52 Weeks of Organizing #11 and Project :Simplify week #2

Theme: Conquer and Consolidate

Lately since I've been decluttering and cleaning my house I've had to let go of a lot of things.  I pick stuff up and wonder why am I keeping this?  It's hard for me because I am somewhat of a packrat.  But I'm taking little steps and making lots of trips to the Goodwill!  I know that I won't miss most of that stuff.  It feels SO good to clean stuff out.  My whole perspective is changing and I'm feeling more peace as I walk through my home.  Ahhh!  ;)

Simple Mom's project was paper clutter, but I have that under wraps, sort of, but what needed the most attention was my bookshelf!
This week I combined my decluttering efforts.I tackled the bookshelf!

Are you kidding?  Why do I let it get like this?

Oh, much better!  I love it!

I must say that I own so many books.  I love them, I hate them (when they pile up) and I can't seem to get rid of them.  Sound familiar to anyone.  :) I'm hooked up with The Organizing Junkie and Simple Mom.

Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts Spring Giveaway Hop

Anyone interested in winning a cute Easter Gift Basket from Bea's Gift Baskets? 

Take a look around and see how adorable and fun these lovely little baskets are, not to mention filled with yummy goodies made of the highest quality ingredients!

I think my favorite is this Joy of Easter Gourmet Gift Basket.

What's yours?

 One entry from all blogs' entries collectively will be randomly chosen on April 16 to receive a Bea's Easter Basket of their choice up to $50 (US only, please).

This giveaway is open until April 10th.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!

1. Be a follower on my blog (only one that is required)

2. What Easter basket do you like best from Bea's Gift Baskets?   

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (link on my blog)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. "Like" Bea's Gift Baskets on Facebook

6. Follow Bea's Gift Baskets Blog

7. Follow @basketsender on Twitter

READ CAREFULLY:

8. 5 extra entries (only on the day that my blog is chosen as the GOLDEN BLOG, please reenter your name, email, click follower and in this box type Golden Blog).  The timestamp will tell me.  You will know that by visiting Bea's Gift Basket Facebook page or blog.

Entry for Bea's Gift Basket Easter Giveaway

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem Book Review

Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right by Catherine Hickem has one main theme weaved throughout this book: Be an intentional mom.  Catherine's conversational flow and rich nuggets of wisdom made this a great book for busy moms to devour.  The way to be intentional is for moms to focus on themselves, not in a selfish way, but to really get to know themselves and make wise decisions on how to take care of their children.  In order for moms to teach their children, they must know what they want their children to learn.  There are seven principles that Catherine expounds upon: understanding your purpose, knowing and affirming your child, being a vision keeper, developing emotional intelligence, maintaining your position, addressing your fears and being God-dependent.

I really loved the content of this book.  I'm a young mother and I want to raise my kids without regrets.  Each chapter ended with some Faith Points (Bible verses), some questions and actions to take.  The end of the book included a parenting plan for you to fill out and work on different areas.  One thing lacking was a nice summary of the main points in each chapter.  There was so much information that I needed a breakdown.  I recommend this book to any parent.  Also, be sure to check out Catherine's website: Intentional Moms.

Project: Simplify Week #1

Yep!  I'm doing another decluttering project in tandem with my 52 weeks.  This one is from Simple Mom and I'm given the hot spot area to clean.  So Closet/Clothes here I come!  There are also prizes attached to this challenge and since I really just need to clean I'm so ready to take on any challenge these next few months.  I plan not to do much after baby comes in the beginning of May.

BEFORE- pregnancy clothes

AFTER- pregnancy clothes

BEFORE- drawers

AFTER- drawers

BEFORE-closet side 1

BEFORE- closet side 2

AFTER- this is what's left!

GIVEAWAY pile of clothes

As I went through my closet this week I made some tough decisions.  First, I'm 7 months pregnant and I know my body has changed since my last pregnancy so there are lot of clothes that don't fit anymore.  Second, I had a whole wardrobe of professional teaching clothes that I have not worn in over 2 years.  And even if I do go back to teaching I won't wear those clothes and they might not even fit.  I bagged up a lot of clothes that I've had for years, but I know it's time.  It feels so clean in my closet, empty, but clean and I know I will be happy not pawing through all the those clothes that I "might" wear!  Fun project!

52 Weeks of Organizing with The Organizing Junkie Week #10

This week I tackled the linen closet! I took out a lot of things and I also moved some things (knitting and sewing) in here. We have an extra room that will become our son's new room so I had to get stuff out of there!

BEFORE

AFTER

Theme for this week: Tips for cluttered surfaces

Questions to ponder:

1. What are your hot spot landing zones?  My hot spots are the kitchen counter and the dining room table. 
2. Think about ways you can tackle these flat surface areas to manage the stuff that continues to pile there.  I'm still working on clearing out some other spaces where I can put the things that are cluttering these two hotspots.  I don't have money to buy any organizing baskets or gadgets so I have to make do with what I have.
3. What are you most proud of so far in your 52 weeks journey?  I'm so proud that I'm actually doing this challenge with being pregnant!  I'm so motivated to get this house in order before May 6!

I'm hooked up with Laura at The Organizing Junkie!

Booking It: March 2011

I thought I wouldn't be reading as many books as I did last year and yet, I still crave reading.  I guess I always need a book.  It gives me something to look forward to in my down times.

Here are the great reads from last month:


I also have been reading through the New Testament and I'm up to Mark 7.  Last year I read through the Old Testament, but I decided to take a slower pace this year.  I'm also doing several Bible studies that I'll be sharing about too.

Of these 4 books I recommend: (MUST READ list)
*Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson
*The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis



I'm hooked up with LIFE AS MOM!

Women in the Word Wednesday: James 3

I can't believe I'm in my 8th week of this James study!  I love the Good Morning Girls program.  It keeps me so focused on God's word everyday!

Here are some of the main points that I want to transform my life:
*I need to be very aware of how my small tongue controls me.
*I need to tame my tongue BEFORE I get out of bed in the morning.
*Praise should always be coming from my tongue.
*My actions need to come from a humble heart.
*I need to evaluate what kind of wisdom I am seeking in my life.
*Memorize James 3:17
*I need to cultivate peace in my life.