There’s nothing quite like a little encouragement to give you a boost and help you go that extra mile.  This morning, I went to my usual Wednesday morning spinning class at 5:30am.  I had gotten up extra early in order to go to the grocery store before my class.  I also caved and bought some iced coffee while I was there.  It’s going to be a long day (with no nap in sight), so I figured I deserved a treat.  :)  As I was adjusting my bike and warming up, my instructor told me that his wife loves my blog and has been very inspired (I love you Jenny!)  That completely made my day!  As I was talking with an old friend last night, I simply told her that the reason I do all of this (cleaning, organizing, consulting) is because I LOVE it.  I love the instant gratification.  I love how much simpler it makes my life.  I love the encouragement I get from my husband when he comes home to a clean house and dinner on the table.  But most of all, I LOVE that not everyone thinks like I do, but most everyone can benefit from my help!  I came to the realization that most people do not like cleaning.  Most people hate the thought of spending a day cleaning out and organizing their closets, and that is where I come in!  Whether you need a nudge in the right direction, a little help to get started, or you need me by your side to the end of your project, I want to help!  The purpose of my blog is to encourage and build you up!  If you are inspired by the tidbits of my life that I include in my blog, let me know!  I’m so encouraged to know that even though I don’t have a gigantic number of clients at this moment, I’m still touching lives and encouraging readers (mostly women I’m assuming) to embrace their role in their home and make the very best of it!  Getting organized makes life so much easier.  My mother has asked me to tackle every closet in her house while I’m there for Thanksgiving vacation.  I’ve also organized an entire hope chest (and lifetime) of free floating photos from her house.  I’ll be returning those in a labeled photo album and organized in chronological order. 

I’m starting a monthly challenge by having readers send me pictures of a current organizational challenge in their home/life.  I’ll help you get started with a plan on how to get your particular space organized, and then you can send me the after picture and I’ll post them on my website.  In fact, from now until January 1, 2009, I will come to your house for FREE and help all of my local friends with any organizational challenge you don’t feel you can tackle on your own.  Just for fun!  Just because I love you guys and I want to make your life easier!  Email the photos of your challenging space to audrey@madetoorganize.com.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

~audrey

I love Mondays.  The only place I have to go on Mondays is piano lessons at 11am.  The rest of the day is all mine.  Mondays are a chance to start over.  Regardless of how last week turned out, this week has the potential for greatness.  The things I do on Mondays lay the foundation for where my week will go.  For example:  Every Monday I change our sheets, take inventory of all the food in the house, plan my menu, make a grocery list, complete any laundry from the weekend, and do a general cleaning of the whole house (nothing detailed, just the basics).  Of course my Mondays include lists of many kinds; to-do lists, grocery lists, lesson plans, and errands to be run.  This is your chance to set some goals for the week.  Don’t be unrealistic, but do challenge yourself.  For example, last week was the beginning of November.  Therefore, my goals for November included working out three mornings a week at 5am and quitting coffee (I know, it’s crazy!).  So far, so good!  I weened myself from the coffee last week and now I haven’t had any since Friday.  I think I’m finally over the headaches and can make it through my day without a nap.  I worked out four days last week and then the family went for a two hour bike ride on Saturday.  That was a great start for me.  Now it is Monday again.  I worked out this morning and now I need to get off the computer and get started on the rest of my lists!  Be productive.  Set your timer!  Write everything down.  It is very rewarding to sit down in the evening and be able to look at everything you accomplished that day.  Especially if you’re a stay at home mom and your husband wonders what you do all day…as if you actually have free time!  Have a Marvelous Monday!!

~audrey