SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

I am all about simple solutions.  

If a project involves more than 10 minutes and a few tools, count me out.

Recently, I came up with two simple solutions that helped make life a little easier. 

First up, shoe storage....... 

I would not call myself a "shoe person" by any means, but a girl has got to have options. 

My OPTIONS were starting to crowd the shoe closet.  

It was time to get inventive.

This time an old curtain rod came to the rescue. 

This new storage method makes it easy to keep all my summer shoes on display.

I generally switch out my shoes seasonally. 

I store the off season shoes in the top of my closet, with the exception of the boots. 

In hindsight, I should have had them build the shelves a little closer together. 

My other simple solution involves my need for clear countertops.  

Nothing puts me over the edge faster than having clutter all over the counter tops.  

Yes, I'm aware, I have issues. 

My kids love to get a cup out of the cabinet, fill it with water, take a sip, sit it down and forget about it. 

When they get thirsty again, they get another clean cup out, fill it with water, take a sip, sit it down and forget about it. This cycle would continue all day long. 

Finally, I outsmarted them. I got out my trusty chalkboard tray, assigned them each a spot and gave them strict instructions to put their cup in their spot after each use. 

It sits on the countertop, out of the way, and has saved my sanity this summer. 

I exaggerate a bit!

There you have it, my two simple solutions.

Do you have any you'd like to share?

 

ORGANIZING CLOSETS

My two sweet boys have the pleasure of sharing a room.

95% of the time, it works out just fine.  

I actually think they enjoy it.

I'm sure there will come a time when they will want their own space, 

but for now, 

they are pretty darn fond of each other.

They also share a closet (two closets, to be exact).

I just recently spent some time getting this closet in order. 

I lucked out and found this small dresser that fit perfectly in the space between the hanging organizers. 

I bought it at the Burlington Antique Show for $50.

I would love to change up the hardware, but it works for now.

The two large red baskets hold all of their sports shorts. 

They insist on wearing them everyday, so I like to keep them accessible. 

I added some labels to their organizers (thanks for the brilliant idea, Carmel).

We choose their clothes for the week on Sunday night. 

It definitely helps make our mornings a little less hectic. 

The red bins at the top of the closet hold extra sheets and sports uniforms.

The brown baskets at the very top are for the momentos they want to hang on to. 

The other closet holds all of their hanging clothes and shoes. 

Other than having their clothes picked out for the week, 

the boys could care less about having an organized closet.

But it sure makes mom happy! 

I didn't want my little girl to feel left out, so her closets are getting a makeover as well. 

I'll show you soon.

I hope you all have a great weekend. 

I don't say this often enough, but I sure do appreciate each and every one of you 

taking the time to stop by this little blog of mine.  It really means a lot to me.

Sharing with:
A Thoughtful Place

A PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT

I love the idea of adding unconventional art to a home.

I would categorize hats as unconventional art, wouldn't you? 

The trend of decorating with hats is one that has certainly grown on me. 

I love the simplicity of this arrangement. 

via

And I'm digging this haphazard arrangement.

via

Sarah Richardson could hang a collection of dirty diapers
on the wall and make it look fabulous.
I love the way she frames the mirror with hats.

via

This vertical arrangement makes good use of the space.

via

I'm not usually one for messes, but this pile of hats makes me smile.

via

I have amassed a small collection of hats.
I am hardly ever out in the sun without sporting one.
They were previously stacked on top on one another on a shelf in my closet.
I added a few thumbtacks to the wall in my closet and put them on display.

How about you, are you on board with this trend? 

Or do you prefer to keep your hats hidden?

GETTIN' BUSY

Since it looks like the rain, snow and cold are finally settling in here, I will most likely be bombarding you with projects around the house. I tend to get a tad antsy this time of year since we are stuck inside.

First up, the closet makeover.

Yesterday I purchased the wire baskets and I investigated the hangers.  I brought home some of the wire hangers that are covered in velvet.  If I end up using them, I need to get my hands on 125 more.  

I was originally planning to buy the wooden hangers from Ikea, but when I ran across the ones covered in velvet, I thought they seemed like a great option.  Clothes sliding off the hangers is a bit of a problem in our closet and I think it would be even more of a problem with the wooden hangers. 

Velvet versus wooden - what's a girl to do?  Any advice?

I also finished turning the old window into a jewelry display.  It was quite the process.  

It started out looking like this...

And now it looks like this....

The first thing I did was take it outside and break out the glass with a hammer.  It was exhilarating! 

I did get a few strange looks from a neighbor. 

Next I used metal cutting scissors (very technical term) to trim the wire backing to size. 

The backing is from an old fireplace screen that was here when we bought our house.

After that, I attached the wire backing to the back of the window with small "U" shaped fasteners.  

I added some "S" hooks that I purchased at Lowe's to hold the bracelets and earrings. 

I also added cup hooks at the top for the necklaces. 

I bought this old window from an outdoor antique show years ago.  

I was never quite sure what to do with it.  

So glad I finally found a use for it.  

I was feeling ambitious today and I tackled the stripes. 

I mixed it up a little with the colors and I love the way it turned out.

 I will show you next week. 

The only thing left to do is to paint the dresser.  

Since I loathe sanding and priming, I am thinking of either making my own chalk paint 

using Carmel's instructions or maybe biting the bullet and ordering some Annie Sloan chalk paint.

So it appears that having a deadline for finishing a project is just what I need.  Go figure!

How about you, does a self imposed deadline work for you?

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Sharing with:
Savvy Southern Style
AKA Design