Taking Stock - January 2016 (Week 5)


Welcome to my first 'Taking Stock' of 2016!
Full credit to Pip from Meet Me At Mike, who is the mastermind behind it all. This is something I have done since I started blogging and will continue this year. You can read my previous Taking Stock posts HERE. In a nutshell, it's simply taking a step back and 'taking stock' of what's currently happening in our lives. I am going to dedicate the last Sunday of every month to a Taking Stock post, instead of a 'Currently' post.

Here's what's been happening in the month of JANUARY...
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My KonMari Journey - PAPER (UPDATE)

*****UPDATE ON PAPER PURGE*****
After I published my Paper purge post on my blog, it got me thinking...I was quite disappointed in myself for not fully completing the Paper category as recommended by Marie Kondo. When I take part in an organising challenge I commit to it 100%, and this method should not be any different. So the next day I decided to go through the container of 'sentimental paper', including my notebooks and greeting cards, I had pushed to the side because I wasn't in the right head space.


This is what I was dealing with. The top photo shows all the sentimental papers I had pushed to the side during the original paper purge *hangs head in shame*. The bottom photos show a rubbish bag half full of paper/notebooks that no longer 'spark joy', a small pile of documents to be added to my 3 folders, empty clear files and a refill pad to be used for school and the small box of actual sentimental  papers - to be sorted at a later date with the other sentimental items. 


NOTEBOOKS
I started off with about 30 notebooks and after half an hour, I was left with 5!
I am a notebook addict - I am drawn to them whenever I walk into a store that sells them. They are my weakness. I love writing things down and I am a to-do list maker every day, several times a day actually, so it's great having a notebook handy. However, that said...I don't actually NEED them or use them all...there are times I will write in them a couple of times and then my writing turns to scribble and I no longer like that notebook - I know that sounds weird but it's true, it's like it's damaged goods and I don't want it anymore but I keep it (because I am a sentimental hoarder) - it's a vicious cycle, one I am trying to get out of!

I went through each notebook/calendar/diary, asking myself if it sparked joy, had a quick look at the contents inside, ripping out any pages that were rubbish and discarded what was left. I managed to put 8 in the donate pile, 3 into my 'sentimental' category (as opposed to 30+) and kept 5 for current use, including a monthly planner, diary/calendar and 3 fairly new notebooks. These rest were put straight in the recycling/rubbish with no regrets! And it felt GOOD!

GREETING CARDS
As for my greeting cards, it was frustrating that they were disorganised in the shoe boxes, so I emptied them out and categorised them into special occasions,  then stored them in snap lock bags. Greeting cards are very much sentimental items for me, so I will purge these later on, but I just needed to see what I had and organise them in a better way. I feel MUCH better having done this. 


Phew! I feel so much better and lighter after completing that extra task...I really needed to go through those notebooks and I need to stop putting things in the 'too hard basket'! I want to change...I have a vision for my home and I am the only one holding myself back. 

You could say I had a break-through and I am not even half way through this journey! 

THIS BOOK & METHOD IS TRULY LIFE-CHANGING! 
Charlene



Also....
Introduction & Getting Started
Clothes
Books

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6

My KonMari Journey - Paper


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.

If you are new to my blog, Welcome! In case you missed it, be sure to read my Introduction and Getting Started post, so you know what the KonMari Method is all about and the reasons why I am doing it. To date, I have completed the first category - Clothes - you can read about it and see my before & after photos HERE, followed closely by the second category - Books. 

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Sunday Share: Currently Week 4


If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature.

Here's what I've been Currently up to...
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My KonMari Journey: Books


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.
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My KonMari Journey: Clothes


Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.
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My KonMari Journey - Introduction & Getting Started


"Transform your home into a permanently tidy, clutter-free space and be amazed at how your whole life changes" 
Marie Kondo

Last year I heard and read a lot about this very popular (and best-seller) book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo and her KonMari MethodI was inspired and had to get my hands on the book and read it for myself, so I bought it for my birthday. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked, line and sinker and wanted to make a start straight away. I found a few YouTube videos from people who have shared their journey (A Young Mum and Lisa Stevens are my favourites) and it inspired me to start my own journey. I am now ready to make positive changes to my home and my life, using the 'KonMari Method'. Will you join me? 

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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 3


If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature.

Here's what I've been Currently up to...
Building: a new deck in the courtyard. We love it! Just needs to be stained. Next Summer we are planning on extending it. Can't wait. 
building_new_deck

 Congratulating: those who are following along with Peter Walsh's #31Days2GetOrganised challenge.  We have reached the half way mark! Woohoo! You can see my journey HERE. It's not too late to join in. 
Shout_out_to_everybody

 Loving: the expression on my son's face when his FisherPrice Mail toy says "Special Delivery".
Special_delivery_fisherprice_mail

Admiring: my very-organised Pantry! I love it.
pantry_organised

Enjoying: a day at the beach with my family! Love them. 
family_day_out_blackandwhite

paris_Bedroom_guest_post

How are YOU? 
Hope your are having a great week and the weather has been kind to you. 
Tell me, what have you been LOVING, BUILDING & ENJOYING lately?
Charlene

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'MY FAVOURITE SPACE' - Featured Post on The Builder's Wife

Hi there friends! Hope you are having a great week.

Just a quick note:
I wanted to let you know, I am a guest over at The Builder's Wife with Nicole today, sharing 'My Favourite Space' - my daughter's bedroom - Can you guess the theme?



Head over to The Builder's Wife - and share the blog love. Leave a Comment, Pin, Tweet, Share, whatever you like - I would really love to hear what you think of 'My Favourite Space'. While you are there, be sure to check out more of Nicole's blog. She has a gorgeous home, family and some great tips for 'Home Improvement'.


If you are visiting from Nicole's blog - Welcome! Thank you for visiting Teacher by trade, Mother by nature. Read more about me HERE. If you like what you see and read, Subscribe to my Blog.


Enjoy,
Charlene


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Sunday Share: Currently - Week 2

If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share posts HERE. And if you like what you see and read - Don't Miss A Post & Subscribe Today!

Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature.

Here's what I've been Currently up to...
Admiring: my son playing with his sandbox & water table (yes he is in his pjs) 

Drooling: over this yummy Pavlova with fresh fruit (kiwifruit & peaches). Oh so good!

Reading: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying - Marie Kondo...New Series on the blog SOON! Watch this space. 

Feeling: inspired - "Keep it real" & "Today is the Day"! Love it!

Organising: the kids books by colour because it looks pretty! "It's a Rainbow" 

 Drinking: icy cold water - I love my new bottle! Makes me smile every time I look at it! 

Enjoying: watching my son helping his Daddy build our deck - using his very own drill-bit. 
So cute! 

Sharing: this photo of ME getting #inthepicture with my kids (last week at Motat). I was inspired by THIS post by Maxabella Loves...if you haven't already read it, please do - you won't regret it. 
#inthepicture_january

How are YOU? 
Hope your are having a great week and the weather has been kind to you. 
Tell me, what have you been ORGANISING, SHARING & READING lately?
Charlene

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Best of 2015: TOP 10 PLAY IDEAS for TODDLERS


Last year was the start of something pretty cool. My son and I attended Play Centre every Friday and it soon became one of our favourite things to do. Each week, we were doing a fun activity, learning new skills and enjoying meeting and playing with new friends.
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10 Cleaning & Organising Tips That Never Get Old

If you have been following my blog for a while, you will know I love cleaning and organisation, especially organised home challenges. When my life, home and family are organised, I am a very happy and relaxed person.  Today I am sharing the 10 Tips I regularly use to keep my home clean and organised. These tips never get old, in fact you may already know some of them, but ask yourself...'Do I implement them into my home on a daily basis?' I hope I can inspire you to do so. And because it's the new year, I have also included a few FREE PRINTABLES* for you to print and display in your home.  Enjoy!

Here are my 10 Tips for Cleaning and Organising YOUR HOME...

1. Make your bed
Making your bed every morning sets the tone for the day ahead.  When I get up in the morning, I give the kids breakfast, have a cup of tea and check a few emails, then I will go back into my room and make the bed. When the bed is made, it not only makes the room look cleaner but it will be ready for you to climb into at the end of a busy day. What more can you ask for?


2. Keep surfaces clear
Limiting the items you have on your surfaces definitely helps with this.
When you are preparing or cooking meals, take a few minutes to clear away items and/or dishes that are no longer needed or being used and give the surface a spray and wipe. It will make a difference, and you will feel much better getting it out of the way now, rather than leaving it until later, when you are tired and want to relax.

I like to have a clean kitchen before I go to bed, there is nothing better than waking up to a clean kitchen in the morning, am I right? After dinner, I clear all the plates, load the dishwasher and wash anything that can't go in, leaving them to dry in the rack over night.

Extra tip: Get one of your children to unload the dishwasher in the morning or do it while you are waiting for the kettle to boil, then treat yourself with a nice hot cuppa. Win-win!


3. Nothing left on the floor
At the end of the day, I grab a flexi-tub and pick up anything off the floor that doesn't belong there (I often get the kids to help too), picking up toys, shoes, bags, clothes, books etc and returning the items to their rightful homes. It only takes 10-15 minutes. It's always nice to see the floor again, especially during the school holidays. Be sure to check under the couch and beds too.


4. Have a laundry routine
Would you believe me if I told you I used to do ALL my laundry in one day - it's true! I would wash and hang my clothes and then fold them the same day, however I started slacking in the folding department and my family were left to sift through baskets of washing to find what they needed. Fast forward to now...I do laundry 4 days a week (including bedding in the weekends). By breaking it up over the week, Mt Washmore & Mt Foldmore are not as big and daunting. The most important thing to remember is to 'put the clothes away' once they are folded. If you have to, set the timer!
Extra tip: Give your washing machine a clean at least once a month. You can run a hot cycle with a cap of white vinegar, and wipe down the outside of the machine with a micro-fibre cloth. 

Grab yourself a Laundry Sign & Routine FREE PRINTABLE or click on the images below. Simply Print and display in your Laundry. 
 

5. Clean the bathroom
Before you go to bed each night, dedicate a few minutes to giving the bathroom a quick clean.  When you are brushing your teeth, give the hand basin a quick spray and wipe, pick up the bath toys or spray the shower,  leave for minute or two, then rinse. I guarantee it will make you feel good walking in there in the morning.

6. Set a date to clean your oven
This is actually a new tip, one I have been using since we moved into our new home four months ago. Regularly cleaning your oven once a month, will save you a lot of backache later, especially if it has been a while since you last cleaned it. Set a date each month, and mark it on your calendar - cleaning your oven isn't THAT bad! Extra Tip: Use baking soda, white vinegar & a bit of elbow grease for those stubborn stains and your oven will be sparkling new again. 

7. Baking Soda & White Vinegar ARE your best friends
I have mentioned these two products before because they are totally awesome and if you don't have them in your Cleaning Caddy - you need to! There are so many ways you can use baking soda and white vinegar in your home.  To get you started, check out this list.

8. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!
For you to be truly clean and organised, you have to own less stuff! Right? De-cluttering is good for the mind, body and soul and not to mention your home. When you are surrounded by clutter, everything can seem overwhelming. You often find yourself having days where you feel like you are chasing your own tail and you can't keep on top of the 'stuff'. I have done a few organising challenges myself and every time I do a new one, more stuff leaves my home.

I will be putting the well-known KonMari method (from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo) to the test very soon and I am excited to be sharing my journey with you. Things are about to get real and I am ready to do an overhaul of my home. Wish me luck! If you would like to follow my progress, or even join me, then simply Subscribe to my blog, so you don't miss a post.

9. Label Your Things
The thing I love most about my Pantry is: most things in it are labelled! This is my happy place and is an area I like to keep clean and organised, thanks to the labels. When you label items in your home, it makes it easier for things to be returned to the right place, by you or any member of your family. Make your own labels or invest in a label maker, either way - labelling is your friend, so use it in your home today.

And lastly, my favourite tip...
10 . Meal Plan
Meal planning has changed my life (for the better). Deciding what you are having for dinner over a week or even month (if you wish) will ultimately, save you time and avoid the 'What's for Dinner?' moans and groans about 5pm. Meal planning also helps you save money when you are grocery shopping, because you are only buying the necessary ingredients for the weekly meals you have planned.

Grab your 'What's for Dinner?' FREE PRINTABLE today. Simply click the image below, Print and laminate so you can use it week after week, and pop it on your fridge for the whole family to see.

YOUR TURN: I would love it if you left me a comment below with YOUR #1 tip for keeping your home clean and organised. Ready? Go! And if you know someone who you think will benefit from this list and/or printables, feel free to PIN, TWEET and SHARE.

Thanks for stopping by,
Charlene

Disclosure: Printables are for personal use only

Linking up
Janine & Lisa - 1 Word Link Up
Lisa & Rabia - Tuesday Ten
Grace - FYBF (Flog Yo Blog Friday)
Jennifer, Tiffany & Maria - Shine Blog Hop #78
Jess - #IBOT (I Blog On Tuesday)
Karen - Blog Fair

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24

2016 Sunday Share: Currently - Week 1


Welcome to the first Sunday Share - Currently post of 2016! If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! You can read more about me and my blog HERE and read previous Sunday Share posts HERE

Sunday Share is where I get to share extra tidbits of my Life, Home & Family with you, and let you know what I'm currently doing on and off the blog. It's also a great way to get to know me, Charlene, the blogger behind Teacher by trade, Mother by nature.
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2016: One Word


Happy New Year!
How is the first day of 2016 treating you? The weather is miserable here, so I have been busy working behind the scenes of my blog, giving it a new look - what do you think? Do you like it? I bought the theme from Envye before Christmas for only $10 and redesigned the blog myself - I love it and I hope you do too. It's a nice way to kick off the year and to me, it sets the tone for the year ahead and I am super excited about 2016.


I am joining Bron from Maxabella Loves and several other bloggers, in this years One Word link up. Be sure to check out the link up yourself  because there are some great words and really inspiring posts by some pretty amazing bloggers.

2015 was a full on year for us - you can read more about it here & here.
This year I have decided my word for 2016 is

ENJOY!


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