How to clean your kitchen in 30 minutes

Sometimes I put things off because it seems like a project is going to take forever. So, I've found a way to get things done. I set my timer for 15 minutes and get working on a project-any project. 

Below, my kitchen had become very, very cluttered in a matter of days. I knew I needed to clear it, but couldn't think of where to start. So I set my timer for 15 minutes and started clearing off each surface as quickly as possible. I put away dishes from the dishwasher and loaded the washer with dirty dishes.

I put things that went elsewhere in their respective places. I wiped down surfaces with soap and water as they became clear.

When my alarm went off, I set

 my timer for 15 minutes on another project. I didn't come back to the kitchen project for a few days, but when I did, I set the timer for another 15 minutes and look at the difference! 

I still need to do one more 15 minute time period to really get my kitchen in shape, but it's looking much better in just 30 minutes time! Now it's time to set my timer for another project!

A Restart

It's been a long hiatus, but I read 29 Gifts again and got inspired to start giving. So far I'm on day four and things have already started coming around to me, even though that isn't my goal. My gifts have been minor—granola to one friend, ear buds I don't use to a co-worker, a tip I gave when I had a free coffee coupon. Even so, in the last four days, I've been gifted way more than I have given and usually receive. For instance, yesterday my friend Grace gave me some brownies. Today, another friend bought me lunch and paid for gas because I drove to a distillery in Smithville. My mom sent me a box of See's candy for Valentine's Day, and, of course, my coworkers showered me with sweets on Friday, the day before Valentine's Day.

I also feel that it's fun to look for opportunities to give during the day. And sometimes it's hard to decide if something counts. Does the $15 tip for a massage count when I would have always given that tip? It's hard to say. I find I usually end up giving more than one small thing during the day and then whichever gift feels more right to count, regardless of price, is what I count.

If you have a story of giving and receiving, please share.

Happy gifting!