Organized 13 Things!

In keeping with theme of the 13 home goals, I thought I'd make a little note on the 13 things I do manage to keep well organized. Geez - I really hope I can find 13 - this could be a wake up call... Let's see how it goes!<br/><br/>1. Furniture.  When we built our home and moved in, we had a completely different floor plan from our old house.  Two large sofas, two large arm chairs, two end tables, two coffee tables, an ottoman, large flat screen, TV cabinet... all fit just fine in our old living room.  Although we have more space now, our floor plan dictates a lot less furniture to promote traffic flow.  Furthermore, all of that furniture made our house look like the home section of the Thrifty Shopper. SO, it took me a year and a half, but we ditched an end table, an arm chair, a rocking chair and several other pieces.  The living room still has plenty of seating, but it's uncluttered and easy to navigate.<br/><br/>2. Pan lids. I have spent the better part of my life with pan lids roaming freely throughout my cupboards. They could end up anywhere, and were rarely where I can find the one I needed.  SO, Finally, I took an old roasting rack out of the roasting pan.  Let's face it I roast a large piece of meat about once a year, and I chase my pan lids 3 times per day.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-007.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-732" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-007-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 007" width="225" /></a> Roasting pan turned pan lid storage[/caption]<br/><br/>3. Utensils.  I keep the utensils I use for every meal near the stove in a glass vase.  No digging in the drawer.  I fill half of the vase with lentils (you could use coffee beans, kidney beans, etc.) and use it to keep the utensils standing upright for easy grabbing.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-006.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-733" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-006-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 006" width="225" /></a> Utensil storage[/caption]<br/><br/>4. Tupperware.  I have A LOT of Tupperware.  (Mostly because my parents give us lots of yummy leftovers and goodies. I steal it and never return it. It's not a felony, but I guess I should say "I'm sorry Mom and Dad").  On the bright side, my ill-gotten Tupperware is very well organized.  Stacked by size.  Lids in a large container by size as well.<br/><br/>5. Q-tips and cotton balls. Idea from Pinterest. Keeps them handy without taking up a lot of space on your counter top.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_734" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-005.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-734" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-005-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 005" width="225" /></a> Cotton Balls and Q-tips[/caption]<br/><br/>6. Makeup brushes and eyeliners.  I keep them in a glass candle holder filled with glass beads (or something similar) so that they stand up and you can find what you need easily and quickly.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_735" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-010.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-735" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-010-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 010" width="225" /></a> Storing make-up brushes[/caption]<br/><br/>7. Bathroom storage. Use large baskets either side of your bathroom sink plumbing to hold hair dryer, brush, straghtening iron etc.<br/><br/>(Note: Bathroom storage is for women only.  Men only have store a bar of soap, a razor, a towel, and a toothbrush.  Women need to store at least 674 products and hair appliances.)<br/><br/>8. Winter boots/Summer shoes.  My family (excluding moi) leave their snow boots, sandals, Timberlands, Uggs, flip flops, sneakers, and indoor soccer cleats, <em>ALL OVER</em> the house.  I took two plastic laundry baskets, and put all out of season shoes in an office closet.  The closet by our door houses only the shoes they use now. Anything good lives in their idividuals closets.<br/><br/>9. Hats and Mittens. The same closet in the office has a large sturdy basket for all ski gloves, hats and scarves that aren't used on a daily basis.  Throw in a bouce dryer sheet so that they stay smelling good. Everything else is stored on the "mitten tree" by the door (that my Mom and Dad gave us).<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_737" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-0141.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-737" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-0141-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 014" width="225" /></a> Mitten Tree![/caption]<br/><br/>10. Technology. We have an office.  But we like to use the "good" laptop daily and it inevitably ends up on our kitchen island.  Same with kindles, portable dvds, leap pad, ipods, etc.  SO, enter the large media storage cabinet.  We keep it in the kitchen, where it doesn't take up too much room.  When I want a clean counter, it all goes into the cabinet. Voila!<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_738" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-015.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-738" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13-things-organized-015-225x300.jpg" title="13 things organized 015" width="225" /></a> Kitchen storage[/caption]<br/><br/>11. Crafty stuff.  Scissors, glue gun, staple guns, command hooks, tape, duct tape - all share space in the same cabinet as the laptop.  I like having the basics at hand.  Larger items that I don't use often are in the basement.<br/><br/>12. Bedside table "stuff".  I keep a pretty fabric covered box on my bedside table.  It holds my glasses, ear plugs (guess who snores like a dinosnore), and benedryl (for when the ear plugs don't cut it). If I find myself lying sleepless in the middle of the night, I don't have to get up and go to the bathroom or dig through a drawer.<br/><br/>13. Children.  They get everywhere. I keep a room for each child and neatly store them for periods of time.  (I find the basement works too, but some people find that objectionable.)<br/><br/>Ok, well there are 13 things that are actually organized around our home.  (Okay, well maybe only technically 12. Clearly, I have a lot of work to do.)<br/><br/>Today, I think I will start on my reverse stencil.  All this organizing makes me feel like I need to do something uplifting and fun. :-)<br/><br/> 

Organized 13 Things!

In keeping with theme of the 13 home goals, I thought I'd make a little note on the 13 things I do manage to keep well organized. Geez -...

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20(13) resolutions

Before I start this post, I want to give credit, where credit is due.  Carrie at <a href="http://makinglemonadeblog.com/13-home-goals-for-2013/#comment-9678">Making Lemonade </a>wrote a post called "Thirteen Home Goals for 2013" and that got me totally excited to make some home goals for myself.  I'm not big on resolutions, but this is something I need to do, and want to do.<br/><br/>For some time I have needed to update my To Do list.  It's the usual.  Cross one thing off, and add three more... But with the new year and all... I can handle it.<br/><br/>Like most people, I'm not thrilled about posting pictures of the ugly side of things at our humble abode, but I do hope it will help me forge ahead when I'm feeling lazy. Basically I'm embarrassing myself into action! So, with Carrie's encouragement, here are 13 things I'm going to do around the house. Each is a task that has been put off for far too long.<br/><br/>1. ORGANIZE all closets.  A few of my closets are pretty well-organized and neat.<br/><br/>A. Few. Are. Not.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0571.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-722" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0571-225x300.jpg" title="2013 goals 057" width="225" /></a><br/><br/>Big A went in this closet last Thursday, and didn't come back for 3 days, mumbling something about talking lions.<br/><br/>2.  Hang holders and hooks in pantry for herbs and spices.  So inexpensive and simple, yet something I manage to ignore so easily.  These racks would cost me under $10 and save me digging through all of the spices and herb containers I have stacked in a drawer.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J9FNTK/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=fymoho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005J9FNTK"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B005J9FNTK&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=fymoho-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005J9FNTK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br/><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J9FNTK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=fymoho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005J9FNTK">SpiceStor Organizer Rack 20 Cabinet Door Spice Clips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005J9FNTK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br/><br/>3. Hang my step stool!  Ok, I realize this is hardly a "Goal". However, it's another one of those tasks that I've managed to put off for a year and a half. The inside of the pantry door is the perfect place for it. It's the perfect solution to lugging the step ladder around and then hiding it when company comes over!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004RKD2/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=fymoho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004RKD2"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B00004RKD2&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=fymoho-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004RKD2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br/><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004RKD2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=fymoho-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004RKD2">Werner AC11 Stepladder Hanger</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004RKD2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br/><br/>4. Now to the basement... No photos!  It's just too embarassing.  Been in the house for a year and a half, and still have boxes to sort through.  For God's sake woman, either take it to the dump or find it a home.  (That is me, talking to me. I'm allowed to speak to myself that way).<br/><br/>5. Paint the master bathroom. The master bathroom is still only primed!  Time to pick out a color and paint.<br/><br/>6. Change white “shades” on lights in master bathroom.  I want something less white! <a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0012.jpg"><img alt="" height="150" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0012-150x150.jpg" title="DSC_0012" width="150" /></a><br/><br/>I was hoping to find a way to make the existing shades look like mercury glass.  However, I don't think I will be able to achieve the affect with the frosted glass.  Therefore, unless I hear of a way to paint them myself, I eventually have to buy new shades.<br/><br/>7.  I have the letters, and the old painting.  Do the reverse stencil treatment I have been planning for months.<br/><br/>8. Paint the picture frames near our stairs a uniform color.  I think black frames and some stencils on the wall, etc... would pimp the stairwell.  These family pictures were thrown up on the wall when we moved in, and I haven't touched them since.  Furthermore, there are probably 20 other photos neatly stored (no, not shoved!), under my dresser.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_715" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0591.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-715" height="225" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0591-300x225.jpg" title="2013 goals 059" width="300" /></a> Gallery wall to be...[/caption]<br/><br/>9. Finish the paint in the stairwell.  It was high, it was precariouss, and well, frankly, no one really sees this but us, so it's never been finished!<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_716" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-070.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-716" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-070-225x300.jpg" title="2013 goals 070" width="225" /></a> Stairwell[/caption]<br/><br/>10. Finish the kids bathroom and shower. Ok, I really do have a good excuse for this.  We ran out of money!  And it's not as if the kids have to use a bucket in the field, or wash in a stream.  We have other bathrooms!  BUT, I guess, it's time to get it done...<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_717" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-066.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-717" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-066-225x300.jpg" title="2013 goals 066" width="225" /></a> Finish the kids bathroom[/caption]<br/><br/>11.  Finish the playroom.  All we really have to do is finish the trim, and move furniture in there.  (And clean!).<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_718" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-069.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-718" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-069-225x300.jpg" title="2013 goals 069" width="225" /></a> Playroom to be...[/caption]<br/><br/>12. Not technically a goal, but a necessary ongoing task: threaten my 14 year old gorgeous, funny, talented daughter <img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-723" height="150" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-044-150x150.jpg" title="2013 goals 044" width="150" /><br/><br/>with a life devoid of cell phone or ipad if she does not keep her room clean.<br/><br/>13. Paint the dresser that has been unfinished for <del>15 years</del> quite some time. And buy new hardware for it. If all goes well, I have quite a few items that could use some paint.  (But none as badly as this!)<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_721" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0551.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-721" height="225" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-goals-0551-300x225.jpg" title="2013 goals 055" width="300" /></a> Paint![/caption]<br/><br/>Okay!  So there are 13 for 2013.  I feel good about this list.  It's do-able. It doesn't overwhelm me, it just makes me excited to get some things done. Thank you for the inspiration Carrie at <a href="http://makinglemonadeblog.com/">Making Lemonade</a>! I think I will tackle the closet today!

20(13) resolutions

Before I start this post, I want to give credit, where credit is due.  Carrie at Making Lemonade wrote a post called "Thirteen Home Goa...

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DIY tips

Building a modular home or any home often leads to a loooooong to-do list.  Try to make your life a little easier with these DIY and home improvement tips from me.  Actually, some are more of a "warning" than a "tip", but you'll get  my drift.<br/><br/>Make a plan.  Your plan should of course reflect the order in which things should be done, time it will take, cost, etc.  I think you can see the value in this, so I won't pontificate on it, but I will tell you a true story.  And I will give you the moral of this story right now: Don't be me.  I didn't make a plan once (alright I try to go plan-less all the time, but I don' recommend it).  Anyway, I decided to repaint a bedroom.  I gathered all of my painting supplies, and set to work sanding and cleaning the walls.  Next, I primed the walls and let that dry.  I set to work painting for painting for the next two days, a really beautiful chocolate color.  It looked pretty darn awesome!  And <em><strong>then</strong></em> I painted the ceiling white. (In case you don't get it, a plan would have come in handy here. Take my word for it.)  Moving on...<br/><br/>Do what's necessary!  (Or, to be clear, don't do unnecessary things!)  For example, unless you can afford a landscaper (I wish!), use your natural surroundings.  Instead of removing trees, consider giving them a little trim, and leave them there.  Instead of moving a boulder, plan around it.  Our yard is full of trees, and yes, they're a pain to mow around.  But they're beautiful.  And frankly, it's easier to mow around them than to cut them down, drag away the branches, and cut up the wood.  Also, several boulders turned up when we dug our foundation.  Rather than haul them away, we kept the nice ones and plan to plant around them.  (In 2023.)<br/><br/>Budget your projects. The harsh reality is that your project, no matter how big or small will cost up <em>at least</em> 35% more than you anticipate.  This is something that bites me in the butt all the time!   I guess a good rule of thumb is to add 50% on top of what you think your project will cost, and if you can afford that, yay! Just painting buys me at least three extra trips to Home Depot!   Halfway through painting I need more paint, or the dog runs off with my paint brush (happened!), and I need to buy a new one.  And I never budget for those extra trips! Then end up eating only stale bread for two days to save money.  Again, don't be me!<br/><br/>Be realistic about your skills.  Some things you just have to be brutally honest about.  If your toilet is backing up into your tub and that "water" is flowing out of the tub and onto the floor, I don't have to tell you that if you're not a plumber you should probably call one, do I?  Similarly, if you think you can fix a faulty electrical outlet with a knife, well, you probably <em>really</em> need an electrician.  Whatever your project, think carefully.  Not only is your budget important, but so is your skill level.  If you get half-though a project and you find you can't finish it yourself, you're going to call a professional anyway, thus messing with your budget big time!  I'm really struggling with whether or not I am able to do my patio installation project myself.  But, it could be an interesting future post if I tackle this myself, and can't finish the project.  The title might be something like "Who needs a patio, when you could have a Shallow Hole?" or "How to find a good Chiropractor"...  We'll see.<br/><br/>Phew, all this talk of DIY and projects, and it's the weekend!  Home Depot in the morning <em>and</em> I think I have two things I'm gonna cross off my to-do list.  But it's not a promise.  More of a threat than a promise.<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> 

DIY tips

Building a modular home or any home often leads to a loooooong to-do list.  Try to make your life a little easier with these DIY and home im...

Read more »