| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 04 2016 : 6:53:02 PM
It is officially 2016. Any big plans for the year? Promises to yourself?
A bit about mine:https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/2016-year-to-embrace-the-farmgirl/
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 3:37:32 PM
I have heard good things about the fly lady!
Well, ladies, I finally DID IT! I took down my Christmas tree!n HAHA!!
And, in the world of more from scratch, I made soft pretzels tonight!
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| churunga |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 2:47:17 PM
The number 27 comes from Marla Cilly, The Fly Lady. She has a website
http://flylady.net/
and has written books about de-cluttering. Her approach is a one step-at-a-time approach starting with her kitchen sink. The story is inspiring as she goes from a depressed woman living in a house of severe clutter to a happy woman with a happy family. I know that I change my behaviors best with a single behavior change at a time process so her lessons are good for me. She has many good tips for efficient cleaning and self care.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 07:34:56 AM
Yep.... I can empathize!
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 06:06:49 AM
I have the same issue with books... We have eight bookshelves in. This house, completely loaded, with other books in boxes or stacks. I need to go through them again, I guess!
We too need to declutter and downsize. We did some before we moved, but I want to do it again beforewemove another time. Guess I should have added that to my goals. O.o
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 05:32:23 AM
Maybe, Amy. I hold on to a lot I got from Library sales for homeschool with the boys in the future. It probably be easier just to borrow what I need from the library later. Our small library had a huge clean out a couple of years ago. Isabelle and I were heartbroken when we learned that what wasn't sold, and, towards the end, given away, would be loaded up for the dump!! :O So we brought home 200-300.
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 05:28:34 AM
Marie....We all wanna know bout 27!!! :P
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jan 09 2016 : 04:37:54 AM
Shannon, just read your resolutions. Bless your heart and good luck, they sound wonderful! Sara I love your repurposing ideas for your scarves. I'm thinking along similar lines with my resolution this year to use what I have thoughtfully and imaginatively. Hopefully I'll spend less and have useful stuff instead of clutter and overstuffed storage. I have one large trunk for family memorabilia, so I can only keep what fits in there. That helps keep the sentimental keepsakes to a manageable amount. Well, it helps, anyway :)
Alicia, my mom and I had to reduce our book collections by a large margin when she moved in with me. Here's how we did it. For each book we asked these questions: 1. If I've read it, will I seriously ever read it or refer to it again? 2. If I haven't read it, is it something I will likely enjoy reading? It was amazing how many books those two little questions weeded out. For the books we kept, in most cases we donate them to the library after we've read them, so our collection continues to get smaller. Maybe something like this would work for you?
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| MaryJanesNiece |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 7:46:00 PM
Thank you Alicia. I sure do try.
Marie, I am curious as well. How did you come up with 27?
Krista |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 4:11:24 PM
Marie how did you come up with the #27?
One way I control my closet is when something new comes in something old goes out. Doesn't have to be the same type of item - even if it's an old pair of socks or something being stored on top shelf it counts. Over time it works.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
| churunga |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 3:59:48 PM
I also need to de-clutter this year. I have the dining room table stacked with all kinds of stuff I will eventually use in paper crafting, book reviews I want to read a stack of Threads magazines I haven't read, some stationery products I haven't put away . . . you get the idea. DH threatened to throw it all away. I was surprised at how defensive I got. I have gotten rid of half the paper and am almost finished with the book reviews. After that is under control, I will tackle the boxes I have stored under the table. I have other places to de-clutter also.
My approach is to go to an area, remove 27 things and get them out of the house immediately. So my closet may be first. I will remove 27 pieces of clothing. I will come back to it periodically and remove 27 more. I will do this until there are only 27 pieces left. So this is my first goal for this year.
I have joined the Finish Your UFOs in 2016 thread. I have a list of UFOs on the thread that I want to finish. I am hoping to make a huge dent in my mending.
That's about it.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 12:53:41 PM
I'm with you Winnie. The Shaker's created peace in their surroundings and with their beautiful furniture. Though I have decluttered that doesn't mean I still don't have stuff. I'm a collector ~ it's just that in the last several years I have become a more selective collector and keeper of things.
At the beginning of each new season I walk through my house and really look at my stuff. I live with it everyday but I don't always see it. These questions help me to weed my collections. Have I fallen out of love with it? Does it work in how I decorate now? Do I really want to dust it one more time? You get the idea. Somethings I never tire of but others I thought I just had to have loses it shine and I am ready to let it go.
For me the beginning of each new season is the best time for me to declutter. In a way it helps me to look to the future rather than holding on to the past. I find that the New Year gets it started but if done during the year ~ a little at a time ~ it's easier to let go of what I have collected.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 11:50:07 AM
Wow, I am impressed with everyone's energy this new year in trying to accomplish some things at home that are driving you crazy! It sounds like the thrift stores are going to be overwhelmed with boxes of donations from coast to coast!! LOL!!! No, seriously, you are correct Cindy when you start looking at what you are keeping and ask the question, "What was I thinking anyway?" When I ask myself that question and get the answer"I don't know", I realize it is time for that item to be sent on to a new life.
You are so right Sara, we hold on to stuff that we had fond memories of but are kids don't care about keeping it at all. It is such a realization that I have been keeping stuff for both of my girls that they didn't even remember let alone care about. It is totally weird sometimes how that works out. With that thought, I think I might re-tackle some of those storage boxes this weekend in the closets. I could use the extra space more efficiently.
I have always admired the Shaker austerity look. Everything was useful and had a place. It makes it easy, I think, if you focus only on keeping what is useful and what you have room for. In our 21st Century living, I don't know anyone who really does that. I guess it also has to do with the general availability and cheapness of products as compared to the late 1700-1800s. The clean lines of the Shaker furniture and rooms feel very peaceful to me. I like that idea of simplicity. anyone else admire the Shaker look?
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 10:47:07 AM
Haha Cindy!!!!
Hopping over to check it out Shannon!
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 09:57:12 AM
I finally wrote out my goals..... http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/2016/01/2016-goals.html
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| CindyG |
Posted - Jan 08 2016 : 07:03:54 AM
While I do not make New Years resolutions, I have been possessed by I don't know what to de-clutter while putting away Christmas decorations. I'll bet if I had made it an official resolution I would have quit already, but I have been a de-cluttering whirlwind! and am still going I am getting brutal about throwing away stuff, and has the time I pick something up I think "Why was I keeping this in the first place?" so out it goes.
I am oddly amused by the useless stuff I have had eating up some pretty prime real estate in terms of closet space and shelving. Really - what was i thinking? There must have been some logic there at some point, but.... |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 07 2016 : 8:50:06 PM
BTW, Krista, I think all of your goals sound perfect! :)
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 07 2016 : 6:52:46 PM
lol Krista!!! :D
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| MaryJanesNiece |
Posted - Jan 07 2016 : 6:23:45 PM
Wow it looks like de-cluttering is one of the top New Year’s resolutions for everyone. I hope you all can complete your resolutions. I can’t say that I really have any resolutions myself. All I know for sure is that I want to be the best woman for my family that I can be. I want to work hard at providing healthier meals and a more positive and encouraging atmosphere. I would also like to maintain a spotless house but we all know that will never happen so I am omitting that from the list to start with!
Krista |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 07 2016 : 05:45:53 AM
lol! Your dad sounds like my grandma! ;) I figure my issue is partially genetic...hehehe....
I sorta STARTED working in my sewing area last night. One of my goals is to sew more, one to start quilting. I can't even WORK in there until I clean it. It looks muck a fabric store threw up!! Anyway, I thought I would FINALLY get to the friendship quilt blocks, before spring comes along. I know some farm gals have been waiting a LONG time! I promise I am trying ladies!! I have fabric re-choosen!! :D
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 9:04:19 PM
De cluttering is an ongoing project at my house. I have been working on it since this past summer. Seems the more I get rid of the more there is to get rid of. (does it grow when you weed it out or something?) LOL Anyway I have gone through my closet and bedroom, the bathroom and our one storage closet. Really need to work on the kitchen. I have so many of my mom's dishes that I use but I also have my own that I don't want to part with. I have passed some on to my daughters and son. One weekend some years ago. My family were all gone for the weekend and I had the house to myself. I went through it room by room, shelf by shelf, drawer by drawer and completely cleaned and sorted and got rid of a ton of stuff. I didn't do anything in my kid's rooms they were all older by then and did their own rooms. Since then 2 kids have moved out and my dad has moved in and brought a houseful of stuff with him. I have sorted through much of his and mom's stuff but there always seems to be more. I told my husband we need to institute the 1 in 1 out rule. Dad is a major culprit in hanging onto EVERYTHING he has, buys or somehow acquires. But he comes from a time and place where they did not have much so.... This is my goal for this year is to get my house to a manageable state.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 1:56:15 PM
Me, too, Linda. I moved 36 times before graduating HS. I never held on to anything in my childhood, not by choice. Things were always lost, sold, or donated. The only thing I really have from my childhood are memories and a cabbage patch baby. So, naturally, I cling to things. Being in the same home for the past 13 years has helped nudge me, though!
That is awesome Claire!!
Can't wait to see Shannon! It's a BIG year for your family! <3
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| quiltee |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 09:45:42 AM
De-cluttering is very hard. The sentimental value is hard for me to give up. When my mother passed away, my sister (8 years younger than I) didn't want much of anything. Her daughter wanted a tea pot and cups set and a few other china pieces. I took quite a few things. I don't use them, but they look good in my china cabinets. LOL! I need to get away from that. I doubt my son wants old china (I haven't used) and linens (that I DO use). Just like all my fabric stash. LOL!
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
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| ClaireSky |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 09:44:10 AM
Hi Alicia! A lot of your resolutions are on my list too! My number one that is listed is to read through the bible cover to cover this year.
Julie 
Farmgirl #399
May 2010 Farmgirl of the Month
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog ... Charles F. Doran |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 06:28:08 AM
I am still working on my goals for this year.... as soon as I get them figured out, I will post them...
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jan 06 2016 : 06:07:27 AM
Yes Winnie! Our loft bedroom is filled with boxes. Most of them are Pfaltzgraf dishes from Matt's grandparents, seriously, like 15 or so boxes. They are sentimental to him I have no clue if we will ever use them. I tried pulling some out last Fall and he had a fit. Also I have a few boxes of Levi's(my son that passed away in 07) things that I can't seem to part with.
Many Blessings- Alicia #5232
https://derbauernhofsite.wordpress.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DandeeRose Farmgirl Accessories and more!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
