Let's get spring cleaning.......

The beautiful flowers are blooming and the birds are singing outside my window. It can only mean on thing.... It's time for some serious spring cleaning. Too many clothes in my closet but before I start buying more 'stuff', I need to start making some room. Yes, time to edit!

I've tried consigning in the past but end up with very little back after the consignment shops take a big cut (~50%). So, I am trying my hand on selling on eBay. I was unsure at first but finally after 2 weeks, I made my first sale on eBay this week!!! Very pleased.

Have some high-end items that are for sale on eBay. Check them out.

BCBG Max Azria dress - SOLD

 Love this new Lacoste dress

Givenchy kitten heel slingback

Closet Inspirations

From a small closet to a walk-in closet (we should all be so lucky), organization is key to making use of the space you have.

Unclutter your closet on 'Good Morning America'

'Good Morning America' recently had a segment on cleaning out the clutter in your closet. It's about de-cluttering and organizing what you have. Doesn't have to be expensive and you don't need to hang any hardware.

It's time to make room for change and move forward with your life!!

Check out the video on this link!

Closet Makeover

For us city gals out there, we don't always have big walk-in closets in our apartments. (If you do, you are SO LUCKY!) So, we all have to make do. I see this problem all the time. Here's a BEFORE and AFTER closet makeover that came out great!

BEFORE
* Too much stuff piled up on top rack.
* Limited hanging space. Tops, dresses, skirts and pants were stuffed into the small space.
* There are some good features. The four drawers is a good way to keep/organize your 'un-mentionables'. So I'll keep this.
* Shoes piled at the bottom of closet.
* Shopping bags left at the bottom of closet.










Here's how I completed this project in one day and for under $50.
Step 1 - First things first... remove ALL (yes, ALL) clothing, shoes, bags from closet.
Step 2 - Sort all your clothes into three piles - 'KEEP', 'DONATE' and 'TOSS' (For more tips on how to de-clutter, see my earlier posting dated May 15th)
Step 3 - Add a shoe rack to organize your shoes. You can also use a hanging shoe organizer.
Step 4 - Add a 6-shelf hanging organizer. This will be great for organizing T-shirts, sweaters, shorts etc.
Step 5 - Add a hanging rod. This will create more hanging space!!

Now you are ready to start putting back you clothes. Remember to de-clutter first. A good rule of thumb is if you have not worn it in 1-2 years, it's time to toss or donate the item. There are a few different ways to organize the space. It's all up to you. There's no right or wrong way to do this.

AFTER (Three ways to organize the space)

Option 1:
* Hang organization shelf on the far side of closet
* Hang shirts, blouses and tops on top hanging rack. I like arrange each category by color. Makes it easy to get dressed in the morning (Trust me)
* Hang skirts and pants on bottom hanging rack.
* Hang dresses on the other side.
* Keep the four drawer shelf.
* Add organization boxes on top shelf together with handbags. These organization boxes come in different sizes and are great for storing small handbags, scarfs, hats etc.









Option 2:
* Same as Option 2 expect for the removal of the small four-drawer shelf. You can keep you un-mentionables on an armoire drawer.
















Option 3:
* Hang the hanging organizer in the middle.
* Hang the dresses on one side, and the shirts, blouses and tops on the other side.
* Hang pants on the bottom
* Arrange shoes at the bottom of dresses. You can use the shoe rack as well.











At the end of this project, there was a lot of de-cluttering and as a result, a big bag for donations. The closet looks fantastic!!

HAPPY ORGANIZING! Remember to 'Keep It Organized, Keep It Simple'

Kitchen organization products

To continue on the subject of kitchen organization for this month, I found some additional products for kitchen organization that is great for organizing your pantry. There are products at every price point but you do not need to spend a lot.

Tip of the day: Organizing your pantry will help when you are planning the weekly groceries. No more food wasted. Save $$, especially during this economic time.

Two and three-compartment organizer and a tea and sugar holder from Container Store.



Of course, the container that I use to store dry goods to keep them fresh is the jar and lid from the IKEA 365+ product. It comes in three sizes (10 oz, 2 qt, 44 oz). These are dishwasher safe. The container with the removable dividers is also from IKEA (I store teabags and sugar). It comes in 3 sizes as well. All under $4.99 each. (See May 31st posting)

Target has similar products as well. This one is $17.99 for a set of 4.

Kitchen organization ideas

This weekend a good friend came to visit and she brought the most fragrant lilacs from her garden. The flowers brighten up the kitchen (SMILE). Wish you could smell it too. Hope you like it as much as I do. (AND IT DID NOT COST ANYTHING AT ALL!)



Since I am on the subject of kitchens, I would like to share with you some kitchen organization ideas and tips from my own kitchen.

1) Multipurpose use of a bookshelf
The window would have been wasted space and so, place a shelf or small bookcase in this small nook. The bookshelf is now a place to keep recipe books and also display some kitchenware such as cups, bowls, plates and stemware. So, be creative & use what you already have in your home.



2) Containers
You can store your pasta, rice or cereal in air tight containers and display them. This way, the food will be kept fresh while adding some visual interest in this little nook. Here, I have pasta, rice, walnuts, dried mushrooms in containers. I also added a basket to make it more interesting. You can arrange some recipe books on this shelf as well. The options are endless.

3) Other stuff
What to do with all the tea bags and sugar packets? I found these boxes with built in dividers to organize them. Keeps it fresh and neatly organized. No more rummaging through drawers or boxes.



I hope you'll find these organization tips useful! I would love to hear your ideas and comments.


Happy organizing.... Just remember to Keep it Organized, Keep it Simple!!

More colors, please......

A continuation of my obsession with painting the insides of a bookshelf. You can even do it with kitchen cabinets. Here are more examples. LOVE IT!!