Moved to www.travelandpositiveliving.com

Hi, guys!  I realized that I don't have the luxury to maintain 2  blogs so I've decided to maintain just  one.  For my recent posts, you may visit http://www.travelandpositiveliving.com/.  Thanks!:)

Different types of clutter

For me, clutter is clutter.  Things that you no longer use are clutter.  I never knew that there are various types of clutter until I came across the well-defined list of Gretchen Rubin in Happiness Project.  She grouped clutter in several buckets and her definitions are so concise – even the way one copes with crutch clutter and buyer’s remorse clutter.  And whether you admit or not, I’m sure everyone would have at least one aspirational clutter.  Haha… Check them out:

Nostalgic Clutter – relics from your childhood.

Conservation Clutter – things that you’ve kept because they’re useful – even though they are useless to you.

Bargain clutter – things that you bought because they were on sale.

Freebie clutter – giveaways, hand-me-downs and unused gifts.

Crutch clutter – things that are already worn-out from overuse but you still keep on wearing/using even though you know they need to be replaced already.

Aspirational clutter – things that you own and aspire to use someday.
Outgrown clutter – things you’ve outgrown.

Buyer’s remorse clutter – things that you bought which you realize you don’t need or want.  But instead of admitting that you made a bad purchase, you hung on to them until you feel that they’ve been used up by sitting in your closet for some time.

Labeling cups during parties

When having a big party and you plan to use disposable cups, it’s a neat idea to ask guests to label their cups so they don’t get mixed  up with everyone else’s.  This also minimizes the changing of cups every time guests get a re-fill.  I know disposable cups aren’t enviromental-friendly, but if you do decide to use some occasionally, at least  this tip would help you keep usage  at minimum.

Flat TV decor idea

Saw this cute idea in Real  Living’s August issue - frame-shaped wall decals or real frames for your wall-mounted flat TV. :)

Biodegradable Candles

Read about Alice Blue Candles from a mag.  They’re  locally-made candles made from soy wax that can last up to 30-40 hours. Will try them out when my current candle runs out.  For more info, you may check out www.alicebluecandle.com. 

It’s All Too Much - some spring cleaning tips

Once in a while, I really make an effort to read materials about organizing your home to quickly assess the current state of my clutter build-up! Haha… But no matter how hard I try to do it regularly, clutter just quickly piles up.  Just think about all the statements and junk mail that arrive every month.  But at least, I haven’t given up trying to deal with it. Haha….    

Sharing with you these practical de-cluttering tips from “It’s All too Much” by Peter Walsh, a professional organizer from TLC’s Clean Sweep.   Some of the advice would make you rethink about some of the things you think or say are important, but actually qualify as clutter.  Here you go:

• Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it with stuff. 
• Every item filling your home should move your life vision forward and serve a real function , one that you can explain without making excuses.
• When you encounter clutter, ask yourself – do I use this?  Will I use it again?  Is it worth the space it takes up in my house?
• You should only have clothes in your closet that you love, fit well now, make you feel good and people compliment you on when you wear them.
• Your home is a reflection of who you are – what you value, what you enjoy and what is important to you.
• Don’t say something is important, has personal value, or is a family heirloom if it’s covered in dust, lost in a pile of clutter or buried somewhere.  If you value an item, you need to give it the honor and respect it deserves.  Otherwise, your words have no meaning and the object is little more than clutter.
• A calm, peaceful and organized home keeps you focused in touch with what’s important in your life.

Dishwashing liquid that won't dry up your skin

Dishwashing liquid usually dries up my skin.  Since I'm usually lazy to put on gloves, I experimented on using liquid handsoap and baking soda this week to wash the dishes. And so far, so good.  The combination of handsoap and baking soda is effective in removing grease without the drying effect. :) 

Spotless

I went to Ace Hardware this week to ask if they sell bottles of lighter refill - I remember you can use a dab of that to wipe off adhesive residue from stickers.  But when I explained my problem to the sales attendant, she recommended this cleaner called "Spotless", it's an organic cleaner and it worked! :)  It also claims to remove stains from tiles, cookware, stove, porcelain, chrome, etc. but I've yet to try it on these next time.  In the meantime, I've my instant solution when I encounter extra sticky price labels that leave adhesive marks.:)