Well, I’m working on losing a different kind of weight these days. (Yeah, yeah, yeah … my body weight will always need some adjustment.) I’m finally letting the FlyLady rule my roost this month, and I’m losing the household clutter. YES! Have you tried this lately?

When I went down to the basement to pull out our Christmas decorations, I decided it was time to start hauling off the junk we don’t need or use. Instead of feeling guilty about it, FlyLady tells me to think of it as blessing someone. I’m going to bless plenty of people with our old clothes, toys, houseware, and Christmas decorations.

As I box things up, they’re going directly to the trunk of my car — no second thoughts. I’ll get a donation receipt from the Salvation Army which I’ll keep for taxes. Most of our stuff is not worth the hassle of e-bay or a yard sale — and the profits will go to a worthy organization.

It’s a great feeling to be set free from clutter. It holds us in bondage when we spend more time shuffling our junk around than being with the people we love. I would never have the energy to do this if I hadn’t read South Beach Diet and learned why sugar is my mortal enemy.

If you’re decluttering as well and need some moral support — I highly recommend Marla Cilley’s books and website!

P.S. Getting rid of your household junk burns calories too!

Post from: Blisstree

Losing the Holiday Pounds

So, even though I get the crunchy-munchy carb cravings when I’m on a writing deadline, on days when I need high energy, I stick to snacking on low-fat string cheese, tuna salads, yogurt, nuts, and protein bars.

Did I mention here that Fridays are my MAJOR CLEANING DAY? It’s a bummer that I don’t have a live-in maid like Alice (no wonder Mrs. Brady was always so happy with her bunch — she never had to cook or clean.) The voice of Marla Cilley, FlyLady, keeps me on task.

It’s a bore to mop, clean toilets, and straighten — I’m no domestic goddess. But I AM staying lively, which burns calories. And the bloggy thoughts going through my head keep me sane. It also helps me be ready for the weekend, spending time with the people I love most. So I’m OFF to the cleaning races. Gotta run put on some lively mopping music.

Post from: Blisstree

A High-Energy FlyLady Cleaning Day

With my kids off at school, I’ve finally attacked the problem areas in our home. I haven’t been alone — FlyLady has been helping me. If you’re feeling the need for some order in your life, I highly recommend her book, Sink Reflections, which breaks her system down into easily accomplished daily habits and routines.

Because this is so stressful for me (taking everything out of the closet/room, decluttering, reorganizing), I’ve been taking breaks and snacking on endorphin-friendly carbs. The strange thing is, I got on the scale this morning, and I’d still lost a pound. I’m sure it’s because of the exercise! I’m burning calories while I lose all these pounds of household clutter. I take heart in knowing I’ll be done soon — then it’s back to my regularly scheduled diet and exercise program.

Post from: Blisstree

Losing Pounds with the FlyLady

I’ve been doing some heavy-duty Flylady decluttering this summer, and I’m starting to think giving food items is the best idea. Why give people something that will become clutter in their home? Clutter sucks away my energy — as I’m sure it does yours.

I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love a gift like this. And it looks like a great excuse to throw a party!

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Gourmet Grill Gift Basket

Blair at Scribblings by Blair. Her recent post on weekly goals was full of positive ideas. She’s hanging in there, trying to stick to her healthy eating and weight loss agenda despite selling her home, moving across the country, and keeping up with four kids and a husband with a new job. Way to go, Blair. Your goal tracking inspires us all.

Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei at A Hearty Life. Talk about a jolt of inspiration! Here’s a daily stopping point for those of us trying to keep lively. Hsien is starting a Hearty Habit series in which she’ll be highlighting women who’ve made small changes — for big results. Check out this post about what Kerri has done to lose 30 pounds this year.

FlyLady. Are you a FlyLady fan? Although she’s not really a blogger, her email and website are daily inspirations for me to get off my franny and get moving. Woo-hoo! Are you wearing your lace-up shoes? I’ve become a firm believer that lacing up around the house makes me more lively. For one thing, I don’t bump my toes into furniture, and I can move around the house faster. If you want more peace and joy in your life, FlyLady has some ideas for you.

Alyice at The Dabbling Mum Writes. Her post, Just Do It, shows how she’s adding exercise to her daily routine. Alyice has decided there’s no better time to get moving than NOW.

Thanks, ladies! You’ve encouraged me to keep moving and keep living it up, even when my knee injury has slowed me down.

Post from: Blisstree

Round-Up of Lively Women Bloggers