6 tips to enjoy your weekend

or....restating the obvious?
Sometimes we need reminding though huh? Me included. Lets "O" (organize) the weekend.

1. Get the yard and other must do's out of the way first thing. Even better during the week. Remember eating the elephant one bite at a time, especially if you work outside your home like so many do.
2. Shop ahead. Have food and drinks, ice in the house. If you have entertaining plans especially. 
3. Check the weather, make a back-up plan for rain, or take that downtime and wallow in it.
4. Check your calendar, make sure you haven't forgotten an event.
5. Read up on local events, or put reminders on your calendar for things you don't want to miss.
6. Plan so R & R. It's ok to turn your back on some of those have to's that can wait. Just put your feet up and be.

Have a no fret Friday! :) As we say in Louisiana, "Come sit"  

I saw this lovely shelf recently while out browsing. Such cute rustic style. I think it would look great over a bed or used as a mantle. What a great way to display some of your finds or special keepsakes. This is a pretty easy DIY project!

Scarve Storage

When in doubt Accessorize!!!
Whenever you dilemma-ize over what to wear turn to your belts, scarves and jewelry! You've heard me say it before right? For the past few years I have rolled my scarves and lined them in a drawer in my jewelry cabinet. But I found myself unrolling and re-rolling several as I decided on my outfit. Sometimes being in a rush they were waiting for me when I got home. As I was putting away winter things I happened onto my newest storage idea for my scarves. There they are in plain view, ready to be draped across my hanger holdup until decision time has arrived. As you can see this is a regular hanger with the clips to hang a skirt or pants. They have them for sale at The Container Store if you don't have any in your closet. I used the clips to hold square ones. They also sell them at Wayfair using this link, but you have to buy them by the dozen there. "Crystal Clear Skirt and Pant Hangers in Clear (12 Pack)" I must admit I don't have a dozen of these filled with scarves but I have a few and I'm working on it! :)

Wayfair (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Just halving them taking the folded end and sticking it through the hanger and pulling the loose ends through is keeping them all lined up and from slinking off onto the closet floor.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, my first experience

Making old things new is such fun! I recently discovered Anne Sloan chalk paints and I'm addicted. I have a whole list of items to do. I love the look and want to share my first project with you. This little table might not look like much to you, but this one and a magazine table, (my next project) belonged to my dad.
I love how it turned out This is Old White with clear wax.

Organizing a closet with slanted ceiling

I was recently on Tip Junkie's blog and saw a comment from Joann asking about utilizing a closet with a slanted ceiling. I identify that it is not always easy to utilize the space.
This featured space was added when we were choosing paint colors for our gameroom/media room. While I'm cocking my head sideways at the sample colors on the wall my husband is knocking on a corner space saying he thinks he found some storage space behind the wall!
Then he gets a hammer and knocks a hole in the area. My eyes were like saucers!
But behold, there was definitely space there that could be used even though the roof slants in the area.
I wish I had photos of him with his hammer!

I group like things together. As you can see the shelves are graduated lengths to utilize all space available as the ceiling slants up. The puzzle stacker is awesome. I got mine at a garage sale, but I have seen them at teacher supply stores. I use bins for legos and other toys that need to be sorted. My grandkids love Geotrax. They seem to appeal to wide age range. 

 As you can see we also store our buckets of wheat here, otherwise there would be tons of space on this side of the closet for more storage. It works well to stack the large toy pieces on top there.

But here is the finished result.

Garden Glove Storage

Tis the Season...

For gardening that is!

I have sought the perfect garden glove for ages and I think I may have found the "one"!

My goatskin gloves are wonderful.

What I like about them is:

1. They are soft and subtle. Best of all they stay that way when you get them wet.
2. Available at Lowes
3. Protect my hands
4. Last longer than cloth or canvas gloves.
5. Leather has a tendency to get stiff after they are wet.

I recently saw where someone posted on Pinterest showing magnets being sewn into the cuffs of the gloves to attach them to a metal bucket to keep track of them. One reader pointed out that the magnets would stick to the side of washer or dryer. Good point I thought. Someone else mentioned that she clips hers with a clothes pin to her plastic weed bucket! 

I love this idea!

As for drying out my gloves if they have gotten wet? I simply place them over the top of my lopers to allow air to circulate through and they wave at me when I'm looking for a pair. Tell me about your gloves or other gardening equipment. I will be posting my own tried and true methods too!

Window Boxes

Love those volunteers!

Window boxes from Ikea. Mirrors in old window frames add character to the side of our pool house. Snapdragons and Asparagus Fern do not require much care. Sometimes the plants that volunteer to come back are the best!

Awaiting Spring

Do you long for warm weather? I count down the days to guessing if all the freeze possibility has past. My bulbs don't care though they bloom when they are ready and make me smile. Daffodils already bobbing their heads give me hope.

I'm a lover of flowers and live for Spring!

Getting ready on those unusually warm days can seem overwhelming and the urge to run out to the garden center and buy all those beautiful spring flowers before prepping is finished is hard to control. Trust me I have done the process in reverse and at times have lost plants while I'm preparing the beds.

So to organize plantings, start with a rake and some gloves with a trash bag in tow. Assess what made it through, what is likely to come back and then step back and plan. I like to mulch now, even though you can after you've planted. (your preference)Make a list of what you think you need along with starter solution and plant food. But don't buy more than you can do in one day.

Simplify your Life week

I just learned that the first week of August is "Simplify your Life week!" I love these crazy little holidays that give us a reason to act, right?
Let's all post this week one thing we will do to simplify our life. You cannot deny that we all need this. It can be as simple as cleaning our your glovebox in your car. Are there really any gloves in there? Old outdated car insurance cards?
How about cleaning our your purse or briefcase. How about that lap drawer on your desk? hmmm the simplifying is endless.
So, I'm giving you a week to think it over.....come on post blast me. :)

Sorry I've been missing!

Hi to everyone!
I apologize for being gone. First of all I got locked out of my blog somehow and I didn't take to time to try to figure out what I did. I was trying to put everything under one umbrella and sabotaged myself in the process!

If you check my link you will see that I have been busy with a new endeavor! I just seem to like too many things...photography, home staging, organizing, writing, reading, starting a new business.

http://shecompany.com
A new venture my daughter and I are pursuing! I hope you'll stop in. We are stocking product like I write my blog, only tried, true stuff and such fun! :) Please check it out and comment. We can take it.

Well, hope you are still tuned in and willing to wobble with me as I talk about all of my interests.

by the way loved "The Help" Cannot wait for the movie!

Love my All Clad

Primarily, all of my cooking days raising five lively busy children were spent with a hodge-podge of cookware. I have always loved to cook....and bake.....and eat! :) I even loved going to the grocery store. As I moved into "Empty-nestdom", I found myself dreading those tasks. Not baking because we were bulging,  trying to cook healthy was a challenge.
In order to encourage myself to eat out less, I decided new cookware might inspire me. I deserved it right? Another little deciding factor for me was questioning whether aluminum in some of my pots and pans could contribute to Alzheimer's. I know the jury is still out on this. As I cared for my aging mother with this disease, I found myself doing research to do anything to avoid this heartbreaking ailment.

I soon discovered the cookware I wanted was All Clad. The construction heats food evenly, clean easily, they polish up beautifully and they are very sturdy. They appear to be the chefs choice. When having lunch with a friend, the conversation turned to cooking. We were both considering our purchase of All Clad! So following lunch we skirted over to Williams Sonoma to check them out firsthand. That is where I ended up purchasing my set. They are less expensive if you buy a set rather than by the piece. Then you can add pieces you want to add.
So if you were wondering, (some were) about the cookware living in my pull-out drawer, that is my set. I simply love cooking in them. They are a bit pricey, but an investment you will only make once in a lifetime. In fact my youngest son has already laid claim to them when I am resting in a place where there is hopefully no fire, and no need for pots or pans! lol But I think maybe he might have to fight his sisters for them! :)

Don't they just look pretty?

Getting to know that little label on your apple

Is it me, or do those annoying little fruit labels send you over the edge? I know, it's not about organizing, but it cuts into my organizing time.....
What exactly does PLU mean? It is fairly simple...Price Look Up
I can hear it now..."Hey Al, can you get me a PLU on this eggplant?"

So what good are they, anyway?
They help the cashier charge the right price for the item, perhaps speed the checkout process, help supermarkets track sales of certain items and control inventory. So they next time we pop in for a 4135 apple, it's on hand.

What good are they to us?
They are difficult to remove.
They sometimes tear the skin of the fruit when we attempt to remove them.
They add to the ever-growing landfill problem.
The International Federation for Produce Standards controls the labels which can assist us in knowing what we are buying. There is also a Produce Marketing Association, and a Produce Electronic Identification Board.
It is said that the adhesive used is food-grade, but the label itself is not edible, although it would not harm you if you ingested it, after all it is reportedly lead-free. I never ate glue in Kindergarten either, although some of my peers did.

Fact is, even though they aren't necessarily designed to assist us. If you crack the code, there is a bounty of information to be had! And I finally discovered the best way to remove them, as they ARE here to stay, or are they?

My research found:
1.  A four digit code means the produce was conventionally grown.
     These items have pesticides used on them, they
2.  A five digit code preceded by a 9 means the item was Organically grown.
3.  A five digit code means your food has been genetically modified.
4.  The numbers also indicate, country of origin, brand names, etc,.

That number three on the list. If you want to understand more about this code you can find some pretty interesting FACTS at   www.ornl.gov
Basically, the GM title means scientists have altered the genetic make up of what you are about to eat. Supporters profess that we might enjoy enhanced taste and quality, they can reach maturity quicker, we might enjoy more dense nutrients, they enjoy more yield since the insects are staying away. hmmm?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding GM. Some fear the human health impact, that include possible allergens, and other unknown effects. It could even affect how our current antibiotic stream works.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm sure there is an artist somewhere producing grand amazing works from the lovely little labels. In 2007 there were discussions about laser etching our produce instead. Whether etched or labeled, the authorities like being able to track produce items in case of salmonella outbreaks for instance.
I'm done.Oh, I almost forgot. The best way to remove this pesky little sticker is to take a sharp knife and scrape it along the skin slightly lifting the label. It can then be grasped for removal. If you are knife-less and forgot to remove the label before you were on the run....a dig of a fingernail works nicely, but only after gently trying to pry it loose.

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Scrapbook Storage News!

I received a coupon via email this morning from Micheal's Arts & Crafts offering 40% off on scrapbook storage solutions!

It appears that a company by the name of Jetmax now offers a modular product line and shelf similar to the ones Making Memories used to produce. I heard from many friends who wished they had bought the items before they were discontinued. If you are new to my blog, I have a number of storage ideas for scrapbook supplies in previous posts. Pictured above is my embellishment center that I painted black to match my Scrapbook Studio. When I searched for who else is carrying the Jetmax Craft Storage Systems I discovered Amazon, Two Peas in a Bucket, and many others. Micheal's 40% off coupon sounds like a pretty good deal though if they are in stock. When I purchased my unit, the coupon was not valid on the embellishment center. Have fun gathering your supplies together for a creative year of scrapbooking.

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Attack that closet now!

Hello! Yes I know, I have been MIA! So I have allowed you to have a nice holiday hiatus! Now back to organizing!

When seasons change, it is time to purge clothes in the closet. (You will determine when to do this task from the climate you live in) I am fortunate to have a spare closet to store "out of season" clothing. If you do not have this option, try under bed storage, attic space, or Space Bags are a great way to conserve space. Some people use stored suitcases to store out of season wear.
As you can see I group pants by color using hangers that come from the dry cleaners. Additionally, the items are grouped by type, ie., casual, jeans, and dress, etc.
Be sure you examine each piece of clothing you are about to store. Are they worn out? Did you wear them this past season? Do they need repair, ripped or missing buttons? And are they clean?
Then as you pull out your past season clothes, ask yourself... Do I still like this? Has the trend past for wearing this? Is it really worn? Then purge again. It is nice to keep a pad and pencil handy to make remarks for shopping. If your black tank is snagged and faded, maybe it's time to treat yourself to a new one.

If you do not have upper and lower rods in your closet you are missing out on valuable storage space. Photos in magazines always have 8 or 9 shirts neatly hanging there and of course the closet looks beautiful, and I always have to chuckle at the ads because most of the time all the shirts are the same color. Unfortunately, your closet or mine is never going to look like the ad. If you are like most people you have a lot more than a few shirts, and you own different colors.
In this view sweaters, and turtleneck tanks are left and then tanks sorted by color that I wear underneath jackets in the winter where I live. On the end by the wall are print styles. Note I always put empty hangers at the front of the rod when I take something out to wear, then they are handy when I'm ready to hang laundered clothes or things I plan to wear again. You can buy a basket to toss them in if you prefer. But when I hang them up I always put the item back in color order.

This shows the upper rod of the closet where all of my blouses, 3/4 sleeve T's and a few winter color T's  are.  Check out the nifty belt rack that I purchased at Lowes from ClosetMaid
 This hides behind the door but is perfect for accessorizing, right inside the closet! I have a full length mirror in the closet for dressing.

Think all of my closet space is organized? Think again! I saw some great acrylic shelf dividers in a magazine that I plan to purchase from The Container Store to remedy this problem I have with purses and bags. I promise to show you the end result!

Related articles

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Tame those bracelets and Monday morning what to wear?

For the better part of my adult life I have been a simple kind of jewelry girl. But in the last decade I have rekindled my love of costume jewelry! Housing it all became such a problem that I purchased a tall jewelry cabinet with drawers.
So my question today is where do you keep those adorable bangles and bracelets? Are they heaped in a box or drawer getting tangled and ruined? Are you frustrated when you go to find the perfect match for your holiday outfit?
On one of our frequent visits to Lowes, I realized that I could buy these small fluffy paint rollers that remind me of the ones in the jewelry store that are covered in velvet, and I could store my bracelets on them in an easy to see fashion! I love this!

I just lay these in to top of my jewelry drawer. Now if you don't mind having your bangles sitting out on your vanity or dresser, you could invest in this T-bar style to store your treasures. But the paint roller thing is super inexpensive and for me is stored out of sight until I lift the lid! These could be placed in a small shoe size plastic container and stored in a drawer or cabinet where you get dressed.

On those mornings when you just can't decide what to put on......?
Reach into your accessories and voila!!!! You become inspired with an outfit when you put on a favorite scarf or belt and then feel good ALL DAY in your outfit! Cool huh?

Thanksgiving Dinner Tips

Timeline and Tips for Stress free Thanksgiving

Three days prior: Shop for groceries and buy turkey now if frozen, it takes 3 days to defrost in refrigerator.

Things you can do the Day before:
Bake Cornbread
Chop onion, celery and mushrooms for gravy, dressing etc.
Bake pies

Prepare Mac Cheese
Cook macaroni, layer pasta, alternating with butter slices, Velveeta and cheddar cheese soup mixed with milk.

Shoot up turkey; fold his wings underneath him so he stands pretty. Cook breast down for juicy breast. (Warning: might not look as pretty for picture.)

If making Por-Tur-Chick (my own "Cajun" invention), debone turkey breast, pound to flatten slightly, layer Owens hot sausage on top, pound chicken breasts, probably need two depending on size, lay on top and roll the layers around the Chapel Hill jalapeno smoked sausage. Secure with string ties and inject with butter, seasonings, Worchestershire sauce, +. (make up as you go :)

Take your cool whip out of the freezer

Day of:
Check to see how long your bird needs to cook and figure out what time you plan to eat.
If you are cooking a large turkey you need to get him in first, especially if you only have one oven.
Assemble Dressing

Begin Rolls or biscuits ( yeast rolls take longer)

Put yams on to boil

Boil taters



Assemble green bean casserole directions are on can















Assemble Green Stuff


Cut fruit for fruit salad, apples, pineapple tidbits, bananas (just before serving), fruit cocktail drained, chopped pecans, colored marshmallows. Add cool whip as served.

Slice yams, layer with slices of butter, sprinkle brown sugar and broken pecans, top with marshmallows, butter, pecans and brown sugar.
Bake 30 minutes at 350º

Assemble relish tray





















Check your bird each hour and baste with drippings and check more often toward end of cooking. His legs should move very easy if he is close to done. Insert meat thermometer to be sure. Remove foil to brown last 30 minutes. Turkey needs to rest before carving.
Remove juice with turkey baster, put some in dressing and make gravy with the rest.



Jackies Southern Macaroni and Cheese
 Grease baking dish, layer cooked macaroni, dotted with butter, Campbells Cheddar Cheese soup mixed with milk and slices of Velveeta. End with cheese. Mac cheese should take about 30-35 minutes to bake, as it bakes, stir and add milk to make it creamy, (every 10 minutes)  Add shredded cheddar about half way through and keep it stirred adding milk as needed. About 10 minutes before it is done add shredded cheese to top. (Tip: if you slightly undercook your macaroni when boiling, your mac and cheese won't be mushy :)


Green beans, rolls, mac cheese and yams can all cook together.
Heat the corn, go on add butter its Thanksgiving.




Gravy

Begin browning flour in oil for gravy. Stir slowly over medium heat to desired brownness. Add cool water or broth quickly while stirring followed by hot broth. (I add turkey drippings) A can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup can be added for added flavor. Add mushrooms and taste for need of seasoning.

.



Mash potatoes with a stick of butter, a cup of sour cream, salt, pepper and Pet milk.


Chipped Beef Ball and Ham Roll Ups and Shrimp Dip are family favorites!

Serve, bless and eat! At our house we take turns sharing the special things we are thankful for!
This blog post was for the Crowley family Thanksgiving, you can easily substitute in your family favorites and enjoy a stress free Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving Menu for our house

Turkey

Dressing

Mashed Potatoes

Rice

Gravy

Green Stuff

Fruit Salad

Macaroni & Cheese

Rolls

Green Bean Casserole

Vegetable Tray/Dip

Shrimp Dip 

Sweet Potatoes

Chocolate Chip Pie

Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Corn

Cranberries

Shopping List

The list has little letters out to the side of each item.

Legend as follows:

B: Baking Isle

Ca: Canned Goods

D: Dairy

F: Frozen

M: Miscellaneous

Me: Meat

Co: Condiments

P: Produce

B: Brown Sugar

B: Chocolate Chips

B: Cinnamon

B: Clove

B: Coconut 

B: Cornmeal or Cornbread Mix

B: Dark Corn Syrup

B: Flour

B: Garlic Power

B: Garlic Salt

B: Nutmeg

B: Oil

B: Onion Salt 

B: Pecans (Fruit Salad, Pie)

B: Pepper

B: Poultry Seasoning

B: Sage

B: Salt 

B: Self Rising Flour

B: Shortening

B: Sugar

B: Yeast

Ca: Cranberries

Ca: Crushed Pineapple

Ca: Dry Onion Soup

Ca: Eagle Brand Milk

Ca: Green Beans Fr. Cut

Ca: Mandarin Oranges

Ca: Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken, Cream of Celery, Chicken Broth, Chicken & Rice, Cheddar Cheese

Ca: Olives

Ca: Pears, Peaches, Fruit Cocktail

Ca: Pet Milk

Ca: Pickles

Ca: Pineapple Crushed, Tidbits

Ca: Pumpkin

Ca: Shrimp

Co: Hot Sauce

Co: Party Dip

Co: Worcestershire Sauce

D Goods: Rice

D Goods: Macaroni

D: Cheese Shredded

D: Cream Cheese (4)

D: Eggs

D: Butter (3 pounds)

D: Milk

D: Pie Crusts (6)

D: Sour Cream (Potatoes, Dip)

F: Cool Whip(Green Stuff, Fruit Salad, Pie)

F: Corn

M: Crackers

M: Fried Onion

M: Koolaid

M: Mini Marshmallows (S. Potatoes, Green Stuff)

M: Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix

M: Picante`

M: Pickles for relish tray

M: Pimiento Cheese for Celery

M: Pistachio Pudding

M: Velveeta

Me: Turkey or Turkey Breast

Me: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Me: Owens Hot Sausage

Me: Smoked Sausage

P:  Carrots, Celery, 

P: Apples

P: Bananas

P: Cauliflower

P: Mushrooms

P: Onion

P: Parsley

P: Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes

Shopping made easy

As the holidays approach we need all the help we can get! Right?
I'm planning to order this nifty trunk organizer (the one featureed all the way to the left) to keep things from rolling from one end of the trunk to another. I think it will be great for corralling groceries, holding anything you need to return or keeping those purchases together you made while out shopping.
Anyone have any brilliant ideas to share about this? What about the other two listed from Amazon? Do you have anything to share about them?

Get Charged UP!

This might look like a Duracell battery ad, but it's all about the holder that hangs in my laundry room. Why do I need so many batteries you might ask? To me it's all about being ready for my grandkids toy train that loses juice, or my diabetic son's insulin pump needing a triple A, or perhaps my 88 year old mom's old walkman she loves to use to sing her to sleep.
I also live in Hurricane country, I need to be sure I have plenty of flashlight batteries on hand.
This Battery Rack 40 keeps my batteries organized. When you buy batteries always pay attention to their expiration dates. This nifty storage system keeps your freshest batteries at the top and dispenses the oldest ones from the bottom. You can see at a glance what you are low on.
I found this ad on Amazon and this is an excellent price. I paid $14.99. I will be honest, the tester has never worked properly, however, I like the storage unit immensely!

It's beginning to look a lot like?

Is it me or do retailers put up Christmas decor earlier and earlier? So by posting my Christmas Tree does that put me in the same category as them? I say NO.

And here is why.

I am all about the spiritual side of the season, but have always loved decorating and the music and buying or making special presents. I love everything about Christmas!

In order for me to enjoy the main "reason" for the holiday, I find I enjoy it more when I prepare ahead of time.

Yes, I organize Christmas!

One helpful idea, especially if you have a large family is purchasing their present during their birthday month, when buying the birthday gift. Usually you have some great gift ideas, more than you can afford for one event and it's nice to have Christmas taken care of then. One drawback is if there needs to be any exchanges or returns this poses a problem. Another plus though is gifts can be given when you might see the person as opposed to having to pay shipping costs, running to the Post Office or shipping company.

The more people you have to buy for the earlier you need to start. Many stores have gone back to accepting layaways again which helps out budget-wise and getting it done early.

I have 14 grandchildren, they range in age from 14 to as young as 1. Many times it is a good idea to find a special gift that all would enjoy and give everyone the same gift, perhaps in different colors. For instance one year I gave robes and pjs to all the kids. Knowing what you plan to buy ahead of the shopping trip is very beneficial. You take along the list of sizes and you have your budget set and you are good to go. I topped off the gift with a a favorite video for each family. Another great idea is to give similar age children the same gift. 

This year I am completely finished with two of my families. Some of it was done online with free shipping. My daughters do have to wrap the goodies when they arrive. But they don't seem to mind. I have two more families to buy for and some of those children will be getting the same gifts the others will receive.

I just have to share these adorable dinosaurs that I bought this year. They are by Learning Curve Dinosaur Train! Be sure if you get any that you buy the Interactive ones. They talk to each other!!!! I know my special needs granddaughter is going to be thrilled with these, as well as my other grandchildren who are receiving them. 

Other ideas I use are add ons. For instance I purchased Geotrax for some of the boys! It is really nice to add to a gift they have received in the past. Makes the old toy new again and teaches them to care for their toys.

When I buy Christmas ahead of time, it allows me to do special little things for them when I can truly enjoy what I am doing. Little handmade items, like fleece blankets, puppet theaters, special treat bags, or handmade ornaments or perhaps a special book. I find this way I truly enjoy the season.

Now, what to do for those grown children of mine!

Stay tuned! :)