DIY- In Progress

I am currently doing a lot of little projects through my own home and thought I would share this painting project. My Little One is growing up and no longer wants raspberry sherbert with crayon orange polka dots on her walls! The new color is Whisper Yellow from Behr- and it only took 2 primer coats and 2 topcoats to cover! Very modern and sleek, and we will be accessorizing with hot pink and orange- at least for the next month or two! I will share the finished project soon, this is just the work In Progress!
Before the painting...


During the re-do...



Final project coming soon!

Blooms!

Success! My paperwhites are blooming!

Inhale the fragrance, and enjoy them during the very cold month of January. They make me smile every time I walk past- usually on my way to decluttering the house! Its my big undertaking for the month of January. I will share the bags of things to be donated- so far 4 and counting! Happy closet purging and sorting...

Happy 2009!

I know it's a bit into the New Year already, but the time is escaping me! We are busy revamping and reworking things- household items included in that- to bring you a new look! Exciting things are in the works, and I am researching "stuff" all the time. Can't wait to share with you. In a couple of weeks...

Anyway- our little paperwhite narcissus project. I hope you started one! After a mere 3+ weeks, it is well under way, and puts such a smile on my face. Keep watering!

Paper White Narcissus Project

Take a break from the holiday running and start this easy project. Paper White Narcissus are a holiday flower, but I start mine now, so they bloom in the snowfilled month of January. Since I just started mine today, I will keep you posted on their progress. This is also great fun for kids- watching the roots entwine and flowers start!

You will need:
Clean vase or two
River Rocks, marbles, glass gems, or stones

Paper White Narcissus bulbs (these can be purchased at any big box store- I got mine at Home Depot).

Ingredients- I used river rocks in my vases.

These are the filled vases. Add water to touch the bottom of the bulbs and you will see sprouts in a couple of days. They will bloom in 4-6 weeks. I will keep you posted on the progress...

Autumn Basket

Need a fun, quick centerpiece? Grab a large basket and let's get started!

This basket is overflowing with items that scream FALL! Raffia and grapevine pumpkins add a splash of color and texture- go ahead and use real ones if they are available. Large pinecones add texture. Seed balls give us a great shape and feel. And finally, a bit of sparkle with a wire garland in bronze. Layer on the pretty linens and your table is set! The added bonus- this is a very light weight arrangement, so it can be taken off and moved with ease!

DIY project in minutes- what are you waiting for?

Helpful tip: Go overboard and fill the large basket with plenty of items- this is the season of abundance, after all!

Clutter Busting Tips from Real Simple

Real Simple magazine has your fall clutter busting tips at hand. This magazine really gets to the heart of the clutter issue with these 7 simple steps to beating clutter, once and for all! Fall cleaning has never looked so great! Here's a condensed version of the 7 steps for those who are going to start right away, or try this link to Real Simple for more in-depth!

Clutter Buster Tips:

1. Act like you are moving. There is nothing like a deadline to make you actually complete a job!

2. Assess your rooms. Make sure each room and item has a purpose in it's space.

3. Clean out for a worthy cause. In this day of economic chaos- your "stuff" is appreciated by many charities. Donate!

4. Edit your rooms. Simplify the space you live in.

5. Make organizing a team effort. Everyone in the family can help with this one! Remember the "one in, one out" rule, and use it!

6. Shop in your closet. try on items that you haven't worn in a while and update your look that way.

7. Put apples with apples and oranges with oranges. Group like items together and put them where they will actually be used.

Enjoy your fall clean-up!

Domino Magazine- October Issue

Okay- it's Sunday evening, and I had plans to watch football and leisurely look through the latest edition of Domino that I got yesterday. Well, I have not even made it past page 50 "scouting" and feel the need to share some great ideas! I cannot wait to look through the rest of the magazine tonight!

Love the idea of a cylinder vase holding extra toilet tissue!

How about 5 easy steps to an organized pantry? Everyone can do this!

What else is in this issue? I am signing off, grabbing a glass of wine, and enjoying thoroughly.

Have a great Monday morning everyone!

Craft Room- Revisited

After spending yesterday afternoon, wading through my daughter's bedroom (a Back-To-School ritual for us), I needed a bit of a design break! Realizing that my craft room is on hold in our vacation place, but desperately needed after seeing my daughter's room, I did a little digging through some organizing sites. I have found some favorites, and now just need to place them in the room- at least in my mind and on paper!

Just an FYI- we are messy crafters and need lots of stuff and places to put the stuff! I tend to look right away at children's play areas- after all, we are "playing"!

From Pottery Barn Kids:
Flexi Wall System




I love the orange of the storage units and the versatility that comes with this unit.

From The Container Store:
The Elfa System


Elfa will probably be the system that I use- it's versatility, storage and drawer units will work for us. Although- I am drawn to the looks of the Pottery Barn one! So many choices, and so much time to deliberate!

Are there any great storage/craft systems out there that you want to share. I am open to any and all to keep my clutter under control!

Glass Flowers

Happy Monday Morning!

A garden project to start the week off with- Glass Flowers!

You will need:
1. wine bottles (use the ones from this weekend's Sangria!)
2. wooden dowels
3. paint
4. clear glass plates and/or bowls
5. glass beads or marbles
6. glass adhesive (available at your local craft stores)

This is a relatively easy project that you can do with the kids! Paint a flower on the underside of a glass plate and allow to dry. Use marbles, gems, beads as the center of the flower- attaching with the glass adhesive on the top of the plate. Follow the directions on the glue itself for best results. Then attach the finished glass flower to an inverted wine bottle with glue (see picture). Stake it in the ground and watch your flowers grow!

Craft Room- First Edition

Here is my very exciting, unfinished 9x10 craft room/guest bedroom! Since we are on vacation, my Little One has decided it is much more fun to make crafts than to organize a room so this project will need that year to do! I am putting my thinking cap on, and really want to make this room functional and full of storage space! Check back for updates... or maybe just pictures of the gorgeous beaches that we have been lounging on!

Mother's Day Gift

I have to share my Mother's Day gift with all! I received it a bit early, and thought what a great craft for all those Little Ones on a rainy day.

Simply fill a container- they used tins with foam and covered it with wax paper (green of course), or a moss would work. Assemble the button flowers out of bright colored buttons and wire.

Arrange them in the dirt (stryofoam), and voila- a Button Flower Arrangement.

These would also be darling as a favor for a garden party...

Garden Art

Absolutely love this picture! Use your garden clogs in a new way- as a border or art in your garden! Recycling with a purpose and a great, funky look!

Daisy Clogs from Gardener's Supply Company for $26.95

DeClutter Steps

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place!

Spring is here in full bloom and we are trying to get the clutter under control while spring cleaning our spaces. This can be an overwhelming task and can seem never-ending. Just think of the junk mail you get everyday! Decluttering can be broken down into user friendly steps. Here’s a quick list of easy to follow clutter-busting steps that will simplify your life, and your spring cleaning!

1. Pretend that you are moving
This is the easiest step to get rid of unwanted items. Mark a day on the calendar, and that is your pretend move day. Now ask yourself these questions- If you had to move, would you take it with you? Do you really need that third hair dryer, or all of those books? Its time to pare down. Donate what you do not need. Bring gently used items to a consignment store and make some unexpected cash. Have a garage sale. Just make sure that once it is out of the house, it stays out!

2. Keep only what you love
Ask yourself, do you really have to keep it? If not, go ahead and get rid of it. Put more focus on things that truly make you happy. By organizing your favorite momentos, you will actually look through them! Group collections together- easier to display and clean.

3. The benefits of less
Less stuff equals more time. With less stuff, there's less to clean, organize and dust, leaving your house uncluttered and cleaner. This is motivation!

4. Learn to love containers
Containers instantly add order to chaos, and are the secret weapon of organizers everywhere. Clear containers are the best to use, since you can see the contents inside. Do not forget to label what you put into those boxes!

5. Everything in its place
When everything has a place on a shelf, in a cabinet or in a bin, you will have less counter top clutter. There should be a home or place for everything, or throw it out!

6. Remember the two-year rule
If you haven't used something in two years, chances are good that you will never use it again. Donate, recycle, sell, but get it out of your house. This really applies to clothing. Two years and out unless its a classic like the "little black dress".

7. One in and one out
This is my favorite "rule" by far. It’s very simple- if you buy a new t-shirt then toss or repurpose an old t-shirt. It makes for a simple, clutter free existence.

8. Maximize your storage
Not enough closet space-then maximize the space you have. There are all kinds of helpful items these days that help you make the most of small spaces. Ottomans with removable tops for toys, baskets for under the bed, and compact bags for linens are just a few of the ideas available.

9. Organize by bits
Its going to take awhile to go through the whole house- so go easy on yourself and take it one step at a time. Small accomplishments, like a clutter free utensil drawer, are rewards all by themselves!

10. Rewards
Every job has its perks. Not only will you have a cleaner, more organized house; but a more simple, carefree life as well! If this isn’t motivation enough, then treat yourself to small incentives after each task. Dinner out, because the kitchen cabinets are organized, a new lipstick after throwing out old cosmetics, or a great book to fill in all that free time you now have, are small things that put a smile on your face. Go ahead- you have worked hard for it!

I compiled more ideas in my book "50 Steps to a Clutter Free Home and Lifestyle" - check it out at http://www.declutterbook.com/