Living Arrangements (an Organizing Blog)

Toy Organization: Buckets of Fun!

2012-02-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

My toddler is two. The baby is four months old. Yet somehow they have accumulated an impressive collection of toys, scattered so thickly on the dining-room-turned-play-room floor that I was in danger of breaking my ankles at just the thought of entering that room.

Don't get me wrong - I don't a mind a little disarray. After all, it's a space for kids. And it seems like exploration and imagination are just no good to children unless its accompanied by loads of wonderful, glorious messiness!!! So for the majority of the day, the toy room is under Little People Management. And at the end of the day, Mommy (that's me) wants to restore a little order to the black hole of play things, sippy cups, shoes, and anything else we might actually want to use in other parts of the house.

And so, I began keeping an eye out for simple ways to loosely organize the room so that my toddler could actually find things without me. It also had to be simple enough for him to begin to learn how to put things away.

I was flipping channels one day and landed on a reality show about a family with eight small children - this house had the mother load of toys! While I wasn't that interested in the show, I noticed they installed a wonderful shelving system with colored bins that looks very similar to the cubbies at our son's daycare. When I can afford the investment, and take the time for the three hour drive to IKEA in Chicago or Detroit, I will install those same awesome shelves.

But in the meantime, I still needed something, anything . . . because I'm pretty sure the toys were partying, mating and multiplying during the night. And as much as I'd like to be a relaxed, 'go with the flow' kind of mom, I'm just not cut out for toy Bacchanalia.

While shopping for recycling bins, I saw these large, brightly colored plastic buckets with rope handles. Perfect for toys in so many ways: They're big. They're lightweight and can go from room to room. They have large openings for kids to easily rumage through or throw toys into when it's time for clean up. They can be repurposed elsewhere in the house when they are no longer needed for toys. And they were $5 each on sale (at Lowe's.)

In 10 minutes, the entire floor was cleared up with plenty of room for playing and horsing around. I divided the toys into groups, and put some picture labels on them (obtained from the clip art section in Microsoft Word 2010.) The labels serve two purposes: 1) they'll come in handy later when I'm ready to work with my toddler a little each day on putting things away. 2) I use the words and pictures as a learning tool for reading, similar to the concept used in "Your Baby Can Read."

After Teddy goes to bed and the baby has been fed, I gather toys from around the house, throw them in their bins, remove items that dont belong, and forget about it.

Lots of room to play. . . . for now!

The room rarely looks this put together, but sometimes it does.

Protect Your Techy Things - Org Your Cords

2012-02-06T15:59:00.000-05:00

(Microsoft Word 2010 clip art)

About 10 years ago, I had a stroke of genius (<---- a highly questionable statement). I was moving, or helping other people move - a lot, which included dealing with a mind boggling array of cords, cables and equipment. I kept thinking: "there has got to be an easier way to set up computers and A/V stuff. Why not label both end of the cords, so that I know immediately where everything goes? This is too good to keep to myself. The WORLD must be informed!!!!"

Okay, so I get a little excited :)

Having labeled cords is not just about being neat and speedy. In today's techy world, where it seems there are similar looking cords, with similar looking ends everywhere, it's especially important to know what you're plugging in where. Our toddler recently inserted the Notepad adapter into the baby monitor. The next time the monitor was used to check on the baby, it started smoking! I know not all adapters are alike, but I didn't know using an adapter with too many amps can literally fry valuable equipment.

So remember how I said above that I had a stroke of genius? Turns out this was a good idea, but certainly NOT original. Apparently, cord management has been a proverbial thorn in the side of organized people for a long while. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from to avoid that tangled, time-consuming, not to mention dangerous, mess.

(marthastewart.com photo)

Personally, I like the options that dont cost a thing, such as using a Sharpie on masking tape.

Martha Stewart's website has a great idea to use old bread tabs.

And I love an opportunity to print off labels on my label maker (good old trusty-dusty Brother P-touch!)

Here are some seldom-used, labeled cables stored in a box. They are purposefully left unplugged to avoid the use of vampire energy (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.vampires).

It only takes a few minutes to label your electrical and extention cords and cables, but it will save you a bundle of time and money down the road. Happy labeling!

See references below for information regarding cord lableing:

http://www.moosetags.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/269075/cord-labels

http://www.amazon.com/The-Storage-Store-COLOR-ORGANIZERS/dp/B000QWAMJ6

http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/perspectives/consumer/productsafety/cords/

Why Do You Keep All Those Clothes?

2012-01-23T08:50:00.001-05:00

Considering that I wear only a few favorite outfits each season, I have to wonder what my attachment is to all the other items in the closet, not to mention the seven large tubs of clothing stored elsewhere.

Yes, we have four seasons in Michigan, so I can justify keeping more clothing than say if we were living in San Diego (where the average temperature is a beautiful 72 degrees all year.) And I could justify the seven tubs if I actually wore the clothing I've been hording. But honestly, some of it hasn't seen the light of day in 10 years. A decade! Really?

It's definitely time to purge again.

You may have a similar closet scenario. I have to warn you about what you already know - it's not easy letting go of clothes you've been emotionally attached to for a decade. But if you're ready to rip off the Bandaid, it's super liberating. And if you just cant imagine the feeling that a good clothes purging provides, think of weight being lifted from your shoulders, the freedom of flight, etc. Yeah. It's that good.

Below are some bullet points of what I did to my clothes cache. Try one or two of them. I promise you won't regret it. If you can go whole hog, prepare for closet nirvana!

TOO BIG - Do you want to gain weight, or do you plan on using those maternity clothes again? Why hang on to them? Unless you are a person who needs to put on a few pounds, keeping clothing too big is like giving yourself permission to NOT eat more healthy and NOT exercise. It is fall-back position most of us don't want or need.
TOO SMALL - Are you realistically going to lose two or three sizes before all those clothes are out of style? Let's say you get back down to that size you were in high school - chances are your shape will have changed just enough so that even the most classic cuts will not fit your body the way it used to. I kept one size below what I wear now (because I'm currently losing weight and almost ready for that size.) I did keep a couple of items that are two sizes below for inspiration only. If by some spectacular miracle I actually wear them again, I will have officially entered a hotness of physical fitness I thought I'd never see again. :)
WRONG COLOR - If it doesn't do anything to lift your spirits or complement your complexion, let someone benefit from it by donating it.
NOT A GOOD FIT - If you find yourself tugging, pulling, pinning, taping, re-buttoning, gapping, etc. this item of fussy clothing is doing you no favors. Either put it in the mending pile if it can be saved, or get rid of it. It may be a beautiful blouse in your current size, but all anyone will notice is that your bra is playing peekaboo. Is that the kind of attention you want?
WAY OUT OF STYLE - Dated clothing makes you look older and out of touch. While it's true that styles reappear, the cut and length will change to an updated, modern twist. Changes also occur in the types of cloth, material designs and colors. That leisure suit from 1970 (and everything from the 80's) is good for a costume and that's about it. Say goodbye!
WORN AND TIRED - if frayed, faded, pilled and limp describes any of your clothing, why not retire it? Some items can find a new use, for example in the rag bin, or the yard work/painting clothes category. But even here, you don't need an overabundance. Like Moses said to Pharaoh: "Let them go."
EXPENSIVE/GREAT SALE ITEM BUT NEVER WORN - Most of us do it. We spend money because it was a great deal, or perhaps we allowed ourselves a splurge . . . . but for some reason it never gets worn. If you haven't touched it in a year, it's time to admit it wasn't a good purchase and let someone else benefit from your mistake. (Dust on the shoulders is a good indication you can give this to charity.)
TOO MUCH TROUBLE - If you find yourself liking but not wearing an item because you don't want to iron it/dry clean it/brush off pet hair that is magically drawn to it, throw it in the donate pile. This is a high maintenance item taking up valuable real estate in your closet. Be strong. You can do it.

Emotional attachment to clothes is pretty common. And, without embarrassment, I'm guilty of hanging onto to clothing too long as well. But like me, eventually you may get tired of making space for things you don't wear. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and apply a couple of the suggestions above. And if you really can't handle it alone, call me or a professional organizer in your area to help you see it through. It's so worth it!

Travel: Roadtrip Snack Attacks

2011-06-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

ROADTRIP! I love a good roadtrip. There is something exciting about heading out on the open road, full of anticipation about getting to the final destination. Within reach are all the things to keep us occupied for the journey ahead: music, radio, DVDs, books, books on CD, activities for kids and a pillow/blanket for naps.

But what about snacks?

How many times have you regretted eating that king-sized candy bar, or a day-old, shriveled up hotdog at the gas station because your mouth was a little bored? Or perhaps YOU have the will power to purchase a questionable looking apple, but your kids are whining for snacks that will rocket them into hyperspace (only to send them crashing down into a sugar coma a few minutes later.)

If you pack a snack box in advance, you can avoid wandering the gas station for goodies. Instead of Moon Pies and Pecan Logs from Stuckey's (those who have been through the South will get these referrences) you can have at your fingertips things that are good for sustained energy: water, Gaterade, nuts, fresh fruit, whole grain crackers, cheese, granola/granola bars, healthier versions of trail mix, etc.

I also like to pack a thermos of coffee with the perfect amount of milk, rather than settling for old coffee with those creamers that have a half-life of 3 kazillion years. Granted, 10 hours into a trip I might drink anything resembling coffee, but will avoid the powdered machines if at all possible.

My friend Jeff and I took a road to trip a couple of years ago - while listening to NPR and a few CDs from each of our collections, we shared various sandwiches, grapes, clementines and of course, a little bit of chocolate. There were no internal discomforts that often accompany eating on the road, and we saved a little time as well. It was great!

If you absolutely MUST pack junk food, at least you've saved a little money by buying it ahead of time.

Mulch: Making a Big Job Faster, Smarter

2011-06-07T16:52:00.000-04:00

Every Spring, we play a guessing game at what quantity of mulch to buy, and how much of our weekend will be spent toiling away in the yard. We usually guess wrong at both. We have to reorder more mulch (which means a second delivery charge,) and spend more of our precious free time spreading it than we bargained.

Recently, we got smarter, thanks to a little help from my husband's workmate, who used to work in landscaping. We never realized we were using ineffective tools, making the chore more arduous than necessary. Perhaps you seasoned gardeners know all about a thing called a pitchfork, and how is SO MUCH easier to use than a shovel? Revolutionary!

Steve picked up a 10-pronged pitchfork at the local Tractor Supply Co., but I imagine they are available at home improvements stores as well. The prongs make it easy to drive anywhere into the mulch pile and pull it out with ease. (With a shovel, you pretty much have to go in at the top, which is harder on your back.) Since it also works like a rake, it makes the mulch easier to spread. Any time we can cart around one tool instead of two is hit. With the time we saved, the $40 price tag was worth it.

We also switched from dyed bark mulch to cedar. Cedar is supposed to last twice as long because it's shredded and therefore sticks together, which means it isn't washed away or disintegrated by rain. When it does break down, it adds nutrients to the soil. Because of its aromatic scent, it repels insects such as termites and roaches that are attracted to other kinds of mulch. Cedar's natural tendency to mat, keeps the sun out (discouraging weed growth) but allows moisture to seep in and retains it (less watering for plants.)

We will have to aerate the cedar with a rake (or pitchfork!) next spring so that mold isn't allowed to set in. And we paid $12 more per cubic yard than the other mulch. However we will see the savings next year when we don't have to mulch. The only true con I can think of is that, though I'm fine with the color of cedar when it goes down (blond,) it will eventually fade to a silver gray - our house doesn't need more gray. Taking all into consideration, I can overlook the aesthetics of the mulch in favor of everything else it has going for it.

Finally, there is a way to effectively estimate how mulch you will need. I have included two links to explain the process (just in case one is discontinued.) The steps are also mentioned below:

Measure the area to be covered in feet. (Rectangles: L x W = A, Circles: R x R x 3.14 = A. Measure from the middle of the area to the outside to get "R", or the radius.)
Multiply the result from step 1 by the depth you want the mulch in inches (typically 3-5 inches.)
Divide the final number by 324, the number of square feet that a single cubic yard of mulch will cover if spread 1-inch thick. The result is the number of cubic yards you need for sufficient mulch coverage in your garden or landscape.
You can work backwards if you've already ordered the mulch and want to see how coverage you will have.
There are online calculators that will do the math for you - just plug in the measurements. For more information, see http://www.kamlar.com/calculator.html

http://www.gardenguides.com/80791-estimate-mulch-coverage-yard.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5799750_estimate-mulch-coverage-yard.html

Best Time of Day for Yard Work

2011-05-30T12:21:00.016-04:00

I love working in our yard, but I don't like getting super hot and sweaty. Becoming overheated will not only send me to a state of unnecessary, perspiring grumpiness, but it's dangerous too, especially if you are older, have a heart condition or other sensitivities aggravated by heat.

Here are a few tips I've picked up over the years, and though there is no new information stated here, it's always good to be reminded:

Get up early to tackle all quiet chores such as weeding, watering, planting, mulching, etc. There's no noise to bother the neighbors, and it's THE coolest part of the day. Catch up on any missed sleep during the hottest part of the day, if you can. Weeding or turning sod is always easiest right after a good rain - take advantage of it if you can!

Twilight is also a great time for working in the yard and no one cares much about the noise if you are using the mower or the blower. (Be careful about what kind of watering you do before nightfall though - without the sun to burn it off each day, there is a greater chance of mold, mildew, diseases, etc.)

Try to avoid doing any kind of strenuous work outside in the heat of the day (10am-3pm.) If you must work midday, stay in the shaded areas: north and west during the mornings, east and south in evenings. Even during the coolest parts of the day, if I'm getting warmer than I like, I'll work back and forth between sunny and shaded areas to cool down periodically.

Stay hydrated with lots water or sports drinks. Your body perspires as a way to cool itself, but needs replenishment often. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will dehydrate you, no matter how refreshing at the time of consumption. However, there's nothing that says you cant enjoy a tasty margarita or cold beer when dehydration is not an issue!

Wear light colored, loose fitting, moisture wicking fabrics.

Protect your skin and eyes with sunblock, sunglasses and a hat if needed. Remember the often forgotten areas: back of the neck, ears, scalp, hands, and feet.

Avoid next day stiffness and muscle fatigue: stand up and stretch often.

I hope you have a great summer!

Work Through A Dibilitator - Striving for Perfection

2011-05-26T12:03:00.004-04:00

Today I had two simple goals: start working on the website for my professional organizing business, and clean the house. In my planner, I dedicated the a.m. to web building (the best time of the day for me to take on new projects) and the afternoon for everything else. So simple.

I sat at the computer, armed with water, coffee and my best thinking music playing in the background. I was ready to rock the world wide web with my stupendously amazing site! Except I really wasn't ready at all. I sat there, staring at the screen, guzzling my beverages and replaying the music that was supposed to motivate me. I caught up on emails, cruised Facebook for awhile, and made a batch of really good pancakes. However, there was no progress made on the site, and half the morning was gone.

I had to change my strategy because what I was doing was NOT working. I had to do something productive or risk the possibility of losing the entire day. I put in some teeth whitening strips, set the timer for 1/2 hour, and started some housework.

In that 1/2 hour, I had a little talk with myself. I asked the same questions I might ask a client who was having a hard time getting started on a project:

What is holding you back?
Is it fear of failure? Fear of success?
Is it lack of experience?
Do you feel intimidated by the scope or complexity of the task?
Will a little research help?
Do you have the help you need?
Do you have the time you need?

With a little introspection, I realized the pressure I was putting on myself was to be perfect coming out the gate. I didn't want to type a word, or drop in a picture on the site, unless it was 'perfect.'

Identifying what was holding me back was half the battle - I could now work on fixing my hangup. I know I'm a perfectionist and it consistently holds me back from getting more accomplished. Do you ever find yourself saying: 'I wont do it until I know I can do it 'right'" or "it's not done until it's perfect.'" Well then, we have something in common!

But what is perfect anyway? Does EVERY task require the excellence needed to launch a rocket or perform brain surgery? To me, perfection means more than without flaw - it's a higher standard than anything else out there, excellence cubed, if you will. Even though I know these are unreasonable expectations, I continually fight the same battle repeatedly for the most mundane, unimportant tasks.

So this afternoon, I talked myself down from the perfectionist ledge:

Striving for perfection is keeping me from progress and the level of production of which I believe I'm capable. Because I want to do it 'right' I may not get anything done at all, which is unacceptable! Perfectionism may bog me down on one thing so long I cant move on to anything else, which is impractical. To move beyond perfection, I need to look at the overall goal, and constantly prioritize what is, and is not, truly important. So start. Start somewhere. (I can usually change it later if needed.)

Unless I remind myself to change my thinking patterns to focus on what's really important, the perfectionist ideal will be illusive, even pernicious, to the ultimate goal of progress and production. I can do many things well, as we all can, but I wont get anything done at all if I strive for the impossible!

Bathroom - Mini Face Lift

2010-10-10T07:24:00.011-04:00

Whether it's on the market to be sold, or if it's the last home you'll ever buy, one of the most important rooms in any home is the bathroom. Though buyers and homeowners alike are looking for a 'spa-like' atmosphere, this post is dedicated to pure, utilitarian cleanliness (okay, with a LITTLE bit of updated style to boot.)

Not long ago, I was cleaning the bathroom and admired this clean, shiny porcelain surface . . .

(looks pretty clean, right?) . . . .

. . . until I realized the seat needed a little tightening. I pried open the tabs with a screwdriver, and that's when I found (insert scary music here) WHAT LURKS BENEATH. . . . .

Ew ew ewwwwwwww. . . . . . . . .

Ew.

A rational person would get a small brush (or old toothbrush) and clean up the Crust That Must Not Be Named, and be done with it. But not me.

I couldn't let it go. It was taunting me that I never knew it was there. Who knows how long it had been festering . . . . since before we bought the house? Was that someone else's germy build-up? How long would be before it returned?

I don't want to give the impression that I'm OBSESSED with cleanliness, because I'm truly not. But I will say, I was not on friendly terms with this particular type of toilet seat any more. What was perfectly fine and functional yesterday became 'contract grade' and a cheap harbinger of all things gross and repellent today. And, most importantly, I did not want to pull out a flat head screwdriver to open these plastic tabs every time I cleaned the toilet. There had to be a better way.

Taking note that toilet shape is round (not oval) I traipsed off to the nearest home improvement store and came back three brand spanking new seats. So easy to install. So easy to clean.

And with its brushed nickel finish, its so easy on the eyes. Potty eye candy, if you will.

I know, I know . . . a new toilet seat isn't exactly haute couture for the bathroom. It's one of those small upgrades that no one may ever notice, but any designer will tell you that it really is ALL about the details. Think of it as a foundation piece - like a really good undergarment that makes the outfit hang better on the body. (And it'll be our little Secret that it only costs $25!)

Curb Appeal: Paint Your Front Door

2010-09-24T14:49:00.013-04:00

Recently, I was studying our house from the street and came to the conclusion that it could pack more of a punch in the curb appeal department. It's a pretty house and we like it a lot, but the design is relatively flat with no veranda or dormers or multi-level roofs to give it interest. All of the ways I thought of to create depth involved some pretty expensive architectural changes, except for one: paint the front door. It's currently a tired shade of white - in fact, it's not even painted. The previous owners only primed it! So it needs to painted anyway, and at some point we may make a major change to the front of the house. But after just having a baby, the $25 fix is mighty appealing.

If you read my post on how to pick paint colors for an interior room, you might guess I didn't rush out willy-nilly to the nearest home improvement store and bring home just any old can of paint. Oh no. There's a process.

1. I looked at the colors in the stone surrounding the front door. Shades of brown and gray were predominant.

2. Then I went to paint section of Lowe's and grabbed about 50 swatches. I was pretty sure that red was going to be our new front door color, but just in case, I also chose many different tones of brown, blue and gray.

3. With swatches in hand, I stood at the edge of our property. With one eye closed and one arm outstretched, I held various swatches in front of the door, immediately eliminating the ones that wouldn't work.

4. I still wasn't ready to make choice out of the final three. So I took pictures so I could ruminate further at a later time. These are three that made the cut:

5. My husband vetoed the red right off the bat. Though I'm still intrigued by the unforgettable wow factor it could give the house, I have this fear that the sun will fade it to some awful shade of Pepto Bismol pink. And we absolutely cannot have that. The lighter gray is too flat. So 'Cracked Pepper' is the winner!

6. The next step is to check out some websites that have tips on how to paint an exterior metal door. There is one from the DIY network that looks comprehensive but easy to follow.

7. Before tackling the front door, I'll practice on the door leading from the garage to the house, and let you know how it all turns out. To be continued!

If you've had experience with painting your exteriors doors, I'd love to hear about it. Feel free to comment on this post!

Makeup - Simplify Your Daily Routine

2010-09-24T11:46:00.000-04:00

I wear makeup everyday, but not a lot of it. So I couldn't figure out why it was taking me so long to apply it and get out of the bathroom. Then one morning as I was rooting through a bunch of makeup I only use for special occasions to find eyeliner, it finally occurred to me - I was spending a lot of time rooting. I was also getting distracted by the endless sparkly tubes and bottles, and forgetting what I was originally looking for! (I'm not very bright B.C. - that is, Before Caffeine.)

Now I keep my DAILY makeup in one bag, and SPECIAL OCCASION makeup in another. In the morning, I dump the contents of the DAILY bag out on the counter and put each item back in the bag as I use it. It may not seem like this is a gigantic time saver, but those minutes add up day after day, week after week.

An added benefit is that when I'm preparing to travel, the bag is ready to go, and there's enough room for a special item or two to snazz my face up.

So simple - I wish I had thought of it years ago!

It's About Time!

2010-09-12T08:03:00.005-04:00

A dear friend, TallL, kindly pointed out it's been awhile since I've added anything new to the Living Arrangements site . . . and wow - she is right! Many, many months have passed, and I would feel bad about it except that so many wonderful things have happened in the meantime.

In a nutshell, my husband and I started a family - yay! and when I wasn't drained from being pregnant, I was OBSESSED with getting ready for the baby's arrival, and then trying to create some semblance of order with a baby in the house. I'd like to say all my ducks are in a row (they aren't) but at some point, I realized that between baby care, laundry galore, never-ending housework, and playing with my cute little peanut, that I just have to TAKE the time to do whatever it is that renews my sense of self. A nightly soak in the tub was the perfect indulgence for the first few months. However, the time is right to move to something a little more challenging. Don't get me wrong I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a mom. But I'm also a person with many interests. I'm a writer, reader, friend, wife, artist, music lover (and the list goes on.) I'd like my son to know all these parts that make the whole of me.

(on his first vacation)

The upside to this blogging sabbatical is that I have tons of ideas for entries regarding baby care, time management and personal fulfillment. So hang in there, faithful followers - there is plenty more to come!

Less Kitchen Mess Series, Part 2: "Messy Messes"

2009-09-15T07:43:00.004-04:00

MESSY MESSES:

If kids are 'helping,' have them work right next to the sink, or IN the sink if they are tall enough. Scooping or rinsing a broken egg and other spills down the sink is much easier than cleaning it off the island or a faraway counter.

Peel veggies such as potatoes right into a plastic grocery bag and when finished, toss in the garbage without scraps falling all over the floor. You still may need a cutting board for chopping but it's definitely less messy this way. If you have good aim, peel them right over the trash can. Additionally, both methods work well for stripping corn-on-the-cob of leaves and silk.

Laying throw rugs in front of the sink, oven, fridge and where you do your food prep will keep crumbs in the places where they fall. The knobbier, the better - like a rag rug. Shake outside frequently, wash when needed.

If your kichen has an entrance outside, use two rugs: a heavy duty mat for outside and another inside. (Muddy footwear should be left outside until they dry. Bang the boots together and watch the dried caked on dirt fall to the ground where it belongs.)

*Pictured above is my friend, W. who is 3 and great helper to his Mom in the kitchen. He has a stool with his name on it that he eagerly pulls up the counter to assist in his job as Jr. Sous Chef. He gets to learn a little about preparing meals, and Mom combines a daily chore with some quality time with her little man. Sure, it takes somewhat longer than if she was doing it by herself, but they both have fun, and clean up is usually a snap. Will's 'station' is right by the sink :)

Pet Care - Pet Free Closets

2009-08-11T19:51:00.010-04:00

Isnt it frustrating to pull out a pair of pants or a long coat and see globs of hair that your fuzzy buddies have left behind? Whether they are rubbing up against your clothes or curling up at the bottom of your closet, make desperate attempts to get the pesky pet hair off your clothing a thing of the past.

My friend is C. is redoing her closet, and her pets love the cozy space where the clothes end and the floor begins. However, this is frustrating for C. when she is trying to get ready for work and her clothes are covered in hair.

I suggested she get something to deter the cats from entering the closet - like a plastic runner, (you know, the kind all the grandmas use to protect their carpets) . . . . only you'll want to turn the runner upside down. I cant imagine those hard little vinyl bumps would be pleasant for kitty's tender little pads!

And old chair mat would accomplish the same thing. I've also heard that cats dont like the sound or feel of aluminum foil so you might try that too.

Dont worry about denying them this little hidey-hole . . . your critters will find PLENTY of other places to nap!

Paint: Color Choice Made Easy!

2009-07-25T09:30:00.012-04:00

Deciding to introduce a new color to your home is easy. Deciding the actual color can be intimidating - there are so SO many choices!

The following process has been fail proof for me over the years.

1. Spend some time in the area you'll be painting. Decide the feeling you want to create in the room: cool/warm/neutral, calm and quiet, light and airy, bold and dynamic, fresh and clean, etc. Having an idea of the gestalt you want to bring to the space will help you focus when you're in front of thousands of choices. Think about the feeling you want in the rest of the house as well. Whether you are looking for continuity or diversity for your house as a whole, will effect your choices. For example: a cool-toned, bold and dynamic bathroom may be a refreshing change in a house that is primarily neutral. But it might clash with a home that is solely warm in tone. These are matters of personal taste, and only you can decide whether it is appropriate for your home or not.

2. Take a trip to the local paint store, armed with the fabric, art and/or furniture stain that the paint must compliment.

3. Take samples of your safe, obvious choices . . . . . as well as shades that are lighter and darker, less and more intense in tone and shade. This is because although many paint stores use color correction bulbs above their swatches, the light in the store cannot mimic how light uniquely plays in your own home.

4. If you still have the energy for it and your eyes aren't seeing spots, play a little. What if you strayed over to the complementary (opposite) side of the color wheel? What if you picked out a tiny splotch of color found in the fabric, and what would happen if you gave it new emphasis by putting it up on the walls or trim? What if you chose analogous colors to your fabric samples? ('Analogous' meaning any three colors that are in close proximity to each other on the color wheel, i.e. dark greens/lighter greens/yellow greens/, reds/orange-reds/bright pinks, etc. For a computerized versions of a few color wheels, click on these links: http://www.realcolorwheel.com/colorwheel.htm, http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html.)

5. Don't buy any paint today. Take your swatches home and tape them up around the door frame to live with them for a day or so. You need at least a day to see the samples in daylight, bright sunlight, and evening lamp light. Each time of day you look at the samples, eliminate ones that don't work. Eventually you will narrow down the choices and you can feel confident that the ones that are left are the best of the best.

6. While you are choosing, glance at the rooms beyond. Do the colors work together, or will the new color create a Fun House effect? If you are changing all of those rooms eventually anyway, skip this step.)

7. If you simply cannot choose after all the above, call in someone whose opinion and style you trust.

8. Take your sample(s) with you and get your paint!

(Check back soon for 'Paint: Choosing the Right Finish')

Photo courtesy of http://www.realcolorwheel.com/colorwheel.htm.

Pets: The BEST Litter Scoop Ever!

2009-07-17T06:09:00.010-04:00

If your cats treat the litterbox like a dig site to reach China, all that excavating results in a thick, sticky, definitely non-clumping mess that electronic devices like the LitterMaid cant handle. We use clumping litter, but it only works if they evacuate with a layer of litter below the puddles. Even the most sturdy plastic litter scoops are no match for this stuff stuck to the bottom. They crack and the handle breaks off, which can leave you in a pickle if you dont have an extra scoop.

When I was in Petco looking for cat treats, I saw the end-all-be-all scoop of scoops, with a light shining over like a beacon from cat heaven. Why hadnt I thought to look for one like this before? It's metal. It's tough. It's oversized. It has an eronomically designed handle. And for the last month has worked like a charm! It cuts thru the gooey messes like nobody's business, lessening your time spent over the box exponentially. It doesn't crack, break, bend or flip litter outside the box. This is Litter Scoop Nirvana.

The price at Petco is $14.95 but perhaps you can find it for less on the Internet, or at PetSmart. Compared to $1.99 plastic jobbies, it may sound a little pricey. But I can almost guarantee, it's the last scoop you'll ever need to buy!

(If you have this product/have a different product that works for you, readers could benefit from your feedback if you choose to leave a comment. )

Less Kitchen Mess Series, Part 1: "Crusty Stuff"

2009-07-12T18:37:00.000-04:00

My husband and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. A LOT. We love trying new recipes and experimenting with cuisines around the world, but clean up can be brutal. Thanks to a few 'duh!' moments we've experienced along away, as well as helpful tidbits learned from Mom and friends who have worked in restaurant kitchens, we've found a few ways to cut cleaning corners. Our goal is to get out of the kitchen sooner, and on to something more interesting.

Some ideas are more for preventative maintenance and will save you chunks of time later . . . . other ideas will save a little time now, but it all adds up.

"Crusty Stuff" is dedicated to caked-on, baked-on, should-I-just-throw-this-out? kind of messes. See if any of the ideas below can help save you some time and trouble (and feel free to add your own tips and tricks in the Comments section!)

Soften baked-on goop on stove tops and pizza stones by topping it with a rag(s) full of hot soapy water . Let it sit for 15-20 minutes or longer, then scrape off with a scrubby pad or moistened steel wool or plastic scraper. Stiff brushes wont harm the surface of a pizza stone, and for ceramic cooktops, follow manufacturer's instructions.

Boiling water can break down baked-on and burned concoctions that stick like an epoxy. I'm not a fan of scrubbing a pan more than a few minutes, so I found the best way to tackle a tough one is to pour boiling water in the pan and let brew with some dishwashing soap to cut up the grease. It usually works on the first try, but sometimes requires repeated applications.
(Hint: if you're interested in efficiency, let the soapy rags and boiling water do their thing while you're cleaning up the dishes or other parts of the kitchen. By the time you're done with that, the offending ick should be sufficiently softened.)

Does your microwave look like This is Where Food Goes to Die? Spiff it up by filling a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl half-way with water. Add a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water and set on high for 4-5 minutes. Leave the door closed for a few minutes while the steam softens the crud and the vinegar gets rid of the odors. The bowl will be hot, so be careful when you remove it. Wipe down with soft cloth and clean the glass plate. (The smell of vinegar dissapates in a few minutes but if you cant stand the fumes, a dish rag soaked in water and dishwashing soap accomplishes the same thing. The cloth must be dripping to avoid a fire hazard.) Oh, and if you can get into the habit of loosely covering dishes with paper towels, napkins, wax paper or food container tops turned upside down, you can avoid the mess in the first place.

Safe yourself a few minutes of scrubbing egg'ed up or starchy pans by throwing them immediately in a hot soapy sink, or by pouring hot water into the pans (with dirty utensils resting inside) to cool on the burner while you eat. The water breaks down the starch before it hardens into something worthy of the MOHS scale.

If your grill burners are so black with burnt food they look like foam insulation has been sprayed on them, it's time to get serious. Remove the burners from the grill, knock the biggest chunks off, spray copious amounts of oven cleaner outside, and let them sit for a half day or so. Rinse with the hose and cleanup the stubborn parts with a wire brush. This also works on gas grill burners and oven racks. Stay ahead of the game by oiling your grill burners before throwing on the meat. Clean gas grill burners frequently with stainless steel wool pads to avoid the big mess later on.

Avoid tedious poking around with dirty muffin/cupcake pans: use paper/foil cups, and spray the top of the pan with cooking spray for easy removal and cleanup.

Now get out of the kitchen - life waits for no one!

Finding Time to Organize

2009-06-26T20:06:00.011-04:00

Few people thrive on chaos - I mean, who in their right mind likes spending time looking for lost keys, important papers, or the ice cream scooper (when there is a hot, hot date on the line with Ben and Jerry?)

Each day is already jam-packed with so many things to do, we may feel there is no time or energy leftover to get things in order. But the next time you spend 20 mins looking for Bobby's left shoe, think about what is NOT working with the current system and how you can come up with a solution that does work. If there's always one shoe getting lost, do you need to tie the laces of the shoes together so they stay together? Do you need a large tray for shoes near the entrance to the house? Would a container with sides work better? How about a low lying rack with multi teired shelves? Cubbies for each child? Would it help to have a little bench or stool there for the kids to sit while shoes come on and off? A well thought out solution could save you oodles of time and frustration down the road.

Sometimes it's a matter of stealing a minute or two from another task. For example:

While you're waiting in line at the grocery (or on hold with Muzak) you can organize your coupons, clean out your purse or wallet, meditate, file a chipped nail, etc.

When the toddler is splashing around in the tub, you can wipe down the mirror or counter.

While the coffee is brewing you can do mindless chores such as throw in a load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, water the plants, prepare breakfast.

When in a waiting room at the Dr. or sitting in a parking lot waiting for your kids to get out of school, read an article in the paper, plan the next day, make an appt.

Sometimes getting organized is about rearranging the ORDER of your tasks. For example, I have a life long habit of being late for appointments. I tend to do things around the house, and put off getting myself dressed until the last minute. I'm not sure why I do it. But I'm always early and relaxed for the appointment if I get ready first.

You can choose to live life with your adreniline pumping, always running behind, careening from one fiasco to the next. But why live in a constant state of crisis management? Every little step you take towards some semblance of order is an investment in the peace of tomorrow.

P.S. Here's an example of what 10 mins of stolen time can do: while on hold with the utility company, our medicine drawer went from this . . . .

. . . . to this . . .

Chip Clips

2009-06-26T09:17:00.020-04:00

No matter how many of those chip clips I buy, they dwindle down, apparently disappearing into the black hole of missing socks and ink pens.

Target had these colorful plastic as well as stainless steel clips to offer at $9.99 in the kitchen gadget section:

But I went to the laundry section and bought a package of 50 wooden clothes pins instead for $1.56:

And believe it or not, there is a How To out there on how to get FREE chip clips:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2150832_free-chip-clips.html

I cant imagine that the money saved is worth the time, but it's clever!

*Photos courtesy of target.com

This is for the Birds!

2009-06-24T20:31:00.005-04:00

One of the things we like about our neighborhood is that it's home to lots colorful birds. Cardinals, blue jays, finches, nuthatches and doves will grace your yard every day if you tempt them with food they like. We go through so much birdseed that we buy it in 40lb. bulk bags that are too heavy to take out to the feeders. Bringing the feeders inside the garage where the bag is kept is not the most efficient of methods either.

I like efficiency. So I’ve been keeping an eye out for a container to transport the seed out to the feeders. There are lots of Tupperware/Rubbermaid products that we've used, but more seeds fell on the ground than made it into the top of the feeder.

While in Lowe’s yesterday I came across this birdseed dispenser made by Garden Treasures. For $10 you get two containers – one is smaller and perfect for thistle seed. They are made of durable plastic with a tight seal, and each has a cool little pouring spout so that there’s less spillage. Like their tag line says: ‘No scoops. Less mess.”

Tiny Baths, Big Fluffy Towels: Can They Co-exist?

2009-06-21T16:36:00.028-04:00

My sister and I shared an apartment for almost seven years in NY, and it seemed no matter where we hung our hats, we could not find bathrooms with enough storage. We put organizers over the toilet and on the shower head. We installed a Pogo-like stick with shelves in the shower corner. We hung hooks everywhere. But it still wasnt enough.

It wasn't until my husband and I moved into our home last year that it hit me how to eek out just a little more space from a bathroom with inadequate storage. And it's so obvious, I'm almost embarrassed to write about it. I should have thought of it long ago . . . should have been inspired by old movies with passenger trains, and the dozens of hotels visited over the years. Those big, fluffy towels are rarely kept on the counter, never stacked up on the toilet seat, and never stored in a closet in some other hall or room. They put them on the wall - high and dry, leaving that valuable real estate available for other bathroom sundries. If trains and hotels can do it, why cant we?

Fortunately, retail stores are not as slow on the uptake as me, and train racks are available at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon.com, Overstock.com, Restoration Hardware, and home improvement stores. They come in many finishes

and styles, ranging in price from $21

to $300. I, of course being a frugal homeowner, was scouting for a $300 alternative, and just so happened to find styles to complement our bathrooms at TJMaxx for $50 each. These particluar products are from The Hotel Collection.

We also put one over the tub in the master bath, with a shiny chrome finish to match the other hardware.

These train racks have been such a great find, I tell everyone about them. A friend who is settling into her NYC studio this month, found that The Home Depot carries train racks for about $20 each. But because they are on the small side, I suggested she buy two and install them side by side on the long shower wall. She's going to love how much space she'll create in her closet that is currently bursting at the seems (even though she'll have to tip toe to reach the racks - she's petite!)

If you have tile all the way to the ceiling and must utilize other wall space, a train rack could still work as long as its placed high enough so that no one bumps their head. Another option is this type of chrome towel rack, also utilized by hotels:

It looks a little industrial without the towels inserted, but softens up quite a bit once the towels are fitted into the slots. If you have more towels than this rack can hold, try installing one on top of the other, or placing them side by side. The important thing is find a solution that makes your life easier! (find this product on Amazon.com by a retailer called YouRemodel, http://www.amazon.com/Chrome-Hotel-Towel-Rack-Guest/dp/B000MKKSZ0.)

Photo for Chrome Hotel Towel Rack - 3 Guest Size is courtesy of YouRemodel.

Renew Rusted Metal Cabinets

2009-06-19T21:55:00.012-04:00

Have an unsightly mess under your sink? Even rusted metal cabinets can get an inexpensive makeover with little elbow grease and fresh coat of paint.

Cabinets in post-war apartments are often metal, such as this one pictured below. After years of neglect from the previous owner, the kitchen cabinet was was dirty, rusted and unsightly. The new homeowner was depressed by its dingy appearance every time she opened the doors. Rather than have her renew her Tetanus shot just yet, we improved the condition of the cabinet with a few simple steps.

1. Empty the cabinet of all items. Purge or giveaway what isn't being used.

2. Using sandpaper with a rough grit (the lower the number, the rougher the grit) remove as much rust as possible, or use an electric sander or screwdriver with metal brush. If there is not a great deal of rust, skip to the next step.

3. Thoroughly clean the sides, shelves and bottom with TSP, a heavy duty cleaner found in the paint section of most home improvement stores. It comes in either liquid or powder form. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

4. Buy Killz for heavy stain coverage or similar primer. The primer seals in the old stains so they don't bleed through the primer or a top coat of paint.

5. Paint all the awkward areas with a bristle brush, then apply two coats of primer to shelves, sides and bottom while watching for drips. Dry according to manufacturer's instructions. Paint a color over the primer if you want to take it to the next level.

6. Measure the space under the sink, taking note of the clearance above, below, in front and in back of the pipes.

6. Install or insert products under the sink that maximize the space, such as garbage pails and baskets that slide out, or adjustable shelves that work around pipes.

7. Most products will require a few holes. To drill holes in a metal cabinet, you will need a drill bit made for metal. Pick one up just barely smaller than the width of the screw. (You should still be able to see all the threads of the screw if you hold the screw and drill bit over each other. )

8. Most metal cabinet doors are hollow, and you don't want your drill to go through to the other side. Be careful not to punch through.

The homeowner was very pleased with the change from cave-like and scary, to bright and clean!

Small spaces and TVs

2009-06-12T09:06:00.017-04:00

A friend just moved into a NYC studio apartment where her TV can be seen from the couch but not from the pull down Murphy bed on the other side of the room. Because the TV sits on an antique console, twisting and turning the TV could mar the marble inset. A simple swivel under the TV will make it easy for her to view her favorite shows from anywhere in the apartment without scratching the surface.

By Googleing "tv swivel," you'll find there are plenty of mounting options . . . from swivels that sit on a base to wall mounted swivels. They are also available for purchase at stores such as Circuit City, PC Richards & Sons and HHGregg. (There was a time there was a Best Buy on every strip mall corner, but those stores are few and far between now.)

For my friend, I suggested an oval swivel made specifically for flat screen TVs such as this one from Stacks and Stacks http://http//www.stacksandstacks.com/solid-mdf-flat-panel-tv-swivel/?id=176&sku=11555&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase. It's easy to put together, has rubber feet to keep it stable, and will not hurt her console.
Even if you don't want a swivel but need more space in a small area, take a page from some upscale European-style hotels. They sometimes mount TVs on the wall or ceiling, which not only solves the furniture congestion problem, it keeps visiting children from messing with the equipment. Simply type "TV wall ceiling mounts" into your search engine, and voila! newly found space is at your fingertips.

Pictures courtesy of Stacksandstacks.com and avmounts.com.