Little By Little

Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.
-Henry Ford

This may be a small and pretty insignificant project today. But, hey, at least I committed!

I had a crazy day involving a big interview that was 2.5 hours away (5 hours round trip). In between I had to take care of two little boys---in particular, a newly 3 year old who wants to prove to mommy he doesn't have to do anything she says. Being the sole parent is particularly stressful when interviewing because when the interviewer says jump, I have to jump. I get crazy trying to make back up plans in a pinch (the boys are in daycare on a military base and you have to have a military id to get on to base---so I have to jump through rings of fire to get anyone else to be able to pick them up as backup). So, when the interviewer asked me today what my greatest accomplishment was, I was wishing that I could have been really honest and told him it was getting out of the house today instead of the corporate mumbo jumbo I spoon fed.

ANYWAY, my whining aside, I cleaned out under the half bath sink this morning while I was drying my hair. The clutter was mostly just packaging from toilet paper, etc.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Now, I know it is not much, but it does help to restore order in my otherwise chaotic life. Every little bit counts.

Playroom Perk Up

It's crazy. This whole experience of writing about getting rid of things and organizing is very eye opening. If you were to walk into my house, I think you would say that I was organized, orderly, and pretty darn clean. And I feel that way. BUT, my goodness, when I break it down closet by closet and cabinet by cabinet, it looks so different! Perhaps I need to do a better job! Granted, this is just a glimpse into my life and I don't show the good things. I'm only showing the bad. Why did I think this was a good idea to do this again????? Too late to turn back now. You've seen it all.

Anyway, today's task had to be done quickly and easily because I had my two little boys running around who desperately wanted Mommy's undivided attention. So, I tackled the cabinet I use in the playroom for a catch-all for diapering needs (I have two in diapers), meds, etc. This way, I could be in constant contact with the boys without them even knowing I was cleaning. They were playing and I was tossing.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

One cabinet, one drawer, one closet, and one room at a time. Sooner or later, it will all get done and I will relish in it!

Papers, Schmapers.

This is one of my major trouble zones. I tend to collect all things crap here: papers, mail, bills, coupons, craft supplies, newspapers, the kids' art, and miscellaneous stuff I don't know what else to do with. So, it piles and piles, and piles until it gets to this point and I HAVE to do something about it....which is where I was earlier today.

I've read recently that when trying to organize, try to stay true to your routine or pattern. That way you will be more likely to stick to it. So, since I pile here, I'm going to attempt to organize here.

My first step was to sort through this mound:

And, so I did:

My next step was to set up an organizing system:

I found these at Walmart in the clearance section. I think each set of two was $7. So, I spent $14. I labeled each drawer: File, To-Do, Receipts, and Misc. My system also includes the basket on the ground, because under the blanket...:

...are all of my file folders:

This way, the folders are readily available to sort when I need to. Also, the basket is easily moved. So, when I have guests and need to clear the area, all I have to do is pick it up and move it to another location.

We will see if this system proves to be any better for me over time!

Cleaning Supply Cabinet Cleanup

Say that 10 times fast!

I only had a few minutes to do some extra organizing today, so I dove into the cleaning supply cabinet in the laundry room. I knew this one would be quick and easy as it was mostly just reorganizing.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

And here are the 10 things that I got rid of from this cabinet:

Quick, easy, and DONE!

Small things are starting to make a big difference!

Hot Dog! I Did It!

This is some exciting stuff. Almost as exciting as candles! So you don't sit on pins and needles any longer, I will cut to the chase (no pun intended). Here are the before and after shots of the dog cabinet in the laundry room (sorry for the poor lighting):

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here are a few of the things I got rid of:

1. A mason jar (which I shattered on the floor while cleaning, dammit)

2. A dead Roomba (it costs as much to fix as it does for a new one)

3. A new but unused collar for our St. Bernard (who was put down last May)

4. A harness that has never been used

5 & 6. Two mostly empty peanut butter jars that we call "Dog Peanut Butter"

7 & 8. Two rogue tea light candles

9. An empty bottle of ear cleaner

10. The extra food container and the nasty pig ears that were in it

One of the nice things that came out of this project is that I found my St. Bernard's collar. Instead of getting rid of it, I made a little memorial to him on the door. I hung his picture up with his collar hanging around it. I miss my big guy and this is a nice way to think of him more often.
So, as I work my way through the laundry room cabinets, my next stop will most likely be the cleaning supplies. Can you stand the excitement?!

My Name is Jackie, and I'm Addicted to Candles.

We all have our addictions. At least I think everyone does. I have several, one of them being candles. I have a cabinet full of candles. Call me a liar because I actually have TWO cabinets full of candles.

My husband and I have come to the conclusion that we will never be minimalists. We dream about it---about living without plethora of things, about being stripped down to the bare essentials and not be weighed down by our possessions. But let's face it. It's not in either of our blood---especially mine. However, we have come to the conclusion and agreement that we will only keep the things we use (including my service for 60). And believe it or not, I use the majority of these candles throughout the year. Many of them are seasonal and are used at different times of the year. But in the spirit of cleaning things up and eliminating things we don't use, I give to you my candle cabinet(s)!

Before:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I do not have photographic evidence of the things I discarded, but I have a bag full that went in the trash and some that are headed to our favorite donation spot.

I'm trying to make my way through the laundry room (where the candles are located), so stay tuned for some very exciting stuff like the dog cabinet. I bet you can barely stand the anticipation!

Shoe Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!

Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you!!

Today's victims came from my closet. Eight pairs of shoes, two necklaces, and two bracelets. While I really like most of these shoes and pieces of jewelry, they have either never been worn or worn to death. So, in my pursuit to clean house, they are out the door!

I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly.......

10 Things, Playroom Edition

It's back to the basics today. Our playroom is beginning to be overrun with toys that are, by and large, not played with anymore. Here is a glimpse into our post-Christmas mayhem:
So, today's project was to grab 10 things from the playroom to either donate or sell at our future spring garage sale. Here they are:
1. Tool table

2. Building blocks

3. Horse

4. Teddy Bear (with beating heart to soothe babies)

5. An egg with a hatching dinosaur

6. A bop it game

7. A bee hive toy

8. A rolling turtle

9. A motorcycle

10. Piano

11---ooops, I counted wrong! A tambourine

They are already out in the garage in the garage sale area. See ya! Wouldn't want to be ya!

Can I get a whoop, whoop?

I did it! And I finished two days early! Christmas 2010 is just a memory now....at least on the outside of my house.

They are all gone: The wreaths, the lights, the garland, the swags, the topiaries, the Christmas pillows, the candles, the lanterns. And now my house looks so boring!

I took everything down and put it in labeled storage containers.
Then I schlepped it up to the attic...all the way three flights of stairs. Many, many times.

Thanks to my husband, I have an easy and out of the way storage for all 26 homemade wreaths. He hung bars suspended between the rafters which allow me to hang them without interfering with other storage space.

If I could figure out how to rotate this image, I would be able brag about how organized my bins are now that they are tucked away up in the attic! But, I can't. So I will just tell you how glad I am that this part of the post-Christmas cleanup is done!
Next step is to take down my Christmas trees!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The first order of business for 2011 is the post-Christmas cleanup!

I love to decorate. I spend a lot of time looking for ideas, crafting, assembling, unpacking, and displaying. I love the whole process. But with that comes dis-assembly, repacking, schlepping up to the attic, organizing, and storing. And as much as I love the decorating process, I despise the un-decorating process.

I am thoroughly enjoying the warmth of all of the lights and sparkle inside and outside of my house. But, I know I can't be THAT neighbor and leave my Christmas decorations up until February. So, it is with reluctance I will begin the process. I will start outside so that I can linger in my indoor haven just a little longer.

By my next check in, it is my resolution to have all 26 wreaths down, the 36 strands of garland, the lights, the lanterns, the bows, the swags, the candles, the topiaries, and the outdoor Christmas pillows down and stored properly (inside labeled containers) in the attic. Life permitting, I am hoping to have this done by Wednesday, January 5.

But, before it disappears, I want to relish in it's splendor one last time:

Lame Post

I suppose this does not go along the 'rules' of Our 10 Things since I didn't get rid of anything. It's just an organizing picture...and a boring one at that! But since I'm hard at work in the kitchen, I just thought I'd share general progress.

This is one of two cabinets in our kitchen island. We keep platters and service ware here. It just needed a little shifting around. I wish I had a better system for storing this stuff!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Earth shattering, huh?

Hodge Podge

I think we all have one (at least one!) of these. This is our cabinet where a variety of things land. It holds baking ingredients, oil, vinegar, plastic outside 'glassware', baby bottles and sippies, baby meds, etc.

I sorted through and threw away old, unused, and duplicates. I also bought ($4.99 at Homegoods) a couple of tiered organizers so I can more easily see what's on the shelves now in the hope to help reduce buying duplicates and just plain old use what I have!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I found a couple of unsused baskets in the attic to help conceal some of the bottle/sippee/baby chaos. I even was able to find a home for my new dessert dishes (mini trifle bowls) that I bought for our 4th of July party (all 20 of them).

This isn't a dramatic visual change, but now I know where everything is and everything is more accessible!

Spicing Things Up

Today's project was painless. I enjoyed a big glass of wine while I organized my spice drawer and it was done in less than 15 minutes. I'm a bit of a spice addict: I also have a spice cabinet....but we will get to that another time. Anyway, without much fanfare, here is my newly organized spice drawer (sorry, no before photo):

They are in alphabetical order (we'll see how long that lasts) and in one of my new beloved Williams-Sonoma semi-annual clearance sale drawer organizers.

There is something so satisfying about having things in order. I have found that in being more organized makes my life feels less chaotic. Still, soooo much to do!

Back From Outer Space...and Cleaning Drawers!

Kate, you inspired me! So....I'm back!

I have still been doing small projects here and there, but haven't documented anything and didn't think it would be too exciting for you to read about organizing my expense reports, product information, and promotional materials in my new file cabinet. I've also had a slew of guests (the blessing and curse of a beach house!), my husband has been away quite often, and I just threw a mega 4th of July party. But hey, that's life! And it gets in the way sometimes!

I also have another inspiration: My new kitchen drawer organizers!

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/mahogany-expandable-drawer-tray/?pkey=cdeckitdrw

I'm a sucker for the semi-annual sale at Williams Sonoma and snagged these last week at 50% off. I LOVE them!

Here they are in practical use:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

AFTER (I forgot to take a before):

BEFORE:


AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Nothing too exciting, but I get a sense of satisfaction every time I open one of these drawers!

I Have a Secret.

While my house has been getting in order, my work has been doing just the opposite. I've been spending so much time doing house stuff, that the organization of my work has suffered.

I work on my own for the most part. I'm in outside sales and my office is my car. I have A LOT of things to carry in my car (literature, samples, display boards, education materials, etc). I live out of my car and am on the road for most of the day. I'm pretty much a free bird, but every once in awhile, I have to work with my boss. This is the case for the next two days.

I desperately needed a big overhaul of my work life. So, my husband took over tonight by making dinner and putting the kids to bed. Thank the heavens for him! Here are the tasks I tackled tonight:

• Cleaned out my car
• Cleaned out two work bags
• Organized and printed reports to go over with my boss
• Organized my samples
• Organized my promotional/educational materials
• Organized my target list
  

I hate working with my boss. I always feel like it's so unnatural. At any rate, I wanted to make sure all of my ducks were in order. I'm not totally done, but at least I'll appear on top of my game tomorrow!

I'm Baaaaaaack.

No, I didn't fall off of the face of the earth! Nor did I forget about the Our 10 Things endeavor. My power cord simply went kaput on my personal computer and my work computer's firewalls wouldn't allow me to sign in and post. Problem solved: The new power cord has arrived!

We had our garage sale on Saturday. I forgot to take pictures. You've seen lots of the things I had collected from around the house. We made $400 and sent the rest to the thrift store that benefits the local/regional children's hospital.

I've also made good attic progress. I will post pictures.

Just a short post for now to say that I am back!

I Can't Believe I'm Showing This....

This is my shame: The attic. I was not going to post before or progress pictures until I was totally done because I am too embarrassed. I am embarrassed by the amount of STUFF. No one needs this many possessions. It's a battle I constantly fight. As you all know, I'm a sucker for a bargain. This is how my attic got this way. When I finally realized I had too many things, I made a conscious effort to buy less. I'm not perfect, but I have gotten much better. At any rate, since I'm turning over a new leaf in that respect, it's time to organize and purge this mess.

Without further adieu, my attic before (LEFT side):

(And yes, that's an Elvis on velvet on the left near the stairway.)

And where I stand as of this morning. (LEFT side) Before (RIGHT side):

Progress (RIGHT side):

I still have a long way to go, but I wanted show the progress I have made. This project is totally intimidating to me. Little by little, I'm getting there.....

Attic Progress

I've made the commitment to try to get our attic organized and purge some of the stuff up there. We are planning for a garage sale next Saturday, so there is some incentive to a) get it done in a timely manner, b) get rid of things. This is an ENORMOUS project and I don't expect to get it completely done any time soon (I'm aiming for the end of 2010).

Here is some of the loot I've gathered over the past two days:

Pillows, Christmas wreaths, a flower arrangement, a cardboard file cabinet (new in package), a picnic set, an electric caulking gun, a new Rowenta Iron, a bumper for a baby crib (new in package), drapes, and tons more.

I have one more week until the garage sale to purge. Working up in the attic is temperature dependent, so I'll see how much I can get done in that time!

Children's Closet Before and After

I finally finished my youngest son's closet. I had bins upon bins of clothes that we literally tore through as he grew into the baby giant that he is today. I got rid of (donating and selling) three full trash bags full of clothing in the process. The rest was just a little reorganization.

As a reminder, here is the before:

And the After:

I moved the little armoire (which, by the way, I got for $64 at K-Mart on clearance) into the closet.

I still have way too many baby things, but this is a good start. I worked on it in bits and pieces and am finally done with this project!....for now.