Item: Drawer Organizer
Cost: $5 – $10

Alright ladies, it’s time to face the giants…er, the cosmetic drawer. For most of us, over time, that particular drawer becomes such a mess that it’s hard to even look in it. But we’re going to change all that.

For this week’s “Get Organized” we’re going to use a simple, inexpensive tool to get (and keep) you organized. I’m suggesting that you go out and purchase a drawer organizer. Read the rest of this entry »

Items: Vases
Cost: Varies

This is an easy, do-it-yourselfer kind of project–especially for those who aren’t quite so artfully inclined like myself. By puting together a display of similar colored vases (of all different shapes and sizes), you can create your own sculpture–and display several items without it looking too crowded.

This is a great look for a living room table or dining room buffet. I can’t wait to try it out myself! Since I don’t own multiple vases in the same color, I might just have to start scanning the local thrift stores…

Item: Cozy felted wool slippers
Cost: A gift!

These are my favorite pair of slippers. They’re cute, comfy, and homemade. My sister-in-law made them as a Christmas gift for me. Here is a website that tells you how to make slippers from old wool sweaters. Read the rest of this entry »

Cost: Less than $5
Item: File Folder Labels (in pretty colors!)

Everyone has had to deal with the craziness of “cord-land” behind their computer desk or entertainment center. This is a fast, efficient way to get yourself started on being more organized.

Take small, brightly colored file folder labels and use them to tag your cords. Just like in the picture, you can wrap the label around the end of the cord (near the plug) and use a permanent marker to write which cord it is. The next time you have a problem in “cord-land” you’ll know just where to start fixing it without having to tug on various cords and potentially do even more damage to your system.

Tip: For even more organized cords, use zip ties to keep cords in place and untangled.

Items: Fabric and canvas frame
Cost: Varies

Purchasing art for your home can be very expensive, but empty walls are simply too dull to live with. Today’s great design idea is so simple anyone can do it, and it isn’t very expenisve at all!

The idea is to find a piece of fabric that you like, something you might want to display. It can be colorful, artsy, simple…anything that will coordinate with your decor. Purchase a piece of it and a simple canvas frame from your local art store. Stretch the fabric over the frame and staple it to the back, just like the canvas. And voila, you have a beautiful piece of wall art to hang in that empty spot over your sofa!

Item: Copper paint
Cost: $10

I loved this idea the first time I saw it. You see, I have an affinity for exposed ceiling beams, exposed fixtures, and, of course, exposed copper pipes. Instead of boxing these things in, leaving them exposed seems to bring a much more airy, open feel to your space. But these days it’s much easier and more affordable to use simple PVC pipes for indoor plumbing.

That’s why this idea caught me. If you live in a house with exposed PVC pipes in your bathroom, you could make a sink skirt (a lot of people do, and for some it fits their home; for me, it wouldn’t), or you could take a quart of copper-colored paint and make your pipes pretty =).

Items: Candle
Cost: Gift =)

One way to spice up your home is to add a little scent to it. This candle is one of the yummiest I have ever had. My dad saw it in a store and knew it was something that I would love. So he purchased it and gave it to me for Christmas. Candles make great gifts; you can give them or ask others to give them to you! They bring a whole new level of design to your home, not only appealing to your sense of vision, but also your sense of smell.

Items: Bamboo clothes
Cost: under $25

I’m sure you can tell by now that I love anything bamboo. For one thing, it is one of our world’s most renewable resources, for another it’s simply a fascinating material! The first time I saw a pair of socks made with bamboo and aloe, I was intrigued and had to buy a pair (3 actually). It is some of the softest fabric you can imagine.

I still love the socks and I am most definitely interested in purchasing more organic clothing, especially bamboo. Organic clothing in general is not the cheapest clothing available. But I found a few decent deals online, and I’m sure there are more to be had. Do a google search and be sure to check any sale and clearance items. Read the rest of this entry »

Item: Expanding file wallet
Cost: $5-$10

Part of creating a great living space to relax and rejuvinate in is getting that space organized. But getting organized can be a huge task; I know it is for me.

I have found that the best way to approach it is by taking baby-steps. This was one of the first steps that I took to organize my life. It helped make things a little simpler, and it really isn’t that hard! Just go out and buy an expanding file wallet, either at your local office supply store or online. They aren’t very expensive.

Then take a few minutes to sit in your car and dare to open that overflowing glove compartment. Sift through everything you find. Old receipts can be thrown away, clean napkins can bet stacked neatly, and your registration, insurance info, even warranties can be stored neatly in your new file wallet. That way, you’ll always know where everything is. Read the rest of this entry »

Items: Decorative bird cage and a small ivy
Cost: Bird cage = $5 on clearance; small ivy = $3 on sale

I have two of these bird cages hanging in my house. I found them on the clearance rack at Michael’s and originally purchased them to use as centerpieces for my wedding. Now that the wedding is over, I had my husband hang the cages and plants from the vaulted ceiling in our front stairwell. They make beautiful decorations and help fill that empty space.