|
Archive for the ‘Tackle it Tuesday’ Category
When I purge closets, the garage, toys, etc I have a garbage box and donate box. It is MUCH easier for me to get rid of something if I know someone can use it. Otherwise, I keep items to save “until someone needs it.” Translation: it sits in the closet or garage for several months.
Back to School Purge Tackle
This week, I cleaned out my boys drawers and closets and packed up two large boxes of outgrown clothes and shoes for donation and one box for hand-me-downs (for grandchildren).
This time of year people are getting ready for school. Someone else will benefit from the clothes and my boys’ drawers are much neater.
We have a Goodwill close to our home (Salvation Army is over 30 miles away). Items that are especially valued at both charities:
- Furniture that is in good condition
- Housewares such as lamps, dishes, decorative accessories
- Art and collectibles
- Toys and books in good condition
- Small electrical appliances and electronics such as working VCRs and TVs
- Sporting goods
- Clothing, shoes, coats, and sportswear in good repair
- Linens that are clean and are not ripped or stained
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done. (It doesn’t even have to be housework… just whatever is on your To Do list.) Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Related:
Unloved and Unwanted (Post on my other blog)
Popularity: 6% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on July 28th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
Tackle clutter with canvas collapsible containers. You can find them at Amazon , Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Stacks and Stacks , Linens and Things, the Container Store, and several places online. They work for me, I use them in almost every room:
They come in pretty colors too like this Simply Shabby Chic™ Canvas Storage Bin in Rose fabric.
Here’s some fun storage boxes from West Elm (out of my price range but this gave me the idea to decorate my boxes. If I figure out how I’ll let you know).
Ikea has some unique boxes and great prices.
The Container Store has several options.
Get More Great Ideas Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Every Tuesday and Wednesday hundreds of bloggers post super organizing ideas, cleaning tips, recipes, parenting helps, and more! You can browse and visit the topics you are interested in or join in by posting your tips on your blog. Use the links below.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done. (It doesn’t even have to be housework… just whatever is on your To Do list.) Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Works for Me Wednesday is a “blog carnival” (explained here). You will find TONS of super organizing ideas, and home improvement tips on Works for Me Wednesday. Join in. Post a tip you’ve learned on any topic–anything that has “worked for you” in making your life easier.
Popularity: 9% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on July 21st, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday, Works for Me Wed |
Ever think of using your leaf blower to clean the garage, barn, or patio? I “dusted” and “swept” our horse barn and metal storage building with a leaf blower. No more sweeping yucky cobwebs on my head!
We have an old wooden barn for our horses and large metal barn (half enclosed for storage and half open for hay, tractor, etc.)
Since no one has been in the barn for a month it was full of cobwebs. Our horses are in another county being trained and due home this week. I was cleaning and organizing the horse barn and hanging hooks for tack. I was using the broom to clean. Then I had a light bulb moment and grabbed the leaf blower.
It worked so well I used it to “dust”and “sweep” our storage barn. I have a lot of shelves full of boxes. The leaf blower “dusted” all the shelves, the top of my freezer, and swept the floor much faster than a broom. I also wind blasted cabinets where I keep the horse medication and brushes.
Then it was off to the patio to blow away all the dirt our two giant dogs drag in daily. It worked so well I’m keeping the leaf blower inside my laundry room to be nearby for a quick “sweep” of the patio daily.
So what do think. Shall I try blasting the legos in the family room? (JOKING)
Get More Great Ideas Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Every Tuesday and Wednesday hundreds of bloggers post super organizing ideas, cleaning tips, recipes, parenting helps, and more! You can browse and visit the topics you are interested in or join in by posting your tips on your blog. Use the links below.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done. (It doesn’t even have to be housework… just whatever is on your To Do list.) Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Works for Me Wednesday is a “blog carnival” (explained here). You will find TONS of super organizing ideas, and home improvement tips on Works for Me Wednesday. Join in. Post a tip you’ve learned on any topic–anything that has “worked for you” in making your life easier.
Popularity: 12% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on July 7th, 2008
Filed as: Animals, Homemaking, Tackle it Tuesday, Works for Me Wed |
Organizing Plastic Containers and Lids
 After countless times of reorganizing my plastic containers, I had a light bulb moment. My 7 and 8 year-old boys were playing with their Legos. If they can can build fancy jets and boats with Legos, why can’t they can sort the plastic bowls and lids?
I put them to work. They actually enjoyed the chore. It kept them busy for almost an hour, taught them organizational skills, and gave me extra time to organize my pantry. We used baskets to store the lids, one for round and one for square/rectangular. The containers and lids nest in each other and can be stored in less space.
Children can help you trim your chore time. Even young children can sort and put away silverware, dust, taking clothes out of the dryer, pick up toys, feed pets, etc. Older children can vacuum, load and unload the dishwasher, mop, clean mirrors, take out the trash, and so much more.
Don’t underestimate their skill level and ability. You may need to lower your standards and provide lots of encouragement but this may be a small price for increased time with your family. When mom has more time, the whole family benefits.
Have You Seen the New Homeschool Toolbar?
Have all your favorite homeschool blogs and links right on top of your browser without digging through bookmarks! It even has a quick and easy To Do list. Read about the SUPER cool Homeschool Toolbar here.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Related Posts
Popularity: 14% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on June 24th, 2008
Filed as: Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
You know you are a homeschooler when you never have enough bookshelves.
Look familiar? Most of my books are still in boxes from my move last November. I am tackling them this week. I had to save up to order the bookcases. I got 15% off the regular price.
I ordered one five-shelf bookcase from Target to be sure I could put it together. It took a few hours to assemble but it looks very nice, very sturdy.
Seven more “espresso” bookshelves should arrive today so I’ll spend the week assembling bookcases, then organizing the books. These bookcases will go in my office and living room. I have white Billy bookcases on my wish list for bedrooms and family room from IKEA awaiting the finances to purchase.
Wish List Bookcases
I am blessed with a master bedroom big enough to fit this corner unit.
This one will hold books for schoolwork next to our dining table, a nice 93 inches high.
I’ve shared this quote previously to express how I feel about my books.
Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity… we cherish books even if unread, their mere presence exudes comfort, their ready access, reassurance. –A. E. Newton (1863-1940)
I’ll try to post the photo results next Tuesday. I can’t tell you how bad I want my books on the shelves. Hope you all have a good tackle.
Visit my Homeschool Blog for encouragement. This morning’s post is on Seeking First the Kingdom.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackles are not limited to housework. Any task you need to accomplish can qualify Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
Related Posts:
Popularity: 20% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on May 27th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
It’s Tackle it Tuesday.I tackled both of our barns with a leaf blower. We have an old wooden barn for our horses andlarge metal barn half enclosed for storage and half open for hay, tractor, etc.
I began cleaning and and organizing the horse barn and hanging hooks for tack. Our horses are being trained and due home this week. Since no one has been in the barn for a month it was gull of cob webs. I was using the broom to clean then had a light bulb moment and grabbed the leaf blower. Ir worked great and saved a lot of time and energy.
It worked so well I used it to “dust”a nd “sweep” our storage barn. I have a lot of shelves full of boxes. The leaf blower “dusted” all the shelves, the top pf my freezer, and swept the floor much faster than a broom. Then it was off to the patio to blow away all the dirt our two giant dogs drag in daily. It worked so well I’m keeping the leaf blower inside my laundry room to “sweep” the patio daily.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Encouraging blog posts:
Popularity: 4% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on May 27th, 2008
Filed as: Crafts, Health, Homeschool, Tackle it Tuesday |
It;s Tackle it Tuesday. My focus is on homeschooling during illness. We are reading in my bed a lot these days and catching up on weekends. I’m glad homeschooling is flexible. I’m so exhausted the trip from my bed to the bathroom takes 10 minutes to recover and I’m going downhill daily. I appreciate your prayers.
Homeschooling during illness is an opportunity to teach our children to wait on God. God promises that hardships can produce patient and unswerving endurance.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. nd this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
I am taking a blogging break as I deal with these health issues. See Explaining My Blogging Absence.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Go over and read through the encouraging posts.
Encouraging blog posts:
Popularity: 19% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on April 22nd, 2008
Filed as: Health, Homeschool, Tackle it Tuesday |
Time to tackle the lawn. I LOVE this weather! I’m looking forward to the smell of fresh cut grass. My daffodils came up nice but next year I’m going to tipple the number I plant around this tree. A few tulips are popping up too.
We are really enjoying the Great Pyrenees pups. They are spoiled rotten.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackles are not limited to housework. Any task you need to accomplish can qualify.
Popularity: 22% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on April 8th, 2008
Filed as: Family, Tackle it Tuesday |
Before we get to this week’s tackle, I want to invite you to join our daily Bible study. If you would like to read through the Bible in a year chronologically, you can join our daily Bible study at the new Heart of Wisdom Community. Today’s Bible lesson in on Joshua 9-11. Come over and check it out. We’d love to have you join and contribute.
Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackles are not limited to housework. Any task you need to accomplish can qualify.
My 22-year-old daughter is coming over once a week to help me clean. This is just one of the many blessings of having a full quiver. My main goals are general cleaning (change sheets, clean bathrooms, mop and clean out the fridge). So my tackle this week was to make a checklist.
Before we start cleaning we have Dutch Oven Pancakes. 
Housework Checklist
Family/Dining Room
- Pick up
- Dust
- Sweep and mop floor
- Pull out couches to sweep
- Glass clean French door windows and TV
Living Room
Kitchen
- Scrub counters & sink
- Clean microwave
- Scrub stove top
- Refrigerator (wipe inside and out)
- Sweep and mop floors
- Straighten pantry
Bedrooms
- Strip beds, wash and change sheets
- Empty waste baskets
- Wipe all surfaces
Bathrooms
- Empty waste basket
- Wipe counter and sink
- Clean toilet
- Sweep and mop floor
- Clean mirrors
Office
- Vacuum
- Dust
- Wipe all surfaces
Laundry Room
- Empty waste basket
- Wipe counters and sink
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
Popularity: 33% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on March 25th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Tackle it Tuesday |
It’s Tackle It Tuesday. I usually have something to show but I am behind so today I share our plans. I am tackling the whole house today.
My adult daughter Regina has come to help me clean. I’m not allowed to lift anything due to recent surgery, so I will be managing and pointing today. My sons are putting together some bookshelves so we will also be unpacking books today. Have a great Tuesday Tackle.
Related Posts:
Popularity: 30% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on March 18th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Tackle it Tuesday |
You thought just because I had heart surgery Saturday I wouldn’t be here today? How could I miss a Tackle it Tuesday?
The laundry was piled high before I went to the hospital and patiently awaiting me when I got home. I was glad I finally had the energy to get it done and out of the way.
Being a bit overwhelmed motivated me to purge. I sorted and matched every sock in the house. Then put all the lone socks (and matching socks that don’t get worn) in our Goodwill basket in our laundry room.
I got rid of a lot of socks! Enough to fill one plastic grocery bag to overflowing. Which means we have that much more room in our drawers. Yeah!
…
Sock Sorting Tips
- Use a basket or dishpan in the laundry area for socks that have lost their mate in the wash. Maybe the other sock will turn up. If the match doesn’t turn up in a month toss the lone sock.
- Save a few lone ankle socks as swiffer covers. I got this super tip from Grey Matter’s Works for Me Wednesday post a few weeks back.
- Minimize the colors and types of socks you buy. Buy a large quantity of one brand (we get the big bags at Walmart and never get any other brands - 20 pair for $14.00).
 To keep my socks separate from boys’ socks I only buy pink toed socks for me. Mine have the pink breast cancer ribbon (also from Walmart).- Use sock sorters or safety pins to pair socks before washing.
 Store socks neatly in these nifty plastic diamond Drawer Organizers - $7.50 on Amazon; also at Walmart and Target.
Sock Poem
Looking for Laundry Tips? Check out Biblical Womanhood’s blog Making Your Home a Haven Monday: Tackle the Laundry. Don’t miss the eighty-some helpful laundry comments.
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
What have you tackled in your home this week?
Related Posts:
Popularity: 44% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on March 10th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
This week I tackled the messy piles of linens that were spilling off the shelf. The upstairs closet I am using for linens only has a closet rod and shelf. The roof slopes so there is not much room. The best solution would be to add more closet shelves but it’s not in the budget right now.
Enter my creative alternative–hang the sheets in a 6-Shelf Canvas Organizer (under $20) on the closet rod and place bulkier items in large Soft Canvas Drawers ($14) on the shelf.
First I purged (Goodbye Excess) all unneeded linens. Then I stacked sheets and bathroom rugs in the hanging shelves. I still had room to hang jackets and coats on the remaining rod space.
I used large Natural Soft Canvas Drawers  to hold the quilts and other linens on the lone shelf to keep them from spilling off.
This post is inspired by Tackle it Tuesday. Making housework blog-able! Join in the fun. Post your solution and pictures of a project or trouble area that you tackled this week.
Related Posts:
Popularity: 44% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on March 4th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
A few weeks ago I began my Laundry Room Tackle. I asked you all what I should do with my tools and a few of you suggested a pegboard. I went to Lowes to buy a pegboard with plans of painting it white. Guess what I found! A white plastic pegboard for $14.00.
I hung my tools on the peg board. No need to paint it and it’s much sturdier than a regular pegboard. The laundry room isn’t quite as pretty but it sure is handy. Not just hammers and screwdrivers but scissors, tape, and more. No more rummaging through drawers. I love this solution.
While looking for pegboard accessories I found these adorable pods from Ikea at PoppyTalk’s blog.
The pegboard is so versatile - imagine the possibilities: children’s rooms, office, closets, sewing and crafts, etc. Here are some photos from the Hook Store:
 
An idea from Domino Magazine:
More Pegboard uses:
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
Popularity: 48% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on February 25th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
I had two problems I needed to tackle in my bedroom. I think I found terrific solutions to both.
- Cord clutter from the computer bedside area. Where do you stash the cords without a desk?
- No nightstand. We recently moved to TN and I left behind my bedroom furniture assuming we’d get new furniture, but our VA home didn’t sell so new furniture is not in the near future. This left my bedside floor a jumble of books, magazines, etc.
Here is the jumble of cords for the computer, mouse, Kindle, phone, lamp, etc.
A few weeks ago I organized my office cord clutter. But I wasn’t sure how to deal with this bedside cord clutter. Then I saw an HGTV article about using alternatives to traditional nightstands. This gave me the idea to use my book shelf as a nightstand.
Step 1: Gather tools: Velcro, scissors and a ClosetMaid Fabric Drawer .
Step 2. Untangle and Velcro the cords.
Step 3. Put the cords inside the fabric drawer. Move the bookshelf next to the bed to use as a nightstand.
Step 4. Put the the fabric drawer (full of cords) inside the bookshelf next to the bed. Cords that go to the wall go out behind bookshelf. Cords that go to the computer come out the front.
Now my Kindle (if you don’t know what a Kindle is read this), mouse and MP3 (not in this photo) have their own little recharging shelf.
tada….
After: New Nightstand, No Cord Clutter
I can blog while I snuggle under the quilts or work here when the children are on my office computer. And no more tangled cords.
Tackle Cost: Velcro $4.00 + fabric drawer $7.00 = $11.00. Purchased at at Lowes. Bookshelf was already in the room I just moved it next to the bed. I purchased this bookshelf at Smartfurniture.
The cubes are the perfect size for the fabric drawers and for keeping books on each subject in it’s own cube. I hope to get more for our schoolroom (dining room) in the future.
 
My laptop is sitting on a Table Mate, purchased years ago. The table adjusts easily, stores flat and you can scoot it close to the bed or couch. They are now available in Woodgrain colors. They work well for school work. I bought one for my mom and dad.
This is a Tackle it Tuesday post where you tackle something in your home and share with other bloggers.
Tackle Tuesdays are FUN! If feels great to get something accomplished and share it with others. Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
Related Posts:
 Have you visited my Heart of Wisdom homeschool blog? Today’s post is How Do You Do It All?
Popularity: 30% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on February 18th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Tackle it Tuesday |
 Looking for Laundry Tips? Check out Biblical Womanhood’s blog Making Your Home a Haven Monday: Tackle the Laundry. Don’t miss the eighty-some helpful laundry comments.The door to our laundry room/mudroom is the most used entryway into our home. We moved into this home a few months ago and I’m just now fixing up this room. I recently hung these adorable curtains I purchased at Collections Inc.
Laundry Room Before
Laundry Room After
These curtains have real buttons, a bow on the mom’s apron, button flowers, and other cute items for a 3d effect. IMHO, anything that can make folding and washing even slightly more cheerful should be done. 
I keep paper towels by the door (usually, I was out today) for quick mud wipes (from children and animals)
Two baskets contain laundry supplies and one basket holds all our gloves and mittens. The other side of the door has a hanging rack for jackets (which is quite full; I plan on hanging another set of hooks above it)
I purchased the clock and sign at ebay:
My rug is also from Collections Inc.
It’s a work in progress. I ordered this mop hanger 5 Position Magic Holder for mops, brooms and swiffers.
Where Shall I Put the Tools?
I keep tools in this room in a basket in a cabinet. I would prefer they were more convenient on the wall in a holder. Any ideas for something to hang a hammer, a few screwdrivers and pliers? There is room over the towel holder. I’d like some kind of a cabinet with a door but with slots for hanging tools inside. I can’t find anything. If you have any ideas please add to the comments.
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
HEY! Before you leave look at the new Feevy on the sidebar. I added my favorite Home Organization Blogs. You can see all the recent feeds in one place. How neat is that?
Related Posts:
Popularity: 35% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on February 12th, 2008
Filed as: Homemaking, Tackle it Tuesday |
Tackle it Tuesday
I have had this Charging Valet for Handheld Electronic Devices on my wish list forever. We have 3 cell phones, MP3 players, digital camera, 2 PSP games, and other things that need recharging that were on my kitchen counter in a tangled mess. There was no where else in the house to put them where the dogs couldn’t get to the cords.
Before
This isn’t even an accurate before photo because the phones, camera and PSP was elsewhere in use.
After
Isn’t this nice! I spent way more than I planned but I’m very pleased with the uncluttered look. It’s cherry so it matches our furniture.
This caddy is advertised to hold six recharagables but I adapted mine to hold eight! The shelf in the back of the station is only limited by how many cords you can stuff in and still close the door. 
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
HEY! Before you leave here look at the new Feevy on the sidebar. I added my favorite Home Organization Blogs. You can see all the recent feeds in one place. How neat is that?
Related Posts:
Popularity: 23% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted by Robin on February 5th, 2008
Filed as: Organization, Tackle it Tuesday |
Find out more about Tackle It Tuesday here.
This week I cleaned out my pantry and put all the cereals and snacks in plastic containers and labeled each. I was surprised at how much room was saved on my pantry shelves. I filled two garbage bags with empty boxes. Now the children don’t have to rummage through the pantry – all the snack items are in one box.
Discouraging Critters
OK, I admit the reason I began this project is to protect from mice. We moved into our TN farm home a few months ago. Guess what comes with farm living? In cold weather field mice are inevitable, no matter how clean your home is. We tried everything: Decon, natural repellent (bob cat urine powder), digital pest repellent, etc. I finally bit the bullet and had a pest control company come out. They set out poison and sealed the house.
I was advised the problem we are having probably started when we got our puppies. Leaving dog food in dog dishes will bring the mice in from the fields. So now I feed the puppies a smaller amount so they finish it; then wash and store the dog dishes until the next meal. I haven’t seen any trace of mice in three days. Hopefully that is the end of this battle.
Related Posts
|
