The closet is done...mostly



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The closet is mostly done, I probably need do do 2 more boxes ....I found one when I was doing a little bit of organizing in my closet. So, I need one more and I ran out of modge podge.  But I have to say, I'm really pleased with the results.

My last blog post was the directions on covering shoe boxes with wrapping paper if you are inspired to try this at home.

Source: kimquilts55.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Time to move on to my next project.  I'm not really sure what that should be...keeping my closet and clothes organized seems to be an ongoing project....so I'll just work on that as I go.  I did try an idea from pinterest for my t-shirt drawer...I don't think I saved any space...but the fact that you can see them all is a good thing.

Source: simpleorganizedliving.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

 
This blog also has other great ideas for closets....I need to re-read for more ideas.
My craft/sewing room is also a disaster...really too much to take on at once...so I try to do just one little organizing project in there every weekend in the hopes that by the end of the year I will be good.  I cleaned and and organized the party supplies and and gift bags this past weekend....and looked around trying to decide what to tackle next...I decided finishing a few half finished sewing projects would be good.  Below you can see what kind of mess I'm dealing with...really it's a miracle I get anything done in here!

Last but not least....the garden plans have started,  I found this site where you create a login, it's free.  You put in your zipcode and select the vegetables you would like to grow and it tells you when to start indoors and plant outside. 

Source: sproutrobot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

We went to the garden store and bought some seeds so this week I'm starting my spring veggies indoors.  Last year our garden didn't do that good....it was just too dang hot.  I'm hoping for a better year this year with better timing.

Another idea I got from pinterest was to grow potatoes in a barrel...so we also got a big wiskey barrel (half barrel really) plus some peat moss and potatoes....I'm excited about this project.

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That's all for now.  Need to get to work so I can pay for all my projects.

Cheap Storage - a tutorial

I was looking for a cheap and pretty way to coral some junk in a closet I was organizing.  I had used bins and baskets in other areas as I'm working my way through the house; but I wanted something different...I just wasn't sure what.  I took a trip to The Container Store and was inspired by the wrapping paper, then the idea hit me: I can cover some old shoe boxes with paper!  I pondered just exactly what the best method would be as I was driving home....WARNING: DISTRACTED DRIVER ON THE ROAD!  And what I decided is that I would use Mod Podge, that would make the boxes a little more sturdy.  I will start with a picture of the finished boxes.

After selecting your paper and boxes, you will need to loosely measure your paper so there is enough overlap to go over the edges by a few inches. 

Then place the box in the center of the paper and trace around the box so you know where to start applying the Mod Podge.

Apply the Mod Podge inside of your drawn area going over just a little, a place the box on top.  Flip and smooth out any major bubbles.  This was the point I learned that the thicker papers were easier to work with...less crinkling. 

The next step is to cut a diagonal line from the corner of the paper to the corner of the box...I just eye balled it and it worked out fine.  If you are more "type A" than me...you could first draw a straight line from corner to corner, then cut.

Since the paper was on a roll...I had paper curling up everywhere...I grabbed anything nearby to weigh it down as I was working on this next step.  One side at a time, apply the Mod Podge.  Then roll the box onto the sticky paper...this seemed to be the best method for avoiding bubbles...there will still be some, so work those out.   

The next step is to smooth the flaps around the sides, you are working with wet, sticky paper so work fast.

You now have the edge standing up over the box...you will need to cut straight down at the corner to the top of the box.

I couldn't hold the camera and scissors to get a good shot of that step, so I hope you get the idea. Next roll the paper over to the inside of the box.

Smooth it all out.  Repeat for all sides, doing opposite sides first.

Next I wanted a hole in one end so I could tie a cute tag with cute ribbon.  Once dry, it was too hard to use a paper hole punch.  I asked my husband if he could drill a hole...he said that wouldn't work with card board...went out to his domain, aka "the garage" and came back with a punch set used for leather...and basically hammered a hole.  If you don't have something like that handy, I guess you could use a big nail...or not use a tied tag.  If I was going to use these as a gift, I would also line the inside...but since these are just to organize a closet so the side of the box is just fine the way it is.

Getting ready for 2012

I recently discovered pinterest and now I'm loaded with ideas for getting ready for new years resolutions.

1. Lose weight, I will get down to my goal this year. I lost 35 lbs in 2011 (of course I gained a little back over the holidays....but we won't dwell on that) I will got back on the 17 Day diet...this is the best plan ever....I feel great, more energy, sleep better....when I'm following the plan.
   

   Source: my-wishful-shrinking.tumblr.com via Kimberly on

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2. Exercise.....this is my least favorite thing to do....but I will use my elliptical at least 5 days a week.....I will probably need to come up with a reward system for this.
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4. Declutter and organize.....I'm loaded with some great ideas for this. We really need to start simplify.....getting ready to down-size and retire.
   

   Source: mysimplerlife.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

5. Decrease debt and save.....live more frugally....again preparing for retirement.
   

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I will report my progress on these goals