flowergaze, it sounds like you made wonderful progress. Paper clutter is a nightmare! I remember that I wanted to set up files for possible vacations, all the different crafts I was into and ones I wanted to try, and home improvement and decorating ideas. Funny thing was when I got around to doing a project or craft or planning a vacation, I never referred to my files! They say 80 % of the stuff you file you never refer to again. Every year I've been able to eliminate files that I haven't touched in years. I fully understand your not wanting to throw away something that still has use in it. Instead think of it as a blessing to someone less fortunate then you and a possible tax deduction, make a list, box it up and donate, donate, donate! Instead of keeping a project of sewing a button on a shirt that you want to donate, just safety pin the button to the shirt. If you aren't comfortable with that, then start a sewing repair bin and schedule a time on your calendar to do the necessary repairs. Once a month I spend about an hour taking care of all the repairs for our household, plus the repairs on things I will donate. If your DH is frustrated maybe he would be willing to run to the thrift store or donation center near you after you have boxed/bagged things up. Then you won't have to deal with the trauma of letting things go, i.e. actually handing things off. Believe me, once you start getting your space back, a home for all the things you actually need and use, and the ability to find that stuff, you will feel a great sense of relief and joy! Keep up the good work....CT

Sally, congratulations on the ten pound loss....I know where five of it landed! Glad to see that you are taking those baby steps...every little bit helps! I cracked up when you imagined the nightstands moving themselves down the hall...puts to mind the enchanted castle of Beauty and the Beast.......CT

Well, vacation is over, now it's back to the everyday grind. Yesterday I washed, dried, folded and put away four loads of laundry. I spent some time in my garden checking for weeds and doing some deadheading. Found a baby robin trapped in my weeding bucket. He seems to be fine, his mama had a fit until she figured that I was letting him loose.

This morning I went to the grocery store for fresh fruits, vegatables and dairy. I was too tired to make a list so I'll shop for the pantry later in the week. I'll be making my meal plan today for the next two weeks. I have to be at work tomorrow and Tuesday so I won't be starting any big projects. July will be here soon, and I've decided all the closets will be addressed then. I trust everyone is well and making progress...CT

Hi Connie. In response to the foot locker chest: My first impression is that while chests are nice they take up a lot of room compared to the storage they provide in a small space. I have a chest that is nice, but takes up a lot of space. While there are numerous ideas for shoe storage, I like the idea of a box in the closet. I have an under bed container that I keep wrapping paper and ribbon in under my bed. If it gets too full, I weed something out. I also am learning from Piaf that solutions that don't cost money are good. That way we can save for the things we really want.

My favorite kids catalog is called "The Land of Nod." It has such creative kids rooms that it is fun to look at even if you don't have kids!I don't subscribe to many magazines as the renewal notices drive me BATTY! Instead I enjoy certain catalogues. Of course, I have to weed them out when the storage bin gets full. When I am in a doctor's office I read magazines that I don't usually get to read.

I think getting on the right psych meds is very important. I have a long history of depression and believe they certainly get the train rolling when you are in a slump. Then when things are going better you certainly do feel better about yourself. I think it often is difficult to find a psych DR that you feel comfortable working with. I also believe in counseling to help learn new ways of thinking (cognitive therapy). Diet and exercise are important components of mental health too. I like to use the idea of HALT when I am losing it emotionally. HALT stands for : Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. Those are important things to consider when emotions start flying.

OK. I heard you. I bought the big package of chicken. Tried a new recipe and froze the rest of the chicken. I am going to make an effort to get a bigger crock pot because the one I have is too small.

Wishing you a good week!

Wonaday

Hi Piaf!

This is how I have put you advice to use. I had to use a lot of vinegar on the iron and worked on it at times when I was in the kitchen. Neither a pipe cleaner or q-tip was very helpful. I kept steaming the iron and shaking it to dislodge the build up. Patience was required.

My craft project involved spending a dollar at the craft store on wooden lady bugs. I hot glued recycled magnets to them for my refrigerator. I spent some time strolling through 2 craft stores instead of running through them like a crazy lady.

I dug out my calligraphy set and spent a shot amount of time practicing my strokes. That had a therapeutic effect of calming me down from my usual state of hyperness. I will do it again.

I need a headboard for my bed. My dream headboard by Charles Rodgers is way out of current budget. Somewhere I saw that someone had used an old painted door as a headboard. I will consider that.

Thanks for helping me think, "out of the box!"

wonaday

Sally,

I enjoyed your thoughtful post. Congratulations on your weight loss! You should be proud of your self care activities as implementing them can be really difficult. Seems I continually take 3 steps forward and 2 steps back!

I'm sorry about your struggle washing the spinach. You wouldn't want to eat mine as I would rush through it. If your spinach salad would be at a pot luck dinner I would feel very comfortable eating it! LOL

I read an interesting article today about women's life expectancies becomming shorter. The article suggested that some women just aren't organized enough to take care of themselves. It said that " those who develop very good self-management skills in life are economically and health-behavior-wise able to better manage their affairs."

Keep up the good work!

wonaday

CT...glad you had a vacation! ...More soon.

Flowergaze...congratuations on your progress!...More soon.

wonaday

CT, So glad you had a vacation. Rekindles the soul? I loved your image of Beauty and the Beast with the furniture moving itself. I think I'll dream that tonight.

Wonaday, Yes, the spinach will get rinsed. I use a huge stainless bowl and soak most things for a long time in quite cold water. It worked well today. I am hooked on green table grapes. I know the ones from overseas have sprays that aren't allowed here. I thought there might be a residue from the soap on my towel, but when I soaked one batch it really seemed to get some stuff off the grapes. I won't skimp on that step any more.

I love your HALT, but I would make it THALTH. I would add thirst and heat. If I don't get liquids when I'm warm, I get so cranky and want to quit whatever I'm doing. Glad I learned that. Makes gym workouts and work in general possible.

Everyone, thanks for the encouragement. I'm having a problem with my wrist, getting it checked tomorrow. So, I may be off the boards for a while. I will post little messages at my blog. I can do it more one handed with my cell data phone. Not easy, but may be better for a while.

Take care, I'll let you know what I hear.

Sally

http://www.oprah.com/community/blogs/xara15

Hi Wonaday....I actually thought of a headboard the other day too. You can go online and look up how to make one with plywood and a pair of fence posts or 2 by 4's. Then you can get a very pretty comforter and cover the headboard to match the bedding after adding some batting or padding. You buy screws and screw the headboard onto the frame. I did this in the guest room. I slip on a cover much like chair cover when I get tired of the head board cover. It is square and I used pretty old sheets and measured out the square cover. The headboard itself is covered in muslin and is padded and bolted to the frame that holds the mattress and box spring. You can even make Home Depot cut stuff for you at the store. If you can operate a simple drill, screw driver, and stapler, you can make one. Old doors as headboards is a neat idea. Different salvage places have them for pretty cheap. You can find how to do that too. There's a book called Salvage Sisters and they have all kinds of ideas on how to do that. Good luck!! Piaf

Flowergaze, I had a clutter person come in one time about 10 years back and get me started. You are so lucky and smart to be doing this. Can't wait to hear what else you did. So happy and pleased for you!! Piaf

Xara, So envious and proud of you and that 10 pound loss! You are awesome. What an achievement! Piaf

CT, so glad you had a nice vacation. Ours comes up in 3 more weeks. Can't wait! Should be so fun. Today I am going to do some errands and laundry as well. DS is out washing and waxing the van. It needed it too! Later going to go pick up some riding shoes for DD. She is starting riding classes on Wed. She is excited. She hasn't ridden in a few years and wants to again. I found a good instructor. Hope the weather isn't too bad. Piaf

wonaday, I use Rowenta soleplate cleaning kit to clean my iron. You can get it at Target and costs about $10. Works very well and everthing you need is included in the box.

I saw a really cute headboard project which used a segment of a picket fence attached to a cross bar that bolted to the bed frame. The person entwined some flowering vines on it, or if that's too much for you, you can leave it plain. Piaf's decription of a upholstered headboard is great. I love the idea of making slipcovers for it so you can change the colors rather easily. Try Home & Garden T.V. website, you might find a more detailed description of the "how to do it", I know I've seen any number of things used to create headboards on their decorating for less shows especially Decorating Cents.

Thanks for your support. One thing the organizer suggested was that I put a recliner in my office. There is room now since we got rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff. I have a habit of sitting in a recliner when I go through mail or do any reading. I end up with papers, catalogues, magazines, books, and mail all in the living room. My goal is to have a paperless living room. Anything that is paper goes in my office. That will keep the living area nicer for me, family members, and (someday) guests.

flowergaze, sounds like a plan to me! This way you can be comfortable and sort at the same time. I bet you're feeling wonderful with the progress you have made so far. Keep up the good work and don't forget to post all the things you've accomplished. CT