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| Fun photo of items featuring in my blog |
Hello there, thank you for dropping by and for the lovely comments last time on QT's birthday. He's doing well though a bit fussy with his food, as usual.
The above photograph of yarn for crocheting, cooking, reading, cats and a tea set was me playing around with items represented in my blog. The teaset and scales are suitable in size and scale for a dolls house.
Blanket update
The Knit & Natter Challenge for Jan/Feb is to crochet or knit a blanket. It doesn't have to be the crochet attic 24 cal, it could be anything you like eg lap blanket, for the bed, for pets or like myself a gift. My woodland blanket attic 24, is growing steadily albeit slowly, I'm up with more of the blue shades now. I will post a photo next time.
Reading
Start With Your Sock Drawer by Vicky Silverthorn (youtube) her book is so good, one of those that makes so much sense. Not at all bossy, preachy or extreme. It's in chapters but with lots of sections making it easy to read, pick up and put down. There are no instructions or challenges, instead you gently read about how she's helped clients tackle clutter making it easy for you to join in slowly.
This was a birthday present last summer and I intend to continue reading through and applying her guidance throughout the year. Though she recommends starting with your sock drawer, you can start with any small area, about 20 mins max. The idea is to be consistent daily and not for long sessions never to be returned to again.
I started with the bathroom cupboard, then moved back to the books. I'm determined to reduce them further, it's far better that others get to enjoy them rather than them sitting collecting dust.
Live Green by Jen Chillingswith a library book, I will probably purchase this at some stage. It's a fantastic little book (6"x5" in size) with lots of advice about leading a more sustainable life. From making your own cleaners, to green home and garden and having a simple Christmas. The book is laid out with 52 steps but these are not at all shouty - no numbered or underlined instructions, just bold headings over a double page. A very informative book with lots of ideas to simply live green.
Two books to read for the book club - Are You Afraid of the Dark by Sidney Sheldon and Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by MC Beaton.
Decluttering
I've been sorting some books that teen 1 cleared from his room. He's had
My Weekly Plan - Menu
Mon - Leftover roast beef or sausage & mash
Tues - Slow cook chicken casserole
Wed - Slow cook Spag Bol
Thur - Fish Pie
Fri - Jacket potato or Fish & chips
Sat - Slow cook lamb shoulder & chips
Sun - Roast lamb dinner
Jobs following The Organised Mum Method (30 mins each day)
Mon - Lounge & dining room
Tues - Bedroom & bathrooms
Wed - Entrance, stairs, landing
Thur - Kitchen, pantry, utility
Fri - Focus Friday - Master bedroom
Sat - Help clean teen's rooms (15 mins each).
I've tweaked the original list to match my family requirements. The idea is to have weekends free of housework but this seems to work best for me and the teens.
Anyway, we'll see how it goes. The idea is to only spend 30 mins a day cleaning plus 15 mins max doing basic level 1 jobs which are - clean something in a bathroom, 1 laundry load, make beds & hoover high traffic areas.
Most weeks I miss at least 2 days of job's off, especially at the moment whilst sorting diet issues. Without feeling sorry for myself, some days I'm just floored and do nothing more than the very basics and read or crochet.
Take care of you & yours, have a good week.
Cathy x
I love the photo at the start of your post, trying to remember the name for that type of photo but can't think of it. So a girlfriend is how to get the teens to de-clutter? Interesting. LOL! Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, A photo montage maybe? Yes definitely get the girlfriend involved, I've taken all the books to the library and charity shop now. It feels good to declutter unwanted stuff. Cx
DeleteThere seems to be lots of decluttering happening at the moment. I seem to have been filling bin bags for the last couple of years and there's still more to go, I'm back to going through things which have already been done. We did the loft at the back end of last year, that was a task and a half, so many things just shoved up there out of the way, I feel much better now it's all sorted out.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely addictive and continuous this decluttering lark. I try and clear something everyday now, simply because it feels good to slowly clear space without losing momentum. Cx
DeleteI hope you can get your dietary problems under control soon, it does not sound pleasant. Have fun making your blanket, I always find making something soothes soul and body and I hope it works for you, too.
ReplyDeleteHousework is largely done over the weekend in my house (we both work full time). I don't mind, a Saturday morning blitz is usually enough, particularly if the kids help out.
Have a good week. x
Thanks Christine, it's looking increasingly like I can't handle fibre - skins, seeds and high fibre (oats, seeds, grain & nuts) which are causing me problems. I've always eaten whole foods but never knew those very things were making me ill, tired and washed out. Because my diet is so restricted at the moment - through a dietician - it's much clearer to see. I can't pretend that mentally it's been easy, especially now that I'm realising the consequences of eating certain things I'd normally take for granted eg a tin of tomatoes (seeds, skins) took 2 full days to get over. It's the fruit and veg that will be the hardest, I really don't want to eat casseroles made with a carton of passata and tomato puree, quite frankly it's bland. Apart from courgettes there doesn't seem to be any green veg that I can eat. Next week I'm hoping the dietician can shed some more light.
DeleteYes the soothing crochet of blanket making does help. Cx
Love the look of the Live Green book, something that I would like to do a little better. I am working on a blanket too and enjoying the process,
ReplyDeleteWorking on a blanket is certainly relaxing, you just have to keep going Cx
DeleteGoodness.. you are very organized. I could only wish to be more orderly.. but I'm just not. But I do admire it in others. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteBless you Teresa, I try to be organised but don't always manage it. If I have lots of energy, it's easier. Cx
DeleteHaving someone help with the decluttering would be a good idea otherwise I'm not motivated. Everything looks tidy, but the cupboards are full. I guess a self-help book would be the next best thing and doing a little at a time.
ReplyDeleteCertainly a little at a time is a good plan. Maybe start with a cupboard at a time, it's all too easy to feel overwhelmed by too much to do. Take care Cx
Deleteexciting to see your "Fun photo of items" on the top.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Thank you Tanza.
DeleteHi,love the photo,what a good idea.I am trying to be ruthless at decluttering as it's effecting me and I do like an orderly house.I have read most of the Agatha Raisin books,love them.I did not however like the TV series at all.Hope you will be ok regarding your health.Love n cuddles for QT.xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee. I never saw any of the series on tv, a shame really. Arh QT, he's a lovely lad, I'll pass on your love, if only he enjoyed lap sitting but... alas no. Have a good week Cx
ReplyDeleteThe organized mom blog is awesome, thank you for sharing it. I’m also going to see if my library has a copy of the living green book. I know I can do better with reducing waste. Hope you have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa for commenting, glad to help, Cx
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