There are many ways to keep track of what meal is going to be done on what night. Some examples include:
Computer calenders don't work for me because I like to have something tangible in my hand. I also need it to be in the kitchen so it's near the food I'm preparing.
When putting this presentation together for my church, I talked to a lady who schedules her meals SIX WEEKS in advance! (is your jaw open in astonishment? Mine was!) 
Sustain: "Keeping the gains and building further progress."
When you have a dinner party, you can't sit back and do nothing. You have to work to keep guests happy, food on the table, etc. The same is true with this marvelous, shiny and clean space that you just created. It takes work to keep it looking that nice. But, you can do it!
You've created systems to help you. I will now pull my bills out of the mailbox, open them, take them directly over to my desk and file it under the date that I need to take care of it. Walla! No more bills all over the kitchen table. No more late fees cause I forgot where I put that darn bill.
Take some time to sit at look at your new space. Isn't it amazing how much you didn't need? All of that was cluttering up your life; not letting you reach your potential. It is now all clean and simplified.
Thank you for joining me on this challenge. Your support helps and motivates me!
I would love to see and hear from you about how your experience was. Please send photos to doubledippedlife@gmail.com. If you are willing, I will post them all here!
But...I guess I have all your items hostage in a box...so you had to come back... Anywho...
Wednesday
Day 3
Shine and Store
*A friendly reminder from your overseer...I mean... helper! Even though we are taking this process one day at a time, it is NORMAL to take longer. I hope that we don't lose anyone a long the way. Keep reading, keep planning, and keep on working! We will all come to the same amazing results!
AND... at the end I will be posting before and after pictures! I will add yours whenever you can get them to me!
So... back to work!
Cleaning day!
I assume that you all know how to clean. Do it.
Is your space this clean? :)
Then... Storing time!
It is time to put in place Systems.
I won't be regulating your systems. Do what works for you.
Examples:
In my space, I am hanging up file systems.
I am buying an expanding file folder that goes from 1-31. As I get bills in the mail, I will open them, and then put them in the folder on the date they need to be taken care of.
If you are cleaning a craft room, you can buy bins - or use old cardboard boxes - to store items in.
LABELING is so important! Label boxes if it applies in your system.
You WILL have to WORK on your systems continuously. They, unfortunately, won't run themselves.
Make systems that you know that you can maintain.
Make systems that work for you and your style.
If you find it's not working, change it.
Post your ideas in the comments, and get ideas from others!
HOW TO:
Once you have your files or storage boxes or whatever you are using in place, start emptying your "keep" box.
One item at a time. Find each object a home.
Homework for tonight:
REST!
We will talk more tomorrow about sustaining our systems.
Congratulations on getting this far! Doesn't your space look amazing?
Welcome to Day Two of Organize your Space!
If you missed the first day, it is HERE.
Tuesday
Day Two
1. SORT "Separate the neccessary from the unnecessary."
We are starting the 1st official step of the 5S program. Some steps will be consolidated.
Get out your 3 bags or boxes that you collected last night. Put them in or near the area you are fixing.
1 box for "Garbage"
1 box for "Give away"
1 box for "Keep"
We are going to take each item in the space one by one. Some will be easy to designate to their box; some will not be. If you come across an item that you are not sure about, ask yourself:
*What is the history behind this item?
*Does it hold a special place in my heart/life?
*Would it make someone else happier than it makes me?
*Is it something that I can take a picture of and then give or throw it away?
Consider your answers, and then choose where the item goes. There is NO judging here, no mandatory "throw away everything!" This system is designed to give everything a home. If everything in your room needs to stay, then you will need to find a home for every last item.
When your space is completely cleared, take a deep breath! Clearing the space might take an hour, it might take a day or two. Be patient with the mess you will create. It will all be worth it in the end!
Now, run the garbage out to be disposed.
Put the "give away" box somewhere where you can't see it. You will be keeping this box for a day or two. Why? Because if you find yourself thinking about a particular item in that box, and you know you need it back, then you can grab it. Do NOT keep going through the box. You know what's in there. If you think about something, then you will know that you still need it.
Now, if you can live in this space without putting every "keep" item back, keep them in the box for just a little longer. We want a clear space for the next step.
Step back. Look at your space. Grab your paper from yesterday, and refresh your dream of this space in your mind. Imagine that the room is already complete. Isn't your life grand?
Homework Time!
Tomorrow we will be cleaning, and starting to put systems into place.
If you need to go shopping for cleaning supplies, or for new items to put in your space, do so tonight. (Ex: file drawer, a new shoe rack, etc.)
Remember- you don't want to bring a lot of useless things back into your space. Choose items that will compliment your dream.
Sleep well! You worked hard today, and accomplished quite a bit! Congratulations!
Please comment on how your work is going! If you are blogging about the experience- and we hope you are- then link us!
We will loosely follow the "5S" method that big corporations like Toyota use in their factories. I say loosely, because I will be adding some personal insights, and good tips from other methods as well.
The 5S method states: "A place for everything, and everything in its place, clean and ready to use." Wouldn't that be nice?
If you had a clean space... you could look like her:
We will be following certain steps in our organization. Check back each day to see what to do next. Homework assignments might be given each night as well!
Monday
Day ONE
* Find a space to get under control.
*It could be a bedroom, family room, desk, or even a little junk drawer! You pick!
*Take pictures of your space!
*Come and link your picture or blog here so we can encourage each other!
Okay, now you have your spot. Find a time when you don't have any distractions and look at this space. Have a notebook and pen in hand, and HONESTLY answer the following:
*What is this space's function?
*Is it currently serving that function?
*What amount of time is spent here?
*Would you spend more time if it was clean and organized?
*What do you like and dislike about this area?
Start dreaming. Imagine this area neat and tidy, with a place for everything. Imagine it fulfilling it's life's mission. WRITE DOWN what you think!
That's all for today! You are now armed with a "before" picture, and a list of what you would like to see the space become.
Homework for tomorrow!
Find 3 boxes or bags. If you are doing a full room, you might need large ones. If you are doing a small space, smaller boxes are required.
Go to bed dreaming about a new, functional living space!
We'll see you tomorrow!
Here is my space! Yikes!
My computer is the white one, Hubby's the black. There is a big table in between us that could use some organization! Help!
(Don't worry that it says "Envisioning Beauty" on Mr. Linky! Enter anyway!)
So, now you have your new schedule. What happens with all of those "extra" things that pop up? Here's some hints to start the school year out right!
Buy a Calendar: Simple, right? As soon as a note comes home from school with an event on it, jot it down on the calendar! Papers can get lost, but a calendar nailed to the wall, or stuck in your purse, will not. I found this great site yesterday, and I want one! Busy Body Book
Stock up: The first week or two of school can be hectic. Especially in the morning, trying to get everyone out of the house. So, plan ahead! Make sure you have enough breakfast food, food for packed lunches, and quick dinners if needed. Pack lunches before bedtime the night before.
Use Weekends: Use the weekends to get ready for the week ahead. Plan entire wardrobes for the coming week, so you won't be rushing around looking for your child's socks! Iron and wash whatever you might need. Go grocery shopping with a menu. Make extra food, and freeze it for quick dinners.
Do you have any other tips for a smooth school day? Let us know!
Set daily, weekly and long-term goals for yourself. When you accomplish your daily goals you are one step closer to reaching your weekly goal, and when you get to your weekly goal you are closer to your long term goal! Baby steps and setting obtainable goals are the key to your success!
Don’t say “I’m going to clean the house”, instead say “I am going to wipe down the sink” and the rest will follow. Make detailed lists: Wipe down sink, wipe down shower, clean toilet, clean floors, and take out laundry. Cross each off as they get done. When you’re done the bathroom is clean and your list is all crossed off! Feels good right?
Sometimes as mom’s we don’t feel like we are appreciated. Go ahead and save up your cleaning lists to show to your husband when he gets home. When you feel like you’re “not worth anything” go back and look at you’re crossed off lists and see all that you do accomplish and have accomplished!
Avoid procrastination! It does nothing but cause anxiety! Maintain your focus! Don’t put something off when you know you shouldn’t. Be aware of the ease you feel when you get your work done ahead of time or on schedule, as opposed to the anxiety you feel when you wait until the last minute. Think of this feeling the next time you want to procrastinate.
Routines and schedules are my rock! I never had a routine until I became a mom. I know exactly when it happened too. I was sitting in that hospital bed with my new baby and the “breastfeeding expert” came to talk to me, with her feeding schedule and diaper check off list. Well that was it. Ever since November 18, 2005 I have had routine. It has remained constant but with change. Such as I still wake up at the crack of dawn and we still eat lunch at 12 noon, but naptimes have changed and the kids have weekly activities now. Also, when I started school again now, I got to put some “me time” into the routine, when I go online for school and when I write papers etc. Bottom line is I would be lost without my routine. I have been doing it so long now though, that when a “weird day” comes up, it’s really no problem to get back on track the next day.
Goal setting and routines help you maintain your focus. When you maintain focus, you succeed. When you succeed, your self-esteem rises. When your self-esteem rises, you have the desire to have more focus!
Here is an example of my routine/schedule:
Monday:
6 am-wake up, exercise, shower, have coffee, read the paper, and check email
7am- kids are up, clean them and feed them play and clean until noon
12 Noon – lunch time! Clean and play until naptime
2 pm- Naptime for kids and school time for me
5 pm- get kids up (if they aren’t already) start dinner
6 pm- eat dinner, play, and talk to husband J
8 pm- kids to bed finish up schoolwork, any cleaning, and hang with husband J
Tuesday:
6 am-wake up, exercise, shower, have coffee, read the paper, and check email
7 am- kids are up, clean them and feed them, and get crock pot going
10 am- Library time! Go to market, other errands, and home by noon
12 Noon – lunch time! Clean and play until naptime
1:30 pm- Naptime for kids and school time for me
3:30 pm– get kids up and dressed for gymnastics
4:30 pm- gymnastics until 5:30
6 pm- eat dinner, play, and talk to husband J
8 pm- kids to bed finish up schoolwork, any cleaning, and hang with husband J
Wednesday:
6 am-wake up, exercise, shower, have coffee, read the paper, and check email
7 am- kids are up, clean them and feed them and play
10 am – go to movies (free movies for kids in the summer)
12 Noon – lunch time! Clean and play until naptime
2 pm- Naptime for kids and school time for me
5 pm- get kids up (if they aren’t already) start dinner
6 pm- eat dinner, play, and talk to husband J
8 pm- kids to bed finish up schoolwork, any cleaning, and hang with husband J
Thursday:
6 am-wake up, exercise, shower, have coffee, read the paper, and check email
7 am- kids are up, clean them and feed them play and clean until noon
12 Noon – lunch time! Clean and play until naptime
2 pm- Naptime for kids and school time for me
5 pm- get kids up (if they aren’t already) start dinner
6 pm- eat dinner, play, and talk to husband J
8 pm- kids to bed finish up schoolwork, any cleaning, and hang with husband J
Friday:
6 am-wake up, exercise, shower, have coffee, read the paper, and check email
7 am- kids are up, clean them and feed them play and clean until noon
12 Noon – lunch time! Clean and play until naptime
2 pm- Naptime for kids and school time for me
5 pm- get kids up (if they aren’t already) start dinner
6 pm- eat dinner, play, and talk to husband J
8 pm- kids to bed finish up schoolwork, any cleaning, and hang with husband J
Saturday and Sunday:
Look for babysitters!
Have a date with husband J
Play as a family!
Get dinner schedule ready for the week!
Go to the market as a family!
Have husband J take kids out so MOM CAN HAVE ALONE TIME!
