Have you ever set a timer for one minute and then waited? A minute is a long time when you are just sitting and watching the seconds tick by. Or maybe, like me, you sometimes race the microwave timer to see how much you can get done before whatever's in the microwave is finished. If you've done this, then you know you can accomplish a surprising amount in just a minute or two. With that in mind, think how much you could achieve in ten minutes! 

A common reason for procrastinating organization tasks is the notion that "I don't have time". In reality, there are many simple organizing tasks that can be completed in 10 minutes or less. What's more, many of these tasks, if done regularly, can make life easier by helping us to stay ahead of the game and maintain a basic level of organization. 

The next time you have a few unclaimed minutes, try accomplishing one of these 10-minute organizing tasks. Some need to be done at home, but several of them can be achieved while waiting for a doctor's appointment, or for soccer practice to end, or anywhere you may find yourself waiting. 

Meal Planning for the week only takes a few minutes, and it is time well spent. Not only is it a great way to save time and money, it is also an excellent way to ensure your family eats healthier. 

Ten-minutes is generally plenty of time to do any of the following:

• Enter birthdays and other upcoming events into your calendar 
• Set reminders in your phone
• Update your to do list
• Schedule an appointment

If done every day or two, it only takes a few minutes to sort through the mail, recylce or shred the unwanted items, file what needs to be filed, and set aside or act on those things that require attention. The same can be true for other piles of paper that may have begun to accumulate around the house.  

If you're talking on the phone or waiting for a pot to boil, take a few minutes to clean out your purse, work bag, or child's backpack. It's quick and easy, and it feels like an accomplishment. As a bonus, doing this task regularly can prevent forgetting or missing something important. 

Stuff piles up quickly on desktops. The presence of clutter, especially on a work surface, can impact a person's productivity, creativity, and ability to focus. Clearing away the clutter will leave you feeling refreshed and make it easier to concentrate. 

Countertops are clutter magnets, so taking a few minutes every couple of days to clear away whatever has collected is a good way to keep things from getting out of control. Clutter-free countertops set a tone for the space. Maintain a feeling of order by keeping your counters free and clear. 

Even fairly messy rooms can be tidied or reset in a matter of minutes, provided everything has a place. A tidy space speaks to our subconscious in much the same way as a cluttered space. The difference is, instead of leaving us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsuccessful, a tidy space engenders feelings of control, accomplishment, and calm. 

Got ten minutes? Why not clear the junk mail from your inbox? While you're at it, unsubscribe to newsletters and emails that no longer interest you, delete unneccessary or outdated emails, and organize the rest. 

This is something I rarely think to do, but it only takes a few minutes. Use the time to merge duplicates (am I the only one who has these?) and delete contacts you no longer need. While you're at it, why not clean out your voicemail inbox as well? 

If you're like me, you save websites and then forget about them. Before long, your favorites folder can become a cluttered mess of disorganized information. Take a few minutes to delete bookmarks for sites that no longer interest you and organize the rest. 

Here's another simple task that has the power to lift your spirits. Go through the glove compartment, the center console, and any other cubbies where you may have things stashed. Toss out any trash, and if time allows, give the whole interior a good wipe down. If you're really feeling ambitious, vacuum it all out. Of course, that will take a little longer, but not much if you're using an industrial strength vacuum.

My husband surprised me awhile back by picking me up from the airport in a newly cleaned out car. I noticed it immediately and every time I got in the car for the next couple of months until winter arrived with its dirty melted snow and salt encrusted roads and ruined everything...

This is yet another task that can leave you feeling a little better about life. In mere minutes you can empty out sketchy leftovers, remove expired items, wipe down shelves, and arrange the remaining contents of your refrigerator in an orderly fashion. Once you've done so, opening the door will give you a little sense of accomplishment as you are confronted with the neatly arrayed shelves. 

The next time you're waiting on hold, take a few minutes to sift through your pantry or food cupboard in search of expired food. While you're at it, combine open containers of the same product. Wherever it makes sense, remove unnecessary packaging to save space. 

The junk drawer is always a good place to start if you want to complete a quick household organizing task. Other prime candidates are desk drawers and night stand drawers, but any drawer will do. Who knows, you might even have time for two!

Spruce up your entry by organizing your coat closet, hall tree, or other entry storage space. Because these spaces are the first ones we come across as we enter our homes, it's easy for them to become dumping grounds for whatever we're carrying with us. A few minutes once every couple of weeks will go a long way toward keeping this area clutter free, which is a desirable thing since it's also the first thing visitors see when they come to call. 

Write down all the little tasks and ideas that are floating around in your head, and organize your notes. You can also brainstorm a topic such as vacation ideas or blog post ideas or anything else that interests you. If something is troubling you, write out your concerns. If you have a decision to make, create a list of pros and cons. Writing things down is a great way to relieve both mental and emotional stress.

If you're eager to introduce a little more organization into your life, try starting with some 10-minute organizing tasks. They offer a quick and effective way to make meaningful progress toward the ultimate goal of becoming a more organized person. Many of them are easy to do while you're doing something else, like waiting for an appointment, waiting on hold or even talking on the phone. What's more, they leave you with an uplifting sense of accomplishment. What can you do in 10 minutes?

There is a bit of a craze these days among podcasters, bloggers, and others to share things that they like (and sometimes things they don't like) with their audiences. I've decided to jump on the bandwagon for a little change of pace because who doesn't want a (hopefully) helpful recommendation? I, for one, love a good suggestion that points me to a new product or resource that makes my life better, easier, or more interesting. Plus, I'm hoping that in reading my recommendations you will feel inspired to share your own with me! 

I have been a Brain.fm user for a couple of years now, and I  absolutely love this amazing tool! What is Brain.fm, you wonder? It is a website (and an app) that offers specially designed music to help listeners focus, relax, or meditate. There are different playlists depending on your purpose. I use the focus option the most, but I have recently become hooked on the relaxation tracks as well. 

Their patented "functional music" is based in research, some of which has been funded by the National Science Foundation. Their audio products, which feature an underlying musical score accompanied by a specific range of modulations, is designed to induce something known as neural phase-locking. Essentially, it helps you achieve a desired cognitive state - such as focus or relaxation. I don't know how it works, I just know that it does!

Admittedly, the "music" is a little funky at first. There's a real techno vibe to the tracks. Depending on your listening preferences, it may take a little getting used to, but I embraced it pretty quickly (as soon as I felt the results). I love to listen when I am writing or working on any sort of project that requires concentration. Just a few minutes is all it takes to get into a sort of flow state in which my thinking becomes clearer and I'm able to work fluidly without distraction.  

I believe there may be some sort of free trial for new users. I pay $15 every three months, and it is so totally worth every penny! 

It is recommended to use headphones when listening to Brain.fm because they help to block out other sounds. This Wireless Bluetooth Headset is my personal favorite. It's affordable and effective with good sound quality and a long battery life. 

If you follow the blog at all, then you know we recently moved. Our new home has a lovely, big yard framed by spacious flower beds filled with all sorts of plants I did not recognize. I am not an experienced gardener, but I do have modest aspirations. The Picture This app is helping me become acquainted with, and learn to care for, my new yard.

This awesome app is super easy to use. There is a paid version, but I honestly can't think why you would need it because the free version is excellent, at least for my purposes. You simply click the little camera icon and snap a photo of any shrub, tree, or plant, and the app tells you what it is! In addition to identifying your plant, the app tells you all about it: how to plant it, how to care for it, how much to water it, and more. It will even help you diagnose pest and disease issues. The database has something like 17,000 plants, and this includes everything from house plants to weeds to vegetables to towering trees. 

He has a gift for examining the science behind human behaviors and translating it into simple, digestible language. His book Atomic Habits not only breaks down the cognitive science behind habits, it also helps the reader master tiny (atomic) behaviors that lead to exceptional results over time. ​

Have you ever noticed that ideas tend to come at you in waves. They do for me, anyway. I hear or read something, and the next thing I know a similar concept pops up in another place, and another. Perhaps that is only true of things that really resonate with me; I notice them because they have struck a chord. At any rate, I love this quote that I stumbled across on Instagram recently, and I thought the Charlie Brown comic (seen of Facebook) related nicely. 

I tried to find the original source for the Charlie Brown quote below. It appears to have been altered from it's initial wording. As far as I can discover, the original version went like this: 

Either way, I kind of like Snoopy's take on things. 

Speaking of living life to the fullest...who doesn't love a little comfort food now and then? I'm completely enamored with this recipe for Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Nothing beats it on a damp, chilly evening. Seriously, it is so good! It's rich and creamy and decadent, like a bowl full of heaven.

​We like ours served in a homemade bread bowl for an extra special treat, in theory, that is. I confess that my attempt at bread bowls fell a little flat - literally. The dough (which rose wonderfully) sank and spread, making them way to flat to serve as bowls. Instead, we cut them into thin-ish slices and dunked them in our soup. They were still amazing! 

It's been fun putting together this post of some of my current favorite things. I hope you've discovered something new and wonderful here that you, too, can enjoy. I hope, as well, that you will feel inspired to share some of your favorite things with me in the comment section below. I look forward to expanding my horizons through your suggestions. 

It's official. My husband and I are empty nesters. Our youngest son not only moved out, he moved to Montana (we live in Kansas)! While I wish he was a little closer to home, I'm happy to see him spreading his wings, and the good news is, he's off to a great start! 

Our oldest child is thirty, so this empty nester thing has been a long time coming. As a result, I'm finding the adjustment relatively easy (not that I don't miss him). His absence has been made more bearable by the fact that three of our four grandchildren have recently moved close to us. One benefit of this trade-off is the fact that most nights the littles go home. On special occasions when they sleep over at our house, they already have a room all their own. That means we now have a room that is 100% dedicated to guests. 

Overnight guests (other than the littles) are not infrequent at our house, so I am pleased with this new development. This past week I transformed our son's room to a guest bedroom, and I thought I would share with you the things I did to make the space as comfortable as possible for the many visitors I hope to accomodate.  

Mattress
First and foremost, I want my guests to sleep comfortably. It just so happens that we were in the market for a new mattress for that room because the old one was, well...old. Let's just say that in terms of years that mattress has been in our possession, the first digit was a two, and leave it at that. 

Shopping for a mattress can be intimidating. It's an expensive investment, so you want to get it right. If you're shopping for a mattress that is going to be used by a variety of people, that complicates things even more. I found this guide from Sleep Foundation to be helpful. In covers all the factors from mattress types to pricing to body types to firmness and sleep positions. I guess you could say they really lay it all out (pun intended).  

Sheets
In addition to a comfy and clean mattress, sheets play an important role in making guests feel welcome. How often have you visited family and slept on mismatched 30-year old sheets? I did last week. It wasn't awful, but I was sure glad to get home to my own bed. This comfortable sheet set is both affordable and luxurious. We have them on all our beds, and we love them! Cotton sheets (preferably Egyptian) are recommended because they are the most breathable. 

Pillows
Pillows also play an important role in sleep comfort. The problem is, pillow preferences vary widely, so choosing pillows that will feel comfortable to a majority of people can be tricky. I recommend these shredded memory foam pillows ​amzn.to/3Ii1LUgwith bamboo covers because they are both soft and firm. They are also hyperallergenic and have moisture wicking/cooling properties. Another great option are these down alternative pillows.

Blankets and Comforters
There are several factors to keep in mind when selecting blankets and comforters. These include quality, price, style, comfort, warmth, and  breathability. When selecting bedding for a guest room, it's good to choose fabrics that are versatile and durable since they are going to be used by people with varying preferences and be washed repeatedly. Vellux is my personal favorite, but fleece is also a good option. 

In addition to mattress size (full, queen, king), keep mattress thickness in mind when purchasing blankets and comforters. These days mattresses can be as much as 18 inches thick. If you have a super thick mattress, you may want to go with a slightly larger blanket to ensure that it completely covers the mattress. Blankets that don't tuck in tend to wander. 

I recommend having at least one extra blanket in the room in case your guests get cold during the night. It's also nice to have an extra pillow or two in the closet. ​

If your guest room is just a guest room and serves no other purpose, then leaving space for your visitors to unpack or hang up clothing is probably not a big deal assuming the room has a closet. If possible, a dresser is also helpful, not only as a potential place for guests to stash their things, but also as a surface on which to set things. 

If, however, your guest room has to do double duty as say, a craft room or office, then you should make every effort to carve out guest-only space. This might be a couple of empty dresser drawers or an open section in the closet with 10-12 empty hangers. Ideally you would have both. If neither is an option, then I recommend a collapsible luggage rack like the one shown here where guests can place their suitcase at a comfortable height. 

When placing items in our guest room, I thought about the types of items you find in most hotel rooms and chose those that made the most sense for our space. I also added a few of my own. The basic ammenities I selected include:

• a bedside lamp
• an alarm clock
• a box of tissues
• a small notepad and pen placed in the nightstand
• ear plugs (also placed in the nightstand)
• an extra phone charging cable (you guessed it - the nightstand)

I was careful not to add too many items into the space because I want guests to feel like the space is theirs to use. For this reason, I kept the decor and wall art simple as well and made sure there was plenty of surface space on top of the furniture for visitors to place their own belongings. 

If you have room, it's nice to provide a writing/work surface such as a small desk. Be sure to include an appropriately sized desk chair as well. Another great addition is a comfortable reading chair and/or a bench for sitting, preferrably one with storage for extra blankets and pillows. 

Our guest room faces south with a large window, making it the warmest room in the house, even in winter. For this reason, I have placed a small portable fan in the closet in case guests feel overheated during the night. 

Whether you have an empty room to dedicate to guests or you're just carving out space in a room already dedicated to another purpose, I hope you've found these suggestions for creating a comfortable guest room useful. 

Smart phones were well entrenched in most people's lives before I got one. Seriously, they had been a thing for about six years. I didn't even really understand what a smart phone was, or what all the hype was about, when my husband brought home that first iPhone 4 and handed it to me. That was eight years ago, and in that time I have had two upgrades. Yes, only two. The first was to an iPhone 7 which was outdated when I got it. Then recently I got an iPhone 12. As you can see, I'm not exactly into the latest and greatest tech. I'm content to keep using whatever version I have until it stops working. 

When I first got a smart phone, I spent very little time on it. I made phone calls and texted (with far greater ease than I had done on my old flip phone!), but other than that, I rarely pulled it out. Over the years, my usage has increased significantly, but I still prefer to keep things simple. Maybe that's why the basic pre-installed Apple Reminders App is my favorite app to use. 

I find the Reminders App to be simple, yet versatile, and I use it to schedule a variety of things. For me it's like an electronic planner/to do list/habit tracker/memory cue all in one. It has become second nature to me to pull out my phone and set a reminder anytime I think of something I don't want to forget. 

We all get those fleeting thoughts that, if not recorded, disappear as quickly as they came. Capturing them in any fashion is helpful, but setting a reminder is more efficient. Notes get lost - either literally, or they get buried among a host of other notes rendering them meaningless. A to do list is great, but it doesn't put a time stamp on things. It's just a list. An electronic reminder allows you to decide on a specific time to tackle a given task. ​

I know that there are fancier apps out there that will do the things the Reminders app does and more, but I like the simplicity this app offers. It's easy to learn and easy to use, and it serves a very useful function. It helps me remember all the things (and people) I don't want to forget. If you struggle with keeping track of things, I encourage you to give it a try. When you think of something important, set a reminder. Doing so allows your brain to relax knowing that when you need to recall the information, it will be at your fingertips (or in your pocket).