're also welcome to join my clutter busting Facebook community. Whatever your goals, may God bless you and keep you!
 
Full links and related posts: 
16 minute desk decluttering project: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/16-minute-desk-decluttering-project.html
My personal home vision post : http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-home-vision-new-series-on.html
Easy exercise motivation trick: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-exercise-motivation-trick.html
Clutter Clean in 2013 Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterCleanIn2013
My 2013 reading goals: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/ten-terrific-goal-boosting-books-for.html 

First Daffodil of the Year Photos & Haiku (Short Poem)

This Saturday we saw our first daffodil bloom of 2013 on our walk through the Azalea collection at the U.S. National Arboretum. I love the yellow cheerful blooms of daffodils. Although it was a cold, gray day the daffodil sighting warmed my heart. Spring is on its way! I love how God uses the changing seasons to make me appreciate my favorite ones even more.

First Daffodil of the Year Haiku

Bright yellow petals

First daffodil of the year

Sunshine flower love

These three photos are of the same daffodil from different angles and with and without flash. It was the only daffodil blooming but there were also a host of snowdrops, crocus and cute little yellow flowers (maybe winter aconite?). 

Hope this little touch of spring brightened your day! May God bless you!

SoulSpace Book Review & Top 5 Quotes

I'm really glad that I made Xorin Balbes' SoulSpace one of my top ten goal related books to read in 2013. I totally enjoyed reading his book and wish I could hire him to help me with my own home. He clearly has a gift for bringing out his clients' true selves and helping them achieve their dream spaces.

Although I borrowed the book from my local library, I'm considering buying a copy to keep as a reward for creating space in my bookshelves (of course, first I will have to make that space). While I'm not at a place to implement his system right now, after I've finished decluttering our home, I do plan to try it. When I do, I plan to revisit each chapter, reading the relevant stage and implementing it before moving on to the next one. I think following his plan will bring me closer to achieving my home vision.

His process consists of eight stages: 1) Assess 2) Release 3) Cleanse 4) Dream 5) Discover 6) Create 7) Elevate 8) Celebrate. Xorin Balbes is very inspirational and encouraging and I loved all the personal examples from his own life and from his clients' lives.

Here are five of his quotes and questions that I found most inspiring:

• "Every day you're alive is a special occasion." page 88
• "Who are you in your wildest dreams?" page 107
• "What do you have that you could be using more or better or differently?" page 118
• "Be clear about what you dislike about your home and what you want from it. Then make it what you want." somewhere between page 123 - 134
• "Let yourself create the environment you dream of so you can begin to create the life you want to live." page 135

Best wishes to you in creating your own SoulSpace! May God bless you and all those who enter your home!

Full links (embedded above and/or related to the article above): 
My personal home vision post : http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-home-vision-new-series-on.html
Easy exercise motivation trick: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-exercise-motivation-trick.html 
Clutter Clean in 2013 Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/ClutterCleanIn2013
My 2013 reading goals: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/ten-terrific-goal-boosting-books-for.html 

16 Minute Desk Decluttering Project

I love quick and easy decluttering and organizing projects that immediately make a difference. Above is a photo of my desk after I spent 16 minutes (and one second) decluttering, cleaning and organizing it.  That 16 minutes included removing everything but the computer, emptying my trash can, putting in a new trash can liner (a repurposed plastic grocery bag), purging the clutter, categorizing what I decided would go back, dusting everything that needed it, going in the closet twice for dust rags (I needed more than I thought I would!) and putting everything that really belongs somewhere else away or into a basket for distribution later (which took 3 minutes). I started by putting everything where it goes but then remembered that I find it more efficient to do all the putting away it at once (instead of running from room to room every time I see something that belongs elsewhere). 

Below is the "before" picture of my cluttered desk.  As you can see, it's kind of busy and there's too much stuff out. My trash can (right hand bottom corner) is an overstuffed eyesore.

It's surprising what you can accomplish in around 15 minutes. I have a tendency to leave things out to remind myself to do them. That's something I'm working on combating to promote a more peaceful environment. Instead of having a pile of stuff on my desk I can put the things where they belong and make a note on my calendar to do them.

Below is the "after" picture. Ahh, much better!

Although water will go back when I'm at the computer and my working notebooks will be out when I'm working (they're tucked to the left of the hard drive right now), this is a much more attractive space. I kept only what I really use or love and moved all the "reminders" (books I've finished reading but intend to review, cds to be ripped, etc.) to more appropriate places. It's a lot nicer at my desk now. I'm glad I took the 16 minutes to declutter and organize it.

I hope this inspired you in some way! If so, I'd love to hear about it. You're also welcome to join my clutter busting Facebook community. Whatever your goals, may God bless you and keep you!

Full links: 
My personal home vision post : http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-home-vision-new-series-on.html
Easy exercise motivation trick: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-exercise-motivation-trick.html
Clutter Clean in 2013 Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterCleanIn2013
My 2013 reading goals: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/01/ten-terrific-goal-boosting-books-for.html 

My Home Vision & New Series on Decluttering and Organization

I find it helps to have a vision whenever I'm trying to accomplish something. One of my big resolution goals for this year is to declutter and organize my home. But the driving force behind that goal is my home vision.

Phyllis' Home Vision: A beautiful, peaceful haven where love reigns, God is honored, and my husband and guests feel appreciated and welcome.

The whole vision statement is a bit long so sometimes I just focus on the two words in bold, "peaceful haven." For me, peacefulness includes cleanliness and organization. Life is more peaceful when I can find what I need when I need it. A haven includes beauty, a place to relax and rejuvenate and quiet from the outside word. While our home needs a lot of work, it feels good to make progress! But it's a process and I'm battling multiple health challenges while trying to turn my vision into reality. So if you're a praying person I'd appreciate your prayer support for my health challenges and homemaking pursuits. If there's something you'd like me to pray for please comment below or email me at lovejoypeas@gmail.com and I'll be honored to pray for you.

There are plenty of great places like www.flylady.net on the web for people looking to declutter, but I figured that some of my own friends were also looking for a place of mutual support so yesterday I started a free Facebook community called Clutter Clean in 2013 and you're welcome to "like" the page and join in the fun. My hope is that we'll spur each other on to success and provide an atmosphere of encouragement for one another there.

Do you  have a home vision? If so, I'd love to hear it! And how you use it too.

May God bless you!

Full link to Clutter Clearing in 2013: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterCleanIn2013

A Lovely Winter Moment Haiku (Short Poem)

Image by JulesInKY

A Lovely Winter Moment Haiku Poem 

Lifting my head up

Clouded sunshine warms my face

As snowflakes dance by

This weekend while I was looking out a window I simultaneously felt the sun on my face and saw snowflakes flying by horizontally (it was windy). I guess there was just enough of a hole in the clouds for the sun to warm my face. It really was a lovely winter moment; like a kiss from God.

Have you had a lovely winter moment? I'd love to hear about it!

May the God of all peace bless you today!

PS You can see more of my haikus here: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/search?q=haiku

Note: Poem written 2-17-13 by me (Phyllis Wheeler)