empty nesters... if these walls could talk

Often when a child leaves home, the parents have already downsized a bit, especially if other children have moved out prior to this. Possibly,  the best strategy,  is for parents to discuss how best to utilize the vacant room and to plan and prepare ahead of time; some may wish to wait a few months, just in case the child unexpectedly returns. Others may decide to box and store the child's possessions and move on from this point.

One other consideration involves the reason for the move-out itself: if a child is going off to college, he likely will not return for at least a semester; it may be wise to wait until that time has passed. If the child is moving into his "own" place, and is financially and emotionally prepared, it may be less likely that he return.

It really comes down to a simple matter of preferences and accounting for emotions and practicality. Parents know the child, the situation, and have their own lives as well - it's not all about the child, after all.

Create a Handy Storage System by Your Back Door, Yout front door... any entry way...to eliminate clutter.

Below are ideas I copied from a website I found...the link is below for you clicking pleasure!

Is your entry a mess? Are you tired of stepping on backpacks on your way to the garage? Does your family need an organized place to store outerwear, purses, and keys? Then this entryway storage system is for you -- no separate mudroom required! You'll only need an afternoon to re-create this assortment of storage solutions by your back door.

Question:


I can’t seem to keep my mud room/laundry area organized. It is the pass through to our garage and gets a lot of use. Any suggestions?

Answer:

The mud room/laundry room is a high traffic area and is often used for many different functions such as:

•Laundry

•Hang Keys

•Charge Cell Phones

•Briefcase, Backpack or Purse Drop-Off Area

•Shoe Storage

•Pet accessories (leash, grooming supplies, etc.)

•Mail Drop-Off

Typically the size of this room runs small, which can create an even bigger dilemma. How do you create a multi-function room within a limited space and keep it organized:


•Determine The Functions of The Room:

More specifically, what is this room used for? Take a look at the list above and add or subtract as needed.

•Eliminate The Clutter:

You were afraid that this part was coming right? You know that there is a few if not many items in this room that either don't belong there, or aren't being used and you must get rid of them! Either toss, donate or sell. Refer to Toss or Keep Guidelines .

•Utilize Existing Storage or Invest in New:

Does this room have existing cupboards or shelves? If so, then definitely utilize this. Otherwise, if you need additional space, you will need to invest in storage to help create this multi-use room.

Consider These Great Storage Ideas:


•Slim Laundry Cart :

This is very slim, and fits in between your washer and dryer - a smart way to utilize that empty space.

•Over Washer/Dryer Storage Shelf :

Affordable and functional - you can't be that!

•Wall Cubby w/Hooks :

This is a good idea if you don't have the room for a hall tree (see below) but you need it for similar functions (hang jackets, store everyday used items, etc.)

•Over The Door Storage Rack :

Although this is intended for CDs & DVDs, it can be used to hold items that you need to remember to take with you: lunch, laundry, mail, books, etc. And, it allows you to utilize an existing space (back of the door) that we don't normally consider using.

•Expanding Coat Rack :

This is great to hang up jackets, umbrellas and pet supplies (collars, leashes).

•Stacking Cubes :

I love this idea, and if you have the wall space it is a great idea to store a number of different items, such as briefcases, outgoing laundry, kid's school supplies and accessories, etc.


•Entryway Organizer : Also know as a Hall Tree, this is on the pricey side, but it is the perfect all-in-one storage and the depth is small which won't take up too much space.

•Cleaning/Laundry Organization Kit :

Great for laundry/cleaning needs and well priced.

•Entryway Organizer :

Another great option for a Hall Tree.

•Key/Mail Organizer :

There are a number of styles and affordable prices that will help prevent you from looking all over the house for your keys! And, remind you to mail those important bills/letters.

•Cell Phone Charger Station :

Never leave the house without your cell phone or electronic devices again with these affordable and useful chargers.



The bottom line is that in order to keep this room organized, you must be diligent about the following tasks:

•Eliminating clutter

•Designate storage for certain tasks: For example, Laundry supplies in one cabinet, cleaning supplies in another cabinet and kid's stuff altogether.

•Always put things back where they belong

ttp://personalorganizing.about.com/od/getorganizedtoday/a/mudroom.htm

Spring Cleaning ( Thanks Martha Stewart)

Did you know, the concept of spring-cleaning comes from the days when households relied on wood-burning stoves to heat their homes? On the first warm day of spring, a thorough cleaning was conducted to remove the ash and soot left behind.


Thankfully, modern heating has eliminated that problem, but the idea of spring-cleaning has remained. When it comes time to spring-clean, I fill a plastic bucket with essential cleaning tools that can be carried from room to room. ... It's a 2 Bitches thing.

Call us today for your free estimate on your spring cleaning!

CLUTTER FREE FOREVER

I could tell you a lot about clutter...

...get rid of what you don't need or use...
...find a place for everything...
...and so on.

You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits of clutter clearing simply by imaging your life free of all the negative effects of clutter that we've explored in the past two issues of this newsletter: lack of focus and clarity; feelings of being professionally, creatively, spiritually, and/or romantically stuck; insufficient time and attention for self and family; increased stress, irritability and depression. Wouldn't it be great to be free of all these?

No matter what other factors may be dragging you down, I guarantee you that clearing your clutter will dramatically improve your mood and energy. And then any other problems you are confronting won't seem quite so bad.

When you first start clutter clearing you may be surprised at the emotions triggered by the simple act of dealing with your stuff. You think you're just cleaning out your home, but what you're really doing is rooting around in dusty corners of your psyche and coming eyeball-to-eyeball with unresolved business from the past. The personal relics that lurk within your clutter - college papers, family memorabilia, detritus from a long-dead marriage - can be easier to ignore than to carry to the dump, which is why they've been haunting the back of your closet for so many years.

As you persevere with clutter clearing a moment will come when you realize how much lighter and happier you feel. In the process of coping with your clutter, you've reconnected with your inner self, with dreams and wishes long ignored. Those you've outgrown can be released with a fond smile. Those that make your heart leap with recognition and longing... well, now you have the space, time, and energy to pursue them.

Clutter clearing gets you out of your rut. It shakes loose frozen aspects of your soul and allows them to journey into your heart where they belong and where you can listen to and act upon them.

Eventually, you will find yourself turning to clutter clearing instead of aspirin or caffeine when you notice that you're not as clear-headed, focused or insightful as you'd like to be. If you're feeling lethargic and don't want to exercise, you'll know to examine whether you've allowed a zone of stagnation to creep in around the couch (where you are most likely to be having lazy thoughts in the first place). If you can't seem to decide on priorities for your business, you'll realize it's time to clear off the desk and catch up on paperwork. And if you're not eating as well as you should, you'll remember that clearing off the kitchen counter and cleaning out the fridge will help get your eating habits back on track.

What this all boils down to is that managing your clutter helps you feel like less of a victim and puts you back in control of your moods and your life. You have greater confidence in your abilities and decisions, so you feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future. You respect yourself more, and will probably find that other people treat you better as well. You feel less stressed, and have more courage to try and do new things. You stop turning to material objects to make you happy, because you are content with less.

Clearing out your clutter creates space for possibility. You may find yourself deciding to go back to school, change your career, start your own business, go out on a date, take up painting or singing or ballroom dancing, try out for a part in a play, or... what's your dream? (No wonder clutter clearing can be a little scary! Suddenly there are no more excuses for why you can't pursue that dream.)

Your friends will say you look terrific. They'll wonder where that sparkle in your eye came from, and how you manage to look both energized and serene at the same time. It's because you have released from your life everything that is no longer useful to you. You have let go of the past and are no longer hoarding for the future. You have made space for living freely in the present, where peace resides.


( I may have posted this awhile ago..bear with me...I am working on a new blog! Love ya readers!!)

My Son has another love, and it's not grandma!

As parents, we are not very comfortable not knowing what is going on in our child’s life. But as your teen starts to date, you will need to take a step back and not try to know ‘everything’. You may at first have a hard time and feel like something is wrong. That is normal – your parenting role is changing. Change always feels awkward at first. On the other hand, your teenager may want to chat about the experience. He/she may have some questions to ask. If so, make yourself available. But remember to try not to ‘read into’ any of the questions and begin prying. (copied from another site)

Wednesday July 7, 2010

I found this information online, and copied it....interesting stuff.
How to Minimize Dust in the House





Whether you have allergies, asthma, or nothing at all, you should make an effort to minimize the dust in your home. Even if only for friends and other guests, keeping a dust-free home will minimize breathing trouble, allergies, and a generally unkept look. Keep reading for some basic tips on how to minimize the dust in your home or office.



Central Filter is Key



Many people choose to save a little money and go with a cheap, throw-away air-filter. These filters, however, do not do a proper job of protecting you and your family from harmful airborne particles. Instead, choose a newer, more modern filter. This will not only protect you by catching and holding onto much more of the dust, but they will also last much longer than other, cheaper filters.



Clean Consistently



One of the most common ways to build dust in your home or office is to avoid cleaning in general. Even a light dusting once or twice a week is vastly better than just letting it accumulate. If you have the time, be sure to clean and wipe down your furniture, countertops, electronics, and other stationary items. Don’t forget to check hard-to-reach places like cabinets, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Utilizing newer dusters will help you to accumulate the dust on the duster instead of just brushing it into the air.



Keep it Outside!



One of the most dangerous types of house dust commonly found in homes is the dust that gets in from outdoors through air leaks. To get into the house, a lot of air must pass through areas that can be dangerously full of contaminated pollutants. Because you could also be losing significant amounts of money on cooling and heating your home, it would be wise to have an infiltrometer door test done to your home to find any leaks.



Vacuum



Although you might group this with cleaning, consistently vacuuming is important all on its own. Because the floors are where most dust settles, it is constantly being moved around and kicked into the air and into your lungs. Using your vacuum on a weekly basis is necessary if you are trying to lower the amount of dust particles in your home or office. No matter what kind of vacuum you are using, be sure to cover all areas whether they are carpeted or not. Dust can collect anywhere! Also, it is wise to utilize the attachements that come with your vacuum. Using them, you can actually reduce dust in hard-to-reach areas of your home such as on top of tall cabinets and appliances, fabrics like curtains, and even the ceiling fan.



Change Your Sheets



The bed is one of the most common places for dust to collect, in part because of the shedding of human skin cells throughout the night. You must keep in mind that even though you don't see it, it can still be there. To lower your dust count, change your sheets and pillowcases on a weekly basis. Brush and dust off blankets, cleaning them occasionally as well.







Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-minimize-dust-in-the-house#ixzz0szue3OJk

Summer Storage tips for a small space

"A place for everything and everything in its place." Wouldn't that be ideal? In the perfect home you'd have a place to put everything where it would either look beautiful or be out of sight until you needed it.




If you have more "things" than you have space you'll find some great storage ideas here. You'll get suggestions for making the most of the space you have and find ways to create storage areas where you might not have thought.



Instead of opening a cupboard and finding a pile of things that do not go there, you can be so organized in your home that you could open a cupboard or door and find exactly what you're looking for. When you're finished using the item, you would be able to open the door again and put the item back. Case closed! Storage should be easy. Is it easy in your home?

Or are you just waiting to move into the more perfect home that will have more closets, a bigger garage or attic, or perfect built-in storage?




Don't wait for a day that may never come. Use some of our storage tips and strategies right now to get your things in order.



You should start your storage project by deciding what you really need in each room.



Everything that you don't need should be moved out of the room. Either throw it away, give it away, or move it into the garage or basement, out of sight.



Once you've decided what you really want and need in each room, look around the room for areas of storage. Is there any open, empty space? Don't just look on tables or closets. Look up, look down, under, and next to - your furniture, your bed, your closets, your cupboards. Any open space can be potential storage space for you.



For example, do you see an open space in a china cabinet, under a sofa table, or under an entry table? Use this space to stack wooden chests, beautifully covered cardboard boxes, or lidded baskets to store memorabilia, magazines, family photos, games, videos or computer disks.

•Look Up


There is probably nothing higher than 5 feet in your room, but there's lots of space above. Install shelves 12" to 18" below the ceiling to display collectibles, plants, hats, or photos. (Note: You can buy ready-made shelves and mounting brackets at any building supply store. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, be sure to use a sticky wax product to hold your collectibles in place.)





•Over the Window

Mount a shelf above the windows of the room for displaying things you don't use but love to look at.



•Wall Space

Find standard open wall shelves of any size at a home improvement center for an inexpensive storage solution for books and decorative objects. A structured wall unit or entertainment center can house books and electronic equipment and provides space for decorative displays. If you're going to stay in your home for a while, you might want to invest in custom-made shelves or cabinets. Any of these solutions gives lots of storage space without protruding too much into the living area.



•Behind Closed Doors

It's ideal not to have to look at the things you're storing, unless they're decorative. Increase available storage space by enclosing shelves and cupboards behind doors. Instead of using an open one, choose a bookcase with doors. A 12" deep shelving unit gives great storage without taking up much floor space. Choose a table for the end of a sofa or beside a bed that has a closed base with drawers or shelves rather than spindly open legs. Find a knee-hole desk with drawers for files and office items rather than an open writing desk.