Simplify Your Life – Find Your Creativity
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Organizing, Projects
The easiest way to simplify your life, is to get rid of clutter.
Clutter can be everywhere. In your closets, on your counter top, in your office, in the children’s rooms, in your garage, in you car…the list goes on.
Too much clutter can overwhelm you. It can make you tense and irritable. It can be embarrassing. And, clutter can also stifle your creativity.
I once heard a story of a women who wanted to simplify her life. She first got rid of her husband, then proceeded to get rid of most of the furniture in her home (he picked it out…she hated it), and then moved onto her closets and cabinets. Even though her home was nearly empty of “stuff” , she was happier than she had been in many years. She felt lighter, and her creativity, which had been dormant for many years, began to resurface.
Now, I’m not suggesting that simplifying your life, means getting rid of a spouse, but, getting rid of clutter can result in a feeling of “a ton of bricks being lifted”
But…where do you start?
It doesn’t matter what room you start in, just start.
If you are feeling too overwhelmed, start with a small area. …maybe a drawer, cabinet, or bathroom.
Remove all items from your selected area. Find another area where you can sort through these items. This can become a time consuming process, so allow sufficient time.
Take items you haven’t used, or don’t like, and get rid of them.
Create three boxes or bags. Label them as:
Trash
Donate
Keep
One thing that I do, since we have an annual neighborhood garage sale, is to create a fourth box, for “garage sale” stuff. I keep this box in the garage, and throughout the year, add stuff to it, when I am doing “mini” decluttering projects. Read my previous article How To Have A Successful Garage Sale, for great garage sale tips.
If you change your decorating scheme, and have a mixture of different motifs, throughout your home, this is a great time to pack away (if you still like them), items that aren’t matching your current decor.
For example, I love the Victorian era, but am currently not using that theme in any of my rooms, so I have packed away all of my Victorian decorations. I know I will revive that theme at a later date, so instead of getting rid of my fine Victorian pieces, I have them stored away.
Hint: When deciding whether to keep or get rid of makeup and/or lotions, remember, they do have a shelf life. Lotions can start smelling rancid, and mascara, only has a shelf life of 3 to 4 months. For a complete list of shelf life for beauty products, see this article at Real Simple.
Once you have removed all items from the area your are decluttering, proceed with cleaning that area. Scrub the counter tops, wipe out the cabinets, sweep the floor. Do whatever it takes to get that area clean.
After your area is clean, start putting things back, one by one. As an added bonus, when you begin to put things back, you may end up tossing or donating, even more.
Proceed to throw the trash in the garbage can. As soon as possible, take the “donate” box/bag to your favorite charity drop off. Get it out of your house.
Decluttering can be contagious. Just about the time you finish one area, you will be motivated to declutter even more.
Before you know it, your whole house will be decluttered.
As an added benefit, you will feel “lighter”.
Don’t be surprised if your creativity kicks in, too. 
Children With Autism – Help For Parents
Filed under: Archives, Infants and Children, Parenting
Autism is nearing epidemic proportions, according to the guests who were on Larry King today (9/26/07). Larry King interviewed Jenny McCartney, Holly Robinson Peet, and Dr. Jerry Kartzinel.
Jenny McCarthy, Holly Robinson Peet and Dr. Jerry Kartzinel, all have children with autism.
Recently Jenny McCartney wrote a book about her experience in dealing with a child with autism, how he was treated, and how she found hope. The name of the book is: Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism
Jenny McCartney and Holly Robinson Peet, also did an interview on Oprah, and spoke on the same subject.
For those of you who may not have seen either Larry King, or Oprah, here are some valuable links for information on autism.
Jenny McCarthy’s website is TACA – Talk About Curing Autism
The website site set up by the Peet family, is www.hollyrod.org
And, the Larry King show has a commentary by Jenny McCarthy. Here’s a link to it: Jenny McCartney commentary on Larry King
Another great autism website is: Autism Research Institute, or DAN – Defeat Autism Now
And, on Oprah’s website, links can be found for the the interview with Jenny McCartney and Holly Robinson Peet
I really like how these parents define their child’s disease. They do not say their child is autistic. They say, “My child has autism”, helping to take a “label” off of the child.
If you are looking for help, for a child with autism, the above links should get you on the right path.
Jenny McCartney is a very passionate advocate for autism. Her hope is to speak before Congress, with regard to fighting autism.
UPDATE: Another informative website for children with autism, is Autism Speaks.org, which contains autism videos.
On December 19, 2007, Dr. Phil did a show on autism. Listed below are some of the links that his website suggests visiting.
The Minnesota Autism Center, also offers great resources. You may also want to check out The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation
The American Academy of Pediatrics is a website that’s “dedicated to health of all children”, and one worth bookmarking.
Best Home Improvements To Make
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Home Improvement, Projects, Selling A Home
If you are remodeling your home, for yourself, or with the thought of resale in mind, making the right home improvements, can add value to the price of your home and attract more buyers.
Approach home improvement project on an “as needed’ basis. Some homes won’t require any remodeling, but may need something as simple as a coat of fresh paint either inside and/or outside.
If your home is older, the following are possibly some of the best home improvements you can make, to receive the biggest return on your money.
1) Repair or replace the roof – Use reputable roofing contractors
2) Repair, replace or repaint the siding – Call for quotes from licensed siding contractors
Kitchen remodeling often gives you a good return on your money. Stick with a budget. Overruns are easy to encounter.
3) Replace or repaint the kitchen cabinets. Painting is the least expensive option, followed by replacing or refacing the doors and drawer fronts of your kitchen cabinets. Home improvement stores offer many choices for new kitchen cabinets. Obviously, custom cabinetry will be the most expensive option.
4) Replace the kitchen counter top. Laminates are the least expensive. Other alternatives include concrete, granite, butcher block, tile, solid surfacing, glass, plus many other stone products.
5) Replace kitchen appliances. Currently stainless steel is popular, however, using white appliances provides for a clean look. Colors can”date” your kitchen. Choose carefully. Look for appliances with the energy star label.
6) Replace kitchen flooring. Vinyl is the least expensive. Other options include hardwood or tile.
7) Perform either a major or minor remodel to the bathroom(s). Check with a local bathroom contractor, hire a handyman for simple repairs and upgrades, or even do it yourself.
Homes with more than one bathroom are more desirable.
8.) Repaint, all rooms, as needed. Painting contractors may offer a discount if more than one room is being painted. However, painting is a fairly easy project so it could be added to the do it yourself list.
Keep in mind, if a buyer is looking at a new home, it will have a coat of fresh paint. Painting is an inexpensive way to update a room, and give it a clean look. Consider painting rooms that need freshening up, or rooms that are not painted in neutral colors, especially if you are thinking of selling your home.
Be aware, that following the current trends in major home improvement projects, can be risky. Trends can “date” a home. Neutral colors will appeal to most buyers. If you like the trendy colors, keep it to your decorating items…i.e. bedroom comforters, bathroom towels, rugs and/or window treatments, etc. These are items you can easily, and inexpensively change, in the event you decide to sell your home.
Anytime you are doing a remodel or making improvements to your home, take time to do research, and find out what buyers are currently looking for in a home. Most home improvement stores offer brochures which show what’s popular.
Even though you may not be thinking of selling your home anytime soon, try to take on your projects by keeping “resale” in mind. We never know where life will take us, therefore, it is wise to spend those remodeling, home improvement dollars on timeless projects.
When contemplating a home improvement or remodeling project, prior to selling your home, consider the current real estate market. Will your remodeling project reap extra dollars for you, or will it only help you to sell your home faster. In a slow real estate market, the competition is great. Be an informed seller. Talk to a real estate agent. You may even consider getting a home inspection, and avoid “surprises”. Do research online.
Want to know how to “stage” your home for potential buyers? Read my previous article, titled: How To Stage A Home For Sale
Holiday Cards Use Personalized Photo Stamps
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Holidays, Shopping
Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us.
Instead of sending e-cards, postcards, or no cards. This year, make it your mission to mail out holiday cards to your friends, family, and business associates. After all, it’s not too often we receive actual mail anymore.
Stand out from the competition. Send a holiday card….through the mail.
Make a real statement, and use personalized photo stamps
Wood Recycling – A “Green” Opportunity
Filed under: Archives, At Work, Business Opportunity, Making Money, Recycling
- Image via Wikipedia
Wood recycling comprises of grinding brush, stumps, tree limbs, and scrap building products, etc… By grinding these wood products, you are creating a reusable product…..wood chips.
Here’s a short quote from www.p2pays.org, regarding the importance of wood recycling:
A variety of wood wastes are generated from construction, demolition, and land clearing operations. Wood wastes consist of: tree trimmings, scrap wood, pallets, lumber, and shipping containers. Wood wastes are often classified as Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris. Wood wastes can be diverted from landfilling and used in a number of applications. Such applications include lumber reuse, mulch, fibers for manufacturing, animal bedding, and biomass fuel. Wood wastes can also be used in composting operations. Wood wastes can be applied to cleared areas for dust suppression and runoff control. Such wastes can also be reused for small construction and hobby projects.
Wood wastes can be reused in home heating or construction. Although this diversion strategy is cost-free, it is often difficult to reuse all of the waste products. If the wood wastes cannot be reused or taken offsite by a recycler, the next viable diversion step is size reduction. Grinding is the most common method used to reduce the size of wood wastes. Wood tub grinders are used to reduce wood wastes into smaller particles. No screening is necessary. The larger-sized output material from the tub grinder can be used as a biomass fuel or as a bulking agent to balance high nitrogen loads in composting operations. The smaller-sized material can be composted or used as mulch. However, according to the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, it is not recommended to grind or compost wood covered with lead-based paint. During grinding this paint will generate a toxic dust cloud , where the lead can leach into the compost. Wood wastes that are chipped or ground will decompose more readily. Composted wood wastes can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer. The reduced wood wastes can also be used as mulch and help grow grass at municipal and commercial landscape applications, such as highway projects and golf courses. Mulch can also be used to control weed growth.
Wood tub grinders are not limited in opening size like smaller chippers or shredders. The grinders can process large and odd shaped wood including stumps, pallets, and waste lumber. Material that is pressure treated, chemically treated, or creosote contaminated should not be composted. Such wood contains chemicals that inhibit plant growth or are toxic to the environment. Avoid plywood or particle board since they contain glues which might be hard on machinery, difficult to compost, and contain undesirable chemicals for land application.
We engaged in wood recycling for over six years. We set up in a permanent location and began to accept brush, stumps, tree limbs, and some construction waste. To grind these products, we used a WHO P-12 tubgrinder, with a grapple, which was operated by a person who sat in the cab. As the brush was loaded into the tub, the hammermill would chomp on the wood, and spit it out, onto a conveyor belt. The piles of wood chips were then moved away from the tub grinder, with a loader.
Another area, we included in the wood recycling operation, was for demolition jobs. If a house was being demolished, parts of the house were able to be recycled. We would not take any windows, fixtures, carpeting or pad, wiring, anything painted with lead paint, or asbestos. We were very careful to not grind any product that could contaminate our topsoil or compost products. Customers who tried to bring in loads of unacceptable products, were refused. More time was required on our part when we accepted loads of house demo, thus, customers were charged a higher rate to have the house demo, recycled. It was with house demo, that we would end up with some waste products that were not recyclable. These products were stacked in a separate location, and when we had a truck load, it was taken to the local landfill.
With our stacks of wood chips multiplying, we decided to begin composting a percentage of them. Since we were also getting in grass clippings and yard debris, we began combining these products, and making compost. Obviously, the larger wood chips would take longer to compost, so we installed smaller screens in the tubgrinder, and produced a small chip. By doing this, we sped up the composting process.
Wanting to take recycling to the next level, we purchased a Wittco brand classifier. This is often called a trommel, but the Wittco that we have, also includes a 6000 gallon “bath”. This piece of equipment worked perfectly for processing the dirty material that was accumulating.
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
With the classifier, product is loaded onto a conveyor belt. It then goes through a 28 foot (x 6′ diameter) trommel screen. As the trommel turns, product is released through the predetermined size screens. Anything larger than the screens, passes onto the bath. The bath contains two underwater conveyor belts. The top belt (since wood floats), takes the wood products, and dispenses it outside of the bath (on the front side of the classifier, and can be taken to the tubgrinder for grinding). The rocks, that sink to the bottom of the bath, are picked up by the second conveyor belt, and are ejected out, to the rear side of the classifier.
The trommel, or classifier, is operated by a person who sits in a “control tower”. The operator can stop the trommel at any time, or set the speed of the trommel. If they see a problem, they can stop the trommel from turning, and correct the problem.
With the classifier, we were able to mix, or blend, the dirt with the composted, recycled wood products. Hence, a blended topsoil product was created. Ironically, as the blended topsoil sat in piles, it continued to compost even further (or “cook” as they say). Several times we had the blended topsoil tested, and the results came back showing we had created a fantastic topsoil product, full of nutrients.
For several years, we took the larger wood chips, which were not composted, and sold them as hog fuel. When the demand for hog fuel declined, we chose to compost them as well.
When composting, watering and turning the piles is essential. Again, we used the loader and backhoe, although a compost turner can also be used.
So, with one tub grinder, a classifier, a loader, and sometimes a backhoe, we had a complete recycling operation. To create additional income, we also used our dump truck, to either pick up products for recycling, or to deliver the “end” products to other contractors or home owners.
Our list of resalable products included wood chips for hog fuel, animal bedding, or ground cover; blended top soil, compost, and firewood. If we had any unprocessed dirty material, we had that available for sale, as a “fill” material. We contemplated mixing “special blends” of top soil, but the need never arose. With the classifier, that would have been an easy task.
The blended topsoil was our biggest “mover”. Living in an area where good topsoil was non existent, we were able to fill a need. Landscapers loved our product, and we had many testimonials of how the lawns and flower beds they put in, would flourish.
Being able to use varied sizes of screens in the classifier, we also contemplated bagging our topsoil product, and selling it locally. This would have been another great income stream, however, due to time constraints, that plan never materialized.
When we began our recycling operation, we charged our customers $3.00 a cubic yard for all brush, limbs, scrap wood, grass clipping, and yard debris. Stumps were charged out at $9.00 per cubic yard. At the time, these prices were based on what the market could bear, however, since then, prices have increased.
We worked on a “honor system”, and used a three part invoice. We set up a mail box, where the invoices were kept. When the drivers would bring in a load of recyclables, they would fill out the invoice and keep one copy. When their company was billed, a second copy was attached to the invoice. We would do spot checks, and at times would find discrepancies. If that were the case, the driver and/or company were notified, and a correction was made to the invoice. A few people, “dumped and dashed”, but that was a rare occurrence. The honor system worked fine for our set up, however, for a larger operation, it may be necessary to set up a “booth”, where loads can be being viewed, and the invoices are being completed by an individual, hired by the company.
For loads of product coming in to us, we also made a 4×8′ “map” of the recycling yard. This directed the drivers as to which area we wanted the products dumped. By notifying the drivers where to dump the different products, we were able to keep our recycling yard more organized, thus eliminating the need to handle a product more than once.
Mostly due to health issues, we stopped our wood cycling operation. Our biggest joy, was knowing we had done something good, for the environment.
Wood recycling is a great way to create a “green” business. Most communities have a need for this. If no one recycles wood products, these products either end up in the landfills, or are getting burned. It’s sad to see this, as the landfills end up filling up fast, costing the community a much unneeded financial burden.
Wood recycling, combined with composting, completely recycles a product, and creates byproducts that are great for resale. There is very little waste.
If wood recycling is a business you would like to venture into, in addition to setting up a legal business entity, it may be necessary to also get permits from your local or state governments. Depending on the size of your operation, DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality), may also require you to apply for a permit.
As mentioned in an earlier post, (Free Information For government Grants ), I had also researched the possibility of Federal grant money for the recycling operation. Some state governments also offer a tax credit for the purchase of recycling equipment. Visit your state’s website, to see what programs they may offer.
We have since put the classifier and tub grinder up for sale. Although the tub grinder is for sale, we still use it for occasional on site recycling jobs. The portability of it, makes moving it rather simple. It can be pulled behind a semi tractor, with the use of a fifth wheel.
The classifier is a specialty item, and will take a special buyer. It is a large stationary piece of equipment, and would be best used for an wood recycling operation that has a permanent location and/or debris yard.
If you have read this article, and are interested in purchasing and/or obtaining more information on the tub grinder or classifier/trommel, please fill out my contact form ( Or,click on “contact” in the header of this page). Please include your telephone number. By submitting the contact form, I will receive an email, and from that point, will be in contact with you.
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Relief For My Shoulder Pain
My shoulder is sore
I do not know why
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When I try to reach high
It could be a bruise
It could be bursitis
It may be a tendon
Or maybe arthritis
Some days it is painful
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You’re Fat! You’re Fired!
Filed under: Archives, At Work, Diet & Health, Polls
Companies are now paying bonuses to employees who lose weight.
Get rewarded with bonuses, at work, if you diet?
Be penalized if your remain fat? (No bonus for the “fatties”!)
Are companies getting too involved in what we do in our personal life? What we do to our bodies? Can they do that? Should they do that?
Does being fat, affect your work performance?
Is a fat person less capable of doing a good job, than a thinner one?
Some companies won’t hire individuals if they smoke. What? You say… Here’s an excerpt from Center for American Progress
Corporations around the world have been encouraging smoke-free workplaces by placing limits on how often and where employees can use tobacco during working hours. However, it seems that some corporations want to move beyond smoke-free workplaces to entirely smoke-free workforces. In January 2006, Weyco, Inc=, a medical-benefits administration company, began random tobacco breathalyzer tests to determine whether employees have been smoking on or off the job. Employees who failed the test were fined $50 if not enrolled in a smoking cessation program. Four employees who opted out of the test were fired. Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has declared that it will begin firing smokers in October 2006. The railroad company Union Pacific has also stopped hiring workers in those states where it is legal to do so
Will companies stop hiring individuals, because they’re over weight?
Search online, and you can read how employers want healthy employees, thus decreasing their costs, and improving their productivity. It’s claimed that healthy employees also have less absenteeism. It all relates to that, all important, “bottom line” i.e…… profit!
If companies can legally hire non smokers only, will it soon be that employers can discriminate against over weight applicants, also?
Not the same, you say.
Read my article, named: Should Smokers Pay A Higher Insurance Premium? You’ll be amazed at the results of my study.
It could happen.
But, should it?
Think about this….
Some employers can eliminate potential employees based on the results of:
1) A pre-employment drug test.
2) A poor driving record
3) The result of a security screening
4) A pre-employment physical
5) If they are a smoker
Will number 6, be….
If you are over weight?
What do you think?
Leave a comment, and share your thoughts.
How To Stage A Home For Sale
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Making Money, Selling A Home
Staging a home, which will be for sale on the market, may help to sell a home quicker. How to stage a home, is actually quite easy, but can be time consuming. If you watch HGTV, you can find many television shows that talk about staging a home.
What is “staging a home”? To stage a home, is to “prepare” your house before you put it on the market. Just as it’s important to “dress for success”, when you stage your home, you are “dressing” your home for potential buyers to see.
Let’s get started:
1) Declutter your home. Take everything out that you’re not going to be using, until you move into your new home. It’s best not to stack this stuff in your garage. It may be well worth the investment, to rent a storage unit in which you can store the excess items.
2) Clean your house. Wash the windows. Shampoo the carpeting, if needed. Wipe spots off of walls and doors. Cleanliness is very important.
3) Repaint as needed. If you have a room that’s painted an “odd” color, use primer, and repaint the room a neutral color.
4) Make necessary repairs. If faucets drip, or toilets run, fix the problem. Walk through your home using a critical eye, and take notes of all repairs you can do, without spending over your budget. If you don’t know how to use a “critical eye” on your own home, ask a friend to do it for you.
5) Remove as many of the “personal” items as possible. Too many family photos, can add clutter, as can too many toys. Some buyers cannot see past a “mess”.
6) On days your home is being showed, make sure it smells good-no pet smells, foul cooking and/or tobacco odors, etc…>
7) Put your toothbrushes, prescription bottles, ashtrays, dishes (dirty or clean), and laundry, away. Do not stuff items in closets or cabinets, as buyers often open doors and drawers. Remember to also put any valuable items in a safe place.
8.) Keep you counter tops clean and free of clutter. The more you place on the counter tops, the smaller they look to buyers.
9) If you have wallpaper, border, or amateur looking faux painting, consider removing it, and painting the walls a neutral color. You need to appeal to buyers with many different tastes.
10) If you have too much furniture in a room, it will make the room look small. Consider removing some of the furniture.
11) This may be a great time to have a garage sale (see previous article: How To Have A Successful Garage Sale)
12) Think minimalist. Keep the decorating simple.
13) Outside the home, give your home curb appeal. Do people want to stop and see the inside? Trim bushes, pull weeds, plant some flowers, put down bark chips, mow the grass, sweep the driveway, wash the windows, pressure wash the house, repaint as needed, haul away any junk cars, clean up the yard.
Most buyers want a “turn key” home. One they can “turn the key in the lock, and move their things into”. Most buyers prefer not to paint, take down wallpaper, shampoo carpeting, etc…before they move in. They may make changes at a later date, but they need to get on with their lives, now. Not adhering to this, may turn buyers off.
Remember, you’re leaving this home. Soon you will be in a new home, and the home you’re staging will belong to someone else. If you just “love” that red room , or duck wallpaper border, take a picture of it. Create a lasting memory.
Remember, you’re moving on. This is the time to let go of any emotional attachment you may have to your home.
With a properly staged home, your home may sell faster than others in the same price range. It may be a time consuming process, however, in this very competitive housing market, not staging your home, could cost you lost time in moving, and more importantly…..money.
To read more on home staging and how it may help to sell your home faster, read my latest article: The Secret To Selling Your Home Faster Than The Competition
Tags: emotional attachment, garage saleJust Because Baskets and Beyond
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