Don't Agonize. Organize.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

-Florence Kennedy

I'm a wannabe organizer. I actually like the sorting process, and feel so much better when my surroundings are in order. But it usually takes a near-meltdown to get me there. I have always envied those who have a place for everything and maintain that system.

Here are some recent redoes. It took being completely overwhelmed, but I'm loving my organized ways so much that I'm hoping it spreads to other areas of my life. Wishful thinking, I'm sure. My desk got completely reorganized this morning...after 2 weeks of being unable to find my mouse under all the rubble. I almost lost my mind.

 

The top of my dresser routinely looks like a war zone. I'm a sample hoarder, so they, in addition to hair ties, product wrappers, magazines, makeup, etc., easily accumulate and clutter my space. When I can't take it anymore (i.e. I spend several minutes searching for something that was right there) I do something about it.

My husband takes glass blowing classes as a hobby and therefore has cool pieces to show for his efforts. I took this funky green bowl he made and used it to hold all my daily makeup essentials. The less frequently used products are in an organizer on a shelf nearby. A little canning jar houses my brushes. In case you're wondering, that is Teen Spirit deodorant. I saw it at a grocery store and felt nostalgic. It smells like Sweet Tarts.


I'm in love with our new Keurig machine. I use it every single day. The K-cups, however, can be a little cumbersome and we don't have a lot of counter space. One of my little Pyrex buddies came to the rescue. We keep an array of 16 flavors/types in this little beauty. I get to display a funky dish from my collection, and we don't have K-cup boxes laying around or a big organizer taking up valuable counter space. Win-win.


We have a bottom cabinet that houses all of our baking staples. It was getting a little out of control. Plus, the glass jars with metal twisting lids had become stripped from repeated use and I couldn't get them off sometimes. There's nothing like being unable to open a sugar container the night before you've committed to making 3 dozen cupcakes for the school bake sale. I used a 20% coupon from Bed, Bath and Beyond and splurged on a set of 3 Oxo canisters. You literally push the middle button and it's sealed. We use one each for brown and white sugars and the biggest one for flour. I am so happy I finally pulled the trigger on this.


I like to bake and my husband likes to cook. We are always printing new recipes, ripping them out of magazines, and searching online for recipes for our favorite dishes. Which is why we had the monstrosity in the first picture. It took forever to find what we wanted in that rubber-banded pile of recipes. I finally did something about it last weekend.

I sorted and threw away ones we'd never try or make again and organized the keepers by type. I reprinted wrinkled/stained sheets. Some of them were old handwritten family recipes, so I typed them up. I put each recipe in a sheet protector (thanks for the idea, Auntie!) and compiled them in this binder. There's a section for desserts, appetizers, main courses, etc. I've made several recipes out of this since they are easier to access.

I'm a work in progress. But I'd love suggestions! What are your best kept secrets for organizing before you lose your mind?

5 comments :

  1. Your binder is so cute! You have motivated me :)

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  2. I have oraganizatiob issues too. :) I envy those who are oc when it comes to tidying space. :)

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  3. I love those oxo containers, I bought a similiar style different brand at Winners the other day to organise my baking section too! Can't wait to show it off to my mother in law! Whoot!

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  4. I'm so glad I bought those containers, Bailey! Aren't they great?

    I'm glad I am not alone in my (dis)organization, Gellie! I work to simplify my life every day. Some are better than others. :)

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  5. I love to organize too!!!! And my recipe binder is definetly overdue for some love and attention!!! Thanks for kicking me butt into gear :)

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