Clearing Chaotic Clutter – Part 2

(LittleThingsDoMatter) I mean really… How can anyone live with chaotic clutter? Personally, I can’t focus on anything when there is a PILE of clutter anywhere. Even when I can’t physically see it, I know it’s there and that it needs to be dealt with.  Have you ever felt this way? There’s always a question from someone “Where did I put (fill in the blank)?” and the eyes are automatically drawn to the PILE. Then, there’s the feeling “I really don’t want to deal with this right now.” It really does take a concerted effort to clear chaotic clutter. Why do I use that particular term? Simple…none of the things gathered in the PILE seem to have anything to do with any other item in it. School papers, towels, lamps, exercise equipment, computer paraphernalia, extension cords…I mean really!

Most folks take before and after pictures for a weight loss program (something else I’m doing and haven’t yet decided if I want to share :) ). This was definitely weight – on my mind and to me – very stressful. It has taken well over a month of either disposing of or finding a place for each item. I am thrilled to present the “after” picture. Clutter Free

P. S. I still have another room to go through, but if I did it once … I can do it again!

Pollution Within Our Homes

pollution

Photograph by Peter Essick

(LittleThingsDoMatter) Today’s kids and many people who stay at home the majority of time are having more health issues than ever before: asthma, cancer, lung disease, etc. I remembered a great article in the October 2006 issue of National Geographic about pollution. It didn’t talk about common pollution but instead what is found in our homes.  You can get a good idea of how unsafe your home might be – even though you may be cleaning constantly - by using these interactive pages about pollution in our homes.

To help understand the impact of using chemical-laden cleaners, I recommend getting the book Green Goes With Everything. The author, Sloan Barnett, talks about her son and what led her to research these issues as well as small steps you can take to improve the health of your home and therefore the health of your family.

P. S. If you are looking for eco-friendly cleaning products, I highly recommend these no more pollution cleaners. They’ve made a huge difference in my family’s health.

Living A Life Of Joy

(LittleThingsDoMatter) rainbowHave you ever noticed how happy people tend to be more healthy? How difficult do you think it is living a life of joy? I spend a bit of time on a regular basis just watching people – either by themselves – or interacting with others. My favorite group is kids. If not labeled as ADHD and put on drugs, most kids are energetic, full of questions, and always on the move. They have places to go, things to discover. And when there’s music playing, every part of their body gets into it. 

We can be like them. Granted we all have responsibilities, but it is so very important to take a little bit of time for you. A few things I enjoy doing is to dust off my imagination and study the clouds - seeing through the eyes of a child. There are some really incredible shapes up there. Sometimes I imagine being a bird and flying above all the problems and issues that need to be resolved on a daily basis. Imagine being a branch on a tree that helps to support a birds nest. The wonders of nature are absolutely incredible.

There are so many things around us that we don’t see as we go through our busy days always rushing. Living a life of joy is simple. Focus on the beauty around you and the positive energy will flow. You’ll find yourself smiling more, and little things that bothered you won’t bother you anymore.

When was the last time you saw a rainbow? When was the last time you danced like no one was watching? When was the last time … ?

Stressing About Money?

(LittleThingsDoMatter) stressing about moneyI think we’re all aware of the damage stress can do to the body, but it can also do some serious damage to relationships. Are you stressing about money? Have you tightened the belt, but know a few hundred dollars would make a difference? I’ve heard stories about people only needing a few hundred dollars a month and it would have saved their home. A few hundred dollars would have stopped filing for bankruptcy. Stressing about money is probably one of the main reasons people get sick and relationships break up. Would a few hundred dollars make a difference for you?

Have you thought about owning your own home-based business – something you can do at home using the internet? Would any of the following benefits (and there are others) be something you may be looking for? Continue reading

Mandated Immunizations for Our Babies and Children…

(LittleThingsDoMatter) The health of our babies and children are once again at risk – babies from six months through school-age children.  Please watch this short 7-minute video and read what Dr. Mercola has to say.  It is our responsiblity to educate ourselves in order to protect our children. It is our responsibility and right to protect our children. STOP depending on your state or the government to watch out for you. immunizationsThey want to immunize our babies and children when their immune systems haven’t even had the chance to develop! Continue reading

Clearing Chaotic Clutter

(LittleThingsDoMatter) OMGoodness! I never thought we had so much STUFF! We were doing okay with the space we had until recently. A family member has moved back home with child and dogs. I’m absolutely thrilled as I love them dearly. However, the issue is now we are trying to combine two households of furniture and personal belongings into one. Not until we started moving stuff from one room to another did I see the total chaos of clutter collecting we had managed to accomplish. It was spread throughout the house using shelves, closets, boxes – you name it, we have the space covered. My husband even built a cluttergreat big shed in the backyard. It WAS going to be his ‘workshop’. It, too, has been the recipient of chaotic clutter. Not very much room to walk much less work.  We added onto the carport – it now houses yet more clutter and a derelict vehicle.

Do you know anyone in this situation?

Now that we’ve unearthed ‘treasures’ we haven’t seen in nearly 20 years, what’s the next move? I went and rented a storage room. I couldn’t see any way around it. My daughter is actively looking for a home of her own so we needed a safe and secure place for extra things like washer, dryer, fridge, etc. As you can see in the clutter image, we also have extra lamps, coffee and end tables. We’ve already donated some stuff and have things that belong to our other kids that needs to go to their homes.

Why am I sharing all this? Continue reading

White or Wheat Bread?


(LittleThingsDoMatter) Wheat or white? WHEAT, of course! I will admit it took a while for me to get used to the different flavor as I grew up on white. I guess it’s a matter of training your taste buds to a variety of healthy foods rather than just flavorful.

Learning how to read and understand ingredients and then purchasing the better food can make a huge difference in your health and especially the health of growing children. Choosing wheat over white bread is one of the little things that do matter.

This is an excellent article by Lisa Barley: White Bread vs Wheat Bread

For a healthy kid’s lunch, check out these helpful hints. These are great ideas for summer camp, school lunches, or even picnics. You’ll know your child is getting the nutrition they need.