Organizing Tips

Today I am sharing some great organizing ideas (some I've used - some I will be using.) I've already said that pull-out baskets or shelves in kitchen cabinets are the best thing since sliced bread! These were taken from my fave (& only) magazine "Real Simple"

• Tie colorful ribbons from gifts you’ve received around sheet sets so individual pieces don’t stray. That way, you’ll never have to waste time hunting for matching pillowcases again.
• Repurpose shoe boxes and bank-check boxes (both lids and bottoms) as drawer dividers.
• Put instruction manuals in a three-ring binder and you’ll never rifle through drawers again.
• Hang a three-tiered wire kitchen basket from the ceiling of a closet for extra storage in empty corners. It’s a great spot for socks.
• Designate one shelf in a utility or linen closet for party essentials, such as candles, place cards, napkins, vases, and the like.
• Attach a piece of corkboard to the inside of your linen-closet or laundry-room door and use straight pins to affix extra buttons and packets of thread.
• Attach delicate silver nails to a closet wall and drape necklaces from them―pretty and practical.

Notes:  In my master closet, I actually used cork boards to organize my jewelry and I love this!!!   My earrings and necklaces are together - no more searching!!    (See blog post for 7/30/10).  Also on the binder for instruction manuals, I also keep receipts for improvements, paint colors, repair receipts, and any other information pertaining to our home.  This is really helpful when you go make an improvement or you are selling your home.    (I'm off to find a wire basket because I really like this idea for my laundry area!!!)

Take the first step ...

Image via Wikipedia

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.  (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

I've spoken before of my kids, nieces and nephews who are ALL doing wonderful things.   It is such a wonder and blessing to me as I see / hear about them.   I am in awe and yes, envious.

My niece "Erin" is a wonderfully, talented writer who obtained her master's degree in Creative Writing from De Paul University and is now teaching English in Korea for a year.    She has a definite love of travel and cultures, and she is ACTING on it.  She is DOING what she loves - and no, I don't think its the teaching part.  That's just them means to an end; she is experiencing a new culture and has the ability to travel other parts of the world while doing so.  

When I first heard of this whole idea of hers to teach in a foreign country, I was hesitant.  (At the time I was wrapped up in my corporate life, security and all that!!!)   Today, I applaud her courage and determination. Is she getting rich?  Maybe not in a financial sense, but what life is not richer for having experienced a different place and culture?  

Its a good reminder that chances are often worth it.  Don't wait until later or retirement to DO things you want or love.   Do it now.

Its a New Year

Image by alykat via Flickr

New Year, new opportunities!  That's how I look at this new year.    I was trying to decide if I was going to have resolutions or written goals, and determined that really this blog already kind of covers that.  I determined that really since its over my half-way point, i am looking at 2010 as the year of change and reflection with 2011 being the year of ACTION.    At first, it was kind of like "oh,  a lot of pressure" but the more I thought about it, the more I decided it was exciting to look at it this way.   Much better to be action oriented instead of having to come up with an idea!  

My goal was to have a life with less things and more purpose.   So I've purged EVERY room now.  Much more streamlined AND no plans to purchase any more things!   And so now to bring purpose to what I am doing.   In real estate, we are working several short sales.  We make less money, have to work harder for more people, but when successful there is some benefit for all.   It avoids a foreclosure sale which hurts all in the market, and offers a better credit future for the homeowner.  I am participating in bible study and want to be active in a church.  After helping at the homeless day shelter for women, I know I can and will do more.  So I think its fitting that 2011 be the year of action for me, the time when it will all come together!

Happy New Year to all and I hope that 2011 is all you want it to be!   I read somewhere that the words "someday I will.." is just a means to keep pushing your dreams into the future.   "Some Day" needs to be now.