A Great Blog - Really Makes you Think "Out of the Box"

I came across this blog post from Sturdy Roots and Dan Smolen Direct Search, LLC. The blog concerns repurposing those empty big box stores that have gone out of business and creating living spaces and/or adding to your existing workspace rather than building new.

Click here to read about this great idea.

Got a Kindle for Christmas - Thanks Santa!!

Well even though I didn't stand in line to see Santa this year, he knew exactly what I wanted for Christmas - an Amazon KINDLE!

Those of you who know me personally, know that I am a huge reader of books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, and, of course, organizing books - whatever I can get my hands on. So, the Kindle is a perfect techie tool for me since I can get all of these things at once on a little book sized computer screen. And I can get them right away - which is always a big plus.

Santa (aka my dear husband Alan) was wise enough to buy my Kindle way back in early November and hide it away. Good thing he did because Amazon has been sold out of the Kindle since December 1st and they are still on back-order with an ever growing waiting list.

I'm loving the Kindle so far - have downloaded a few books, blogs, and a newsletter - enough to keep me busy for awhile.

Real Simple Quote

Here's the latest Real Simple Magazine daily quote that I wanted to share with you.

For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe.

— Anonymous

Remember, there are only 24 hours in the day and the most important time spent is time spent with your friends and family. Everything else will fall into place if you remember to say "no thanks" once in awhile.

15 Minute Organizing - The Medicine Cabinet

Here's a quick 15 minute organizing tip - cleaning out your medicine cabinet.

Start with an empty trash can and some cleaning supplies. Empty everything out of your medicine cabinet onto the counter. Use Windex or other liquid bathroom cleaner to clean out the inside of the cabinet including the shelves and sides.

Now start going through the items from the medicine cabinet. Be careful not to flush any medicines - over the counter or prescription - down the toilet as they will wash out to sea and can be harmful to the environment.

Medicines should be stored outside of the bathroom due to the high moisture most bathrooms contain. Moisture can be harmful to medicines and make them work less effectively.

The best place to store medicine is in a high kitchen cabinet away from the heat of your oven and stove and out of the reach of small children.

Other bathroom products can be stored in your medicine cabinet. Place like items together and throw away any expired items or those you do not use. Consider donating any unopened bath products to a homeless shelter or mission.

Empty containers with the proper recycling markers can be placed in your recycling container.

Park-A-Purse - A Great Organizing Christmas Gift!

I was so excited to get the new Park-A-Purse from my sister for Christmas this year. When she put this huge box next to me to open, I had no idea what it was. But once I peeked inside, I knew exactly what it was and couldn't wait to try it out.

I have a long closet in my bedroom - it's three doors long to be exact - that I share with my husband. I currently keep my purses on the top shelf but since they are nice, I don't want to stack them on top of each other. There is tons of room above the purses which is not being used for anything - something we organizers call dead space.



The Park-A-Purse is designed to fill out that dead space and use it in a more organized way - a way to stack your purses without doing damage to them.

Below are some pictures of the process of putting together the Park-A-Purse. It was relatively easy - took about 20 minutes from start to finish. Overall I am very happy with the end result.

Getting started:



Putting the pieces together:



We're half way there:



Almost finished:



The box is assembled:



The finished product up on the closet shelf:



Look how great the purses look inside:



The job is done and there's room to spare on the closet shelf!

January is Get Organized Month

Let's start the New Year fresh with the one resolution I'll try my best to help you keep - getting organized.

This month, and every month, I will continue to post timely organizing tips, projects, and great organizing books, websites and products designed to inspire you to get your life organized.

Happy New Year - 2009 Here We Come!

Wishing you a very Happy New Year and all the best blessings in 2009. Stay organized!