tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83021538511401248662024-03-28T06:18:40.026-07:00Power Home SolutionsMrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-86148843450759799962013-03-31T10:09:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:23:24.379-07:0031 Day Organizational Challenge Grand Finale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my final post in the 31 Day Organizational Challenge hosted by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>! For those who haven't seen any of the previous posts, I chose my furnace room to get cleaned and organized in the 31 days. You can catch up by checking out my <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge.html" target="_blank">before photos</a>, <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-first.html" target="_blank">my first update</a>, <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-update-2.html" target="_blank">update #2</a>, and <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-update-3.html" target="_blank">update #3</a>. Or you can just check out all the before and after photos on today's post!<br />
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Here's a reminder of what I started with.<br />
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Are you ready for the big reveal?! Here we go!<br />
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Look at all of that empty floor space! Let's look a little closer, shall we? Here is the before and after on the left side of the room.<br />
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And this is the before and after on the right side of the room.<br />
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But that's not all! This photo was taken about 1/3 of the way into the room. There was still more behind me!<br />
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This is to the left of the doorway was you walk into the room.<br />
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This is where I store all my Christmas decorations. The first two photos are before and the last one is after. Here's another shot.<br />
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The first photo is actually an after photo in my first update but we had so much empty space once we were done that Mr. P cut one of the shelf posts so that the Christmas trees would fit on the shelf. They are now up off the floor. We left everything that was in behind the furnace. There is an antique bed back there that was given to us by the daughter of the original owner of our home. It was hers when she was growing up here. There are also some old doors and window frames. For those who don't know, our home (pictured at the top of the blog) is 111 years old and we decided to keep these things in case we ever sell and the new owner wants to restore it back to its original form.<br />
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Now lets look at the right of the door as you walk into the room.<br />
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The first two are before photos and the last one is after. This section is all my outdoor items such as lawn chairs, BBQ supplies and gardening supplies. Here is another view.<br />
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You can just see at the top of this photo where Mr. P hung the fishing poles and nets up in the rafters with bungee cords. They are out of the way and easy to find for the next fishing trip.<br />
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I wanted to show you some quick before and after photos starting from behind the furnace and working my way around the room.<br />
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Two before photos and an after photo of the same area.<br />
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We kept the two large deck boxes. One contains all our camping supplies and the other one contains all of the boys' hockey equipment. They are now clearly labelled. The high chair is one that came over from Holland when my mother-in-law was born. It converts into a rocking chair and is a family keepsake.<br />
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This area now holds all the extra supplies from various renovation projects. There are extra spindles for the porches, left over cresting for the porch roof and various tiles from a minor kitchen renovation.<br />
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The top shelf now holds household items like the bathroom sink that will be used in an upcoming bathroom renovation, the air conditioner for my youngest son's room and some old door knobs just in case one of ours breaks. The bottom shelf holds travel supplies for both humans and pets.<br />
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There were so many boxes filled with random items that we emptied out! I moved all my painting supplies to this side of the room because it has better lighting. I also got rid of a lot of paint! What I love about this area now is that I have created a home for all my painting supplies. Before there was a general area for them but unused brushes would stay inside bags and I can't tell you how many butter knives I ruined because I couldn't find my paint can opener! We even found the heat gun that went missing years ago! Now everything has a clearly marked home that will make it easier to find things.<br />
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Even the paint was labelled so that it was easier to figure out where it was used.<br />
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In a room like this there are always so many little household items that are hard to know just what to do with. I bought a couple of tackle boxes with adjustable dividers and placed some of the things in there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHZzic_yKBs9N8SHBZnvHE2SeK1gvuRMwjj9GO-WyVaTTcNgC9GbFSN1JwuZiLXb6uOS19G2FiIEKNUGcCKCCfV3aQODADqdrYfm7itfMfKCLI4LwbnGnpUEsSQfM_Up4fyiDHokXRMo/s1600/Basement+Final+Pics+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHZzic_yKBs9N8SHBZnvHE2SeK1gvuRMwjj9GO-WyVaTTcNgC9GbFSN1JwuZiLXb6uOS19G2FiIEKNUGcCKCCfV3aQODADqdrYfm7itfMfKCLI4LwbnGnpUEsSQfM_Up4fyiDHokXRMo/s400/Basement+Final+Pics+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are some Command hooks in there, bungee cords, extra hooks and some felt pads for under furniture so that it won't scratch the floor. There is also a large wooden box with dividers for various sized screws and nails.<br />
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I am so happy with how this room turned out! It had become a dumping ground. For the past few years I have been meaning to get it cleaned out during that down time in the winter when all the Christmas festivities are over but before it's time to start working outside on the gardens. However, it always seemed easier to just close the door since no one ever went in there anyway.<br />
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Only problem was, our furnace quit this winter and the repairman had to get in there to fix it, twice! To say there was only a path to the furnace would be kind! It was more like an obstacle course! I had an hour to make a path to the furnace before he arrived and I can tell you that I was extremely embarrassed by the mess. It was just after that, that I signed up for Organizing Junkie's challenge. The challenge and the embarrassment were just the motivation I needed to take the time to get that room under control!<br />
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Opening that door and looking at the whole room was overwhelming to say the least. We broke the room down into 5 areas. We started with the Christmas decorations one week. We took everything out into the adjoining laundry room and starting sorting and purging. When we knew how much we had left, we went out and bought containers and shelving. Notice that we did not buy the containers before! Buying too many containers would have just lead to more clutter! When the Christmas decorations were done we moved on to the other side of the room where all of our outdoor items are kept. By breaking it down and only concentrating one area at a time it wasn't as stressful than if we had decided to tackle the whole room at once.<br />
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I told you the story about the repairman coming to fix the furnace twice while this room was a mess. Well, during the challenge our washing machine broke. Guess which room was now holding a large portion of this mess while we were sorting through it, along with huge boxes of items that were waiting to be dropped off at Goodwill! Yep, the laundry room! I can't win!<br />
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<b>Here are the questions Laura asked us to answer.</b><br />
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<b>1. What space did you decide to organize and why?</b><br />
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I decided to organize my furnace room because it is the last room in the house that really needs to be organized. Plus my embarrassment from having a repairman in to fix the furnace was a huge motivation!<br />
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<b>2. What steps did you take to ensure that you completed the space within the 31 day timeline?</b><br />
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Mr. P and I decided to work on this space together at least one hour every Saturday and Sunday (sometimes we did more) plus I went in there 15 to 30 minutes each day during the week.<br />
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<b>3. What was the hardest part of the challenge and how did you overcome it?</b><br />
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The reason that this room got as bad as it did is because there are sometimes bats in there. I hate bats! I would get in and out of there as quickly as possible and I hated to disturb anything, just in case! By having Mr. P in there with me I knew I only had to outrun him and not necessarily a bat. Just kidding! However, he is my bat catcher and I felt much better having him in there with me. During the week I brought things out into the laundry room to sort and as the space got emptier I wasn't so afraid of one popping out and scaring me as much.<br />
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<b>4. What did you do with the "stuff" you were able to purge out of your newly organized space?</b><br />
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A lot of the stuff was donated to Goodwill. We brought huge boxes of items every week. There was also a lot of trash in there, at least one to two large garbage bags each week. I took some old paint cans to a recycling centre at our local hardware store. A large pile of plumbing supplies went out to the garage and 5 bicycles were taken out to the shed.<br />
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<b>5. Tell me one of your proudest moments during this challenge?</b><br />
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It most certainly is not a pretty room. It was once the old coal storage room which is why some of the walls are black with old soot. However, last weekend Mr. P decided to set up a couple of lawn chairs and we ate our lunch down there just sitting and admiring all our hard work.<br />
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<b>6. Explain any organizing "tools" you used to help you create additional space and to establish some limits and boundaries?</b><br />
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The plastic shelving is a new addition to this space. It got a lot of stuff up off the floor so that things were not piled on top of one another. I also love the smaller storage bins for the holiday decorations. They are see-through, two fit on each shelf, and because they are smaller I can carry them upstairs myself without waiting for someone to come home and lift it for me. Labels have also been a great organizational tool for me. My paint supplies are all clearly labelled and I can easily see just how many brushes I have left, instead of buying new ones each time I start a new project.<br />
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<b>7. What is ONE piece of organizing advice you've learned on this journey that you could encourage someone else with?</b><br />
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I think that the best piece of advice would be to divide and conquer! This room is approximately 20' x 40' and to look at the big picture was overwhelming. By dividing the space into zones and assigning a purpose for each zone it broke the job down into manageable parts. I essentially had 5 zones:<br />
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1. Holiday Zone - to the left of the door<br />
2. Outdoor Zone - to the right of the door<br />
3. The shelving on the right side of the room behind the furnace (paint supplies, travel supplies and household supplies)<br />
4. The back shelf and floor space (left over renovation parts and clear space)<br />
5. The shelving on the right side of the room behind the furnace (a wallpaper zone, small household bits and since there was plenty of room left over, Christmas trees)<br />
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These are in the order that we worked on them. We did not move on to the next zone before we were satisfied with the current one.<br />
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I would like to thank Laura over at Organizing Junkie for running this challenge. While I was highly motivated to get this room clean, Laura gave me a deadline which helped to get me down there every day and do just a little bit in order to reach the goal. It wasn't always easy and I have to give a huge thank you to Mr. P who did so much work in this room even while he was suffering with a kidney stone the entire month! It was also great to know that I wasn't alone and that there were plenty of others out there doing the challenge along with me.<br />
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I would like to say that I would do this challenge again in a heart beat but I really hope that no room in my home gets so bad that I need to!MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-31590553854656384152013-03-22T11:19:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:23:24.377-07:0031 Day Organizational Challenge Update 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for my Friday update to my 31 Day Organizational Challenge with <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-3rd-progress-link-up.html" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>. Mr. P and I have come a long way since the beginning of the month! Here are the <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge.html" target="_blank">before</a> photos and you can see the updates by clicking <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-first.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-update-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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For those of you who don't know, we chose our furnace room to organize. And, believe me, it needed it! It was that last room in the house that needed to be cleaned out. We never got to because it was easier to just close the door and ignore it. But signing up for this challenge was just the motivation that we needed!<br />
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I case you forgot, here is a before photo.<br />
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Since this photo was taken we've made some pretty good progress. Last week the room looked like this.<br />
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However, we weren't done yet! This week we took everything off of the shelves on the left hand side of the room.<br />
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We ended up with a pile of stuff that needed to go out to the garage. Most of it was plumbing supplies and, since Mr. P owns a plumbing company, they would be better stored out there where he could find them more easily. <br />
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After that I went through all our old paint and took two bins filled with old cans to a recycling depot at our local hardware store.<br />
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I moved the paint to another spot that has more lighting and labelled all the cans so that I knew what they were used for.<br />
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I then put a few things back on the shelves. There is now a wallpaper area that holds all our leftover wallpaper and supplies to hang it. I actually donated 6 full rolls of wallpaper that we don't even have on any walls in the house any more! I forgot to get photos of the two very large boxes that Mr. P took to Goodwill on Tuesday.<br />
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The purging is now pretty much done. There are a few things to put away and I still have not put my label maker to good use. However, we will definitely be finished by the March 31st deadline!<br />
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Here is a photo of the shelves with the few items put back.<br />
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I love seeing empty shelves! It reminded me of a passage in a book that I read recently called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. "An empty shelf meant possibility; space to expand; a luxurious waste of something useful for the sheer elegance of it." Okay, I certainly wouldn't call this space elegant but it does make me incredibly happy!MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-17415227946759251342013-03-15T12:04:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:23:24.373-07:0031 Day Organizational Challenge - Update 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those of you who don't know, I signed up for the <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/03/31-day-organizing-challenge-2nd-progress-link-up.html" target="_blank">31 Day Organizational Challenge</a> with Organizing Junkie. I chose my furnace room. In my first <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge.html" target="_blank">post</a> I bravely showed by before photos. I also showed some great before and after photos in my first <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-first.html" target="_blank">update</a>.<br />
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Here is the before photo for the back half of the furnace room.<br />
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Now for the after!<br />
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I'm still not finished but I did find the floor!<br />
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A lot of stuff left this area including this pile of garbage.<br />
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Mr. P and I started to put things back on the shelf that we cleared last week. I have an area for "travel items".<br />
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I purged 5 suitcases along with a few carry ons and condensed everything else down into 3 suitcases.<br />
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The shelf above that holds household items.<br />
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There's a sink on the shelf that will be used in our bathroom renovation along with some extra wallpaper, some old door knobs (always handy when you live in a home that's over 110 years old) and a small air conditioner that is used in my youngest son's room in the summer.<br />
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I have a pile of containers sitting on the back shelf that were emptied during the purge.<br />
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As I start to organize what is left over I will "shop" from here first when trying to find containers to hold things. Anything that is not used will head out to the garage to be used for a big purge and renovation project out there this summer.<br />
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Now that the majority of purging is done (I still have to go through the shelves on the left hand side of the room) it's time to start implementing some organizing systems so that it does not revert back to being the disaster area that it was. I'm looking forward to this part! My label maker is fired up!MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-2730296543861275202013-03-08T13:23:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:23:24.376-07:0031 Day Organizational Challenge - First Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Friday I showed you my disaster of a furnace room. If you missed that post you can see it in its entirety <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Now it's time for an update on my <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/03/31-day-organizational-challenge-1st-progress-link-up.html" target="_blank">31 Day Organizational Challenge with Organizing Junkie</a>!<br />
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Mr. P and I were able to get quite a bit done in the past week. Here is the before photos from the left side of the door as soon as you walk in.<br />
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And here are the after photos!<br />
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This area is for all of my holiday decorations. Kind of looks like Christmas threw up in there! <br />
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I went through all of my Christmas decorations and I really did get rid of a lot that I don't use. I emptied all the bins that they were in and I bought new storage bins for them. There were two reasons that I decided to purchase new storage containers.<br />
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One, I knew that we had to put shelving in that area to get everything up off the floor. In looking for shelving that would fit the larger bins, I found that everything was either too tall (there is a heating duct that goes right through the middle of this area) or it was too expensive. This is what the old containers looked like:<br />
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<span id="goog_919226529"></span><span id="goog_919226530"></span>The new containers were less than $5.00 each at Walmart and I was able to fit two of them on each shelf. The new shelving units were only $50.00 each (we bought 3), they snapped together easily and hold a lot of weight.<br />
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The second reason I decided to buy new containers is because the old ones were too big for me to lift by myself. Whenever I wanted to decorate anything I had to wait for someone else to come home to carry the container upstairs for me. Now I can do it myself and not have to worry about anyone hurting themselves trying to carry awkward bins up a flight of stairs.<br />
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This area has worked out great! I was even able to find enough room to bring in all my Halloween decorations that were being stored in the laundry room and put them on the shelves. All the containers got some nice, new labels and now I know where everything is.<br />
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Mr. P put some hooks into the walls to hang the wreaths so that they don't get damaged.<br />
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I even hung a wreath on the back of the door and found a spot to store my do-dad for hanging outside lights. I've lost it countless times so Mr. P made me one out of copper pipe which is there too.<br />
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Now for the right side of the door that used to look like this:<br />
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And now after!<br />
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This is my "outdoor" section of the furnace room. The new shelves now hold coolers, outside Christmas lights, gardening supplies, outdoor decorations and a couple of tackle boxes. Everything is easy to find. I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to store bikes in the basement but they have now been taken outside to the storage shed where they belong.<br />
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A lot of the mess was helped by stacking some of the chairs in the corner. These wicker chairs are not used too often but I love having them for entertaining.<br />
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I set up a large plastic container to use for BBQ storage. It holds things like utensils, wood chips, charcoal and anything else that is used for BBQing.<br />
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I got rid of several coats that were hanging in the basement and took 3 spring coats to the upstairs closet in the hopes that spring will be making an appearance soon!<br />
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The blue chairs and the black chairs will go outside when the weather warms up. There is a large, green table behind them that we use when we host large parties. It was leaning in front of the shelving further into the room but it was blocking everything on the shelves. It is out of the way against this wall.<br />
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We also managed to get some of the shelves on the right side of the room cleared off. Here's the before.<br />
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And here's the after.<br />
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As you can see from the floor there is still a lot more work to go but we are making great strides!<br />
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The last thing that I wanted to show you was what Mr. P did to organize all the fishing poles. He put a couple of hooks into the overhead beams and strung a couple of bungee cords between them. He then tucked the poles up into the ceiling rafters, out of the way.<br />
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It's a long post today because we did a lot of work! But it was so worth it! I'm looking forward to organizing all my paint supplies this coming week along with a few other things. We seem to be on track to finishing this project by the end of March!MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-2253559521043637752013-03-01T10:16:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:23:24.374-07:0031 Day Organizational ChallengeThis month I have decided to do the 31 Day Organizational Challenge over at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/03/org-junkies-31-day-organizational-challenge-begins-sponsors.html" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>.<br />
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I have one room in my home that is so unorganized that it's embarrassing! The rest of the house is actually pretty neat and organized but this room has been a dumping ground for years. Each winter I say that I am going to get that room organized and each winter something else much more fun and exciting comes up (like getting a pap smear). Yes, this room is that bad!<br />
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Okay, here goes........the room that I am going to have organized by the end of March is..........<br />
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My furnace room.<br />
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But wait, there's more! This is to the right as you walk in the door. It's all my Christmas decorations piled up to at least waist level.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGoPq1BU3x_itV_V47ipi97WaPe38k9w8CQk9-AyH4skjFJndrxVJHUjQy9XdeHEjIlOSx34Xl6q0oDQbjZRHkGmD0S7gQqLSjqyLBN4aA68m-GUaWo9JDD_F7wEQzjjVfemkBDrIv9g/s1600/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGoPq1BU3x_itV_V47ipi97WaPe38k9w8CQk9-AyH4skjFJndrxVJHUjQy9XdeHEjIlOSx34Xl6q0oDQbjZRHkGmD0S7gQqLSjqyLBN4aA68m-GUaWo9JDD_F7wEQzjjVfemkBDrIv9g/s400/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's not all! On the left of the door are bicycles, coats, wagons and chairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzejjdeqWOW8hoPWH9GI-ox-Jx7fBL2Am0nQkZUcoVoBYE24632NLJJQJBY8eyRSmiEkVwRIdBz9Tr8VnVHHYD2YrV6RbHwCYNINiOW6tPCHdBQ6UEsqin0gfVss0ibSWI1FLeiZN_dg/s1600/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzejjdeqWOW8hoPWH9GI-ox-Jx7fBL2Am0nQkZUcoVoBYE24632NLJJQJBY8eyRSmiEkVwRIdBz9Tr8VnVHHYD2YrV6RbHwCYNINiOW6tPCHdBQ6UEsqin0gfVss0ibSWI1FLeiZN_dg/s400/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I certainly have my job cut out for me!<br />
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Now I am going to share with you my excuse for letting it get this bad; there are bats in this room. Oh, and I am terrified of them! They seem to get in through the attic and make their way down the walls and out into this room. I have had one fly out of the corners while in there more than once and I have found more than my fair share of dead ones that got trapped in a box. I leave those for Mr. P to take care of!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK5T74c6Dptub6NrPitYn5uRlzSsQCfiv5KzvkOksVpF3L_ErqaWYjJLD3GgMeLHrWUFrXhXcDW4Cftq6gycNIpDnsnY9vSsQ-wyCc1pJr48Mvz3BWaHqB7GbZiA_Od5rNgtlk_oDyVI/s1600/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK5T74c6Dptub6NrPitYn5uRlzSsQCfiv5KzvkOksVpF3L_ErqaWYjJLD3GgMeLHrWUFrXhXcDW4Cftq6gycNIpDnsnY9vSsQ-wyCc1pJr48Mvz3BWaHqB7GbZiA_Od5rNgtlk_oDyVI/s200/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+056.JPG" width="200" /></a>My plan is to sneak in there everyday and take items out to be sorted in the adjoining laundry room; much less stressful this way. And maybe I'll get lucky and find the exact spot that those little suckers are getting through! Although, I'm not holding out hope since we've been over every inch of that room, filling every crack and crevice that we find with spray foam or insulation and they are still getting in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE8w2IJyMgtMhkn8m3KNZp_Ue78xXzh0sfaMmpHKny7BCxuZ6gTQp4ks-qUsc3z_x_XHRhEqo601ahb2Hv8eEDknf4iO-vU0vw8tYi4R1pVx7K1TOPXOGeRAILBdqfkdqVYSiAqO9zpM/s1600/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE8w2IJyMgtMhkn8m3KNZp_Ue78xXzh0sfaMmpHKny7BCxuZ6gTQp4ks-qUsc3z_x_XHRhEqo601ahb2Hv8eEDknf4iO-vU0vw8tYi4R1pVx7K1TOPXOGeRAILBdqfkdqVYSiAqO9zpM/s200/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+057.JPG" width="200" /></a>I'll leave you with a few close up photos of some of the junk that I am going to have to deal with this month. And be sure to check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/03/org-junkies-31-day-organizational-challenge-begins-sponsors.html" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a> to see what others are doing to get their lives more organized!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNErSlwggRBgONr7DKO7SxxD7xGwdgCxYSI2yHphRVeXae-I3OMUcINnZZboOfMtAliLw8CBeyOw5NoAiC3FAjK5cUotfPKB4ozJbGBGpVoXmd4ZRL7uySVGps16ajgE73mPpcfoAMV5w/s1600/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNErSlwggRBgONr7DKO7SxxD7xGwdgCxYSI2yHphRVeXae-I3OMUcINnZZboOfMtAliLw8CBeyOw5NoAiC3FAjK5cUotfPKB4ozJbGBGpVoXmd4ZRL7uySVGps16ajgE73mPpcfoAMV5w/s320/Joyce,+Before+and+Prom+055.JPG" width="241" /></a><br />
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MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-81447429666822409872013-02-14T06:07:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:24:16.590-07:00There Are No U-Hauls Behind a Hearse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my final post on getting rid of your clutter.<br />
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You've all heard the phrase, "you can't take it with you". So what happens to all your stuff once you are gone? As a professional organizer I can tell you that other people do not love your stuff as much as you do.<br />
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Right now I have a client whose aunt passed away eight months ago and left him everything. He lives in another country. He did a quick walk through the house when he was here and took what he wanted but everything else is being left for me to dispose of. Whether it is garbage, or something to be donated or even something to be auctioned off, it will mostly be my decision. I had never met this man's aunt and I have no idea if the ugly china that I deemed something to donate is something from this lady's grandmother or just some cheap china she picked up from a garage sale. Maybe it was a gift from her in-laws and she hated it too! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JKEBX5x4ekGcodRfMRbTmkqlAOOYBP8dtQ1r2BBRcFBgMLPO_o3_t_PvTfxgCv1BV4EP2-ciTgFOhlBzwuy94uinND4gXIb-l8akomE0drjIkiiH28zKddMW0-eN9CQL4RXOCYrQYWQ/s1600/tumblr_m4czss1LWB1rwc3vvo1_400%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JKEBX5x4ekGcodRfMRbTmkqlAOOYBP8dtQ1r2BBRcFBgMLPO_o3_t_PvTfxgCv1BV4EP2-ciTgFOhlBzwuy94uinND4gXIb-l8akomE0drjIkiiH28zKddMW0-eN9CQL4RXOCYrQYWQ/s200/tumblr_m4czss1LWB1rwc3vvo1_400%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>That old top hat that I found, was it this lady's father's or was it just some Halloween costume that her children once wore? I have no sentimental attachment to anything in her home. All I know is that it all has to go somewhere because the house is being sold.<br />
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Who will look after your stuff if something should suddenly happen to you? Will you be burdening your already grieving family with a monumental task of cleaning up your stuff? Will they know what is truly important? <br />
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I have a small teacup collection. There is only about a dozen teacups and none are worth much except one that was made in 1600's and even then it's certainly not worth a fortune. However, nestled in among the other teacups is one that I received from my grandmother. I can remember seeing Grandma's collection of cups and her saying that one of these days she was going to write down the names of each of her granddaughters on pieces of paper and drop one into each cup so that when she was gone we could each have one of her cups. She never did get around to putting those pieces of paper in the cups but they were divided between her granddaughters anyway after she passed away. Someone going through my teacup collection after I am gone may not know that this may be something worth passing along to my own grandchildren (should I have some someday in the great distant future!).<br />
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Family members that are already distraught over losing you can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff that needs to be sorted through. At those times they tend to just toss things out randomly because it's easier. Later, many regret getting rid of certain items that, at the time, they did not even consider keeping. There were just too many decisions to make.<br />
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Start sorting through your stuff now so that, should anything ever happen to you, your family will know that the only things left are treasures. Consider placing small post-it notes under family heirlooms so that others will know where they came from. They may still decide to get rid of it but at least they can make an informed decision.<br />
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Here is another idea that I love. If you or a loved one has an unusual collection that you know no one else would want to take over, try placing that collection on a table at the funeral service asking guests to please take one as a remembrance of the dearly departed. This could be teacups, salt and pepper shakers, those silver spoons that people buy when travelling, a Beanie baby collection or perhaps even a collection of elephant themed items. I think that this is a great way to honour not only the person but also the love that this person had for whatever it was that they collected. And no one ends up with 35 stuffed elephants at the end of it all!<br />
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As I said at the beginning of the post this is my final post in the series about getting rid of clutter. My blog posts are going to be quite sporadic for the next few months as I deal with several work related items. If you follow me on Facebook I will try to link some wonderful articles from some of the great organizing bloggers that I follow. I will still post occasionally but I know that my free time is going to be quite limited until at least June. I want to thank everyone who comes to read my blog. I am always surprised at the number of page views each post gets! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you joining me here. You guys are the greatest!<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-19973964544965270012013-02-05T05:52:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:30:58.926-07:00Commercial De-Cluttering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYlMzRDbAUWeMa31uuMq6MXPE0ppQm_wHvmgjfKDe63aMJSK3R0cF4p2PeOqe-LbpbzOkLGw4SiMYaF4UTaRw2yJr0LNqB9Y1Wcc3qntDzzawuM_BzgOukybD017UMsp8-gdhOIiTw4k/s1600/Artwork-Retro-Television%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYlMzRDbAUWeMa31uuMq6MXPE0ppQm_wHvmgjfKDe63aMJSK3R0cF4p2PeOqe-LbpbzOkLGw4SiMYaF4UTaRw2yJr0LNqB9Y1Wcc3qntDzzawuM_BzgOukybD017UMsp8-gdhOIiTw4k/s320/Artwork-Retro-Television%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.artifolio.com/merrileehale/gallery/artwork/&up_id=26212" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Have you ever heard of the term "commercial cleaning"? No it's not when you hire someone to come in and clean your whole house! It's when you get up and clean during the commercials of your favourite television programs.<br />
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I have to tell you that I am not a big TV watcher but the one thing that truly helped me get my whole home de-cluttered was that I did a lot of it in front of the television set. If the junk drawer needed to be cleared out, I would pull the whole drawer out and carry it to in front of the TV and start sorting.<br />
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Over 10 years ago Mr. P took over the family plumbing business. With that came 20 bankers boxes filled with papers from the previous 20 years that company had been in business. There were 3 filing cabinets filled with papers, 2 tall 5-drawer ones and a small 2-drawer one. Slowly I began to go through all those papers. While 99.9% of them could be shredded, I still had to make sure that I kept certain ones for tax purposes.<br />
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I would sit myself down in front of the television with a shredder and some recycling bags and I would start to sort. While the TV show was on I would sort and I would shred during the commercials. What worked nicely with this is that, by giving the shredder a rest while the program was on, I could continue to shred papers longer because it had time to cool down between uses.<br />
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I would do this until I had filled a rather good sized shredder 3 times or until it started to feel warm. I have to admit that it took a long time to finally get rid of all those papers but it was rather painless since I did it all while watching TV.<br />
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There are so many things that can be done while watching TV. I regularly sort my filing and even file a lot of if because I made sure that my files are portable. I have emptied a drawer in the bedroom into a laundry basket and sorted through the clothes. I have taken boxes of odds and ends in the basement and sorted them in front of the TV. I organized all of our DVDs and other movies while watching some of them. I've organized my photos and my online photos while watching movies and 3 weeks ago I organized my Pinterest boards while watching a Lord of the Rings marathon with my family.<br />
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Now this may not work if you are organizing sentimental items or things that are very difficult for you to let go of, but it works well for those mindless tasks that take a lot of time. <br />
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Start with organizing your coffee table so that you have room to work. Dedicate the first half hour of a program to sorting something and then put things away where they belong during the commercials of the second half hour.<br />
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At this point I almost never watch TV without having some other task in front of me. Being stuck somewhere else in the house organizing or cleaning something while the rest of my family was watching their favourite TV program was not fun. By bringing my work in front of the TV I was able to spend time with my family and the job I was doing didn't seem so much like work any more.<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-24049494322663561082013-01-31T05:53:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:30:58.927-07:00Sorting Your Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://cantaloupecorner.blogspot.ca/2011_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Welcome back to my series on clearing out your clutter. Today I am going to give you some questions to ask yourself as you deal with each item in your home. But before I do that, you will need to have the proper supplies in front of you in order to make the process of de-cluttering easier.<br />
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You will need 3 containers in front of you - one for donations, one for trash and one for things that need to be put away somewhere else in the house. If it's paper that you are de-cluttering then you will need a container for recycled paper, one for documents that need to be shredded, one for paper that needs to be filed and a spot for an Action File (those papers that require you to do something).<br />
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These containers can vary with whatever you have on hand. Obviously a trash bag for trash and you could use a box or a clear plastic bag for donations. One tip that I have is to never use a trash bag for anything but trash. It is just too easy for donations to be mistaken for garbage and set out at the curb (trust me on this!). Personally I use two pop-up leaf bags to hold a trash bag and a clear plastic bag for donations. I bought them at <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/en/Garden/page.aspx?p=51530&cat=2,2160,40710&ap=1" target="_blank">Lee Valley</a>. Laundry baskets are great for your put-away pile. They are easy to carry from room to room as you put items away.<br />
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You will notice that there is no container for items you are not sure about. I don't believe in a "maybe pile". Think of the term OHIO (Only Handle It Once). It's too easy to make a maybe pile that you never get to later. You are wasting your valuable time going over things again and again. Make a firm decision, even if it takes you a little longer.<br />
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<a href="http://relentless-hamiltons.blogspot.ca/2012/10/its-just-stuffaction-oriented-faith.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Another thing that I am not a big fan of is yard sales. I find that they are a lot of work for the amount of money that you actually make. However, if you insist on having a yard sale then the best time to price your items is while you are sorting them. Nothing will make you put that yard sale off more than a garage full of items waiting to be priced by you. By having a pen and some stickers in front of you you can save some time and sanity. <br />
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Now here is a list of questions that you can ask yourself as you decide whether or not an item is worth keeping.<br />
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I love these questions, especially the last one. Here are a couple more questions you could ask yourself.<br />
<b>Does it have a home?</b> - Everything in your house should have a home. If it doesn't then you either need to make a home for it if it is important or it needs to go.<br />
<b>Would this mean anything to my children if I died tomorrow?</b> - This question was suggested by a reader and I love it. Especially for those whose children are older and may be faced with handling all of your stuff some day.<br />
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Next week I am going to share with you the number one tip that I have for finding the time to de-clutter your home. It made a huge difference for me and I hope that it helps you too.<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-3682903351125608092013-01-29T06:23:00.002-08:002013-03-31T17:30:58.929-07:00Time To Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQMJnaXqigxH8yjoU-uU7HAHdhgCsfJsDGbh14CAh-9IP6g0GO0dB1jNDIx9hJy_eupm7UFPgPdWNO6JTmfL_-wiHI-BTF_gewc7g13kstjEydz8PaWLpcaA6WtdpmcrJfJ0DTrMsoBA/s1600/ive-got-my-thinking-cat-on%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQMJnaXqigxH8yjoU-uU7HAHdhgCsfJsDGbh14CAh-9IP6g0GO0dB1jNDIx9hJy_eupm7UFPgPdWNO6JTmfL_-wiHI-BTF_gewc7g13kstjEydz8PaWLpcaA6WtdpmcrJfJ0DTrMsoBA/s320/ive-got-my-thinking-cat-on%5B1%5D.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://weknowmemes.com/2012/07/ive-got-my-thinking-cat-on/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Welcome to my series about how to get rid of your clutter. <br />
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For today's task I want you to dream. I want you to really think about how you want to use the spaces in your home. For instance, if you are planning on de-cluttering the living room, stop and think about what activities you see you and your family doing in this room. Will you entertain friends and family in here? Is this where your children play most of the time? Will the kids do homework in here? Is this room mostly for watching TV?<br />
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By knowing how you intend to use the room it will help you decide what stays in that room and what has to go. You may find that it just doesn't work having the kids do their homework in there because the TV is too big of a distraction. Perhaps moving the desk elsewhere will open up a spot for more seating for when you entertain. <br />
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How about the dining room? When you were shopping for your dining room table (or kitchen table if you don't have a dining room) did you purchase this table with the idea of it holding old bills, junk mail, craft supplies, 3 dead batteries and a couple of broken candles? Or did you envision warm gatherings of friends and family all enjoying fabulous food that you cooked from scratch?<br />
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Figuring out how you want to use the space is the first step in de-cluttering. It is also one of the most crucial. It's surprising how many people miss this step completely but if you don't know what your goal is, how do you know when you reach it?MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-12764899040876092722013-01-25T05:59:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:30:58.925-07:00Don't Buy Stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first post in my series on getting rid of your clutter. My first rule is to don't buy more stuff!<br />
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There is actually two parts to this. The first one is quite simple; don't spend all week purging items from your home if you are only going to spend all weekend shopping and filling it up again. <br />
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Now I understand that this rule is not as easy as it sounds. When my boys were young I was a stay-at-home mom and I couldn't wait to get out of my cluttered house on the weekends with Mr. P and the boys. Many a weekend was spent wandering around a shopping mall buying things we really didn't need. Those things only exacerbated the clutter problem in my home. It became a vicious circle where the more my home was cluttered the more I wanted to go shopping to escape. The more I shopped the more cluttered my home became. I realized I needed to find other things to do with the family and I needed to make my home a place that I wanted to spend time in.<br />
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By de-cluttering your home you can actually make that circle work in reverse. When you start getting rid of all those things that you spent your time buying you begin to realize how much money you were actually wasting. It makes you be more particular about what you bring into your home.<br />
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Your home also becomes more inviting. You will actually want to spend time there when you don't have to look around at all the work that you still have to do.<br />
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And for all you bargain hunters out there, it's not a bargain if you don't really need it. I know people who, when they find a $75 sweater on sale for $25, they will buy 4 of them in different colours. They will proudly tell me that they saved $200. They don't see it the other way around, that they actually wasted $100 on sweaters that won't even fit into their already overcrowded closet and in a couple of colours that don't even look good on them.<br />
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The second part of this Don't Buy Stuff post is about containers. Don't run out to buy a bunch of organizing containers because you are planning on de-cluttering your home. Buying containers is part of the process but it actually comes next to last on the de-cluttering how-to list. You need to know how much stuff you have to house and where it needs to be stored before you should buy any containers. Otherwise the containers themselves will end up as clutter. And many times you will find that you have perfectly good containers already in your home. <br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-55884857408066493602013-01-23T06:30:00.001-08:002013-03-31T17:30:58.930-07:00Too Much Stuff!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuTAhk0KuUP8vB-8CJP3pzB-vhZfJ6uxBbanzUdJTMYnIQOpCGMa2ykJKDk8HYLnf5eME27VL2kQnXlQWlXzS8WvW2C5qUnQvPvu38PovxDPJ8ScRuoxjGAqvDj1M6JiFhzaend40j60/s1600/stuff%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuTAhk0KuUP8vB-8CJP3pzB-vhZfJ6uxBbanzUdJTMYnIQOpCGMa2ykJKDk8HYLnf5eME27VL2kQnXlQWlXzS8WvW2C5qUnQvPvu38PovxDPJ8ScRuoxjGAqvDj1M6JiFhzaend40j60/s320/stuff%5B1%5D.gif" width="269" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I held an informal poll on my Facebook page asking my followers to click "like" if they thought they had too much stuff. It was one of the most liked posts on my page ever!<br />
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Clearly too many of us are living with clutter. We have bigger homes than ever before and yet we have less space for our things. Expensive cars are left parked in the laneway to make room to store inexpensive junk in the garage. To say the self-storage industry is booming would be an understatement.<br />
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The United States alone now has over 2.3 billion square feet of self-storage space. That's more than 7 square feet for every man, woman and child. There are 7 times more storage facilities than there are Starbucks in the country. "Human laziness has always been a big friend of self-storage operators", says Derek Naylor, president of the consultant group Storage Marketing Solutions. "Because once they're in, nobody likes to spend all day moving stuff out of storage. As long as they can afford it, and feel psychologically that they can afford it, they leave that stuff in there forever."<br />
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And it's not just the stuff that's hidden away in storage facilities. Many people could be considered tidy packrats. Mr. P's grandparents emigrated from Holland in the late 1940's. They were in Holland during the war and learned to "waste not, want not". Every little thing was kept "just in case" and yet, Oma kept an immaculate home. It wasn't until we went through the closets, basement, garage and various out-buildings that we became aware of just how much stuff was saved. Their clutter was hidden away where no one could see it.<br />
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Even if your stuff is out in the open or hidden away, you can get rid of it. It's not going to be easy and it's not going to happen overnight but it will be so worth it! It has been scientifically proven that people living in clutter and disarray also have increased stress. My next few blog posts will geared to showing you how you can get rid of the clutter for good. Our homes should be a place of refuge from the outside world not yet another thing that causes you more stress.<br />
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"Cockroaches may or may not last through a nuclear winter, but that old crib will survive forever hidden behind your furnace." - Thane Burnett, writer for the Toronto Sun<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-78166425488003799622013-01-15T06:38:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:48.534-07:0020 Free Organizing Solutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5ALgNGm4EP0cBS3IoJF2STE9V5VWlycjV2ZH0MgpBzOI4ttNYjFyQCXlcs0NcCYFJWoQORb-KJpfYVih5gYL59PBfWsQLdMNn-sbFghmOK9ujOPRwjd4M-WvnfTjTD11ZiUMV2JXdX4/s1600/power_cords%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5ALgNGm4EP0cBS3IoJF2STE9V5VWlycjV2ZH0MgpBzOI4ttNYjFyQCXlcs0NcCYFJWoQORb-KJpfYVih5gYL59PBfWsQLdMNn-sbFghmOK9ujOPRwjd4M-WvnfTjTD11ZiUMV2JXdX4/s320/power_cords%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/another-use-for-breadclips-150212" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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At the beginning of a new year one of the things at the top many people's list is to get organized. But after the spending of the holidays and with these tough economic times it can be hard to afford all those fancy organizing systems.<br />
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Here are 20 free (or almost free) organizing systems that you can use to help you get your home more organized.<br />
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1. Use egg cartons to hold fragile Christmas ornaments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jiw1RXBIAi87PibaNLMfcp1FNQS5tr23BF7wJidSKofBWdhTRlzRdljbTtmmbXX6bZpPHWpfCFk_zosnrkJycArjo_k_P7ocb2DLuKtXtLOmDuUAgMgik0O1KyTve9Ma955AzBwm9QI/s1600/9-egg-carton-holiday-baubles-ornament-storage-1024%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jiw1RXBIAi87PibaNLMfcp1FNQS5tr23BF7wJidSKofBWdhTRlzRdljbTtmmbXX6bZpPHWpfCFk_zosnrkJycArjo_k_P7ocb2DLuKtXtLOmDuUAgMgik0O1KyTve9Ma955AzBwm9QI/s400/9-egg-carton-holiday-baubles-ornament-storage-1024%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ivillage.ca/living/home/diy-your-life-don%E2%80%99t-toss-it-reuse-it" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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2. Use empty Altoid tins to help organize a junk drawer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwQSsBfE5M9JQ2w68CN8MfRB3u1Ca7AOyKQKvne6GCL4Gz1U8mUl-2iOxybJVEkTDUboNvIclEbkmuKSdn7ZafcjOk8ThNOTqVLia9FbBIVKXrxcu9tvyRedJU4LH8GmeMnLni2t16_k/s1600/13933080066671268_oB3D4bfE_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwQSsBfE5M9JQ2w68CN8MfRB3u1Ca7AOyKQKvne6GCL4Gz1U8mUl-2iOxybJVEkTDUboNvIclEbkmuKSdn7ZafcjOk8ThNOTqVLia9FbBIVKXrxcu9tvyRedJU4LH8GmeMnLni2t16_k/s320/13933080066671268_oB3D4bfE_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthew_moss/4209399652/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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3. Soda can tabs can double you hanging space in the closet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt78XAg-EOFFUhpUPN6k_r8Qbu41qwApmyrZxoglC5q9QI7fXwisCzgSYx-tXcqtZu_hwIaGHlN0Bv_-7hmGrNzl3c5deELwI0U1yHHjnnp3_tDc9rHncNR-UHimuPySaqH7oPsMdC1Q/s1600/pop+tab+hanger+connecter%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt78XAg-EOFFUhpUPN6k_r8Qbu41qwApmyrZxoglC5q9QI7fXwisCzgSYx-tXcqtZu_hwIaGHlN0Bv_-7hmGrNzl3c5deELwI0U1yHHjnnp3_tDc9rHncNR-UHimuPySaqH7oPsMdC1Q/s400/pop+tab+hanger+connecter%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ideabottle.blogspot.ca/2011/08/pop-bottle-top-hangers.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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4. Place an old tennis ball over a hook in the closet to keep shirts and sweaters from getting hook marks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJWHSu-g41Al8zT8nrcqw1C596dQxEQvFhMDhSSBBSJkiXbUQTFweQDG1q7mgUfnHwrNZp2pg4uWKlFa3A7ZzycBY63Fuk63UPhdnXTNFkGgpi7DQ1oHL6hs17vv-nVMd1IAUaQxnJt4/s1600/161637074098013112_JDkhd45N_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJWHSu-g41Al8zT8nrcqw1C596dQxEQvFhMDhSSBBSJkiXbUQTFweQDG1q7mgUfnHwrNZp2pg4uWKlFa3A7ZzycBY63Fuk63UPhdnXTNFkGgpi7DQ1oHL6hs17vv-nVMd1IAUaQxnJt4/s320/161637074098013112_JDkhd45N_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sewmanyways.blogspot.ca/2012/11/thrifty-thursdaycloset-organizing.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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5. Turn an old wipes box into a car emergency kit.<br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOwhuLpQs38oxISAtXHB7JYEvZK_TXeIn8eInHe-5v8RjtZ8k_mPkS3UoKIqyQPJl4seIpfndj4ayvrOeYoVFW9h4jUYtEW-9ABm9gzpCGvcEWqtvOU0rWZEocoqnXLRI5iV15MV9Psg/s320/186758715767632561_yOyVqUsY_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://aunnajames.blogspot.ca/2011/08/ineeda-box-aka-car-emergency-kit.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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6. Cover an empty soda can box to organize bags in the kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1cIQFmE01NPz_RJ-uL2OMP1p_XjUxEup0ZuhAMwCE5TasDz3567JpRDeXSBSEGm97byfV7wPrffVVd-p7-zVU4XYA-Y9XzVpZ9vXxeRK-n8jCQKXov1PHfCbBP9GC5it97wvJFiTD1Q/s1600/39617671694130187_X795gk63_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1cIQFmE01NPz_RJ-uL2OMP1p_XjUxEup0ZuhAMwCE5TasDz3567JpRDeXSBSEGm97byfV7wPrffVVd-p7-zVU4XYA-Y9XzVpZ9vXxeRK-n8jCQKXov1PHfCbBP9GC5it97wvJFiTD1Q/s320/39617671694130187_X795gk63_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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7. Old lotion bottle as a charging station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqrW5gLzhXQgzW9SQ7eUNs3c5drNV_TtiI8zS9NdywmgBWKnhGdw82XtpQbFC723bzQvoJYeTlXP8scfSUpxVaNiUSQQxr6C09CklvcCTKZK3ohexDoo4I3qK-nO0qgvWviq8M1JlQss/s1600/29203097553890883_5e6fFjKm_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqrW5gLzhXQgzW9SQ7eUNs3c5drNV_TtiI8zS9NdywmgBWKnhGdw82XtpQbFC723bzQvoJYeTlXP8scfSUpxVaNiUSQQxr6C09CklvcCTKZK3ohexDoo4I3qK-nO0qgvWviq8M1JlQss/s320/29203097553890883_5e6fFjKm_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. Use old CD cases to store cables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht8UTIMhslS0CAo4KOFcF18vgXENQtBN29w7xm107a3MXYO2kflJcQ4wdlRi6FiIqg6DSi2-NsQVq6CjiwAPVI5iKpWZf2gu1sTDbkNQWH63PVWqvVIEwsMu4VabXEFYVKixaVaeIPa0/s1600/222013456600052590_rcqp64NE_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht8UTIMhslS0CAo4KOFcF18vgXENQtBN29w7xm107a3MXYO2kflJcQ4wdlRi6FiIqg6DSi2-NsQVq6CjiwAPVI5iKpWZf2gu1sTDbkNQWH63PVWqvVIEwsMu4VabXEFYVKixaVaeIPa0/s320/222013456600052590_rcqp64NE_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/2011/01/14/reusing-old-optical-disc-spindles-f/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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9. Use a cereal box and toilet paper roll as a mini homework centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYNlVC10mbKwdSqJ9SSeEMjyxsz_l1RPGXyhtJP-IOU6Tk5Ji1-uIGZirPLZkkA5b0XWB8nmKFPgBNdZ8xFZKtjLZLDHXSB4YBRjHC9zyQHbRGb8cH1E2VBotPdwm-tSCh9OIfvzLPmI/s1600/73253931410567048_iqtwAL7a_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYNlVC10mbKwdSqJ9SSeEMjyxsz_l1RPGXyhtJP-IOU6Tk5Ji1-uIGZirPLZkkA5b0XWB8nmKFPgBNdZ8xFZKtjLZLDHXSB4YBRjHC9zyQHbRGb8cH1E2VBotPdwm-tSCh9OIfvzLPmI/s320/73253931410567048_iqtwAL7a_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/01/frugal-crafts-cereal-box-organizer-toilet-paper-roll-pencil-holder/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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10. Stick magnets to the back of a cereal box and place on the fridge to hold menus or mail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBkTDIzgIQjtFKV1dwsm1Wo7KpRXqto1bsYS30VGCBkrX4HlFrJkAeSYrwRAotJgUhew5eTm8kFMa2Zg7imYgQ7LSPna7HdUb2gJDdd6Hh97M-eEXHOT7VQgtSiWDIfCyrWsTvr8Lxk4/s1600/61220876154148976_641RSf46_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBkTDIzgIQjtFKV1dwsm1Wo7KpRXqto1bsYS30VGCBkrX4HlFrJkAeSYrwRAotJgUhew5eTm8kFMa2Zg7imYgQ7LSPna7HdUb2gJDdd6Hh97M-eEXHOT7VQgtSiWDIfCyrWsTvr8Lxk4/s320/61220876154148976_641RSf46_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source - Pinterest</div>
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11. Cover a plain box with pretty duct tape for nicer looking storage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HcMFdKTWemi15Xb5JPnkX9PkCDY4S6F91SciVLrY7MtTBlBEg7hckQY4HLcpqj-7Hdb1r_bIIoEbPK6FV7IjYxlCQnQYCwp6g6_4ndZEJ8PacH1r5cP0LRW6sp6WxsLVURt3GLIpEYI/s1600/240942648784920419_vaqDaHFd_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HcMFdKTWemi15Xb5JPnkX9PkCDY4S6F91SciVLrY7MtTBlBEg7hckQY4HLcpqj-7Hdb1r_bIIoEbPK6FV7IjYxlCQnQYCwp6g6_4ndZEJ8PacH1r5cP0LRW6sp6WxsLVURt3GLIpEYI/s400/240942648784920419_vaqDaHFd_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.ca/2012/06/duct-tape-fun.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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12. Use old cereal boxes as drawer divider.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXtLoQ3sy8GiPiYOiuX_f8-NXi3n81f_RKbuUyRZGSFELEaLP901o6umOteFp8G1KkkSf-PNVw3dAND6DRHNwPulfJ7zGEPUCXw4vB8zkOnG8sK4Ps3ABWJaim2WnBqg-DkgYWY4hzeg/s1600/66357794480208677_BU6E5wsj_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXtLoQ3sy8GiPiYOiuX_f8-NXi3n81f_RKbuUyRZGSFELEaLP901o6umOteFp8G1KkkSf-PNVw3dAND6DRHNwPulfJ7zGEPUCXw4vB8zkOnG8sK4Ps3ABWJaim2WnBqg-DkgYWY4hzeg/s320/66357794480208677_BU6E5wsj_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2012/03/messy-desk.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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13. Turn a shoe box into a charging station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUex9KD2fHkr_4NqB_9C6U-mwWRPoZJ-IlVrFCYg9DJGQgmeGrmnon_Lv4exbC6EySli5Z8-35tDSxQQoK-9r3G7Jbzrb9AJlQezbFyVUP9nAcioYu5ts7yMmyOSfXaOtYIOvJOpFs0o/s1600/54184001737192029_5M5scQKu_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUex9KD2fHkr_4NqB_9C6U-mwWRPoZJ-IlVrFCYg9DJGQgmeGrmnon_Lv4exbC6EySli5Z8-35tDSxQQoK-9r3G7Jbzrb9AJlQezbFyVUP9nAcioYu5ts7yMmyOSfXaOtYIOvJOpFs0o/s320/54184001737192029_5M5scQKu_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.ca/2011/12/super-inexpensive-simple-diy-storage.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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14. Use a Command hook and a paper shopping bag with handles to keep garbage contained in the car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-NR4kSmSqHoxJ4dAoUktnGsFg5j6LoOLPSUedfLXQeoVxdLm8Qm6YyUlJPcigeqo5gdf5FszSQy1E_aATSXVmXfgBj5mhZA4oUSRNWSHvlLVN0zH3H5sSLyaNTdHBBHF8X9bWvQEbTY/s1600/6403624440189377_3b1th4oO_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-NR4kSmSqHoxJ4dAoUktnGsFg5j6LoOLPSUedfLXQeoVxdLm8Qm6YyUlJPcigeqo5gdf5FszSQy1E_aATSXVmXfgBj5mhZA4oUSRNWSHvlLVN0zH3H5sSLyaNTdHBBHF8X9bWvQEbTY/s320/6403624440189377_3b1th4oO_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/c/t/199705/trash-bag-in-car-what-do-you-use-photo" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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15. Another use for an empty cereal box is to use it as a mail centre.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8XgFL2tY_D9P_HmpqhWt7un4vS4TgKOL5LkEb3bp_SsoIdaxD9jjPm71axcrlEhi1UCpvaeD2lPVWU6xcgEpZHLznyOeV30JvoMhnSq4IvW__z_OigZJG1Iz27VTDv968YF5xjPz4dk/s1600/232498399483149784_7AsgY0p4_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8XgFL2tY_D9P_HmpqhWt7un4vS4TgKOL5LkEb3bp_SsoIdaxD9jjPm71axcrlEhi1UCpvaeD2lPVWU6xcgEpZHLznyOeV30JvoMhnSq4IvW__z_OigZJG1Iz27VTDv968YF5xjPz4dk/s320/232498399483149784_7AsgY0p4_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katydidandkid.com/2010/07/cereal-box-stationary-organizer.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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16. Save space in your purse by punching a hole through gift and store rebate cards and adding them to a key ring or binder ring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTu4imBHIeYJ3UGnmXZUdl6JspsTlm1316zPzf8W1i0vuUOggM70eeeoZL3bNF2xfjhQhv_rJI_x64clfjsjHSyFj9CUhS_uIwjVbtY4M_XE6V74AVrFCxHDVzROpi3JOlHVbaKtD_E/s1600/6403624440294729_sjSo0tIS_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTu4imBHIeYJ3UGnmXZUdl6JspsTlm1316zPzf8W1i0vuUOggM70eeeoZL3bNF2xfjhQhv_rJI_x64clfjsjHSyFj9CUhS_uIwjVbtY4M_XE6V74AVrFCxHDVzROpi3JOlHVbaKtD_E/s320/6403624440294729_sjSo0tIS_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cookingatcafed.com/2012/02/follow-up-getting-grip.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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17. Use an old VHS cover as a picture frame with hidden storage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jyn6Nao9Pb7qLdv5U4cvw76iJLVAvQQHM2MYhjbV2MgQJSSHO_2ApAb2KKJ4nvilZ4bZKzVDbPXEElf85K8JUL0WbnDKbfS1ct-3ZsTcmYlQeTPimfUc8sJkYOLE2Q8JheBA2lVFKqA/s1600/257971884874926288_Kk2MZOS5_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jyn6Nao9Pb7qLdv5U4cvw76iJLVAvQQHM2MYhjbV2MgQJSSHO_2ApAb2KKJ4nvilZ4bZKzVDbPXEElf85K8JUL0WbnDKbfS1ct-3ZsTcmYlQeTPimfUc8sJkYOLE2Q8JheBA2lVFKqA/s320/257971884874926288_Kk2MZOS5_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.divaaniblogit.fi/blogit/sisustuskarpanen/2011/08/18/pakkomielle/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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18. Use old shoe boxes as drawer dividers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqfrrXD6v-i5Ca7WRkUOkrE4R9mOX9E-u1Eup1hvRFCCj1UVslvtC0aGogXHqizxcHBGnPj602tM3Z0CiwcGE8ePubxK_Cu629rP218v5Ay8PIJ2vGnlkUtcD7vxHsafX5y1KJ6bq1Sc/s1600/141511613262458865_6Z3dRVzR_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqfrrXD6v-i5Ca7WRkUOkrE4R9mOX9E-u1Eup1hvRFCCj1UVslvtC0aGogXHqizxcHBGnPj602tM3Z0CiwcGE8ePubxK_Cu629rP218v5Ay8PIJ2vGnlkUtcD7vxHsafX5y1KJ6bq1Sc/s320/141511613262458865_6Z3dRVzR_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-fashion/diy-drawer-dividers-00100000085439/index.html?xid=rs-weeklynews-09-19-2012" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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19. Cover tin cans with fabric and attach them to the inside of the bathroom vanity to hold brushes or your curling iron.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQmLx9dmGYo4Yu_td0GvnQKPxluw1_u7xWHRuLxvZWfDCjPmJi2UUAWGWtytZ3DCYmzuGDdCORdf4lylpmfzyI6wOT3J3VH_zJs2hQCwwChMqPhL9vKM4hTmQ63M_fwYQ38n3TIKDqbc/s1600/216946907019680688_NAJL7yZp_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQmLx9dmGYo4Yu_td0GvnQKPxluw1_u7xWHRuLxvZWfDCjPmJi2UUAWGWtytZ3DCYmzuGDdCORdf4lylpmfzyI6wOT3J3VH_zJs2hQCwwChMqPhL9vKM4hTmQ63M_fwYQ38n3TIKDqbc/s1600/216946907019680688_NAJL7yZp_c%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thecreativeimperative.blogspot.ca/2012/02/hanging-hairbrush-storage-from-tin-cans.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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20. I love stair baskets to place items in while they wait to be taken up or down the stairs. Click on the <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2011/03/stair-basket-on-my-0-budget-organizing.html" target="_blank">link</a> for instructions on how to make one out of a cardboard box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWee539QfPfy6AnyDUOehZ43sw4t2vUbZn1aF_l1fq3x5xfmtc6DynpDKyqqPTQonrctCgMPC4Bdx5M80hzFvbgqOLAeXzS1pYakZ8JV2IIe_DxNYYwbmj8e1DoMtDMIQiDZs5E6DNz4M/s1600/283656476501063879_JBs3oyZa_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWee539QfPfy6AnyDUOehZ43sw4t2vUbZn1aF_l1fq3x5xfmtc6DynpDKyqqPTQonrctCgMPC4Bdx5M80hzFvbgqOLAeXzS1pYakZ8JV2IIe_DxNYYwbmj8e1DoMtDMIQiDZs5E6DNz4M/s1600/283656476501063879_JBs3oyZa_c%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of the first rules of getting organized is to "shop from home". Take a look around you to see if you can re-purpose something in your home.<br />
<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-5340160712829148582013-01-10T06:11:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:40.318-07:00What Did You Accomplish In 2012?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As each new year rolls around many of us take the time to look back on the past year and reflect on what we would like to change in the coming year. If you are anything like me, most of that reflection is negative. I should have exercised more, I should have cooked healthier meals, I should have invited friends over more often, etc. But maybe we need to look back and see just how much we actually accomplished in a year.<br />
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As you decide what you want to do differently this year, take a look at what you got right last year. Try making an Accomplished List. What did you get done last year?<br />
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2012 was a big year for me. Here are some of the things that I accomplished:<br />
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1. I quit my job as a waitress and started my own Professional Organizing business, <a href="http://www.powerhomesolutions.com/Home_Page.html" target="_blank">Power Home Solutions</a>. I took several courses in order to become a member of Professional Organizers in Canada and have made many friends by attending chapter meetings where I learn something new each and every time.<br />
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2. I started a blog! This was also huge for me, especially if you understand how very computer illiterate I really am. My friend Ana was amazing at helping me navigate my way through blogger. I could not have done it without her! <br />
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3. I got a large portion of my own house organized. My kitchen, bedroom, TV room, laundry room, J's room, mudroom and office are now organized. In J's room we also drywalled over the existing plaster and painted the entire room.<br />
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4. I set up an entire new accounting system for Mr. P's plumbing business. It had been so long since we last updated our software that the old files would not just transfer over. It all had to be done manually and was an incredible amount of work.<br />
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5. I was able to be available to friends and family when they needed me. I was able to take some to doctor's appointments, move my mother-in-law into her new home and been someone to lean on during the loss of a loved one.<br />
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6. I have become more active in my community volunteering my time and taking on certain issues with my local government.<br />
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All in all, it was actually a pretty good year! <br />
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<b>What did you accomplish in 2012?</b><br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-34404188334333906292013-01-08T06:41:00.001-08:002013-03-31T17:28:40.317-07:00Be One Of The 8% Who Keeps Their Resolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMjW7zrL55syBJQTDn7QZXqy7vOcPZgtxU2VCJFPMiZ3TIRxV0NCl9GiQWZz1Jj7sU6b-p5ap0NGgLYZ1faapkeeevMuhrN0C5M-I6qSVRlCdhJuUhh_fwIlEY1xcF5GHm-zUFfXIsoQ/s1600/New-Year-Resolutions%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMjW7zrL55syBJQTDn7QZXqy7vOcPZgtxU2VCJFPMiZ3TIRxV0NCl9GiQWZz1Jj7sU6b-p5ap0NGgLYZ1faapkeeevMuhrN0C5M-I6qSVRlCdhJuUhh_fwIlEY1xcF5GHm-zUFfXIsoQ/s400/New-Year-Resolutions%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above is a list of the top ten New Year's resolutions. Number one is to "lose weight" and number two is to "get organized".<br />
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For years my resolution was to lose weight and after failing at that so many times I decided that I would try and get organized instead. But it got me wondering, why is it that these two things are numbers one and two each and every year? It could be because only 8% of people actually stick to their resolution for the entire year. Many don't even last the first month! <br />
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If you think about it, losing weight and getting organized are kind of similar. They both require discipline, motivation and certain lifestyle changes in order to make them happen. They also have a tendency to elicit unrealistic expectations (I am going to look like Cindy Crawford when I'm done or my house is going to look like Martha Stewart lives here.) And if results cannot be seen immediately people become frustrated and quite often give up.<br />
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Another problem with these two resolutions is that they are too vague. A goal must be specific, time-limited, actionable, measurable and reasonable. How will you know when you've lost enough weight or when you are organized enough?<br />
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Drastic lifestyle changes almost never work. Instead of making a New Year's resolution try making a New Week resolution. Every Monday make one small change that will help you accomplish your goal. For instance, if your resolution is to lose weight try committing to drinking 2 extra glasses of water each day. At the end of the week you would continue with that habit and then add another like exercising for 15 minutes each day. <br />
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If your resolution is to get more organized then make the commitment to putting your purse away every day instead of leaving it on the kitchen table. Try that for a week and then add in 15 minutes of decluttering every day. Keep the changes small and each of these small accomplishments will add up to huge rewards at the end of the year.<br />
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Don't forget to evaluate how you did at the end of the week. Did you only put your purse away twice? Why? Perhaps the closet is too far away from the entrance. Maybe you need to place a hook closer to the door. Was drinking that water too difficult because you hate the way water tastes? Try adding some lemon or a little fruit juice to make it go down easier. Maybe the goal was too big and only adding one glass of water a day is more doable.<br />
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Please don't think that you failed when you find that you did not accomplish the goal you set out for the week! Think of it as a learning experience. Ask yourself why it didn't work and try to come up with a solution. <br />
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"It's not about perfect. It's about effort. When you bring that effort every single day that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs." - Jillian Michaels<br />
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<b>Did you make any New Year's resolutions?</b><br />
<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-53053566599682975372012-12-21T18:39:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:18:56.116-07:00My Home For Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-AxIQWu38WoyI17jpTV3u4GeMB2qqki5ErNROkFIuObcPE630emu25I0q7HqIGIQ3TFKLP1dU24jqd2Thyphenhyphen8eOlyK6COp3wDsMFaS_mfDB_MMvET9bQQNBqRqUJSJzwEUAQMfjW95HVA/s1600/Christmas+Parade+and+decorations+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-AxIQWu38WoyI17jpTV3u4GeMB2qqki5ErNROkFIuObcPE630emu25I0q7HqIGIQ3TFKLP1dU24jqd2Thyphenhyphen8eOlyK6COp3wDsMFaS_mfDB_MMvET9bQQNBqRqUJSJzwEUAQMfjW95HVA/s400/Christmas+Parade+and+decorations+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We finally got some snow in my part of the woods and it has put me in the Christmas spirit! Thought I would dash out in the middle of a storm to take photos of the house lit up for Christmas!<br />
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I had said in an earlier post that I would share photos of how I decorate the house for the holidays. So today's post is mostly photos. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkALls9xKGo5T3PnIMWhzaxtfWlnLH5aLFO9YWbfN5AfKPkiVH75tZRtG_fTC0eHP7tARJSgmmqfyszPTb1HKvEEdaTUZB_cBVjirJFjHkz2VI9XoZv2jU-7n4wzngXqVEBlsSqgupUeg/s1600/Christmas+Parade+and+decorations+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkALls9xKGo5T3PnIMWhzaxtfWlnLH5aLFO9YWbfN5AfKPkiVH75tZRtG_fTC0eHP7tARJSgmmqfyszPTb1HKvEEdaTUZB_cBVjirJFjHkz2VI9XoZv2jU-7n4wzngXqVEBlsSqgupUeg/s400/Christmas+Parade+and+decorations+029.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Foyer - This was once the Receiving Room where ladies would sit to have tea and chat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3IM8iUoT-eidyMy0HZB_ndjY9tuCN7B4TrrjOvD3XjQXERhv0whf2PQMTZ6GQ4uK_zuFPRJqzqPdHgbLxYHe1NSEuSXqZfghaCjI_aSk4GSyQFpw4euCKqJRwpSN-lAHxbuVz8rQ99g/s1600/Christmas+decorations+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3IM8iUoT-eidyMy0HZB_ndjY9tuCN7B4TrrjOvD3XjQXERhv0whf2PQMTZ6GQ4uK_zuFPRJqzqPdHgbLxYHe1NSEuSXqZfghaCjI_aSk4GSyQFpw4euCKqJRwpSN-lAHxbuVz8rQ99g/s640/Christmas+decorations+031.JPG" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from front entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjwtcpF98Hsoei9AsqQMaWMVIsyzALbecQzmJaAxQAceilWnkJ5XXDcH9LsEZmVj94zGRPX4I3flxDezpU_Dv6-KjT6NAtqnXpd1_XlACFJX-lPoeNMvOBgkUfwcdgefDeFK5kdYReA/s1600/Christmas+decorations+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdjwtcpF98Hsoei9AsqQMaWMVIsyzALbecQzmJaAxQAceilWnkJ5XXDcH9LsEZmVj94zGRPX4I3flxDezpU_Dv6-KjT6NAtqnXpd1_XlACFJX-lPoeNMvOBgkUfwcdgefDeFK5kdYReA/s640/Christmas+decorations+050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the stairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSq595izgHSpV-7e9GM33iymx7VTovrRYwwkGRRSfhuEN04SP1kHZE2PR33xf0dJhoRRZcnPGJabrK2hg4Jb_HxeuAMlvKR3O36dIZN24eeKwpEo_F9fxbLcTUiSQj_5JDoKsZfZcluw/s1600/Christmas+decorations+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSq595izgHSpV-7e9GM33iymx7VTovrRYwwkGRRSfhuEN04SP1kHZE2PR33xf0dJhoRRZcnPGJabrK2hg4Jb_HxeuAMlvKR3O36dIZN24eeKwpEo_F9fxbLcTUiSQj_5JDoKsZfZcluw/s640/Christmas+decorations+033.JPG" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8HWuUso1gYH_vWWZJZBLneucqLvoxxEGQncZyCmQdt-WbQqSXYmtqU3bkdxai-Tx8UMFaeP4gyCXsrcZwFWWb0B-PrDr8KmvUnCLF8oICp3fR7hxxdt9ItK4V3Y_AScCXtEt6ObFqEo/s1600/Christmas+decorations+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8HWuUso1gYH_vWWZJZBLneucqLvoxxEGQncZyCmQdt-WbQqSXYmtqU3bkdxai-Tx8UMFaeP4gyCXsrcZwFWWb0B-PrDr8KmvUnCLF8oICp3fR7hxxdt9ItK4V3Y_AScCXtEt6ObFqEo/s640/Christmas+decorations+034.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our main Christmas tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpJwP51SGFPPK98CJCNAjeoqb4EaYb7rB-IcQ9lR5yB6-dv3Q1zqK_J9Bg3KlyRSwAwP1EMsUlje_seDYWvF-mCL4s95Qppq_NphY8_rvnSKkeIM2xjnhwTG8qWm9OBoFMMqtQ_NG9X8/s1600/Christmas+decorations+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpJwP51SGFPPK98CJCNAjeoqb4EaYb7rB-IcQ9lR5yB6-dv3Q1zqK_J9Bg3KlyRSwAwP1EMsUlje_seDYWvF-mCL4s95Qppq_NphY8_rvnSKkeIM2xjnhwTG8qWm9OBoFMMqtQ_NG9X8/s640/Christmas+decorations+035.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree is covered with photos of family and friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcoardZpX4zduXSLP8Ns5vwdm-Hl8gT57MvMI1gySdyxViwYz7cAjHr2S3Cqlqri1jCDBWE5U18trZKDIUWhY3in1mIJgxUVgqlmFgLou-nqcfhY7-qJHpS5LEXJsBrd5wNwAHnaYS3k/s1600/Christmas+decorations+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcoardZpX4zduXSLP8Ns5vwdm-Hl8gT57MvMI1gySdyxViwYz7cAjHr2S3Cqlqri1jCDBWE5U18trZKDIUWhY3in1mIJgxUVgqlmFgLou-nqcfhY7-qJHpS5LEXJsBrd5wNwAHnaYS3k/s640/Christmas+decorations+036.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Store frames with ribbon attached to the back (this is me in the photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGP51a-tSPiBAHiZOpQXey0CNiR_6FGMZX538ti3nFM9iQ34WH_UQyJn5MuHD8tVQD8KuxmKQsOZ4tRpf3oOfj12OTjNg0Jbt3rbWiVSvegYBzKlsAku8yaBVv3UJghzgJlVDyPfFXw8/s1600/Christmas+decorations+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGP51a-tSPiBAHiZOpQXey0CNiR_6FGMZX538ti3nFM9iQ34WH_UQyJn5MuHD8tVQD8KuxmKQsOZ4tRpf3oOfj12OTjNg0Jbt3rbWiVSvegYBzKlsAku8yaBVv3UJghzgJlVDyPfFXw8/s640/Christmas+decorations+042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Nativity Set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
The Living Room<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs2I3cVoEccSoBAkQ_mhkM-sltSQM2Rh5pt2RseIjAHCSJfhld3xbaKua5vPwiWO_rXXpazvq5DkZoP2UOO1hchMtq99tHfcKSdVqjU3XgSaNWQSDfeHRfQNTc9dEOABuQYfj-_IFydk/s1600/Christmas+decorations+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs2I3cVoEccSoBAkQ_mhkM-sltSQM2Rh5pt2RseIjAHCSJfhld3xbaKua5vPwiWO_rXXpazvq5DkZoP2UOO1hchMtq99tHfcKSdVqjU3XgSaNWQSDfeHRfQNTc9dEOABuQYfj-_IFydk/s640/Christmas+decorations+056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking in from the foyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Fco5mnPBuynu6Kt-hu90tGKa-fQaAwGPy0UBa89yLxZ4Fvg5jq8gU924mVfkwMpQjAb6KI46nwRPrBL_Bk9cETQKb1hC1P53r7LvUOro4YY7YdqggL74rpWJflWxEvEOBmLSjI2ge8/s1600/Christmas+decorations+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Fco5mnPBuynu6Kt-hu90tGKa-fQaAwGPy0UBa89yLxZ4Fvg5jq8gU924mVfkwMpQjAb6KI46nwRPrBL_Bk9cETQKb1hC1P53r7LvUOro4YY7YdqggL74rpWJflWxEvEOBmLSjI2ge8/s640/Christmas+decorations+055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From another angle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaucccsr-JAyNPhb1n0Dr9dc76PfHkw_tLy3gDH1OhXcT4swf7H7jbfQii1JjgEzo5ZaQEpUCRt0_oznkncujp6Mr__qbnnx0XjnDf9T48xmhSrul3bo2bwPLd8pKWtH7S9rWqaI5cEgA/s1600/Christmas+decorations+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaucccsr-JAyNPhb1n0Dr9dc76PfHkw_tLy3gDH1OhXcT4swf7H7jbfQii1JjgEzo5ZaQEpUCRt0_oznkncujp6Mr__qbnnx0XjnDf9T48xmhSrul3bo2bwPLd8pKWtH7S9rWqaI5cEgA/s640/Christmas+decorations+024.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ornament from Mr. P's grandmother that came over from Holland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kRx0cRSW3NgbeHRf0x9ZX5nmPhTyWSe1cYXn3NzN45RoFZwtmE_sidIIfyzjJG7bOzglE_RQNijbNfv18L4RbdBa2yX8jtPxV0mOEsTU020CcY2w1t8c9TehOKL16h8ubkEgVEZCn8/s1600/Christmas+decorations+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kRx0cRSW3NgbeHRf0x9ZX5nmPhTyWSe1cYXn3NzN45RoFZwtmE_sidIIfyzjJG7bOzglE_RQNijbNfv18L4RbdBa2yX8jtPxV0mOEsTU020CcY2w1t8c9TehOKL16h8ubkEgVEZCn8/s640/Christmas+decorations+026.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another ornament that came from Holland. It actually makes a noise when blown into.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvV_pcPlTzgWVasFx1rRXeNsUdMLWJm1YHWUjmjAgr2yuV499m1GDOgREkg_PthOW8jBSpOI71tC0EE7Umb9xHr5U4zeLrmSk7DEZ_hscl8m1hdRGPU12PUlQz2QzU3dfyR1MpZN32ns/s1600/Christmas+decorations+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvV_pcPlTzgWVasFx1rRXeNsUdMLWJm1YHWUjmjAgr2yuV499m1GDOgREkg_PthOW8jBSpOI71tC0EE7Umb9xHr5U4zeLrmSk7DEZ_hscl8m1hdRGPU12PUlQz2QzU3dfyR1MpZN32ns/s640/Christmas+decorations+030.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcfNUn2w4MlxLNR3C_Urx9SHfdRJgrHBYlKY3MdyrfK6sQqKLCpwX0TrhEvDoI88IdsMBA9hrUJuEMX27TQmSvFVJMZTUHqZSE_cbHti42UBXX1V5nocwHBFkSUs8WR0BmD_PbBIBWI0/s1600/Christmas+decorations+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcfNUn2w4MlxLNR3C_Urx9SHfdRJgrHBYlKY3MdyrfK6sQqKLCpwX0TrhEvDoI88IdsMBA9hrUJuEMX27TQmSvFVJMZTUHqZSE_cbHti42UBXX1V5nocwHBFkSUs8WR0BmD_PbBIBWI0/s640/Christmas+decorations+053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />
The Dining Room<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBZcG98FjsgYll29MZiAVCTmmPWgdVJCgxRNRz1TaRduPdAFLh-IES7UQf1-4j29h0RkClJV4_p8qQVNGPg1nOIj_gdHajDTMguR23UUhqXekfwneja2LeD5VGCoAClW499qEzQp9bRo/s1600/Christmas+decorations+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBZcG98FjsgYll29MZiAVCTmmPWgdVJCgxRNRz1TaRduPdAFLh-IES7UQf1-4j29h0RkClJV4_p8qQVNGPg1nOIj_gdHajDTMguR23UUhqXekfwneja2LeD5VGCoAClW499qEzQp9bRo/s640/Christmas+decorations+047.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kept the dining room table simple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlN9EFsu5o7bGn5el5AN6LUwjlAvFhvZ_JukkZj3P6zdEZD43cwGxelJUVvncajxwRJZChNYak2Jipdg42TR1QJDztJGyA4ce6TpKo0qS_DJZzl-X7C5QaoZYYgsb9luqhsB2gwTOe1Q/s1600/Christmas+decorations+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlN9EFsu5o7bGn5el5AN6LUwjlAvFhvZ_JukkZj3P6zdEZD43cwGxelJUVvncajxwRJZChNYak2Jipdg42TR1QJDztJGyA4ce6TpKo0qS_DJZzl-X7C5QaoZYYgsb9luqhsB2gwTOe1Q/s640/Christmas+decorations+045.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple swag and wreath in the window of the dining room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My Office - I have a fireplace in my office with shelving on either side. It is decorated with our Victorian Village.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghayC-dgygbTVdQ5VvVGbrz4D06QHGhKRAS8dNoSElufd43xj8pW5AaBEBwcj3TuC90ppsVEgS69OKAXnpmoRgPCYpnUeQ51yA77o2swCEsTf0C7Zi_QZ-GGztZmfmZsny-DNuybGbzXc/s1600/Christmas+decorations+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghayC-dgygbTVdQ5VvVGbrz4D06QHGhKRAS8dNoSElufd43xj8pW5AaBEBwcj3TuC90ppsVEgS69OKAXnpmoRgPCYpnUeQ51yA77o2swCEsTf0C7Zi_QZ-GGztZmfmZsny-DNuybGbzXc/s640/Christmas+decorations+003.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jax loves the fireplace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKZFEajSayqoFp20Jvr3rckGGBh3l6TnvfOFLbvGjScsvtkvP4Uc_ddlUNv0fjnhDtYADcTy5WTPM68fUqiBBfXEbyzSzo0E_3wmJnRqKD8Avp-8ej3OjeJz3ZBzQgoL5UkSVpYxkaGw/s1600/Christmas+decorations+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKZFEajSayqoFp20Jvr3rckGGBh3l6TnvfOFLbvGjScsvtkvP4Uc_ddlUNv0fjnhDtYADcTy5WTPM68fUqiBBfXEbyzSzo0E_3wmJnRqKD8Avp-8ej3OjeJz3ZBzQgoL5UkSVpYxkaGw/s640/Christmas+decorations+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the down town portion of the village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScVTY9KRuleo-2733AHJIdwrkhphnh63Hm-3WJjgVnhYLaBXPfe3MQQIQxNw22qo6CQRFiTnF6hQpxEloTgnY1CzhF38sQQSSMcUbrFEnCb9CJnLp31XG3Hz0aPPXSmtTfF6wBUjo-co/s1600/Christmas+decorations+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScVTY9KRuleo-2733AHJIdwrkhphnh63Hm-3WJjgVnhYLaBXPfe3MQQIQxNw22qo6CQRFiTnF6hQpxEloTgnY1CzhF38sQQSSMcUbrFEnCb9CJnLp31XG3Hz0aPPXSmtTfF6wBUjo-co/s640/Christmas+decorations+006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfdcVpsAfTKEWj-tav4Cz7BYgSGvcEuGluqx5MLl9-n7vQ8ZDbFSlBEAU6TheNAsr1prZsVA4fXdwvMms26cOA0nS1kXwynkiZ0NcxClqdIslHXQXLyMwbK6iDqLvuhjjrzCBm80WwBc/s1600/Christmas+decorations+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfdcVpsAfTKEWj-tav4Cz7BYgSGvcEuGluqx5MLl9-n7vQ8ZDbFSlBEAU6TheNAsr1prZsVA4fXdwvMms26cOA0nS1kXwynkiZ0NcxClqdIslHXQXLyMwbK6iDqLvuhjjrzCBm80WwBc/s640/Christmas+decorations+007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxr9oIC_fXE_PJP0g9j8hx7UYqcwMgEzuadx6Ij3jCvSE4BrT8p3ju45c_Bqb_utHLuDJTEbMgofJeYQ_G4wiVdaqsxm_kVPC5M7KRxNghn6fKswecMuFNALpR-khtxHpoP4-s3f578Q/s1600/Christmas+decorations+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxr9oIC_fXE_PJP0g9j8hx7UYqcwMgEzuadx6Ij3jCvSE4BrT8p3ju45c_Bqb_utHLuDJTEbMgofJeYQ_G4wiVdaqsxm_kVPC5M7KRxNghn6fKswecMuFNALpR-khtxHpoP4-s3f578Q/s640/Christmas+decorations+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The residential area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBiS2Bl8I7VWwRzeFBT9Y4DZNwAiV_LU9E-0UVc3XqhjLuRpTQVCE1lQ51SIj8xlvdAiq1_lWWooFOhfO_KNdoqMiqr1aM76F7ymGA8TU14iSUmyzeU7xzft_TtrpllkhTGhB0CFp6DI/s1600/Christmas+decorations+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBiS2Bl8I7VWwRzeFBT9Y4DZNwAiV_LU9E-0UVc3XqhjLuRpTQVCE1lQ51SIj8xlvdAiq1_lWWooFOhfO_KNdoqMiqr1aM76F7ymGA8TU14iSUmyzeU7xzft_TtrpllkhTGhB0CFp6DI/s640/Christmas+decorations+010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOEzF78vAdI0zOlrtznUXd0Fbd1u0yyRN1EW9Y0wp-AmkFzDtL1N9GboLoErvic280c8B-b0D5HHv7ovegjIu5Y2k9xeHhJT6XpY0kQsFQLiEwT-n_HuaUlMI0cw8CTV4w0462T2Chpg/s1600/Christmas+decorations+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOEzF78vAdI0zOlrtznUXd0Fbd1u0yyRN1EW9Y0wp-AmkFzDtL1N9GboLoErvic280c8B-b0D5HHv7ovegjIu5Y2k9xeHhJT6XpY0kQsFQLiEwT-n_HuaUlMI0cw8CTV4w0462T2Chpg/s640/Christmas+decorations+005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park</td></tr>
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In my opinion there's nothing prettier than an old Victorian home decorated for Christmas. <br />
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I'll be taking some time off to spend with my family but I will be back in the new year with some exciting organizing ideas and maybe even a new recipe or two to share. In the mean time let me wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-80020697889556657362012-12-14T05:48:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:26:58.481-07:0012 Ways to Organize Wrapping Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkruVj5B6YVPzbeJ2r7VYkxXmqn68Pln9Hw7uMDzj2KYCu2i1R43cLLTL8ikaWHlty1Gfxwb-u-QLrCl2xlNWG3VwerIinnONa1qhXdmVe3p2q_wcUG9wY6lHH5bz5h2jUqBTzIdVvyMw/s1600/closet+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkruVj5B6YVPzbeJ2r7VYkxXmqn68Pln9Hw7uMDzj2KYCu2i1R43cLLTL8ikaWHlty1Gfxwb-u-QLrCl2xlNWG3VwerIinnONa1qhXdmVe3p2q_wcUG9wY6lHH5bz5h2jUqBTzIdVvyMw/s320/closet+007.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Not sure how to store all your wrapping paper throughout the year? Some of you may remember the picture above from when I shared the before and after photos of <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2012/11/closet-reveal-number-one.html" target="_blank">my rec room closet</a>. Mr. P installed a track that was picked up from the local hardware store and the baskets are for an over-the-door pantry organizer. Holding the wrapping paper in place at the top are two paper towel holders from the same pantry organizer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPM7YOqx9bMOaKfmGB29p3eYAZ4u3V6ePA9bMGZfel1R2kxOhYku1iG0o_EJBjLQ-QLkp6tcIRzmvGit5xNHo62zfL9BHSUXNUzlY4qS_hDtHOtQK_60NQpUz5Q3k-cBDL9vYpoDgJo/s1600/TV+room+closet+%2526+Fall+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPM7YOqx9bMOaKfmGB29p3eYAZ4u3V6ePA9bMGZfel1R2kxOhYku1iG0o_EJBjLQ-QLkp6tcIRzmvGit5xNHo62zfL9BHSUXNUzlY4qS_hDtHOtQK_60NQpUz5Q3k-cBDL9vYpoDgJo/s320/TV+room+closet+%2526+Fall+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I keep two plastic containers in the bottom basket that holds all my cards and accessories such as tape, scissors, tissue paper, gift tags, pens, and elastic bands (to wrap over the rolls of paper to hold them in place). When I need to wrap a gift everything that I need is right at hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FboT8Zld4NwmKiXG1R-pOnzuSUATNhahcvGOGzWa7gVSe4vPkhV5McL236Iaf1XgcEDX4AGEFGAC047gVRrqNYBQjJYAovQLNbFEDK1rx2zIXY5pqXeJuhpdrWl46zV5-CHQH6ekbs/s1600/closet+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FboT8Zld4NwmKiXG1R-pOnzuSUATNhahcvGOGzWa7gVSe4vPkhV5McL236Iaf1XgcEDX4AGEFGAC047gVRrqNYBQjJYAovQLNbFEDK1rx2zIXY5pqXeJuhpdrWl46zV5-CHQH6ekbs/s320/closet+006.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I even have the ribbon on a bar above the paper and a large gift bag filled with all the other gift bags.<br />
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Admittedly it was quite a bit of work and may not work for every situation so, with the help of Pinterest, I have assembled a few more ideas for storing wrapping paper. Check them out.<br />
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Try storing gift wrap in a laundry hamper. The hooks on the outside help keep items neat and organized.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIuSOf1U_MEQjxpsgU5GWiRBUoJpEfIewnIcp3KEjuLhSaloMSi2rk9P1RT4XYAx79h6XVfIoYU2QVf1ihJ-tw116PVI1diqvAcMZ3hhSV4QEXux3hx19eiRXlk_XA5-kdWBE60-L0KA/s1600/235031674273627228_Ta8hhNV6_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIuSOf1U_MEQjxpsgU5GWiRBUoJpEfIewnIcp3KEjuLhSaloMSi2rk9P1RT4XYAx79h6XVfIoYU2QVf1ihJ-tw116PVI1diqvAcMZ3hhSV4QEXux3hx19eiRXlk_XA5-kdWBE60-L0KA/s320/235031674273627228_Ta8hhNV6_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-US/HomeOrganization/Pages/gift-wrap-storage-ideas.aspx?TID=98ab333c-699a-4e34-bc3c-81a5f2802d48" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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If you are in the US, Elfa makes a great over-the-door gift wrap station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKdELeWNDMvF1cnEpmMeg7e1WPTy2qS298fCMC77bQTvtHBo4hpRvxwhwc_Ciwp9W5HphfiO3ev0MrFg1vzW_AEHU6tDEyDSBwT5RCIzft-ae8gYY30-IBRQsaflkuzprochqEWYbRiM/s1600/45247171227482727_7N0MbZwp_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKdELeWNDMvF1cnEpmMeg7e1WPTy2qS298fCMC77bQTvtHBo4hpRvxwhwc_Ciwp9W5HphfiO3ev0MrFg1vzW_AEHU6tDEyDSBwT5RCIzft-ae8gYY30-IBRQsaflkuzprochqEWYbRiM/s400/45247171227482727_7N0MbZwp_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.ca/2012/09/uheart-organizing-wrap-it-up.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Try using plastic bag holders from Ikea. The bonus is that they are extremely cheap!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0QiKI4hv5IlfHRhAE8KBDkJw7-WsrR445rpBNTrzfUsceNoXIed5IM1AwyX329-7Jim3tKuFl4gAvPMYxHo7faN1lzr1cpAXsTE0xOp3SX-zFFxOJBDeb_PMkghZcBgyioqUtCgB96A/s1600/192247477813086688_pyzfwSlU_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0QiKI4hv5IlfHRhAE8KBDkJw7-WsrR445rpBNTrzfUsceNoXIed5IM1AwyX329-7Jim3tKuFl4gAvPMYxHo7faN1lzr1cpAXsTE0xOp3SX-zFFxOJBDeb_PMkghZcBgyioqUtCgB96A/s320/192247477813086688_pyzfwSlU_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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Use Ikea wall storage rails and accessories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ahA28agu6u0qfnEOXelN7jpIXhDDarj3iZSaih1x2uqWWQ1fRY97fIVQcQ-ioZMxafLtYAY4AZ7nV4bu7HDgQIhIMU3F5LMdDu4s1rf7HZnXf96XmDPgMzWdvgb57bokZXj9gjnzML8/s1600/155726099585044673_zRgzrxBY_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ahA28agu6u0qfnEOXelN7jpIXhDDarj3iZSaih1x2uqWWQ1fRY97fIVQcQ-ioZMxafLtYAY4AZ7nV4bu7HDgQIhIMU3F5LMdDu4s1rf7HZnXf96XmDPgMzWdvgb57bokZXj9gjnzML8/s320/155726099585044673_zRgzrxBY_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Use tension rods for the paper and boxes with holes cut out to dispense ribbon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NV7g91iHwVRwD7SXWU4nGmSXzSQZjUcNYQu2ThBVlmkU002GMfcbheod7cV5M5kvRe1BjzM25FOGkMzwkLLJY80gTwce_XXn7E2IKXa69AQsMHJIa3RoCaFg_LJdotBQ_wgNAh7qFbk/s1600/173881235582589360_Byoi8gPl_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NV7g91iHwVRwD7SXWU4nGmSXzSQZjUcNYQu2ThBVlmkU002GMfcbheod7cV5M5kvRe1BjzM25FOGkMzwkLLJY80gTwce_XXn7E2IKXa69AQsMHJIa3RoCaFg_LJdotBQ_wgNAh7qFbk/s320/173881235582589360_Byoi8gPl_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/strategic-organization-storage/?page=10" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Get the wrapping paper completely out of the way by suspending it up high in a closet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKtLI0J0RCrmRqE6Vyqz5bpMPtBNAuf_QW7mjm_dc5laRC0Tx2MOM5MQ9zQU9IyIT-fw7YuB7M4HAc521r14wr2nxKF0E3TJNvVqb30-vDJ0zdmRJnH0WmYZXLqhvEnVXJIA-Kv4n8c/s1600/178455203954841157_BNhO1hFa_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKtLI0J0RCrmRqE6Vyqz5bpMPtBNAuf_QW7mjm_dc5laRC0Tx2MOM5MQ9zQU9IyIT-fw7YuB7M4HAc521r14wr2nxKF0E3TJNvVqb30-vDJ0zdmRJnH0WmYZXLqhvEnVXJIA-Kv4n8c/s320/178455203954841157_BNhO1hFa_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thedailybuzz.com.au/2011/11/25-clever-ideas_household-tips_storage-ideas/#.Tu5-V6Gbgjs.facebook" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Here's a unique idea. Turn an old stool upside down. Add wheels and some tool belts and you have a portable wrapping station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5rn-gwdeAztvnLZBvJdEcoBCV4pgtsN7C5Jn1lU-gEbfGJ16r1mMyVgp3S_TOteiMqqM1yytlXqKKQerLGANwt9CBhz8E3jHUio1Z_qCL-FGTBJdqFr2uR10iHW2C2S8n5XnnT6sVe0/s1600/163044448980187335_j36gJkpr_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5rn-gwdeAztvnLZBvJdEcoBCV4pgtsN7C5Jn1lU-gEbfGJ16r1mMyVgp3S_TOteiMqqM1yytlXqKKQerLGANwt9CBhz8E3jHUio1Z_qCL-FGTBJdqFr2uR10iHW2C2S8n5XnnT6sVe0/s400/163044448980187335_j36gJkpr_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.2littlehooligans.com/2012/06/08/fat-quarter-friday-wrapping-paper-organizer-tutorial/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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For another unique look, store wrapping paper in an antique crate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomYzAHjzMr-cc-eAHc8NFVexh9iCpqqbOnyEZ_hHTDnA5IgzNWeJoUsbwl6NByTuSed1fvdXXnDY-Q_BHppKW4S-CLcD2vcfi5mumsDv-n-tCvpjsMZuemSyCrE0vOoXSIV1E5pXvjy8/s1600/89438742569667106_eQIX34iH_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomYzAHjzMr-cc-eAHc8NFVexh9iCpqqbOnyEZ_hHTDnA5IgzNWeJoUsbwl6NByTuSed1fvdXXnDY-Q_BHppKW4S-CLcD2vcfi5mumsDv-n-tCvpjsMZuemSyCrE0vOoXSIV1E5pXvjy8/s400/89438742569667106_eQIX34iH_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://be-the-spark.tumblr.com/post/14105175949" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Even a waste paper basket makes a good storage place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEESEOiJrKi7aVmnHZBK7jl1X19cSEjd1hPUPXUWNEZtZcKARptPbJ_QysAszYLp0QoifE7bwxFR-b5IYkmvQi8vM9zHOIXaqIpQ3x_eF33VhjHI-uMwUnKs287tKLN0MFh-KbYZWSzI/s1600/48976714667250687_QoYNq904_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEESEOiJrKi7aVmnHZBK7jl1X19cSEjd1hPUPXUWNEZtZcKARptPbJ_QysAszYLp0QoifE7bwxFR-b5IYkmvQi8vM9zHOIXaqIpQ3x_eF33VhjHI-uMwUnKs287tKLN0MFh-KbYZWSzI/s400/48976714667250687_QoYNq904_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2010/07/storing-wrapping-paper.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Here's a charming wrapping station. I love the waste paper basket! Dowels hold the wrapping paper and ribbons here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y9pCC6Q-k5j41-uBRK42fDLuLpXLG4GjEcpNtINtDk2Y3UvOcSNJjlNazGWNLAe0GFSAmZneF7WX5m7Goh889yjOEZx2Dt-PGafL8rx9OxUhyCJRILfX0JzgcvLKxbCvLUEtF373a-c/s1600/29062360064852172_EUbsskNf_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y9pCC6Q-k5j41-uBRK42fDLuLpXLG4GjEcpNtINtDk2Y3UvOcSNJjlNazGWNLAe0GFSAmZneF7WX5m7Goh889yjOEZx2Dt-PGafL8rx9OxUhyCJRILfX0JzgcvLKxbCvLUEtF373a-c/s400/29062360064852172_EUbsskNf_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/01/diy-wrapping-paper-and-ribbon-organizer/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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I used a garment bag for years to hold all my gift wrap. I also hung a small gift bag over the hanger to hold all my accessories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmbWG0ImPmSo0XbkwNu5ePko6kzUHqt0FEW_HPd5NJU27K_ATswiVSX_OufiYtxHmM3Iuc2Sryd9yDpiFeS4jTG6MWBdiMQqtJC6SCVcQxPhCntDrF1TjIfSLQVEmU4dsoRynDJXyhUI/s1600/6403624441394684_8ojhnea6_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmbWG0ImPmSo0XbkwNu5ePko6kzUHqt0FEW_HPd5NJU27K_ATswiVSX_OufiYtxHmM3Iuc2Sryd9yDpiFeS4jTG6MWBdiMQqtJC6SCVcQxPhCntDrF1TjIfSLQVEmU4dsoRynDJXyhUI/s400/6403624441394684_8ojhnea6_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://practicallymartha.blogspot.ca/2011/11/diy-wrapping-paper-holder.html" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Since most of us are in the middle of wrapping gifts let's try to keep everything together so that next year when it comes time to wrap all those fabulous presents that you bought you won't have to search the house for a pair of scissors or realize too late that you are out of tape.<br />
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<b>How do you store your wrapping paper?</b><br />
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MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-47746323017766830942012-12-10T05:32:00.001-08:002013-03-31T17:26:58.476-07:00Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SBfmmkr_4gsYGiTJA9yZsf00-HvJOmBKEaE-rAv1qf5yCruzkeQXXh0xRNVBCgDXbI-y9d0E74a-7__AO42peN4qJlxnOqSChFkMA67oWOkA2b50H02RhcYmOU4lqbJYkmCldslzGiI/s1600/189714203022724174_OivRuN24_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SBfmmkr_4gsYGiTJA9yZsf00-HvJOmBKEaE-rAv1qf5yCruzkeQXXh0xRNVBCgDXbI-y9d0E74a-7__AO42peN4qJlxnOqSChFkMA67oWOkA2b50H02RhcYmOU4lqbJYkmCldslzGiI/s320/189714203022724174_OivRuN24_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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This has become my new mantra this holiday season and I plan on having the most sophisticated Christmas ever!</div>
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I was actually ready for Christmas quite early this year. It doesn't hurt that our first party of the season is always an open-house during our local Santa Claus Parade held near the end of November. It goes right by the front of our home. My house is decorated, my youngest son and I make Christmas cookies and we hand out hot chocolate to all our party goers. We even borrow patio heaters to help keep people warm.</div>
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As usual, I tend to overdo things. You could say I am the Clark W. Griswold of the neighbourhood! I come by it honestly as my mother and grandmother always made Christmas special. Besides, an old Victorian home never looks more beautiful than when it is decorated for Christmas! </div>
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A few years ago, when our house was on the local holiday home tour, I put up 4 Christmas trees! Yes, you read that right, 4 Christmas trees! I had one in the front foyer, one in the front living room, one in the rec room and another in our bedroom. The little tree in our bedroom broke a couple of years ago and, since I wasn't putting up that one, I decided not to put up the one in the rec room either. We were down to two trees for a couple of years. </div>
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I really missed that little tree in our room. It was decorated with all the antique ornaments that we owned. Some were brought over from Holland by Mr. P's grandparents and others hung on my grandmother's Christmas tree. It was special. </div>
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Mr. P surprised me one day, a couple of weeks before the parade, with a new tree for the bedroom! I was so excited! Not only was I going to put up that lovely new tree in our room but I was also going to dig out the tree from the rec room and we would be back to being a 4 Christmas tree family!</div>
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But then something happened. I got sick. I came down with a nasty cold that lasted for almost the entire two weeks before our big party. Each day I fell further and further behind in my preparations. Finally I had to admit that everything I was trying to do was too much. I asked Mr. P to return the new tree, we hadn't even taken it out of the box. I did not put up the tree in the rec room and I took my time getting the rest of the house decorated. </div>
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I did very simple Christmas cookies and even (gasp!) bought some. And you know what happened? Everyone had a great time! People raved about how beautiful the house looked and one even asked me for the recipe for the store-bought cookies!</div>
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Sometimes simple is better.</div>
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After the party was over I thought about my bedroom tree situation and realized that it wasn't the tree that I was missing but those ornaments that mean so much to us. So I took the decorations off of the tree in the living room and brought out our lovely antique ones. It's beautiful!</div>
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I'll try to share some pictures in the coming week.</div>
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MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-48543698815370135312012-11-26T06:38:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:26:58.478-07:00Christmas Advent Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JGViw8kKW1XNb4G3Qjgm9kvqUAeyabjfop72UoGv-uGiGTxISNod8kciCQl_hKXAInPC3ae7kl3GzN4WPY6G_T5bdijTzuQHRDJSANCVKLb4vd2fZ8w-H9ycMd_brm3gdeBKe0eZ-j4/s1600/188236459394768762_QFktwlW9_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JGViw8kKW1XNb4G3Qjgm9kvqUAeyabjfop72UoGv-uGiGTxISNod8kciCQl_hKXAInPC3ae7kl3GzN4WPY6G_T5bdijTzuQHRDJSANCVKLb4vd2fZ8w-H9ycMd_brm3gdeBKe0eZ-j4/s400/188236459394768762_QFktwlW9_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kimmccrary.blogspot.ca/2010/12/activities-advent.html" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></div>
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This time of year it is so easy to get caught up in the stress of trying to create the "perfect Christmas" that we forget what the season is really all about, spending time with family and friends. This year make sure to schedule time to do some of the fun things associated with the holidays. Do up an activity advent calendar for each day from December 1st until the 25th.<br />
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Here are some ideas:<br />
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- watch a Christmas movie and pop some popcorn<br />
- drive around and look at Christmas lights<br />
- go for a walk in the snow<br />
- bake Christmas cookies<br />
- have hot chocolate by a fire and listen to Christmas music<br />
- decorate the tree<br />
- go skating<br />
- camp out under the Christmas tree<br />
- go caroling<br />
- turn up the Christmas music really loud and have a dance party<br />
- read a book<br />
- make popcorn balls<br />
- check out <a href="http://seriesandtv.com/abc-family-25-days-of-christmas-2012-schedule/7699" target="_blank">ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas</a> schedule and pick a night to watch your favourite<br />
- make candy cane milk shakes<br />
- window shop and look at all the Christmas displays<br />
- go see a play or concert<br />
- invite a few friends over for cocktails or mocktails<br />
- make a snowman pizza<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQY7Mf9XmY3uH1Pj0TkEjx4qgr_NfChJqQwwImzIwyf8fn8Q5p6SOtW3zIhMB7QCVeomcYmJCEY1hHKafopwN47fncV8bjimbFOnS67mpw34iMdgM4vQjI-7cDbYlR8oo14NGDfRCjfo/s1600/199002877255220495_i94pUVlh_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQY7Mf9XmY3uH1Pj0TkEjx4qgr_NfChJqQwwImzIwyf8fn8Q5p6SOtW3zIhMB7QCVeomcYmJCEY1hHKafopwN47fncV8bjimbFOnS67mpw34iMdgM4vQjI-7cDbYlR8oo14NGDfRCjfo/s400/199002877255220495_i94pUVlh_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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- family game night<br />
- bake cupcakes<br />
- take treats to the neighbors<br />
- read the nativity story<br />
- have dinner by candlelight<br />
- call someone long distance<br />
- play "secret Santa" to someone in need<br />
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I'm sure you could come up with plenty more!<br />
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Here's another great way for little ones to count down to Christmas. Last year I wrapped up 24 Christmas books individually and gave them to a special little 2 year old in our lives on the last day of November. Starting December 1st he was able to unwrap one book a day and read it with his Mommy and Daddy until it was finally Christmas. He loved it! In fact, he loved it so much that, since his family decided that mornings were the most convenient time for him to open the gifts, he started getting up earlier and earlier just so that he could open his present for that day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lS4QRlwtxYhes_10NH7Xi_xWmEI9Vry1JQtNkn9oF2grRnyhqHtw-PXqP6KwPZrhDMU9aSmaHgyF_wXQ5yDap8RVvxA8qR-wSbYk7Mq-pwbSzt4BSMfOxKEmS9riQqDnEUsVzMk4HHo/s1600/advent-books-photo-91%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lS4QRlwtxYhes_10NH7Xi_xWmEI9Vry1JQtNkn9oF2grRnyhqHtw-PXqP6KwPZrhDMU9aSmaHgyF_wXQ5yDap8RVvxA8qR-wSbYk7Mq-pwbSzt4BSMfOxKEmS9riQqDnEUsVzMk4HHo/s400/advent-books-photo-91%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Do you have any special traditions that your family does during the holidays?</b><br />
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MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-14708322847312972982012-11-21T06:01:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:48.532-07:00America has 3.1% of the world's children and 40% of the world's toys!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkEsK6ScOVebPccbXwfiph1D0drx7OP2JjWwWLNTeYF85taS5YGO-owJBebFp0gALM1X1tOfGAecCHasbzYvwxCM0Crsfz1Y_yF9HiZcW-_vzfcK-vCKYxjlOmpJCBY8CzBq_OkK8Cpk/s1600/philphoto51%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkEsK6ScOVebPccbXwfiph1D0drx7OP2JjWwWLNTeYF85taS5YGO-owJBebFp0gALM1X1tOfGAecCHasbzYvwxCM0Crsfz1Y_yF9HiZcW-_vzfcK-vCKYxjlOmpJCBY8CzBq_OkK8Cpk/s400/philphoto51%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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America has 3.1% of the world's children and 40% of the world's toys. That's a pretty sobering statistic! Here's a few more.<br />
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- Each year America spends $18.8 billion dollars on toys for children.<br />
- Only $0.4 billion of that $18.8 billion is spent on educational toys.<br />
- Barbie Doll manufacturing alone is a $2.5 billion dollar a year industry.<br />
- Clothes for Barbie and friends have consumed more than 105 million yards of fabric, making Mattel on of the world's largest apparel manufacturers.<br />
- If all Barbies and kin sold since 1959 were lined up head-to-toe, they would circle the planet more than seven times.<br />
- Each new child in a household leads to a 30% increase in the family's inventory of possessions during the preschool years alone.<br />
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*All above statistics come from the book Life At Home In The Twenty-first Century and are for the mid-2000's.<br />
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More than ever before toys are now spilling out of children's regular play areas (bedroom and den) and have made their way into the areas of the home that were intended for more adult activities (living room and kitchen). All this clutter stresses out the whole family. Bedroom floors are rarely seen and parents simply don't have the time to deal with the material aftermath of kid's activities.<br />
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Before making your list and checking it twice, try to come up with some clutter-free ideas for the children in your life. Like some of these:<br />
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- tickets for a family bowling night<br />
- movie passes<br />
- tickets to the zoo<br />
- tickets to an amusement park<br />
- dance lessons<br />
- musical instrument lessons<br />
- cooking lessons<br />
- if you live far away, make a tape of yourself reading them their favourite books<br />
- a home-made coupon for a day of sledding (or we have tube slides in our area)<br />
- ski passes with ski rental<br />
- concert tickets<br />
- sporting event tickets<br />
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The point is to do something with them rather than just buy more stuff that will add to the clutter. Give them an experience rather than something physical.<br />
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Here is another idea that I love to help children ask for less stuff from Santa. Provide them with this pre-printed list and have them fill in the blanks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZH3n6x4JSfCCI3Jnn-HiXYnUnlud4TGUwvn6VJYoQqUCTWQDot89U81uqpYAUvWfDBlh0XNaFqsGaM7TO7XNK4gkDf24z6LIJ3Sy5pbJz2R5xVuaMGjiDCnE_-5qN4TFYpZ-HqsHkUY/s1600/213146994835210570_InPXLFZu_c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZH3n6x4JSfCCI3Jnn-HiXYnUnlud4TGUwvn6VJYoQqUCTWQDot89U81uqpYAUvWfDBlh0XNaFqsGaM7TO7XNK4gkDf24z6LIJ3Sy5pbJz2R5xVuaMGjiDCnE_-5qN4TFYpZ-HqsHkUY/s400/213146994835210570_InPXLFZu_c%5B1%5D.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<b>Do you have any other clutter-free gift ideas for children?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-17010105693188282402012-11-19T06:35:00.001-08:002013-03-31T17:26:58.475-07:00To Stuff or Not To Stuff...That Is the Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_dzIjrm36LJ-y_D2mt1fSouRLDTIidNVQ1NeyRHbIg7le48hIUrOBsU5d4kiVa6XnUb-Tym4I-YPhv_1VlwPDXkt8nxDL5MGBKXM7mZIcqK7IFmDC1eHGzII4d_qstNhgCk7A0DxzEg/s1600/Justyse's+room+after+224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_dzIjrm36LJ-y_D2mt1fSouRLDTIidNVQ1NeyRHbIg7le48hIUrOBsU5d4kiVa6XnUb-Tym4I-YPhv_1VlwPDXkt8nxDL5MGBKXM7mZIcqK7IFmDC1eHGzII4d_qstNhgCk7A0DxzEg/s400/Justyse's+room+after+224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whether or not to stuff the Thanksgiving turkey all depends on preference. Personally I love the taste of stuffing that has been inside the bird, however, I never stuff my turkey. My reason for not placing the stuffing inside the turkey is because the stuffing that I make is mostly bread. The bread soaks up all the juices from the turkey leaving me with dry meat and fabulous tasting stuffing. But I'm picky and I would like moist meat and fabulous tasting stuffing! So how can I have it both ways?<br />
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Here's my secret (that's not really secret because I would tell anyone who asks). I stuff my turkey with oranges, onions and fresh herbs (usually sage, thyme and rosemary). The steam from these keeps my turkey meat moist and juicy. I usually make the stuffing the day before using boxed stock and a beaten egg to help moisten it (but not too much). However, here's the trick to great stuffing. Once your turkey has been roasting for a while, use a turkey baster to pour some of the pan drippings onto your stuffing. The stuffing now tastes like it's been in the bird but it hasn't taken all the flavour from the meat!<br />
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Above is the before photo of my Thanksgiving turkey. This is what I did.<br />
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Quarter 2 onions and 2 oranges and place them into the cavity along with some some fresh herbs (sage, thyme and rosemary). Place a few pieces of orange, onion and herb into the extra skin at the neck too. Combine 1/2 pound of softened butter with chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme and sage), salt and pepper. Using the handle of a wooden spoon create a pocket between the skin and the breast meat. Place 1/3 of the butter mixture into the pocket and smear it between the skin and the white meat. Repeat this for the other side of the breast. This will baste the bird as it cooks. Smear the remaining butter over the outside of the bird. Drizzle with olive oil and a little more salt and pepper.<br />
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Place some largely chopped celery, onions and carrots in the bottom of the roasting pan. Add a few unpeeled cloves of garlic, the giblets and the neck and any bits of herbs leftover including the stems from the rosemary. Pour a couple of cups of white wine into the bottom of the pan (or just use water). Place turkey on top and roast at 350 for 15 minutes per pound. Don't let the bottom of the pan get dry. Add more water if needed.<br />
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While your turkey is resting on the cutting board, place the roasting pan on a burner and add some more water (or wine) to make gravy. Use a potato masher to mash up all the vegetables in the bottom of the pan to get more flavour out of them. Thicken the gravy with a couple of heaping tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water. When gravy is thicken, pour it through a sieve to strain out the vegetables. Salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes I strain the gravy into another pot before I thicken it. Whatever works for you. By the way, you could add a tablespoon or two of cranberry sauce to your gravy while it boils. It give your gravy that extra little something that will make your guests go hmmmm.<br />
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Here's how my turkey looked when it was done.<br />
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Now for my recipe for crumble topping for pies and crisps. This is the fastest crumble topping you will ever make!<br />
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1/4 of melted butter<br />
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Add in 6 packages of Maple and Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal (or Apple and Cinnamon)<br />
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That's it! I spread it over chopped apples to make apple crisp.<br />
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And this is what it looks like after it's baked.<br />
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Now if even that easy recipe seems like it's too much to handle for Thanksgiving dinner (or any holiday dinner for that matter) then try doing what these ladies did.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d-e7LF2z6bM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It doesn't get easier than that!<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-67191065236116345622012-11-16T07:08:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:26:01.089-07:00Cooking The Holiday Meal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApxwtM4hB958URO7FgMXGUtm_MRAC8y9hIx3PHvuXquOOWzddXV8S9hLatykILq9Sqjs9eqzzv7fqH61cAwlbhYdzvUkyH42lr-myjhuUzB7egYFQbzsHlIB5aPKuZNKe9AftWUZc9eU/s1600/traditional-thanksgiving_dinner%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApxwtM4hB958URO7FgMXGUtm_MRAC8y9hIx3PHvuXquOOWzddXV8S9hLatykILq9Sqjs9eqzzv7fqH61cAwlbhYdzvUkyH42lr-myjhuUzB7egYFQbzsHlIB5aPKuZNKe9AftWUZc9eU/s400/traditional-thanksgiving_dinner%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For my family and I the holidays are all about the food! Sometimes I will start planning what I am making Christmas day during the summer.<br />
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Now, here in Canada we celebrated our Thanksgiving in early October. I honestly have no idea how those of you who are American can manage two holidays back to back. Do you wait to decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving? Do you also wait to start your holiday shopping? Here in Canada we have the entire month of November and December to get ready for Christmas. Much easier! In fact, this week I am busy decorating the house getting it ready for a Santa Claus Parade party. The parade goes by the front of our house and every year we host an open house where we serve hot chocolate and Christmas cookies to anyone who drops by. Last year we even put out a patio heater to keep our party goers warm!<br />
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Now back to the food! I love hosting parties at the house and have had as many as 50 people over for dinner. Having many things done in advance is the secret to not going crazy on the day of the party. For instance, I have set the table as much as a week in advance. I simply throw a sheet over the whole thing to keep the dust off so that on the day of the party all I have to do is lift the sheet and the table is ready!<br />
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I also do up as much food as I can in advance. If I am hosting a party for more than 8 people I will even do up the turkey the day before. I slice it up and pour a little gravy over it to keep it moist and then re-heat it the next day. No one has ever been able to tell that I did it earlier. Another secret is that I use a tinfoil pan to reheat it in so that there are fewer dishes on the day of the party.<br />
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There are other dishes that you can make the day before so that you can get out of the kitchen and enjoy your own party.<br />
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Here's a recipe for simple mashed potatoes that my cousin gave me. Make them the day before and re-heat them the day of your party.<br />
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Susie's Mashed Potatoes</div>
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1 large pot of potatoes, peeled and cooked</div>
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1 - 8oz pkg. of cream cheese</div>
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2 cups of sour cream</div>
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1/4 cup of butter</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Beat all ingredients until fluffy and pour into a greased casserole dish. Re-heat in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.</div>
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If you want fancier mashed potatoes then try this recipe from Six Sisters - <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/10/twice-baked-potato-casserole.html" target="_blank">Twice Baked Potato Casserole</a><br />
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Another one that I do up in advance is squash. Baking a squash the day of the dinner takes up a lot of oven space. Cut a large butternut squash in half and rub it with butter, cinnamon and a little brown sugar. Bake at 350 until very tender. When cooled slightly, scoop squash out of the shell and put it into a bowl. Add salt, pepper, butter and brown sugar to taste. Beat until smooth and pour into a greased casserole dish. Re-heat the day of the dinner at 350 until warm.<br />
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What's nice about both these recipes is that I can cover both bowls with tinfoil and place them on a rack in the oven. I can then set the large tinfoil pan that the turkey is in right on top of the bowls. By simply re-heating I can stack dishes and not worry about things not cooking properly.<br />
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Be sure to utilize crock pots on the day of the party too. I always cook my stuffing in the crock pot and the potato or squash recipe above could easily be heated in a crock pot to save room in your oven.<br />
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Come back on Monday when I will share with you my recipe for a delicious and moist turkey. I'll also explain why I never stuff my turkey with traditional stuffing and I will share the easiest crumble recipe ever!<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-17279341494066751062012-11-14T05:29:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:02.108-07:00How Much Do You Hate Polishing Silver?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7i4eoiRBnFLapggIPUcufMfnK5oipOT8Y0NPcz0Ff4d5YiIXVWiXfvcrzyeH9KEzzbtgno2zbhXmF5SshUEI-NRqfrBSiVrueJz_d6ynT2fBJZo9mydp_iecDNEVP8DaW_OSMnlA1RU/s1600/Silver+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7i4eoiRBnFLapggIPUcufMfnK5oipOT8Y0NPcz0Ff4d5YiIXVWiXfvcrzyeH9KEzzbtgno2zbhXmF5SshUEI-NRqfrBSiVrueJz_d6ynT2fBJZo9mydp_iecDNEVP8DaW_OSMnlA1RU/s400/Silver+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I absolutely hate to polish silver! There is so much work involved what with smearing on an awful smelling paste and rubbing each piece until my fingers ached. There are fancy dips that I have used but, besides not being very good for your silver, also requires a gas mask just to stand the fumes! So when I saw one of those Pinterest tricks for polishing silver I pinned it immediately. In fact, I pinned it twice! A few months ago I gave it a try and I could not believe how easy it was!<br />
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Line a sink with tin foil.<br />
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Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda.<br />
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Then add a 1/2 cup of salt.<br />
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Fill the sink with warm water.<br />
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Now the instructions said to let silver soak in the sink for 30 minutes but I can tell you that it really doesn't take that long at all. Each piece that I did only soaked for 10 minutes or less.<br />
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Here is a cream and sugar set that I found in a small china cabinet. They are being donated to charity since I never used them but I decided to clean them up before I donated them. I don't think they have ever been polished before.<br />
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I soaked the creamer first for about 5 minutes and this is what it looked like after!<br />
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It's hard to see the difference in this picture but here is one with both of them done.<br />
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Give everything a really good rinse after finishing because a salt film on the silver can be very corrosive. <br />
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I have to say that I will never use another way to polish silver again!<br />
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Here is the original <a href="http://www.susanbranch.com/how-to-clean-silver-with-aluminum-foil/" target="_blank">link</a> for the Pintrest post.<br />
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PS I absolutely love the quote at the top of the link. <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #679897; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #679897; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;">If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet her with, “who could have done this? We have no enemies.” - Phyllis Diller</span>MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-72567914905039776862012-11-12T05:22:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:02.109-07:00Is Your Dining Room Table Ready?When you went shopping for your dining room table (or kitchen table if you do not have a dining room), what picture did you have in mind of how this table was going to be used?<br />
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Was it something like this?<br />
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Or did you envision your dining room table to look like this?<br />
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Did you really picture your lovely dining room table being used for mail, unfinished craft projects, a dead plant and a couple of empty vases? More likely you were already looking forward to all the wonderful memories you would create by entertaining friends and family around your beautifully set table.<br />
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The holidays are nearly upon us so lets get the table cleared off and looking like we envisioned it when we bought it.<br />
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This way you can enjoy a holiday that looks more like this.<br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-81976757098815807462012-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:28:11.897-07:00Our Local Holiday Home Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUcIsRyAK66LvUl0oVF6-Ui3EZcFO0MDrjGffXvVyfLzdtveCMOYxU6XJzUjYTZLZF6buRewFjea3UWXqgDKUCYehAWM8Wt20tzuMQ1u2BxHDeH19Shpg9eoSooffmlacwnhAR1qJs5A/s1600/Christmas+Tour+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUcIsRyAK66LvUl0oVF6-Ui3EZcFO0MDrjGffXvVyfLzdtveCMOYxU6XJzUjYTZLZF6buRewFjea3UWXqgDKUCYehAWM8Wt20tzuMQ1u2BxHDeH19Shpg9eoSooffmlacwnhAR1qJs5A/s400/Christmas+Tour+092.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Last weekend Mr. P and I had to opportunity to go on our local Holiday Home Tour. We enjoy going every year and our own home has been featured on the tour a couple of times. This year I decided to bring my camera to give you some ideas for decorating your own homes this holiday season. Enjoy!<br />
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House #1 - This was actually a "Covered Wagon Bed and Breakfast" at a local ranch. This is the dining hall.<br />
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House #2<br />
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House #3 - Season's - A local assisted living facility.<br />
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House #4<br />
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House #5<br />
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House #6 - I saved the best for last! Don't get me wrong, the others were beautiful but House #6 is actually a log cabin built in the 1850's and restored. With my passion for historical homes, I absolutely loved it!<br />
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The owners of the cabin had it moved to their backyard. They restored it and have furnished it as closely as possible to what it would have looked like during the 1800's. One thing that they added was this wood stove from the turn of the century. Ladies in costume were cooking a wonderful smelling soup on it while we were there. They explained that the owners held Christmas out in the cabin last year and the lady of the house even cooked her Christmas turkey in the wood oven.<br />
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The cabin is a single room with a sleeping loft above.<br />
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After leaving the cabin we went to another building on the property that housed a War of 1812 display. It was also decorated for Christmas.<br />
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And last, but certainly not least, is one of the most unique trees I've seen in a long time. It is decorated with antique, local post cards and long ago discarded objects that had been unearthed in the area.<br />
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And this concludes our tour.<br />
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<b>Did you find any inspiration in these photos?</b>MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302153851140124866.post-15255194640045221252012-11-07T05:17:00.000-08:002013-03-31T17:05:56.338-07:00Closet Reveal Number 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVC5TLRC9fbPv-j44-OW-iC3DHc8ECVjfViO80SjWk7aW_tPF4qHzUe8rSKRGl-FgXuaz9k3ay86PCXJjUVemYEC_pF9ILWsCyWjwgoS0e5HgIkM5VbSVy6Q5dOxc8uT2OiUk92lrZ4g/s1600/TV+room+closet+&+Fall+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVC5TLRC9fbPv-j44-OW-iC3DHc8ECVjfViO80SjWk7aW_tPF4qHzUe8rSKRGl-FgXuaz9k3ay86PCXJjUVemYEC_pF9ILWsCyWjwgoS0e5HgIkM5VbSVy6Q5dOxc8uT2OiUk92lrZ4g/s400/TV+room+closet+&+Fall+007.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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This is the cedar lined closet in my home. When the house was built 110 years ago, this closet would have been used to store fur coats. Since I don't wear fur it is now being used to store our fancy-shmancy clothes. It was also being used as a linen closet.<br />
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As you can see, it wasn't working. With all the long clothes hanging down we didn't have any room to add any shelving so all the comforters and blankets ended up in boxes on the floor. If anyone wanted anything in the box, the stuff on top would end up on the floor. Also, it was very difficult to see what was in the bottom of those boxes.<br />
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I ended up moving the linen closet <a href="http://powerhomesolutions.blogspot.ca/2012/11/closet-reveal-number-one.html" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>. I then sorted, purged and put what was left over back. This is the after.<br />
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I used the old metal shelving that was once my youngest son's entertainment centre. It fit in the closet now because I hung all the long clothes at one end. The shelving holds some crafting material and my knitting bag that holds all my needles and patterns. The box at the bottom holds some baby blankets from when my boys were little. Things look much better in there now!<br />
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The white box at the top is my wedding dress. Mr. P and I got married almost 23 years ago.<br />
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This wedding dress has never left the box since it was cleaned and packaged after the wedding. I had heard of a fabulous charity that uses donated wedding dresses to make burial gowns for babies and I thought that, if I were to give away my dress, that would be the place I would send it. Unfortunately, they do not have enough seamstresses to make gowns out of all the dresses that they have received so they are not accepting donations at this time. The organization is <a href="http://www.marymadelineproject.org/" target="_blank">The Mary Madeline Project</a> and if you or someone you know can sew, perhaps they could use some more volunteers.<br />
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<b>What did you do with your wedding dress?</b><br />
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<br />MrsPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03692331624165188486noreply@blogger.com0