Planning

I have a wedding to attend in 2 1/2 weeks. I rarely get dressed up so I only have one dress that I wore to a couple of weddings two years ago. It’s one of those little black dresses and is still in style.

I tried it on today hoping it still fit. Well, it’s a tiny bit tight but with over two weeks to go and a lot of hard work it should fit good. There’s nothing like a deadline to motivate you to start taking action.

I made copies of my own revised copy of the Flylady Body Clutter Investigator and started keeping track of what I am eating. I have also started using my stickers and putting them on the calendar when I do exercises or activities. I have different stickers for different things. Gardening gets a butterfly sticker. Walking gets a footprint sticker. Aerobics gets a smiley face. And weight lifting/strength training gets a sticker of a hand. My goal is to have a very colorful calendar by the end of the month. Of course I expect a little weight loss and toned muscles too.

On another topic, Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. My newsletter this week had a list of many ideas for gifts that could be considered non-clutter gifts. I’m posting a copy of the newsletter so you can plan your shopping now if you haven’t already done it.

If you are not signed up to receive my free newsletter in your email every week then please do so on the right sidebar (blue box). Thanks

Janice

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Decluttering Tip Newsletter – Mother’s Day Gifts
Volume 2, Issue 18
May 5, 2009

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. What kind of gift will you give your mother and/or mother-in-law? What will your own children give you? What would you like to receive that won’t become clutter?

We all want to honor our mother on this special day. We want our own children to honor us. But this is a big gift giving holiday and I don’t want to add clutter to my mother’s home or have my own children add clutter to my home. I know it’s the thought that counts but there are lots of gifts that will be appreciated and used.

If you are not sure which one your mother would like, then ask her. Suggest three or four different ones and then you will have a better idea of what she would like. If she tells you she doesn’t care because all of your suggestions are good then surprise her.

You can even give your children a list and let them shop from it. That will make it a lot easier for them and a better chance you’ll get something you want.
With the economy the way it is a gift card may be a great way for your mother to buy something she’s been cutting back on.

Here are some suggests for non-clutter gifts.

Food Gifts:

1. Sweets – smaller quantity but better quality is the rule here. Most people won’t splurge on that higher price chocolate for themselves so give it as a gift. A small quantity can be savored but not add body clutter.

2. Fruit baskets or a fancy roasted nut mix for a healthier food gift.

3. Take her out for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

4. Give her a gift certificate for her favorite restaurant or the fancy one she loves but rarely goes to.

Other Gifts:

1. Gift card or tickets for a play or movie.

2. Gift card for her favorite clothing store.

3. Bubble bath, shower gel, lotions, scented candle. All these things can be used up and leave little clutter. Create a gift bag (a basket could become clutter) with a bunch of the travel sizes. It’s always fun to play around with different scents.

4. Gift card for a day spa, pedicure, manicure, etc.

5. Create a certificate book for services from you and/or your family such as washing her car, trimming hedges, cleaning out her basement. This is a great no-cost, no-clutter way for grandchildren to give a gift. Just make sure it is something they can follow through with.

6. If you have a Botanical Garden, Museums, or other local places of interest you could buy her an annual pass.

7. If she has a garden you can buy her a pretty flowering plant she will enjoy the whole season. This works for pots on a deck or even a sunny window inside.

8. You can donate to her favorite charity in her honor.

If you would like to have any of these gifts for yourself be sure to let your family know. Don’t keep them guessing. They won’t know unless you tell them.