this will be the year ...

... that i will get organized.

Along with healthy eating habits, exercise, and budgeting, I believe that organization is up there on most people's resolutions.

There is something so relaxing about a clean and organized home. Call me a little OCD, but I can't lay on the couch and relax if I feel like things are messy or cluttered around me. I am definitely not pefect about it. My greatest struggle is with things that are hidden. Open a pantry or cabinet doors in my house and there's no telling what might fall out.

I am really going to try to live by the "everything in it's place." I am really going to try to cut out the junk in my house and get rid of the things I don't need. Simplify! Hopefully this will help me to save a little cash along the way as well!

What do you guys do to stay organized?

Here are a couple bits of organization inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thing that I saw in a magazine the other day was the idea of a trade / swap party.

{I am not talking about swingers here}

The idea was you host a party with your favorite people, good food, drink, and other girly things. Each friend brings a couple of things from their house that they no longer want or no longer use. The number of items is set before the party. Each item is tagged at the door. During the party, each guest is given a couple of clothes pins with their initials on them. If you see an item that you like, simply put your clothes pin on the tag. If more than one person picks an item, then you can pick a number or draws names from a hat.

Everyone leaves home happy & no spends a dime. Why didn't I think of this idea ??? 

I would love to have a party like this! Anyone else want to join me?

the office - not the hit comedy

In liu of creating an office space in E & I's home, I thought I should post these suggestions. I cannot credit my own creativity, however, Better Homes & Gardens deserves the honor on this one.

In our office, I have painted the desk and chair, hung the chandelier (a brass one I spray painted of course), & hung the windows. I ordered some glass knobs (are you surprised?) for the desk, however, they are not the right size so I need t putty & re-drill. I'm not sure if I am going to take that on while E is gone, or wait for his service when he returns from the sunny land of Hilton Head.

I am also working on the window treatments. I am planning on making my own window treatments. This will be a first...I will let you know how it goes. I hope to get a few fabric swatches soon & I will post and beg for your suggestions. If you have any experience making window treatments please feel free to comment any advice. I need all the advice I can get!

I am thinking the window treatments will be similar to these

I hope to hang the drapes above the window, like this picture. I am hoping it makes the ceiling seem taller. I am also going to put some small frames in between the two windows. Now I just have to decide on fabric - that's the difficult part!

Here are some ideas I may implement into my current remodel
I hope they inspire you

Organize the little things

Monopolize your space: dedicate an entire wall to storage & brainstorming

Use every inch of spaceGet creative: shop local home improvement or thrift store for a hollow-core door. Paint it to match your decor, then mount it on painted table legs.

Borrow from the kitchen