Do we consume too much?

I feel we do. As I write this blog I am thinking about a mug I saw in TKMaxx that I want to buy and soon we will going to ASDA's to pick up a few bits and thinking about buying an item of clothing and ordering a top from Amazon. 

If you not checked out my Youtube channel, then check this one out:

It is time to cut down, and I will be doing No spend January, and that means using my money on the essentials, such as food, bits for my son for when he returns to school. So, going to go through what I already have and use up and checking that his school clothes still fit him, because he is growing so fast, but no spending on items that I don't need, and can wait.

When it gets to this side of Christmas I get sick of spending, and so doing No Spend January helps me to do that, and save.

The problem with me is that I get bored, and the only thing that fixes that is buying something, but then I am spending money for the sake of it, I feel I have wasted it, and could have been saved for more important items. 

So going to change up my wardrobe of what has been worn and what I have not. Shop my wardrobe basically, and packing for when I am in Epsom, and wear what I have already got. I am so glad we had a quiet Christmas, and didn't over do it. 

Before the new years though I will be buying a jar of coffee, as I am running out in Epsom, and some face wash. So a few bits I need to get, but enough of what I need, and will get me through the month. Not meaning that after January I can go on a shopping spree, in fact it will be the opposite, and doing No spend days. 

I am going to challenge myself to make sure that before I buy anything that I already have and run out. This means my toiletries, clothes, food and buy less snacks, and go snack free. 

There will be temptations, but make sure I have a break between meals, and that I eat food that properly fills me up. 

So, going to keep going through of what I have got and save. I am going to pay of my credit card, and save so we can have a holiday this year, and a proper one. 

Why not join me in use up what we got and consume less.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X

Ten things to Organize on a regular basis if not each day or week

So soon we will be entering into a new year and means that we have to take down our Chrisstmas decor and get ready to get our homes back to normal and organized. 

I went through my presents that Santa got for me to give to family and my Christmas Ornaments were smashed, and so will need to make sure that I can replace these in a different place before the next Christmas. 

My desk in Wimbled when it has been cleaned and tidied on a regular basis

So, here are 10 things to organize on regular basis if not each day or week:

1. Clothes. I travel a lot because I live in Wimbledon but spend a lot of time in Epsom too, and because of the trains and buses issues, been staying in both places and so living out of a bag. So I go through clothes not worn, and so before I buy anything else make sure I wear what I have already got. Check my Youtube channels My way of living, where I have talked about using up what you already got: https://www.youtube.com/@mywayofliving1602

2. Toiletries. I have plenty of shower gels, toothpaste and skincare, that I don't need anymore and organize them so what I have, gets used, and don't get forgotten about and store them to see what I have got and bought a new toiletry bag to store make up and toiletries to carry around with me when I travel, and keep them altogether so I don't forget them.

3. Stationary. I love a notebook and did a video about how I can live in Notebook a few years ago: https://youtu.be/f6YVEziXlA4 and so for my Autumn Reset sorted out my notebooks and kept what I wanted out of them, and put them into a folder, and so make sure I use once again what I have, and still buy plain notebooks, to help write notes as I do have a Filofax but it can be quite heavy to carry around. So I will make sure I have plenty of pens, a ruler and scissors and file cards and post its. 

4. Presents. Yes, after Christmas where should your presents go? I find they can add to clutter but have them in a room that you can display them, and an area they can take them off, like low shelf, and if it is money or a gift card, put it on a board where you will see it and remember to use it. If it is bedding then it is time to strip the beds and wash their existing sets and if it for children have them help you, depending on age. and word: If they are still toilet training, I would wait, and explain that they can go on the bed, but they have got to keep the bed dry.

5. Books. I love books and would live in a house of books, along with notepads, because I love to read and so I have some on a book shelf and then in a storage container, and not bought anymore until they have been read. and I have used Library but find it hard to renew them, and so visit Charity shops and books shops, but make sure I go through them and are stored in a place that they won't get super dusty.

 6. Money. I make sure each week to go through my finances and check my account everyday and use my filofaxt to help stay on track and a spreadsheet on Excel and budget, along with doing spending plans and budget on different areas where my money goes on a regular basis. 

7. Bags. I decluttered my bags and wanted to have minimal amount. I use a handbag, but will go through my bags, to clean them and keep tabs of what is in them and that they are easy to carry, but trying not to overload them, but can carry multiple items. 

8. Food. I make sure I check the fridge and cupboards to see what needs to be replemished, and I don't have to buy so much food, just bits to add or if we need bread or milk. I like to go through what needs to be cooked food and make sure it all gets used, and trying to eliminate wasting food. 

9. Equipment. Take things not used off the work tops and have a cupboard just for them, that you can easily lift out and put back in. Clean out your toasters, as they can build up crumbs inside. I put my laptop away on the table I use as a desk, ready for when we have dinner and then can bring back to the place on the table, to continue using laptop. I no longer have my phone near my bed and that has made a real difference in getting a good nights sleep. 

10. Draws. Yes they can get clogged up, and the main ones for me is, cutlery draws, trays, fridge draws and odds and sods. So junk draw. I have a hack, and that is to put tin foil in the draw, if you don't have any draw inserts as this can really reduce the time to clean them. If you have craft paper, you can use this too. 

Please put in the comments of the things to organize on a regular basis. 

We can have a lot of clutter so having a sort out can make a huge difference, with our minds and that everything has a home. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Getting through the festive season

Yes the Christmas season is upon us and many have already decorated and then their is dinner. I usually go to someones home or stay in and have a dinner at home, and this year we may be going away. 

When I say getting through, I am not meaning that I don't enjoy it and I am looking forward to it, but with people having to go to foodbanks it can be really effect how we feel about it, and that there will be families not having a Christmas dinner.

My first Winter Cider for Christmas 2023

So when you go to the supermarket and you have a local foodbank to donate to, then why not donate an item of food, and some supermarkets are working with charities like Tesco, has done where you can donate part of your shopping bill, and it is only pence, but it doesn't have to be a lot, a little bit still goes a long way.

I use this time to visit Charity shops for gifts and decor. They do a lot of Christmas Ornaments and I like these types of decor as they can passed down to the next generation of family and buying someone new decor for Christmas is a lovely gift, and a keepsake for other Christmases to come.

I did a video on my Youtube Channel My way of living about not Worrying over Christmas and just enjoy seeing family and friends, and it is not about how much you spend, but you being there and catching up and have everyone contribute: https://youtu.be/9agww2YOWIU 

To save time on getting things done do some prepping of wrapping gifts and you can donate toys too in many supermarket, this time of yer, and do it when it is time for yourself with a movie on or Christmas music and getting food bits done. Like chopping up vegetables and meats that you are going to have in the freezer and just make sure they defrost before cooking. 

Have a station in your home of all the decor if not put up yet, and a good way of having a clear out, before buying some new decor. 

If you know someone who is going to be on their own, why not invite them to join you for Christmas dinner or if not able to, make one to take one over to them, and have a drink with them too, as I hate the thought of people on their own, with noone to see and talk too. 

I want to do something for others at Christmas, and so going to plan and think of ideas, and please give me your ideas and what you do during Christmas. You can leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Good ways to use what you have got

So before you begin to buy anything, do an inventory, and if it helps write it down, or do it, by viewing  of what you've got. See what you have and how much of the items you have, and if you will be using it again, or shop around to see if you can still get a good valued product for less, than what you usually pay, and still be a good product. 

I find writing it down helpful or keeping it on my phone using my note app, to be helpful, and doing a regular declutter, or review on items. I bought some salads from ASDA for my lunch in the week, and was horrible, and feel this was a lesson for me to make my own. 

Go through the things you watch or listen too. As I am writing this blog, catching up on some Podcasts I still have to listen to, and create a playlist and can help with concentration, and being productive. 

Challenge yourself. I love a challenge and going to do more, and has helped me in terms of my finances, having a no spend month, which I am going to do next January, like I did last year. I want to do more to help build my confidence and grow my content, to help my community and followers even more. 

Build up your skills. If you are bored doing the same thing all the time, learn something that can help build on the skills that you already have, and if you like me have enrolled on online course, get these completed first before enrolling on more. 

Use up your cash and change. Before buying anything by card, try and use cash instead that you have in your purse and now I do this, has helped me manage my finances and save. I have some ideas of how I am going to save me even more, and use my change, that I saved and on things I like to buy. 

Exercise and use everyday things. You don't have to buy fancy equipment, and you may have items in your home you can use, like stairs, chairs and floor space. I have a set of dumbbells that I keep in the living room, and so in the afternoon will pick these up and do some exercise but you can also use bottles of water and tins. If you a garden, in the summer workout outdoors, and a kick about with your kids is still exercise, so use a football if you have one or in Epsom my husband has a treadmill I can use, rather than going to the gym. I do like pay as you go gyms which we have in Epsom and plan to do this again, just to get out as it can get boring, working out indoors and spread your wings.

So I hope you find this helpful and going to do video on this too, and start thinking about Christmas, if you like me have only started now. You be surprised on how much you save, and still buy those memorable gifts and make time to spend it with those you love.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Travelling up London at the weekend

Hello and welcome to a another blog! Today I took my son up to London and had a coffee and travelled from Victoria to London Waterloo and then back. It was remembrance day, here in the UK so the traffic was being deverted. My son wanted to walk from London victoria to Epsom, but we walked part of the way, but was raining and my anxiety was getting the better of me, as I fear being stranded, but got on a bus to London Waterloo, where he initially wanted to go, and then came back by train, and now at home, and promised him that we will try to walk at some point but be some what prepared and let him see how far it is.

You got to allow kids to explore and I do want to up my walking so would be nice to try so, for my sons sake will give it a try. 

When travelling to London at the weekend you have to plan somewhat. I use Trainline, (no not sponsored), because there often can be rail replacement. So by bus, but like to day some of the trains were operating, and get your self a train APP or a Map to help you plan you travel in London, and you can use credit and debit cards, aswell as an Oyster Card. 

Walking from Westminister to Chelsea can be nice. Check out The Kings Road. A good place if you like shopping and having a bite to eat. As a kid I would often be in Chelsea as that is where my mum and dad come from, and would spend many a weekend there. It has changed a lot, but still a good place to visit.

I like walking along by the river, and you can get the buses and the Underground, but check before you travel to see what is operating. 

I got to see places like Victoria, going passed seemed to not have a lot there now, but that are some food places and St James's Park is only a 5 minute trip and great to walk through and then you have Trafalgar Square, which we didn't pass on the bus today, but when you can it does look so proud of itself and featured in one of my favourite films, Mary Poppins. 

So out London at the weekend, and explore. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X  

When there is a storm

Was going to begin to say that "I hope everyone is well?" but feel that this is a daft question. Having your home flooded and not able to get out, is going to effect you and not be well. I had trouble today in getting to my son's home and couldn't get a train due to a tree falling on the tracks and wasn't sure as to what to do, and those who are in a worse situation, my problems don't matter.

Storms, are not controllable and has caused chaos. They say not to go out but how can you and if your house is flooded it means that there will be shops closed too. If you have mobile access then see if you can still contact your friends and family and then there is the elderly. 

Thank god that we have a fire services that can help and get people out of trouble and be somewhere safe.

So this is a short blog and hope there people are safe and if there are people that can help with those who's homes are affected see if you can provide food and other supplies and work as a nation to help too.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X   

How I organize 2023

It has been a while since I wrote anything on this blog, I have been working on my Wordpress blogs and this is because I have created some different programmes to help support people, like my Life Coaching programme "Summer Project 2023" check out my blog site where you will find these blogs, and may find them helpful. https://everyonecanbuiildacastle.com  and now doing my Autumn Reset to get tasks I need done completed and again blogging on the blog site above. 

Now I am back and have created a more functional way to organize for 2023. 

I am using a Filofax again and watching Terri Savelle Foy she talked about having everything in one place, and so wanted to give it a try, but it is very bulky and for birthday I was given a 2024 diary and it is a nice size, but until I can use the diary I am going to use my Filofax and when I don't feel like carrying my Filofax,  will organize digitally and I am liking the system I use now to keep tabs on my blogs, books and videos, along with my son and other things I need to keep reminding myself of. 

For digital planning and organizing I am using OneNote and calendar templates for my son to keep record of my son's school dates on Word and appointments I have, and another for planning my writing, on Excel, and working really well for me. 

I plan the night before, for each day and go for a walk in the morning has helped me be organized this year as it not good to be on my laptop all day and it sets me up, and tomorrow I have to stay in part of the day as my husband had purchased a new sofa and so need to be here for that to be delivered, so depending on what time it is delivered will use the treadmill to walk and do some indoor exercise. 

Getting back into my fitness has helped because it can take a while for me to wake up. 

I have come to realise that I like getting up early now and not doing anything on my laptop in the evening or limit the amount of time I spend on my laptop at night. It can be easy to go my laptop so  don't go straight on to it until my later on in the morning and gotten errands done first, and in between.

So how are you organizing this year and what you use I would love to know. You can leave a comment below. 

Please check out new book, which is a novel called Mum&Me, and is about Elizabeth living with her mum and see things very differently and Elizabeth's mum is obsessed with TV shopping channels and online, but often not what she actually ordered. It is available in Kindle and Paperback.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having Reset days and tips on having a reset

I never knew what this was until I was introduced to it via Youtube and now apply it with everything I do and began last year to create a programme called the Autumn Reset, where I go through unfinished tasks, to get unfinished projects completed before the winter and Christmas. I post this content on my main youtube channel, which is gonna change, as this channel will be all weekly or weekend vlogs, but you can see my videos from last year on this channel, and so just put in Autumn Reset and you should find them. 

For me it is about getting my life together and making changes to my life that works for me presently and that I can stick too, to make sure I get stuff done and have time to myself too. 

My first tip is to go through your computer to check out what needs to be finished and setting a deadline to get them done and planning. I have filmed some videos on my Youtube channel   https://www.youtube.com/@typicallondongal/ and my blog site: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com 

Same thing with doing a make over of your house or a room, doing the garden or doing a declutter and altering your habits to help stay on top of things. 

Go through the most important first, to the second most important to the items that can wait and be done at a later date, but to still get them done. For me that is creating online courses again. Not that I feel I have to do it, but want to teach my skills I have learned to help others, but I want to have other things finished first.

I want to focus on my next book and have this published, getting my son ready for his new school in September and paying off my credit card. 

Tip 2 is to keep it simple and go through the tasks that take less time. Now many I have watched about getting items completed, do longest projects first. For me that makes me want to hibernate and procrastinate, and so I find doing the smaller tasks first to then do the bigger items next is better and I know I am going to get them done. 

At the moment I am spending time with my son who has finished school for the Summer Holidays and so on mum duties making sure we have plenty of fun, using the evenings to write and get tasks done in terms of my content and doing errands. 

This is the reality of life that some things have to be pushed to another day as I want my attention to be focusing on my son and today started to get his uniform ready for when he begins at his new school. 

I have been taking my son swimming to help him practice as my son has been doing swimming lessons at the weekend, so want to help him continue to develop in swimming and is getting more confident with swimming as he has his last lesson for this part of the year, but I don't want to lose what he has learned and the same with his reading and writing. 

Tip 3, Delegate duties to your kids. I wrote a blog on my parenting blog about if Kids want to do chores let them: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.wordpress.com/2023/07/14/if-your-child-wants-to-help-with-the-chores-let-them/

This will help them to be independent and so have them help with washing dishes and tidying their bedrooms. Henry makes his own bed and is now gotten interested in cooking and putting the dishes away. 

He decided to do that on his own, and is good to help them develop these skills, as they do need to learn how to look after themselves. 

It all part of their growth and lifts the weight of your shoulders, and like this week I cooked dinner so his dad did the washing up. That is setting a good example for your kids and have it as a family thing. 

Tip 5, start on one area at a time and I watched a brilliant Youtube video today, a cleaning video and I loved her method because she was writing and ticking of areas as she completed each one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9hP449qQxU I thought it was really motivating and will follow her method of tidying the home and getting all clean and tidy again. 

We can get so caught on mess, like my Laundry basket at the moment, so tomorrow I will be tackling the laundry, and we can ignore it, but it will just build and build. 

I am going to see if I can get all my laundry done, and will be a blessing to see my laundry basket empty. 

So I hope this blog has helped you and lets work together to reset and finish those endless tasks. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

  

Getting it all done

Life can be on top of us and feel that there too many things to do and not enough time to get it all done. I like making lists and creating new habits to stop me from feeling that I am behind. Example I do a tidy up of one area each day, make my bed and get dressed.

Anything that can be done the night before helps, like having my shower at the end of each day helps, in that I don't have to have one in the morning, but put my body spray on with deodorant before putting on my clothes for the day. 

The first place to begin in planning and scheduling. I use my diary I got from TK Maxx and OneNote. I have tried several ways, but now I feel I have a good set up and going to see if I can use my Filofax of having everything in one day. I will let you know how I get on with that and if it works to be more organized and productive as that is what I am going for. The idea came from @TerriSavelleFoy

I want to change from being a hoarder to a minimalist, and own less but have more in terms of saving money, have more space and have a clearer working station where I use my laptop and often change is all we need. 

Sort one area a day, rather than doing it all at once if you do have a busy schedule, time yourself and make it into a challenge. Watch Youtube videos on cleaning and tidying and getting it all done. Good for motivation and potter.

I love pottering around and just going around the home to clear any clutter to dust and reorganize. I can be disorganized, but getting better and setting a time to tidy in the mornings has really been a game changer. 

Take time to read. I like to read before bed and because of the weather at the moment going to sit in the garden and read for a bit, and almost finished another book, a video will be made once completed. 

I set my challenge of reading a book a month but because I don't tend to read when my son is on holiday as we are usually out somewhere, been difficult to keep up, but I am not disappointed, and will pick it up again. 

So got some more things to do and so going to leave this blog here and will be writing more so keep checking and have a great day.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting your life together/Is it good to multi task

When it comes to multi tasking there are mixed views of is it good or bad. I think it depends on each person. I will when doing things like writing like to put on some music or podcast like I am doing as I write this blog watching @esteelanonde  and it helps me to concentrate and take my time. 

I will give myself enough time because I hate rushing, it just no good for me. I am the person who leaves hour and half before an appointment and so super early, and the person who will be happy to wait for a bus whilst I listen to some music, and ride on the bus listening to a book on audible along with music, it depends on the mood I am in and what I feel like listening to on that particular day. 

I do like to focus on one thing, and have to stop myself as I do a lot of flicking from my blog, to writing my book, doing a life coaching course, checking my emails and so I have to pull myself back and ask myself "What do I actually want to do today?", and go through my lists and then will then stop, and get one thing done at a time. 

If you didn't know I am doing my Life Coaching programme again this year. I have been doing this for the last two years and is called The Summer Project 2023, helping you to have a better life and a better year, check out my blog site out: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com 

You have to decide what is important and I love lists. I still use a paper diary and find writing things done helps aswell as using a computer programme, OneNote, to help me too. 

Finding a system that helps to accomplishment tasks like what is the one thing I want to do this morning and I now will as soon as I get out of bed tidy up and put any washed clothes away, or put some laundry on and then will take a shower, watch some Youtube and have a cup of tea and breakfast and then my skincare and it just helps set me up for the day to begin to get on with other tasks planned for the day and take breaks. 

Multi tasking can work, and often like as I finish this blog realised I didn't go through my expenses for the day and so whilst in head do this and so it depends on what is that is important and if there is a deadline. 

So do you like to multitask or focus on one area at a tine? Please leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

 

Managing my money

 It has been a real up and down when it comes to me and money and would try to avoid looking at it and so now I check my bank account everyday and write down everything that has gone in and what has come out and got this tip watching a guy name Grant Cardone and if you don't know who he is, then "Hello where have you been?" the man is a billionaire and everyday he still checks his bank accounts, and I don't use any special system, I use a spreadsheet on Excel and a notepad. 

Check out this video I did for my channel My Way Of Living: https://youtu.be/PcJCQ2LrypA

When I was a kid I would hide money and forget about it. My mum got worried about it so cleared and looked for it and I had over a £100 and this was in the 80's as a kid and I was a super saver and then when I first went to America, I began to spend a lot of the money I had and then when I began working I would be out a lot, I began to follow a rugby team every week and stay over at my friends places and buy a kebab or a Chinese and before I knew it my Money went it became a love hate relationship. 

I became reckless and it has taken a lot of heartache to now have money again. Chasing every penny can cause stress and so now I make sure I manage it and this year by being more vigilant, have paid off one debt and that was a amazon credit card and now paying my other credit card. 

Being debt isn't fun, and feels like it is hanging in the air for it to drop and hit you in the face to realise I need to take charge now and still buy the things I want but in moderation and make sure I get rid of items that no longer I felt had a place in my life  and items that do.

I check and go through my budget and money spent each week and make sure I save as much as I can and pay money into my son's account and cut down on spending on clothes and toiletries because I have enough and there are some items I want to buy in terms of clothing and get ridding of items that have gotten too big and worn, and I buy second hand like books and clothing. The stop I wore today was a second hand and finding items that will last and not get worn straight away and make sensible choices. 

Before I fell pregnant I was made redundant and did get redundancy, tried to get a job but my tummy was growing and survived on Maternity and then in back in 2014 I decided I wanted to go back to working and did a bit of work in a Tescos, which I didn't like the managers of it weren't very nice and then got a weekend job which worked better and was on low wage and so used my credit card and it s dangerous cycle to be in, and so now I never want another credit card, and save for the dreams I have as I want to take Henry on a proper holidays and half term was tight but we did manage to do a lot that was free and went to the seaside at the weekend, and not want more time away and near a swimming pool and I no longer want money worries and going to continue to build my blogs, youtube channels and continue to self publish on Amazon, and I am not doing those for the money but because I enjoy it and now want to work outside too, to help with the goals I have and plans. 

You can't let money control you, but you be in control with money and not have a constant fight with it, and build my wealth and invest in my sons dreams too.

Lets do this together and lets build our lives to get our life on track and stop the fears we have financially and I want to give money to charity each month, and invest in doing fundraising walks and runs again as I want to use my money to make a difference too.

So gonna leave this blog here, and let me know what your one financial goals do have and if you have tips too, leave them below in the comments. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Getting my life together

Life changes and things that matter you can change. This is why it is good to have a good declutter and this month if you didn't know I am decluttering for an entire month (March) and I like doing this to start a fresh new season and go through where I am at. 

Since beginning this blog I decluttered more, and filmed so you'll see this in a video, its just putting them altogether and been a good process. The area I want to change in my desk as this space I use all the time, and fed up of looking at it, because it feels overcrowded and feeling anxious about it. I have journals that I use, but want them to be stored but not forgotten about. 

I checked out storage but going to look around and look at ideas, to help make my desk clearer and have different areas for different purposes. So have a place to work on the computer and write, and where I store my jewellery and places for my make up and toiletries, along with medication. 

I want my room to be cozy and help me sleep and relax and seeing space of having a declutter, has already has eased my anxiety of having so much and put my mind at rest so I can sleep peacefully and want my room to be a home office and a place to get dressed and ready for the day, and in thinking I may keep how my desk as it is, as I have a shelf that stores these items, as I do like to watch videos on my laptop as I don't have a TV in my room, whilst I put my make up on or getting looking good, but still have a better solution I can still do that. 

To me when it comes to getting my life together I like order and with a simple solution so I am not making areas decluttered again, and to keep it clean all the time is tough. so I will be tidying it again this week to find a different way to keep these items near me and easy to reach.

It often is trial and error. 

I hope this helps you too and see that I am not perfectly organized but I make the time to do so, as I like the result afterwards once I have a clearer space around me. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Putting things off

I have a feeling I have written this before, but I do it all of the time. Anything I know that feels like a chore I instantly want to do something else. 

So, I take one step at a time and take each step, and break it down. Whilst I was writing my blog on my other site (https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com) tidied the area behind where I sit on my computer as that has storage and as much as I tried to ignore it, I couldn't, so whilst watching a podcast got up and sorted it out. 

If you didn't know I am doing Monthly challenge of decluttering and get rid of items that no longer has a use, and to own less. I did find some bits on Shein that I'd like but going to wait and have a good clear out first. I am not a fan of decluttering but know in order to make change, I need to get my belongs sorted out and love the results of a declutter. 

I have uploaded my first video on my Youtube channel document this challenge: https://youtu.be/djrCPs1JTFQ

Even the word declutter annoys me, because I find it hard and boring. If only I can find a professional declutterer, if one exists. However when I do it I put on a podcast or a video and that is how I get it done and I do it in the morning whilst I am in the mindset of getting it done. 

I just filmed more, and showed what I have done so far and want to do next and trying to do it everyday hard so will do when I know I have a morning free. Today I have an interview so want to concentrate on that. Yet I do want to continue and want to be minimal and thinking of getting rid of more of my make up as I don't wear it all the time, but wonder if I will regret it, as thinking about it not being on my shelf I will want to wear it a lot more. 

Yet I do have some storage back in Epsom that may be an option, but will need t plan it out. I want to get another draw unit and so will be making changes so I have more functional setting. 

I hope this helps you too to declutter and get sort out your spaces and rooms. 

It is all about making harsh choices but if it helps the mind then its about stop moaning, and get it done. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Challenge for March 2022/Decluttering month

Hello and welcome to my blog Organize for the better. I hope you are ready for this blog. If you haven't read this blog before, so it is all about organizing if you didn't know, and this blog is to introduce my challenge for March 2023. My last months challenges were, January 2023 No Spend and February Finding good deals. Check out my other blog I wrote on these challenges, https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com  and my Youtube channel where I filmed videos for these challenges: https://www.youtube.com/@typicallondongal

So the have started to plan where I will be decluttering, and will be filming and will going to begin this week. Last week I was doing a course and still got a bit of content to film for my last monthly challenge so they are going to overlap, but it is to encourage you to do the same, to see the different areas in your life and where changes need to be made and create new habits. I want to be more minimal. 

This is what these challenges made me realise. I need to wake to the fact that clutter is clutter and does disrupt my wellbeing, and so want to change my desk and think of storage options I have, and what clothes I can get rid off, and is my sons and my clothes that I am referring to.

I like having a functional space, and need to go through my notebook I have got too and have them more organized and thinking about down sizing my make up a bit more, as I don't wear it all of the time, and so I will be doing some more shop with me's to find some different storage ideas, and will be looking at Pinterest for ideas.

Check out my pins that I have put together for this blog: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/organizing-4-the-better/

So lets get decluttering. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

  

Sorting my life out and being productive

I just a couple of minutes sorting my room out and is something I put off but now I have done I feel like my energy is increasing. 

Set your day up so you know what needs to be done and what you want to do.

This begins the night before, so I will do my list and do anything that I can do next that will set myself up for the next day, like making sure I have my diary and my notebooks near me, as I like to take notes as I work on my blogs and books, and creating videos too. 

Yes I know, make your bed, there was a time I didn't, because I couldn't be bothered but now I know why it needs to be done because I do feel better when it is made and then get dressed and will put on make up depending on how I feel and will start watching a video whilst I drink my tea and go through my lists for the day. 

Have some time to shower and do my Skincare for the day and in the evening. 

I love looking after my skin and using different products and so I make sure my skin is moisturised on my face and arms and feet. I allow my skin to breath and so I won't wear make all week and freshen it up and using a Vitamin C Cleanser at the minute that I bought from TK Maxx and it so nice. I do have a new skincare routine video due so watch out for that will be on my main Youtube channel coming soon: 

I tend to take my shower the night before so I can get up get dressed and start my day. I suffer with dry skin and not had a break out for ages, I just hope I haven't jinked that, however having a good skincare routine stops me in feeling sluggish and can affect my confidence, when I don't. 

It helps to wake me up and to eat the right things, which is still a challenge but I am getting it under control and allow myself some treats but in moderation. 

Taking time away from your phone and laptop and any other device and read a book 

Yes I know I am guilty of it too but I enjoy being part of the internet community and writing my blogs and so I need these devices to keep posting, but I will take time away and go for a walk, I will sort out other errands that takes me away from my phone and laptop, like laundry and exercise. I will work with just a notepad in a coffee shop and read a book of the evening. 

I do have a overactive mind which can effects my sleep so I will put my phone on silent and I will put it on my desk away from where I sleep and I used to listen to music in bed, but this would effect my sleep so I don't do this anymore, and not going to bed too early but at a reasonable hour, and still working on what time to go to bed and to probably switch off and I don't have a TV in my bedroom. 

It is all about balance and check out my other posts I write, you may like this one: https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2023/01/living-balance-life.html

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

@typicallondongal 

 

 

Looking after your pennies

So I did a no spend challenge and still doing it. At the moment I am filming my next challenge and that is finding different deals but it has taken a turn as I have so far since Monday not bought anything and it feels so good. I do need to buy my son some pants so going to sort this out for when he stays with for  half term and going to take him up London and have him choose a some pairs. 

 Check out my first video talking about this challenge: https://youtu.be/CKnKguiQ94g

I was gong to buy myself some new socks because I keep losing them, but decided to save my money and find my socks and spending this time has just saved me some money. If you don't need then don't get it. 

That is going to be my motto. So next is my underwear and I do have pairs but some are too big for me so I do need some new sizes and so will see if I can buy some by the end of the week and have sort through and replace the ones that are too big. Underwear should be comfortable and feel light. 

I am very conscious of waste and going to have a sort through of my sons clothes and socks and underwear as he has grown out a lot and so need to see how much he has of something and if anything still looks good and not worn, going to donate or put in a recycle bin. Of course not with pants but with socks and other clothing. 

I like have a sort through and like saving. It helps me control my impulse buying. Supermarkets are crafty when it comes to attracting peoples attention and put items near the till. Never fall for it and if you don't need don't buy it and stick to a list. I know everyone says that, but it is important and just not doing that one thing can really make a difference. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal  

Organizing when you are sick

I had plans today to do another long distance walk, but last night I felt groggy so went to bed early hoping I'd feel better, but no. I am pleased with the progress I have made it terms of organization and my wellness, and so I will see how I am tomorrow and I still have the weekend, and me and my son like to go on walks so may be able to do it then. 

If you start to feel run down the first thing is to stop and take a break. Perhaps you are giving yourself too much to do and we have to accept we are all gonna get sick no matter how we try to avoid it, or your child gets sick. There are events you can't control, but you can try to prevent them. I do take supplements and do eat healthy meals, and speaking to my mum, her tummy was funny, so perhaps there is a tummy bug going around. 

It doesn't mean that things won't be done. Since writing this blog I went for a walk, only a short one but did make a huge difference and so good to be out into the fresh air and sitting in the park listening to music can be so peaceful and watching the world go by, is so nice. 

If someone offers to help you then take them up on it as they may not ask again, and if you have kids have them help you, and I will ask Henry to make his bed, and if you feel unwell its never a crime to take some time just being with yourself. 

I did spend a lot of time in bed today as I had a headache and needed that extra rest and often we neglect how we are feeling, and organising time for your self is important if you don't feel well. Spread tasks across the week, and use a day to organize your week, from where you week begins. For me it is Monday to Sunday. 

Saturday is my day off and like to spend this time with my son and we are going up London tomorrow and it most likely that we will do some walking if not, it will be Sunday. 

I did manage to get bits done, like working on my next book and going through a book I am reading by Paul McKenna and continued with this blog. 

All in all still a productive day. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal 

 

Living a Balance life

Hello and I wish you a Happy New Year. We are almost halfway through the month of January all ready, but have managed to get a bits done and taking time in sorting my life out and did a Reset video to begin the new year. You can find it on my Main Youtube channel, @typicalondongal Carrie Holmes.

It is good to have balance in my life, and spend time doing some courses, writing and with my son and family. 

I am doing a monthly challenge, No Spend January and want to stop buying moisturisers, and use up and give some of my items to donate that have not been used, and using two creams my Nivea creams one I use everyday and one I use when putting on my make up, and will help give me more space and will feel relieved in thinking about it and visioning myself using just two creams, and not have a load of skincare products to use. 

I want to be logical and today I did upgrade one of my blog sites because I want it to have more of an identity and will help expand my writing and creating of my blogs even more and feel I need to do this to move forward, and need to think about my blogs in a business like mind and I want to create more to help reach out to my audience and help their life easier aswell as mine, and feel I need identity and so needed to do this to stop the anxiousness over it. 

Getting fit is one I am trying to add to my life again, and enjoy the little workouts I do and yesterday I did some when I got to my son's home in Epsom whilst I waiting for the kettle to boil, I make sure I do some walking and look after my wellbeing, so important and control my eating habits as I don't want to be eating biscuits and things like that all of the time, and I love my evening meal so make sure I don't eat too much to enjoy my dinner in the evening. 

Focusing on the these things helps me have balance in my life, and not feel sluggish with no energy. 

I like to take my time and spend time with my thoughts and address my fears and if I find myself feeling overwhelmed I will stop and then make notes and take each day step by step. 

Life isn't about being stressed but living and enjoying life, and doing things that improve my wellbeing. 

I want to enjoy each day and if something goes wrong I try not have it play in my mind, and think of a resolution. Like this week I didn't realise my son was doing swimming lessons once a week, but was everyday so he didn't have his swimming gear for that day, but lucky he did have spares as his one from the beginning was in the washing machine, so I picked up his spares and took them to his school so he can still go swimming on that day and didn't have to miss out. I felt so bad, but solved it so learned to pay attention when it comes to events at my sons school. 

Saturdays, which is tomorrow I focus on spending time with my son, and so take a day off from my blogs and books etc, and then continue on Sunday, ready for the start of a new week. 

So I hope you have balance in your life and if you'd like to add your feedback then you can do in the comments below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal