Spring Cleaning: Get Organized!

Every Spring, I fall into the "getting organized" mindset. I realize if Icould keep it going all year, it wouldn't be such a chore to start up again each year when Spring arrives. May be if I just had the right organizational tools, I could keep it all together.

With that in mind, I have been looking around for some things to help me store my stuff!






I love these drawers from The Container Store. They look neat and airy, as if they are suspended in space. They are made for the laundry room, but, I think they would also work well if you have a little extra wall space in a closet!









These sweater bins are from Kangaroom Storage. I love how they are designed so that each item can be seen. They are attractive and compact for maximizing storage space.






I can see this unit of basket drawers in a bathroom, or bedroom where a little extra countertop space would be helpful, along with the storage provided by the baskets! They are from Target.

Etsy Has the Colors of Spring!

The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2009 shows us a great collection of colors that will be popular this spring! I love the Palace Blue, Super Lemon and the Lucite Green!

All of these colors have a subdued, sophisticated feel, without being dull or drab!






I searched Etsy for some items to represent the colors from the Pantone report and I found some beautiful things and some new favorite artisans!

I concentrated on the first five colors this time. Next week, I will be looking for some interesting things in the colors of the second half of the report. Visit these Etsy shops for some new spring color!




Fuschia Red - Petticoat Skirt with Lace - http://www.malam.etsy.com/
Salmon Rose - Sorbet - http://www.farafield.etsy.com/
Palace Blue - Cotton Tank Top - http://www.cottonfields.etsy.com/
Lucite Green - Lifeguard Necklace - http://www.potatoface.etsy.com/
Super Lemon - One Shoulder Bikini - http://www.harajuku.etsy.com/

Some new things!

I finally had a whole day to sew as well as a break from the almost constant spring migraine/sinus headache I have been dealing with. Here are some of the things I have been working on!

The pleated design makes a cute clutch or a great full size handbag! I think I am going to have to hide my new bags from my teenaged daughters if I ever want to get them listed!

Stealing Time For Fun!

Photo by Sudhanwa..

With spring around the corner, I am starting to think about all the things I love to do when the warm, sunny days arrive and daylight lingers until late into the evening. My time is so limited right now with my day job and my handmade business that I wonder how I will fit in the fun! I know I need to organize my time better if I want to be able to enjoy my favorite spring activities like gardening, taking long walks and soaking up sunshine! So, I’ve decided to take a hard look at my schedule and take control of some of the lost minutes and hours. Here are some steps I am going to take.

Home Activities

• Get everyone involved in keeping the house tidy.
  
• Keep meals simple and let each family member take a night to be responsible for preparing the meal.
  
• Make a weekly menu and grocery list to cut down on last minute trips to the store.

Crafting

• Spend some time each evening looking at the next day’s schedule. Combine errands such as mailing orders, grocery shopping and returning library books, then schedule a time to complete them.
  
• Plan several blocks of time throughout the day to sew, depending on what needs to be completed. I will save at least one of those for working on new ideas and designs, which keeps my creativity
  
• Set aside time for writing Thank You notes and packaging orders.

Marketing

• Make a list of the marketing activities I currently spend time on, including social networking, such as Twitter, Facebook, Etsy Forums, etc.
  
• Assign a number from 1 to 10 in importance and effectiveness to each activity.
  Based on the number given, assign a certain amount of time each day that will be the maximum time dedicated to that activity.
  
• Make a daily schedule to include these activities, but stay flexible and know which ones to leave off if something unexpected arises and time runs short.

When it's all done and the sun is still shining, I’ll kick back and enjoy a cold drink and relaxing with friends and family! That’s what spring is for!