Intentional Organization

I hope my willingness to share my struggles and successes around the home have helped you.  My goal with this series was to share tips but, more importantly, to keep it real that we ALL have areas in our home (or offices or lives or SOMETHING) that could function better.  Sometimes, however, I look at my house and its needs and I become overwhelmed.

I've learned the key to overcoming this challenge is to take the problem areas and break them into bite-sized chunks.  It can't all get done at one time.  One of the most important and easiest tasks is to set the goals for an area.

Ask yourself,

1.  What is the space supposed to do?

2.  What items NEED to be in the space?

3.  What can you get rid of?

4.  What are the steps to accomplish your desired end state?

One of my top goals for each space (whether I choose to admit it or not) is to make things prettier.  I want to clean things up, put things away, find a place for things AND THEN make it pretty.

Honestly, I think I get it from my mama.

Vanity Organization Ideas

The last area where I focused my organization efforts is my vanity.  Our master bedroom has a small full bathroom inside - it has one sink (his), the laundry chute and a tub/shower.  My closet, however, is located just outside the bathroom and directly across from my vanity area.

That photo was taken shortly after we moved in... before we had blinds in the bathroom, lol.  You know what's interesting about MY vanity area?  It's not mine at all.  EVERYONE else uses it, puts their crap on it and has the nerve to complain when it's a mess.  Both the kid and man have their own sinks.  For some reason, however, the toothpaste, the Q-tips, the lotions... it all has to be kept at MY sink.  I have my own needs for my vanity... I started wearing makeup last year, remember?  Can a girl have a girl area for makeup... Even if she doesn't know what she's doing with it?

Thrifty Pantry Storage Ideas

It's Wednesday and I'd normally have a Wordless post but with the organization series wrapping up, I'm excited to share more information.

One of my favorite aisles in the thrift store is the glassware aisle.  I love old jars and, with a good cleaning, they helped make our pantry pretty.

All of the jars in the photo above (except the rice jar) were purchased from thrift stores.  The rice jar is a one-gallon jar I purchased from Walmart for only $5.47!

Source

I redesigned our pantry in the old house like seven years ago... yes, before Pinterest. HAHA!  Although the pantry in our current home doesn't feel as large, I love the smart design of it.

Shower Curtain Hooks Storage Ideas

Happy Tuesday, Islanders!

I'd like to close out the organization series with unique uses for everyday items.  These are items you don't have to pay a lot for.  As a matter of fact, most of them are ALWAYS found in thrift stores for cheap!  First up?  The shower curtain hooks.

Plastic rings, hooks, closed metal hooks... there really are many options to choose from.

Maya Mondays

Laundry Room Baskets

Yesterday's post started with baskets... Remember?  I wanted to purchase baskets for the stairs but decided against it because I got amazing prices on great baskets at my local thrift shops before?  Well, those fab basket finds came from The Village Thrift Store.

The batteries in our remote died and I went to our laundry room to find them... As I reached for the jar of batteries, I was annoyed by the messy state of our laundry room shelf:

It was a mess!

I don't know why there are so many lunch bags (shown in the photo above) but the pile wound up all over the floor constantly.  Talk about annoying!

Thrifty Organtization

On multiple occasions I've mentioned my adoration for thrifty finds.  Sure, I splurge on items I'm certain will never be on sale... or be given to me... or be found in a thrift store.  Seriously, I do.

I don't, however, like to spend my money for items priced at the retail rate... especially when I don't have to.  So, you know I'm all in for this whole commitment to organize and stuff, right?

Right.

I saw this picture on pinterest and totally think my family can benefit from baskets along the steps for the little things I pick-up everyday.

Source

I went looking for baskets with a similar structure and OMG!  Would you believe they're close to $20/each?! Did you hear me? For my little ol' family that means I would need no less than $60... on baskets alone?!  To think, I was considering a general basket for the 'everybody' stuff... well, that's not going to happen at that price.

Holiday Decor Organization

Good news! I've come to the conclusion my mind rebels against the "work" side of doing what I love.  I truly believe as soon as I said I'm going to blog everyday in October, my blogging stopped.  I had no desire to blog... and for no other reason than I said I would... UGH.  Well, at least I admit the problem (hence the good news), right?!

Just so you know, I have organized a little somethin' here-n-there but I just didn't WANT to blog about it; I'm certain my fingers subconsciously willed against blogging about it.  Sorry for the neglect and, not to worry, I'm kicking my own hind parts so you can cut me some slack.

If that's the good news, what's the bad news?  Well, we haven't been e-chatting nearly as often.  DUH!  O and I'm sorry.

WAIT. There's more good news?  Yes, yes there is.

Maya Mondays

But God - A Tiny Reminder of His Promise

I know, I know. I'm supposed to be all about organization and I am... just not as much as I'm enjoying life.  Yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post was an introduction to Superman (I totally thought that should be two words but I guess not).  Anyhoo, you guys have been along for the ride since the announcement of Tati's pregnancy.  Do you remember the Island's announcement (here)?  What about the gender reveal (here)?

Sometimes, people don't understand those of us who 'do the most.'  They think 'I didn't have to do all that stuff and things turned out just fine for me.' They turn their nose up at the idea of someone documenting a journey through photos or celebrations.

In the case of Tamara and Langston, most were excited to share in the moments leading up to LJ's arrival because we knew it took time, prayer and sacrifice to conceive.  There are always those who, simply put, don't get it.

Why host a cookout to pull together families that are forever connected through the birth of their son?

Why take photos of a belly during this, the only time it will ever be full of blessings in this manner, when you can just remember it?

Why the hoopla?

Why the fun?

Why involve others in your excitement?

WW: Meet Superman

Maya Mondays

Vanity Organization - Acrylic Boxes

Howdy, Islanders!

Can you tell I'm getting back in the swing of things?  I know I haven't been posting but I have been taking small strides everyday.  I've put some of my thrifty finds to use in the vanity area (more on that this weekend).  Seeing the progress got me motivated to do more with our cosmetics.  I even spent a few dollars!  Check out my latest purchase:

Acrylic Shoe Drawers

No, I'm not going to use them to hold shoes.  I saw some inspiration on Pinterest and, as Wordless Wednesday post hinted, I'm working on our linen closets.  I know what you're thinking and I'm using these boxes for *drum roll please*

NAIL POLISH! 

Have I told you about Munch's obsession with nails and nail polish and designs and stickers and -- UGH!  We have a small container (from the Dollar store).  It has a lid to hold polishes but her collection of nail supplies has grown and it's taking over the closet.  When her friends come over, they huddle in the bathroom, spread out a nail towel and make a mess paint their nails/feet.  When they finish, they haphazardly pile the supplies up, slap the top on (with sealing it) and toss it in the closet.  I love these drawers because, unlike our containers with lids, they allow access to the contents without disrupting the closet organization.  You don't have to ever take them out of the closet :)  I can't wait for them to arrive!

I found my acrylic shoe boxes on Amazon for a discount! I'll share before and after photos but, for now, I'm excited about what's to come!

If these boxes don't fit your needs, check out all of these awesome ideas:

Source

WW: Hall Closet Inspiration

www.orgjunkie.com

An [Organized] Unscripted Life

As soon as I planned to blog about organization tips every day in the month of October, life happened.

Funeral.  Friends goin' through a divorce.  Another friend hospitalized.  Events.  Meetings.  Church.

I haven't been home... I can't even think about organizing.

I guess, in a sick way, that's cool.  Believe it or not, my house isn't too bad... maybe because I have implemented some things that are already helping?  O, let me have my moment!

Let me catch up on some client work this evening and I promise I'll return with updates.

Talk to you soon.  O and until we chat again, check out this pic of Munch in her princess 'fit she rocked to Chazzy's royal ball.

$4.45 fabulous thrift store costume + H&M head band = a ROYALLY adorable kid!

'Til next time,

31 Days - The Game Cabinet.

Earlier this summer, I tackled the pile of junk that was the game cabinet.  

When we purchased the home, I was so excited for the storage opportunities it provided.  I decided to put many of our things in the rooms where they would used.  In the case of the family room, I wanted to be sure the supplies for family game night were readily available.

These supplies include board games, cards, Wii supplies and movies.  Over time, however, out-of-cycle seasonal decor and random toys took over the closet.  It was a mess.  The movies were still upstairs and, in their place, wrapping paper, Santa figurines, Easter bunnies, baby supplies for our little guests... the closet was a mess.

One night, I was tired of it. I decided to clean it out and (two hours later) BOOM!

One space - DONE!  Let's break down how items are sorted, shall we?

From the photo above, you can see I kept things Munch accesses regularly on the lower shelves.  The baskets on the bottom hold card games and Wii supplies.  The middle shelf holds board games.  The shelf above the games holds DVDs and CDs.  The top shelf and floor area holds out-of-cycle decor (holiday and random pieces).

It works, it functions... it makes my heart smile to know it's CLEAN :)

A Vintage-Meets-Modern Guest Room

For our first post, I want to share how Mom converted a storage space into a lovely guest room.  Most of my posts will not have this much fabulosity but, hey, I can't be as amazing as Mommy.

My Wordless Wednesday post was a preview into Mom's latest room reveal.  You may recall I mentioned Mom's home decor stash.  It was a room in the basement with an assortment of out-of-rotation decor she used to keep her decor fresh.  You can read more about my parents' awesome place here.

By way of update, she cleared out some space in another room and converted her home decor room into another guest room.  It turned out beautifully!

To start, do you remember this leaf piece of art from our thrift shopping trip in GA back in June?

31 Days: The Intro.

Today is the first of October and I'm continuing the annual Island tradition of participating in the 31 Days to change October.  This is the fourth (can you believe it?!) year in a row that I will participate and I can't frikkin' wait to share our topic this year.

Are you ready for the topic?

Well, here goes.

I'm on a quest to make our home a more organized place.  I've got some rooms in need of some 'fix it Jesus.'  If I don't commit now then when will I?  If I don't have you all to hold me accountable then who will?

Everything in our home isn't all bad. I've gotten some things right around our nest and I hope seeing my struggles and successes will help some of you along the way.

In this series, I'll share projects (big and small) that will improve our home's functionality.  OMG! I can't wait to see my home at the end of this month :)  I'll also keep you updated on our regular life happenin's around these parts.

Do you want to join in on the fun?  Link up at The Nester's blog and be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog so I can follow along!

WW: A Sneak Peek