Using Time Wisely

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Vacation Recovery . . . Almost

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Overwhelmed laundry pileThough we are back from our long and much-needed vacation, I am far from caught up and in my groove. With late nights, late mornings, and naps as needed, I’m not sure I want to fully recover from our vacation routine. 😉

Overcoming the piles of laundry, snagging the last few back-to-school items, and squeezing in those last days of summer fun, I have mixed feelings about this week of vacation recovery. On the one hand, I am ready to get back on a routine as I really. need. my. exercise. time. back. I look forward to keeping the same routine each day and knowing where to fit in exercise, errands, cleaning, homework, and extra activities.

But the flip side of this equation is that our summer fun is coming to a close. Gone are the late nights watching the Olympic athletes strive for gold, the all-day carefree days spent splashing and swimming at the water park, the family outings, summer picnics, and double-header baseball games. In using time wisely, I have maximized the time I have had with my kids this summer. We are not promised today, tomorrow, this school year, or next summer.

Sorting - breaking down into manageable sectionsAs I plan for our new routine (taking effect this week), I choose to enjoy the process. This season of change will have its challenges, but with brand-new school supplies, new teachers, and a fresh start, I’m embracing this up-coming school year.

With no regrets from the summer, I press on. Like the mound of clothes in the laundry pile, the start of this new school year may overwhelm. But by taking the pile and sorting it – breaking it down into manageable chunks – I will find a schedule that works for our family. This is my plan as I emerge from vacation recovery . . . almost.

While you finish your summer or adapt to a new routine, press on without regrets. Make sure the important things get done today while using time wisely.

Question: How is your schedule or routine changing?  

2012 Third Quick Tip Week: Removing Ink Stains

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Quick Tip Week - Removing ink stains

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Darren Sacks)

Quick Tip Week continues! Hope this week of shorter posts highlighting one tip in each category helps you in using time wisely. For series already in progress, I will continue with the next segment following our Quick Tip Week. Embrace this week, add your tips in the comments, and continue using time wisely!

Quick Tip #2: Removing Ink Stains

As my 2-year-old waved around an uncapped ink pen, my shirt met the blue ink resulting in a stain. Thinking I would just soak the shirt, Paul suggested drawing out the ink using hairspray.

With the hairspray bottle in hand, I sprayed the soiled section, waited a few moments to activate, and then I pressed down paper towels on the spot. With each treatment, the stain became less visible until it disappeared after the fourth round.

Though I’m sure the OxiClean would have worked, I liked the immediate result of using hairspray when removing ink stains. Upon laundering, I found my shirt without ink or any residue from the hairspray. 🙂

In using time wisely, I spent less than 5 minutes removing ink stains from my shirt. If you find a stray ink mark on your clothing from a 2-year-old, test out the hairspray trick to save you money, energy, and time. Happy stain lifting!

Question: How do you remove ink stains? 

Scheduling: Start with Your Nemesis

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Start with Your Nemesis

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

When my life gets out of control (and yes, that happens), I go back to the drawing board.

For me, the drawing board is a legal pad of paper. You see, my To Do list runs into multiple pages, but it releases my mind to focus 100% on one priority at a time.

As I assign the items on my To Do list to a day, I start with my nemesis. The thing I really care not to do but know needs to be done is at the top of my list.

The reasons I start with my nemesis, which is usually cleaning our bathrooms, include the following:

Saves Time Dreading my Nemesis

When I know that my 3 bathrooms need cleaning, I feel a weight on my shoulders. I waste time thinking about how much I really do not want to clean the bathroom, and how I will keep a little one entertained while I scrub away. But, when I start my cleaning with the bathrooms, then I am free to make progress without dreading my nemesis.

Spends my Energy Wisely

At the start of my To Do list, I have more energy to exert. Beginning with my bathrooms that need lots of attention, I work hard to get the tough job done first. As I get tired and worn out, I like having my bathrooms done because the other items on my list usually require less effort.

Spurs my Momentum

With the hard part accomplished, I can take on the other tasks like paying bills, sorting laundry, dusting, organizing my pantry, and vacuuming. These other items are finishing touches after my nemesis is complete. I get to the point where if I can get my nemesis complete, then I can surely do the next thing on the list. 😉

As you find life piling up around you and needing to get something accomplished, start with your nemesis. This process saves time dreading the nemesis, spends your energy wisely, and spurs your momentum. Take a break as needed, but then get moving. Happy accomplishing!

Question: What is your nemesis?

Cleaning for the Holidays

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Cleaning for the holidays

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

With Thanksgiving and Black Friday complete and Cyper Monday here, I am focusing on cleaning our house with an eye on a few items.

We are not in a hurry to purchase. If the price drops within our cost range, then we will snag it. If not, then we will wait. Last year, we bypassed a television that was $50 more than we desired on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The week before Christmas, our flat panel was the Amazon deal of the day, and we snagged it for the price we wanted to pay. Research, establish a price, and wait. The deal will come if you are looking. 🙂

In gathering our gifts and deals, I desire a clean, organized space for these items. Over the weekend, I cleaned our living room from top to bottom and rearranged. We now have an empty space for when we set up the Christmas tree.

Though I am planning to clean every room of my house in the coming weeks, you might not have much time. Because I understand your time constraints, I present the Little Time, Some Time, and More Time Methods to cleaning for the holidays.

Little Time Method

If you can only squeeze in a little time throughout the week to clean your home, then try this Little Time Method.

Little Time Method

Monday – General pickup of every room in the house. Allow children to help by playing a game.

Tuesday – Dust every room of your home. Spend no more than 10 minutes per room.

Wednesday – Use disinfecting wipes to clean your bathrooms.

Thursday – Sweep your floors with broom, Swiffer, and/or vacuum cleaner.

Friday – Spot clean any marks on pictures, mirrors, furniture, and floors.

Some Time Method

If you can devote some time to cleaning, then try this Some Time Method.

Some Time Method

Monday – Picking up every item out of place in your home and returning the items to their designated spaces. Children can help run items to their “homes.”

Tuesday – Dust each room of your house making sure to remove all dust from the tops of tables, dressers, and counters.

Wednesday – Clean your bathtubs and showers and then use disinfecting wipes for sinks and toilets.

Thursday – Sweep and mop and/or vacuum your floors.

Friday – Clean all pictures and mirrors, and then spot clean marks on furniture and floors.

More Time Method

If you can spend time cleaning your home, and then try this More Time Method.

More Time Method

Monday – Work through each space of your home putting items away, reorganizing items, and allowing children to help.

Tuesday – Dust each room of your house including the ceiling fans. Use furniture polish to keep the dust bunnies away.

Wednesday – Clean your bathrooms wiping the outsides of the bathtub, shower, and toilet.

Thursday – Sweep and vacuum your floors. Then wash your hard floors by hand and steam clean your carpets.

Friday – Clean all pictures, mirrors, baseboards, and windows. If any marks remain on furniture or floors, then spot clean.

In using time wisely, I prefer the More Time Method about four times a year, and then the Little Time and Some Time Method between the deep cleans. As you examine your time frame, you might only get to squeeze in the Little Time Method. However you prepare, focus on your priorities. Spot clean as needed until your schedule slows down.

Find a system that works for you and your family. With a plan in place, you can focus your attention on executing your cleaning schedule. Happy cleaning!

Question: How often do you clean your home? 

Planning for Success: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance – Day 7

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Planning for success - Day 7

Photograph Credit: iStockphoto

Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.

Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.

Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.

To receive a daily e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts of each day, subscribe to my free daily newsletter. In case you miss a post in this series, I will provide the link to each day as the month progresses. 🙂

Day 1: Select a Planning Tool

Day 2: Add Your Priorities

Day 3: Print and Display Your Menu Planner – with free printable

Day 4: Record Membership Expiration Dates 

Day 5: Mark Due Dates for Monthly Bills

Day 6: Insert Credit Report Schedule

Day 7: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance

Getting these items on my calendar is lifting the weight of trying to remember all these details. By writing them down and assigning them a day or a month, I have plan. Though that plan might change, I know that the information is documented. If I find conflicts, then I can just reschedule.

In progressing on this planning for success journey, I am adding annual home maintenance items to my calendar. If I don’t add these items to our schedule, then I will forget. These items are needed, but quickly escape my mind.

The annual home maintenance items added to my calendar include the following:

    • HVAC cleaning
    • Pressure washing
    • Termite inspection

Your annual home maintenance items might also include:

    • Lawn and garden treatments
    • Pest control

By adding these items to my calendar, hopefully, I will get these services completed in the correct season this year. I have had the spring HVAC cleaning done in the summer for the past two years. With the reminder on my calendar at the end of winter, I hope to get my air conditioner and furnace serviced on time this year. 🙂

In planning for success, schedule your annual home maintenance in the recommended season. With a written reminder on your calendar, you can concentrate on your priorities and address these services at their appropriate time. Happy scheduling!

Question: What annual home maintenance items did I miss?