I wish I was here for the whole house, I only got round to doing the kitchen cabinets yesterday! It actually didn't take that long once I got started and it's SO much better now. The living room is alllmost to this stage so I'm going to invite people around a week after we are supposed to.

I have to just mention that it is awesome to have so much clutter gone! I'm donating 4 boxes of books that I'm no longer interested in. They are going to a local animal shelter who does monthly book sales to raise funds. I've wanted to donate for ages but can't afford it so this makes me happy a whole bunch of ways! :D *happy dancing*

Hmmm, today's assignment is basic housekeeping that I'm already doing on a regular schedule.

Here's where having a 300 sq ft studio apartment really pays off! I do this stuff regularly anyway and it takes only a few minutes. I must admit that since starting the cure I've been a lot better at the kitchen counter and general tidiness. So, back to making a mess with my project. Today is for finishing the doors, trimwork and paint on the armoire I'm making for my bathroom.

I have a cleaning lady who comes every 3 weeks and gives my 927 sq. foot space a good general cleaning and a "deep clean" task here and there - maybe a ceiling fan gets cleaned, or a big piece gets pulled out from the wall to get at the mess it's hiding. In between her visits, I "spot clean' and "hotel room clean," which is a quick going over to maintain a neat look and a surface clean. My closets and desk areas are awful, but I can close them off! I like the Cure because it gives me the motivation to keep things looking nice. I've also given away some things - kitchen items and a stack of magazines - and I feel good about that. Love the Cure and the positive results it brings, even in small ways.

There's the bathroom! I cleaned the grout with a toothbrush this morning, but it'll need more work. Also need to clean the toilet. Yay, mid-week motivation!

I have really enjoyed participating in The Cure project this month. You wouldn't believe the amount of clutter I've cleared away. It is so nice to walk into my home and see the things I've completed. The motivation factor to keep working on the projects is worth all the time and effort.
The biggest thing that is changing for me is that I'm saying "I'd like to paint that room" and actually doing it! Some of the project/challenges have helped me get things done that I've been saying I'd do for over seven years. Yes. Seven. I don't know why I slipped into the pattern but I have to say that working to get out of the pattern has made me feel great.
It has even motivated in other areas: I'm taking a course on literature.
Thanks for all the work you've put into this project.

I'm about to start cleaning up in the basement. My builder is finally better and able to get the electrical finished and inspected so we can close the walls up. Once drywall is done, i'll be able to clean and not have it covered immediatly on the next day.. Looking forward to it.

I have to say that I have enjoyed the whole 'cure' so far; either I am ahead of the 'cure' or I got way too into what I was doing but I have thought-out, planned, cleaned, organized every room in my apartment, finding new ways to store items and new uses for some items.
Since we use our office more than our living room; we re-purposed our living room into our own home gym/tv viewing area and love the way it works for us! The only thing I have not done is purchase flowers for my apartment but that will come soon!

I have really enjoyed the cure as well!! I may not have gotten everything done (my framed picture is still sitting on the floor, my cords are still a mess), but everything else has really given me the motivation to keep going!

There was more than one project on my walk-through list that got tackled this month, and that wouldn't have happened were it not for this site. In fact, my dad and my uncle are in my basement, installing a pellet stove as we speak! Another thing to cross off the list :)

Didn't finish cleaning today and I'm heading out the door soon, but I got some done and in general this has really spurred me on to organize and clean EVERYTHING! I am loving it!

http://shoes-off-please.com/2013/01/30/speedy-clean-and-yhl/

I re-org'ed my kitchen utensils drawers and several cabinets. All I really had to do was put "like" items together. So simple... and the functionality of the kitchen is markedly improved. Also, I put little painters-tape labels on the inside of the drawers and cabinet shelves so that the nanny and my husband would instantly know what belongs where. I suspected I'd get razzed for being OCD :) but instead I got thanks!

I am very very behind.... lost momentum around half way through and haven't gotten it back. I just went through my books this past weekend. So I'm planning to start where I left off this weekend and see how far I can get. I've come to the realization that most weeknights are just not doable for me. That being said, I have no plans tonight, so perhaps I'll tackle the cord challenge? perhaps.

Huge props to those of you who have maintained your steam throughout the month. Well done!

The Cure is a funny thing. I have a hard time saying no, but I decided from the get-go that I would NOT participate because I knew I would stress myself out. I didn't follow the schedule one bit, but reading about everyone's productivity is contagious! I got two errands crossed off the 'things hanging over my head' list (yes, that is a real list I keep), Craigslisted a set of books, and outboxed 25 items of clothing, some shoes, and a few assorted house items. I honestly did NOT think I had that much to donate. Now I find myself at work thinking of items to outbox when I get home! It is so cathartic. Thanks for creating such a great community and successful project!

Was about to laze out on the couch and clean Saturday but the post reminded me how much I can get done and enjoy the results the whole week. This will also let me evaluate where my remaining clutter spots are and update my list for future work. I am going to get some wine, put on a record, and knock this out. Thanks again for running this mini cure.

Had guests over for dinner and Downton Sunday evening. We have tickets to the theater this coming Sunday (yes, we will miss the first half of the Super Bowl - go Niners!). Proceeding with Day 21 just for us.

A heavy workload has totally derailed me accomplishing the Cure assignments last week and this week, such a bummer. The thought of coming home from a hectic workday and cleaning my place tonight is frightening and very likely will not happen. But I'm focusing on all of the things I have been able to accomplish with the Cure, which is a lot and feels great, and I'm not giving up! I just need to pick up where I left off.

Wow it took me 5 minutes to neaten my entry and living room. Amazing!! My get-together ended up being last weekend, so this weekend my project is dining room and bathroom.

Some out of state visitors came today; the Cure was a help in knowing the place was visibly clean and attractive. Course, there was some shoving of a few boxes of un dealt with stuff in a closet before their arrival. So, fine with me, my Cure isn't about to cross the finish line just yet.

I am going to do my weekly spruce-up Friday night/Saturday morning as I usually do to prep for massage clients. Participating in the Cure has certainly made that whole process easier and more enjoyable. Tonight I am going to rest and think about starting my tax return. =)

This Day is really needed after cleaning and organizing all month there are only a few areas that need work. So the spruce up day really helps get rid of cleaning anxiety.

The speedy part of my cleanup includes alcohol ready wipes - I love those things! I even keep them at work. http://katskull.com/tag/the-january-cure/