June Challenge - Home/Office/Study/Paperwork

I've been inspired by THIS BLOG to join her June challenge.

This month's challenge is to attack your home/office/study/paperwork areas.

Right now I am drowning in these areas. The basics were set up, but because they haven't been maintained they are starting to get out of control.

I'll before and after and update as I go. Today's challenge - to work on Miss E's paperwork/craft area, and to attack our control centre.

Come join us!

Wardrobe revamp.

Today I was meant to shop with my mum. But it is so wet I don't feel safe on the roads.

Well - my Gran always said "everything happens for a reason" and today she was right! Again.

Because I hadn't driven to mum's I ducked down at lunch to the little country shopping centre. And there - at the shop I love to shop in - but can't justify the prices I saw a tiny little sign. 50% off everything. Two hours only.

(I actually missed the huge bright bigger than me signs. It was the tiny photocopy that caught my eye!)

Let's say I bought a few things. Things that make me feel great. And smart. And tidy. And maybe even well dressed and attractive.

I think I've been needing this boost. I actually have been thinking about this for several days - taht maybe the first step in loosing weight and exercising is feeling good about myself -so I want to look after me. Well - today the opportunity was there and I am so happy.

So now step two in the wardrobe revamp. To spend this rainy rainy day trying on my whole wardrobe and getting rid of what doesn't suit me, fit or feel good.

I love a rainy day ...

Nothing better than staying home while it pours outside and pottering in my home.



First job today -to tackle Miss E's overwhelmingly full drawers! In my defence- they were done a few months ago - but changes in seasons brings a whole new wardrobe ... + hand me downs are wonderful but they increase the clutter too!

BEFORE




AFTER




and the smaller sizes to put away *just in case*


Plus a whole garbage bag for lifeline.

What I hadn't realised was how many of her clothes are too short for her. Thank goodness she is in uniform 5 days a week! But I do think I need to get her a couple of tracksuits and a few skivvies to get us through winter!

The AHA List

OK - it didnt't take all day
It took about 3 hours and my house was pretty much ready for guests
Writing it all down was a time consuming - but interesting idea
And actually it was pretty motivating

Would I do it all the time? - NO!

Would I do it occasionally - sure would!!!

The soundtrack from Les Miserable also helped keep me on track - that music could inspire me to do anything!

Mexican Bean and Corn Rice Salad

Two cups 4 bean mix (we soak our own to avoid the salt and processing - you could used canned - just try to get the no added salt)
1 cup corn kernals (again we used no added salt)
1 cup chopped green capsicum
1 red onion finely sliced
2 tomatoes finely diced
2 cups cooked brown rice

Dressing
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup salsa (we made our own - you could use bottled)

Combine salad ingredients
Whisk together dressing ingredients
Pour dressing over salad - mix gently
cover and chill in refridgerator at least 2 hours

ENJOY!

Happy Birthday Gran of Mine

Do you know how much I love this woman?
There is NO way you can understand how much I ... and all my family miss her.

Gran of mine. Today is your birthday. I know you are celebrating with Jesus ... it gives me peace to be confident of that.

I miss you. But oh it gives me joy to be your grand daughter. I am a different wife because of you. I know how much it meant to you to make a home where anyone could pop over for a coffee and a chat. Every day this is what I am aiming for.

I am certainly a different mother because of you. The time you spent with us just listening, loving every moment with us ... oh the memories I have of that time. I try so hard to give that time to my daughter, even if I do need to force myself to stop in the busyness of life.

I treasure our family memories in a different way because of you. To this day I recount stories that you have told me to people I meet. Just last week I was telling someone how you used to cut the first strawberry of the year into 6 pieces so everyone could share. The stories I treasure are those little day to day things that could have been so easily forgotten. That is why I write those little things down. I want to remember - for my grandchildren.

I see my mum and dad differently because of you. My mum speaks of you so kindly and respectfully. She loved you too. And I know you loved her. She helps us keep those memories of you alive.

In dad - because of you - I saw a different side to him. The thoughtful man - who would make sure you had whatever he could get for you to brighten your life. He loved the simple things - like grocery shopping for you! And a man who looked forward every holiday to seeing you. It is with that joy that I make the most of all my visits to MY mum and dad - and am so grateful we are now only an hour away.

Gran of mine - you taught me to look for the good in people. To stop and listen. To give real value to the everyday tasks that are homemaking - and to do them well. We shared so many memories - so many. I am so blessed to have each of them.

I miss you Gran. But although I miss you I do not sit and grieve you (although like you I cry at the drop of a hat and I am crying now! It's in the genes!)

Today I celebrate you! Love you - Gran of mine.

Goodbye todo list ... hello AHA List!

I'm going to blame work. OK - work, and assignments. Oh plus a sick girl. A sick mama and daddy. And um - coffee too - just a little socialising in there. Plus scrapping. Finally - after almost 18mths I am scrapping just a little again!

Anyway - excuses galore - my house is in a scene of complete disarray. Total disaster area.

Tomorrow my inlaws are coming. Plus we have a 5year old birthday party to attend. And I am on nights Saturday and Sunday.

Right now a to do list seems overwhelming to me. But inspired by another friend I am going to get in, get the work done, and do an AHA list. A list of everything I actually GET done today!

Miss E is at school today - I will have 5 hours without her.

Will report back tonight to share how we went!