Just a few weeks ago I watched a video on Yahoo about a family that follows a lifestyle known as Zero Waste {if you want to watch it click here} The thing is that after seeing them I felt inspired to change some things around my house and the word SIMPLIFY became instantly more appealing to me. I looked around and I realized that I could be more organized and perhaps it was time to clean up… starting with my personal space and stuff. So here are some of the things I came up with…
1. File with Style: Here are some of the pictures of my first project which was to reuse some old files and give them a makeover with scrapbook paper that I had already.
These are all the items that I used for my project….
…before
…and after
It took me less than an hour to finish this project…
…In the end three bags of paper or a four drawer file cabinet ended inside of this file box. Pretty cool if you ask me ☺!
…I got the file box @ TARGET I made it my own with vinyl.
2. Use and Re-USE!
So, as I was taking a Soup-Break from working on my almost done sanctuary… the “Make It Happen Room”, I thought this little Soup Can needed a cute makeover {after all it wasn’t Campbell’s but Progresso’s Soup}
…The back!
3. Down Size and Make It Easy to Find…
My new rule is “if it is in my way…it has to go away” The matter of the fact is that just a week ago I had toooo many things. After sorting them and wondering why in the world I had four identical rulers {What is wrong with me?!} I realized that I could donate a bunch of paper and obviously many other items.
…Lucky girl here, was able to find a great selection of plastic storage boxes at Target and I have to tell you that I am loving the fact that all of them are easy to stack and many of them are clear… giving me the luxury of seeing what I need without having to open anything. Because I have four cute little savages as children {ages 3 to 10} plastic was a perfect choice for me {easy to clean} 
I also found at Target {in the bath section} the one and only… Green Shower Cabby. I have decided that my cabby is a “she” {since just a woman can be this multifunctional ;)} …I love this thing, I can pick her up and take her with me anywhere I go while she carries all my essential tools {scissors, tape measure, glue, paint brushes, pins, erasers, etc…} By the way… after writing this much I think Target should pay me a commission for all of the free advertising!
I also found at Target {in the bath section} the one and only… Green Shower Cabby. I have decided that my cabby is a “she” {since just a woman can be this multifunctional ;)} …I love this thing, I can pick her up and take her with me anywhere I go while she carries all my essential tools {scissors, tape measure, glue, paint brushes, pins, erasers, etc…} By the way… after writing this much I think Target should pay me a commission for all of the free advertising!4. Making it my own…
Old frames and shadow boxes are a perfect way of bringing color and texture into any room. Because I live in Oregon there is a lot of gray and rainy days, therefore it was important for me to make this room light and fresh. Sometimes when you are renting a house or apartment your choices of wall color can be limited, don’t let this be the reason for not making a house your home… Times like this call for papers, fabrics and rugs {the rug is my next project} to take over the design department and bring splashes of light and life into the space.
Kathy, thank you for the lovely card… it is beautiful!
5. I will finish what I started…
I don’t know how many times I have started a project that after the excitement stage, I have put it aside… It is my personal pledge to finish anything I start… if I don’t have the time I won’t take the first step… I will wait if it is needed but I won’t leave the trail of unfinished projects behind me. So here are my three magic words for you…:I am Done!
…Things I have Learned:
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Organizing gets addictive…
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Less is more…
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One of the best places you can find cool stuff is in your own home… Use and reuse.
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To donate makes your life and other people’s life better.
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Involving your family in getting organized helps a lot in keeping things organized.
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A clean space ROCKS!
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My kitchen is next!
Your space looks wonderful and I need to take up your new saying. I do the same thing – start something and then start something else before I finishing the first project! 🙂
Love all of your clearing out and organization. Very nice room.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thank you so much for linking up and for sharing my button! I love your space and organization! The colors and prints are great!
Jen
One fabulous space! It would be nice to have so little "stuff" that's for sure. I'll work on it.
Mama, I really liked this file folder idea maybe the next time I see a folder I'll use this idea! ♥ your daughter…saydi.