Tackle it Tuesday!

This afternoon Mackaylan suggested that we eat dinner out on the back porch. We have only done that a few times, and we all enjoy it when we do, so I thought it was a great idea! The only thing that stood in our way was the fact that all of the furniture was covered in pollen and the porch had been a major area of neglect around the O'Shields' house over the past few months. Needless to say, there was work to be done! So.... Mackaylan and I changed into our comfy clothes and headed outside with a bucket, cleaner, a few rags, the water hose, and a lot of "elbow grease!"

Like mother like daughter: Mackaylan's 1st to-do list

(boxes and all!)

Before:

After:

Mackaylan gave our work a thumbs up!

PS If you are wondering how to get a five year old to help with a task such as this all you have to do is tell her that it is a new game called Princess Tiana and the Restaurant. Explain that the purpose of the game is to get the "restaurant" ready for opening night. As you are working keep her engaged by asking lots of questions about the type of food she will serve, the hours of her establishment, various items on the menu, and who her first customers will be. Two hours later your task will be complete!

*Be sure to head over the 5 Minutes for Mom to see what everyone else tackled today!

Our "Not-So-Snowy" Day!

I can't believe it didn't snow! There is not even one little flake on the ground at our house!! I thought I would wake up this morning, peek out the window, and see a world of white. Needless to say, I was very dissappointed when I got up out of the bed at 3:40 AM to survey my surroundings and nothing looked any different. However, we are still out of school due to snow in other parts of the county so I am trying to take advantage of another day home and get some more organizing/cleaning accomplished. So far this is what I have "tackled:"

1- Made bed and picked up bedroom.

2- Cleaned out hall closet.

Before:

After:

3- Cleaned out closet in "office."

4- Folded a load of laundry and put another load in the washing machine.

5- Posted pics of the top of my newly decorated china hutch. I actually completed this project yesterday, but thought I would post the pics today. My BFF Dawn assisted with the shopping, but left it up to me to do the actual decorating this time. She is all about scaffolding me through Decorating w/ Dawn 101!

Not bad since it is only 10:00AM! What's on your list for Tackle it Tuesday?

Tackle it Tuesday!

I am beginning to LOVE Tackle It Tuesday! For some reason, the accountability of posting the projects that I tackle just seems to motivate me. So, today I decided to tackle the never-ending battle that I seem to have with the laundry. I'm telling you it multiplies around here! This morning I began washing clothes before 8:00am and at 4:00pm I still have 3 loads to go. I know I shouldn't let it pile up, but I do. However, by the time I go to bed tonight I am hoping that all of the clothes in our house will be clean! YIPPEE! Below is a pic of some of the clothes that I have washed today. After they came out of the dryer I just piled them on our bed. After about 4 loads I folded and put them away.

Do you have a plan for keeping the laundry under control at your house? If so, please share your secret. I really think one of my goals for 2009 is going to be to wash a load of laundry everday..that includes washing, drying and putting them away! Also, head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom to read about all of the other projects that have been tackled today!

Tackle It Tuesday!- Christmas Edition

Yesterday was a great day! I was able to take Mackaylan to Nana's in order to be able to "tackle" many last minute projects before Christmas. I stayed in my "comfy clothes" all day long even when shopping at CVS and Bi-Lo! The number one priority on my list was to get my house clean before Christmas. For those of you who know me, I am usually pretty good about clearing the clutter and keeping everything picked up. However, I really struggle with the actual cleaning like dusting, mopping, etc. So...yesterday I vowed to myself that I would spend time doing both. I was going to take a few "before" photos, but was too embarrassed. Below are a few pictures of the end result....

Besides cleaning, I also finished all the wrapping that I am responsible for, went to the grocery store, assisted Mackaylan with packing up many toys and organizing her room and also hosted a small gathering of family and friends (more on that fun later!) Overall, it was a very busy and productive day! What project(s) did you tackle?

Tackle It Tuesday!

Thanks to Jodi I was inspired to particpate in Tackle It Tuesday! While reading her post, I immediately thought of one of my problematic areas..... the laundry room! It was, and usually is, a disaster. I couldn't wash anymore clothes b/c there were clothes piled up everywhere and even some hidden in the dryer. So...I set off to work.

This is what it looked like before:

And this is what it looks like now: All of the clothes were put away (yes, the dryer is empty too), the counter was wiped off and the floor was swept. The last thing I need to do is purchasea few command hooks to hang my broom, swiffer, etc. on and I will do that tomorrow. I even put a candle on the counter for a little added ambiance! :)