Kitchen, Pantry, Closet, Home :). A little motivation from me to you!

Hi Happy 2024 everyone!

Winter is a perfect time to minimize lol if you can and organize.  Whether it’s your kitchen area or your closet get going.  The winter will breeze by and you’ll feel so much better GETTING ORGANIZED! M.j.

Here are some new updated photos of my kitchen cabinets and laundry room.

 

It doesn't matter what time of the year it is getting organized will make YOU feel better. 

BEFORE

All stored in my cabinet and every year I check for old, dried up spices..Everything tastes better when using fresh.

Note:  Some of these suggestions may be repeated in other Getting Organized Posts.

 

Every January, July or about I spend a day or a few hours on a day or weekend and have a pitch party...................as in out with the *old, messy, stained or just ugly (why did I buy that) item?  This also goes for your spice cabinet or drawer.  I think this post is worth re-posting for those who need a bit of inspiration and and a little push!   Whether it's your *closet, *kitchen cabinets or home * it time to pitch out dated items and freshen up your home.

Spices lose their freshness after time so buy in small quantities to assure you'll replace when needed.  

Spring will be here in no time and what better time now to start setting some goals for a stress free summer.  I love to set goals for myself.  Whether it be saving for a vacation, eating healthier, or keeping my home in order..  They all have meaning to my life and to help make it stress free I have found that setting goals has helped make my life much more enjoyable..

 This whole goal thing probably was inspired when I worked for a cosmetic company.. Everyday goals ($$$) were set and it was placed on top of our work sheet.  That number would glare at me every hour I worked.   It did motivate me( I made my selling goal most days I worked).  I felt proud of myself too (I think I stood a little taller those days) and honestly a little sad when I didn't make my goal but I never gave up.  Never Ever!!

  One of my top goals in life has always been to keep my home clutter free.  I'm a pitch person.. I love magazines but only keep a very few after I read them and that goes for books. Those extra dishes you never ever use or all those slacks and tops that have shrunk from the dryer( I'm being kind to myself). Donate, donate donate! or have a garage or yard sale.

  Warm weather is on the horizon so you and your friends may want to have a neighborhood yard sale.  There are so many options for you. On a positive note if you donate you can get a tax deduction. You just have to remember to not let clutter take over your life and it can if you allow it to.  You have to be in control and being in control is a great feeling.  Why not start right now and make yourself a few easy goals to make life a bit easier for you to enjoy!

In January I decided to work on my main clothes closet..I got rid of all my clothes that I hadn't worn in 2 years and donated to my church.  They were having a rummage sale.  My church appreciated it and I bet a lot of people benefited from those unwanted items..Anything old and tattered I pitched!!! What a wonderful liberating feeling.

Start today and make your life clutter free! 

P.S.  I'm keeping my hubby and kids!!!!

Make a list of 3 goals to set for yourself and start today to make your life a bit more enjoyable. 

As always,

  

  

3/12/12 
1/16/13
3/18/13 
8/3/15 

1/4/2023
1/2024

Getting Organized: FYI: Your Clothes 2023

 Happy New Year 2023

Every year I update this post but I seldom change a word.  Just the year!

  It’s the best time of year both January and July to get yourself and your closet and home back on track.


I usually post this every year to help us get organized.  

Twice a year, January and July I try to go through my closet and decide what I'm going to do with items I never use, seldom use, are damaged and either donate, take to resale store or discard.

The years come and go but somethings don't change.

Let's get together and get organized.



Passing a few helpful suggestions to you to help you and I get organized this new year.  

To be clear I am not suggesting you do this for New Years Eve or Day.  

A rainy day or if you find yourself bored and are looking for a lift it's a good suggestion. Also if you have not made any plans for the weekend I say why not? It just may make it a good way to start the new year or a new month. 

I know it is hard to do but in order to have a free and uncluttered closet you must downsize.  Several nice casual and dressy casual outfits is probably all that you will ever need.  Personally at this time of my life I need less and as much as I love to shop I find myself being a lot more selective.  So IMO that is as good a reason to leave room to pick out some new items when you feel the need for a little something to update..

FYI:  Take some time (preferably on the weekend )  or a rainy day and start going through your clothes. Anything that is soiled or damaged get a large bag and get rid of them.  Make note that any clothes that don't fit quite like you would like them to either pitch it or put it in a pile to go through to donate or re-sell at a re-sale shop.  They are the in thing at the moment.

Making about 3 piles should make it simpler to do. One to pitch soiled or unwanted items, one for donation to local homeless shelter and one for consignment or re-sell.   This should help allowing room for any must keep items.  This should not take you a very long time.  It is either a keep or time to go. Simple!

I like a neat closet and twice a year go through it.  It makes me feel much calmer.  Yes it does and instead getting frustrated on what to wear this will take some pressure off you. 

It will take some stress out of getting ready.  No matter if it's work or to the grocery store.  It just makes life better!

My Closet:

   

16

My shoes...removing boxes help and I use slide out containers and I do have an over the door rack for sandals. 

First and foremost I make sure all my hangers are going in the same direction.. So much easier when you have them all going the same direction.

Second:   I keep my shirts, blouses and other hang able tops in one section. I keep my clothes according to colors.  Whites, blacks, browns and keep mixed colors last.  Anything that can be folded I put in easy accessible drawers.  I keep all tanks, tees and cami's in one drawer..

Third:  I place pants/slacks, beige's, brown's and blacks next to my shirts or blouses. I have decided basic colors work best!

Fourth:   I place all casual jackets, blouses and tops  according to color.


***I keep belts and scarfs on a belt/scarf hanger (I bought one at Marshall's for $6.99.. ( I used to love scarves but now feel they outdate you).  I’m donating lots of them.

You can use a plastic soda 6 pack bottle container for scarves too!  

They make an easy place to store scarves.  Hang the plastic container on a hanger and through the holes place scarves.( I hope I explained that enough for you to envision it..No picture sorry!

Fifth:   At the very back of the closet all dressy skirts, pants and items that I use only on occasion. I find I wear fewer dress items anymore.

A special note:  You don't have to spend a fortune organizing your closet.  I ask for the hangers when I purchase items.  Usually they are more than happy to accommodate.  I do have a few felt pants hangers for those creased or hard to hang pants or slacks..

Last about shoes.  I love shoes lol.  and purses(I won't even go there)and shoes and purses are a weakness in my never ending search for the right purse/bag or pair of shoes. 

Note:  I do not keep boxes..I have learned they take up way too much space. I use stackable containers  to store my extra shoes. I bought the containers at either Wal Mart or Target. The drawers slide out for easy removal of shoes.  They store approximately 5 or 6 pair of shoes in each container, depending on size of heel... 

On a personal note I find being organized in my home makes me more relaxed and feeling in control.  

Happy New You!

12/30/16

Updated 1/25/2023

 

My closet 2023 Fall/Winter

Happy January! And Happy New Year.

As you might know since our kids left the nest hubby and I have our own closet.

That and having a free bathroom is like the best of both worlds. No complaints.

I decided since January and July have been the times I chose many years ago to rearrange and allow myself to have some better organized space that I feel much more in control of my life in general.  It’s a feel good feeling.

Today I’m updating my previous years post and pictures.

I am finally very happy with my January closet.

I started taking clothes shopping very seriously.  Actually during Covid in 2020.

This is my 2023 winter closet.  I move my clothes on opposite side of closet for different seasons.  I’ll get to the other side when spring is almost here.  Stay tuned!

When I shopped during Covid I bought mostly online with a company I knew my size and  I realized I seldom get really dressed up anymore.  I decided to not buy anything real dressy (although I do have dressy casual clothes from that same company from years ago and I still wear).

Some basic black styles work well for all seasons and all occasions .

I try keeping colors together for easy tops  and pants.  

Pants I have mostly black blue and grey.  I do have brown but seldom wear brown .  I do though wear beige and brown in spring, summer and fall on occasion.  Beige, white, navy blue in summer along with sundresses.

I find sweaters handy for those times you need a little something to add to an outfit.  I do have a few pinks, black, navy, grey and a few that are little bit “holiday” type sweater.

Turtle necks…. I rarely wear them but I can’t seem to part with them but with limits.  Only neutral colors.

I’m a more basic clothes person but like an occasional pick up color.  I love peacock blue , rust/orange and shades of yellow and green.

  For some reason I don’t like red on me but love it and yellow in my flower garden.

 **** I do have one red lightweight dress up and a few jean casual jackets.

I have the fringe jacket in taupe and black too!  These 3 were a great buy(sale)very reasonable lightweight feel good addition easy to care for jacket that can be used in many social situations.  

****My Spring/Summer wardrobe is much more colorful but I still try to stay with basic colors in my slacks/shorts.

****I love sundresses so you’ll see more of them as the weather improves.

I don’t buy many pastels (I think pastels age me)imo

 and lean toward solid blacks, creams and grays for fall and winter.  Blues of all tones, beige , corals and white for Spring /Summer.

I do like to shop so something other than my basic that I find irresistible I’m going to buy it but here is where control comes in.  It’s not a good buy if you will only wear it once or twice!!!!

So my basic backsplash is neutral colors with accents like a nice simple chain, earrings or better yet a simple silver or gold shorter necklace.  I have found scarves are nice but I had way too many and seldom used them so off they went to be donated.

On another note.  This is the time of year to update your wardrobe and either discard, donate or go to resale shop. You can make $$ by reselling your nice items you don’t wear anymore.

I hoped this post helped someone today.  I enjoyed writing it.

Wishing you the best 2023.  

Organizing your cookie sheets and muffin tins

Hi everyone:

I've been featured on Hometalk.com to help with organizing your home and garden.

Below is one of the links to one of my suggestions to help you with storage of the numerous cookie sheets, muffin pans and racks you have in your kitchen...

I was inspired to find an easy and inexpensive way to store these items.

My mom kept hers in the oven and boy was that inconvenient! Every time she wanted to use her oven all those items would be placed all over the house. This way you can simply store the container in an area of your pantry or closet and access the items you need easily.

Hope I have been your inspiration. 

As always,

Large plastic container.  Place a lid rack inside.  You can store your cookie sheets, muffin pans and cooling racks easily depending of space and height of area on the bottom of your pantry floor.

Click on highlighted link:  Organizing your cookie sheets,muffin pans and cooling racks


FYI: Below are also some photo ideas for your pantry or cupboard.

I think it will be very helpful and also go to my Hometalk page for many more ideas and short cuts to save time and money.

Dry Food storage

Small appliances and baking pans.

Use small spin trays for easy to access items.

If you are interested in seeing all the other posts on How to's please check out my Hometalk page.












****Here's the link to my page.

Hometalk.com. mj.vitelli

Organizing your Refrigerator

A very Happy and Blessed Day to you.  It's never too late to get help organizing your refrigerator.  I know you probably get frustrated with bottles of half empty items.  I have found that I really try to not buy too many different items.  I buy what we definitely eat and enjoy and really work hard at not trying every new item that they have out there to temp us. How many times in the past I tried a new item to keep it just because I feel I spent money so couldn't bear to throw it away. It just lays there!!! We just can't do it!!! We are wasting our hard earned money...........Plain and simple.

If you want to keep your refrigerator neat and orderly here are few suggestions I have found to work for me.

 First clean out all the old, expired foods in your refrigerator.  Wipe down all the shelves and drawers with either vinegar and water or ammonia and water.  I make a mixture of 1 part clear vinegar (about 1/4 cup) and the remainder water.  I also use a dollar store spray bottle to store it. Easy fix to grunge and sticky shelves and drawers. Wipe all bottles with this mixture also with a clean rag or paper towel. 

Vinegar is the best for clean and sparkly and although you might think of pickling cucumbers while you are doing this. LOL The smell dissipates quickly.  lol

I line my drawers with either paper towels or I found some easy to clean shelve liners that are easily removed and washed.  I just take them out and place them in my sink with yes vinegar and a little dish liquid and rinse and dry.  Walla !

Keeping up the inside is imperative for organizing and below you can see the revolving racks I bought a few years ago to help keep items handy to access and also make more room.  Yes these racks hold about six items depending on size.  I have two which leaves a lot more room for milk, orange juice etc.  It eliminates sticky shelves with dried food or liquid.  My pet peeve has been crusty shelves that make more work so these revolving racks eliminated a lot of time spent cleaning spills. Thumbs up!!

If you are putting off cleaning out your refrigerator start now.  Step by step throwing out all expired and 1/4 filled bottles.  You can do it and you'll feel so much better and tell your family to help by putting items back where they belong.  You have worked hard to get the refrigerator to look decent. Smiles to you.  You'll like how you feel with less clutter. xo

Much more room after consolidation of items on revolving racks.

From my kitchen to yours,

Some general tips on sprucing up your home and making it clutter free!

Whether you are planning on selling your home or that you feel it's time to get a little more organized here are a few of the things I do to keep my home organized.  I am by no means a trained interior decorator but if I can make my house tastefully decorated and clutter free you can as well.  All it takes is putting your mind to it and not ignoring a few simple no no's.

First to make things easy let's start with eliminating all the clutter.  Books, magazines, newspapers must go!!  Go through them and keep a few that are important to you but get rid of all else. You have to! that's a start!  

Kitchen counter:  You must clear all unnecessary items.  Depending on the size of your counter and space, only allow items that you use frequently on the counter.  Example:  Coffee maker, toaster and possibly utensil keeper. Salt and Pepper shaker too! Eliminating items will give your kitchen a free flow and look so much neater and yes larger!

A very handy utensil and easy to grab for that tool you need immediately.

Living room, Dining room: Time to let go of all the nick knacks and books laying on tables.  A few items (as in one or two) look nice.  Anymore makes your tables look cluttered and I don't think you want that!  Again your rooms will look larger and neater. Check out the cookbooks in the next room..I use an upright plant stand to store my cookbooks. 

Simplicity is best.  A few books or magazines and throw away the rest...or donate!!

Choose either a table cloth or place mats.  A versatile centerpiece you can change different color schemes for the seasons. I use mine all year.  I change the bottom dish items spring, fall and holidays. (This is my spring/summer)

Bath:  Again get rid of clutter on counter.  The only thing that should be on your counter is a soap dispenser and hand towel.  If possible place a nice hand towel rack on wall.  It'll look much neater. Place any other items under cabinet or in a bin(basket) that you can store either in your cabinet or under sink.

A small flower arrangement might add a nice touch

Bedroom:  Any dressers should be clear for the exception of a lamp or phone.  I hate to repeat myself but the room will look larger as well.  Keep draperies to a minimum. If you don't have them already, shades, mini blinds or light valances really are enough.  No bulky draperies (remember you want the room to look large)

A valance, blinds, or sheer drapes is all you need.  You do not have to have all three.

9/9/12
4/19/13