Simple Solution Sunday

Sometimes the only thing that prevents us from doing something is that we're not totally sure how to finish it. For example, today's simple solution is one such issue.

I have been wanting to clean out my linen closet for quite a long time. However, my biggest issue was finding somewhere for all the rejected linens to go! So, today's simple solution is more of a "duh" than an "oh cool".

With the help of my husband and a matter of about 1 hour we cleaned out the linen closet. First things first, I spread linens put in the hallway and the bathroom so that we had a good view of what linens we had. Then we selected what we wanted to keep and put it away, including putting king size sheets in our bed trunk in our bedroom and making Annie's bed. Finally I bagged up items to donate. As you can see from the after picture, I apologize for no before picture, the closet is tidy with room to spare, two giant bags are being donated and several lives will hopefully be positively effected by it.

This is my simple solution. When it is time to clean out closets, look around your city or your neighborhood and find an organization to donate the items to. If all else fails, take them to your local Goodwill. Their website, www.goodwill.com has some useful info on evaluating your items for donation. I highly recommend looking first at your church, school or work and supporting the efforts of others in your immediate circles, but if you don't know of such efforts, donation is an excellent next choice.

Love!

Simple Solution Sunday: Ribbon Roll Call

I love wrapping presents and putting really awesome curly Q's on them! Don't you?!? However, I do NOT love how tangled all the ribbon gets sitting in a basket in my arts and crafts closet. Honestly, it is downright maddening. A while back I bought tension rods that were intended to help wrangle the ribbon in my sewing area. Unfortunately, the tension rod I purchased was waay to big. So, I set it aside, intending to use it for something else. But, I never could come up with a use for the thing. So it sat. Until I had to start wrapping Hanukkah presents!

Let me tell you, I do not even want to think about the amount of money that I may have wasted over the years just by cutting instead of untangling the curling ribbon. So, in comes the tension rod! Seriously, this may be one of the best and all-time greatest of my simple solutions!

Here's what I did...

First, I read the instructions that came with the tension rod about how it works. (Every brand is a little different, so be sure to read the instructions that go with the rod you choose.)

Second, I marked how long the tension rod would actually be in the closet.

Third, I put the ribbon spools onto the tension rod.

Fourth, hang it up! and enjoy knowing that your curling ribbon will never be tangled again.

Simple Solution Sunday: Frequent Shopper Cards

I don't know about you, but I have a TON of frequent shopper cards; Babie-R-us, grocery store, walgreens, CVS, you name it, I probably have it. And they either make my wallet really thick and heavy or they simply junk up the inside of my purse. Either way, it's really annoying!

So, here's my simple solution for you....I put them all on a key ring!

They fit neatly on the ring and they are easy to find. Best part? I don't have to weigh down the key in the ignition of my car with them and if I want to, I can hand the entire thing to my husband when I send him somewhere.

Obviously, this was a bit simple of a simple solution, but for me it was one of those things that I probably should have thought of and never did.

Hope you have a great week!

 

Simple Solution Sunday: Tervis Addiction!

I am not sure if you are aware of how addicted I am to Tervis tumblers...but suffice it to say that the feelings i have for my collection of Tervis tumblers is a bit, well, ridiculous.

Here's a picture of a few of them from when we went to the beach.

While I love all of the cups and their colorful lids and straws that coordinate with my Tervis tumblers, they make quite a cluster in the drawer. Personally, I like things to be neater and tidier than that.  I've also been trying to find ways to improve the overall functionality of my kitchen.

Meet; the hanging basket! This was done with the new Command clips, found at my local target for 3.49 a pack. The basket also came from target, it was $14.99, which was a little more than I was planning to spend, but once it gets spray painted black to match the rest of the kitchen, it will look great. I am really pleased with how it turned out.

Be sure to check out your target, to see how you can solve some of your clutter problems in a cheap and easy way!