Organized Baking Center

This is what my baking center looked like after the holidays. Really. I didn't mess it up for dramatic effect. Every time I opened it, something fell out or got stuck. This is so unlike me. I just kept thinking I would get around to it. Well, this weekend I finally did. The funny thing is it only took about an hour from start to finish. Of course, that doesn't include the trip to the store to buy the containers...

The first thing I did was take everything out of the drawers. I was surprised to find so many duplicate items, but that's what happens when you can't see what you have.

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I pulled out the drawers and cleaned them out. Yuck! Then I lined them with some cute shelf liner that I found at the dollar store. My shelves are 18"x13" and the paper was 18" wide, so all I had to do was make one cut and install. Lucky me! I just followed the instructions on the package.

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I put the drawers back in and got down to business. 

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Now about those containers...

I've seen all kinds of cute containers online that people have said they got at the dollar store. My trip to the dollar store was not very successful. Aside from the cute liner, I got nothing. You see, my drawers are pretty small, so I wanted to use every inch of them. I decided I wanted square or rectangular containers that would fit together closely. The only place I was able to find them was a a higher end store that specializes in containers. While they didn't break the bank, they weren't exactly cheap.

I measured the cabinets making sure to get width, depth and height of each space. I then made a list of the items I wanted in containers and headed to the store. I was able to lay it out in the store to make sure everything fit. 

When I got home, I started filling the containers and labeling them. I want my daughter to make me some cute labels, so in the mean time I just used clear packing tape and a marker.

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In no time at all, I had everything back where it belongs. No more duplicated items either!

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I love it! I'm not sure it's normal to be this excited about a clean cabinet.

I'll keep you posted...

Lynn

Driftwood Christmas Tree

I've already told you that this is my year to simplify. You can see what I did in my house here. But I still wanted to have a tree. Something to put lights and garland on and nothing else. I've been drawn to the beauty of driftwood lately. I love the weathered, silvery wood. My favorite nativity is driftwood. So, I decided that I wanted a tree made of driftwood, but all I could find were small ones. Pretty, but not what I had in mind. I finally decided to have one made. I waited anxiously for it to arrive. Was I crazy? Was it going to look ridiculous instead of beautiful? Well...it finally arrived. I think it's gorgeous! What do you think?

Here it is with nothing on it. It's pretty but not very Christmassy. I added a red berry garland and white lights.

My only ornament is a bird in a nest. My grandmother said you had to have one because it is good luck.

I love the texture of the wood. Simple and beautiful.

Pretty at night, too.

The reflection in my living room mirror is stunning.

A simple burlap tree skirt is the final touch.

I realize this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I couldn't be happier with the results. I will have this tree forever, too! Even when I decide to have another traditional tree, this one will look great on the deck.

I'll keep you posted...

Lynn

A Change of Seasons

It's officially fall. We even had a break in the 100 degree weather! Of course that was all it took for me to decide to change things up a bit around the house. This is always a tricky time of year for me because even though the calendar says fall, the Texas heat still says summer. So what I do is just change a few things to make it a little less summery and a little more fall-ish. I can do more as the temperature starts to drop and the leaves start to fall. The most obvious place to start is the sunroom. I love my brightly floral colored pillows mixed with polka dots, but they really scream summer so out they go.

In come my fall pillows and a different quilt. Minor change to be sure, but major impact and totally different feel.

The other quick update is the front porch. A fall wreath on the door, some fairytale pumpkins, and fall color in the pots and the porch is dressed for fall.

It's not a lot, but these minor changes help me welcome fall to my home. More changes will gradually work their way in in the upcoming months. 

I'll keep you posted... 

Lynn