Conquering Clutter Challenge 3 - Mission Accomplished

Wow, I thought I'd never finish with this last challenge!  But, boy, am I thrilled with the results.  I can't wait to start creating in my new clean space.  To remind you of what this sewing space looked like before, here's the photo:

There it is, in all its glory.  First thing I had to do was to find a home for my items I'm going to sell in my new Etsy shop called Cottage Garden Vintage, opening soon.  That was easier said than done.  I had to clear a big shelf for those.  So, those things on that shelf had to find a new home.  They were mostly older homeschool books that I had tried to sell previously on Ebay, so I had to make the executive decision to donate them.
I then put all my assorted sewing supplies in the drawers they belonged in, as well as thread, pin cushions and measuring tapes.  Patterns were placed back in their file boxes.  
I put up the curtains that had been draped over my serger and actually opened my serger after ? years.  Wow!  
Other random items either found a new home, were tossed in the trash or were donated.
And now, for the final reveal.  Brace yourselves!

Isn't that beautiful?  I think so.  
I hope this gives you the inspiration to begin your own conquering clutter challenge.  
I know I am looking for my next challenge to share with you.  Stay tuned and God bless you!

Quick Money-Saving Hints

Here is a short list of easy things I have been doing to save a few dollars:

1.  Hang clothes out on clothesline on nice days, even when it's cold.

2.  Washing clothes in cold water.

3.  Replace regular light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs.

4.  Cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions.

5.  Cancel XM radio subscription.

6.  Shop at thrift stores for clothes and shoes.

7.  Plan my menus before grocery shopping.

8.  Drink brewed iced tea instead of soda.

9.  Stretch meals with pasta and rice casseroles.

10.  Buy drugstore cosmetics rather than department store counter cosmetics.

These were just some simple changes we made that put  a few dollars back in our pockets.  Small changes can feel less painful than some big changes!

Simplifying Is Not So Simple

Recently, I read a post at DomesticSerenity.org regarding simplifying life.  It is a beautiful, wonderful post which got me thinking about my own life.
My life is not simple.  Not even close.  Sometimes when I wake up, I feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done.  I have "too many balls in the air" as they say.  You know how it is--just everyday housekeeping like laundry, cooking, straightening, cleaning, homeschooling can sometimes be overwhelming.
But add to that the fact that we are trying to pull all our paperwork together to apply for another mortgage modification, my trying to earn a couple of dollars online, trying to declutter, well, I just feel google-eyed and like I'm running after my tail.
Nothing ever really gets done.  Everything is "in the process of" and that does wear on me.  I get overwhelmed just trying to decide what to focus on!  When I get stressed I say to myself "Jesus, I trust in you" and that helps so much.  But it doesn't get anything done.  It just calms my soul.
I feel like I need someone to come in and whip me into shape; to tell me what to do because I'm just drifting aimlessly, so lately my prayers have been asking for discipline and to keep my energies focused.
I guess for now, I'll just keep making more "to do" lists and perhaps start a "to don't" list so that for now, I can forget about doing some things, and decide what I really, really need/want to get done.
And I'll keep reading those inspiring blogs from other Moms that help me in my muddled journey.
God bless!