My computer desk is the end of a black hole where everything gets spit out.
Stray piece of paper? Bills? Check book? Stamps? My kid's homework? Cellphone? Orange peels?
Basically anything paper ends up there. I don't why and half the time I don't even remember doing it. It's become an automatic response. There's even a broken lamp that still hasn't been thrown out and my husband's deodorant. It's actually been there for a few days. I don't think he even realizes it's there. He just bought a new one and moved on with his life.
The best way to clean this shit up is to just take everything out and up everything back where it belongs! Easy? Not so much if you don't have and organize system for paperwork. Lucky for me before we moved I got some of those box type things that holds files. So all I had to do what put things back to where it belongs.
If you can't afford a nice metal filing cabnit just head over to Staples or any similar store to pick a couple of file storage boxes along with some files. It's a whole lot cheaper! Click here to see what they look like. They work really well and can handle a lot of weight. I used to work at an accounting place and we would fill those things up and stack them right on top of each other and some times those things would get damn heavy.
Sure it's easy now but like I mention, anything paper gravitates to it like it's the messiah for paper.
The only way this is going to stay clean is to stick to the original writer's tips for the 52 Week Challenge. She said that at the end of the day go through all the places that you already organized and make sure that it's still clean and tidy.
Blog of the day: I couldn't just pick one of her posts so I'm just gunna post a link to he blog main page. She has a ton of recipes on there and she gives her opinions on them and is currently on the quest for the perfect enchiladas. http://foodie.genealogenie.net/
Showing posts with label 52 week challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 52 week challenge. Show all posts
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
52 Week Challenge - Week 5 Chest Freezer
Ok, to keep from repeating myself too much please refer to my last 52 Week Challenge post for how to defrost a freezer.
Here I'm going to work on a chest freezer.
So as you may be asking yourself. Do I really need to defrost the darn thing? Apparently yes, according to various manuals and manufacture websites they need defrosting every one to two years. Why? It's actually an efficient issue. When it's caked up in ice inefficient and uses more energy.
During this time it would also be a good idea to remove the dust from the coils in the back. The hose attachment part of the vacuum can be used for this. MAKE SURE THE FREEZER IS UNPLUGGED FIRST. Don't want any accidents now do we?
Anyone who owns a stand alone freezer knows that it is nearly impossible to organize and keep it that way unless you're an overly detailed & organized person. Which I am obviously not. Part of what makes it such a pain is that you have to reach down deep to get what you want sometimes. Then when things get shifted around until something gets buried. Then your left with that odd question of "Exactly how long has that been in there? I don't even remember buying it."
Many of the newer ones come with baskets but your still left with the task of removing the top ones then bending over the edge because what you really want is always on the bottom.
Another option that's all over the Internet forums is using bags. Here's one that has some good ideas. Some say thick trash bags work good and others recommend those recyclable shopping bags. With this system you can easily lift out the bag without having to needlessly submerge yourself into the freezer to get what you want.
Another pretty good idea what to rotate what you have in there. Its easy, just put all the stuff that was on the bottom on top.
Some claim keeping an inventory works for them. I don't think this is something that would personally work for me but it might for you.
Here I'm going to work on a chest freezer.
So as you may be asking yourself. Do I really need to defrost the darn thing? Apparently yes, according to various manuals and manufacture websites they need defrosting every one to two years. Why? It's actually an efficient issue. When it's caked up in ice inefficient and uses more energy.
During this time it would also be a good idea to remove the dust from the coils in the back. The hose attachment part of the vacuum can be used for this. MAKE SURE THE FREEZER IS UNPLUGGED FIRST. Don't want any accidents now do we?
Anyone who owns a stand alone freezer knows that it is nearly impossible to organize and keep it that way unless you're an overly detailed & organized person. Which I am obviously not. Part of what makes it such a pain is that you have to reach down deep to get what you want sometimes. Then when things get shifted around until something gets buried. Then your left with that odd question of "Exactly how long has that been in there? I don't even remember buying it."
Many of the newer ones come with baskets but your still left with the task of removing the top ones then bending over the edge because what you really want is always on the bottom.
Another option that's all over the Internet forums is using bags. Here's one that has some good ideas. Some say thick trash bags work good and others recommend those recyclable shopping bags. With this system you can easily lift out the bag without having to needlessly submerge yourself into the freezer to get what you want.
Another pretty good idea what to rotate what you have in there. Its easy, just put all the stuff that was on the bottom on top.
Some claim keeping an inventory works for them. I don't think this is something that would personally work for me but it might for you.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
52 week challenge: Week 4 - Freezer
Enter week 4 of my 52 week challenge!
So if you have read the post on my refrigerator you have a good idea of what my freezer would look like. Ya, I'm not even going to deny it.
So here are my cleaning tips on cleaning a freezer. I know I'm so friggen awesome!
*Tips* How to clean your freezer!
Most newer refrigerator/freezer combos do not need to defrost but if yours does plan and give yourself plenty of time.
Remove all the food and toss out anything that has been in there longer than a few months. Even in the freezer food can lose flavor and get freezer burn. Use your best judgement on this.
Place all the good food in either the refrigerator or a cooler.
Bring up the temperature for the freezer or unplug it if you don't have that option. If it needs to defrost then your better off turning it off and wait for the built up ice to melt.
Start off my cleaning the drawers in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Even if you have a freezer that doesn't need to defrost I recommend to clean the drawers first and allow the freezer to defrost because sponges and cloth with stick the frost on the walls.
Wipe down the walls with a cleaning solution then wipe down with a dry paper towel to dry.
Make sure that the drawers are dry before putting them back to prevent frost built up.
Once you're done set the temperature back. Keep in mind that the colder the food the longer it will keep. According to refrigeration-repair-tips.com, set it to 0F.
So if you have read the post on my refrigerator you have a good idea of what my freezer would look like. Ya, I'm not even going to deny it.
So here are my cleaning tips on cleaning a freezer. I know I'm so friggen awesome!
*Tips* How to clean your freezer!
Most newer refrigerator/freezer combos do not need to defrost but if yours does plan and give yourself plenty of time.
Remove all the food and toss out anything that has been in there longer than a few months. Even in the freezer food can lose flavor and get freezer burn. Use your best judgement on this.
Place all the good food in either the refrigerator or a cooler.
Bring up the temperature for the freezer or unplug it if you don't have that option. If it needs to defrost then your better off turning it off and wait for the built up ice to melt.
Start off my cleaning the drawers in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Even if you have a freezer that doesn't need to defrost I recommend to clean the drawers first and allow the freezer to defrost because sponges and cloth with stick the frost on the walls.
Wipe down the walls with a cleaning solution then wipe down with a dry paper towel to dry.
Make sure that the drawers are dry before putting them back to prevent frost built up.
Once you're done set the temperature back. Keep in mind that the colder the food the longer it will keep. According to refrigeration-repair-tips.com, set it to 0F.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
52 Week Challenge - Week 3: Refrigerator
I am now entering week 3 of my 52 Week challenge and so far I am on a roll!
Cleaning out the refrigerator is one of the most important places to clean. But if your anything like me it just ends up a heaping mess before it actually gets cleaned. It's amazing how it just builds up like that! I swear I cleaned out a month ago. I don't know why but I dread cleaning anything in my kitchen. It's my no-go zone. I swear that there is some sort of force field that as soon as I hit with in a certain range suddenly my brain gets hit with a thought laser that make me remember 'hey wasn't I supposed to finish that over there in the other room?" or "Oh what's in the pantry?" or "I can always do this later." or "Why I am I even in here? I'm not even hungry - oh look cookies!"
So here is the result of my procrastination.
Here is close up of the disaster.
Any hoo, the best way to clean out a mess like that it take everything out and clean the whole thing out. Place anything that can spoil quickly like meats and milk in a cooler. Turn off the light and raise the temperature to get started. Instead of cleaning around everything it's best to remove all the shelves and clean them in the sink (especially if you can't remember the last time it was cleaned like this). Dish detergent works pretty well at getting everything cleaned. Remember to clean the insides and not just the shelves. Once everything is cleaned wipe down everything again a second time with a clean cloth or a sanitizing solution. Once it's done turn the light back on, lower the temperature and place all the (good, non-expired) food back in.
So from now on I pledge to clean out my fridge once a week,hopefully.
*Tips*
To prevent odors leave a small box of baking soda open inside.
Keep the temperature between 35F to 45F, but ideally it should be kept at 40F.
Leave a marker (non-permanent) in the kitchen to date when left overs are placed inside.
Cooked meat and chicken will last about 3 to 4 days. However, if it's fresh it will only last about 2 days.
Remember if it smells funny, throw it out!
If you're looking for a general guideline one how long food will last in the refrigerator go to http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/how-long-food-last-00000000002738/index.html
Cleaning out the refrigerator is one of the most important places to clean. But if your anything like me it just ends up a heaping mess before it actually gets cleaned. It's amazing how it just builds up like that! I swear I cleaned out a month ago. I don't know why but I dread cleaning anything in my kitchen. It's my no-go zone. I swear that there is some sort of force field that as soon as I hit with in a certain range suddenly my brain gets hit with a thought laser that make me remember 'hey wasn't I supposed to finish that over there in the other room?" or "Oh what's in the pantry?" or "I can always do this later." or "Why I am I even in here? I'm not even hungry - oh look cookies!"
So here is the result of my procrastination.
Here is close up of the disaster.
Any hoo, the best way to clean out a mess like that it take everything out and clean the whole thing out. Place anything that can spoil quickly like meats and milk in a cooler. Turn off the light and raise the temperature to get started. Instead of cleaning around everything it's best to remove all the shelves and clean them in the sink (especially if you can't remember the last time it was cleaned like this). Dish detergent works pretty well at getting everything cleaned. Remember to clean the insides and not just the shelves. Once everything is cleaned wipe down everything again a second time with a clean cloth or a sanitizing solution. Once it's done turn the light back on, lower the temperature and place all the (good, non-expired) food back in.
So from now on I pledge to clean out my fridge once a week,
*Tips*
To prevent odors leave a small box of baking soda open inside.
Keep the temperature between 35F to 45F, but ideally it should be kept at 40F.
Leave a marker (non-permanent) in the kitchen to date when left overs are placed inside.
Cooked meat and chicken will last about 3 to 4 days. However, if it's fresh it will only last about 2 days.
Remember if it smells funny, throw it out!
If you're looking for a general guideline one how long food will last in the refrigerator go to http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/how-long-food-last-00000000002738/index.html
Friday, January 6, 2012
52 Week Challenge - Week 2: Small Pantry
Now I am in week two of my organize home challenge. I have a small pantry that I keep 'locked' (I'm renting so I use bungee cords so my kids can't get in). I do recommend keeping some sort of locked cabinet for strictly adult, work, or school foods. My two and five year-olds have no self-control when it comes to some things and so do many other kids their age. So I don't run out by the end of the week I keep sodas, coffee, Snapple and my daughter's juice drinks for school on lock down. I also keep all my baking items and stuff that needs to be put in containers in there as well (rice, beans, etc.). On the lower section I have all the baking stuff and the upper shelf has all the work/school stuff.
I've also set to organize my cleaning supplies cabinet that it located above it that it out of reach. I am slighty ashamed at how many empty spray bottle I had up there. So from now on I'm only buying the large gallon size cleaner so I can just reuse the spray bottles.
*Tip* I actually place all my cleaners on a highest cabinet. I know many people place the cleaners in the cabinets under the sink but I think that idea should be rethought. It makes it too easy for young kids to get into. Child safety locks can sometimes be misleading. So far my two oldest children have found a way around every single type I have bought so far. It's better to be safe than sorry.
I've also set to organize my cleaning supplies cabinet that it located above it that it out of reach. I am slighty ashamed at how many empty spray bottle I had up there. So from now on I'm only buying the large gallon size cleaner so I can just reuse the spray bottles.
*Tip* I actually place all my cleaners on a highest cabinet. I know many people place the cleaners in the cabinets under the sink but I think that idea should be rethought. It makes it too easy for young kids to get into. Child safety locks can sometimes be misleading. So far my two oldest children have found a way around every single type I have bought so far. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
52 week challenge: Week 1 - Pantry
So as part of my goal to actually organize my house I'm starting the 52 week challenge. For the first few weeks I am going to work around the kitchen area since that is what my husband complains about the most. I don't blame him. I have a VERY bad habit of putting things just about any where and claim to have 'put it away.' I think this is how the disorganized thing starts with me. Poor hubby, he is the organized one. So between the kids and me not putting things back where the should, he didn't stand a chance.
So this week I'm starting with organizing pantry. As of now I'm almost finished. I've even mapped out a plan on where everything should go. My kitchen pantry has six levels. As of now I'm basing where things go considering on what my kids like to grab and destroy.
The top-level will be cereals and large boxed items. Second juice, powdered drinks, and sweets. Third small boxed items. Forth canned goods. Fifth non-food items like ziplock bags, ect. Sixth fruits, veggies, and anything else healthy. I recycle so I'm reusing some shipping boxes from my online christmas shopping to place on the floor of the pantry. I like to keep a well stocked pantry, so hopefully it will stay nice and tidy.
Just some tips ...
My two-year old son and my five-year old daughter like to grab food when they want. They have developed a habit of snacking all day. They get it from their Mommy. So in a very easy no effort way to get them to eat a little healthier, only healthy food will be with in reaching distance from now on.
I got this idea from one of my favorite people ever. Her name was Jennie, she was a foster parent to many children. They would often praise her for getting kids to lose weight and become healthier. She never put them on a diet and really let them eat whatever they wanted when they wanted. The catch? Only healthy foods in the house. She would always buy unhealthy snacks, but very limited. So once it was gone, it was gone. She only shopped once a week so usually all the sweet processed foods were gone with in the first couple of days.
I would really recommend this tip to anyone who wants to lose weight. I'm not saying don't buy unhealthy foods, just buy less. Then replace the rest of the amount you would have bought with stuff from the fruit & veggie section of the grocery store. This tip, however, only really works if you do most of your own cooking and eat out only two times a week or less. There is a lot of recipes online that include videos. Don't forget YouTube, I've been able to find great recipes on there too!
Wishing you all a very happy new year,
Vanessa
So this week I'm starting with organizing pantry. As of now I'm almost finished. I've even mapped out a plan on where everything should go. My kitchen pantry has six levels. As of now I'm basing where things go considering on what my kids like to grab and destroy.
The top-level will be cereals and large boxed items. Second juice, powdered drinks, and sweets. Third small boxed items. Forth canned goods. Fifth non-food items like ziplock bags, ect. Sixth fruits, veggies, and anything else healthy. I recycle so I'm reusing some shipping boxes from my online christmas shopping to place on the floor of the pantry. I like to keep a well stocked pantry, so hopefully it will stay nice and tidy.
Just some tips ...
My two-year old son and my five-year old daughter like to grab food when they want. They have developed a habit of snacking all day. They get it from their Mommy. So in a very easy no effort way to get them to eat a little healthier, only healthy food will be with in reaching distance from now on.
I got this idea from one of my favorite people ever. Her name was Jennie, she was a foster parent to many children. They would often praise her for getting kids to lose weight and become healthier. She never put them on a diet and really let them eat whatever they wanted when they wanted. The catch? Only healthy foods in the house. She would always buy unhealthy snacks, but very limited. So once it was gone, it was gone. She only shopped once a week so usually all the sweet processed foods were gone with in the first couple of days.
I would really recommend this tip to anyone who wants to lose weight. I'm not saying don't buy unhealthy foods, just buy less. Then replace the rest of the amount you would have bought with stuff from the fruit & veggie section of the grocery store. This tip, however, only really works if you do most of your own cooking and eat out only two times a week or less. There is a lot of recipes online that include videos. Don't forget YouTube, I've been able to find great recipes on there too!
Wishing you all a very happy new year,
Vanessa
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