May 29, 2009

Color Trends in 2009

2009 is far from being over so if you’re interested in updating some colors in your home, you still have time to add some of the fresh trends in color. 

I personally like the fuchsia and lime combination but my husband probably wouldn’t care for it.  Maybe we could agree on something a little more subdued like the arctic silvery blue. 

To see which trends float your boat, check out this link:

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/10-cant-miss-color-trends-for-2009/pictures/index.html

May 26, 2009

Easy as pie

I recently bought a new shelf for my bathroom and decided to hang it yesterday.  I hadn’t noticed when I purchased the shelf that the instructions indicated “three easy steps” for hanging it.  I was skeptical at first, but in the end, very happy.  It was very simple to hang. Now, putting up a shelf doesn’t sound all that difficult but how many times have you used your level and placed the nails carefully so the hangers on the back of the shelf would match perfectly – and then you had to do it over?  Well, this one’s easy and I highly recommend it for reducing your stress and improving your decor!

This particular “Level-Line” shelf is from Burnes.  I purchased it at Kohls but I’m sure it’s available at most home decor stores.  The shelves come in several lengths. 

Here’s how it went:

This long piece comes with the shelf and has it’s own level!  There are also nails and wall-drillers included.  All you need is a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver. 

I simply placed it on the wall where I wanted it (the instructions say to place the top of this piece about 2 inches below where you want the top of the shelf) and nailed it in.  There are holes for the nails – how much easier can it get?

Although it’s not required, I used the 2 wall-drillers in order to hold the shelf more securely.  These are recommended if you will be placing more than 10 pounds on the shelf.  Once this piece is secured to the wall, the shelf simply fits over it.  There is a lip on the top of the plastic piece and the back of the shelf is designed to fit onto it.

 

Voila! 

It’s almost done…

There!  It took all of 15 minutes.   For me, this was easier than baking a pie.

Happy decorating!

May 15, 2009

Simplify for summer trips

I recently attended the annual conference of the National Association of Professional Organizers which was held in Orlando.  (It was a fantastic conference, by the way).  As I was preparing for the trip, I made my usual list of things to pack so I wouldn’t leave anything important behind.  For this trip, however, I put my list on the computer and saved it.  Why create a new list every time I go on a trip?  I take the same basic items each time anyway.  I am always trying to simplify my life and I am glad to share what works for me.  Feel free to copy and paste and change it to fit your needs. 

Happy packing!

luggage 2

Travel Information:

[   ] Airplane tickets, confirmation number, reservation info

[   ] Frequent flyer number

[   ] Travel itinerary

[   ] Passport and/or visa

[   ] Copies of passport (one in each bag)

[   ] Identification card w/ Picture
[   ] Hotel confirmation / Loyalty card for hotel

[   ] Rental car confirmation

[   ] Emergency phone numbers

[   ]__________________________

[   ] __________________________

Financial
[   ] Cash

[   ] Travelers checks 

[   ] Credit Cards

When Flying

[   ] Quart-size (8×8”) plastic bag to hold

travel-size liquid toiletries (3 ounces or smaller)

Toiletries:

[   ] Toothbrush
[   ] Toothpaste
[   ] Shampoo / Conditioner
[   ] Deodorant
[   ] Comb / Brush

[   ] Hair Styling Products

[   ] Razor; shaving supplies
[   ] Suntan lotion / sunscreen

[   ] Anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes

[   ] Personal Hygiene items (tampons, etc)

[   ] Hair dryer

[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

General Items:

[   ] Cell phone (remember, it has an alarm on it)

[   ] Plastic bags (for dirty clothes)
[   ] Clothing spot remover
[   ] Sun glasses

[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

Medical Needs:

[   ] Prescription medications
[   ] OTC Medicines

[   ] Allergy medication (If traveling with anyone who has allergies to foods, etc).

[   ] Extra pair of contact lenses (in case one gets lost or torn); Contact solution

[   ] Glasses

[   ] First Aid supplies

[   ] __________________________

Her Stuff:

[   ] Clothes:

 

[   ] Belts
[   ] Swim suit / cover-up
[   ] Shoes
[   ] Jewelry
[   ] Cosmetics
[   ] Pajamas
[   ] Robe
[   ] Beach / pool sandals
[   ] Bras, underwear
[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

His Stuff

[   ] Clothes:

 

[   ] Underwear
[   ] Swimsuit
[   ] Shoes, socks
[   ] Belts
[   ] Cap/ hat
[   ] Beach shoes or flip-flops
[   ] Shaving supplies
[   ] Pajamas
[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

[   ] __________________________

Entertainment

[   ] Magazines

[   ] Books

[   ] Crossword puzzle books

[   ] Notebook or journal for writing

[   ] Cards/ envelopes to be addressed

[   ] Stamps

[   ] Portable game systems (e.g. Nintendo DS or PSP)

        and extra games; charger

[   ] Laptop computer  & power cord

[   ] Flash Drive

[   ] CD Player
[   ] Music: I-pod/ charger
[   ] Portable CD player; CD’s
[   ] Headphones

 

For souvenirs and memories

[   ] Digital Camera / Charger, extra batteries

[   ] Videocamera / charger, extra batteries

[   ] Empty collapsible bag for souvenirs

[   ] __________________________

 

  • Packing list for baby or toddler
  • · Formula and bottles
  • · Oatmeal and baby food jars
  • · Food containers and spoons
  • · Small bottle of dish soap
  • · Small Woolite bottle
  • · Onesies, pajamas, and dressier outfits
  • · Socks
  • · Wipes
  • · Diaper bag
  • · Diapers
  • · Pacifiers
  • · Stroller/car seat combo
  • · Sling or backpack baby carrier
  • · Toys and rattles
  • · “Lovey” from home
  • · Travel sound soother
  • · Travel crib (if none will be available at accommodations)
  • · Sunscreen
  • Packing list for children
  • · Travel games
  • · Play outfits
  • · Underwear and socks
  • · Dressy outfit
  • · Shoes
  • · Books
  • · Sunscreen
  • · Travel journal and pen
  • · Blanket
  • · Stuffed animal