The glass that was shattered upon the floor was much easier to get off the ground than the nasty words that fell from his mouth on that last day of November. Those would take much more than the broom and dustpan she stowed away in the front closet to remove, toss in the trash to never discuss again.
Moments before, Chardonnay was being used in the sauce that was cooking on the stove (and toasted to "the future" in their glasses.) It was his favorite meal and she had had it planned since early morning when she went to the market, carefully checking items off her list as to not forget anything. She picked up a fresh baguette from the bakery and was certain this would remove the dark cloud that was in his heart and projected madness and hatred he seemed to have towards her.
There were kisses and canoodling all around the kitchen while the children peered over the granite counter, perched upon their barstools where they sat doing school work and smiling to see happy parents dancing about before them, preparing their dinner.
It was a typical production. A performance they rehearsed all too well and all too often. Putting on the proper show in front of the children as to not lose face. Keeping the smiles plastered to on their heads as if lying to themselves was simply that easy.
After the begs and negotiations on how the kids could go about eating chocolate ice cream for dessert, plates were cleared, bellies full and they were dismissed from the table to watch some show they'd been dying to see about dinosaurs that they all both loved and were terrified of.
As usual, she slides out the chair from below her and proceeds to start in on the massive mess that was made of the kitchen. Not a task she is overly joyed about but a job that needed done nonetheless.
Before the suds could fill up the wash sink, words were being slung around the main level that would require a bulletproof vest as to not be effected. It was a regular ol' western movie and she was directly in the line of fire to his rage and weapons.
As of lately, this was the life they were living. Both not saying much to one another, knowing everything had already been said at one point. The sadness and disappointment that filled their hearts for allowing this relationship to get to this degree only
poisoned the words coming from their mouths. Even if the words needing to be spoken were endearing and coming from a good place, the bitterness took over before they exited the mouth and left leaving a rotten aftertaste.
She felt defeated, depleted, and completely backed into a dark corner. She had built her entire empire upon a sand bottomed foundation that was crumbling before her eyes. She dreamt of stability and rock solid values but was left to grab at her belongings that were shaking all around her. She often described her home as a dark, damp cave and her relationship to the escape. She was clawing at the sides, trying to climb to the top, but only buried herself in the debris she was scraping from the inner walls. All that was left for memories was what she was able to dig out from under her fingernails.
She expected to stand tall after being knocked down all too many times before. She was expected to act a play, him as the director, always critiquing the words she used, the stances taken, the facial expressions gracing her face. She was broken up inside and heaving with pain that was not seen from the outside, for the smile upon her face (at his request).
She always did what was expected of her and far more than he could ever see, let alone appreciated. No pat on the back, no encouraging words, no reinforcing look that told her she was of any worth at all. She was always too young and too dumb and he was entirely too busy downgrading her humanity to ever take notice of all the wonderful qualities she possessed.
She made cleanliness and organization appear to be a breeze. It was second nature to her and she enjoyed being able to run the household in the way she did. She wasn't always patient but she made certain to manage her time as to not leave anyone in the family feeling neglected or any different than the next, which trying to run a blended family was very high on her list of priorities. There was time for her husband, time for her children, time for her home, and time for the daily grind. If there was any time left after that, she'd call an old friend or her father, whom was her best friend.
Her father was a gentle man with a golden heart. He was carefree, easy going, and a noble knight that still held the old fashioned ways deep inside of him that she was used to as a girl. He was always patient, always kind, always giving positive words of encouragement and love that literally reached out and enveloped her into a warm, sacred, secured cocoon. It was just her and her dad growing up, after her older brother went off to the military. The two of them were closer than most could comprehend and that bond left her feeling confident and collected when it came time to move on into a world of her own.
Growing up, her father worked very hard to provide for his family. When he wasn't working he would enjoy obsessing over his lawn. He hadn't a wife so his roles were a bit unconventional but his tactics not in the least. He lifted the heavy loads, he took the garbage out to the curb, he fixed what was broken and paused periodically to pull a Marlboro Red from his soft pack which he kept in the pocket tees he had in every color. He was muscular and yet thin. He was dark from the sun that kissed his skin all summer long, in the yard, where he found peace in the world. He was tall, cool, and had the softest blue eyes that could smile with grace when proud or pierce with anger when he was upset. He was a good man. The best she'd ever seen in that time, and had yet to find a man of comparison.
He taught her the life lessons to the best of his ability. He taught her to be kind, be creative, and mostly be happy. He only did one thing incorrectly while raising his daughter. He allowed her to believe that the majority of the population she would encounter along her life's journey would be cast from the same mold as he. However, that is not all what she found. People were not kind nor gentle. They were not honest. They wouldn't see her for the person she was but only as the person they wanted or needed her to be. She trusts too much, loves too deeply, and takes everything personal (which only ends up hurting her). She is naive, continually believing that for the most part, people are good at heart yet they seem to let her down.
Her night is spent on the front stoop of the house. Her body cold from being pressed against the concrete she silently sits upon. The lights from the neighbors place is casting shadows all around her that she can only make out to be creatures of the night that are thriving on her never ending intertwined thoughts of what took place before her in the kitchen just moments ago. She wipes warm tears from her eyes, breathes heavily and watches the white mist leave her mouth and enter into the dark atmosphere that surrounds her, taking on different shapes and morphing into the air and on a journey to begin of it's own. Repeatedly, breath after breath, inhaling, exhaling, wiping tears.
She picks herself up, dusts herself off, wipes the last tears from her eyes and the edges of her mouth slowly begin to curl upward. She closes the door behind her as she walks inside and feels the tension once again crawl up her neck. While in the house the air is so thick it could be have been used in the sauce earlier instead of the flour to make that perfect consistency.
She has never been much for religion but tonight, like many nights passed, she'll pray. She'll pray for comfort and kindness, for weakness and strength. She'll pray for those she loves and those she wishes she could hate. She'll pray for her family and pray for her friends. She'll continually pray for her marriage and she'll pray it never ends.
She'll pray for moments of happy and less of those that are sad. She'll pray for her ill tempered husband and she'll pray for having such an amazing dad. She'll pray for many things, she'll find strength with each prayer. She'll continually pray until there is nothing left to bare.
She'll focus her attention on what is good in this world. She'll find happiness from within. Because days go by, life goes on, and then that's the end.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.
I find myself walking, completely alone. It's the middle of the day in the middle of the week and from the emptiness that has filled my head, it doesn't appear I have much to do. It's raining. Not a down pour but enough for me to be dampened...and cold. The sky is grey and it appears heavy, hanging low to the ground, like I could reach up and touch it. It's full of water and what isn't stuck in the low hanging sky above me is washing golden leaves down the gutters of the streets. These gutters are running parallel to cobblestone streets that are unusually empty and they are full of what screams autumn; the passing of a time, chapter; onto the next.
I turn right to head down the alley. A short cut perhaps but mostly to change scenery. It's dark and even colder than the streets which seems odd to me since the tall buildings aligning the alleyway are blocking the cold wind. My hands are shoved deep into my coat pockets and my collar pulled taught up along my neck. I still feel the cold air upon my cheeks and my nose; knowingly they are red and my eyes are full from the draft.
I can hear the water making it's way through the downspouts of the buildings that surround me and pouring onto the already wet concrete. It's whooshing sound, echoing, reminds me of somewhere much warmer; somewhere kissed by the sun; which I am really missing at this very moment.
My feet are growing heavy, splashing along and I kick up water with me with every step. The bottom of my jeans have reached beyond soaked and a hot bath is the only remedy for removing the cold from my body at this point. Ahhh...thinking of a hot bath, fogging up the glass, relaxed, soothed. That remedy beats almost any ailment one could endure and I make a mental note that just as soon as I return from wherever it is that I seem to be, I'll do just that and nothing can stop me.
I reach the end of the alley and the sky scoops down as if it wants to grab me, perhaps embrace me in a hug, and leave me alone to think with warm thoughts to consume my head. Instead, I find a bench, cold and rained upon. It's painted a green that could only be categorized as farm equipment green like it came straight out of the Crayola crayon box and filled in like a coloring book to make this elementary hue that I am thinking about sitting upon. It could be more creative. Not appealing in the least bit but I sit down to give the heavy load a rest.
I'm trying to sit properly, back straight, shoulders sharp, feet flat on the ground. Instead, since nobody seems to watching, aside from the sky that is now sitting upon my shoulders, I sit slouched and completely melting into myself. My hands are under my bent legs, feeling the warmth my body is trying to supply and the coldness that surrounds me. I am curled into my body, rocking back and forth and at that moment realize that something deep inside of me is troubled. I cannot pin point the stress I am under but am thankful for the weather and the heavy sky for setting the stage to the mood that seems to be plaguing me.
If I were to walk past myself; all alone sitting on the cold park bench, eyes filled with trouble and sadness, completely drenched in the cold rain that has yet to let up, I would think I was more troubled than I actually am. I might even offer me money to get a hot coffee at the coffee shop just up the road and point to me with directions on how to get there, tell a story about the lady behind the counter and how friendly she is to everyone that comes through the door. But nobody walks by. It's just me, my heavy sky, and even heavier thoughts.
I'm completely unaware of the time and even more in the dark about what is to happen once I decide to start walking again. I have no watch, no phone, and nobody walking past to ask for the time. Truth is, I haven't even a need for knowing what time it is. There doesn't seem to be anywhere that I need to be.
I gather myself and peel my wet body off the bench and I continue on my way. If I continue to walk, surely I'll come across something. Until then, it's raining and my head is as heavy with thoughts as the sky is with the rain. We seem to be best friends, feeling each other's load, feeling the sadness all around us and I'm certain the day will break soon and I will continue my walk into the darkness of the night and continue on a journey that seems to have been laid out before me like a stone path leading into a golden garden. It could very well be dark now and I wouldn't realize it. I'm alone with myself and lost in my thoughts.
I am reminded that we continually walk alone in this world. There is no train coming and I certainly don't have a ticket if there was. I trust people too much. I think with my heart instead of my head. I trust people to the depths that they wouldn't hurt me just because knowingly I could not hurt them in such said ways. However, I am naive. Generally people are looking out for themselves. Period--end of story! This walk has taught me that I must start doing the same. Life is not supposed to be so cold and cut throat but just like I have endured day, it is! We are alone, and we continue walking until the day breaks and the sun comes out and shines upon us, the rain stops, we dry off and we continue.
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.
I turn right to head down the alley. A short cut perhaps but mostly to change scenery. It's dark and even colder than the streets which seems odd to me since the tall buildings aligning the alleyway are blocking the cold wind. My hands are shoved deep into my coat pockets and my collar pulled taught up along my neck. I still feel the cold air upon my cheeks and my nose; knowingly they are red and my eyes are full from the draft.
I can hear the water making it's way through the downspouts of the buildings that surround me and pouring onto the already wet concrete. It's whooshing sound, echoing, reminds me of somewhere much warmer; somewhere kissed by the sun; which I am really missing at this very moment.
My feet are growing heavy, splashing along and I kick up water with me with every step. The bottom of my jeans have reached beyond soaked and a hot bath is the only remedy for removing the cold from my body at this point. Ahhh...thinking of a hot bath, fogging up the glass, relaxed, soothed. That remedy beats almost any ailment one could endure and I make a mental note that just as soon as I return from wherever it is that I seem to be, I'll do just that and nothing can stop me.
I reach the end of the alley and the sky scoops down as if it wants to grab me, perhaps embrace me in a hug, and leave me alone to think with warm thoughts to consume my head. Instead, I find a bench, cold and rained upon. It's painted a green that could only be categorized as farm equipment green like it came straight out of the Crayola crayon box and filled in like a coloring book to make this elementary hue that I am thinking about sitting upon. It could be more creative. Not appealing in the least bit but I sit down to give the heavy load a rest.
I'm trying to sit properly, back straight, shoulders sharp, feet flat on the ground. Instead, since nobody seems to watching, aside from the sky that is now sitting upon my shoulders, I sit slouched and completely melting into myself. My hands are under my bent legs, feeling the warmth my body is trying to supply and the coldness that surrounds me. I am curled into my body, rocking back and forth and at that moment realize that something deep inside of me is troubled. I cannot pin point the stress I am under but am thankful for the weather and the heavy sky for setting the stage to the mood that seems to be plaguing me.
If I were to walk past myself; all alone sitting on the cold park bench, eyes filled with trouble and sadness, completely drenched in the cold rain that has yet to let up, I would think I was more troubled than I actually am. I might even offer me money to get a hot coffee at the coffee shop just up the road and point to me with directions on how to get there, tell a story about the lady behind the counter and how friendly she is to everyone that comes through the door. But nobody walks by. It's just me, my heavy sky, and even heavier thoughts.
I'm completely unaware of the time and even more in the dark about what is to happen once I decide to start walking again. I have no watch, no phone, and nobody walking past to ask for the time. Truth is, I haven't even a need for knowing what time it is. There doesn't seem to be anywhere that I need to be.
I gather myself and peel my wet body off the bench and I continue on my way. If I continue to walk, surely I'll come across something. Until then, it's raining and my head is as heavy with thoughts as the sky is with the rain. We seem to be best friends, feeling each other's load, feeling the sadness all around us and I'm certain the day will break soon and I will continue my walk into the darkness of the night and continue on a journey that seems to have been laid out before me like a stone path leading into a golden garden. It could very well be dark now and I wouldn't realize it. I'm alone with myself and lost in my thoughts.
I am reminded that we continually walk alone in this world. There is no train coming and I certainly don't have a ticket if there was. I trust people too much. I think with my heart instead of my head. I trust people to the depths that they wouldn't hurt me just because knowingly I could not hurt them in such said ways. However, I am naive. Generally people are looking out for themselves. Period--end of story! This walk has taught me that I must start doing the same. Life is not supposed to be so cold and cut throat but just like I have endured day, it is! We are alone, and we continue walking until the day breaks and the sun comes out and shines upon us, the rain stops, we dry off and we continue.
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.
Tidbit Tuesday :: Time to Declutter? Let's get organized!!!
If you need a hammer and nails but have to wade through old toys, paint cans, and things that have gathered dust in your garage to find them, it’s time to de-clutter.
Have you given up having family dinners because you’ve lost the dining room table under the accumulated mess?
Do you shudder when you open your refrigerator because it’s a constant reminder that you’ve neglected it? Are you afraid when you need something the kids borrowed and you are forced to search through the endless clutter in their rooms to find your belongings?
Do you have to clean out your seat into an already overloaded trunk just to give a co-worker a ride home or have to live with the pitiful look that co-worker gives when they are dusting off french fries and cheerios from the car seat in order to not smash it under their bums?
Then they finally get a day off work only to once more ignore de-cluttering in favor of going shopping, running errands, or taking the kids somewhere to have fun. So, the clutter continues to build. They may feel they sacrifice enough of their time already and work too hard to spend their precious off-time decluttering.
Yet this may be the one area that could simplify their busy lives. Gaining control over clutter can relieve stress. Sometimes a person will attempt to de-clutter their homes by cleaning and clearing only what can be readily seen by any visitors.
This is similar to the child who shoves everything under the bed or into the closet in an attempt to fool mom and dad, or at least to get them off their backs temporarily.
People become frustrated every day because they have lost something because of lack of organization. They have shoved so much junk into lockers, closets, and into their drawers that they feel the situation is hopeless.
Busy families will literally stuff a dresser so full it finally breaks the runners on the drawers, handles are pulled off from tugging open an overstuffed drawer, and the bottom will give way.
Kids lose athletic clothing, tennis shoes, and socks for lack of organization. Parents lose their ties or are late to work because their suit was wadded into a pile and wrinkled. They forget to clean their uniforms. They misplace important papers.
Clutter can affect grades at school, relationships, self-esteem, and careers.
You can learn to de-clutter. You must reprogram your thinking process and reassess your priorities. It will help you regain your sense of overall well-being. It’s never too late to learn better habits.
I'm not preaching to the choir here. We recently moved into a home and after emptying the boxes and bags and loading the furniture into necessary places for our daily routine and lives into that home, I still have the garage packed with boxes full of old toys (that the kids don't even realize are missing), clothing that we have kept around due to our idea of losing weight and being able to once again fit into such said garments. There are rubbermaid bins of scuba gear, ski attire, kickboxing uniforms. There are bins full of cable and wire and any electronic plug you could possibly dream of, all tangled into a massive infinite abyss that knowingly if discarded, you will need right away. There is this and a bit of that and it's overwhelming and completely freaks me out.
My idea is this: (which is not innocent in any sense) "It's at least in the garage and not in the home taking up space." I think this is the mentality of many many people today. Notice they have a 3 car garage and yet all family vehicles are parked in the driveway or on the street in front of the house. This is due to the garage being filled to the brim with all the yard work tools, fishing reels and rods, tools upon tools, maintenance materials, blah blah blah. The list goes on and on. It's easy to just shut the door behind you, enter into the home, and not have to think about it until next time.
So?!...my next project to complete (aside from all the painting that needs to be done) is getting this garage unpacked and decluttered. It's an eye sore and it should not be that way regardless of how long we have lived here. It's a subconscious weight on my shoulders, additional stress added to my well-being, and nothing pretty to look at. It's time to get it taken care of completely.
There are myths behind getting your home decluttered. Let's set the record straight:
Myth #1: You have to be born organized to live organized, right?
Wrong! Some people mistakenly believe if you don't have organization in your blood, it's going to be nearly impossible to make the changes to how you live and enjoy the simplicity of being organized.
Once you get the main idea down, make a habit of doing the necessary things to get your home decluttered and continue placing things where they belong, you'll be able to realize the effects it has on your personal well-being. You may feel lighter, be able to breathe easier, and have the comfortable feeling knowing that if anyone is looking for anything, you know where it might be.
Myth #2: You have to spend a lot of money to have the right kind of storage.
That's definitely not the case.
First off, there are so many discount stores fighting for your business some of the latest organizing systems are being practically given away and certainly will get the job done.
Secondly, storage doesn't have to be fancy. In fact I use more items from discount craft stores and yard sales for storage than I do from the big name stores.
Myth #3: It takes a lot of energy and motivation to get your home organized.
This is absolutely false.
It's really only a matter of changing the way you do things and thinking differently about the excess of material things people today own.
And you certainly don't have to take it all on at once. There are some simple rules you can start to live by that will make disorganization a thing of the past.
Even if you are not the cause of the clutter and it's a spouse or kids living with you, you can all learn what it takes and just make a few simple changes to live a better life...being organized.
Home Organization Tips and Tricks:
A cluttered and disorganized home is a very big source of stress whether you know it or not. When everything around you is in order, your brain can more easily focus on things. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find the motivation to get organized and very overwhelming to find a starting point. Here you will find some quick tips on everyday things that you can do to aid in the proccess of becoming organized and living in a healthy environment.
Tips: 5 Fast Home Organization and Declutter Tools
Easy Home Organiation Tools
1. Put things Back Where You Found Them-
Have a "home" for every item, and make sure it is put back if it is removed. Always put things back in their place when you are done with them and especially before you move onto something else. This will not allow things to pile up and look overwhelming to sort through later on.
2. Snail Mail-
Deal with mail as soon as you walk in the door with it. Immediately toss or shred anything you don't need such as credit card offers and other junk mail! Take care of any bills you receive right away so you eliminate the risk of losing it or forgetting it and ending up with late charges. (FACT: 23% of adults say they pay bills late (& thus incur fees) because they lose them! National Association of Professional Organizers)
3. Don't Let Dishes Pile Up-
After dinner take the time to clean up the table and do the dishes, make sure everyone helps out so it will go a lot faster. This should be especially easy if you have a dishwasher, but don't forget to run it before you go to bed! You will be amazed at how much better your kitchen will look and feel without a pile of dirty dishes. (And a simple wiping down of the countertops will add the sparkle)
4. Dirty Clothes-
Have a place for everybody to put their dirty laundry (not on the floor!), and space permitting have them put it in designated pile (whites, colors, etc.) to save time later on. Also, do the laundry in smaller segments when one pile gets big enough for a load to avoid Laundry Overload later on!
On a side note, sort through your clothes and get rid of or donate anything you don't wear anymore to a local charity. This includes clothes that are no longer in fashion, no longer fit, or clothes you haven't worn in at least a year. (FACT: We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest hangs there, just in case. National Association of Professional Organizers)
5. Enjoy Your Clutter Free Home-
Light some candles and sit down to watch a movie or read a book. Enjoy your new functional and calming environment. Not only is your home now more immaculate, it is far more calming and even healthier. You can do this, and once you see how much more relaxing your home is you will never want to go back to how you were living before. Who knows, maybe you'll invite your friends and family over for a get together now and be proud not ashamed!
Have a "home" for every item, and make sure it is put back if it is removed. Always put things back in their place when you are done with them and especially before you move onto something else. This will not allow things to pile up and look overwhelming to sort through later on.
2. Snail Mail-
Deal with mail as soon as you walk in the door with it. Immediately toss or shred anything you don't need such as credit card offers and other junk mail! Take care of any bills you receive right away so you eliminate the risk of losing it or forgetting it and ending up with late charges. (FACT: 23% of adults say they pay bills late (& thus incur fees) because they lose them! National Association of Professional Organizers)
3. Don't Let Dishes Pile Up-
After dinner take the time to clean up the table and do the dishes, make sure everyone helps out so it will go a lot faster. This should be especially easy if you have a dishwasher, but don't forget to run it before you go to bed! You will be amazed at how much better your kitchen will look and feel without a pile of dirty dishes. (And a simple wiping down of the countertops will add the sparkle)
4. Dirty Clothes-
Have a place for everybody to put their dirty laundry (not on the floor!), and space permitting have them put it in designated pile (whites, colors, etc.) to save time later on. Also, do the laundry in smaller segments when one pile gets big enough for a load to avoid Laundry Overload later on!
On a side note, sort through your clothes and get rid of or donate anything you don't wear anymore to a local charity. This includes clothes that are no longer in fashion, no longer fit, or clothes you haven't worn in at least a year. (FACT: We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest hangs there, just in case. National Association of Professional Organizers)
5. Enjoy Your Clutter Free Home-
Light some candles and sit down to watch a movie or read a book. Enjoy your new functional and calming environment. Not only is your home now more immaculate, it is far more calming and even healthier. You can do this, and once you see how much more relaxing your home is you will never want to go back to how you were living before. Who knows, maybe you'll invite your friends and family over for a get together now and be proud not ashamed!
Common Home Organization Problems
...and easy solutions!
One cause of home organization problems is small spaces. When you have a small space, it is easy to become disorganized because you often have more stuff than places to put it.
However, this is actually an easier problem to fix, with a little planning. You can install shelving along the walls to maximize the use of the space. You can install drawers under beds and couches, or use small, thin containers and slide them underneath the furniture.
The biggest cause of organization problems in a child's room is a lack of places for toys to go. (GUILTY!!!)
One toy box for all toys is not reasonable. The child will most likely want the toy that is at the bottom of the box, and continue to empty it onto the floor and scatter it throughout the house until it is found.
This can be avoided by replacing the single large toy box with shelving, smaller boxes, and Ziplock bags for smaller toys.
Once you understand the causes of your disorganization and create solutions, keeping your home organized will soon become easy and smooth, rather than a life long chore.
However, this is actually an easier problem to fix, with a little planning. You can install shelving along the walls to maximize the use of the space. You can install drawers under beds and couches, or use small, thin containers and slide them underneath the furniture.
The biggest cause of organization problems in a child's room is a lack of places for toys to go. (GUILTY!!!)
One toy box for all toys is not reasonable. The child will most likely want the toy that is at the bottom of the box, and continue to empty it onto the floor and scatter it throughout the house until it is found.
This can be avoided by replacing the single large toy box with shelving, smaller boxes, and Ziplock bags for smaller toys.
Once you understand the causes of your disorganization and create solutions, keeping your home organized will soon become easy and smooth, rather than a life long chore.
"When in doubt: breathe, drink water, clear clutter."
Recommended ProductsADJUSTABLE CLOSET KIT
Adjustable Closet Kit Customize closet storage space in minutes (at a fraction of the cost of the professionals) and arrange entire wardrobe any way your heart desires. Kit includes 3 vertical poles, 2 horizontal poles, and 2 shelves that require no tools to assemble. Simply tension mount between existing closet rod and floor no marring or holes! Simply tension mount between existing closet rod and floor - no marring or holes! Poles adjust and expand to match the size of your closet.
ROLL-OUT CADDY
Rolling Caddy holds cleaning supplies between or beside the washer and dryer, or in kitchen between fridge and cabinet. Easy to roll. Easy assembly. Powder coated white steel, 32 x 23 1/2 x 9".
GARDEN AND GARAGE ORGANIZER
Gathers everything from rakes and brooms to pots, tools, hoses, even garden shoes and boots into one place for instant access. Enameled metal 43 x 47 x 15" open rack with four shelves and side bin for stowing long tools upright. Assembly required, allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Adjustable Closet Kit Customize closet storage space in minutes (at a fraction of the cost of the professionals) and arrange entire wardrobe any way your heart desires. Kit includes 3 vertical poles, 2 horizontal poles, and 2 shelves that require no tools to assemble. Simply tension mount between existing closet rod and floor no marring or holes! Simply tension mount between existing closet rod and floor - no marring or holes! Poles adjust and expand to match the size of your closet.ROLL-OUT CADDY
Rolling Caddy holds cleaning supplies between or beside the washer and dryer, or in kitchen between fridge and cabinet. Easy to roll. Easy assembly. Powder coated white steel, 32 x 23 1/2 x 9".GARDEN AND GARAGE ORGANIZER
Gathers everything from rakes and brooms to pots, tools, hoses, even garden shoes and boots into one place for instant access. Enameled metal 43 x 47 x 15" open rack with four shelves and side bin for stowing long tools upright. Assembly required, allow 2-4 weeks for delivery."A place for everything, and everything in its place." :)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tidbit Tuesday :: Color Coordinated Closets
Today we're talking closets. No need to air your dirty laundry and 'fess up to any catastrophes you may or may not hiding in yours. However, its up in the air regarding the "How To" organize and I'm here to discuss and assist. Today we're going from housewares to formal wears.
If you are like me, you have clothes coming out the wahzoo...yet surprisingly cannot seem to find anything to wear. We're women...this pretty much goes without saying right?! It's like unspoken law that we carry along with us throughout our existance and it's an unspoken law that I am perfectly ok with :)
So we have cami's, cardigans, sleeveless, turtle necked, tube topped, bejeweled and bedazzled whatnots. We have cotton, cashmere, and everything in between. We possess things we aren't even sure what to classify them as and most certainly we have things we aren't even certain we have at all.
Get a clue and get color coordinated!!
It takes additional time to manage your clothing and get the articles into their appropriate settings but in the end, it's well worth the extra effort. However, in the meantime, you'll learn that nothing will get lost in the shuffle.
Gold Rule to ANY wardrobe-D.I.T.C.H the wire hangers. Its just tacky AND the only thing you should use wire hangers for is to get the car door unlocked when you've locked the keys inside. However, with the proper roadside assistance and/or a slim jim, problem solved and you'll be back to discarding them just as soon as you return from the dry cleaners and remove the plastic protective covers. Replace them with plastic (or wood if you've got the moolah!) The appearance, cleanliness, and straight lines you'll be able to achieve will be a significant upgrade to any closet (color coordinated or not).
So...we've got a nice basket of freshly washed (or dry cleaned) attire. I always make sure that the hook part of the hanger faces left and that when my shirts are placed onto the hanger, the front of the blouse is facing me. This is very important. We do NOT want the fronts showing on some articles and the backs showing on the others. We want order and simplicity and to achieve this...ALL the articles need to face the same way (like any department store when you go shopping) It's all organized that way for a reason. It's appealing to the eye (and it works because you buy).
Upon placing the clothing onto hangers, I like to place them into 3 piles. 1 pile for blacks (and/or grey) garments, 1 pile for whites, and the last pile for colors. Just like you were preparing to do loads of laundry. Then...we color coordinate...
It's not rocket science. It's a simple process that takes just a little bit more time to achieve. It brings your closet from drab to fab and makes it THAT much easier when you are looking for that exact thing to wear. It's like a filing system.
My personal closet goes from black to grey to white to creams to light yellows, greens, blues, purples and then browns. It is easy to achieve once in place and even easier to find something I am looking for.
I find that as I begin to discuss with women about fashion that surprisingly, a great deal of them do not have color coordinated closets and it baffles me. They aren't quite sure what they have in their closets. They stick to the same couple of staple pieces and they usually get into the rut of wearing the same outfits over and over again. Never mixing it up, never changing it up. They aren't sure what to mix with what because they aren't sure of what they have or have forgotten about the majority of their wardroabe.
How do you find ANYTHING? Do yourself a favor, take my advice and take a little bit of time to coordinate your closet. You'll find peace within and and you'll be able to find anything you're looking for :) I promise once you make a habit of it, it'll become sencond nature and you won't want anything less. You don't deserve anything less.
"Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her. " Be creative and be color coordinated!!!
Friday, November 18, 2011
P-P-P Peanut Allergy--- P-P-P Please
I awoke with the sun peeking in through the curtains, warming my face and awakening my sleep filled eyes. I stretch, yawn, peel myself out of my overly thread counted sheets (which is quite possibly the most difficult task to date), and I immediately reach for my phone. I've got to google some things right away and walking downstairs to the laptop or desktop to do so (without first having had my coffee) seems highly unlikely. Amen for smartphones, am I right?!
I had a dream about peanut allergies. My son was highly allergic and I had to do my research to the fullest to figure out the best solution. However, in reality this is not a dream, it's a nightmare we are faced with everyday and the victim is not my son but a classmate in his Kindergarten class.
The boy with the allergy is very sweet. He is taller than the rest of the class and upon meeting his father at the classroom Halloween party this last October, it makes sense. His father was dressed as Darth Vader, he as a storm trooper, his beautiful mother as a witch. His mother later informed me that she dresses as a witch every year, just changes things up a bit. She is anything but that character in her daily life. She volunteers at the school on a regular basis and is always there in the classroom, making sure her peanut allergic child does not come into contact with ANY peanut, peanut oil, peanut product, peanut this, peanut that, peanut peanut peanut or any other product that could have come into contact with any of the above mentioned peanut items. It's exhausting blogging about it, I can't imagine living the reality of it minute by minute, day by grueling peanut filled day.
My son's school had their Christmas program yesterday. Quite early this year if you ask me but nobody asked me so we attended as usual with little complaint. The classes had 2 performances of the show stopper to be able to please their parents and accomodate our hectic schedules.
...((BTW... what has changed since I was a school girl? Our programs were in the evenings. You had time to get out of school, go home to meet your parents returning from work and eat a good dinner, get all dressed up, and back to the school for the presentation. It was usually snowing and blowing, wind howling, taffeta dress drifting away in the cold breeze, a Charlotte Hornets bomber jacket zipped up the chin, hood on and pulled snug around the entire face as to only allow for eyeballs and red nose to be exposed, completely clashing with the flats I had chosen to slip on carefully over my sweater knitted tights. It was always terrible weather it seemed whenever we had to make that return to school for any function in the evening. But now?! any event taking place is during the school errr...work day! I assume they can't afford to pay the staff to assist with anything extra in the evenings and this is the reason for it. I can't imagine having an actual 9-5 job, answering to someone about my never ending list of events that I need to take time off for, as to not miss out on the childhood of my children. I'm not sure how working fulltime would fit into my busy schedule anyhow. I'm busy as a bee as it is. Could you imagine me being behind a desk 8 hours a day? Phew! Exhausted just thinking about it! I am truly blessed!!! That's for certain!))
Back to the program indeed! My husband and I approach my son after the show (the 9:30 am showing) and take some pictures, and give and receive hugs and kisses all around. My son asks me to come for lunch and without further hesitation, decided with my husband we could make it work and wah-lah! there I am at the Kindergarten lunch table (placed in the middle of the hallway since the auditorium/gymnasiam/lunchroom is occupied by chairs set up for the program).
A certain mother is carefully picking through all the cold lunches in the class (including my son's) to confiscate anything that may be made of peanuts or had come into contact with peanuts. I find this a bit ridiculous. Who says my son's lunch needs to be gone through? We know what's in there and the likeliness of almost everything in that Transformers zipped pouch of my sons either is OR has peanut traces ALLLL over it!
So... I am sitting, eating my Little King that I had picked up on the rush, next to my son and the rest of the Kindergarten clan. The peanut allergy kid is ALLLL the way at the other end of the table, by himself (and his mother), a huge sign taped to the table explaining that THIS side of the table is for PEANUT FREE PRODUCTS and if given permission by the little boy (and his mother) after carefully having your belongings gone through, inspected, hands sanitized, whom can you sit on that table with the PA boy. It's like the only thing NOT needed is a rubber glove inspection like they do in the airport security gates. Again, do we really need to have TSA style workers up in here?
Ok...so I am sitting there, the principal of the school approaches me (smile upon her face) and asks if I got the message she sent home with my son about the peanuts. I stated that I had. This was the message I receieved from Jaxon. "Mom, school lady says no peanuts because they are too messy!" Understandable. I have a 5 year old shelling peanuts and tossing the discards on the floor as if it were a bar and pitchers of beer are a flowin' and cowboy boots and hats are a swiming' and are of normal attire. But, that is half the fun of eating peanuts, right?!
So I confirm that I got the message and that is why today we packed pistachios, with a great big smile upon my face. She leans in closely (as if a secret is being whispered into my ear that will unlock the mystery gate and lead me to a labyrinth filled with perfectly trimmed rose bushes and pots of gold at every corner so I can live a life I have only dreamed of) and says, "Well, with the peanut allergy we have, it's a concern for the products your pack in your son's lunch." Imagine the look upon my face as I am cracking open pistachios and tossing them into my mouth, only to take the shell, add perfect form to my right arm before aiming and making it directly into the trash can beside her. SLAM DUNK! The victory is mine!!!! Muahahahahaha! I continue receiving my high fives from all the approving Kindergarteners in my direct vacinity and look up once again..."I'm sorry! You were saying?...something about a peanut allergy? Thanks for your concern but neither me nor my son have such an allergy"....I trail off.. so we fully enjoy our soynuts, pistachios, peanuts, almonds, peaches (in the almond family) quite thoroughly. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I smiled politely, I leaned in (apparently that's what we do because the peanut allergy must be some kind of a big secret here) and reply, "I take great pride in providing my son with a healthy and nutritious, yet tasty and delicious lunch every single day given the contraversy behind the school lunch program and judging my the instant mashed potatoes placed upon the styrofoam trays by an ice cream scooper no doubt, and slathered in what appears to be a gravy with chunks of "turkey" (and I used my quotation fingers while talking) and a cranberry sauce that needs to be cut with a knife to get through- in yet another styrofoam cup, sitting alongside the Trix style yogurt which I am certain on the label on the back reads: Ingredients: Sugar, yellow #5, blue #7, I think Whole Grain Triscuits, a bit of a meat and cheese sliced nicely for convenient Triscuit sandwich building, Holiday grapes (tis the season), a greek yogurt with no added artificial flavors or coloring, and some pistachios is really hitting all the food groups there (aside from a veggie and judging by the trays of school food next to me-doesn't appear to be on the menu for today for the other kids either). So...you were saying?" She continues by trying to add that PA boy... (I stopped listening) I am know fully enthralled in a pistachio eating frenzy and having a good time doing so with my new Kindergarten friends.
Am I wrong?! Every morning I provide my son with vitamins and minerals essential for brain and muscle development, along with his breakfast and he washes it all down with plenty of water. I make certain his lunch is packed with food that will assist with getting him through the day, providing him with energy (NUTS ARE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF ENERGY) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/peanuts.html "Peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health" Hmmm...since when is this a BAD thing?
I understand this child has a peanut allergy but shall my child have to suffer because of it? My son has allergies to dogs and mold. Does that mean I shield him from everything that comes into contact with either of those things? Penicillin is given to my son almost every time we make a doctors visit and it is derived from mold, yet he's allergic. Hmmmm....We shield our children from far too much as it is. Hand sanitizer graces the walls and desks of every public place and public space since what?! 9/11?...terrorists have germs. We get the point!
My question is this:
Today there are specific tables for these PA kids in the lunch room. Before leaving your place at the table, you take a hand sanitizing wipe and you thoroughly wipe between all the fingers, palms, under the fingernails, (there is even a song they sing to be certain the kids get the concept), all the way up to your elbow before being excused to wash your hands in the wash room with the industrial strength soap (probably hibiclens- the same soap they make you wash with before heading into surgery) and then and ONLY then are you prepared to go back to class and come into contact with PA boy.
...WHY ONLY NOW?...Never did such a thing exist in my school. We all sat together, trading our items for other items with classmates at our table, tossing the food down the long narrow isle made feasible by the trays being aligned on both sides, only to have it tossed back and intercepted by one of the boys and inhaled before negotiations could even take place. We all patted each other on the back, played Miss Mary Mack while clapping our hands together with ourselves, on our knees and then slapping our partners hands along to the beat of the song we were singing, being excused to go to recess and and play on the monkey bars, residue from our lunch still present on our palms, making the bars slippery and sliding off while laughing and playing. Having a great time being a kid!
Here is a concept:
"A 2009 Duke University study in which severely peanut allergic children were given small amounts of peanut in increasing amounts to develop immunity, garnered substantial press coverage. A similar Cambridge University study started their subjects on peanut flour and worked their way up to peanuts. Both of these studies reported successful results" http://www.peanutallergy.com/treatment.html
or http://www.peanutallergy.com/news/peanut-allergy-news/cure-for-peanut-allergy
When flu seaons approaches we all rush out to get vaccinated, being given a small strand of the virus to build our immune system up as to not get the fully blown sickness and be down for the count. Everybody knows that!
When preparing for war, these soldiers are vaccinated with such things we don't even want to discuss as to build their immune system up as to not get the fully blown not up for discussion stuff blowing about over there... are you catching my drift?
Perhaps instead of shielding these youngsters, we should be figuring out a solution that makes this world a safer, more fun, peanut filled party we call life! It's a thought...and a good one if the Blue Devil's at Duke are experimenting in their laboratories trying to get to the bottom (of the peanut bag). I support the research. These kids need interaction fully with their peers. There is already entirely too many thoughts focused on these kids to "belong" and "fit in". Having them have to sit at a seperate table, mommy going through all the other kids' lunches, constantly reading labels, walking around in a completely sanitized bubble, bouncing off of peanut products like the pistachio shells boucing off the back of the trash can as I continually school these Kindergarteners with my basket making abilities. (I should have went to Duke, became a Blue Devil, making slam dunks all day long and researching in my lab about peanut allergies on my free time)
What to do?...I think I'll do some thinking over my wild rice and garbanzo bean (also in the peanut family) medley until I figure out a more direct way of getting the point across to the principal that we are a fun filled peanut and bean eating family and that is ALL THERE IS TO IT!!!
I had a dream about peanut allergies. My son was highly allergic and I had to do my research to the fullest to figure out the best solution. However, in reality this is not a dream, it's a nightmare we are faced with everyday and the victim is not my son but a classmate in his Kindergarten class.
The boy with the allergy is very sweet. He is taller than the rest of the class and upon meeting his father at the classroom Halloween party this last October, it makes sense. His father was dressed as Darth Vader, he as a storm trooper, his beautiful mother as a witch. His mother later informed me that she dresses as a witch every year, just changes things up a bit. She is anything but that character in her daily life. She volunteers at the school on a regular basis and is always there in the classroom, making sure her peanut allergic child does not come into contact with ANY peanut, peanut oil, peanut product, peanut this, peanut that, peanut peanut peanut or any other product that could have come into contact with any of the above mentioned peanut items. It's exhausting blogging about it, I can't imagine living the reality of it minute by minute, day by grueling peanut filled day.
My son's school had their Christmas program yesterday. Quite early this year if you ask me but nobody asked me so we attended as usual with little complaint. The classes had 2 performances of the show stopper to be able to please their parents and accomodate our hectic schedules.
...((BTW... what has changed since I was a school girl? Our programs were in the evenings. You had time to get out of school, go home to meet your parents returning from work and eat a good dinner, get all dressed up, and back to the school for the presentation. It was usually snowing and blowing, wind howling, taffeta dress drifting away in the cold breeze, a Charlotte Hornets bomber jacket zipped up the chin, hood on and pulled snug around the entire face as to only allow for eyeballs and red nose to be exposed, completely clashing with the flats I had chosen to slip on carefully over my sweater knitted tights. It was always terrible weather it seemed whenever we had to make that return to school for any function in the evening. But now?! any event taking place is during the school errr...work day! I assume they can't afford to pay the staff to assist with anything extra in the evenings and this is the reason for it. I can't imagine having an actual 9-5 job, answering to someone about my never ending list of events that I need to take time off for, as to not miss out on the childhood of my children. I'm not sure how working fulltime would fit into my busy schedule anyhow. I'm busy as a bee as it is. Could you imagine me being behind a desk 8 hours a day? Phew! Exhausted just thinking about it! I am truly blessed!!! That's for certain!))
Back to the program indeed! My husband and I approach my son after the show (the 9:30 am showing) and take some pictures, and give and receive hugs and kisses all around. My son asks me to come for lunch and without further hesitation, decided with my husband we could make it work and wah-lah! there I am at the Kindergarten lunch table (placed in the middle of the hallway since the auditorium/gymnasiam/lunchroom is occupied by chairs set up for the program).
A certain mother is carefully picking through all the cold lunches in the class (including my son's) to confiscate anything that may be made of peanuts or had come into contact with peanuts. I find this a bit ridiculous. Who says my son's lunch needs to be gone through? We know what's in there and the likeliness of almost everything in that Transformers zipped pouch of my sons either is OR has peanut traces ALLLL over it!
So... I am sitting, eating my Little King that I had picked up on the rush, next to my son and the rest of the Kindergarten clan. The peanut allergy kid is ALLLL the way at the other end of the table, by himself (and his mother), a huge sign taped to the table explaining that THIS side of the table is for PEANUT FREE PRODUCTS and if given permission by the little boy (and his mother) after carefully having your belongings gone through, inspected, hands sanitized, whom can you sit on that table with the PA boy. It's like the only thing NOT needed is a rubber glove inspection like they do in the airport security gates. Again, do we really need to have TSA style workers up in here?
Ok...so I am sitting there, the principal of the school approaches me (smile upon her face) and asks if I got the message she sent home with my son about the peanuts. I stated that I had. This was the message I receieved from Jaxon. "Mom, school lady says no peanuts because they are too messy!" Understandable. I have a 5 year old shelling peanuts and tossing the discards on the floor as if it were a bar and pitchers of beer are a flowin' and cowboy boots and hats are a swiming' and are of normal attire. But, that is half the fun of eating peanuts, right?!
So I confirm that I got the message and that is why today we packed pistachios, with a great big smile upon my face. She leans in closely (as if a secret is being whispered into my ear that will unlock the mystery gate and lead me to a labyrinth filled with perfectly trimmed rose bushes and pots of gold at every corner so I can live a life I have only dreamed of) and says, "Well, with the peanut allergy we have, it's a concern for the products your pack in your son's lunch." Imagine the look upon my face as I am cracking open pistachios and tossing them into my mouth, only to take the shell, add perfect form to my right arm before aiming and making it directly into the trash can beside her. SLAM DUNK! The victory is mine!!!! Muahahahahaha! I continue receiving my high fives from all the approving Kindergarteners in my direct vacinity and look up once again..."I'm sorry! You were saying?...something about a peanut allergy? Thanks for your concern but neither me nor my son have such an allergy"....I trail off.. so we fully enjoy our soynuts, pistachios, peanuts, almonds, peaches (in the almond family) quite thoroughly. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I smiled politely, I leaned in (apparently that's what we do because the peanut allergy must be some kind of a big secret here) and reply, "I take great pride in providing my son with a healthy and nutritious, yet tasty and delicious lunch every single day given the contraversy behind the school lunch program and judging my the instant mashed potatoes placed upon the styrofoam trays by an ice cream scooper no doubt, and slathered in what appears to be a gravy with chunks of "turkey" (and I used my quotation fingers while talking) and a cranberry sauce that needs to be cut with a knife to get through- in yet another styrofoam cup, sitting alongside the Trix style yogurt which I am certain on the label on the back reads: Ingredients: Sugar, yellow #5, blue #7, I think Whole Grain Triscuits, a bit of a meat and cheese sliced nicely for convenient Triscuit sandwich building, Holiday grapes (tis the season), a greek yogurt with no added artificial flavors or coloring, and some pistachios is really hitting all the food groups there (aside from a veggie and judging by the trays of school food next to me-doesn't appear to be on the menu for today for the other kids either). So...you were saying?" She continues by trying to add that PA boy... (I stopped listening) I am know fully enthralled in a pistachio eating frenzy and having a good time doing so with my new Kindergarten friends.
Am I wrong?! Every morning I provide my son with vitamins and minerals essential for brain and muscle development, along with his breakfast and he washes it all down with plenty of water. I make certain his lunch is packed with food that will assist with getting him through the day, providing him with energy (NUTS ARE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF ENERGY) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/peanuts.html "Peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health" Hmmm...since when is this a BAD thing?
I understand this child has a peanut allergy but shall my child have to suffer because of it? My son has allergies to dogs and mold. Does that mean I shield him from everything that comes into contact with either of those things? Penicillin is given to my son almost every time we make a doctors visit and it is derived from mold, yet he's allergic. Hmmmm....We shield our children from far too much as it is. Hand sanitizer graces the walls and desks of every public place and public space since what?! 9/11?...terrorists have germs. We get the point!
My question is this:
Today there are specific tables for these PA kids in the lunch room. Before leaving your place at the table, you take a hand sanitizing wipe and you thoroughly wipe between all the fingers, palms, under the fingernails, (there is even a song they sing to be certain the kids get the concept), all the way up to your elbow before being excused to wash your hands in the wash room with the industrial strength soap (probably hibiclens- the same soap they make you wash with before heading into surgery) and then and ONLY then are you prepared to go back to class and come into contact with PA boy.
...WHY ONLY NOW?...Never did such a thing exist in my school. We all sat together, trading our items for other items with classmates at our table, tossing the food down the long narrow isle made feasible by the trays being aligned on both sides, only to have it tossed back and intercepted by one of the boys and inhaled before negotiations could even take place. We all patted each other on the back, played Miss Mary Mack while clapping our hands together with ourselves, on our knees and then slapping our partners hands along to the beat of the song we were singing, being excused to go to recess and and play on the monkey bars, residue from our lunch still present on our palms, making the bars slippery and sliding off while laughing and playing. Having a great time being a kid!
Here is a concept:
"A 2009 Duke University study in which severely peanut allergic children were given small amounts of peanut in increasing amounts to develop immunity, garnered substantial press coverage. A similar Cambridge University study started their subjects on peanut flour and worked their way up to peanuts. Both of these studies reported successful results" http://www.peanutallergy.com/treatment.html
or http://www.peanutallergy.com/news/peanut-allergy-news/cure-for-peanut-allergy
When flu seaons approaches we all rush out to get vaccinated, being given a small strand of the virus to build our immune system up as to not get the fully blown sickness and be down for the count. Everybody knows that!
When preparing for war, these soldiers are vaccinated with such things we don't even want to discuss as to build their immune system up as to not get the fully blown not up for discussion stuff blowing about over there... are you catching my drift?
Perhaps instead of shielding these youngsters, we should be figuring out a solution that makes this world a safer, more fun, peanut filled party we call life! It's a thought...and a good one if the Blue Devil's at Duke are experimenting in their laboratories trying to get to the bottom (of the peanut bag). I support the research. These kids need interaction fully with their peers. There is already entirely too many thoughts focused on these kids to "belong" and "fit in". Having them have to sit at a seperate table, mommy going through all the other kids' lunches, constantly reading labels, walking around in a completely sanitized bubble, bouncing off of peanut products like the pistachio shells boucing off the back of the trash can as I continually school these Kindergarteners with my basket making abilities. (I should have went to Duke, became a Blue Devil, making slam dunks all day long and researching in my lab about peanut allergies on my free time)
What to do?...I think I'll do some thinking over my wild rice and garbanzo bean (also in the peanut family) medley until I figure out a more direct way of getting the point across to the principal that we are a fun filled peanut and bean eating family and that is ALL THERE IS TO IT!!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Master Wall Project
So today I went nutso on my master bedroom wall. I had these images dancing in my head all night long and barely slept a wink. I was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6am (which is rare for little ol' me-especially with the midnight feedings consuming my nights and totally losing out on that beauty rest) filled to the brim with excitement about my little weekday project on this fine Wednesday.
Not only are shoes and handbags a bit of a "problem" for me but also hats and scarves. I simply cannot get enough. In my profession...errr obsession...its the marriage between a functional and fun to look at. I like organization and beauty! I'm a marriage counselor no less. Listening to both sides, weighing the options, taking some notes, and finding a common ground. In this case---wall!
Our house is not small, but it's not fully equipped with adequate storage space or any built-ins that I could incorporate my love for say ... handbags, shoes, scarves, hats, etc, etc. into easily. So? We make art-esque pieces while supplying the storage space for an easy, eye pleasing solution.
I started by hanging curtains on the window. No window is dressed to impress without proper attire. It's a double rod so eventually I will incorporate my accent color in a couple panels on the back rod, only exposing enough for that added pop of color. In the meantime the neutral shade does wonders for the window, covers the mini blinds :/ and adds that perfect ambient lighting to take the bedroom from simple to sexy!
Then I hung a square (rectangular if you want to get picky) woven basket on the left side to house my nicely rolled scarves. The scarves were always "housed" in this basket. That's another one of my "problems" that I can't seem to get enough of. I have baskets for absolutely everything. They are on top of counters filled with freshly pressed linens for guests, lining the stairs leading to our family room filled with books for any occasion, placed in cabinets to hold assorted tea bags and/or spices that weren't purchases in plastic or glass bottles, on shelves in my bathroom to fill with beauty products, in my linen closet to store my perfectly folded pillowcases...you get the picture I'm painting right? I'm no Picasso nor Van Gogh but I am tHiS close to cutting my fucking ear off and calling it a damn day!
So?!.. woven basket hung on wall, filled with scarves. Got it?
Then I took these tin pieces I had lying about, attached a couple hooks to the bottom, hung them on the opposing side of the window to hang my collection of hats. Nothing is as good as being able to hang your hat (on a hook no less) after a hard days night.
I stood back, examined the masterpiece, looking for some tweaking needing to be done. My husband walked in, stopped in his tracks and said, "Wow! I love it!" :)
I'm not completely finished up quite yet. I added a cute shelf underneath the tins (also made of a metal material-so it looks fantastic). I added a basket on top (go figure right) for some belts and whatnots I have still boxed up just begging me to find them a warm place to crash. The juxtaposition between the hard, cold feel of metal and the woven, homey feel of the baskets really satisfies this design diva. I like mixing old with new, soft with hard, rough with smooth to make an eclectic and warm surrounding.
I'll put some of my favorite reading material and other gizmo's and gadget's to complete the look but I haven't got there quite yet. I'm certain I'll stumble across something spectacular as I'm shopping for those accent window treatments for the double rod.
Btw..side note..I don't even believe in single rods much any longer. Don't get me wrong, a single is better than nothing at all. However, I find the double rod adds that layered look I'm always referring to and makes it so simple to add that pop of color behind any neutral. It's perfect.
And my art would not be complete without adding my signature :) While spacing off in Industrial Tech class what seems to be decades ago, I found some thin wire somewhere and instead of paying attention, I managed to form my name in cursive and even more surprisingly, have managed to keep track of this dainty little piece for so very long. I think it found it's place in this house.
Now if I could figure out what to do with all these shoes and handbags.
Not only are shoes and handbags a bit of a "problem" for me but also hats and scarves. I simply cannot get enough. In my profession...errr obsession...its the marriage between a functional and fun to look at. I like organization and beauty! I'm a marriage counselor no less. Listening to both sides, weighing the options, taking some notes, and finding a common ground. In this case---wall!
Our house is not small, but it's not fully equipped with adequate storage space or any built-ins that I could incorporate my love for say ... handbags, shoes, scarves, hats, etc, etc. into easily. So? We make art-esque pieces while supplying the storage space for an easy, eye pleasing solution.
I started by hanging curtains on the window. No window is dressed to impress without proper attire. It's a double rod so eventually I will incorporate my accent color in a couple panels on the back rod, only exposing enough for that added pop of color. In the meantime the neutral shade does wonders for the window, covers the mini blinds :/ and adds that perfect ambient lighting to take the bedroom from simple to sexy!
Then I hung a square (rectangular if you want to get picky) woven basket on the left side to house my nicely rolled scarves. The scarves were always "housed" in this basket. That's another one of my "problems" that I can't seem to get enough of. I have baskets for absolutely everything. They are on top of counters filled with freshly pressed linens for guests, lining the stairs leading to our family room filled with books for any occasion, placed in cabinets to hold assorted tea bags and/or spices that weren't purchases in plastic or glass bottles, on shelves in my bathroom to fill with beauty products, in my linen closet to store my perfectly folded pillowcases...you get the picture I'm painting right? I'm no Picasso nor Van Gogh but I am tHiS close to cutting my fucking ear off and calling it a damn day!
So?!.. woven basket hung on wall, filled with scarves. Got it?
Then I took these tin pieces I had lying about, attached a couple hooks to the bottom, hung them on the opposing side of the window to hang my collection of hats. Nothing is as good as being able to hang your hat (on a hook no less) after a hard days night.
I stood back, examined the masterpiece, looking for some tweaking needing to be done. My husband walked in, stopped in his tracks and said, "Wow! I love it!" :)
I'm not completely finished up quite yet. I added a cute shelf underneath the tins (also made of a metal material-so it looks fantastic). I added a basket on top (go figure right) for some belts and whatnots I have still boxed up just begging me to find them a warm place to crash. The juxtaposition between the hard, cold feel of metal and the woven, homey feel of the baskets really satisfies this design diva. I like mixing old with new, soft with hard, rough with smooth to make an eclectic and warm surrounding.
I'll put some of my favorite reading material and other gizmo's and gadget's to complete the look but I haven't got there quite yet. I'm certain I'll stumble across something spectacular as I'm shopping for those accent window treatments for the double rod.
Btw..side note..I don't even believe in single rods much any longer. Don't get me wrong, a single is better than nothing at all. However, I find the double rod adds that layered look I'm always referring to and makes it so simple to add that pop of color behind any neutral. It's perfect.
And my art would not be complete without adding my signature :) While spacing off in Industrial Tech class what seems to be decades ago, I found some thin wire somewhere and instead of paying attention, I managed to form my name in cursive and even more surprisingly, have managed to keep track of this dainty little piece for so very long. I think it found it's place in this house.
Now if I could figure out what to do with all these shoes and handbags.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tidbit Tuesday :: bedside table decor
Let's not forget that not only is our bedroom our private place but it should be a place to unwind and wash away worries of the day.
Your bedside tables (and your dresser) is an area to display your favorite personal things.
I like to shop in unexpected departments to find unique pieces that I can use in different areas of my home, in an unconventional way.
Perhaps finding a vintage plate or serving platter from the dining department to nestle neatly on your bedside table to hold any jewelry being discarded at the end of your day is an idea you could implement.
Just like before, I've come up with a list of items for your bedside table.
5 essentials to your bedside table:
- a nice reading lamp
It can be clean and simple within a neutral shade (no pun intended) or something a bit more radical to introduce flavor and spice
- a couple books for reading
Nothing says comfort and casual like snuggling into your bed, wrapped in down and luxury and grabbing a good read before beddy bye
- a tray, plate, a lid to a box
Something to hold loose ends discarded from your pockets, wrists, or neck to neatly nestle by your side. Anything will work so long as you enjoy it and it serves the purpose.
- a carafe and glass for water
Fill the carafe each night with cold distilled or sparkling water (whichever you prefer) for those middle of the night thirst bursts. We could all stand to drink more water. Not only does it cleanse every part of our body from the inside out, it's refreshing, nourishing, and detoxifying.
-candles
Go crazy! Tea lights, tapered, pillar, scented, soy based, white, bold colored, big, small, short or tall. Light, set the mood, and enjoy! (Lather, Rinse, Repeat). It's amazing what a couple of lit candles can do for any mood.
And as I've stated before, objects in 3's gain more impact. Whether be it books or candies. Think in Three :)
Now: I didn't add this to my list but I think it goes without saying. Fresh flowers in a beautiful vase adds life to any corner of a drab bedroom and will also make the place smell fresh. If you enjoy fresh flowers the way I do, pick some up and place accordingly. Even if it's not an everyday ritual, it could certainly be a routine on special occasions.
For more ideas stay tuned for a never ending supply of home tips, tricks, and everyday topics. And if you need advice, I'm always available.
Thanks for stopping by.
Your bedside tables (and your dresser) is an area to display your favorite personal things.
I like to shop in unexpected departments to find unique pieces that I can use in different areas of my home, in an unconventional way.
Perhaps finding a vintage plate or serving platter from the dining department to nestle neatly on your bedside table to hold any jewelry being discarded at the end of your day is an idea you could implement.
Just like before, I've come up with a list of items for your bedside table.
5 essentials to your bedside table:
- a nice reading lamp
It can be clean and simple within a neutral shade (no pun intended) or something a bit more radical to introduce flavor and spice
- a couple books for reading
Nothing says comfort and casual like snuggling into your bed, wrapped in down and luxury and grabbing a good read before beddy bye
- a tray, plate, a lid to a box
Something to hold loose ends discarded from your pockets, wrists, or neck to neatly nestle by your side. Anything will work so long as you enjoy it and it serves the purpose.
- a carafe and glass for water
Fill the carafe each night with cold distilled or sparkling water (whichever you prefer) for those middle of the night thirst bursts. We could all stand to drink more water. Not only does it cleanse every part of our body from the inside out, it's refreshing, nourishing, and detoxifying.
-candles
Go crazy! Tea lights, tapered, pillar, scented, soy based, white, bold colored, big, small, short or tall. Light, set the mood, and enjoy! (Lather, Rinse, Repeat). It's amazing what a couple of lit candles can do for any mood.
And as I've stated before, objects in 3's gain more impact. Whether be it books or candies. Think in Three :)
Now: I didn't add this to my list but I think it goes without saying. Fresh flowers in a beautiful vase adds life to any corner of a drab bedroom and will also make the place smell fresh. If you enjoy fresh flowers the way I do, pick some up and place accordingly. Even if it's not an everyday ritual, it could certainly be a routine on special occasions.
For more ideas stay tuned for a never ending supply of home tips, tricks, and everyday topics. And if you need advice, I'm always available.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Millard Moving Madness
I'm sitting quietly on the carpeted floor in our lower level living room with a small dog at my side (always so loyal and loving) and a mind that is stacked with thoughts like my garage with boxes. I am surrounded by peace and quiet. Two of my most favorite companions ... that don't visit nearly enough.
The entire Mavropoulos household sleeps snuggled in warm beds and mama is busy getting everything neatly organized for the grind tomorrow that never seems to cease. Not only do we mothers never get a sick day but we are also responsible for knowing where every little "important" object be at any given time during a move that any member of the family might inquire of at any given time. "Mom?!.. Where's that purple pencil that smells like grape? It was with my socks I threw in my bedroom on the floor on the Thursday before the move?!...All the while standing there like they should have hands on hips, tapping a foot on the floor, checking their watch to time my mommy searching skills, always sizing me up. I'm freaking exhausted. Then snow?! It was 74*F yesterday. Winter jackets were the least on my mind to be quite frank. So today I'm THAT mom that dropped off Jaxon to school in what could have been mistaken for summer-esque attire praying a recess break is completely out if the question. (Growing up in Nebraska, I should've known better) Tsk Tsk to me!
So...
We're back at home. The house in Millard I've blogged about in the past and compared our family to the waves and the house to the shore, we're always moving in and back out it seems.
We're here for good [[fingers crossed -as well as toes]] and everyone is happy about it. I remain full of peace and optimism. We need roots for these children to continually be able to branch out and blossom and that's exactly why we are here once again.
I find myself more happy about it now than before. I am unpacking boxes like a professional box unpacking machine. Whoever packed them must have been a bit OCD (and perhaps even making her way through the nesting period) Each one packed with precision inside, everything carefully wrapped in newspaper or maneuvered in such a way you'd truly think I was a professional. I've moved so much I've gotten pretty good at it. But I don't pride myself on the moving part, it's the "setting up shop" part I find so intriguing. Every box with handwritten tags stating the contents inside and which room it should be shown toward. It's so easy and THAT is the reason for 2 months before moving I was harping on my husband to get moving supplies. Things like this take tact and organization so our lives can be put back together in a timely fashion. Men just don't get anything tactful, organizational, and they surely are not concerned about time let alone doing it fashionably.
I'm unpacking things as if this first snow of the season is actually freshly fallen for Christmas and Santa just came and brought me all sorts of the "goods". And with the chill in the house that this fully charged November has brought to us, it resembles the holiday quite nicely. A hot cup of tea, candles lit, pandora app playing my "Tears for Fears" station (that I wouldn't openly admit) continuously dancing around to like a small school child. Life is perfect! (at this very instance) :)
I'm so super ecstatic about getting the home settled properly during the next couple cold weeks. I'm making mental notes and physical sketches of ideas that are playing through my head at a constant stream like these 80's tunes coming out of the ol' iPhone.
I'm finding new and inventive ways to get everything nice and neatly back to a "home" in the house. However, I have not even begun to dive into the abyss of my packed books from throughout the years. Kindle?!.. Not for this old lady!! (I'll be 28 in a dozen days btw and this is a live conversation I had with Jaxon while tucking him in last night:
J: "Mom? (it's always a question as if answering or not answering to it makes any sort of difference) in 13 days how old will you be?"
A: "28"
J: "Geez...you are old!"
A: [[snickering]] "you think 28 is old?!"
J: "ancient"
I told him that at his ripe age of 5 (almost 6) that I'm certain I thought 28 was old too but also went on to explain that although it may seem old, I'll be around for a WHOLE lot longer so he better get used to it. :)
And...
Back to the books... (sorry for drifting afar) I haven't got room. I refuse to go digital or technical (aside from iPhone) in any aspect and nothing compares to the feeling of opening up a book whether it be old or new, read or reread or never read, grabbing it by the binding out of hiding, feeling the crisp paper, smelling the dust flee from the pages with each turn. [sigh] With my hot cup of coffee (or tea in this case) in
a peacefully quiet dark house lit only by candlelight it's absolutely utopian. But I need a bookshelf errrr... library to house them in and STAT!! As much as I love the books, they haven't got a home. :(
Project!!! :)
stay tuned for updates and progress on the house. There shall be plenty, I've got a ton to do and better get to it!
The entire Mavropoulos household sleeps snuggled in warm beds and mama is busy getting everything neatly organized for the grind tomorrow that never seems to cease. Not only do we mothers never get a sick day but we are also responsible for knowing where every little "important" object be at any given time during a move that any member of the family might inquire of at any given time. "Mom?!.. Where's that purple pencil that smells like grape? It was with my socks I threw in my bedroom on the floor on the Thursday before the move?!...All the while standing there like they should have hands on hips, tapping a foot on the floor, checking their watch to time my mommy searching skills, always sizing me up. I'm freaking exhausted. Then snow?! It was 74*F yesterday. Winter jackets were the least on my mind to be quite frank. So today I'm THAT mom that dropped off Jaxon to school in what could have been mistaken for summer-esque attire praying a recess break is completely out if the question. (Growing up in Nebraska, I should've known better) Tsk Tsk to me!
So...
We're back at home. The house in Millard I've blogged about in the past and compared our family to the waves and the house to the shore, we're always moving in and back out it seems.
We're here for good [[fingers crossed -as well as toes]] and everyone is happy about it. I remain full of peace and optimism. We need roots for these children to continually be able to branch out and blossom and that's exactly why we are here once again.
I find myself more happy about it now than before. I am unpacking boxes like a professional box unpacking machine. Whoever packed them must have been a bit OCD (and perhaps even making her way through the nesting period) Each one packed with precision inside, everything carefully wrapped in newspaper or maneuvered in such a way you'd truly think I was a professional. I've moved so much I've gotten pretty good at it. But I don't pride myself on the moving part, it's the "setting up shop" part I find so intriguing. Every box with handwritten tags stating the contents inside and which room it should be shown toward. It's so easy and THAT is the reason for 2 months before moving I was harping on my husband to get moving supplies. Things like this take tact and organization so our lives can be put back together in a timely fashion. Men just don't get anything tactful, organizational, and they surely are not concerned about time let alone doing it fashionably.
I'm unpacking things as if this first snow of the season is actually freshly fallen for Christmas and Santa just came and brought me all sorts of the "goods". And with the chill in the house that this fully charged November has brought to us, it resembles the holiday quite nicely. A hot cup of tea, candles lit, pandora app playing my "Tears for Fears" station (that I wouldn't openly admit) continuously dancing around to like a small school child. Life is perfect! (at this very instance) :)
I'm so super ecstatic about getting the home settled properly during the next couple cold weeks. I'm making mental notes and physical sketches of ideas that are playing through my head at a constant stream like these 80's tunes coming out of the ol' iPhone.
I'm finding new and inventive ways to get everything nice and neatly back to a "home" in the house. However, I have not even begun to dive into the abyss of my packed books from throughout the years. Kindle?!.. Not for this old lady!! (I'll be 28 in a dozen days btw and this is a live conversation I had with Jaxon while tucking him in last night:
J: "Mom? (it's always a question as if answering or not answering to it makes any sort of difference) in 13 days how old will you be?"
A: "28"
J: "Geez...you are old!"
A: [[snickering]] "you think 28 is old?!"
J: "ancient"
I told him that at his ripe age of 5 (almost 6) that I'm certain I thought 28 was old too but also went on to explain that although it may seem old, I'll be around for a WHOLE lot longer so he better get used to it. :)
And...
Back to the books... (sorry for drifting afar) I haven't got room. I refuse to go digital or technical (aside from iPhone) in any aspect and nothing compares to the feeling of opening up a book whether it be old or new, read or reread or never read, grabbing it by the binding out of hiding, feeling the crisp paper, smelling the dust flee from the pages with each turn. [sigh] With my hot cup of coffee (or tea in this case) in
a peacefully quiet dark house lit only by candlelight it's absolutely utopian. But I need a bookshelf errrr... library to house them in and STAT!! As much as I love the books, they haven't got a home. :(
Project!!! :)
stay tuned for updates and progress on the house. There shall be plenty, I've got a ton to do and better get to it!
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