I have been staring at my kitchen drawers for years now, hating that fact that things get tossed in there with no sense of rhyme or reason.  Finally today, I had an awesome idea, while a little bummed I hadn’t thought of it so many years before now.  It really would have been impressive to take before pictures, I always think of that AFTER I am almost done organizing my stuff.  NOTE TO SELF!

Last drawer, where all my tupperware lids used to be, is my foodsaver and bags, blender and a few other larger specialty items.

Balance is basically Maintenance!  When you bring something in . . . take something out.  It’s easy enough with groceries, I can hardly keep up with the balance on that one with the four boys appetites, but shoes and purses are another story.  They almost seem to be collectors items.  Clothing is another tuff one, but if you can think of it as laundry to needs to be done it may be a little easier to let go.  Balance is a constant but simple process that can be easily maintained by setting and and sticking to limits! 

Today’s Challenge:  Take out more than you bring in!   

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6G6TBpv3CM[/youtube]

Do you love to shop?  What about daydreaming about how to decorate or organize your home?  We have just the project this week to help you live out your shopping fantasies!  We’ve made it to Week 3 of our 10 Steps to Organized class.  This week is all about organizing your shopping list.  How fun is that? 

If you’ve been following our tips in the past couple of weeks, you should be getting an idea on what your house is all about.  You’ve looked at both your challenges and successes.  You’ve sat down as a family and come up with some ideas and solutions.    Hopefully, you’ve also made goals on how you want your home to be. 

Challenge For This Week:  Now it’s time to have a little fun!  Make a list of all the things you’d like to buy for your home.  Have one side list your short-term purchases and the other side list your long-term purchases.  This will help you not only when you go shopping, but it will also help you work items into your budget.  Good luck and have fun!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFvK2lWBAnY[/youtube]

The Final Home Analogy is a summary of the challenges, solutions, and successes that you are having in your home.  In the first section, make a list of the challenges that you noticed as you were going through your spaces, then it’s time to call in the troops!  Have your family help you come up with solutions for the challenges listed.  Remember to LISTEN to what they have to say . . . the solutions they come up with will probably surprise you!  End the meeting by talking about your successes in your home.  It’s always best to end on a good note.  Make it a positive meeting with TREATS to keep everyone sweet and most of all have FUN!  Your attitude will make all the difference!

 P.S.  In the video I mention that we are now on step 2.  I really meant to say that we are on the next section of Step 1!  Sorry about the mix-up!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRX2At2hKvk[/youtube]

After completing parts 1a-1c you are ready for the final part of Step 1, your personal goals for your home.  Remember to include your family in this part so they know their voices are being heard.  If you plan together, the process is a lot smoother and everyone remembers the process and the goals.  Be realistic with your goals and understand the working dynamics of your family, your family’s limitations, and your family’s abilities.

Congratulations on making it this far, you are on your way to achieving great things for you and your family.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9w9GSPi7Jw[/youtube]

Welcome to Step One!  Are you so excited?  Make sure you have paper to take notes or your My Heart & Home Workbook.   After watching this quick video,  you are ready to take it a step at a time toward organizing your home.

Weekly Challenge:  Pick a room, drawer or closet that you want to organize.  In your notebook or on a piece of paper, answer the questions we talk about in this video.  Make sure you are honest with yourself!  Good Luck!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rzksJqPpQo[/youtube]