Friday, June 15, 2012

When you get home from the grocery store.......

Prewash all veggies and fruit right after you get back from the grocery store/ farmer's market. 

The first thing I do when I get back from the store is I wash all fruits and vegetables. I also prep all fruit and veggies for the week.  I wash and precut the lettuce and put it in a giant Ziploc bag, separate berries into small Ziploc bags, cut up fresh veggies and put in Ziploc bags to make everything snack sized so it is all easy to grab when I need a snack or need to pack lunch.  If I have melon or pineapple and it is ripe I will precut it and place it in small Tupperware containers and label them using those dry-erase washable labels I mentioned in my last post.


Also, if you like Ranch or some other dip/dressing with your veggies for a snack I recommend putting portions in several small Tupperware (I use the Rubbermaid ones), so that you can Grab and GO! (I use the really small ones below---the ones with the olives in them in the picture below). You can get these Tupperware at Target or Walmart. Link at the bottom of the page.

It may sound like a hassle, but it really does save time.  Spend about 45 minutes on this task right when you get home, and everything is ready to go for the week.  It also helps encourage you to eat healthy snacks rather than processed ones!! Get into a routine and in a few weeks you'll feel strange if you don't wash the produce when you get home and prep it! :)


Sunday, May 20, 2012

Labels!!

Label, Label, label----oh how I love to label!! Labeling makes my life so much easier! It may seem silly to label as much as a I do around my house, but labeling helps hold me accountable for putting things away correctly!  I may have "known" where things were supposed to go before, but I often put things away wrong, and figured I would put them back right later.....well that equals disorganized messes! So today I am going to talk about a few of my favorite ways to label.
*I attached pictures of ways other people use these different types of labels. And at the end of this entry are the links to retailers who carry the products mentioned!*

 Label Maker: You can buy label makers at any office supply store like Staples, Office Max, Office Depot etc. You can also look online to try to find lower prices at sites such as Ebay or Amazon.com.  I use a standard inexpensive label maker that only cost me $20 at Target. It is very basic, but for my needs it does the trick.  You can also spend more money on a fancier label maker that will allow you to change font styles, label tape colors, font colors etc.  Just FYI, colored label tape costs a decent amount more than standard white label tape with black lettering. 





Adhesive Clear Plastic Pouch Labels:  These labels are awesome! They are clear plastic label pouches that you insert a piece of card stock/decorative paper inside of with your label on it.  These are fabulous because your labels don't rip, get dirty, or have those edges that start to curl up.  Your labels are protected, and if you want to put new contents in the container all you have to do is take out the sheet of cardstock/paper, and put a new piece of paper inside the pocket---no need to take off the pocket! Love these!






Chalk Board Labels: Exactly like it sounds, these are labels that are made out of chalkboard like material.  You use regular chalk to write your container's contents onto the label.  These labels are great for containers that may have contents that are likely to change in the future, this way you don't have to replace the whole label, but rather just erase and rewrite. I use them in my kitchen primarily.  I use them to label food storage containers: for my sugar, flour, cereals, granolas, dry-snacks etc.





Dry Erase Labels: Very similar to the chalkboard labels, the only difference is that these labels are made out of dry erase material, and you use a dry erase marker to write on the label.  Just like the chalkboard labels, these are great for containers that may have contents that are likely to change in the future. 






Dry Erase/ Dishwasher Safe Labels: My favorite labels of all time.  These are just like the regualr dry-erase labels, however they are dishwasher safe which makes them great for the kitchen--especially the refrigerator.  You can use any permanent marker (it comes with one, but you don't have to use just that kind---you can use any permanent marker-I use regular Sharpies) to write on the labels.  The permanent marker erases uses the eraser that is provided in the starter label package.
*If you have a hard time erasing--wash the item in the dishwasher first and then erase--comes off really easily.*  You can through the item with the label on it in the dishwasher and they still work perfectly! These are great reusable labels, and I love them for labeling food storage containers like Tupperware.  I affixed labels on all of my storage containers when I bought the labels, and so whenever I use a container to store food I made, like leftovers I write on the label: the contents and the date it was made.  This helps me keep track of things, so I don't wind up wasting food because I forgot when I made it.



Other great labels: Erasable labels--just like regular paper labels, but you can erase them when the contents of the folder/container change (no more label stacking!). Erasable Magnetic Labels--labels that have a magnetic backing, and you can erase the label when the contents of the container change! Shelf label holders are a great way to label shelves!
Below I attached a link to The Container Store where you can see these kinds of labels, and others they have that are creative and fun to use!










Monday, May 7, 2012

Repurpose that "Over the door" shoe rack!

      Over the door shoe racks are amazing for so many things (except I don't love them for their original purpose).  They can be used to store makeup, hair accessories, toiletries, scarves, belts, wallets, office supplies, small toys, cleaning supplies, snacks, pantry items, etc. I love this method because it is inexpensive, really easy to organize, and allows for everything to be easily seen (so that you can always know what you have----no more outta sight outta mind with your items).  If I can't see something, I often don't remember I have it, and therefore don't use it. I also label my pockets so I never wind up putting items away in the wrong place---helps keep me accountable! :) Below are some pictures of some ways to use them for accessories, and makeup/bathroom items.  I will post more of how I use them to store office supplies.

      You can buy them just about anywhere----Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, The Container Store etc.  I bought mine shown from Home Depot--(around $10).  If you look at their website it is a lot more money online (over $20!---but it was less than $10 when I bought them in the store).  Shop around for the best price, and style. You can find them in all different colors and patterns.  I attached links to the bottom of this post that shows some of the many options out there!

My house:
One side of my bathroom door is used to hold all of my makeup/makeup brushes/tools/makeup brush cleaners/lotions/bronzers/ and hair appliances.  





The other side of door is used to store wallets, headbands, belts, wristlets, and sunglasses.




 Here are some others' ideas that I found when I was searching online.  







Sunday, May 6, 2012

The front of the refrigerator---declutter

     Now how many of us have cluttered refrigerators---you know pictures, drawings, mail, reminders, post-its etc everywhere.  When everything has a designated place in your home you can eliminate this clutter.  First of all, mail and other important correspondences should have a designated file somewhere in your home (filling cabinet). I will later post a blog about different ways to file your important papers.
      The front of the fridge should have the most important, go-to info that you need daily.  Below is a picture of the way I designed my fridge. I use a magnetic dry erase calendar purchased from the Container Store. The calendar is not prefilled so you only have one "page" that you fill in the current month's info on.  I bought it for $16.99.
      I then have a small white board that I attached to the fridge as well, so all those important reminders I have just get written on the board instead of affixed them to the fridge with magnets. You can attach the white board using magnetic tape, or adhesive Velcro strips.  The white board cost me around $8.99. Also purchased at the container store.
     Then I bought a magnetic pocket (also bought at the Container Store) for $4.99. That is where I keep my dry erase markers, dry eraser, and a pen and post-its.  I use a small magnetic pocket, but they come in a variety of sizes.
     My grocery list is also a magnetic pad--you can buy a pre-made grocery pad like I use (Container Store), or just buy plain pad of paper (dollar store or any office supply store), and affix an adhesive magnetic strip to the back, and you have a grocery list that is easy to access! I prefer to write mine on paper rather than on the white board because I need to take the list with me when I am at the store.  If I write it on the white board, I either have to try to remember what I wrote, or I have to write it again on a piece of paper before I go to the store (why do twice as much work?)
     I try to keep most papers off the fridge, but sometimes it is necessary to have a couple of things.  For example, I have a running project list on my fridge (my getting prepared for the baby checklist), and I have an envelope on my fridge because it has contents that I need to bring to my mom when I see her next, and I don't want to forget about it! If you have papers I recommend using magnetic clips rather than standard magnets.  This allows you to hold more than one piece of paper/heavier items.

Laundry Accessories Part I

     Where do you store your lint rollers, and other small accessories used for laundry? Below are some ideas I use in my home! As mentioned previously, I live in a small apartment, and I am always looking for ways to maximize space in my home.  Using the inside of cabinets is one way I do this! 

 Lint Rollers
     I bought Command hooks (you know the kind that peel and stick, and don't cause damage to your walls).  They have all different kinds, and you can find them at many retailers.  I buy mine at Target.  I affixed the hooks to the inside of my linen/hallway closet, and then hung my lint rollers from the hooks.  Just be sure that if you affix to a linen closet that you place the hooks in a place where when you shut the door, the rollers don't stick your linens. 



The water cup for your iron/steamer
      Some irons/steamers come with that little water cup to help make filling the device easier.  While it is helpful, I was bothered with the fact that I never had a place to put it, and it just got tossed somewhere.  This caused me difficulty because when I actually wanted to use it, I couldn't find it.  So, my solution? Attach 3M Self Adhesive Velcro Fasteners to one side of the cup, and the other side of the Velcro to the inside of the cabinet. Voila! (I use self adhesive Velcro for so many things! It is a staple to have around my home!) 
      I will write another post in the future about other items I affix with Velcro.  You can buy the Velcro at many different retailers, I purchase mine from Target (it comes in black, and white). You can buy precut strips, or a roll of it, and cut it to size.  I usually purchase roll and cut my own sizes. I believe I pay around $10 for the roll.  It's worth the cost--because you can use the product to affix so many random things you have in your home, and by affixing them to the inside of cabinets and closets, you eliminate clutter and maximize space!





Sweater Shaver and other odds and ends
      Okay, first of all if you don't have a Sweater Shaver, I recommend getting one! They are fabulous for getting rid of those annoying pils that wind up on your sweaters, and other items of clothing.  The one I use was purchased at Target, and it is made by Evercare (I believe it cost my around $10).  Link below is from a site a found that sells it for $7.99. 
      Now back to the purpose of this blog----how do I store the Sweater Shaver, and or other accessories.  I bought a wire drawer organizer, you can buy them at any home supply store (Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond Etc.) Now, if you have a Dollar Tree near you, that is where I bought mine! Yep, $1--fabulous!  I attached the wire drawer organizer to the inside of the cabinet by using picture hooks. Simple, cheap, and a great way to store things using that space in your cabinets!






Scotch Velcro Fastener Roll 

Everecare Sweater Shaver
 

Small bathroom? No problem!

      Living in an apartment can cause some challenges when it comes to bathroom space.  If a small bathroom has you storing stuff all over your home because you just don't have enough room for extra shampoo, razors, body soap etc., then this idea might work for you! 
      A shower curtain liner with pockets will do just the trick! See picture below. The one shown has 7 mesh pockets, and as you can see I use it to store those extras-razors, soap, shampoo, extra loofas, and even that bottle of daily shower spray I use when I am done showering. 
       The other great part about it, is you never have to get into the shower, and then suddenly realize you're out of shaving cream and you either have to go without it or get out of the shower just to grab it.  This shower curtain allows you to just reach and grab what you need! The three bottom pockets will even fit the large sized shampoo and conditioners. You can use it as a curtain itself, or use it, as I do, as a liner. 
     The particular one shown below in my picture was purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond for around $20. However I have seen them online for less and for more. Below I attached a link to the one I bought on bed Bath and Beyond (manufacturer is Stuff Fits), and I also attached a link to a less expensive version sold on Amazon.com.  
      If you buy from Bed Bath and Beyond and buy in store, bring those coupons they send you in the mail (you know those large blue 20% off coupons)----even if they say they are expired----most all Bed Bath and Beyond's will still accept them anyway! So you save almost $4 on that shower curtain---which may make it cheaper to buy the one in store, rather than spend money on shipping from another retailer!







 Bed Bath and Beyond Mesh Pockets Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner
Amazon Mesh Pockets Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner