The weekend is almost here! I find I'm the most productive on the weekend when I set a few obtainable goals. I usually keep a list of "around the house" goals on the fridge. I don't get them all done at once, but if I have some time on the weekend, I can look at the list and go, "what can I accomplish today?" Then, when it's done, and I can mark it off my list. Man, marking through a done task feels so good!

So, this weekend's list:

1. Get unpacked from last week's trip and put suitcases away. (I had three suitcases for my trip and I'm down to one).

2. Finish laundry. I'm making great progress here too. I've all ready dropped off and picked up the dry clean items.

3. Costume inventory and put away. I costume/cosplay for a hobby and I just got back from DragonCon. I've been working on inventory lists for my costumes. I like to put them away clean and with all parts in boxes together. I like to box them with an inventory list as well.

4. Put away and inventory bathroom items bags. I like to have my "overnight" bag ready to go. This includes items like a day or two of medication, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc...the essentials. Thay way if I have to take a trip in a hurry, I'm ready.

5. Tidy the house. House just needs a reset. A key to good organizing is maintaining as you go. Let me tell you, as six year old can make a mess quick. Well, a 38 or 39 year old can make a big mess too.

6. Update the fridge "to do" list. Since I brought this up, I think I'll update it. This helps me plan my weekends ahead.

That is all, that is enough. Don't make your lists too big or you set yourself up for disappointment. If you don't get it all done that is fine. Do what you can, and keep the list on the fridge for later.

So what are your goals this weekend? Don't forget to make time for family and fun too!

Hair dryer that hangs on wall: http://www.hairdryers4u.com/anhd16waqutu.html I used a wooden wall mount curling iron and dryer holder that I bought at a craft fair. You can good or eBay for them. I've had mine for 15 years. My blow dryer also has a retractable cord, which really help keep cord clutter out of the way.

Towel rack: http://www.nathosp.com/pub/hotel_cat/bath/bath_products/EH152_DeluxTowelHoldr_MN.asp This is one options...I'l looking for more.

Keep a mix of bleach and water to spray in shower. Spray occasionally to deter mildew buildup.

Credit: http://www.getorganized.ws/

I need to dig deeper into this site: http://www.thebusywoman.com/

Especially this: http://www.thebusywoman.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=16

New tips that I love: When storing sheets, place them in one of the pillow cases. That way, when you need the sheets, they are all there together and easy to grab.

LIttle things like that make me happy.

Here's a link to make your phone books go away...talk about a paper weight. I recycle mine immediately, so I'd rather not get them at all: http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/

Also, I did this a long time ago, but if you were not aware, you can decrease your junk mail as well here: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t You don't have  to pay for this...be careful if you google because some will try to get you to "sign up" for something. That is not necessary.

Less paper! Yay!

I think I have sold my soul to The Container Store. Srly.

We invested in some Elfa shelving during the shelving sale that just ended. (Next sale is in January.)

We finally have all our books and photo albums out of storage. One box of books is queued up for library donation. We really did a good job of letting go. I could part with more, but I'll wait until space is an issue.

Isn't this beautiful!



Yes, the flag is not folded correctly...we still have some detail work to do, but we are getting there. ;) We are going to consolidate down some software, get a pretty box for the paperbacks that are worn, etc.

New issue in the queue is old photo ablum. I have some that I need to thin down to the pictures that REALLY matter. That will not be easy. Project for 2009...time to just pick a year and do it.

It looks like the office theme will be "patriotic." We have pictures, etc. that will tie into that.

So, Terry is getting worked to death on my cleaning bender. The venture took me two trips to store to get what we needed...we added a forth shelf and had forgotten bookend holders. We used the Click and Pickup, which was wonderful! The job took Terry about half a Saturday, but he was watching Iron Man with a Rifftrax  while he worked...so factor that in as you will. Then the unboxing began!

Other nice feature...the dog cannot get to our books. :) Big factor in this decision.

More later...it's a BIG week on the Organizing front!

Bailey just learned how to use my label maker. She's very excited...I'll have to keep her under control...the labels cost money!

I've had it for years. My sister gave it to me one Christmas.

It's one of my favorite possessions. I've been on a labeling bender. :)

Mine is a Label It by Casio...it's been a good one.

Terry put up a yard shed last weekend. It's similar to this one: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100390773&N=10000003+90016+1679

Ours did not cost as much. He rented a tiller, leveled the ground, added gravel, and then built a wooden base under it. Then, he put it up. It was fairly easy to assemble. With building the base and all it took him roughly two days.

Here's the results.



So, we can clear some more room out of the garage and empty the storage unit by Nov. 1.

Progress...

I have a new show recording on the DVR: Mission Organization: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_mso

Description: Mission: Organization brings order to chaos by redesigning living spaces one room at a time. Learn how you can organize your home and resolve your clutter problem from kitchen catastrophes to bedroom bedlam.

I love watching the Professional Organizers in action and seeing the solutions they come up with...it really inspires me.