Count Your Blessings

Remember how I said I wanted to get something on the wall above the baskets in my laundry room? Well, I stumbled upon just the thing today...

 

 

There, that's better, don't ya think?

I know it is sort of hard to see in the pics. (It's not the best place to take pics...the closet is at the top of the stairs, so I have to stand in the staircase to take a pic, which means it's awkward and there's bad lighting.) In person, it is much more noticeable. And while I would have liked to find something bigger that spanned more space, I found this vinyl (by Lot 26 studio) at Marshals. The location is moving, so what was left (which wasn't much) was 40% off of the already clearance price. So I scored this vinyl, which is normally around $20, for less than $2! Can't beat that.

I had originally planned to put something there that said "Laundry" or something along those lines. ButI like the  reminder to "Count your Blessings". Sure I could grumble about having to do load after load of laundry. But instead, I will try to remember that I am lucky to have loved ones to do laundry for...and that I have the convenience of a washer and dryer to do it in!

I also scored these prints:

Originally $70, down to $39.99 with 40% off. So I got them for $24 each! I've been searching and searching for new prints to go over our sofa in the living room. I had hoped to find something with less red and orange and more green, but in looking, and looking, and looking I haven't come up with anything that I love. I think these will look nice with the right pillows and accessories. Hope to test them out in the next few days. What do you think?

Organization is Key

I tend to be a super organized person. My huge calendar at work is color coded by task. My coupons are categorized and filed in a small carrier that stays in my handbag at all times. And I 've been known to throw out hangers if they aren't the right color (white plastic or wood). Yet somehow, over the past year, closets and various drawers throughout the house have become extremely disorganized. A dear and quite brave friend of mine who is an organizing guru came over at the end of the summer and helped me tackle two large closets. It was just the jump start I needed and it helped me to regroup. However the holidays then took over and organization was put on hold. But now that things are calm again, I've had a chance to tackle two big problem areas.

The Linen Closet Before

The Laundry Nook Before

I told you they were big problem areas! (And my husband is abhorred that I posted before pics...but it's reality!) The linen closet is tiny and therefore it easily gets out of hand. And the laundry nook (sounds so much better than laundry closet, don't you think?) is quite small as well. Someday I will have a huge linen closet and a laundry room! Someday. Til then, a little organization can go a long way!

The Linen Closet After

 

The Breakdown:

This project was completely free! The blue bins were left over from my son's nursery and the white baskets were there before. On the top shelf we have a first aid kit and extras for the bathroom like soap, bubble bath, lotion, etc. The next shelf is a bin full of washcloths and a bin full of hand towels. The next 2 shelves are towels. And in the bottom we have an extra comforter, extra bath mat, and a bin of sheets.

The Laundry Nook After

The Breakdown:
Baskets: All of the baskets came from Home Goods for a total of $38. They hold paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning products, laundry essentials, etc. The one on top of the dryer is full of things I use constantly: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, spray Oxi-clean (can't live without it with a messy son), linen spray (makes fresh sheets smell so good), Meyer's all purpose wipes (awesome for quick bathroom clean ups), Swiffer dusting spray (love this stuff), etc.

Lamp: The lamp was repurposed from elsewhere in the house. It got a new shade from Target for $9.99.

Ironing Board Cover: We needed a new one, and it's funny how replacing something like that gives you such a fresh feeling! Found it at Home Goods for $9.99.

Ironing Caddy: I knew I wanted to get the ironing board onto the wall and came across this wall caddy at Target for $9.99. I love that it houses the iron and starch as well!


I'd like to add a cute laundry sign above the baskets, so I'll have my eye out. Let me know if you know of any!

Are you an organizer? What area of your home could use an overhaul? My kitchen "junk" drawers are next!

This post is part of "DIY Day" at A Soft Place to Land!

Decorating Valentines

I have been known to slap some decoration on just about anything, and my son's valentines for his classmates didn't escape me! I found a bouquet of heart shaped lollipops at Target for $3.99. He has 12 classmates, and there were 12 lollipops. Perfect! I took the bouquet apart and went to work. I used my circle punch (leftover from my scrapbooking days), an alphabet stamp kit and red ink, and cute valentine ribbon from Michaels and came up with these:

And for Gabe's teachers and the directors of his daycare, I hit up my favorite place to score great bargains on flowers. (For anyone in my area, it's Produce Junction!) I got a dozen red roses for $7. Can't beat that! I needed 4 bouquets, so each person got 3 roses. I bought clear wrapping at the $1 store and used ribbon from my ribbon stash. 4 bouquets for $8...That's $2 a bouquet! (Yeah, I can handle simple math...just don't throw any algabra at me!)

My son was so proud to deliver the roses this morning, and couldn't wait to hand out his valentines to his friends. I hope everyone has a very Happy Valentine's Day and that Cupid is good to all of you!

This post is part of Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple.