Organizing

It's funny how once it's a new year, most people feel like organizing.  I think it's a way of sweeping out the old year and starting anew.  You see ads full of containers, storage boxes and other ways to get organized.  That and all the weight loss products and exercise equipment for those New Year resolutions.  I like the idea of decluttering.  I think a cluttered room/house/desk clutters the mind.  I reorganized our kitchen pantry.  I like using OXO storage containers to put things like sugar, flour and cereal in.  You can get them at Costco (sometimes) or Bed, Bath & Beyond.  They are less expensive at Costco but you can use 20% off coupons to buy them at B,B&B.  They look like THIS and they keep your food fresh as well as being an easy way to see what you have.  So do you have any things you like to do or use to get organized?

I find a lot of good ideas on Pinterest and I saw this idea for displaying photos or artwork that I liked.  I haven't wanted to put framed photos on the wall over a bed because, living in earthquake country, I am always worried they'll fall off the wall and hit someone in the head.  I saw this idea on Pinterest and I might use it.  You can hang photos on a curtain rod which would make them much more secure than on a little nail or picture hanger.  You can find really nice decorative curtain rods so many places and they aren't very expensive.  Here's a sample photo.

      

What a Trip!

I have another field trip with Ryan today... to Chuck E Cheese.  Not one of my favorite places and I haven't been to one since my kids were little and going to birthday parties.  Another germ pit!  I think I may be taking Jacob along, too.  I had a nice morning with Jacob yesterday.  It was trash day so he was thrilled to see the three different trash trucks- garbage, recycling and grass/plant clippings- arrive and do their thing.  What is it about little boys and trash trucks?  I have DVD's for Ryan and Jacob with construction vehicles and trash trucks and also fire engines.  They can watch them over and over!

I went by the Salvation Army on Monday after our tax appointment (not related) because I'm always looking for things for Jessica's house but couldn't find anything fabulous like the china cabinet I got there for them for $100.00 but I did see a painting that I liked.  I thought they could use it over their fireplace or on the wall over a console table in their entryway.  Once I saw it was $7.99, I couldn't resist.  It's quite large- probably 3 feet by 2 feet.  Here's a photo.

The photo reminds me of both Toni and Elizabeth who love Tuscany and lavender.  Tuscany is on my bucket list!

After Jacob left, I spent a lot of time on Pinterest.  I know many of you have been pinning on Pinterest for a long time but I have never seemed to find time for it until a few days ago.  I found out that you could add a little Pinterest Button on Blogger to link to your Pinterest so you can see mine on the right below my weather.  If you don't know what Pinterest is, here's an explanation:  "Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.  Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.  Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."  I know there's been some controversy lately about copyright issues over the pinned photos.  For the most part, I have used my own photos on Pinterest.