This Week on the Home Front

We have been out of school because of the hurricane all week, and there has been a lot to do. First up, we've had to clean up the tree limbs and debris in our yards and contact the insurance company. Second, there has been a ton of laundry to do since the power came back on. Although we're not drinking our water yet, we are using it for showers and laundry.

Also, having so much time on my hands, I decided to undertake a huge de-clutter. My step-daughters just switched bedrooms about a week ago. Neither one of them is what you would call "domestic" by any stretch of the imagination. But, the oldest one is getting better. You should have seen the clutter in the closet she inherited from the younger step-daughter! So, I tackled it. I found old backpacks, my husband's CD case that has been missing for two years, ski boots, supplies from her knitting phase three years ago, pillows from couches we haven't had in the house for years, school supplies from the last three years, and so on, and so on. I purged, categorized, and organized, and what a rush! I love doing that!

I filled up two large trash bags, filled a backpack, a large clothing store sack, and still didn't fit everything in. But do I feel better! And my oldest step-daughter was so grateful. A hug from her made it all worthwhile.

I haven't been able to do every "small thing" challenge at Home Sanctuary this week, but I did manage to sweep the corners (and the rest) of my living room and clean out our soap and tissue dispensers. I would have loved to bake something from scratch, but we still don't have any fresh eggs being delivered to our area since the storm, and the grocery stores have lines just to get what provisions we can. I also ran out of sugar. If I could, I would make this Texas Chocolate Sheetcake, especially since it's a recipe from my friend who runs a bakery/catering business and because my birthday is next week. She shared the recipe with me, so I will share with you (just click the link above).

I also would have liked to clean up by my back door, but we got a new dining table delivered, and the old one is blocking the back door for now. We're going to donate it, but right now, there is nowhere to put it. This is the new table.

If you haven't checked out Home Sanctuary, you should. It's never too late to join, and she always gives me great ideas on ways to make my home more blessed.

I also recommend checking out Organising Queen. She is the best at de-cluttering, and she is so helpful! She also has great tips for organizing your computer, as well as a terrific post on de-cluttering the paper in your life, and since this month's Organizing Junkie roundup is the office area, it's definitely worth a look! OrgJunkie has a great post about weeding out the time consumers in our lives.

Since I will be off another week (many of our schools were damaged and aren't ready for students yet), I am planning to de-clutter, organize, menu-plan, and create some real order in my household! Won't you join me?

And remember, I have two giveaways ending soon.

Prima Princessa Swan Lake DVD

Book - The History of Love