I started recycling over 12 years ago, at a time when it wasn't a popular thing to do. I remember getting flack for my efforts from friends who may have considered my rinsing, separating and disposing of waste to be eccentric. Even my husband was a bit frustrated by the routine as we had little space for this in our flat. BUT, I persevered and 12 years on, I am happy to report that I have even changed the minds of some of those friends and got them to join in.

The reality is we can't ignore th...
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It has been a crazy few months what with workshops and open days and the launch of the online shop. But it has got me thinking about why we load ourselves with so much to do.

I went to a special friend's 40th birthday on Saturday and she knows me well enough to raise an eyebrow and reprimand me when I am working too much. And she has had to do that a lot lately. I keep telling concerned family and friends that when it is your own business, you have to invest a lot of time and energy (which is ...
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Last week-end, the kids' rooms were shambolic and I actually just ignored it (rather good going for a Neat Freak) until I hit upon a plan.

What if I put those rooms to the '5-min system test', which basically was that I would set the timer for 5 minutes and we would see if we could get them sorted in that time using the systems that exist in that space.

So, came Sunday afternoon, that is what I did with my daughter by my side and pretty soon, order was restored in the allotted five mins!  (Here...
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I must admit I am feeling somewhat snowed under by everything I have to do at the moment so time management is becoming crucial. However I can't help thinking that perhaps time management wouldn't be needed if I simply didn't add more on to my plate than I need to?

I often mention this to friends and family and I think the over-whelming consensus is that we are our own worst enemy! We could simply say no when asked to do something we know we don't have time for and we could pace ourselves when...
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I have recently had the pleasure of helping a client sort out her bedroom, and other parts of her home, despite it being a very emotional and difficult step for her to take. We aren't finished yet but she is soldiering on.

She originally called me to consult with her in March this year, and after months of not being able to take this project on, she didn't give up, choosing instead to seize the day. This is because she knew that to not do it, meant she couldn't live the life she wanted to live!

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I keep getting asked by clients and customers whether my home is PERFECT and I always have a good chuckle because I guess I could say yes and be all high and mighty about it! BUT the truth is simply that it isn't..

Now by "it isn't" I mean that there are days when there is absolute chaos in my home when the beds aren't made and the kitchen looks like a disaster area. But I try to give in to this chaos because I know that tomorrow the system that I have will kick in and order will be restored. ...
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I have been using some time during the kids' holidays to set up my home store and I have to say I am freaking out because there is SO MUCH MESS.

It would seem that because I have had to move all my stock around, I have landed up with the shop and my office becoming a total disaster area. Although I know that it will soon be over, I really dislike being so unsettled by the disorder and am having to learn to laugh at my need to always have order around me.

So if you are being taken over by your ...
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I was the unfortunate victim of cellphone theft last week when I was with a client in PMB. Basically, even though the offices have security, someone was allowed into the premises and they landed up stealing my cellphone from under my nose!

No kidding - I mean this literally. Whilst the one young man distracted me and asked for directions to some fictitious lecture on the UKZN campus, another took my phone which was right next to me on the desk! UNBELIEVABLE.

Needless to say my heart skipped a b...
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I've had an interesting day so far. Between projectile vomiting IN MY BEDROOM to other mess in the loo, my son has kept me busy to say the least.

It would appear that an extremely inconsiderate tummy bug attacked my son's bowel last night and although a little worse for wear today because of interrupted sleep, it could have been worse. Why, I hear you ask? Well, consider how bad the night and day could have been without medicine at hand to help with the cramping and the non-stop visits to the ...
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My dear domestic worker's mother passed away last week and she has been on the family farm attending to all things familial for almost 2 weeks on and off. This has meant that I am doing the housework along with everything else I have to do in a day.

Last night I had a hot date with Mr. Iron and it did make me consider how many people do not appreciate what their domestic worker helps them with every day. The truth is, South Africans are very fortunate to have domestic help, and whilst I know ...
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It has been a busy time for the Neat Freak - what with setting up the website, marketing and the catalogue. I am starting to feel a little like the electrician who doesn't have lighbulbs in the house or the doctor who always has sick children.

This is because as the Neat Freak, I should never have a problem with time-management, but I have to confess I am snowed under! And it doesn't feel very comfortable. In my case, I have systems in place which do help me a great deal, but I also think the...
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I feel so grateful to all those that have helped me start my neat freak journey. Although I am working long hours, I am thoroughly enjoying it because this is something I love doing.

I would like to thank Deb from MomsMatter in particular, because she has gone out of her way to assist and we seem to make a formidable team despite the fact that we have only ever met once!

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Despite my best intentions, I'm always a little overwhelmed by the school notices. They arrive en-masse from two different schools and before I know it, I am knee deep in paper. Why so much paper? The schools should ask parents which they prefer - email or hardcopy. Surely our techno world should be taken advantage of?
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I was talking to a friend recently who has lots of items in her home that she just feels so attached to. Things like pictures she inherited from her father, but which aren't hanging on any walls. She feels so tied down by the responsibility of keeping these items and asked my advice on what she should do.
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I've often wondered why it is necessary to be neat? Does it really make a difference?
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