Getting organised in 2026

I no longer want to buy brand new clothes. I have all I need and need to remind myself of that. I have bought items emotionally not really needing the item. I feel like if it is on food then it is okay, but no, it all adds up when you know you have plenty of food in the food cupboard and freezer.

Since tracking my money it has opened my mind in seeing where my money is going and has been mind-blowing. I own too much so need to decide on what I want less of, or more.

I know going to the shops everyday is good because of building my steps, which I have written a blog about: Get Active Get Fit : Shopping can have its benefits when staying Active and part of that is because of the weather. When my son has had his lessons in the library, I have not wanted to go out unless it is a gift leading up to Christmas and I do tend to take break come Autumn and Winter when it comes to fitness. 

So if you want to help manage your finances and get organised in 2026, I now go through what I have paid out and add to my savings as I want to go to different places for a holiday. I set a savings target and add to each week and have specific goal. 

                                      

Next it is online. I lastnight went through my emails. I did more unsubscribing from sites. One thing I learned was that Google if you have a google email, will alert you of companies emails you have not read emails, notify you and so going to clear another account and it helps me not waste money. So Finance has been a focus and will continue to track my spending in 2026 and is important because I want to make my money useful and not buy emotionally but when we have no food left and I do buy bulk items, like toilet rolls and kitchen towels. 

I have purchased some shower gel for my son and sanitary products. 

Cleaning products is good to buy and I clean after each meal, rather than first thing in the morning or evening. I like to read before bed and in the mornings. 

I use a bag on my bed to stop having so many clothes at the bottom of the bed and take control of my spending on books but I accumulated free books and I know I will read them and for this is not a waste and buy one book a month or so. I love reading and love audible and I get so much out of it.

Its okay to have stuff but only if it gets used or you know you will use. 

My nan and I would share books, my mum has books and plan to have shelves in my room for my books and journals. I haven't always kept my journals as the one thing I have found good to let go of the past, is to not keep all my journals and then focused on the now and move on from the past.

However I like to keep them now as I like to decorate then and keep cards and junk journal and so means I have to let something go and so going to have a low spend year and keep decluttering one thing a day and then the other thing is bags. 

I love a bag but my problem is clearing them out. 

Not sure how to keep up with it. I know Kon Marie says that you should do it daily but I know I won't stick to that so need to figure this out. I don't want to have loads of bags so is a working progress.

So these are going to be my focus and only keep what is really important to me and sort out my bedroom, by sorting out my bags and let more things go. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

Getting Ready for 2026

It is on the horizon, but feel good about it. I means starting a new chapter and sticking with some existing things like reading. If I don't conquer my reading goal which is 20 then so be it, will try again. It means getting some projects finished, like my sons bedroom and mine. Hopefully my son gets a place in a school and my blogs and YouTube channels continue to grow and have another book published. 

One of my favourite meals not just at Christmas, with healthy food for 2026, along with sticking with our favourites. 

So what habits are you going to continue and projects?

It doesn't have to be done in January but when it feels right to you. I was reading an article and there was an article interviewing Amelia Fox who's famous actor, she doesn't make resolutions but she goes through what she wants the new year to look like. 

Everyone has their own way and it doesn't make it wrong. Each to their own. It is what works for you.

I like to make life changes. I like to have word. Two thousand and six is Grow. 

It means doing more Radio shows and not allow my fear over take and not shy away from other opportunities. It means letting go of stuff no longer serve me. So I am getting rid of my baking items and I will be moving. I live with my mum and step dad aswell with my son and husband part of the time. So that is going to be a massive change but not worried, which is the first of me. 

I can worry my socks off and all it does is cause stress and so letting go of my old feelings, for 2026.

Then my son has his sports clubs and get back to my walking and building my steps. 

I am taking part in a Walking Event in April and seeing Bon Jovi in concert so got a few things to look forward to.

It is good to have things planned. It can be meeting with a specific friend you don't often see once a month or week. It can be to go for a walk in a park once a week and go on a shopping trip. I will be doing No Spend January and cutting my spending down and since Henry's learning in the library for now spent less and so saving for holidays we plan to have in 2026. 

So lets get ready for the new year to have a lot more happiness, if possible and things to look forward to.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Avoiding The Mess

It has been a long insight to see that I avoid the mess.  There is something about mess that makes me close my door and ignore it. I have tried to put things away but I will pretend it isn't there and know at some point I will tidy it up. I am a still decluttering, but I have a cupboard full of underwear and socks, I have box files that have no order so I know I need to step up. 

So the first thing I need to do is to step away. I need to allow rest time and then when I go to brush my teeth will tidy up my bed once I have had my tea and it is time to brush my teeth and in fact I am going to do that now.

Do a bit a day. A small amount can still make a difference and I am enjoying my decluttering. Finding items that are just gathering dust. If there is no reason for an item, then it goes.

It is good to allow others to motivate. I will clean, tidy and declutter if I see my husband cleaning so he will be the influence and then I will sort my mess out and that I am not letting the side down.

Let your kids help clear up the mess. My son has the habit of leaving is teddy bear on the floor so will tune into asking him to pick it up and the same with other toys and things he has finished using. 

It is good to have a calendar that is available to you. So plan what you are going to focus on first, to break it down and avoid overwhelm if this is causing you to avoid any mess.

Journal your fears about the mess. I will write down my fears. I find it helps address them and how to get over it and if it works out and you do it, how will it make you feel? 

Have a system. When it comes to washing up, I will use my morning whilst the kettle is on to clear any plates or mugs away used the night before. Then, when it comes to dinner time I will clear away any items used for lunch and what needs to be left out for dinner. 

I find I am more untidy during the winter with gifts for Christmas and muddy clothes from the rain and taking my son to do his sports at the weekend and find it hard to dress because of the cold. I love to layer up so clothes are messy and the bottom of the bed, keeping stuff to junk journal and I love notebooks and so need to make choice if I want it to be tidy or live in a mess.

So 2026 it is a year of change and invest in the things that are help me "Grow" which is my word for 2026. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having to Move on and plan visits to new places

I have a bedroom that needs sorting out. I love that I have my room, I like a lived in environment but I want it to be more than a room but my Sanctuary and be like a nest. I just vacuumed my bedroom and it wasn't that bad, I was thinking that it was going to be a hard task and actually it was good as I got to declutter another item and so going to do one thing a day and including my stuff in Wimbledon and it feels good to let things go. 

Picture I took of the #southcoast of England 

When it comes to organisation it is also a personal change. Example I loved working at a Holiday Camp and met a lot of people but now I am ready to let that part of my life go. I still keep in contact but many have gone their own way and that is fine. People come and go, have a family, meet new friends which is fine. I have found it hard to move on, because it was such a brilliant experience and my son wants to visit Bognor where the Holiday Camp is located, so we may visit again, but not any time soon. 

The vibe to go down there has gone and want to go different places like the Isle of Wight and Edinburgh next year and Henry my son said he'd like to go somewhere hot so, will see.

I am sure we will go back to Bognor Regis but not anytime soon and want to explore other places in England and my son is desperate to go to St Albans and I'd like to go there too. Not that I going to stop contact with people via social media and wish then happy birthday, but visit other places along the coast of England. 

So organising trips but not worrying that it has to be planned by the book and is sometimes last minute can be some of the best times. It is good to go somewhere historic, so not full of fancy restaurants, but where we can get a coffee, shop at a supermarket or has a cafe. 

If it got a kid friendly pub that's does food, we like to take advantage and if there are funfair rides and fish n chips stalls fantastic but take our time and just being by the sea makes me feel so good and have a peaceful mind. 

I go over the bad times I've had and trying to stop. I want to stop living in the past and want some new experiences and meet more people and build more relationships. 

So gonna plan for 2026 and enjoy Christmas and explore and building more memories. 

I do have a Vlog Channel if you'd like to check it out: (117) Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes - YouTube

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

I have guilty pleasures

Hello! So when I was pregnant with my son who has just turned 12 I would watch TOWIE because it took my mind off my indigestion. Now it is watching Cliff Richard in concert and watching Jo and Stacey on BBC One.

It is good to watch others live their lives and it is addictive TV. 

I think with my dad it was Eastenders, even though, I feel if he was alive he'd say no, but it is the reality of #TV and at one time for me would be watching "Say Yes To the Dress" and the Kardashians. 

It is good to when the kids are in bed to watch a bit of music that your friends and family don't know about. Okay I am not talking about Porn, just in case someone thinks that, that is something that is totally different, but is something that is not what many of who, would know you. My husband loves the Traitors yet he normally be critical about that kind of TV as neither of us watch Big Brother and for me I like Celebrity Race Across the World. 

It doesn't have to be TV. It could be a type of food or drink, as long as you are wise about it and for me that is, having a Baileys and a Malibu and Coke. 

I am not a heavy drinker but like a bit of alcohol at the weekend. 

It could be a song. Mine is Dollar Mirror Mirror. 

A certain place to eat or a sport. 

Even a film or clothing. 

Many it can be smoking and drugs, which can mean that something more serious going on and that these can lead to addictions. Yet my Grandad loved his Tobacco and was never willing to give it up and my dad and mum smoked.

There was a time I did smoke out of curiosity but I didn't get any pleasure from it. 

Your Guilty Pleasure can be books, like romance novels or biographies. 

I remember in friends the comedy where Joey finds a book of Rachel's and there is nothing wrong with a bit of romance. I love love songs and still listen to Buck Fizz. Many may not admit that they love cheesy music but a bit of pop did no harm to anyone.

Life is to be live and so have a guilty pleasure, as long as it won't do you or anyone, any harm. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

How I Plan my days

So I have filmed a Plan with me Vlog which I plan to post next week as I have a Vlog Channel, sharing different parts of my life and interests. I will be back posting once a week as two a week is too much and like to focus on doing One thing in different areas to sort out and organise my life. I know some say it is good to do multitask, but not me. 

We took a Walk up London and have filmed so will in a Vlog soon

I sometimes will have my laptop in the kitchen cooking but to watch videos. 

So I now use mainly post its: https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2025/10/new-way-of-planning-and-staying-on.html On Google Calendar I map out what is happening in terms of my sons tutoring sessions whilst we wait for a space in a Secondary School and going to do this once a week.  

Today we are out for the morning. I love our walks and going for coffees so the one thing I do is make sure we have time outdoors and yesterday felt so good and I like to make sure we go out early and in the Winter I feel I need to get out and just take in the new season. 

I am a home body and do like to as soon I get back indoors, to change into my PJ bottoms. I make the  time to have that time to do bits of work, like plan my radio show. I am off at the moment but will be back at end of November, see details of my show. It is slightly changing to The History Of Music. https://www.epsomhospitalradio.org.uk/on-air/presenters/carrie-challoner I do a show on Sunday's 4 to 6pm. 

At the moment I am Planning my sons' birthday, my mums birthday and my brothers birthday. I mark off these dates each year at the beginning of each year and go through things that I will need to pay for and that I end my spreadsheet in regards to my finances and I check my bank account everyday. Check out my Financial Living Youtube Channel: (69) Financial Living - YouTube

I like to make sure I get up at the time that suits me. That time is usually between 5am to 6am, to have a cup of tea and read my book. 

I will take breaks and tidy up the plates etc before each meal of the day and plan what we are going to eat for dinner and make time to eat out and visit different places. My son loves travelling on bus and trains and I enjoy that too. 

Please if you recommend can recommend good places to walk then please sure share. I like walking up London, but there are a lot of road works at the moment, so not looking so scenic and we go to Kingston, but would like to do others, so if you know of some good walks, preferably involve being near nature then please share. You can use the comment section below. 

I am so glad my clubbing days are over and for me sorting out my Pinboard gives me pleasure, watching a comedy and plan some time in front of the TV and not all about To do lists but what gives me the utmost pleasure. So, I'm going to sort out dinner soon, but before then going to have another up of Earl Grey Tea and binge on Youtube.

I am doing a Programme at the moment called, Winter Wellness and posting through November and December through to January and so if you are interested then please visit my blog site: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

My Relaxing Routine

How do you like to relax? For me it is good book and a cuppa. I do watch TV but not a lot. I like to listen to music, as it helps me plan for my Radio Show and finding doing my radio show relaxing as I will take my shoes off once I set up, and doing little things like that takes the pressure away of delivering a good show. You never know who is listening and so like to get into the zone. 

One Of the Places we like to walk to Wimbledon Park, London 

I like to wake up early and avoid the mad rush and in the evenings my son and I like to, once my husband has gone to bed, watch repeats of show likes Not Going Out. Some evenings mainly Autumn and Winter like to have a nice hot bath with salts, listening to an audiobook and read once my son and I have gone to bed, to end the day. 

Many may find it strange but I find walking relaxing, especially by a pond or a river and have a nice dinner. 

I like to wear lounge wear, tracksuit or cozy jumper. 

For me having a good set of jumpers, jeans and good set of boots, good for Autumn and Winter and funky socks. I love cozy clothes and invest in Turtle Necks this time of year. I tend to by many of my woolly clothes from Charity shops.

It is good to have a cozy dinner. I like the typical roast dinners, on a Sundays and begun a new meal for some weeks. It is a Midweek Roast or we will have casserole, spaghetti Bolognese and anything that warms the tummy and a nice pudding. Soup and a Roll for lunch. Porridge for breakfast and just feeling warm on the outside and on the inside. 

I am going to be doing a Programme called Winter Wellness, which I created last year and so will be a group of blogs, like this to help have a good Winter and help enjoy it rather than dread it. I will be mainly using blog site: https://www.everyonecanbuildacastle.com

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

New Way of Planning and Staying On The Right Track, Getting Things Done

I have tried so many different ways to be organised and now I use post its. Check out my New Vlog: https://youtu.be/iryXj4wW1-A It feels so good to rip them off and tare them up. There are some daily tasks, weekly and yearly. 

It is up to you what works, with your Lifestyle, my word of this year, but I am finding this to be even more effective along with Notion and my other notepads. It is good to have a vision board and perhaps use smaller post it notes, but gonna keep with the post its I am using now and continue to build it up to help me to complete tasks and working on projects. 

Not everything goes to plan but doesn't mean that you should change your plans. With life you may have to alter your plans, but finding a method that works best.

Stop doing things to satisfy others. Focus on what works for you. 

I love a simple systems and it is good to be relaxed about it and if you feel you need more rest then do so. 

Often it is good to stop plans and decide on the day. 

It is good to have a flexible approach and often it is good to let others decide. I feel it is good to do something different from your normal plans. Weekends my son goes to sports clubs and it gives me a break and I enjoy going to see my son do his football training and his rugby. 

So look at what is working and what is not. What you enjoy and a visual plan near me it helps me to find better ways to stay on track. I am homeschooling at the moment and so making sure my son does some learning. We like go for walks and I enjoy planning these and so make sure we make that a priority and note it down and pin to my pinboard. 

Also Pinterest. I love that platform. I love creating vision boards. thetypicalLondongal - Profile | Pinterest

Canva is good too. I use this to create my videos boards I call them for my Vlog channel: youtube.com/@typicallondongal

I am not sponsored, but if they did I would accept, on all online platforms I use and can use these  platforms on my phone and that is simple to use. 

So how do you plan and stay on track, getting things done? Please share. You can use the comment box below. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Rebelling Against Your To do's

I am a rebellious person and so whenever I write a todo list I often hear the inner voice "No I don't want to do that today" and another voice comes "That is okay do on another day, when I know I have no other commitments and I will find time, to get it done, no matter how much my rebellious thoughts come through". 

Whenever I plan my meals for the week, I hear the critic ask, "Are you really going to want that?" and so I do a meal plan but not one that is set in stone, because I feel like running a mile and having over processed meals and working around other tasks and my son. I am currently homeschooling and my son rebels against learning so I work around his interests, because I know he won't try to debate against it; along with giving time and make sure he has a drink, water or milk, to help make him feel comfortable and tell him before hand of what he will be learning each day, because many children especially with Autism, ADHD and other difficulties, any surprises, he will start to refuse and have to try to scrape him off the sofa, for him to do it. 

I love our morning walks and I hear the rebellious voice say, "No don't go for a walk" or more questioning the idea of a walk, but I really enjoy it and I remind myself of, how good it is, to be out early and exploring with homeschooling and really kicks starts the day. 

This week we are swimming and find it so refreshing, but get anxious about getting there on time. I hate being late and rushing around and can hear the critic voice, trying to make feel like I don't want to. I like to get up in the mornings early, so I have time to read, have a cup of tea and get dressed and feel calm and since doing this, my thoughts and fears are a lot calmer. I enjoy planning but then I get the morning jitters and my mind starts to think otherwise and will tell it "No" the inner voice and always get to the Leisure centre, where we go swimming, and we get so much out of it. 

Family time, for me is a must because it is good to share the work. My mum for example helps with Henry's learning along with my step dad and Henry's dad. It helps with the rebellious thoughts and the pressures fade, because I get anxious when trying to do tasks alone, like homeschooling and it helps me with my teaching, to help my son. I am building my knowledge at the same time. I will watch some training videos to work towards my own ambitions and do different courses and this helps me not rebel by build my interests and focus on what is important. I like doing tasks not on my to do list and take breaks between each task and not letting my rebellious nature get in the way. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Keeping Organisation Simple/Writing lists

We have so many resources now like OneNote, Notion and Asana to help with organisation, but you don't have too use those and I have today, used post it notes and a shopping list notebook, which I bought from Amazon and helps to rein myself in to stop planning for next week, but one day at a time. 

Don't get me wrong I like to plan my week ahead, but I come to realise that it is good to focus on now, which will help plan for the rest of the week and the month and year. 

I do like to keep blog ideas in an A4 note book and Notion, my phone and I do carry around a little notebook. I like to go through my lists to workout what I want to get done on the day and to make sure I keep tabs on emails regarding Henry's schooling, appointments and any other important matters.

On the weekend I will do Parkrun or go to my sons football training, go for a coffee, shopping, Conker Picking, in the Autumn and watching some sport which is a regular thing we do. I watch football, the athletic competitions, rugby and in the Summer Tennis and do like watching a Darts tournament.

I often, at the weekend or on holiday, put the planning aside and just do something different some weeks and days, so I like to keep my plans opens. I plan mainly week days but not the weekend and sometimes the days out not planned, have been, the best. 

It is good to let someone else do the planning. I am not one who wants to be in charge all of the them time and let someone else take the lead. 

When it comes to planning meals I plan ahead and will write it down and then put it up on my Notion template for meals and it is good to use Notion because I do often change my mind. Today we are having a take away and usually on Sundays my husband will cook. I love a Sunday Roast and do plan for that, but because my son is staying with my mum this weekend, just going to have Tin Curry and Rice this Sunday and at the moment I am trying to use up our Food, in the cupboard to reduce our waste. 

 

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For cleaning I will often concentrate on one area at a time and at the moment, I am  decluttering one area or one item a day and it is good to let things go and on a whim my son and I did a "Fun shop" today I call it, only allowing  us both 4 items each.

I like the film Mike Bassett The England Manager where he writes the team on a cigarette packet and I have used, a receipt or use the Notes APP on my phone and that is simple and my mum will set alarms on her phone to remind herself.

Simple systems are the best and more motivating.

How do you plan? Do you have a method? You can share in the Comments section below.

You can follow me on this blog site if you would like to be notified of when I post. It is completely free to do so.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Leave the Planning at Home

When on holiday, I plan somewhat beforehand, but I packed the wrong items this time because of the weather hand changed. So planning better by checking the forecast is essential. Lesson number 1. I enjoy the change of environment. I like to see what is available on the day and love little towns and going self catering rather than going out to eat, but may have a drink but just chill and plan indoors, of what we will do, but a brief plan. 

Me out with my son walking 

There are times where I don't want to plan and see what there is on the day. Planning all the time can be restrictive. It is good to have a day where, you do things, not on a to do list. It is good to have a day to do what you feel like doing. Check out this blog: https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2025/07/doing-things-that-arent-on-to-do-list.html 

It is good to change your days around, when it comes to going out sometimes I just let my feet do the talking and see where I end up. Making sure I am safe, at the same time. I have a Vlog channel and I was uploading on Wednesday's and Fridays but like to upload on Sundays too. It is good to be flexible with your time and be realistic. I for example can't sit in the sun for too long, so I go and read my book in the gardens nearby, in the morning, It  doesn't suit me in doing that, in the afternoon, when it is super hot. I am not good with the heat.  

Often I change my mind about what want to buy when I get outdoors. I evaluate if the item I had planned to buy is urgent enough and if I can leave it until the following week. 

When I go for walks I am creative. Ideas come flowing in of blogs, videos and books. I have new a book out. Please click here: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51d10FG9NsL._SY425_.jpg Yet I will jump back into what is around me, moving my thoughts along: lesson 2. 

Be Mindful, and make sure, I listen to my body. I used to daydream a lot when out and stepping out onto the road, without paying attention.

Planning is good, but it also good to do what you fee like doing, without it being written down.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Getting The Most Out Of Your Evenings

There was a time where I would be a night owl. I would be on my laptop whilst my son was in bed, but would feel super sleepy the next day. So now I make sure I wind down and read, have a couple of cups of tea and then watch some TV on my phone and then get to sleep.

The Thai Green Curry I made from scratch

It is good to plan what I'd like to watch. Last night it was watching the football. Women's Euro 2025 or last week it was watching Live AID concert as I never saw it as a kid as my dad didn't want to watch it and was around the time we, my brother and I, didn't have a TV in our rooms and so wanted to watch the concert and the documentary that was on iPlayer.

I am really liking to exercise in bed. I do leg raises. I like to do my skincare. I use E45 for feet as advised by my diabetic nurse advised, Nivea for my face and Care brand from Avon on my hands. 

I am enjoying my showers of the evening at the moment. It is good after my son and I have been out walking and just helps to prepare of a good sleep ready for the next day. 

We tend to eat between 16:40 to 17:00 and my husband comes home from work that time and really got my buzz for cooking again and made some really lovely meals. I made Thai Green Curry, Homemade Pasta Sauce, BBQ Chicken, Stir-fry's and Roast Dinners. 

My son likes to play out in the garden. In the summer time whilst it is lighter for longer. I like to sit out there to read with a cup of tea or when the tennis was on a Pimm's and Lemonade and enjoy the summer days and cooler outside. 

We tend to do our laundry in the evening and thankfully it taken care of by my husband. When it Wimbledon it is in the morning, but all depends on if we have gone out and the weather. 

I am not one to go out in the evening unless it is to see a show or a concert, if we go out for something to eat but I don't go out drinking and I like a cozy evening indoors and very much a home body. 

So do you enjoy your evenings? Keeping it clean, how do you get the most out of your evenings? You can leave a comment below. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

 

 

Doing Things That Aren't on a to do list

So I like free days. It is a day where I don't go by a list but what I truly feel like doing. I did this last week and not done this for while and so glad I had that time. It really helps release my tension. Yes it is good to tick things off but it can become the same thing everyday and needed a day that was different and have a break from my usual to do list. 

Some of my best times I have had is where nothing was pre-planned. 

I remember a friends birthday. No I didn't go to work the next day which wasn't good but had the best time because we just had the night of our lives, and you have to live sometimes that is not on the agenda and be a free living soles. I lived my life to the full in my twenties. Last year with my parents took the UberBoat from Putney to North Greenwich and back. 

Now this was a girl and manifested but had forgotten until after we had done it that it was on my goals list, so have learned that to reach goals you have to live your life with a free mind and your goals can come true but forgetting about them. 

It is so good to be spontaneous at times not worry about dinner being made and just get out and about. 

As a kid my mum and dad would take my brother to the pub on a Sunday and wished we had longer but would get together with other families and go to the Chelsea Pot, then travel back by taxi and hated the fact that I had school the next day but glad we did that. 

I like going out the weekends and doing something different and unplanned. I am listening to a Podcast on a Youtube Channel called Cancer Platform with Kathy Burke and talking about her life and different things that she has gone through as a child and adult and it she is so funny and you wouldn't have a thought she'd struggle but she has. You can be the most powerful person in the world but you can still struggle mentally. 

That is why I like to have a day where I want to do what I like that is not on a list and not feel like life is a chore. 

So scrap the lists and have a day that you want to do that too and just live.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Keeping The Kitchen Clean

Today I have prepared for dinner today, we are having a Roast Chicken dinner and never been this organised and had to clean the surfaces a few times to maintain hygiene as Kitchens can have lots of very bad bacteria if its not kept clean.

So the first tip is:

1#Clean as you go: I find it saves me so much time and can enjoy my dinner without having so much to clean at once.

2#Change the sponge and cloths: These can really spread germs and so make sure they are damp but not soaking as excess water can turn to mold. I keep the sink clean and dishwasher. Make sure you descale the dishwasher and sink. The best thing to descale the sink is salt and lemon for sinks and I also use kitchen spray. 

3#Clean glasses separately if you washing up by hand: They can tend to be cloudy and have marks around the rim so wash first and dry with a washable cloth and you can use vinegar for utensils to help clean these items. I have been told to clean them properly and so working on as they can have water marks.

4#Clean the floors on a daily basis: They can have all kinds of dirt on it and be build up with crumbs and other bits of food and so will sweep and either I do it or my husband does to help fight germs and wash it. We use a spray mop and dustpan and brush. Keep rubbish in the recycle bin and general waste separately and are cleared and bag up food left over and thrown for collection by the dustmen, which is for us is, on Tuesdays. 

5#Clean all areas and sort through. Do a regular clean inside and outside the cupboards and do a declutter and go through what you have got like plates, cutlery, glassware and appliances. Are they in good order or need to go and be rid of. 

It can be challenge but seeing a clean kitchen it helps you feel fresh and use what you have and making the most of your kitchen and cook without worrying about getting dirty. Bit by bit goes a long way. 

I hope this blog is helpful and there will be more to come.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Breaking Up Your Time

Breaking up your plans you have is a great way to get things done. When it comes to planning I make sure I spread it across the week and when I can promise myself that I can get it done and what needs to be done first. 

Epsom in garden journaling and planning

What do you want to focus on?

The first thing I ask myself. 

When is it going to need to be done by?

An example: Planning my Radio Show has to be done by Sunday. My radio show is on Sundays 16:00 to 18:00 and so I plan my songs first and choose 30 in total and do the notes on a Wednesday, as it is a day I mainly have plenty of time to write my notes for it, which can take some time. 

So what day can you complete a project? 

Do you have space to do complete a task in two days? Example rather than doing things all in a day, which can cause me to avoid tasks, I see if I can do it over the course of the week.

Set certain tasks on certain days. 

> Monday I do my Cheat Sheets: http://uk.pinterest.com/thetypicalLondongal/everyone-can-build-a-castle/cheat-sheets/

> Tuesday I go through my finances

> Wednesday Edit a Vlog 

> Thursday Film for other Youtube Channel:

        > Financial Living 

        > Carries Educational Youtube Channel

> Edit a Vlog even though this may change and also pack to go over to Wimbledon. 

Moving Tasks around 

There are times when I do often have to change somethings on the days planned, as above, because like today I have a few meetings about my sons progress at school and if he has a Secondary School place, so that has taken my focus as this is of high importance to get done, before anything else.

I've stopped being disappointed if I don't manage to upload a vlog for example as I know I will get it done but move it to another day, if other things have taken its place.

I will go through my diary every Monday and  Friday to go over the things that I had planned done and like tomorrow I have the doctors and so won't be able to upload Vlog and last week to some time away from Vlogging to get bits done and it is good to break it up so you don't get overloaded with tasks but when it is possible to do them, so they aren't being left behind. 

I hope you find this blog helpful and let me know how you plan as I like sharing and having good  conversation on topics online. You can write in the comment box below. 

Have a fab day and thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Finding Your Own Style of Planning

I have watched Youtube where people are showing how they plan and say "This Changed my life". 

Now that is okay, but not everyone has the same amount of time as each other and have many responsibilities. It is good to try out different methods that have worked for others. When it comes to working out, I now do my own workout that I have created for myself and makes me look forward to it being that it suits me and I enjoy the workout.

I do a mixture of Cardio (mainly walking), a combination of Pilates and Yoga and weight training.

When it comes to planning I use a physical diary, notes APP on my phone, a physical notebook to plan my content and book ideas, google calendar to block schedule and Notion.

I like working on a blank page. I like making lists and will read others who have shared their plans on Pinterest or Youtube for example but I like to find my own style and what works around my "Lifestyle" my word for 2025. 

Watching Youtube and going on Pinterest some people like to plan in the evenings for the next day but I do mine a week ahead and in the morning I will do a check and think about what I want to do rather of what I got to do? Going on what I have to do instantly makes me want to sit on the sofa and do nothing. I ask myself what I want to focus on, check this blog for my Life Coaching Programme Summer Project 2025" and did a blog about What Do You Want to focus on, When do you want to plan? What time of the day, suits you?  https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2025/06/01/blog-1-the-summer-project-2025-what-do-you-want-to-focus-on/

I will do a dummy list first in my diary and then plan as I go using Notion and google calendar and when I can do between 6:30am to 7:30am then from 9am to 2pm. I don't do anything on my laptop after 2pm, but will do a workout and chill until my son comes home from school.

When it comes to the weekend I don't really plan. The times I do, like last weekend (half term in 2025) when it was my nieces and husband's birthday, but not all the time and depends on the weather. 

My son likes to take charge at the weekend but I like to see if he wants to travel somewhere that the trains are operating as normal and what is going on and like this weekend coming he wants to watch the trains on the platform. He hasn't gathered the fact that we can't pay for travel to just watch the trains but actually go somewhere. 

So I will have an idea of what to do at the weekend but leave the planning and see. 

He does go to sports clubs which have been prebooked, like he does football training and rugby but they not on all year round and I do my radio show on Sundays for Epsom Hospital Radio, 4pm to 6pm and you can listen to it in the UK, if you are in the hospital, have access to the internet and on a Alexa: https://www.epsomhospitalradio.org.uk/on-air/presenters/carrie-challoner

So find your style and what works for you and as you plan you will discover your own style. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Giving Myself Plenty of Time

There was a time when we would rush as I'd give myself a hour to get ready where my brother would be last minute and would argue about who should go first and time of having a shower. 

I hate being late because I find it spoils my day and so why I do get up earlier than I need to. 

If I am going to have bath I will have one after dinner or in the morning to shower, depending on plans for the week. 

When it comes to my radio show I do on Sundays, I always get into studio an hour before. This gives me time to set it up and not panic and just allow myself to be ready mentally and physically, if I need the toilet, drink some water and use the time to plan my next show. Or do some extra research and then for half term my son will go to his holiday club and I actually feel I want a break from my laptop and spend my days out.

I like to make the most of my days and give myself a break so I am going to take a break from all my online projects. At the Beginning of June is when I start my Life Coaching Programme Project 2025 and I do look forward to it so to give myself, plenty of time to do some walking and reading, complete just a few tasks, but the rest of it just time to be outdoors.

When things get too much it is my body saying, STOP and TAKE TIME OUT!  So going to listen and also want to have a declutter. I did a bit this morning. My mum and I plan to set a Vinted Shop up and sell some of our clothes, including my sons. Items he has grown out of or he has never worn, because he is picky when it comes to clothes. He loves his jumpers, tracksuit bottoms, shorts and t-shirts, but won't wear anything with a hood or dislikes Polo Shirts which he has to wear for school and as some really nice pieces but he refuses to wear them. 

It is good to be in a different environment and hope that I can have a little picnic in the park and I have kind of planned my time I have to myself whilst my son is at his holiday club. He wanted to go there and asked a couple a months ago and so frees up my time to have break and have fun outdoors and out. 

I will vlog and write some blogs but do things where I never get the chance to do when is a school week and we stay in my home in Wimbledon, where my mum and step dad live and it a lot easier to travel up London whether it is bus or train.

So I hope you have a good time off too, if your kids are on half term and please follow this site. This will alert you if you like my blogs, on this site, of when I posted a blog, if you like this one.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Killing two birds in One Stone

So what does that mean "Killing to birds in one stone?". It mean doing some tasks together. Like I went to the toilet upstairs "Sorry if a bit TMI" but as it was upstairs took up some clothes with me that were clean and washed upstairs so I can quickly put on bed to be stored away. I dusted my bedroom windowsill too and saved me time, whilst I was upstairs. 

One of my set ups and behind of one of the spaces I use that saves me time

Whilst I'll upstairs running a bath, I will to go down stairs to put any clothes worn that needs washing into the washing machine.

When I dry up items used for lunch I will then give the kitchen sink and draining board a clean. 

Giving my son a wash I ran a bath or a shower for myself and in the mornings when getting dress will brush my teeth, or this morning when I used the loo, afterwards brushed my teeth. It really helps save time and I am always up for time saving strategies. It gives me more time chill and relax.

Sometimes when waiting for the kettle to boil or cooking dinner I will do some leg raises exercise and listen to some music. I will clean up the items used for lunch whilst cooking dinner or boiling the kettle. 

When getting dressed I will have a tidy up of my clothes and what I plan to wear. The one area I try to save time too is meal time. We now have a air fryer which has been a game changer and would recommend. Our oven is okay but you normally have to add time when making wedges for example, but the Air fryer takes no time at all. 

I also clean up as I go when cooking to save myself time. It also good to spend time planning meals and what needs to be used up. I whilst I was upstairs I will clean or dust something. I try to do a bit of cleaning a day. Today after I get my hair done I will pick up bits I need and meet my mum for a coffee. 

This will mean I can stop in on Wednesday or still go out but won't need to buy anything as I like No Spend days. Check out my Youtube channel which is all about how I manage my money that can you manage yours: Financial Living - YouTube

So Kill Two birds in one stone and then you be surprised how much time it saves and have time to do something else, like reading or like me write a blog, film and work on a book I am writing. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Things I like to do and organize time just for me

Today I worked in the coffee shop and completed the editing of my book Mum&Me series I am putting together. I also wrote in my journal and wrote a list of other things I want to do at home and for my content I make online. I charged my camera battery and forgot to put into my bag to film, but did a Tik Tok post: TikTok - Make Your Day

I also have a Vlog channel if you'd like to see it. I post every Wednesday and Friday. 

Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes - YouTube 

It is good to go for a walk and the coffee I had was so good and refreshing. I already planned what I was going to eat and work on. I like to be in a booth and today listened do a audiobook and then a play list as I was editing my book and I feel so good for it.

Organise some time to get out and love going through my notebook of my lists and use it in conjunction with my lists and plans on a platform called Notion.. I did a video for some new training I have created and did a video about doing something for yourself: Change Your Life: Do SOMETHING For Yourself

I like to get out in the mornings and it gives me such a boost and yes I like to have some retail therapy. 

Make it a habit. Something for yourself, something where you can switch off from the busyness and lose yourself and have your head down and write the shopping list and buy what you fancy. I like to try different snacks and love food shopping, It as much as I love my son it is good to shop without your kids screaming and if there is something new, I want to try, I do. I never restrict myself. 

Go and have haircut with a coffee and buy something for yourself. I get fed up in wearing the same clothes and like building my image and having a clear out of the old. I like to check out the charity shops to see some nice bits I can find. I do always have a plan for what I want to find and been lucky in doing so. 

I like to venture out alone. I like to stroll and going to different places and it is good to see something new and it is amazing what you can find. It also good to see different faces and plan alone time. I like to days when my son as school to write and like nice lunches. I like to when in my home in Wimbledon, at the weekend, to wake up early have a cup of tea and read, whilst my son is in his room and will often do breakfast in his room and like to spend my afternoons before he comes home from school once I have done my tasks for the day, to watch some of my favourite youtube channels or some TV. 

Have a good week and lets live for better and grow as we live.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

                                                                                                                         

Having a Back Up Plan for those unplanned events

If something is not working or something has cropped up that needs your attention, then do it. I plan, plan and plan. It is good to have a back up plans if something has not worked out and is good to be flexible. 

When you planned to do a some shopping but you get a call from your child's school that they are sick then we have to assess and of course we have to put our children first, but always have back up plan, like back up idea for meals for the week. It is always, if you like them is have a tin of beans in the cupboard and you can freeze bread. We have pasta and a sauce which is good and easy. If suddenly the oven breaks you have tins of food, like I like Tin Curry's, soups and a block of cheese in the fridge. Milk, Eggs and crackers. Princes is always our choice when it comes to tinned produced and Heinz and no this post in not sponsored but these companies. if they did then I'd oblige. 

It is good to have games on hand, like a pack of cards, board games or DVD games. There are games you can download and use, if it you had planned to go out but the weather has changed. It is good to have days where you can all watch a film together and have a cold foods to hand, like club sandwiches, with pieces of fruit and I love carrot sticks, sliced pepper and tried gluten free tortilla style chips (crisps) and sliced pitta breads. You can get brown or white pittas or wraps. 

This can be a back up if you planned a BBQ but is raining. Living in the UK you never know at times and food that you can freeze if your fridge goes example, goes faulty. 

It is good to have blankets and thick duvets if the heating stops working and mobile fans for when it is very hot, but you have no air conditioning. If you have a cool box if your fridge breaks down to keep food cooled and buy bags of ice rather making ice cubes depending on where you live and how clean you tap water is. 

If you lose your Oyster card then make sure you have a cash your bank card stored on you, separately from it and can still travel. If there are issues with the train then check to see if you can get the bus instead or if your car has an issue if you can use public transport where your heading. See how much it can cost in a taxi. Use Black cabs as they are licensed.  

It is good to have some sort of back up to reduce worry, it may be more cost affective and that life is full of unpredictable events and you have a your phone on you fully charged if you are stuck somewhere, money to pay for a call or when my mobile stopped working whilst in the Science Museum the Customer Service desk let me use their phone to contact my mum who I was meeting. 

I hope these are good ideas and that you have a good half term. It i the last week of term and then it another set of school holidays.

If you'd like to be notified when I post a blog on this site then please subscribe.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting Organised 2025

I like to cover this because my Organisation habit have changed, as I see bags that I need to clear out and store them somewhere. I have been making plans. I have kept some of my sons work at school that he has been bringing home and not sure what to do with them. I feel sad throwing them away. Getting organised is something I have always battled with because of keeping things. 

At the moment I am sorting out my room in Epsom. I have used under bed storage and it sorted out a place for my PJS and some clothes. My husband ordered me some hangers to hang more clothes up and then it is stripping my bed and I have got a second hand cabinet from my mum and step dad and will have a bedside table again which I have missed. This has place to store bits and a draw too.

I have file boxes which is good for storing papers and ordered ring binders as  I used one to store letters and school reports and so going to use these new folders to make him a new one and go through his older folder. 

When it comes to getting organised I like to check out Pinterest for organisation ideas and the room I have is small, so can't store too much. 

I have suitcases that have bits in and once I have cleared the storage in the closet then these will be going in the shed, this will make more space. The one question I ask myself is "When is a good time to get it done?" #I will answer do it now and I have got to sort the top of my closet.

Many would probably say "Do it in one go". For me, this makes me dread it. This is why I do it one bit at a time and small changes is helping me make sure it is done for bigger changes, such as a room is my own little nest and will make me love it more.

It  is good to have a room where it is functional and hung up more clothes yesterday. I have easy access to them, my underwear and socks with bras and leggins. I am trying to get out of wearing leggins all the time, so will be wearing more trousers and dresses. Yet practical. I play many sports with my son and I do Parkrun and see my son play rugby on Sundays.

I have a ruck sack which stores all that I need and this comes with me I travel to and from my home in Wimbledon. The black one I have I take when I once a week go to a coffee shop to write and picking up shopping. I would like a better place for them. 

The one thing I have done that has made me be vigilant is go through my finance each week and stuck at it and so careful with my money. Unsubscribing from retailers and other companies I no longer interested in. This includes Youtube and need to go through my photos again. 

I use Notion, Notebook, google calendar and diary. Really helps me stay on track. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Having Simple Systems to stay organised to reduce waste

Hello and welcome! I love systems that help me to get each day tasks done and I make sure I have planned my week for Monday using Notion, my everyday Project Planner notebook and in my diary and like to write it down so it stays in my brain and when thinking of ideas to grow my content to make sure that things are done. 

Tip#1: Set a place where the bits you need for the day is easily accessible and where your main room is. 

Tip#2: Have your everyday items in the room spend most of your time in. Ours is the Living room. We make sure my sons school clothes are there for my son and  can put his uniform on and not make it a scavenger hunt.

A Meal we had to use up food we had Waffle with Maple Sauce, raspberries, banana and frothy cream

I am looking for some more storage and had a good declutter over the weekend, but going to use for the time being my suitcases to store bits in.  I have a stack of notebooks, as I write a lot and have a place that is easy to find and grab them once I finished with the ones I am using. I have journals, like a writing one and a personal journal and a Journal APP on my phone that I use a lot. 

It will mean the floor will be clear and making sure that if I want something ask myself: 

Will it fit into my system? Will it cause clutter? Will it reduce the pile? 

I write so having a good set of notebooks is a must but not to purchase anymore until I use what I have got and can serve many purposes. I like planning meals for the week and so today I set up a Meal Planner template on Notion aswell as a printable because I like to put the meals I plan to have the week stuck on the wall in the kitchen and if my laptop breaks or my phone I've got a back up system.

Each week I check the fridge daily and check to see what has to be used and plan meals around the items we have and check the food cupboards. 

There was a time where I'd buy spices but then never used them so had to put them in the bin, so I am quite aware of knowing that I am going to use an item up. I like to have tin vegetables, aswell as fresh and love fresh fruit and tinned. I like to have soups, pasta and things like noodles, stir fry sauces and do my maths when shopping. I am particular about some foods like I Heinz Ketchup, soups and spaghetti hoops and my husband and son like their baked beans. 

I also have systems for my son as he now is in charge of setting the table for dinner and I tidy the the table for dinner. 

Tip#3: Choose a day to have a massive declutter. This frees up space so you can set up systems and I have decided on Wednesday to have a declutter, as it is bugging me having so much.

I want to get my son a desk for his bedroom as he has a Keyboard which is currently on the windowsill and not used. We are going to, (my husband and I) go through his toy cupboard in the Living room and he has a stash of books that he has not read and never read and too young for him now and see if we can sell them or donate. 

I can organise his clothes and go through item that are too small and a better system to store his clothes, but the one thing I do is have a change of clothing in the Living room for my son to grab and put on. My son is a bit fussy about clothes as he doesn't like Polar shirts, but understands that he has to for school or anything top that has a hood. 

We did manage to persuade him wear a pair of jeans rather than tracksuit bottoms all the time but can make a fuss if it is new item and different to what is normally wears. I wonder how many parents can identify with that? 

If you'd like to be notified of my posts on this site then please subscribe.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Where can you reduce clutter in your life

So first off  I love notebooks, clothes and shoes...it feels good to confess. I bet there are others out there who read this blog, who are nodding. I have reduced it though and have decluttered. I use the one in and one out method and declutter one item at a time. 

Picture of the Garden when we were clearing out our shed 

When I declutter these are areas I start with. What's is to be used, can be donated or handed down to a family member, or to sell. 

When organising, it is good to look at what are the areas that you battle with the most. A great way is to ask for help. My mum is always decluttering and this is not just physical things, but like emails, subscriptions, documents no longer needed and tidy up my desktop on my computer or on my phone. 

It is good to go through your food cupboards and fridge. If there is a odour in your fridge? If yes then it is time to have a sort out and to help have a long lasting relationship with your fridge is by having a regular sort out and take note of food to be used.

Go through what's got to be used first, second and third and lay it out so the items that have a shorter life span is put at the top or front unless it is meat at which case, is placed at the bottom away from other items to stop contamination. Eggs don't need to go in the fridge but any dairy like butter, milk and cheese should be in the fridge and jams sealed, along with juices you bought from the fridge in the supermarket and any left overs food, like food that was in tins, left over meals and stock items in the freezer and helps to make the food last longer.

Then there is cleaning cupboards. Make sure the cleaning sprays and detergents are somewhere safely stored and where your kids can't have access to, depending on age and are properly sealed and are labelled and use different cloths for different areas and things used daily and this is not just cleaning cupboard, make the items accessible to you and if you have different floors in your home, you have items placed somewhere on each floor to save you time in keeping your home clean, in a safe place. 

Muddy shoes on a unused magazine or newspaper, near a door that leads to outside, like use the corridor or garage, to avoid the mud spreading into your home and when the mud falls off the shoes, boots on the mag and newspaper, you won't need to scrub the floor where they shoes are located and you have a bin or bucket to clean the shoes, boots and trainers with. 

The washing machines and Dishwashers, the less mugs, water bottles, utensils and serving equipment the less decluttering you have to do. I no longer by ornaments, they gather a lot of dust along with jewelry or glasses. Not saying we never have company but with less, the less you have to worry about. 

Something I tell myself when I see a nice mug or want another t-shirt or fancy kitchenware. 

I do a regular clean of the draws and we go through medicines that we have, place to store batteries and keys. Have the keys in a pot, draw or cupboard and again, easily accessible. It is amazing how you can accumulate batteries and keys. If they are no longer needed then take to be recycled. There are recycle bins for clothes, shoes and bags in some supermarkets. There usually in the carparks. 

So lets get ready for Spring and time to declutter. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Doing things that aren't on any list

When it is comes to organisation there are some days where I like to do some tasks that aren't on any list, like now, illustrating my logo for my Life Coaching programme, I do each year using Canva and just going to try different ideas. 

My usual set up where I write and creating online projects if not the the dining table, on the sofa instead.

I began making my Trifle and yes planned to do this before Christmas so removed from the list and this evening I began makin it whilst making dinner. Looking at it in the fridge the Jelly has formed and now later will be adding custard. 

Also I find with To do list it can be restrictive and my mind will tell my body, "No I don't feel like doing that today" so will then answer in my mind "What is it I want to do?". 

I have been unwell so that has had an influence in what I can do with what I feel like doing. 

So I have been doing one task I planned and using the sofa as a my office and doing tasks that can be done not using the laptop. Example I set my Writing journal. 

I wrote ideas for a Cheat Sheet I do each Monday and give tips and ideas on looking after yourself and others, the home, building our feelings about getting you life somewhat together. Check out my blog Everyone can build a castle.

I wrote it down then posted it yesterday on my laptop and planning my meals for the week and watching educational videos or podcasts. I have discovered a new Youtube channel. It is live footage of Heathrow Airport and of planes taking off and landing. I know this may not excite you but as kid my nan would take us to Heathrow to watch the planes and still a love of mine. 

I find it therapeutic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwKHnAGiajM  

Okay perhaps that can be a sign of procrastination but I just like to be calm being that I have been super anxious but listening to my body and mind, have fed it what it needs. I don't want writing, feel like a chore but helps me to switch off and write what I would find interesting and like doing tasks that are not on the list at times and that I have started the day on a good note still in terms of organisation and the same when the day ends, but mixing things up.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Getting tasks done in one go

Doing a bit a each day can help manage the tasks but I now seeing organisation differently. Doing some tasks in one go can help too. When I go through my finances I like to go through the transactions on my current account and then put it all on my spreadsheet. This means that I can focus on other things.

 Editing a vlog. I post every Wednesday and Friday. I will sometimes on the day before transfer the footage to my laptop from my camera but edit in in one go, as I can easily lose my place. 

So go through the tasks you want to do for the day and of what can be done in one go and what you can do bit by bit. 

There will be tasks that crop up so I do believe in being flexible as like now as I write this blog post, choosing music to listen to whilst I write this blog, gave me an idea of writing a list of songs I'd like to play for my radio show and so I jot it down. This will help me when planning my shows.

I do a show on Sundays 4pm to 6pm on Epsom Hospital Radio: https://www.epsomhospitalradio.org.uk/on-air/listen-live 

Some may say "Well that is a distraction" but I beg to differ. I like brainstorming ideas that come into my head as I write my blog posts as I like brainstorming and clears the distraction in fact.

When it comes to dinner if I can cook something together I will. 

Laundry? Well yes but always read the washing instructions on the clothing and check pockets as I have often forgotten and washed tissue that has ended up all over the clothing, but bedding yes and washing cushion covers and pillowcases, I would and making sure you have spares. 

Cleaning floors. The Kitchen is always done in one go as well as cleaning the kitchen sink and surfaces. 

I clean the sink everyday and the hotspots where germs can easily spread. 

Having good clear out of the fridge and bathrooms. I am lucky my husband tends to clean the bathroom but when I did I do it one go and my mum cleans in one go and the whole house. I find that too overwhelming but like the areas I have mentioned I will do one go.

I hope this has helped you and please subscribe if you wish to be notified of when I post a blog on this site and I share my content on Youtube and on social media:

Many thanks for reading.

Carrie X 

Doing to ten minute tasks or tidy 10 things

There are some tasks that can be done within 10 minutes like drying up and putting away kitchenware used at Breakfast time, then in the afternoon, items I used for my lunch and then dinner. On some days I will do laundry and go around making beds, tiding bedrooms and that my son has all he needs for school and set a challenge where he had to get dressed and tidied within 10 minutes and it worked a treat. 

There have been mornings where he has refused to get dressed and put his bed clothes away. 

I like to do a bit of tidying up in the morning to set the tone for the rest of the day. It is amazing at what you can get done in ten minutes and when using the treadmill I will often say to myself, do ten minutes then you've still done something and find myself walking for longer but helps remove the pressure of doing it. Not forcing myself but what I want to focus on, when doing tasks.

The Treadmill helps strengthen my legs as I do a long walk in the week when my son has after school club and Saturday, when I do the Parkrun. One of my life changes I have started is to make more of an effort with my appearance so I have created a routine that takes ten minutes or less and getting dressed too.

My husband bought an Airfryer and Grill in the year just gone (2024) that can bake, grill, roast and fry food for meals less than 10 minutes and saved us money at the same time.

It is good to set up challenges for myself and my son. It makes it fun and not a chore. 

It inspired me to write this blog and a parenting blog on my site The Parenting Adventures Tips and Tricks and going to complete blog for next week. 

On Friday before my son got back from school challenged myself to sort out 10 things. So I got my bags in my husbands car for when we go over to Wimbledon, put table tennis bats on the toy cupboard. No point putting these inside the cupboard as he will only get them out again. I tidied the kitchen of cups and items used for Lunch. packed my rucksack, charged up my sons tablet and actually in the end sorted more than ten things. 

So block ten minutes or do ten things and honestly it is a game changer.

I will doing some Self Development training which will be about What is Self Development and not neglecting yourself and making choices to help with your development. I will be uploaded videos to my Educational Youtube channel and blog site Everyone can build a castle.

I do have Vlog Channel and if you want to be kept up to date with my content then please subscribe.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting Organised in 2025/Using my time Wisely

 As I write this blog I have a lot of clutter in the Living room windowsill and got bags that need sorting through and doing lunch. It the new year where I want to make changes and go through what is important to me right now. 

Today is my last day of the Christmas Holidays, my son has an inset day so making the most our time together and planned to go to Morden which we did and now having a nice lunch. Tomorrow it is back to normal routine so going to use my time wisely. 

It means getting my sons school uniform ready which my husband has put out ready thankfully I ordered him some new shirts for school and PE Shorts and so it all done and not having to rush which I hate.

My son is very demanding at the moment so it is challenging to get bits done and so do little bits. Just now put the shoes in the living room to the shoe rack in the Corridor by the front door. Seeing clutter does make me want to curl up in a ball and snooze but its not going to clear its self and so if I clear one item it is still contributing to having more of an organised space. Check out this printable for tips on organisation: When you feel overwhelmed.pdf turning the things off and at the weekend went through my subscriptions and deleted ones I was not using and taking off APPs on my phone. 

I journaled and wrote down random thoughts and ideas and goals. What I would like to do in 2025 and starting new challenges and experiences. 

My son starts rugby again. Yesterday was when it was supposed to start but due to the weather it got called off and so we went on a bus ride instead and picked up a few bits for dinner. We stopped for a coffee and spent morning putting make up on whilst watching something on my youtube on my phone as when I go to Wimbledon where I live with my mum and stepdad, putting make up on as we had friends over for dinner and in the evening organised my Notion planner and going through my tasks uncompleted. 

This morning I did my cheat sheet that I post each week on a Monday but have made changes by posting on my blog site Everyone Can build a castle as I was posting it on two of my sites my parenting blog, see the link if you liked to check out my Cheat Sheets: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2025/01/06/new-cheat-sheet-for-2025-it-is-planning-to-build-your-life-to-be-better-than-ever/

The other thing I do is make sure I take breaks from my laptop and a good chance to get other bits done and soon I will be making dinner so I will spend this time listening to something, like music, podcast or audiobook. 

So lets get organised and start 2025 on a good note and getting back to the usual routine, now Christmas is over and now in a new year.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X