More Baby Steps to Organization

Last night I finally watched part one of "Breaking Dawn". I think I liked it.... I'm actually glad we didn't spend money to watch it in the theater, but with the subject matter being so awkward at times I think the actors did a great job and the story was put together really well. Sometimes I just had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all! I read these books and I admittedly loved them. Why are some things so funny when portrayed in a movie??! Anyway, I liked it.

I wanted to share (or maybe brag is a better word!) some of the little things I've accomplished in my continued efforts to be organized.

 My "big" project right now is menu planning, trying to find out what works for me and my family. I really want to bypass the stress of "what's for dinner?!", and it helps ALLOT with grocery shopping. There are so many good ideas out there, and tons of free printables so your meal plan can be all cute. Right now I am experimenting with planning 2 weeks at a time, suggested by Simple Mom here . And I found some printable planners that I really like the look of - but I'm not sure it's what I need. Here's a cute one:

But I think I need one that doesn't have the grocery list attached. Mine now looks like this:

No longer pretty! Next week I'll try this one:

I'm actually toying with the idea of making my own. It won't be very cute but I'm more worried about it being functional for us. I think that's the biggest thing about organization that I'm learning right now. I've always tried to copy someone else and the things that worked for them, now I'm trying to take ideas that I like and morph them to fit our needs. I think it's working! I'm sure I'll be revisiting "meal planning" once I refine my system. For now, lets move on.

Tell me what you think about this:

It makes me laugh! But, hey, it's working out great! We had to get a larger shower head caddy for our shower and since this one was still pretty new I couldn't throw it out. It now hangs on the side wall above my dryer. It is pretty much perfect for tape and string and scissors and plastic baggies. Now I know where all that stuff is and I don't have to dig around for it. The best part it that it inspired me to clean off the dryer -

So nice! It's like freedom! But now I'm even more determined to do something with this -

 

A scary, scary mess! I have some ideas in mind, it will be great! A little bit at a time and something is bound to get done!

Baby steps to Orginaization

Baby steps - small, wobbly, teetering, and sometimes crashing to the floor. My whole adult life I have struggled with thoughts of "simplifying" and "organizing". I say 'thoughts' because I usually just think about it, wonder what it would be like, and feel guilty over my inability to overcome my natural tendencies of disarray. Sometimes I get things into gear and clear out a closet or two, but things never stay...clear. I've decided it's because I have yet to find, or develop, a system that works for me and my family. I spend too much time searching for ideas on the internet, leaving not enough time (or energy) to be creative and implement routines that would actually be helpful. 

So here's just one more thing I'm working on. A little bit at a time. Starting with this cupboard -

My pantry space is pretty much non-existent. I figured I had to just live with this cupboard the way it was, until I could splurge on those nice tiered spice racks, and other clever organizers. But one day I just stared at it all and was inspired to do something like this -

Don't you just love Sharpie markers?! Now I can see pretty much everything we have, with easy access to all. To create a little shelf behind the spices, so I could see and reach the stuff back there, I used an empty spaghetti box! Ha! Green and frugal, I'm feeling pretty good about it. :)

On a self-pitying side note, I have a most miserable and disgusting cold. I know we are on this Earth to experience life and all the sickness and disease that comes with it, but it just seems so unfair when the Momma gets sick