Organization 2024

So already I have myself set up at the dining table in the Living room in Epsom and have a desk I use in my bedroom in Wimbledon. Its a different set up and so I have to make sure I have bits I need and split my living there and here in Epsom, but is well managed. I now take myself off from my laptop at the weekend and focus on spending time with my son. I may vlog but take a break from my blogs and books and having the time with my son it important to me, as you never get that time back. 

My desk set up in Wimbledon

If you would like to check out my vlogs then here is the one I published today:

https://youtu.be/rx5CM2_mqGU

These last few days I have now started to work in the morning and take breaks to put away the breakfast bowls, cups and plates and have one to two cups of tea in the morning and like popping out in the morning to get my steps in and run errands.

I am writing a book on organization as I am not organized, but introducing good positive habits that has made a difference in helping me to be organized and set my day on a good start and ready for each day. 

When it comes to meals I do plan but I do a list of meals I want to have because I do change my mind and it is what I am in the mood for, like tonight because we are going away at the weekend and have used up most of the food we bought, we going to have a Pizza evening. Not a takeaway. The food shopping is shared, my husband will by the majority of it, and I will buy the extra bits and batch cook. So for my lunch today for example I have left over chicken, and it saves a lot of money and shop wisely.

I now changing the way I budget when it comes to budgeting that suits me better and have a monthly budget on things like food and will be realistic. Do what works for you.

Things change and it is what working presently that will helps me to continue to evolve each year, for my future self, and keep growing and learning. 

Today I am going to be sorting out the shed in the garden. Exciting. So going to end blog. I hope it helps you to organize in 2024 and keep the meter running.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having a good declutter you will feel so much better

 At the weekend I sorted out my mums ottoman, which had books, toys and bits and pieces of items from some games and one of my favourite things I like to do is going through what's been used and what gets used a lot to rediscover some games we've played with and what we haven't and play with them and what suits the age range of items, that can be given to somebody else, or what my nieces and a friend we know will use them when they come over.

My desk in Wimbledon that I like to clear and organize to stop clutter 

I did this with my son, but he then left me to get on with it. Yes thanks son. 

It was a random, not planned at all. Having a clear out can really help mentally and physically, because it is less to think about and less to sort out and not taking ages to find anything because of clutter. So just a good clear out can do wonders.

When it comes to decluttering have sections and watching the programme on BBC 1 Sort your life out has given me motivation and going to go through my clothes again and have a closet in my bedroom in Epsom to clear so going to spend time this week going through that and be real. What use can I get out of the stuff I own and that I have no care for anymore. 

Have items that you not sure about in one section if you have toy pieces or games, a pile to go and you can donate if in good condition or pass it to someone you know who might like it or to sell, and what you want to keep and have homes for items you want to keep.

If you collect things that is fine, I used to collect teapots, badges and football programmes and loved them, so if there are important items that you really don't want to get rid off then create a home for them and put them where you an see them, because of out of sight and of mind, they can be forgotten and gathering dust and I love created displays with photos, ornaments and fits with who I am and would like to be discovered one day and who I was by the stuff I own and have items I know I can pass down to others and that don't effect their value. 

My in-laws had a lovely collection of pictures framed of Rock and Roll singers and had a lot of memorabilia and loved their home. You can bring your personality in your home and what will lift a home. When my nan was alive she had pictures of family displayed and decorated plates on the wall or shelf and was right for the people they were.

I love displaying pictures and would like to create a gallery of pictures and collages and photobooks of pictures I want to keep to build memories and be given to those important to me rather than sitting on my phone doing nothing. You may not be into that at all, and that is fine, make your home your own.

Create a good atmosphere like playing an audiobook or music, with a drink and take your time.

I hope this blog helps you and if you also have tips then share by leaving a comment below.

Many thanks for reading

Carrie X 

Getting things done

I took a break from blogging to focus on my books, vlogs and completing some courses I have been doing, and it has really helped. I wrote a blog yesterday on my other site, about taking a break: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2024/02/15/when-you-need-to-take-a-break/ 

one thing I like to do is journal with a lovely homemade Coffee with cream ad marshmallows 

It is important to go through what is to be completed, and break them down and I brain dump each Sunday to plan for the week ahead and doing short long lasting habits, like planning each week, listening to Atomic Habits do 2 minute habits and it has really be a great method. 

Each Sunday I go through my finances and on Monday update my expenses spreadsheet on Excel and plan the pages I want to edit of my book I want to publish, and words I want to write on another book I am writing along with a non fiction book and make sure when school starts to make sure that my sons uniform and bag is ready, that I get his breakfast done and as soon as my alarm goes off I will get up make my bed and get dressed. 

I plan step by step and make sure my clothes are laid out for me along with other items such as my Skincare and haircare, and spend time with a cup of tea and coffee, now though the one area I need to get a hold off is my diet but that is getting sorted out. If you lose your way it is important to get back up again and grow your self belief.

Organizing is about for me having simple systems, positive and selfcare habits, that you know you can stick too and if some things are tricky you delegate and share the organizing with your family. 

My son offers to help now so I let him and will when he finishes his dinner put his plate and cutlery near the sink, he will help tidy away the plates etc after we have eaten and my husband will help washing up and make sure I help to clean and tidy, and is a joint effort.

I commute to Wimbledon to Epsom each week and make sure my bedroom in Wimbledon is tidy and organized and have a regular declutter in both homes in Epsom and Wimbledon and that I pack with with plenty of time and fit in some exercise and spending time playing with my son and just not get bogged down and sleep well by switching everything off and charge my phone over night and do some reading.

So as it is Saturday writing this, normally my day away from my laptop going to enjoy the rest of the day and watch a bit of football and chill for the rest of the day.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

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