tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65748724177187711552024-03-13T14:59:36.838-06:00Delightfully OrganizedSimple Organization for a Joyful LifeSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-33546139672902177592011-05-11T07:28:00.000-06:002011-05-11T07:28:38.090-06:00I've Moved!After much anticipation and work I am finally making the move to my new site. I am seriously so excited.<br />
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I hope you will all join me at <a href="http://www.delightfullyorganizedlife.com/">http://www.delightfullyorganizedlife.com/</a>!<br />
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There you will find all the same blog information available. Huge thanks to Shannon from <a href="http://eightcrazydesigns.com/">Eight Crazy Designs</a> for all of her hard work in bringing my vision into reality. She is a pleasure to work with and so skilled at her craft.<br />
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My official "ribbon cutting" won't be until next week but I wanted to make sure everyone found their way over before then. So stop by the new place! And <a href="http://delightfullyorganizedlife.com/contact/">let me know what you think</a>. I can't wait to see you all on my new site!<br />
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Happy reading!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-71644036936886705952011-05-09T16:42:00.002-06:002011-05-09T16:48:11.759-06:00Unsubscribe For SummerThe weather is getting warmer. I'm not sure about where you are but here we had an especially warm weekend. It almost felt like summer. And what happens in summer is that we migrate outside, away from the computer and toward the pool. So when you do take a few minutes to return to your email wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to go through 30 emails that you are just going to delete?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYTi6utXvmw/TchuSR7JDDI/AAAAAAAAATk/UlqmFUVpx34/s1600/spam+mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYTi6utXvmw/TchuSR7JDDI/AAAAAAAAATk/UlqmFUVpx34/s320/spam+mail.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Take some time this week to unsubscribe from a few of those emails you find yourself deleting without opening. Maybe it's a store that used to be your favorite. Or an organization you gave a donation to once, three years ago. Or a newsletter you aren't sure how you got subscribed on. Before you hit DELETE next time you open your email, go through those emails and click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. Clear your inbox just a little bit for summer.<br />
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Remember... if an email is from an unknown source (i.e. SPAM) please <em>DO NOT</em> click any links on those. Simply mark as spam and delete. But if you know where it's from the unsubscribe link should be legitimate.<br />
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Now get outside!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-11608552803638023572011-05-03T12:00:00.000-06:002011-05-03T14:20:05.116-06:00You Should Be Reading... about crafts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yF_Gz5He9s/TcBjVY6cvXI/AAAAAAAAATg/VVP-AkXj8cA/s1600/iStock+woman+reading+laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yF_Gz5He9s/TcBjVY6cvXI/AAAAAAAAATg/VVP-AkXj8cA/s320/iStock+woman+reading+laptop.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I love organizing. And I'm good at it. I love to *think* about crafting. And I love to *think* I could be good at it. But the truth is, I'm not. My mom tried to teach me to crochet as a girl but I just couldn't get it. I never had much interest in sewing and my machine sits gathering dust. But I am really good at recognizing other people's great crafts! So here are 8 blog posts to check out with other folk's awesome talents at crafting.<br />
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1. <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/about/">Emily</a> @ Jones Design Company - <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/flowers/gathered-flower-tutorial">Gathered Flower Tutorial</a>. I actually might be able to do this. A simple running stitch... not too bad. And so many cute uses!<br />
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2. <a href="http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2007/01/welcome-to-320-sycamore-my-favorite.html">Melissa</a> @ 320 Sycamore - <a href="http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/thrifty-handles-for-furniture.html">Thrifty Handles For Furniture</a>. Tying a knot? I can do that!<br />
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3. Amy @ Wanna Make Something Of It? - <a href="http://wannamakesomethingofit.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-muffin-tin-marbled-crayons.html">DIY Muffin Tin Marbled Crayons</a>. Reuse of something broken... hooray!<br />
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4. <a href="http://windhula.blogspot.com/2007/09/about.html">Michelle</a> @ three men and a lady - <a href="http://windhula.blogspot.com/2011/04/wash-your-hands.html">"Wash You Hands"</a>. A great reminder for little ones and much cuter than what they have in the public restrooms!<br />
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5. Jen @ Simply Living - <a href="http://jen-simplyliving.blogspot.com/2011/03/painted-teapot.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FvZhPY+%28Simply+Living%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Painted Teapot</a>. I have no use for a tea pot. But if I did you bet your bottom dollar I'd want it to be cute like this.<br />
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6. Kim @ It's a Crafty Life - <a href="http://itsacraftylife.blogspot.com/2011/02/picture-frame-key-holder.html">Picture Frame Key Holder</a>. Cute + Functional = Love.<br />
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7. <a href="http://thediyclub.com/diy-dare-bloggers/tiffany/">Tiffany</a> @ The DIY Club - <a href="http://thediyclub.com/2011/04/tiffanys-spring-kahunas-2/">Spring Kahuna's</a>. Just for fun.<br />
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8. Beth @ Unskinny Boppy - <a href="http://unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com/2011/04/pottery-barn-inspired-ladder-lantern.html">Pottery Barn Inspired Ladder Lantern Hanger</a>. Simply gorgeous. Beth is an awesome Alabama blogger who was fortunately spared any major home or personal damage in last week's <a href="http://unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com/2011/04/please-pray-for-alabama.html">horrific tornadoes</a>.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-86646434053838680902011-05-02T12:42:00.000-06:002011-05-02T12:42:24.415-06:00Summer In The Park!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adWHwksR_O8/Tb76XGtwijI/AAAAAAAAATc/_tPuCEbZGhw/s1600/iStock+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adWHwksR_O8/Tb76XGtwijI/AAAAAAAAATc/_tPuCEbZGhw/s400/iStock+picnic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The weather is finally starting to warm and give hints of summer (although the snow on the rooftops this morning in my neighborhood wouldn't make you think that) and it's time to start thinking picnics!<br />
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There are so many options for picnics...<br />
* Dining on your own patio/deck/backyard<br />
* Daytime lunch picnics at the park<br />
* Evening concerts in the park<br />
* Lazy afternoons at the beach or the lake<br />
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In my younger days living in Chicago I <em>loved </em>the <a href="http://www.ravinia.org/">Ravinia Festival</a> in Highland Park. My friends and I would pack up bottles of wine, fruit, and sandwiches with our blankets and bug spray and enjoy awesome concerts under the stars. Girls' Night Out at Ravinia have been replaced by family friendly movies and concerts in our local park but the enjoyment of being outside has not changed.<br />
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The only thing that brings down the otherwise festive atmosphere is the hectic hour before we leave gathering all the necessary gear and food while corralling children into the car or wagons.<br />
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If you like to picnic and plan to do so this summer, take time this month to prepare for all those festivals and outings (like Independence Day Fireworks) coming soon.<br />
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First, pick your favorite container... maybe it's a organizational tote from <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/yvonned/">Thirty-One</a> or one of the classic <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/OpenTopTote~218517_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::MO2&CM_MERCH=IDX_Luggage-_-Totes&origin=index">Land's End totes</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noCfhqOC9VU/Tb73FWCPImI/AAAAAAAAATY/NNG7NQnIVVA/s1600/LandsEnd+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noCfhqOC9VU/Tb73FWCPImI/AAAAAAAAATY/NNG7NQnIVVA/s400/LandsEnd+Tote.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{image source: <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/OpenTopTote~218517_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::MO2&CM_MERCH=IDX_Luggage-_-Totes&origin=index">Land's End</a>}</span></div><br />
Next, gather all that you need to have a great picnic. Here are my suggestions for staples:<br />
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<ol><li><strong>Blanket(s)</strong>. Some places my have picnic tables but even so, a blanket can come in handy when it gets a bit chilly. My favorite blankets are washable and thick (to keep out the moisture from damp grass). </li>
<li><strong>Plastic Sheet or Tarp</strong>. If you live in an area known for lots of summer rain (not you, Coloradoans!) you'll probably want something to go under your blankets.</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8SL1B5oEnE/Tb7wLgQazyI/AAAAAAAAATU/uGyTF36N7Sk/s1600/CrateandBarrelCandleInCanSm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8SL1B5oEnE/Tb7wLgQazyI/AAAAAAAAATU/uGyTF36N7Sk/s400/CrateandBarrelCandleInCanSm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{image source: <a href="http://www,crateandbarrel.com/">Crate & Barrel</a>}</span></div><li><strong>Citronella Candle</strong>. Bugs can ruin an outing quickly. Keep them at bay. This adorable <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/candles/small-citronella-candle-in-can/s130454">candle-in-can</a> from Crate & Barrel is a great way to go. They are inexpensive enough you can buy a few and keep them on hand. <em>Don't forget the matches!</em></li>
<li><strong>Bug Spray</strong>. An extra layer of protection.</li>
<li><strong>Sun Screen</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Umbrella</strong>. You may just need to make a mad dash to the car in the rain. Make it a little less crazy with an umbrella.</li>
<li><strong>Trash Bags</strong>. All those food wrappers need to go somewhere! Instead of making 10 trips to the trash can, fill your bag and then dump it all at once.</li>
<li><strong>Sweater or Sweatshirt</strong>. Even in summer, it can get quite cool once the sun goes down. If you came in shorts and a tank top you might need a little something to help you make it through to the end of the show.</li>
<li><strong>Collapsible Chairs</strong>. Some type of camping chair works great. I've found the older I get, the less I like sitting on hard ground for several hours. </li>
<li><strong>Flashlight</strong>. If you do evening picnics (like for concerts) this can help as you pick up all your gear at the end of the night and make your way back to the car.</li>
<li><strong>Cork Screw</strong>. If you are a wine drinker, this essential will be sorely missed.</li>
<li><strong>Paper/Plastic Goods</strong>. Be extra prepared by having the napkins, forks, knifes, spoons, and plates already packed in your bag. Don't forget a few cups or glasses for wine or other drinks.</li>
<li><strong>Sharp Knife</strong>. The plastic knives will work fine for eating but you may want to share your apple or cut open a package of treats. Don't bring your $200 Wusthof knife. Grab an inexpensive one at the store just for keeping in your picnic kit. Bonus points if you put it in a little plastic box to keep little hands from getting cut while reaching into your tote.</li>
<li><strong>Wet Wipes</strong>. Baby wipes are great for this. Kids tend to find the messiest item in any picnic area (and adults could probably use a wipe too.)</li>
<li><strong>Hand Sanitizer</strong>. Your kid just gave a big hug to the Border Collie the next picnic blanket over and they are about to eat their sandwich...</li>
<li><strong>Ziploc Bags</strong>. I always find empty bags to come in handy. They are great for holding left over food and the miscellaneous "treasures" that kids seem to acquire.</li>
<li><strong>Something Fun</strong>. A frisbee, deck of cards or other small item can help pass the time as you wait during intermissions.</li>
<li><strong>Kids Essentials</strong>. If you have kids, especially babies or toddlers, you'll probably need a few spare diapers and a change of pants & underpants. You probably <em>don't </em>need a complete diaper bag but the essentials are good for your picnic bag.</li>
</ol><br />
Having your gear bag packed, all you'll need to get ready for a picnic is the food and the friends and family. <br />
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<em><strong>And remember</strong>... when you get home you need to restock the bag with anything you used up.</em>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-32967652927340380452011-04-28T08:00:00.004-06:002011-04-28T11:22:56.054-06:00Work You're Proud To ShareAcross the nation, today is Take Your Child To Work Day. What a great opportunity for children to see where mom or dad spend the better portion of their waking hours! Whether you work at an office (or other place of business) or work at home, I think parents and children should participate. My children are still too young but I am looking forward to when they get a bit older and can attend.<br />
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But when your little one shows up at your desk, what are they going to find? Will they see how routines and organization help mom or dad be an effective and highly contributing employee or will they see a mess that could rival the pile under their own bed?<br />
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As parents we give our children a lot of instruction. And we want them to learn the skills that are going to help them succeed in life. But as many times as we tell them what to do, showing them is going to be "heard" a thousand times louder. When watching you, is your child learning the skills of routine and consistency?<br />
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If you are blushing, don't panic. There's plenty of time to turn things around before he or she comes back next year. My favorite tool for staying organized at work is the 3-ring binder.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csg4YLXmUnw/TbmiQnTVtLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/8Qf8bv4TGps/s1600/iStock+ring+binder+with+folders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csg4YLXmUnw/TbmiQnTVtLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/8Qf8bv4TGps/s400/iStock+ring+binder+with+folders.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
What does mine look like:<br />
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<strong>* Weekly Calendar </strong>- my binder has a clear cover pocket. Each week I print my Outlook calendar and put a copy there on the cover. This is helpful when I'm in a meeting and want to see if we can extend the time 30 minutes or if I need to head off to something else.<br />
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<strong>* Weekly Routine Checklist </strong>- simple lists of things to be done at the start and end of each day and week to keep things running smoothly. This includes reminders like, updating time card, checking voicemail, preparing weekly activity reports, emptying recycle bins. Just like you have routines at home (like taking out the trash each Tuesday and emptying the dishwasher every night before bed) having routines at work gives you structure to build an productive day upon.<br />
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<strong>* To-Do List </strong>- first page inside of the binder. I can update as things come up. This only works when work is separate from home. My binder stays at work and the tasks on this list are exclusive to things to be done at my workplace during the work day. If you have a more integrated work-life to-do list you will probably like a more mobile option.<br />
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<strong>* Contacts </strong>- phone numbers of the top 5-10 contacts in my binder. I don't use a mobile phone for work. And while I can easily look them up when sitting at my desk, I occasionally need a number to call someone for consultation while in the middle of a meeting. This saves the trouble of going out of the meeting to look up the number.<br />
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<strong>* Planning Calendars </strong>- a tabbed section with printed copies of blank calendars for the next 6 months. This is helpful in meetings when planning projects out into the future. <br />
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<strong>* Tabbed Sections </strong>- each current project gets its own tab. While we try to be as paperless as possible, there are some things that do come as print outs. It's also where I take notes specific to a project while in meetings and during phone conversations.<br />
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<strong>* Blank Paper </strong>- keep a small section of blank pages at the back to be moved to the specific section as needed for notes.<br />
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I was a Franklin-Covey planner type of worker a decade ago. But I found that format didn't work as well for me as a simple binder. I can add and remove all kinds of notes and correspondence. And I don't have to rewrite the to-do list each day, it just rolls along with me.<br />
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I know that most of us work "paperless" in our emails and through shared databases with our colleagues. But tell me, if you are paperless at work, then why is there a huge stack of papers on the corner of your desk? The reality is that paper is part of our work day. The key is finding a way to manage the paper so that it helps you accomplish your work rather than detracting from your productivity.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-19302079248595780642011-04-26T10:00:00.008-06:002011-04-26T16:07:35.735-06:00The Most Important Moving BoxSpring is here and For Sale signs are popping up as frequently as tulips. A quick search of <a href="http://www.recolorado.com/default.asp">local MLS listings</a> reveals 10 homes for sale just in my little neighborhood. Many people look to make a move before the end of summer and start of the school year. If you are among them, you may be feeling some concern over the process of moving. There is so much to do, and I'm not going to tackle all of those topics today. But I am going to cover just one... the most important box you'll move.<br />
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Whether moving across the street, across town or across the country, there is one box that <em>everyone</em> needs to pack. This is what I like to call the <strong>OPEN ME FIRST</strong> box. I've had one with every move I've made, from apartments in the city to grad school housing to cross-country relocations and home purchases.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBsnOQWDXO4/Tbb5AyzOa_I/AAAAAAAAATM/Bi385E0MfNU/s1600/iStock+moving+truck+and+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBsnOQWDXO4/Tbb5AyzOa_I/AAAAAAAAATM/Bi385E0MfNU/s400/iStock+moving+truck+and+boxes.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>This box should be<em> carried with you in your vehicle</em> - not travel with the movers. Here's my list for the OPEN ME FIRST box:<br />
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<strong>Food & Kitchen Essentials</strong><br />
When the movers leave the last of the boxes you're going to be hungry. You'll probably also be feeling too grungy to go out to eat so bring something with you.<br />
* Paper Plates<br />
* Plastic Silverware<br />
* Water Bottles<br />
* Non-perishable snacks<br />
* Phone number to a local pizza/chinese/sandwich delivery place - look it up in advance and program into your phone!<br />
* Roll of paper towels - these will be multi-purpose, you might want two!<br />
* Dish soap - a small bottle will do<br />
* Kitchen towel<br />
* Bottle of bubbly & some plastic cups - everyone needs to celebrate! (champagne has the advantage over wine here as it doesn't require a corkscrew to open... one less thing to bring with you)<br />
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<strong>Bathroom Essentials</strong><br />
* Hand soap<br />
* Toilet paper - at least one roll for each bathroom<br />
* Hand towel (optional, paper towels could substitute)<br />
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<strong>Cleaning Basics</strong><br />
Yes, your new digs should be clean but chances are you're going to want to wipe down one or two things before you use them the first time.<br />
* Paper Towels (the 2nd roll mentioned above!)<br />
* Glass & surface cleaner (an all-in-one works well)<br />
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<strong>Shower Essentials</strong><br />
At the end of that grubby day, a nice hot shower will feel great. Be prepared!<br />
* Shower curtain liner - you don't need to hang all your lovely decorative shower curtains, but a $3 plastic liner will serve you well those first few days.<br />
* Shampoo, conditioner, soap<br />
* Bath towels (probably one for every family member)<br />
* Toothpaste & toothbrush (floss is optional. Always recommended but if you get a pass on flossing any day in your life, I firmly believe it should be moving day)<br />
* Blow dryer<br />
* Hair brush<br />
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<strong>Bedtime Essentials</strong><br />
* Sheets for each bed you'll use<br />
* Pillows for each family member<br />
* Blanket for bed<br />
* Alarm Clock (or mobile phone with an alarm feature)<br />
* Kleenex (optional - moving makes me sneeze, but you could use TP instead)<br />
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<strong>Rise & Shine Essentials</strong><br />
That first morning will be exciting and daunting as you look at the boxes.<br />
* Light breakfast - a bag of bagels & jar of peanut butter work well for us. <br />
* Overnight bag for each family member (change of clothes and any necessary toiletries, makeup, medications, eye glasses, etc.)<br />
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<strong>Miscellaneous Essentials</strong><br />
* Cell phone chargers<br />
* Cash for tipping the movers<br />
* Scissors! - Seriously so many uses.<br />
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Okay, so that might be two boxes. Or a box and an overnight bag for each family member. But you get the idea. Pack some things you'll really need that first night so you don't have to rummage through all your boxes.<br />
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The key is that if you finish up the move late in the evening, you'll be able to grab a bite to eat, wash of the dust, fall into bed and hit the ground running the next morning.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">************</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are local to Colorado and looking for a great real estate agent to help you make your next big move, check out one of these fantastic realtors:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.timsmithrealtor.com/">Tim Smith</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stellerrealestate.com/">Steller Group</a></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-17026696797227405722011-04-25T11:50:00.001-06:002011-04-26T16:07:45.105-06:00Changes Are Coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om6BKsz38sM/TbWzbZPDVPI/AAAAAAAAATI/fGC4BsVvwxA/s1600/coming+soon+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Om6BKsz38sM/TbWzbZPDVPI/AAAAAAAAATI/fGC4BsVvwxA/s400/coming+soon+gift.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
This blog home has been very good to me for the last 2 years but the time has come to move on. Very soon I'll be relocating this blog to my brand new website! I am so so excited to share it with all of you. Keep checking back for details on the big move! The new site has a new look and feel and I think you'll find it very easy to navigate and find what you need.<br />
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As part of the move, I'll be kicking things off with a <strong>week of giveaways </strong>for my loyal readers! I'm keeping it quiet on what the items will be but I think you'll like them!<br />
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Finally, if you have a product or service you think could help my readers in their quest to get organized and would like to be a <strong>giveaway sponsor</strong>, let me know! I'd love to extend the week and offer some visibility to your business. <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/p/contact.html"><strong>Contact me</strong></a><strong> to participate!!</strong>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-2567544336185677772011-04-25T07:00:00.000-06:002011-04-25T08:07:38.137-06:00Easter Follow-UpHallelujah! He is risen! I hope each of you had a blessed Easter and had time to celebrate the amazing joy of the resurrection of our savior among all the candy and feasting.<br />
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I wanted to take a quick moment to write a follow-up to my <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/2011/04/clutter-free-easter.html">Clutter-Free Easter post</a>. I'm sure you all were wondering how the Easter baskets turned out in the Brown household. I didn't get any good pictures as I was rushing to get them filled as we headed out the door for church and the kids were so excited when we got home and found them that they were strewn about before I could grab a photo.<br />
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But the baskets looked like this:<br />
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<strong>3 year old girl</strong><br />
book (Alice in Wonderland)<br />
bottle of bubbles<br />
pack of fun hair bands for ponytails<br />
brightly colored tank top<br />
chocolate bunny<br />
handful of chocolate eggs (the Nestle Crunch kind)<br />
bubble bath<br />
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<strong>2 year old boy</strong><br />
book (Peter Rabbit)<br />
bottle of bubbles<br />
pack of Silly Bandz<br />
chocolate bunny<br />
handful of chocolate eggs (the Nestle Crunch kind)<br />
bubble bath<br />
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<strong>8 month old boy</strong><br />
2 packages of baby food<br />
jar of Puffs<br />
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In addition to what I got them (which is on the sparse side compared to some people) the Easter Bunny brought gifts sent by the 2 sets of Grandparents - PJs, books, dress-up masks, candy, bibs (for the baby) and some other things I'm sure I'm forgetting.<br />
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I am happy to report that aside from some candy wrappers on the floor there was very little mess. The kids loved the baskets and the other gifts and I felt good about keeping things minimal. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLoePm2oYKU/TbV_q-hpnYI/AAAAAAAAATA/oQnVr3XEpe4/s1600/Easter+2011-04-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLoePm2oYKU/TbV_q-hpnYI/AAAAAAAAATA/oQnVr3XEpe4/s320/Easter+2011-04-24.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>One of the few pictures I managed to snap - on my phone, sorry for the blur. Showing off his new PJs and silly bandz.</em></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-36739563179540165702011-04-21T12:00:00.001-06:002011-04-26T16:07:58.926-06:00Spice It Up!While thinking about the topic of <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/2011/04/while-i-was-in-kitchen.html">spice storage</a> it seemed a fine time to discuss how long to keep those little jars in your cupboards!<br />
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I don't post much about cooking here on the blog but I do quite a lot of it. We are a family that eats together at home each night and that means a meal to please a family. And while Mr. Brown is actually quite a good cook, the kitchen is most often my domain. For me, it's important to have a variety of herbs and spices available. Many times I use a recipe but often I wing it. Just as important, is having spices that taste good! I've never had a spice go "bad" on me, but I have kept some well-past when they actually added any flavor to the food. <br />
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The key when checking your spices for quality is to actually LOOK at them and TASTE them. I have been known to sprinkle a bit of something on a spoon and taste it directly.<br />
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McCormick has a <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Spices101/HowOldSpices/KeepingItFresh.aspx">simple chart</a> that breaks it down. In addition to giving the basic breakdown on how long spices will last they also provide tips on checking color and aroma and how best to store and handle them to retain their freshness.<br />
<div class="ttl_theLifeOfSpice" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ttl_theLifeOfSpice_dyn" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(/~/media/Images/Sites/McCormick/Spices%20101/HowOldSpices/Spices101_KeepingFresh/TableTitle.ashx); background-repeat: no-repeat;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWQMkN-TVM0/TbB-WwR4o2I/AAAAAAAAAS8/Hfia0qeLjUw/s1600/Mccormick+keeping+it+fresh+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWQMkN-TVM0/TbB-WwR4o2I/AAAAAAAAAS8/Hfia0qeLjUw/s400/Mccormick+keeping+it+fresh+chart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you don't like keeping ground spices around the house in full jars because you don't use them often enough, there are a few things you can do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Buy whole spices and grind them yourself. A coffee grinder works well for this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Try the new <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Products/Recipe-Inspirations.aspx">McCormick Recipe Inspirations</a> packages of pre-measured spices. I have not tried these yet (I tend to cook enough to buy full bottles!) but it's a great idea. I think I'd like to try the <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/Products/Herbs-and-Spices/Recipe%20Inspirations/Asian-Sesame-Salmon.aspx">Asian Sesame Salmon</a>. (Thanks to reader Valerie for this great tip!)</div><div id="cntr_spicesTable"></div><div>If you love spices and want some fabulous high-quality additions to your cupboard, check out the great selection from <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/">Penzeys</a>. We are fortunate enough to have one of their actual store-fronts just a few miles away and going in there is heavenly. There are so many wonderful aromas to take in and you can really see and smell the difference in the different varieties. </div><br />
Personally, I have a set of their <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysjars.html">glass jars</a> on my wish list along with the <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/scstore/giftboxes/new/pastaAndSaladCrate.html">Pasta & Salad Seasonings Gift Crate</a>! (*hints for anyone who'd like to buy me gifts!*)<br />
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Finally, I know you just read this and you're thinking "Hmmm.... just how old IS that jar of oregano in my pantry?" I can't answer that. But I can tell you that when you buy a NEW jar put the date on the bottom with a permanent marker (or a little sticky label if you have reusable glass jars). Then when you check your cabinets the next time you'll know if that jar is 6 months or 6 years old.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-34087971755622218162011-04-18T12:00:00.003-06:002011-04-22T11:08:13.696-06:00Kids Toy Organization<em>*** If you found me from <a href="http://www.organizewithsandy.com/2011/04/18/organizing-mission-monday-link-party-week-18/">Organizing with Sandy</a>, WELCOME! I love new visitors. I hope you find something that helps in your quest to live more organized. And if there's a specific topic you don't see covered that you'd like to learn about, <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/p/contact.html">let me know</a>! ***</em><br />
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You may not know that I am the mom of 3 little ones. And for about one more week they are 3 under the age of 4. Yes, our life is a lot like barely controlled chaos. All of you moms out there know how frustrating kids toys can be. Our house is no exception to that. With just one child the toys were manageable. When number two came along the collection exploded. And my kids don't even have that many toys compared to some of their peers. We don't have a playroom in our house and since the bedrooms are upstairs I like having the kids play right in the family room where I can see them. But this means that our family room is in a constant state of toy upheaval.<br />
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A few years ago I got the idea to replace the little bench I had under our large window with a large storage shelf. I was lucky enough to have a dad that was willing to build me a custom shelf. He did all he building, I did the painting and the kids do the playing. This is what we came up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZ_gwMKO8g/TayADQvyV4I/AAAAAAAAASk/J_QbwpBUHQM/s1600/IMG_7237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZ_gwMKO8g/TayADQvyV4I/AAAAAAAAASk/J_QbwpBUHQM/s400/IMG_7237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZ5cjMRPos/TayAfomRDnI/AAAAAAAAASo/x-EDQmwzruA/s1600/IMG_7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZ5cjMRPos/TayAfomRDnI/AAAAAAAAASo/x-EDQmwzruA/s400/IMG_7251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The shelving is open making it easy for the kids to get things out and put them away. And it fits right up under the molding on the window ledge. I get lots of questions from neighbors about where to buy it. I think if you reasonably good at building it's a simple design. But you could likely find similar, pre-made options to fit the same purpose.<br />
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To keep it fun for the kids I painted the inside of each cubby a different color - red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple from <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Samples-Posters-Fan-Decks/Disney/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbo8pZ1zh/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&Nu=P_PARENT_ID&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&langId=-1">the Disney collection</a> at <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/">The Home Depot</a>. In fact, we got all of our supplies there. And since we don't own a table saw and my dad was visiting from out of state The Home Depot actually cut all the wood for us. If you take in your measurements they will make the cuts for you (on wood you purchase there) for free!<br />
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How do we use the shelves to store their toys:<br />
On the right we have two shelves dedicated to books. Well, really one plus an overflow shelf. You can see that we cut out an opening for our heat register and I bought a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100575548/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">deflector</a> to make sure our heating and cooling efforts were not thwarted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ymlj0HfCUA/TayCVSTYMjI/AAAAAAAAASs/BmBgggv9l-o/s1600/IMG_7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ymlj0HfCUA/TayCVSTYMjI/AAAAAAAAASs/BmBgggv9l-o/s400/IMG_7242.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The middle section is the most frequently used. The bottom row has baskets ($2.50 each from the Target Dollar Spot) that hold a tea set, cars and trains. The top shelf has three baskets (also from Target DS) that hold stuffed animals and other small toys that don't fit as part of a collection. Also on top is the big box of blocks. I love that those <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3464572">Trio blocks</a> have their own storage case and the lid is a play space - makes keeping them together much easier for my 2 year old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXJzVV6PozY/TayC-FDrmPI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ALPpLBk1VXA/s1600/IMG_7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXJzVV6PozY/TayC-FDrmPI/AAAAAAAAAS0/ALPpLBk1VXA/s400/IMG_7244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the left side we keep a few bigger/awkward sized toys - the "laptops" and drawing pads. And another basket for dolls. Those pails on the end are actually EMPTY! They get used occasionally and I keep them here for those times when we need them.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgjcigHUdwQ/TayCgxvJyMI/AAAAAAAAASw/c-boGUrJ5Ts/s1600/IMG_7245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgjcigHUdwQ/TayCgxvJyMI/AAAAAAAAASw/c-boGUrJ5Ts/s400/IMG_7245.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Things you might notice about this setup.<br />
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1. I do not have labels on my baskets. This is on purpose. My kids are still young enough that their interests change quickly. So a basket may hold trains today but in 6 months it may be bouncy balls. And I don't really have time to be making new labels all the time. It also makes cleanup fast. If everything is out on the floor (yes, that does happen!) then we can just grab any basket for trains and any other for cars, etc. Finally, the kids can't read yet. Any labels would be just for me at this point.<br />
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2. I have lots of small baskets instead of fewer larger ones. Yep... my kids (especially the 2 year old) like to grab a basket and dump. Less stuff in each basket means less stuff dumped at a time. Trust me, I tried it with larger containers and it just meant larger mess.<br />
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3. Some things are missing (crayons, play-doh, etc). We actually have a different home for these (I'll show you on a different day.) The kids actually have several places they can play throughout the house. This makes it easier for me to get things done and still have them near me, it keeps any one room from becoming too crazy with toys, and it gives them options for changing up the scenery a bit.<br />
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4. There aren't TONS of toys. We actually have a fair amount of toys in the basement. I try to rotate them every few months and take away things that aren't getting much love and bring back old favorites and new things.<br />
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5. My baskets don't match. So? The kids like it that way and I kind of like the color myself!<br />
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How do you store your kids toys? What are the challenges you face?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">**************</div><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is linked at:</span></em></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/04/20/hookin-up-with-hoh-45/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House of Hepworths Hook-Up</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> - join the blog party.</span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-43746813227387242011-04-14T05:00:00.001-06:002011-04-14T05:00:02.760-06:00Quick Tip ThursdayToday's Quick Tip isn't organizing related, it's food!<br />
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This is one of my favorite easy, inexpensive, delicious recipes. It's great for a weeknight or for sharing with company.<br />
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<strong>Roast Chicken Breasts with Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, and Paprika</strong><br />
source: Bon Appetite via <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roast-Chicken-Breasts-with-Garbanzo-Beans-Tomatoes-and-Paprika-242113">Epicurious.com</a> <br />
<em>my notes in italics</em><br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<div id="ingredients_headline_wrapper" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><h2></h2></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><ul class="ingredientsList"><li class="ingredient">1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 garlic cloves, pressed</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon smoked paprika* - <em>the smoked paprika makes all the difference. Regular paprika is NOT the same as smoked.</em></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon ground cumin</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt</li>
<li class="ingredient">4 chicken breast halves with bones - <em>I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or even chicken thighs. I find the thighs are usually cheaper and have more flavor. </em></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 12-ounce container cherry tomatoes</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided</li>
</ul></div><strong>Preparation:</strong><br />
<div class="instruction" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Preheat oven to 450°. <br />
Mix first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. <br />
Pour 1 teaspoon spiced oil mixture into small bowl; whisk in yogurt and set aside for sauce. <br />
Place chicken on large rimmed baking sheet.<em> (I line mine with foil sprayed with cooking spray to make cleanup easier)</em><br />
Rub 2 tablespoons spiced oil mixture over chicken. <br />
Add beans, tomatoes, and 1/2 cup cilantro to remaining spiced oil mixture; toss to coat. <br />
Pour bean mixture around chicken. <br />
Sprinkle everything generously with salt and pepper. <br />
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Roast until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. <br />
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cilantro. <br />
Transfer chicken to plates. Spoon bean mixture over. <em>(Or you can serve it on a big platter!)</em><br />
Serve with yogurt sauce. <br />
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Huge thanks to my friend Stephanie for sharing this with me about a year ago. I've made it many times since and always love it. I just love the sweetness of the cooked tomatoes. This is very fast to prepare. I usually do not make the yogurt sauce because it's not something I like but others think it's delicious.<br />
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<strong><em>Enjoy!</em></strong></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-28767611788681894382011-04-13T05:00:00.026-06:002011-04-13T06:07:27.407-06:00While I Was In The Kitchen...I couldn't keep my hands off the spice cabinet!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7BWoYXuYng/TaTRHgKOpaI/AAAAAAAAASE/yiaukcafILU/s1600/Spices+Before+After+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7BWoYXuYng/TaTRHgKOpaI/AAAAAAAAASE/yiaukcafILU/s400/Spices+Before+After+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The total cost of this mini makeover was $30 for the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10023942&N=&Ntt=expanding+shelf">stainless steel expandable shelf</a> from The Container Store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've kept my spices and other miscellaneous cooking ingredients in the cabinet next to the stove the entire 5 years we've lived in this house. And in the same place in many apartments before this. My mom kept her spices in the cabinet next to the stove. That's where they make most sense to me. I can reach them easily while cooking and put them back quickly for cleanup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've found that for some spices that we use a lot of (Italian Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, Basil, Garlic Powder) it was better for me to buy in larger size from the warehouse clubs. They get used far more quickly than they lose potency. But given the way the cabinets were arranged the only place they fit was the bottom shelf. That meant all my smaller spices went in the middle. And my poor cooking spray and measuring cups were relegated to the top. Now, I'm only 5'3" so seeing what was on the top shelf was next to impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What did I change:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I <strong><em>moved the shelf height</em></strong>! Yes, you can change your shelves! I know you probably haven't moved them since the day you moved into your home but in most cases they are adjustable. And mine were adjustable with no tools - just need thumbs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I raised the 1st shelf one notch giving me enough room for my sesame oil on that expanding rack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7n91wgsAYw/TaTTBWw0d_I/AAAAAAAAASI/F3jnJzCWgIc/s1600/IMG_6996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7n91wgsAYw/TaTTBWw0d_I/AAAAAAAAASI/F3jnJzCWgIc/s400/IMG_6996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDwHyVsmln8/TaTTRchcCCI/AAAAAAAAASM/iVl_kAFZAcA/s1600/IMG_7097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDwHyVsmln8/TaTTRchcCCI/AAAAAAAAASM/iVl_kAFZAcA/s400/IMG_7097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I then moved the 2nd shelf up two or three spots (I can't remember) making plenty of room on that 2nd shelf for my larger spice containers, the cooking spray and my measuring cups! Hooray. This has made the whole cooking experience more pleasant for me as I no longer have to stand on tip-toes or a stool.<br />
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The top shelf is now very short. But that's okay. The things up there are ones I rarely use - Christmas serving platters, pie plates, cupcake liners, candlesticks, etc. So on the rare occasion I do need them, I don't mind grabbing a stool (or asking the hubby for help!)<br />
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In the end I went from this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SYVSh_FjJY/TaWRralBneI/AAAAAAAAASQ/m-n9hTP4ePc/s1600/IMG_6990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SYVSh_FjJY/TaWRralBneI/AAAAAAAAASQ/m-n9hTP4ePc/s400/IMG_6990.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
To this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGbNmtYONAU/TaTM5u4uGGI/AAAAAAAAASA/6_T1pLVuwYA/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGbNmtYONAU/TaTM5u4uGGI/AAAAAAAAASA/6_T1pLVuwYA/s400/IMG_7095.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
It may not look like a big change to you but it makes a world of difference for my daily kitchen experience.<br />
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Where do you store your spices?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-16209759550054300912011-04-12T09:00:00.003-06:002011-04-13T08:29:59.441-06:00Tour My PantryTwo weeks ago I spend a day giving my pantry a mini face lift. I am so happy with the results.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJGZrEslQqY/TaR1perku-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/3wqmyKHz6_s/s1600/IMG_7144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJGZrEslQqY/TaR1perku-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/3wqmyKHz6_s/s400/IMG_7144.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Come take a tour with me!</em></span></strong></div><br />
Paint! The very first thing I did after emptying the pantry was paint it. Previously it was a <strike>hideous</strike> uninspired shade of builder-grade white flat paint. I painted the walls a pale, <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1161244&searchId=1302633693386">butter yellow</a> that I already had from a project I was going to do awhile back. The shelves got a fresh coat of high gloss white.<br />
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<strong>Starting at the top:</strong> Dry goods are stored in restaurant-style <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=185790&navAction=push">food storage bins</a>. I love them because they hold a lot, are clear, sturdy and my labels stick easily. I use them for flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, baking mix and cookie/cake decorating supplies. Other things on the top shelf are my vacuum sealer and the storage containers I use for <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/2011/02/organized-cooking.html">freezing meals</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZH7dwKK3Ek/TaR2EkSztXI/AAAAAAAAAQY/4ICzKqNStwk/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZH7dwKK3Ek/TaR2EkSztXI/AAAAAAAAAQY/4ICzKqNStwk/s400/IMG_7101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q73FnztT7MY/TaR2Lf2QOvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/uYr0MSPgSZ4/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q73FnztT7MY/TaR2Lf2QOvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/uYr0MSPgSZ4/s400/IMG_7103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIAOOUEjKRg/TaR2QlebJUI/AAAAAAAAAQg/251EKzLyZHM/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIAOOUEjKRg/TaR2QlebJUI/AAAAAAAAAQg/251EKzLyZHM/s400/IMG_7141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The next shelf (at eye level): Baking supplies (this is where I've always kept them). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WdP3Mq0M_E/TaSKQ7Pt0LI/AAAAAAAAAQs/lAs0bBYmcpc/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WdP3Mq0M_E/TaSKQ7Pt0LI/AAAAAAAAAQs/lAs0bBYmcpc/s400/IMG_7107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And on the other half the larger items for everyday dinners - rice, pasta, taco shells, salad toppings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtXUmIetBds/TaSKksXtupI/AAAAAAAAAQw/JPIeIHhrOQI/s1600/IMG_7106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtXUmIetBds/TaSKksXtupI/AAAAAAAAAQw/JPIeIHhrOQI/s400/IMG_7106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Shelf #3 (just below eye level): This is where I had some fun at <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/">The Container Store</a>.<br />
On the left I used a simple <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/cabinetOrganizers/upperCabinets?productId=10000697&N=185">cabinet shelf</a> to stack cans. On the bottom I have just my true "staples" chicken broth and tomatoes. On the top, everything else.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6k0x1OxX1q0/TaSLhfLRTHI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/IlrB1QDv4cY/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6k0x1OxX1q0/TaSLhfLRTHI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/IlrB1QDv4cY/s400/IMG_7108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In the middle I wanted some pull out drawers like you would put in a cabinet. But since my shelves are only 15" deep all of the ones made for the kitchen were too big. I told the helpful employee my dilemma and she suggested that there <em>might </em>be a 15" pull out in the bathroom section. Sure enough, we found these <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/bath/cabinetUndersinkStorage/drawersPullOutTrays?productId=10028376&N=77922">Roll-Out Cabinet Drawers</a>. I bought two - one for bottles and one for small boxes and packages.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ7RKCnxF2Y/TaSL3okOy9I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/FubgMMAI26U/s1600/IMG_7143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ7RKCnxF2Y/TaSL3okOy9I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/FubgMMAI26U/s400/IMG_7143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_6TZo7Chk/TaSMsG71iFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/lCfDFXUlrSs/s1600/IMG_7109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_6TZo7Chk/TaSMsG71iFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/lCfDFXUlrSs/s400/IMG_7109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Seriously, how awesome is it that I can pull the drawer out and find that bottle of apple cider vinegar tucked way in the back without moving everything in front of it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6otqgW_dvI/TaSM7yRnLcI/AAAAAAAAARA/Vj_mfh7YPL4/s1600/IMG_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6otqgW_dvI/TaSM7yRnLcI/AAAAAAAAARA/Vj_mfh7YPL4/s400/IMG_7110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other side of that shelf holds some other miscellaneous cooking supplies (like bread crumbs, extra peanut butter, seasoning packets, and extra ketchup). You might have noticed that my seasoning packets are in a little box. That is a kids shoe box from Stride-Rite. The opening in the lid was just the right size for those packets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shelf #4 is kid accessible. I moved the cereal down there and snacks. We keep a door knob lock on the pantry door because our kids are young (just 3 & 2) and I don't want unlimited access to snacks. But when I open the door at breakfast time they can grab the cereal themselves. The cereal is in containers from <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodStorage/bulk">The Container Store</a> (that I couldn't find online.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did NOT label the cereal containers because we switch up what we eat from time to time and I wanted these to stay flexible. Next to the cereal is drinks (lemonade & hot cocoa mix), popcorn kernels for our air popper, nuts, and treats for potty training in some Oggi canisters I got at <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/">TJ Maxx</a> but I think you can find them at Target and other places as well. In addition to the canisters I have the nuts and things in a variety of old jelly jars. These, again are not labeled because they get changed out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUUqbZUxa9M/TaSPpaqV6wI/AAAAAAAAARE/NFha87PIyKo/s1600/IMG_7126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUUqbZUxa9M/TaSPpaqV6wI/AAAAAAAAARE/NFha87PIyKo/s400/IMG_7126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shelf #5 is also kid accessible. Here I put bigger snacks like crackers & chips along with stuff for the baby - formula, baby food & bibs. It's great to grab a bib while I'm grabbing a container of applesauce. I'm not sure I'm in love with the Rubbermaid containers I have here but I already had them on hand so I'm using them for now.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2m3QNTwwA4/TaSQIarMpCI/AAAAAAAAARI/pcatS4z1-yU/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2m3QNTwwA4/TaSQIarMpCI/AAAAAAAAARI/pcatS4z1-yU/s400/IMG_7129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the floor: This is for bulk storage. On the far left I have an old diaper box with party supplies (paper plates, napkins, etc that I need like 3x a year). Then water bottles. Then this pull-out shelf I had from before that I put extra Ziploc bags and foil and cling wrap. I keep the current package of these items in other locations. These are just extras. Finally, more extra supplies like paper towels, dishwasher detergent and giant jugs of vegetable oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHVQDL7TlrI/TaSSeG8XmUI/AAAAAAAAARM/SeRd0xk_RqM/s1600/IMG_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHVQDL7TlrI/TaSSeG8XmUI/AAAAAAAAARM/SeRd0xk_RqM/s400/IMG_7130.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBH0X2WTcCo/TaSS5crmVyI/AAAAAAAAARQ/jQWYgijkODE/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBH0X2WTcCo/TaSS5crmVyI/AAAAAAAAARQ/jQWYgijkODE/s400/IMG_7132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you think I was done? Not yet. I haven't showed you the walls on the sides and front!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To the left: the previous owner of our home already had these shelves installed. I put our storage bags on the top here and my "make a turkey" stuff on the bottom self. What is "make a turkey stuff", you ask? Well, it's brining bags, twine, cheese cloth. As my dear husband pointed out I only make a turkey a few times a year. Well, yes, I responded, but I still need to store the tools somewhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1wQ4a7xPfE/TaSUgXFDIJI/AAAAAAAAARU/hR5Tj5fSrMY/s1600/IMG_7119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1wQ4a7xPfE/TaSUgXFDIJI/AAAAAAAAARU/hR5Tj5fSrMY/s400/IMG_7119.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQMunLVW0hs/TaSUq9q217I/AAAAAAAAARY/4AqZ4ItqhGs/s1600/IMG_7120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQMunLVW0hs/TaSUq9q217I/AAAAAAAAARY/4AqZ4ItqhGs/s400/IMG_7120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Under the shelves I put a <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=SE_3m-command-picture-hangers&WT.seg_4=7528554685&gclid=CMrhsfjOl6gCFcW8KgodlAHEDg">3M Command Hook</a> to hold a bag full of my plastic grocery bags to use for lunches for work and small trash cans.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBzsiUQka6o/TaSUyyoI6RI/AAAAAAAAARc/4E_Fn6OfHf4/s1600/IMG_7122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBzsiUQka6o/TaSUyyoI6RI/AAAAAAAAARc/4E_Fn6OfHf4/s400/IMG_7122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And on the front wall, another Command Hook for my broom & dustpan</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJgJJXJlbg/TaSU5OMcHPI/AAAAAAAAARg/Qo9I2rPB5dI/s1600/IMG_7123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJgJJXJlbg/TaSU5OMcHPI/AAAAAAAAARg/Qo9I2rPB5dI/s400/IMG_7123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
To the right, the top shelf has cleaning stuff for my <a href="http://www.sharkclean.com/Shark-Steam-Products/">Shark Steam Mop</a> and carpet steam cleaner. The bottom shelf is what I like to call the "Nana & Papa shelf" - things my parents like when they visit like coffee and tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyaY2a4PnAQ/TaSWG_0_QPI/AAAAAAAAARk/LglIIVCHn5g/s1600/IMG_7117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hyaY2a4PnAQ/TaSWG_0_QPI/AAAAAAAAARk/LglIIVCHn5g/s400/IMG_7117.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Under the shelves another <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=SE_3m-command-picture-hangers&WT.seg_4=7528554685&gclid=CMrhsfjOl6gCFcW8KgodlAHEDg">Command Hook</a> for my <a href="http://www.sharkclean.com/Shark-Steam-Products/">Shark</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ_XJuxOlz8/TaSWO3x8s1I/AAAAAAAAARo/pD5um7VAjiw/s1600/IMG_7115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ_XJuxOlz8/TaSWO3x8s1I/AAAAAAAAARo/pD5um7VAjiw/s400/IMG_7115.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
On the front wall, a <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10015574&N=&Ntt=magnetic+strip">magnetic strip</a> from <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/">The Container Store</a> for holding extra bag clips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1INJPEdVNs/TaSXndrujtI/AAAAAAAAARs/V2fAdJ7_85k/s1600/IMG_7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1INJPEdVNs/TaSXndrujtI/AAAAAAAAARs/V2fAdJ7_85k/s400/IMG_7137.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
And finally... on the back of the door I put all of my reusable shopping bags inside of one bag on a hook. Now I can just grab the bag on my way out the door to the store.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9O_iUmkldw/TaSXyYCBv0I/AAAAAAAAARw/6AxXWVLtKZE/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9O_iUmkldw/TaSXyYCBv0I/AAAAAAAAARw/6AxXWVLtKZE/s400/IMG_7140.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my tour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAGKA4RqX0Y/TaSjHRLJNwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/X-TsaY-aAgc/s1600/pantry+before+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAGKA4RqX0Y/TaSjHRLJNwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/X-TsaY-aAgc/s640/pantry+before+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To see my previous pantry reorganization check </span><a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/2009/05/pantry-reorganization-photos.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<strong><em>This post is shared at:</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.organizewithsandy.com/2011/04/11/organizing-mission-monday-link-party-week-17/">Organize With Sandy</a> - Organizing Missing Monday #17<br />
<a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=19431">Organize and Decorate Everything</a> - We're Organized Wednesday #26</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-63346393256726170862011-04-11T11:00:00.008-06:002011-04-28T14:20:33.611-06:00Clutter-Free EasterAs someone trying to keep my home <em>relatively </em>organized and clutter-free I find holidays and birthdays for the kids to be challenging. The two big offenders for me are Easter Baskets & Christmas Stockings. So often we fill these things with <em>stuff </em>that our children don't need because it's small and cheap.<br />
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Why? Why do we look at Easter as a time to <strike>waste</strike> spend our money on things that we (and our kids) don't really like, that break easily, and become easy clutter in our homes? Because marketers have told us that's what we <em>should </em>buy because they fit in small easter eggs.<br />
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This year I propose we <em>TAKE BACK THE EASTER BASKET</em>! The past four years as a mom I've tried to keep the things in the Easter basket to a clutter-minimum. I challenge you to do the same this year. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oih6A33Cxrg/TaNIJMB01jI/AAAAAAAAAQM/moULaJEtLWw/s1600/20080323_Allison_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oih6A33Cxrg/TaNIJMB01jI/AAAAAAAAAQM/moULaJEtLWw/s1600/20080323_Allison_01.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMItcJbWbpI/TaNIKlMnPMI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LzOt5HQbhzk/s1600/20080323_Allison_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMItcJbWbpI/TaNIKlMnPMI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/LzOt5HQbhzk/s1600/20080323_Allison_10.JPG" /></a></div><br />
What can you put in baskets that kids want and won't add to the disaster in your home? Well, the point is to avoid the "junk" - the trinkets and bobbles that make clean-up a pain and the kids get bored of after 2 days. Embrace things that are <strong><em>consumable </em></strong>and that you would <strong><em>buy anyway</em></strong>.<br />
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- food (dried fruit, popcorn, a chocolate bunny)<br />
- consumable toys (crayons, markers, bubbles, bubble bath)<br />
- lasting toys (DVDs, books, video game)<br />
- summer fun items (new bathing suit, beach towel, inflatable pool toy)<br />
- accessories (hair clips, belts, sunglasses)<br />
- household goods (cups and plates for little ones, reusable water bottle for big kids, new bathroom accessories like a toothbrush holder & soap dispenser, pillow cases and sheets)<br />
- clothing (shirts, shoes, socks, tights)<br />
- new undies (these are fun for a little, new-to-the-potty kid... not so much for your 10 year old)<br />
- things that add to a collection (a new train or doll to add to an existing collection)<br />
- healthy habits items (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion)<br />
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Look at what you already had on your list of things to buy for your kids and go from that. Even if the item itself isn't "fun" (hello, new socks), getting it in an Easter basket is more fun than a random Tuesday.<br />
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The goal is to get stuff that's fun for the kids without adding to the clutter in your home. I try to avoid at all costs the Dollar Store and the Target Dollar Spot. I know that goes against conventional wisdom but you and I both know that those cheap trinkets will break after one use (but no one will throw away for 6 weeks). <br />
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Where can you shop?<br />
If you have a baby... shop Babies R Us for some toddler items (cups, spoons, bibs) she'll need soon<br />
If you have a toddler... find a single-serve pack of his favorite snacks.<br />
If you have a preschooler... browse the clothing racks for things to fit her latest obsession.<br />
If you have a school-age child... remember the last thing she begged you for at the store and try to get things related to that.<br />
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The bottom line for me is that the stuff stores try to push on you for Easter is not often the kind of thing you'd buy if you were shopping for your child on a regular day. So walk right past those to the brands you already know you trust and that will get use in your home.<br />
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With less than 2 weeks until the big day it's probably time to get shopping!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-75169159568610310032011-04-07T16:18:00.000-06:002011-04-07T16:18:28.728-06:00Today's Blogging Has Been Interrupted By...Consignment Sale Shopping!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN1d85YolTU/TZJJi8RAE2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/9LXfQs53mUg/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN1d85YolTU/TZJJi8RAE2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/9LXfQs53mUg/s400/IMG_7026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I seriously love consignment sales for my 3 kids. I've spent the past few weeks gathering, washing, tagging and prepping items to sell. Now that we know we are done growing our family we are slowly getting rid of the baby girl and clothes that we can't pass down. This season I'm selling about 150 items - mostly girl clothes. Hopefully I'll make a few dollars off that. (The sale I participate in pays 70% of the sale price.) I'll use that to offset the few hundred dollars I plan to spend on summer clothes in current sizes.<br />
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So tonight I am off to shop! Woohoo! <br />
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Tips for consignment shopping:<br />
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<ul><li>Bring cash. Even if they accept checks, cash is easier.</li>
<li>Bring something to carry your loot in while you look. I usually bring a contoured laundry basket for clothes and a big reusable shopping bag for toys, shoes and other small items.</li>
<li>Mark your basket/bags with your name so if you get separated they might return to you.</li>
<li>Wear comfortable shoes.</li>
<li>Leave the kids at home. This is not leisurely shopping. You are on a mission to find great prices on good quality clothes and need to be able to focus.</li>
<li>Don't carry a purse. Put the essentials in your pockets - phone, cash, id</li>
<li>Bring a small snack. I always seem to have to wait in line a long time so having a granola bar is nice.</li>
<li>Know your kids sizes - right them down if you have to.</li>
<li>Prioritize your shopping. Girls clothes are more popular than boys so hit those first. Big toys are more popular than toys. I go... big toys & gear, girl clothes, boy clothes, then shoes/dvds/books/small toys in whatever order I feel like</li>
<li>Keep your receipt. You may be able to use part of it as a tax deduction.</li>
<li>Wear layers. You never know if it'll be cold or hot so wear a shirt and light-weight sweater. Leave the bulky coat in the car - even if it's snowing. You can walk a few hundred feet without it to the entrance.</li>
<li>Park by the EXIT not the entrance. Better to walk far when you have nothing in your hands then when they are full of goodies.</li>
<li>Keep a positive attitude. Don't get uptight fighting over things. Just have fun! It's a few hours of shopping alone without the kids. What's not to like?</li>
<li>Next time... consign your own stuff! You can offset a bit of the cost and at some sales you get to shop earlier than the rest of the public.</li>
</ul>What tips do you have for making consignment sale shopping go smoothly?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-9989081412856905582011-04-06T08:00:00.001-06:002011-04-06T21:59:29.676-06:0050 Things To Do in 5 MinutesNo, I'm not suggesting you complete 50 tasks in 5 minutes. This isn't some kind of scavenger hunt. Rather it's 50 separate suggestions of things you can accomplish in 5 minutes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eImiNrO4Jk/TZzYqp_MXCI/AAAAAAAAAQI/7lRBtp4o1wI/s1600/5+Minute+Timer+-+istock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eImiNrO4Jk/TZzYqp_MXCI/AAAAAAAAAQI/7lRBtp4o1wI/s400/5+Minute+Timer+-+istock.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
We all love dramatic before and after photos. It's amazing to see all we can accomplish with enough time and resources. But the reality is that most of our lives isn't made up of a day or a half day spent on organizing projects. Our lives are made up of 5 minutes of availability squeezed in between work, changing diapers, getting out the door, folding laundry and watching Grey's Anatomy. And that's how we live organized... by taking advantage of those moments.<br />
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So the next time you have 5 minutes, step away from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/delightfullyorganized">Facebook</a> (where you know you'll spend way more than 5 minutes getting sucked into it) and try to do one of these things to make your life a little simpler, your home a little more organized and your heart a little happier.<br />
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<ol><li>Check Voicemail</li>
<li>Schedule an annual doctor visit for yourself (& write it on the calendar)</li>
<li>Delete 25 out-dated emails from your inbox</li>
<li>File a small stack of papers</li>
<li>Shred a few old bills</li>
<li>Repair a loose button</li>
<li>Throw out expired or old condiments from the fridge</li>
<li>Clean out your purse (or at least one section of it!)</li>
<li>Download pictures from your camera to your computer</li>
<li>Purge a stack of magazines</li>
<li>Clear out the ice cubes that have collected in the bottom of the freezer</li>
<li>Toss expired coupons</li>
<li>Go through one file of photos on your computer and delete the duplicates and bad ones</li>
<li>Cleanse your garbage disposal by running it with a cut up lemon, baking soda and ice cubes</li>
<li>Clear one clutter "hot spot"</li>
<li>Refill the soap dispensers in all the bathrooms</li>
<li>Update your voicemail message</li>
<li>Plan your dinner menu for the week</li>
<li>Choose 3 things from the closet that you'll never wear again and put them in the donate box</li>
<li>Update your <a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> queue</li>
<li>Write a love note to your spouse or significant other</li>
<li>Transfer the $5 you didn't spend on coffee this morning from your checking account to your savings account</li>
<li>Schedule e-cards for friends with birthdays this month</li>
<li>Update your child's baby book</li>
<li>Throw out expired medications</li>
<li>Clear out the containers of last week's leftovers from the fridge</li>
<li>Answer 1 important email that you keep putting off</li>
<li>Uninstall 3 apps from your phone that you never use</li>
<li>Add critical numbers to your cell phone contact list - poison control, local sheriff department, doctor, dentist and other key doctors</li>
<li>Move your donation bag/box to the trunk of your car so you can drop it off on your next trip out</li>
<li>Restock your diaper bag with wipes, diapers, diaper cream, a small snack & a bottle of water</li>
<li>Check your coat closet for out of season items that need to be moved</li>
<li>Research options for your next vacation</li>
<li>Search for a new recipe to try with ingredients you already have on <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/">Epicurious</a> or <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">All Recipes</a></li>
<li>Clean off your doorbell and exterior door knob to make the welcome warmer for visitors</li>
<li>Put away 5 things that are not in their correct home</li>
<li>Dust the television & electronic components</li>
<li>Clean the kid fingerprints off your DVDs with <a href="http://www.windex.com/">Windex</a> and a soft cloth</li>
<li>Clear out the unmatched socks from your drawer</li>
<li>Sweep out the side of the garage without a car in it</li>
<li>Empty your shredder and the bottom tray on your 3-hole punch</li>
<li>Empty the crumb tray on the toaster and wipe off the finger prints from the outside</li>
<li>Remove 3 outdated documents from the front of the fridge</li>
<li>Delete 3 recurring timers from your DVR of shows that you never watch or that have been canceled</li>
<li>Microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for 3 minutes to loosen gunk then wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth</li>
<li>Clear out the unnecessary receipts gathered in your <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-George-Costanza-Wallet/80271342972">George Costanza wallet</a></li>
<li>Send a quick "thinking of you" email to 3 friends</li>
<li>Unscrew the filters from your faucets and soak in a small bowl of white vinegar to clear the mineral deposits</li>
<li>Update your to-do list. Eliminate one thing you don't really need to do and probably won't do anyway</li>
<li>Read a <a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/">Delightfully Organized</a> blog post!</li>
</ol><br />
What do you do with 5 minutes to spare?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-73266439245263131102011-04-05T13:00:00.007-06:002011-04-06T22:01:41.737-06:00Home Office Reorg in 7 Steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JG7YOp66k/TZt1H8afV7I/AAAAAAAAAPE/VNRSxvMIp2o/s1600/Sara+BeforeAfter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JG7YOp66k/TZt1H8afV7I/AAAAAAAAAPE/VNRSxvMIp2o/s400/Sara+BeforeAfter+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mrs. W. on organizing her home office. This is a true home office where she does a variety of tasks for the family business.<br />
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What you see in the before pictures is just a lot of <em>stuff</em>. Not bad stuff, and really not un-necessary stuff. Just things that didn't have a proper home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j20j4zItkZc/TZt1jg36T_I/AAAAAAAAAPM/fZtWDGjmu6M/s1600/Sara+Before2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j20j4zItkZc/TZt1jg36T_I/AAAAAAAAAPM/fZtWDGjmu6M/s400/Sara+Before2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PAzx4yF3Wc/TZt1ktPgAtI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/xTlnnLXRjc4/s1600/Sara+Before3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PAzx4yF3Wc/TZt1ktPgAtI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/xTlnnLXRjc4/s400/Sara+Before3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT6vHWswqdA/TZt1luBcFRI/AAAAAAAAAPU/TTjuMTPEst8/s1600/Sara+Before4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uT6vHWswqdA/TZt1luBcFRI/AAAAAAAAAPU/TTjuMTPEst8/s400/Sara+Before4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Why were so many things out in the open, because, as it turns out, Mrs. W is a visual person. She is the out-of-sight-out-of-mind sort of person. Some people like everything neatly tucked away in piles. But many of us, love to be able to SEE what's important to us. That's why so many people keep their to-dos in their email inbox, because it's immediately visible upon login.<br />
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We talked a good deal about rearranging the room but the layout actually works well for Mrs. W. From her desk she can see the door and the window. And since she's left handed, having her open table top to the left of her computer was the natural option.<br />
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Mrs W's business happens to be significantly paper-based, even in today's digital age. That means a lot of files, at least 5-7 in-work at any given time and lots of mailing of legal sized files.<br />
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How did we reorganize the space?<br />
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1. We added a desktop file sorter for her to store her currently in-work items.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9z0wcULFqA/TZt2z37ChnI/AAAAAAAAAPY/KpdVLQVee2g/s1600/Sara+After8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9z0wcULFqA/TZt2z37ChnI/AAAAAAAAAPY/KpdVLQVee2g/s400/Sara+After8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I loved <a href="http://www.officemax.com/catalog/sku.jsp?productId=prod2300126&history=ur8smsbl|prodPage~15^freeText~desktop+sorter^paramValue~true^refine~1^region~1^param~return_skus^return_skus~Y">this one</a> by Peter Walsh for <a href="http://www.officemax.com/">Office Max</a> because it allows you to pull out the dividers for larger files like you see in the picture.<br />
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2. We created a mailing station where she could bring any documents, weigh them and add postage easily. Above the mail spot we added a <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/messageBoards/magnetic?productId=10015574&N=64178">metal strip</a> to put up shipping rates and other relevant documents with magnets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRnYEcx5X0/TZuCU7EwtVI/AAAAAAAAAPg/hwWsxj5mepg/s1600/Sara+After6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRnYEcx5X0/TZuCU7EwtVI/AAAAAAAAAPg/hwWsxj5mepg/s400/Sara+After6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. We cleared the bookcase of things that belonged in other parts of the house and added a <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/openBinsBaskets/plastic?productId=10029540&N=71223">basket</a> from The <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/">Container Store</a> to hold the miscellaneous small things that needed to stay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f64BHLT56FA/TZuDNBNpRXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/JYgYXiUJmvs/s1600/Sara+After4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f64BHLT56FA/TZuDNBNpRXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/JYgYXiUJmvs/s400/Sara+After4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
4. We made sure that printer suppliers were stored directly near the printer (in the filing cabinet underneath).<br />
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5. We made sure Mrs. W. had a spot within reach on the desk to hold the tools she uses daily but still keep them corralled. This <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/desktopCollections/metal?productId=10025147&N=74525">metal letter tray</a> is designed to hold papers but works great for keeping these everyday tools together and making them easy to move as a group to another spot on the desk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgQE4xOO58U/TZuD2446zFI/AAAAAAAAAPw/0rcg4P7xsXQ/s1600/Sara+After9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgQE4xOO58U/TZuD2446zFI/AAAAAAAAAPw/0rcg4P7xsXQ/s400/Sara+After9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
6. We added <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/literatureOrganizers/wallPockets?productId=10000375&N=74551">clear wall pockets</a> to allow her to keep papers related to upcoming events for her children and herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p7yUWD57bI/TZuLbLRi2fI/AAAAAAAAAP0/tEV_1WhXnl8/s1600/Sara+After+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p7yUWD57bI/TZuLbLRi2fI/AAAAAAAAAP0/tEV_1WhXnl8/s400/Sara+After+10.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
7. We added <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/drawerOrganizers/modular?productId=10018271&N=183">modular drawer dividers</a> in the desk drawers for all the little extras... power cords, push pins, paper clips, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO45CQt5Tvc/TZuMWvrmEMI/AAAAAAAAAP4/UPAG81_nfEs/s1600/ContainerStore+Shallow+Drawer+Organizers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO45CQt5Tvc/TZuMWvrmEMI/AAAAAAAAAP4/UPAG81_nfEs/s400/ContainerStore+Shallow+Drawer+Organizers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit {</span><a href="http://www.containerstore.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Container Store</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There you have it. Total cost was around $50 for these changes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbpS1_ENt48/TZuOSZBZmoI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Y-Ecu2-cVXY/s1600/Sara+BeforeAfter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbpS1_ENt48/TZuOSZBZmoI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Y-Ecu2-cVXY/s400/Sara+BeforeAfter2.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wke3rgXyEQs/TZuOUAJwRJI/AAAAAAAAAQE/zpa-J8JsBS4/s1600/Sara+BeforeAfter+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wke3rgXyEQs/TZuOUAJwRJI/AAAAAAAAAQE/zpa-J8JsBS4/s400/Sara+BeforeAfter+3.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JG7YOp66k/TZt1H8afV7I/AAAAAAAAAPE/VNRSxvMIp2o/s1600/Sara+BeforeAfter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2JG7YOp66k/TZt1H8afV7I/AAAAAAAAAPE/VNRSxvMIp2o/s400/Sara+BeforeAfter+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One other addition for Mrs. W. wasn't a change to the space at all. I suggested that she use the wonderful window seat she has and the floor space in front of it as a "work" space for her children when she needed to spend a few minutes on work but wanted to keep them in site but out of trouble. Perhaps even adding a basket of small toys or crayons and paper to the bookshelf just for them so they would keep their <strike>grubby little mitts</strike> adorable little hands off her things.<br />
As it turned out, the week after we worked one of her children had to stay home sick from school. And she knew right away that she had the perfect spot for him to stay entertained for 30 minutes or so while she answered a few critical emails!<br />
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<strong><em>Ever wonder what suggestions a professional organizer might make for your space? </em></strong><a href="http://delightfullyorganized.blogspot.com/p/contact.html"><strong><em>Contact</em></strong></a><strong><em> me today to schedule a free consultation!</em></strong>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-5502858456915820132011-03-31T07:00:00.002-06:002011-04-06T21:57:55.407-06:00Quick Tip ThursdayIf you have young children you've probably answered a few hundred thousand requests for plates, bowl, cups or milk or water, etc. And while you adore those little faces sometimes your hands are busy with other things and stopping to get yet another cup of water makes you want to pull your hair out.<br />
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Try keeping some kid-friendly dishes down low so the kids can access themselves. We keep ours like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/Organizing/IMG_6810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/Organizing/IMG_6810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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They can get a plate while I cut the strawberries or a bowl while I grab the cereal from the pantry. And the cups... I put the water dispenser in our fridge low enough that they can help themselves (while standing on a stool) and I don't have to be involved. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/Organizing/IMG_6796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/Organizing/IMG_6796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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It's such a small thing that helps so much.<br />
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We're lucky to have these pull-out shelves but I found that plates and cups were always falling off to the side. Adding these inexpensive baskets keeps things corralled a bit more.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-62689216438621300582011-03-29T15:08:00.002-06:002011-04-06T22:04:00.247-06:00Pardon The DustI've been noticeably absent from this blog for a few days now. But I haven't forgotten about you! I have been busy getting some of my projects in order so I can share them with you soon.<br />
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Here's a sneak peak of some of what's taking up my time:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFeGsxhhLuQ/TZJJOSWHG9I/AAAAAAAAAO0/imZsi-L_Pfw/s1600/IMG_6995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFeGsxhhLuQ/TZJJOSWHG9I/AAAAAAAAAO0/imZsi-L_Pfw/s400/IMG_6995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZYohQ570gc/TZJJWTb3RpI/AAAAAAAAAO4/hCwovs_KuyA/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZYohQ570gc/TZJJWTb3RpI/AAAAAAAAAO4/hCwovs_KuyA/s400/IMG_7020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN1d85YolTU/TZJJi8RAE2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/9LXfQs53mUg/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN1d85YolTU/TZJJi8RAE2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/9LXfQs53mUg/s400/IMG_7026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I hope you are having a fun and productive week! For more frequent updates this week, stop by my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/delightfullyorganized">Facebook page</a> where I'm posting more real-time information.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-87777551005109916252011-03-25T09:30:00.001-06:002011-04-07T11:50:15.253-06:00Thirty-OneLast night I had the pleasure of attending my very first Thirty-One party. What is Thirty-One, you ask? It's a great line of bags, baskets, purses, and other assorted carry-alls and accessories. The fabrics are adorable and the products are functional. <br />
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I've been invited to a few catalog parties but I had to see the products in person before I could decide if I liked them or not. Seriously, I loved them. I am anxious for the next 3 weeks to pass so I can get my goodies. I restrained myself from purchasing one of everything in the catalog like I had wanted to and instead settled on 3 things:<br />
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<strong>Organizing Shoulder Bag </strong>- with 3 kids having my hands free is critical when we're out and about. This bag fits across your body and is just the right size for the essentials plus a diaper or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PoVWkx7bEYs/TYyzezGJbfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/sYxyR60d0ic/s1600/31+Organizing+Shoulder+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PoVWkx7bEYs/TYyzezGJbfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/sYxyR60d0ic/s400/31+Organizing+Shoulder+Bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Organizing Utility Tote </strong>- Seriously cute. And functional. This will be getting a permanent home in our car for all the things we need and sometimes forget to pack in the diaper bag - water bottles, diapers wipes, non-perishable snacks, sanitizer, etc. I could have probably ordered 5 of these for different purposes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVip4nuqWzY/TYyzfkr592I/AAAAAAAAAMY/NbfQrcGT0DU/s1600/31+Organizing+Utility+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVip4nuqWzY/TYyzfkr592I/AAAAAAAAAMY/NbfQrcGT0DU/s400/31+Organizing+Utility+Tote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>Thermal Tote </strong>- Insulated to keep things cool. I anticipate using this for trips to the zoo and the park and everywhere else we want to take a few snacks that need to be kept cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hJjykHG5vNU/TYyzhPlH77I/AAAAAAAAAMc/gr1ziu4kY24/s1600/31+Thermal+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hJjykHG5vNU/TYyzhPlH77I/AAAAAAAAAMc/gr1ziu4kY24/s400/31+Thermal+Tote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Now, since I haven't actually used these yet I can't give you a full review. But I promise to give more info once I get mine in a few weeks. In the meantime, browse you can <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/content/catalog.aspx">browse the catalog</a>. And if you want to order something I'm sure my consultant <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/yvonned/">Yvonne</a> would be happy to help or you can <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/forms/frm_consultant_lookup.aspx">find a consultant</a> in your area.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: Suzanne and Delightfully Organized have not been compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are entirely my own and expressed based on my experience.</span></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-5294965492582761532011-03-24T06:00:00.002-06:002011-04-07T11:51:20.315-06:00Quick Tip Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is something I've pretty much just always done. But it occured to me last week as my husband asked yet again for me to remove a loose string that not everyone may do this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keep a pair of scissors in your bathroom! I keep mine in the medicine cabinet. They come in handy more often than you might imagine. Usually I notice loose threads while I'm standing in front of the mirror. It's so nice to just be able to clip it off right then rather than waiting until I go into another room (by which time I'll have probably forgotten about it.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hc9J4AW8tWU/TYf6HaJnZZI/AAAAAAAAAME/SZX39q_dtZ4/s1600/Scissors+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hc9J4AW8tWU/TYf6HaJnZZI/AAAAAAAAAME/SZX39q_dtZ4/s400/Scissors+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Other uses for scissors in the bathroom:<br />
* Opening the shink wrap packaging on razors, mouthwash, shampoo, etc<br />
* Cutting off an itchy tag from a shirt<br />
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<strong><em>How would/do you use scissors in the bathroom?</em></strong><br />
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By the way, if you write the word scissors enough times it starts to look really, really strange!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-37875196630725867352011-03-23T13:00:00.003-06:002011-04-07T11:54:39.842-06:00Information ClutterOrganizers talk a lot about physical clutter. The stuff that fills up the space in your home, car, desk, etc. But there is something else we talk about that doesn't get as much notice most of the time... information clutter.<br />
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One source of information clutter is your email. Buy something online and the next thing you know you're on 6 mailing lists for sister sites. I get "helpful" emails from my bank, retailers, alumni clubs, the church, etc, etc, etc. It's a lot. I try to unsubscribe from those I don't truly want to read.<br />
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In fact, if you are looking to save a little money then removing the temptation of the "<em>HUGE SALE 50% OFF EVERYTHING</em>" email from all your favorite online retailers is a great place to start.<br />
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But my current source of information clutter is on my smart phone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--vdlY3xdC0c/TYpc-OI9cII/AAAAAAAAAMQ/jaGv0eDJOCM/s1600/Twitter+Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--vdlY3xdC0c/TYpc-OI9cII/AAAAAAAAAMQ/jaGv0eDJOCM/s400/Twitter+Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today I got a <a href="http://www.twitter.com/organizedelight">Twitter</a> direct message. Here's a list of all the ways I was notified of the message:<br />
1. a text message from Twitter<br />
2. a text message from Twitter through my "handsent" application<br />
3. an email from Twitter to my gmail app<br />
4. an email from Twitter via my "universal inbox"<br />
5. a notification from my Twitter app<br />
6. a notification from my TweetDeck app<br />
7. a notification from my HootSuite app<br />
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Um, yeah... the message was not that important. One of those would have been sufficient. Two at most. <br />
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So this afternoon I'll be updating my twitter settings to remove a few of those. I'll start with email & text notification since on my phone twitter can notify me directly I don't need those additional outlets. <br />
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The point is, clearing all those notifications from my phone took me probably 1 minute. Not much time. But if I get 10 messages a day, that's 10 minutes of time just spent clearing something I've already read. What clutter!<br />
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Where can you cut information clutter from your life?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-24282888931653774012011-03-21T14:57:00.001-06:002011-04-06T22:03:18.978-06:00Pimp Your MixerI recently discovered Shelley over at <a href="http://wonderfullywordy.blogspot.com/">Wonderfully Wordy Vinyl Lettering</a> and <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">House of Smiths</a>. Her vinyl creations are adorable and fun. Just looking through them all gets my creative juices flowing.<br />
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But when I came across this one, I knew I had to share it with all of you. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3no3YvEejAg/TYe7Vkia4oI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Ay54SbLG9io/s1600/Kitchenaid_WonderfullyWordy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3no3YvEejAg/TYe7Vkia4oI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Ay54SbLG9io/s400/Kitchenaid_WonderfullyWordy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{photo courtesy <a href="http://wonderfullywordy.blogspot.com/">Wonderfully Wordy</a>}</span></div><br />
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<a href="http://wonderfullywordy.blogspot.com/2010/10/vinyl-decals-for-your-kitchenaid-mixer.html"><strong>Vinyl Decals for Your Kitchenaid Mixer</strong></a>! These really have nothing to do with organizing but they are <em><strong>so.darn.cute</strong></em>. These are so going on my wish list. My favorite is the Curly Sue. Which is yours?Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-52192470333461547902011-03-20T11:33:00.017-06:002011-04-07T12:03:00.886-06:00Declutter Challenge #20 & Downloadable FileIt's the last day! Spring begins this afternoon and hopefully your home feels a bit more ready to welcome spring by being a bit lighter in the clutter department. Today's Challenge:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">DONATE!</span></strong></div><br />
Gather up all those things you've decided you don't want or need anymore and get them out of your home for good!<br />
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As you box and bag things up, make a list of what you are donating. Keep this with the receipt you get from the place you donate and add it to your 2011 Taxes file for next year. To help with this I'm offering my first downloadable file! This Charitable Donation Worksheet is what I use to mark things down before I drop them off to charity.<br />
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Here's how it works:<br />
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1. Click on the photo of the document you want (with kids or child-free)<br />
2. Download or print the document<br />
3. Fill it out!<br />
4. Donate your stuff. Do this now. Today. Tomorrow at the latest. Don't let the stuff stick around your house. It will continue to be clutter in your home until it's GONE!<br />
5. Staple your charitable donation receipt to the form.<br />
6. File in your 2011 Taxes file (if you haven't made one, now is the time)<br />
7. Add the items from your list to your <a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/itsdeductible/index.jsp">It's Deductible</a> account. If you use Turbo Tax, you can import the data into your taxes for next year. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0Bx0kMuMCxyxROTk0YzMxMzUtMTg5OS00NGEzLWFjZTQtZTIzNzQxNTQ3MjQ0&hl=en&authkey=CMa41Y4N" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3S1HV6ltRbE/TYeUBT3AR3I/AAAAAAAAAL0/xitHbuNPFdk/s400/Donation+Worksheet+Pic.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For families with kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0Bx0kMuMCxyxRYTc2OWM3OGMtM2ExZS00ZmRjLWFjMDAtOWJiNjNjZWYwZjE3&hl=en&authkey=COrYj-sK&pli=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cTfwv3rV22s/TYeVfNWVaaI/AAAAAAAAAL4/BJAD0N6aSwY/s400/Donation+Worksheet+%2528nokids%2529+Pic.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For families without kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>Why keep a list of what you donate?</strong> Well, if you don't have a list, you can't deduct the value on your taxes. And if you want to deduct you need to have a reasonably detailed listing <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p526/ar02.html#en_US_2010_publink1000229839">according to the IRS</a>.<br />
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<strong>What should you do after today?</strong> Print out a few copies of the document and put them on a clipboard. Put the clipboard wherever your normally keep your stuff to be donated. Whenever you add something to the box or bag, note it on the worksheet. Then you won't need to do any work next time you have a full box to donate. Just drop it off and file your paperwork.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574872417718771155.post-28980712248976255542011-03-19T10:59:00.004-06:002011-04-07T12:03:56.531-06:00Declutter Challenge #19Just two more.... And today we're back in:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Kids' Closet</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/House/P7090043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/domersuz/House/P7090043.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
If you have more than one child, try the other kid's room today. If you only have one child or your children share a room, head back into the closet again today.<br />
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And of course, if you are child-free, pick another room - like the guest room or office.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525398312228267164noreply@blogger.com0