Clean, De-Clutter & Organize 2014

I don't believe in making new years resolutions. After 20 years of making resolutions, I have realized that I never keep them. I also realized that you don't need a new year, to start over. You don't even need a new week or a new day. Starting over, or starting anything really, can happen the moment you make the decision. Anyways, what is my point? My point is I don't make resolutions, but I have been thinking a lot lately about projects that I want to do around the house. I am hoping that 2014 brings about more financial stability since both Bob and I have full-time jobs. So, this has me wanting to fix up the house, clean and be more organized. Here are the projects I want to work on:
De-Clutter and Organize Room by Room I want to clean, get rid of clutter (we have a LOT of clutter) and organize each room in the house. Where I fail in this endeavor, is I always try to do too much at once. I am going to try to do a room a month.

I hope this is the year I make it happen!! 

Day #76.2: My Messy Craft Room

A project that I have been wanting and needing to do for awhile is to clean my craft room. At the moment, it serves as the catch all of the house, where items that we need to be out of the way get shoved. Inspired by my friend, Kelley, at The Grant Life I am participating in an October Overhauling along with Pinkapotamus and While Wearing Heels.

The Rules:

The ONLY rule is no buying craft supplies from October 1st-October 31st. This should be easy since...I am not supposed be spending money! You can trade with other bloggers.

Week 1: Post pictures of your messy craft area!

Week 2: Clean your craft area so that it is organized and neat and tidy. Post pictures to share your progress!

Week 3: Make 1 project from your existing crafts.

Week 4: Share your experience, what you created, and how happy you are NOT to be embarrassed by your craft hoarding!

So, without further adieu...here is my messy craft room!

As you can see, it needs some work. I have an empty filing cabinet in the middle of the room which I inherited from my grandpa. There's a ton of folders that I can use, I just need to find the time to organize it. There's a jewelry armoire that I need to clean out and fill with the pieces I have made and am selling. There's just craft and junk EVERYWHERE.

This is my "craft" closet. I have my cross-stitching items, sewing, scrapbooking supplies and art supplies in this closet. It's a little rough and jam packed.

This is my "office" closet. I have all our files in here, manuals, homeowner information. Plus some random things I never unpacked when I moved in (3 years ago) and gift wrapping stuff. This closet is in worse shape than the craft closet.

Underneath all that crap is a very nice leather ottoman. Yep. 

This is my craft desk...Where I obviously have NO room to work. 

There you have it. My shamefully messy craft room. I'd like to say that it was an organized mess, however I can't find anything. Check back next week to see how I do organizing and cleaning!

Until tomorrow,

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea 

Day #57: Pictures. Pinterest. Randoms.

Hello readers, I find today that I am tired and having a difficult time thinking of something to write about. First, I wanted to try to take pictures of my outfits from the past 2 days but...I suck at taking pictures. Plus, taking them of myself isn't the easiest of things. I use my phone, first of all, and second I don't have a tripod. So, either I need to suck it up and make my husband do it or just not take pictures of my outfits. I haven't decided yet. 

Size 22

Anyways, this is the best picture I could come up with. Yes, a disaster. First, you can't see the best part of the outfit...my bauble necklace. Second, the annoying glare from the flash. Third, you can't see my face. Four, I definitely forgot to put on my shoes. Let's keep in mind that this was at 6 am. I definitely hadn't had my coffee yet, however I was trying to show off my cute-ness. Good effort? Maybe?? Anyways, I promise to try to remedy this picture taking issue I am having. Plus, try as I might, I suck at coming up with outfits. I am trying to get better though. 

Also, I am joining some new link-ups this week. You will find some new buttons on the sidebar. I read on a blogger website a few days ago good ideas to organize your blog. I created a word document that helps me keep track of my weekly link-ups, daily items (ie Wordless Wednesday, Friday Top 5, etc), and a spot to put ideas so that I don't forget them. It's an easy way to stay organized.

Anyways, moving on to Pinterest. I love Pinterest. I am addicted. I could spend hours (and do) looking at pins. Here's some pins from my favorite boards this week:

DIY...Halloween inspired

Hair & Beauty

Humor

Totally how I feel...

Yep. This is me..every single day. Why? See the next 2 pins.

My cat likes to lay on my books and stick his butt in my face, whenever it's homework time!

Yep. Sums it up.

 Hope you enjoyed my pins! Now for the link-ups:

Until tomorrow,

Big, beautiful & broke... Chelsea

Day #25: Pig-Sty.

So, I worked day 4 out of 5 and the house is a friggin mess. It seems whenever I am not off for a couple of days or I work a long stretch of 12 hour shifts, the house turns into a complete pig-sty. Dirty dishes, dirty laundry, piles of stuff everywhere. It becomes overwhelming, working all day and then coming home and having to clean the house. After 12 hours, I am physically and mentally exhausted, therefore cleaning is the last thing on my mind. I need to hire a maid...if only we had the money!

Here are some tips I found on another blog (The Peaceful Mom), for how to have a well-run home:

1. Get up early. 
2. Go to bed earlier so you can get up earlier. You will be more productive.
3. Prepare the evening before for the next day.
4. MEAL PLAN (I started-ish doing this one already. YAY!)
5. Do one complete load of laundry a day. (Good idea!)
6. Dishes done the night before.
7. Do a 5 minute quick clean in the bathrooms once a day.

All great ideas that I will slowly try to implement into our daily routine. Hopefully, I will be able to get Hubby on board. 

Example of my messy living room.

So, I will begin this process on Monday, since it is my next day off. We already started the meal plans, next will be the 5 minute bathroom wipe down and the one load of laundry a day I think. 

Until tomorrow,

Big, Beautiful & Broke... Chelsea

Day #2: Feng shui shooey.

Oh dear, I'm not very good at this blogging business am I?? I am already late for my day #2 post...On the east coast anyways. I suppose if you are reading this in Arizona, I am on the right track! 

Anyways, today I embarked on a feng shui nightmare adventure. I decided to clear the clutter from my life and clean out all four of the bedroom closets. According to feng shui, clutter is low, stagnant and confusing energy that constantly drains energy from you. Between work, school and family my energy is already being drained...I don't need my clutter to steal what's left! 

Clearing clutter is NOT an easy feat. I learned that I have a lot of clothes. Clothes I have never worn, clothes I haven't seen in 5 years, clothes I don't remember buying...just a lot of freaking clothes. 

One of my many piles of clothes that I will be donating to human services. 

Clearing clutter is therapy (my avoid eating & spending money therapy). It takes emotional stamina to go through it. Once you clear your clutter with feng shui, it is said you will start experiencing high energy levels and clarity, as well as a heightened sense of well-being.

I feel...tired. However, I did spend almost 6 hours cleaning out four closets. I did not go to the gym today, but I was sweating by the end of the clutter clearing. Tomorrow, I plan on clearing more clutter around the house, but also going to work-out. And continue to avoid spending money...

Piles of hangers...more room for new clothes! Just kidding!

Until tomorrow, 

Big, Beautiful, Broke & Clutter-Free Chelsea