Hooked

Last week when shopping, I found a white metal flower over the door hook. The white doesn't really go with my color scheme. I bought the hook and painted it with Beyer latex paint. The fact that the hook was already pretreated was a big help because it allowed the new layer of paint to stick well. I only had to do one coat with a few tough ups.

Hooks are key for organization, it gets those clothes off the floor or beds. I also like to make sure I have a hook over the closet door when guests are staying it gives them a place to hang up their hanging clothes without having to stick the closet. I also have a large utility hook that I use to hang several outfits I have planed to wear that week.

What types of things do you use your hooks for? Please share any advice you might have!

The Perfect Bathroom

For me, the bathroom is my sanctuary; I can shut out the chaotic world, slow down and completely indulge in pampering myself. It’s the place I escape to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Therefore, it needs to carry the feeling of serenity. It should feel put together, things should be easy to locate. Moving around should be easy. Important bathroom must haves can include but are certainly not limited to:

De-cluttered

                It’s ok to be a minimalist in the bathroom, especially if you have the storage spaces. Having things nice and neatly organized makes finding your bathroom must haves much easier. I love to use clear storage bins so I can see what I am looking for. Plastic bags are also a nice way to group like items, and small boxes. Organizing your bathroom is another article. It’s easier to relax when things are organized. Consider your options; under the sink, the shower head caddy, over the toilet organizers, standing storage, medicine cabinet, edges of the tub, back of the door, or adding shelves can give you more space.

*A must is to get rid of any makeup or lotions that are past their expiration date. I actually got a cyst in my eye from extending the life of my contacts, mixing that with wearing expired mascara! Beware!

Proper lighting

                It’s important to have day lighting, for make-up application. This gives you an idea what your make -up will look like under day light and fluorescent. I also enjoy the dimming effect paired with scented candles for relaxing. Having natural day light can be refreshing. In the summer and spring months I like to open the windows to let fresh air in, and find it more relaxing then using the day lighting.

Seating

                Whether you’re putting your make-up/ lotion on, painting your nails, or just relaxing until the tub is full. Having a place to sit, other than the porcelain throne, can come in handy. I also use my chair to stash my book, or towels I plan to use.

Sweet Smelling Lye

                Assuming that it is mostly women who read this, it is geared toward the famine preference. For me scents need to be re-freshening and relaxing. I use my energizing scented soaps in the morning to kick start my day and my relaxing soaps at night to unwind. Candles also fall in this category, while there is no limit. Make sure to keep a lighting device somewhere out of view for safety and don’t forget to blow them out when done.

Plush Towels

Towels should be comfy and plush. Investing in a good set of towels that will last a while is important. I buy the large size towels so that I am able to cover more with them.  Also cover your floor with a comfy bath mat. I hate walking in to cold tiles in the morning. There are many options and styles to matting in the bathroom. I have two that I switch out on monthly bases to prolong the life.

Hooks

                I love hooks in the bathroom, it allows you to hang clothes, extra towels or robes when not in use rather than on the floor. They should be within reach of the shower/tub.  Investing in pretty hooks can add to your decor, items that pull double duty especially in the bathroom are especially nice to have.

Storage for the reading material

                It’s nice to relax and read while I am soaking but being an organized person it’s also nice to have a place to put it when I am done, so the pages don’t soak up water from the edge of the tub. Placing reading material in this keeps like items together, extends the life of the reading material and gives an organized look.

Music

I also have a place to plug in my Ipod so that I can relax and drown out the noises around me. This really allows me to enjoy my down time. I also use music to kick start my day. Make sure to keep it in a safe dry place.

Piloting the Piles

Fix, To Do, Recycle, Recycle, and Read the list goes on. We all have a perpetual never ending list of things we want to achieve. In today’s technology and fast pace word finding the time can be near impossible. If you can spare 15 minutes a day you find that list might narrow down just a bit.

Starting, give yourself 15 minutes a day to work on a pile of your choice and set a timer. It is easier to accomplish more, when you know you have an end point.

Reshuffling, into categories; send, do, read, recycle and fix. Remember there are thousands of categories for piles.  It may not feel like you get much done at first but, it is easier to deal with a pile that is all one category. By placing things you need to read or go through in one area, it will be easier to whittle this down later.

Pair it down, once you piles are complete, take care of the space stealers first, anything that needs to leave the house, for example recycling or donating. Remember that 15 minutes you had to organize the piles; you’re not done with it yet. Next time you go out shopping through it in the car and make the stop at Good Will, or the recycling center. (Make sure to keep a list of what you donated for tax season write offs) Ask yourself, if you are really going to ever read/use. this? Do I need it? Can this be put away? Does this have a home? Can I through this away? If you answered yes to any of these take care of that. If you answered no in the trash it goes. When sorting your piles, keep a bin to place items in that need to be put away, a recycling bin/trash bag for items you choose to discard in order to pare down and simplifying your piles.

Bin away, the “put away bin” should be done every other day, set the timer for 15 and go, move around the house quickly putting items in their proper homes or returning to their owners. Try to empty the bin as fast you can, this makes for a good work out for houses with stairs. Once you have your piles organized use the concept of “the put away bin” for quick clutter cleaning, of any common living space in your home. Do it every other day and you should be able to keep clutter under your thumb. Also make sure people understand the put away bin is not storage and only you are allowed to use it. This sounds harsh, but I have seen people take the bin and use it for other things or to store items witch quickly defeats the purpose of de cluttering and taking on your piles.

Take a paper cut, things like; bills, menus, business cards, appliance information, house repair receipts and magazines /catalogs. Try investing in a business card box that is alphabetized, you can find most of these at any office supply store , I stick mine in the pantry it’s a great way to keep track of numbers of services for the water heater and any other home repair people you use. I also have a friend who has dedicated an entire binder to her home, she keeps the repairman’s business cards, and all her important home papers and warranties in the binder. She uses the baseball card protector pages and slides the card in, and protector pages for the other paper work. If you have the time and get crazy you can enter the information on your computer and keep it in a database there. Try investing in a decorative box to keep your bills; it’s a great way to keep everything together and a place to hide the bills when guests come over. I do the same with menus and store it in my pantry. As for the magazines and catalogs, the choices are unlimited make sure it’s something pretty that you won’t mind having sit out and that fits the available space you have stash the magazines in there, go through though and purge every year. If you know you will never look at it or are not interested take it right to the recycling don’t waste your time. The goal is to find these things easy but kept nice, neat, and organized. Whatever system you choose to organize your pile of papers make sure it’s one that is easy to use and keep up. Anything that requires complicated work won’t last. The easier it is to put things a way, the more likely you are to stick to it.

Memorabilia, oh the nostalgia things we just can’t seem to let go of, there is a box for that. Put it all in a decent size box to be stored in your closet.  Over time as the collection grows and the lid won’t close pare down items until it does. Your options are to display the items you removed from your book shelves or trash them. Remember if you choose to display them you have to have room for them, if you choose to make room that means something else has to go, don’t let your shelves become cluttered.

My pile buster tools include; a timer, allergy medicine for the dust, paper towels and cleaner to clean off anything that might need it,  three ring binder and hole punch for corralling and organizing papers. Labels and markers for just that, labeling, a recycling bin and trash bag for discards, storage solutions-boxes-magazine rack, and a small piece of chocolate for a reward when I finish

Piles are part of life they just happen, but taking some time can break them down into smaller piles and help you keep on top of the mess.

Diamond Solutions-Organizing Jewelry

I love jewelry it’s a large weakness of mine.  Problem is I have so much I forget what I own and what my options are.  Jewelry is one of those fun accessories to organize. Locate that missing earring, rescue tangled or broken necklaces. Reclaim tarnished treasures and rediscover a long lost favorite piece.

To untangle jewelry try using a needle and tweezers. Slide the needle through the not use the tweezers to wedge into the knot as well. Work gently and pull on the chain until you have enough space to slip your fingers in the chain and finish untangling it.

Place anything that looks tarnish in the jewelry cleaner, you can buy this at almost any super store. Once done use the sliver/ gold clothe to finish cleaning.

Place any jewelry that you need repaired into a plastic bag to be dropped off. It is easy to replace broken catches or lobster claws. Most craft stores sell jewelry catches. All you need is jump rings and pliers. If you are unable of fixing it, call your jewelry making friend they might be able to lend you a hand. Keep another bag for anything you decide to get rid of. Consider selling it to cash for cold if it is of value look into what they accept it’s not just gold and silver. You can use the money to invest in new pieces or an organizing system.

Recently I noticed that the miniature wire dress mannequin have grown in popularity. Last year I decided to capitalize on the opportunity and I bought one. I decided to have this decoration do double duty and turned it into an earring stand. Having the earrings out reminds me of different pieces I own that I can pear with necklaces to wear. This saves me valuable drawer space. This is not the only option you have. When choosing jewelry stands or displays make sure it’s something you won’t have to turn, and that it’s   easy to reach the back. Look for something with a wide base. I had a stand before that toppled over easily because the base was too small and it toppled over easily. Make sure if it has hooks or places to put your earrings it’s easy to use and things won’t become tangled. Also before you buy asses the size and amount of the jewelry you plan to put on there, you don’t want it to topple over for weight.

I bought several fabric colored divide drawer organizers. These came in handy when organizing my jewelry and they fit perfectly in my drawers. I can easily lift them out in layers and see everything I own with digging and tangling my jewelry. Make sure if you decide to try these you measure your drawer space height, length and width to make sure the ones you buy work. I bought these at TJ- Max, Marshall's and Home Goods. Play with how you organize the jewelry, try different combinations. Also if you don’t want to designate an entire drawer to jewelry make sure to measure the space you plan to give. Instead of buying dividing boxes you can use old boxes from around the house to get the same affect.

If you don’t want to use drawer space there are other options. I recycled an old wooden cigar box and turned it into a jewelry box. I also have an old tea box that had dividers I decided to use.

Small jewelry boxes are fun. I have three that I collected from family vacations and trips that I took. It’s nice because they provide sentimental value while holding jewelry that I love. They also do a great job of decorating my dresser top. Just be careful not to overdo it with these. It’s easy to forget what you put where and could find yourself going through a few before you find what you’re looking for.

I have entertained the idea of a jewelry stand but currently do not have the space, so this particular stand fits my needs. I plant to place it on top of the jewelry stand when I buy it. Don’t be afraid to be creative. I have a friend who rescued a folding shutter and painted it she added some small hooks in which to hang necklaces and bracelets. For the earrings she uses the wire ones over the side of the shutter. She removed some of the shutters and added a cork board with a small bin for the earrings with a stud. She places the backs in the small bin. Everyone is different and different things work for different people.

Boxed Out

Rewind six years ago, I was converting my room into a Hawaiian paradise. I found boxes 3 cardboard boxes that fit perfectly on clearance for 25 cents apiece. Now, in my conversion to a more sophisticated color palette, I found my barging boxes clashing with my new style. However, I didn’t want to lose my prime storage space. I decided to make them over with just a little paint, some wrapping paper, and Modge Podge. Total cost 8 dollars for brown paint, everything else I had on hand.

It just goes to show items can be made over to work for you  and your needs. You are also not limited to just the types of boxes in the picture. Pardon the pun but think outside the box. Its a great way to use up that left over paint or wrapping paper.

1.       Start with coating the boxes with 3 layers of paint. Let dry in between coats.

2.       Measure the box bottoms and Lid; Length x Width, Length x height, Width x height. You need two of each for both the lid and box.

3.       I used wrapping paper that had 1 inch grid lines marked on it which made things easier. It was also something I had around the house so I didn’t have to pay extra. When you measure on the paper make sure you have two of each.

4.       Check to make sure each piece fits, by laying it in the box and using your nail to create folds for paper that is too big. I tried to make it so that the edges over lapped to the bottom, this way when I laid the last piece the bottom in there were no gaps in the paper.

5.       Modge podge the box then add the shortest side corner pieces in first. I started with attaching them to the outer edge of the box then rolling them to the inside and then applying more Modge Podge over to seal it. I then moved to the longer side piece. (Try folding the pieces in half. (hotdog style) To accomplish this then smoothing them from outside to the inside of the box to achieve this.)

6.       Place the biggest piece in last go slow, and seal with a layer of Modge Podge on top. It should dry in about 2 hours.

7.        Come back and add paint touch ups to the edges and outside of the box where needed, let dry 2 hours later.

8.       Add Modge Podge to the outside, of the box let dry and enjoy.

Keep This On Hand

I like to have a few things on hand,

• Paint, I love the small; containers of paint you can buy from the hardware store for 3 dollars. I like to keep about three different colors on hand. If I decide to do a project on the whim I already have great paint ready.
• 3M hooks, fantastic for hanging things and placing where ever needed.
• Sharpies, I use these often and stock pile at the back supply sale. There great to have for labeling, one on my fridge, 2 in the office, 1 in the car. I have them stashed everywhere
• Extra glue sticks. I get mine from the craft stores/dollar stores watch sales, always nice to have back ups
• Painters tape, even if I'm not painting its great for other projects
• Clear plastic envelopes, I use these for organizing paper work like; coupons, bills, and other important papers.
• Sticker Labels- great for placing labels on boxes and envelopes.
• Shoe boxes, I use these as cheap organization, but to save space I never stockpile more then 3.
• Neutral Wrapping Paper- that can be used for birthdays, weddings, baby showers or whatever else. I use a solid color of paper.
• Tape, I hide a spare role of tape so that we never run out in dire situations.
• Batteries, I have a spare box just for batteries, I have a couple different sizes, but I really stock up on the 3A and 2A
• Post-it notes, I stash these in every room of the house for quick notes.
• Extra Storage Container, I always keep 1 extra storage bin in case I come across something I think I could organize better.
• Emergency TP- always have one roll hidden away , in case of an emergency.

I will add more as it comes to mind, or share your own.

Tin Tiles- Flea Market Find Rehab

I bought these at the local flea market. They were muddy and had lead based paint. My first step was to wash them with an S.O.S pad. It took care of some of the paint and almost all the mud. I then used a paint scraper to do the rest. This task was a bit of a pain and took a long time but was worth it. Make sure if you do this to take care around the edges so you don't cut yourself. The tiles are thin and when they are taken out they are sometimes jagged and bent. I washed the tiles again and let them dry for a day. I talked to my local paint guru, who recommended I used a latex paint. It took about two coats , I let them dry in between for a day. I decided to make the holes on the edges bigger (when they put the tiles up they used nails which left holes in sides. I used an ice pick to to enlarge the holes. This allowed me to string ribbon through the holes to hang the tiles off a hook. I tied the the ribbon in a small knot, on the back side, to keep it from coming out. This project took me several months because I was waiting for right ribbon and debating on framing the tiles. It was good that I took my time finishing it. Taking my time allowed me to examine my options and play with what I wanted to do. I ultimately decided to use the ribbon so that if I change my mind and decided to frame the tiles I still can.

Treasure Hunting 101

Things to bring with you:

• Tape measure
• Camera
•   Pencil /Paper
•  Color swatches (wood colors, fabric colors, etc.
• Pictures of inspiration
• Any measurements you made at home
• A vehicle  that can fit and carry your new treasures home
  

All these things make life easier one treasure hunting, they help you narrow down and be specific. They can also save you money and time, allowing you to get the right thing the first time.

FLEA MARKET

I love flea markets, you never know what you’re going to find. It’s also one of the oldest forms of recycling. If you can find something that is close to what you need and can cheaply alter to suit your needs that’s a great find. Flea markets are growing in popularity. I particularly enjoy the larger ones; however, the larger they are the more people there are, which means you have to navigate crowds. Shopping in the flea markets, you are more likely to find unique and creative pieces that are all their own not likely to have been mass produced. I also consider walking the flea markets a work out. Many times you can bargain, but make sure what you offer is reasonable and not offensive or you will shut the vendor off to working with you completely. I like to ask "is there any way you could go slightly/little lower?" Some times, later in the day they are more willing to bargain, storing and hauling can be taxiing on vendors and they want to push their stock for newer items. Make sure to be polite and thank them, even if they wouldn't come down. Kindness can go a long way. Just end with "well thanks anyway."  It might win them over as your walking away.

TO BRING: The above materials, 1-2 hundred in cash- many vendors don’t accept check or credit. With larger markets it is more likely that the vendors will be able to accept credit and cash. Excellent walking shoes, large canvas fabric bags with comfortable handles, bottled water, sunscreen, a notebook for ideas, I personally am not big on the carts as they can hinder your ability to manage the isles and move at a good pace.

 BEWARE: pit pockets often occur here, place your money somewhere safe or even break up your cash and place in different locations on your person. Also, watch your bags make sure it’s not easy to reach down and grab things of them.  Overpriced vendors if you are unsure walk around and see what other vendors who are selling similar things are pricing them at. You might also be able to make it yourself, if you can don’t buy. I like to write down ideas I see in a note book I bring with me. Pace yourself, stop for lunch.  Leave your unnecessary purse items locked out of view in your car; it will only weigh you down. I like to pare up with a friend when we go for opinions and taking turns holding bags for lines in the bathroom or just looking at items. Also watch your bags when your turning so you don’t knock over items in a tight display area.

HOME GOODS/TJ MAX/ MARSHALL'S

            I love this store the merchandise changes often and is unique so I go often. I find there are two ways to shop.  Go in looking for a specific item or just searching for new ideas or ways to spruce up your living spaces. Keep in mind stock turns over quickly in these types of stores; it might not be there tomorrow. You need to strike when you can, if you are unsure ask the store to hold it for an hour. Also these stores are excellent about returns just keep receipts and tags on until you are positive the item you bought works for your home. Don't forget your treasure hunting kit, it will save you time and money. Also keep in mind when shopping in clearance items that are broken or damaged might be able to be repaired, look to see if you can find pieces that are missing. If you don't mind projects and you think you have the skill set to fix an item go for it! Make sure you remember just because its on clearance doesn't mean you need it, Knowing when to pass on an item is just as important.

GOODWILL
               Be careful in here! Great finds are everywhere but you have to dig and look. Don't be wooed by an item just because it is a name brand. Examine the condition, is it bent or broken to a point where you can't fix or touch it up. Do you really need it? Will you really use it? Just because the item on the box is new, does not mean the item inside is. Look inside the box, and make sure it is all there. If pieces are missing or broken, will it be easy to replace them? People often put their old appliances in the new box when they replace them. Plug it in to see if it works when possible. Check their return policy before you buy. Bring cash and or debit when buying. Dig dig dig, you have to move things on the shelf be careful when moving items and take your time. When plates are taped together in a set ask to have them opened and see all of them to make sure they all match. Our good will often has things from stores that are no longer selling the items. So they drop them off at good will. I have bought several floor lamps, and other items that Target discontinued. Don't forget a vehicle that can tow your finds.


GARAGE SALES
I approach these like I do flea markets. I bring about 2 hundred dollars in cash. I try to visit garage sales when there are several in one central location. When making offers or bargaining make sure to be polite and realistic.The last thing you want to do is offend the seller.  If there is not a price on an item, I ask if it is for sale first. If the answer is yes, I ask them what they are willing to take. If an item is just slightly above my asking price, I offer 5 dollars less if the item is between 25-75. If the item is 75 or more I make an offer of 15-20 less then the asking piece.  I find that it helps to always make my offer in the form of a question. It comes across as less aggressive. I also try to find the back story of an item I'm buying. I do this by complimenting it, and asking oh where did you find such a beautiful.... you get the idea. Knowing an items history can turn it into a conversation piece and hint at its true value. Garage Sales can be tricky, you might find sellers who are to pushy or wont back down from a price. It they are unwilling to move from the price, you have to ask yourself how badly you really need the item and pay up, or move on. Sometimes if you are buying  several items the seller might be more willing to make a deal. If you come across a seller who is pushing you to buy an item you are unsure of, use this excuse, I really need to make sure....is ok with it. This usually gets them to back off. I prefer to take a partner with for advice and shopping support.


Remember before you purchase an item that you are going to repair or touch up to calculate the cost of supplies and materials to fix the item  to the total cost.


Happy treasure hunting and please share any tips you might have!

The Remote Situation

What if we calculated the average amount of time we spend looking for the remote. How much would it total? What about the most common hiding places? For my home it’s the couch cushions and under the bed.  I have seen several unique approaches to find the remotes in your life. I think my favorite has been placing an electronic key finder on it. That’s a nice one except you have to know where to find the remote for key finder and if the TV volume is blasting you can’t hear it beeping.  Here I have listed several ways to never lose your remotes again.

Velcro

One of my friends in college introduced me to the “Velcro it” method. I liked this because on my way out the room all I had to do was stick it to the side of the TV. I also went a step further and placed a Velcro spot for the remote by the side of the bed. This stopped the remote from falling down in-between the wall, and saving me the annoying task of digging it out every time.

Caddy Shack

                My mother’s favorite method is storing the remotes in a caddy on the end table. I wasn’t big on this but liked the idea of contained storage and designated location for remotes. I decided to think out of the box (literally) I found a large candle holder. I chose scrapbook paper that matched my room colors and cut it to fit inside the candle holder, so you can’t see the remotes. It sits beside my bed and easy access and storage when I’m done with the TV

Box for the Box

                I have also seen people use a decorative storage box, where they not only stored their remotes but a list of their TV channels, and the product information for all their TV accessories. I like this because it places all the information and needs in one central location, while giving the living room a glamorous feel.

Place it There Every Time

                For some this works, but the more people you have in a house hold the harder this becomes. We tried this one but gave up. I would recommend this for extremely organized people who live in small numbered households. You might want to back it up with the beeper thing, and when all else fails check the refrigerator; you’d be surprised, especially if you have adolescent males.

There’s an App For That

                Permanently bench the remote. Download the remote app that turns your phone into the remote for your TV. It also places the control of the remote in your hands making you the Queen. Make sure to download the” find my phone” app so that when you lose that you can locate it. I find to be too much work but if you’re big Techy, it works.

The Old Ball and Chain

                If you get really desperate you can always do what the banks do to keep people from steeling pins. Chain it to the end table.

These are just some Ideas If you have your own please feel free to share.

Organizing Pictures- The experience that’s “Worth a thousand words”

Remember the era, where you actually had to go to the store to have your film canister developed. We thought we were in heaven, when one hour development developed! (Please enjoy the pun) Now thanks to digital we no longer print and store photos like we used to but  what about all the ones stashed around the house?

 My parents have been married for almost 40 years; it’s safe to bet they cumulated quite a bit of photos.  I took it upon myself to downside and organize all their photos. Once I got started everyone was jumping in, it was a great family bonding moment. We had a great time sharing our memories and stories. I also learned a lot about each other and I heard some stories I’d never had before. If you have the spare time, grab the family and start organizing. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words and a pretty great story.

You will need:

·         Acid free boxes with a lid

·         Permanent Marker

·         Your pictures

·         Dividers (if they don’t come with the box)

·         Pencil with a good eraser

OrgaOrganizing
               First locate and gather your pictures in an area to work. Make sure it’s someplace you’re going to be comfortable, so you’re able to stay motivated and enjoy revisiting memories.  Bring a large tub for recycling into your work area. Make sure your work area is clean and clear of any liquids.

Pull out about five envelopes, page through the pictures and organize. Look at what you have and try forming different piles; you will want to turn into a tab finder in the boxes for example. You will place all those pictures that correspond with the tab finder title behind the tab in a box I gave a tab to:

·         Individual pets

·         Homes we lived in

·         Each person in the immediate family

·         My mother’s side

·         My father’s side

·         Vacations we took

Once you have gone through label your piles and continue the process with more envelopes.

I designated an entire box to negatives, CD’s, canisters of other film; I dubbed these “the originals”.

 WhatKeep, Recylce, or Pitch
                        Recycle – the empty picture folders, any doubles or  triples you really don’t need, photos that are out of focus or just not flattering to anyone in the picture. If you took several pictures of one thing or grouping of people pick the best three and ditch the rest.

Keep- any pictures of places you used to live, great shots that make you laugh or bring back fun memories.

Share- While making piles I designated a few I wanted to give to my friends or other family members. I stored these in envelopes with their names written on in pencil.
                                                                                                                                           Labeling and Fileing
Label the back of any photo that does not clearly portray what is going on, IE houses you used to live, label it with the years you lived there and the address. When filling in the dividers list events and people in the pictures and the years on the dividers.

 For example my brothers tab showed pictures of him from his first baseball game to senior prom and commissioning ceremonies complete with years.

Next decide which pile to put in which box, I gave one to vacations, another to family and a third to pictures from my Grandmother’s house. Label boxes with general terms such as Family, Vacations.

Your other option is to divide based on year, in that case divide the boxes by decades (it’s possible to fit 2 decades or more into 1 box. Then break the dividers into years and file accordingly. It is important to be specific with labeling pictures in this case.

Some Tips Before You Start
                         Pictures contain silver which if not properly stored can bleed and leak onto other pictures.  Pictures often become stuck together when something ruins the silver in the picture. The culprit is often times dirt, water, improper storage, or if your me my cat. (some strange phenomenon to me she likes to like pictures)

Storing you pictured once you have them organized in boxes needs to be a cool climate controlled area off the ground to avoid flood damage.

The lid helps keep critters and dust out.

If you decide not use the box method make sure your albums are acid free.  Storage methods made from different chemicals an compromise the pictures, acid free ensures that the pictures won’t become damaged from their storage containers over time.

If your boxes don’t come with dividers card stock or scrapbook paper, which is acid free can make for great dividers.

See   storage advice and be patient it takes a lot of time and you will keep finding pictures to file around the house so make sure you put your boxes someplace easy to reach for a while. This does not have to be a project you complete in one day.

Make sure to put pictures away to keep safe when not working on organizing them.

Furniture Re-Dux

              According to Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, re-dux means, to be brought back.  For the purposes of this blog, I am going to use it to describe, bringing a piece of furniture back to life, that you thought you could no longer use.

In college I bought one of those “assemble yourself” shelving units, to place my small TV on. When I moved home after college I resented the item. I felt it stuck out, like an ugly duckling in my room. I knew I could still get some use out of it, so I decided to add color with a pattern.

I used primer to make sure the paint color stuck, I spent about eight dollars on a can I know I will use for other projects. I also paid about four dollars for a small foam roller designed to paint cabinets and other items.  You can buy these items at any hardware store that sells paint. I also let the primer soak in and dry for two days.

I painted two coats with latex based paint, using a small foam brush for the corners and edges. I let this dry for two days before I peeled the tape.  (Slowly moving my finger allow to provide nice even tension as I peeled)After I peeled the painter’s tape, I used a small brush to do touch ups on areas I might have missed or corners that did not paint well.

Then using a 12 inch ruler, I made marks with a pencil to guide my first row of painters tape. Then I marked the rest of my rows at 3 ½ inches, laying down one line of tape at a time. I then did the same going the other direction. (Make sure to mark your measurements from the top of the prior tape line each time.)

To really make my new and improved furniture pop I used chocolate brown storage bins I had on hand to store various things. I also used scrapbook paper, I had on hand, and that was in the same color family as labels.

Note* I learned that when dealing with any type of compressed wood that is pre-painted or treated it is a good idea to add primer to get whatever color you’re going for to stick to the wood.

There is also a magnetic primer out there that will make most things you paint magnetic! I hope to use this in a project soon.

Supply List: Primer, Small paint roller, Foam roller brushes, Small sample jar of latex paint, 12" ruler, pencil, and painters tape.

GoodWill Find of the Month

I found this dry erase calendar from Pottery Barn (Originally 45) for 5 dollars. It even has the mounting rack. It was in great condition. I was able to do small touch ups with a brown permanent marker where it had a couple dings. Boards like these are great for putting together everyone’s schedules.  I would pair this with a chalk board for quick messages, and a cork board for important family papers.

Organize It and Forget It != DDSGAML

1.       Assess and Prioritize

Pick a room, only one at a time. It will be less overwhelming when you focus on small areas. Decide if what you have, is working or if needs to be adapted. Many times it’s just a matter of organizing the material and downsizing, you don’t actually need to go out and get more organizing boxes and excetra.

Set goals, and answer questions.  What is the purpose of this room? What type of feelings are you trying to evoke? What area is the most important to you or do you want to stand out? What type of space is available for storage? IE= shelves, bins or drawers. What area do you want to start with first?

Make a list of what you are going to need. Check around the house, to see if you can re-purpose anything IE= labels or organizing, pretty boxes for stoarge. Free is alway nice.

 Decide what will house what, example; in your night stand you will put lotions, glasses, and remotes. Magazines will have a magazine rack.

*Tip -Shoe boxes are great for organizing small items. If you don’t like the mismatch of them you can always cover them with scrapbook paper to give a more uniformed looked.

2.      DDSGAML!

Divide the room into sections focus on smaller areas at a time, For example: focus on the dresser first before moving to under the bed. If you come across an item that you want to keep but don’t want to put in the area you’re working on, put it in a box designated for miscellaneous items (this box moves with you around the room) as your organizing continue to go through it  place items where you want them. Example: found remote when cleaning under bed put in box to later file with nightstand.

Designate a box or bag for: Items to be resold, recycling/trash, donate to Goodwill,  and miscellaneous.

Sort, now is the time to go through and find all the pens that don’t write anymore and toss them. Clothes that don’t fit, things you don’t really want anymore, don’t hold back.

Group and or Categorize like things together. Colors, Size/Shape, and purpose are all ways to group. Example; Make up brushes, tweezers, and nail files, can all in the same make up bagor box, because they are beauty products.

Arrange and Rearrange, try a couple different lay outs. Keep in mind the items that you use the most. You will want those in front and they need to be accessible. Organization shouldn’t add all that much more work. It should help you find things and de-stress. Ask your self is this system easy to understand and follow. You want it to be fast and within reach, also easy to put away.

MIS it! Make it simple and easy for yourself! Example Place sheet sets inside a coordinating pillow case, so you only have to grab hold of one thing, and put away away one thing, all while being compact and saving room. Don’t add 5 extra steps. Chances are the more complicated you make it the less likely you are to use the system you created.

label sMABLE, You need to be able to know what’s in the box. It is not fun dragging all the boxes out and having to open them to figure out their contents. Make sure to type labels on the computer or do neatly by hand, either way the print needs to be nice and easy to read from -about two feet each direction. Also when working with food, pictures, or make-up from their original container add the date.

3.       Make It your own

Use paper you like to make labels or decorate the boxes. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist. Add your own touch or things you enjoy in-between the shelves or drawers you are organizing.

4.       Curb Appeal, meets Shelf Appeal

Add volume, depth and texture, when working with a high traffic area you want it to be appealing to the eye. Make sure your organization system flows with the furniture and things already in the room. Boxes with raised ridges or patterns add texture. Change the boxes, bins, and bowls to face different directions which allows for depth. For volume stack boxes or arrange books in different sections on book cases lay some horizontally and some vertically.

Make sure high traffic areas are free of obstacles; don’t stick a bin in an area where it is most likely to be tripped over.

Breakables and valuables should be three feet or more off the ground, below is the toddler/ tail zone things at this level are not safe.