IHeart Kitchen Reno: Four Weeks Later!

Wow!  Another month has come and gone since <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-chandelier-island.html" target="_blank">our previous kitchen update</a>.  I was really hoping that we would be able to wrangle both kitchen and living room projects and updates all at once, but the living room sort of took over at the end, both on the blog and in our lives.  After the last update, I had a few questions I will be chatting through today, and I will also be sharing a few big things that have happened over the past few weeks.  Although we were so focused on <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/One%20Room%20Challenge" target="_blank">the living room side</a>, there are quite a few changes here as well.  It is finally starting to look and act more like the space we have been working for!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs40WriN19GVsMRPt7c3nD43thTNd0CaO85OLuxjQicX7A20xGBSAZxiEMqcXHM2Ji3Djv2tAcodJOdDPlV9_JRMUn-RgKra8dUPA4hNlQR5Z1ADZBxqUF_Cj3URv0wCLFp2_B83MovkvS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs40WriN19GVsMRPt7c3nD43thTNd0CaO85OLuxjQicX7A20xGBSAZxiEMqcXHM2Ji3Djv2tAcodJOdDPlV9_JRMUn-RgKra8dUPA4hNlQR5Z1ADZBxqUF_Cj3URv0wCLFp2_B83MovkvS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />Based on the photo above, I am guessing there are a few differences that stand out from the last update.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPrOfJ05Ow1pZ4A3WarhYE5Zp_DAk0wf66FwwBQ7M2y7gztpuM0bbXZgfkBSBxPO-RhnuZoJ-tszQIR0AVlDyEEArDnTXBR2ns3yM7XURTCY-za8yTB-9TDXdpNWyJ_vQSZrUH1GcKLT/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_Update_Side-by-Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFPrOfJ05Ow1pZ4A3WarhYE5Zp_DAk0wf66FwwBQ7M2y7gztpuM0bbXZgfkBSBxPO-RhnuZoJ-tszQIR0AVlDyEEArDnTXBR2ns3yM7XURTCY-za8yTB-9TDXdpNWyJ_vQSZrUH1GcKLT/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_Update_Side-by-Side.jpg" /></a></div><br />We installed and set the island as soon as we could, which allowed us to finish installing our flooring.  That was a major game changer.  Like wow.  It really unified our entire kitchen and living area and added so much more warmth in contrast to all of the white.  And it is so clean!  Looking back at <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-chandelier-island.html" target="_blank">the last post</a>, my photos seemed to have a blue hue which was throwing some you off.  I totally get it, I just revisited the photos and they are pretty bad.  My guess is that much of it had to do with the cloudy day paired with reflections bouncing off of all of the white.  Not really sure.  The picture above is a much truer photo of how our kitchen really reads, especially now that the floors ground things a bit more (floor installation post coming soon).<br /><br />Some of you asked about measurements... We currently have about 3 1/2 feet between the outer cabinets and island.  We always read that between three and four feet is best, and we have been really happy with the amount of room and flow that the 3 1/2' provides.  We are able to easily navigate around the dishwasher when it is completely pulled out for unloading, and the refrigerator has plenty of room to open and get around without any crowding (more on that in a minute).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When coming up with a kitchen design, we were extremely limited with where we could place our oven and stove.  Our fridge and pantry had to go on the outer walls, and with the window and plumbing on the outer walls as well, we had no other choice than to place our cooking pieces in the island.  In the end, I am happy it worked out this way as we will be able to face the living area while we cook (great for watching the fam and television).  We also had to go with a larger island to accommodate the oven, cooktop and downdraft without compromising countertop work surface space and to provide enough distance between the cooktop and stools on the opposite side.  This allowed us to add a lot more storage in the island, so it all worked out in the end.  Plus, I got the oven I was lusting after for a couple of years!  It is a beautiful white glass option which was originally purchased from IKEA (and was discontinued when they released their new kitchen line).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJO1Y8eh8I6W3l87QnEq7m-fkWXK7058_sfn2191i1G7kSBy5tZh7h7Gj4Uk_3KgJojjkLxEtDyeh8bcoEe0K5NNBRorfRBm_KGB1yzoQdKmo8PqaZ6IMtW5XyInvPykLnmbsvOzSNmS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sJO1Y8eh8I6W3l87QnEq7m-fkWXK7058_sfn2191i1G7kSBy5tZh7h7Gj4Uk_3KgJojjkLxEtDyeh8bcoEe0K5NNBRorfRBm_KGB1yzoQdKmo8PqaZ6IMtW5XyInvPykLnmbsvOzSNmS/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, we also installed the remainder of the hardware on the island cabinets to match the rest of the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzIXxJrE2HhT-38POhzJGH5WIb2s-1DEeyExjxNPZSZd2kXpxhvOIASb0su9Gci9PF1tTK9yKTYnyLQksm1wDmmOEiCnXStDT3NWhyfDHaYMc6CuyG_D-_SKK055wqfbrNxP-m5EfJVBe/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzIXxJrE2HhT-38POhzJGH5WIb2s-1DEeyExjxNPZSZd2kXpxhvOIASb0su9Gci9PF1tTK9yKTYnyLQksm1wDmmOEiCnXStDT3NWhyfDHaYMc6CuyG_D-_SKK055wqfbrNxP-m5EfJVBe/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also received a couple questions and emails regarding the island details.  The doors are full overlay, meaning that there is very little cabinet frame showing around each door and drawer front.  It creates more of a seamless appearance and is also quite similar to our IKEA white cabinets across the way.  The color is an option offered by the cabinet company that built the pieces, so I don't have a specific name or number (other than a generic Slate), but I did have it color matched at Sherwin Williams and you can see the code <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdseRL3wnuQSq6XPfaYfToh-bXmd-5Q2D1EIMAEbMZ0q83MZqCfBx2Mka18NU1a4tljlaG7sYRCaano7DQofcsIp2XvuZ_3tmXDkGHFL2IrnN11UFEibPq05-rlUXstYtSLj28rvsO-6uS/s1600/Photo+Apr+15,+11+42+01+AM.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.  It is a beautiful color in person, just extremely challenging to photograph because it reads a bit differently depending on how the light hits it (as illustrated between the photos above and below).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwHwXQhov5ju3x7tGiSykH_EYAThN_p_i8YHUsRVDjDyXmz3VMFj8hb4lrrY5v6HaMM3Reeg73R8jxkSsZzI8ZWpfW77ce2R8qbRQ6QKelWzfoM0IwduHcqz6e7dJoQX8yFm7rO2pKrn/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpwHwXQhov5ju3x7tGiSykH_EYAThN_p_i8YHUsRVDjDyXmz3VMFj8hb4lrrY5v6HaMM3Reeg73R8jxkSsZzI8ZWpfW77ce2R8qbRQ6QKelWzfoM0IwduHcqz6e7dJoQX8yFm7rO2pKrn/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_8-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may also have noticed that we only have about half of our counters installed.  They always say to prepare for the worse when it comes to major home renovations, and we have experienced a few different hiccups along the way.  I think it is just important to know that a few things will go wrong at some point, and do your best not to turn into a <i>Kitchenzilla</i> when they do.  You have heard about our dishwasher saga and maybe also read about our first refrigerator being delivered damaged.  Both were no big deal in my eyes.  Truly nothing to get upset about and maybe they simply prepared us for the next uh-oh.  The day the beautiful counters arrived to be installed, we went to place our oven into the oven cavity of the custom cabinets.  Guess what guys!  It didn't fit.  Um, what?  The cabinet was built to the dimension of the appliances we had already purchased.  They were able to install the outer counters and sink while they were here, and now that we have since been able to figure out the cabinet situation and set our oven, will be coming back next week to finish things up (counters can typically be set without the oven installed, but we didn't know if our island would need to be taken apart or changed so we opted to wait it out).  As frustrating as the cabinet situation was (it caused a three week delay in the island counter install), the counters are about the most beautiful moment this entire renovation has seen yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZokq_39abO5iA0WeIeyN0z4BdelXG0u0O1KamQQLHfnOdFHRMmMNGqYdjnUCFJSLsTRlgynGscRDq0TURvWKmt6A86W5eLl1aj4TtWP9mwRG78D_9l77K0k3xCZcAS-kxd2kxQ-dAHMB/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZokq_39abO5iA0WeIeyN0z4BdelXG0u0O1KamQQLHfnOdFHRMmMNGqYdjnUCFJSLsTRlgynGscRDq0TURvWKmt6A86W5eLl1aj4TtWP9mwRG78D_9l77K0k3xCZcAS-kxd2kxQ-dAHMB/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we first built our home, I selected green faux marble laminate counters because I was 19 years old and thought they were so cool and grown up (ha).  It only took me about four months to no longer like them.  For the next 13+ years, I was left trying to work with something that I didn't love.  I am pretty positive that experience has scarred me, and may be why a lot of our newer kitchen finishes and selections are a bit more neutral and classic.  Being this is such an investment, we don't want to change things each time a trend comes and goes.  And we don't want to have regrets four months from now (although, I am sure there will still be a few lessons learned).  Just like a lot of the other decisions we have made in the space, we did a lot of reading online when selecting the types of countertops to install.  Ultimately, quartz won out.  Both durability and the fact that it is non-porous (which means it won't harbor bacteria), were the main reasons we selected quartz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yaFK4IkhnglAnV_7fnvmP30QYKvvUG5WfJKbu9km6KiT1IRTMGO7T7_WzJ-pT69osZzXo17Ru5TsHIRmJRx2lCFP6yIqB7Dwdbc4W9BCP_l2DayVXwIhrMIET1SnSgBj9BDrgsNMVE1R/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yaFK4IkhnglAnV_7fnvmP30QYKvvUG5WfJKbu9km6KiT1IRTMGO7T7_WzJ-pT69osZzXo17Ru5TsHIRmJRx2lCFP6yIqB7Dwdbc4W9BCP_l2DayVXwIhrMIET1SnSgBj9BDrgsNMVE1R/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't think we will regret these counters four months or even ten years from now.  They are <a href="http://www.cambriausa.com/en/Designs/design-palette/Torquay/" target="_blank">Cambria in Torquay finish</a> and another thing I am smitten with is that they are manufactured right in Minnesota.  (For local readers, we shopped around and ultimately decided to purchase from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Selective-Countertops-LLC/124570547598151" target="_blank">Selective Countertops</a> and we couldn't be happier with the results).  The veining and colors are a mix of beiges and grays and are quite subtle, almost a marble-like result but in a much more kitchen friendly finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wVHi_KTT53_7rXw6XAP6lLt4pYHSke2zLSMKWlJvI7zKmuhrmjDlEo4PYerVgDfyU8x_geFi8zBby-pOpZqmXcl_XIfSPdc385VWWbx5uiUS1cHH_RpH2zhQZVCWyk0p17pWNYmFxF0y/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wVHi_KTT53_7rXw6XAP6lLt4pYHSke2zLSMKWlJvI7zKmuhrmjDlEo4PYerVgDfyU8x_geFi8zBby-pOpZqmXcl_XIfSPdc385VWWbx5uiUS1cHH_RpH2zhQZVCWyk0p17pWNYmFxF0y/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCueKnOrHnEPrZwi8PJnQN9V-qZu7CCKBszMryAE2xli6Aazq2EzVuq-28d659QBuc6n8MgKF5ZqlGcYLcHvIZY3H2kYLNO9z3I-hqMk78UYm_qeEvoJkA_Lqu2gmCT75Ey8QclPmXqw8/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCueKnOrHnEPrZwi8PJnQN9V-qZu7CCKBszMryAE2xli6Aazq2EzVuq-28d659QBuc6n8MgKF5ZqlGcYLcHvIZY3H2kYLNO9z3I-hqMk78UYm_qeEvoJkA_Lqu2gmCT75Ey8QclPmXqw8/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also ordered our sink with the counters, and once again, a major difference has been made in how we use the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ia7QxlIyF2z3o6IpJG38qzkQ-br-wFFplBX_iiNgy-h-2I3L6lo9XUjXK6I2wrL3wUIwLaj-igq7-uQ2h4LUVyir5OyY_WdZmdlo7Fa3CGbYoyQ-YI6rotCZBRzROSmtXDvVlH7dzKg/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ia7QxlIyF2z3o6IpJG38qzkQ-br-wFFplBX_iiNgy-h-2I3L6lo9XUjXK6I2wrL3wUIwLaj-igq7-uQ2h4LUVyir5OyY_WdZmdlo7Fa3CGbYoyQ-YI6rotCZBRzROSmtXDvVlH7dzKg/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sink is a total of 30" x 17"  and 10" deep.  We went with a stainless split sink, about 2/3 is the main bowl and the side bowl is the remaining 1/3.  And it is all seamless.  I knew I wanted a deeper sink for washing large pots and pans and filling my mop bucket...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPCFFMRcI4MG0VnT2HxnUorsrukBGO9siKXKpOLC37D07CGCg9pbE4WxcRwyCnPZioFwGoYKLIP-uf5XiXH7fwMcnNhqF6CjRDTkqN6YENpPTNTaSGqqgePvAl4o8D5QCTBBxdoUM1UY/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VPCFFMRcI4MG0VnT2HxnUorsrukBGO9siKXKpOLC37D07CGCg9pbE4WxcRwyCnPZioFwGoYKLIP-uf5XiXH7fwMcnNhqF6CjRDTkqN6YENpPTNTaSGqqgePvAl4o8D5QCTBBxdoUM1UY/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But little did I know it would also be amazing for hiding a pile of dirty dishes when the dishwasher is full/being ran.  Definitely a jumbo sized bonus in an open concept layout.  Another new-to-us feature is a pull out faucet.  The kids and I have been having fun with this!  It reaches all corners of the sink which is great for cleaning, and offers two spray options.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIYYCNC78HPNkBoKCY6Z33VZnrsf1TSQMS5LCc3n1s6vRbLjJQdllSDizwwNYveEpKD1Vx_obu74Vj7aOykWBu_a5m-03d3xpxGeVf3IqyULdZbPfsPWbiSOn-2z2Fe19fuOxCdhyXLMV/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIYYCNC78HPNkBoKCY6Z33VZnrsf1TSQMS5LCc3n1s6vRbLjJQdllSDizwwNYveEpKD1Vx_obu74Vj7aOykWBu_a5m-03d3xpxGeVf3IqyULdZbPfsPWbiSOn-2z2Fe19fuOxCdhyXLMV/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We purchased <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Brantford-Single-Handle-Pull-Down-Sprayer-Kitchen-Faucet-Featuring-Reflex-in-Chrome-7185C/202998687" target="_blank">a model</a> that complimented the cabinet hardware, not super modern but not overly ornate either; it was juuuuust right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait, there is more!  I had no idea how much really has changed in the last month.  Big post today folks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing I have been challenged with throughout the entire process, is knowing that we have a garage door to work around.  And it was a previously very unsightly door with about eight different layers of paint and dings and dents.  Although not an ideal setup, moving the door really wasn't an option as there is other place to move it to.  Keep in mind that we really only use the garage for projects, and even when we start parking in there again, we will most likely be carrying in a handbag and groceries.  The boys always come off of the bus and enter through our front door, which is why their belongings are all located there.  So fortunately, we don't need much of a system for more than a pair or two of shoes, maybe keys and some hooks.  But visually, oy!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our solution was to build the fireplace built-ins in the living room, to mimic the cabinets in the kitchen.  Once the moulding is installed on the kitchen cabinets, they will be the same height and color as the built-ins, as well as the same distance on either side of the door.  Our very lovely new paneled door!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFAByQYLwaE4DIMnNa5YJ65HRo0xuGjejbr2UWkewP_5THCJ19XM9dfXsys0f6rC4HMCbjfWaPdefUQtMQJqwDBZ-172iQuLoLY5VgozrB0f2jdcCOt61HVXXHjF5X-t7KqZNykaY91nk/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFAByQYLwaE4DIMnNa5YJ65HRo0xuGjejbr2UWkewP_5THCJ19XM9dfXsys0f6rC4HMCbjfWaPdefUQtMQJqwDBZ-172iQuLoLY5VgozrB0f2jdcCOt61HVXXHjF5X-t7KqZNykaY91nk/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See how we only trimmed the living room side?  Haha, darn One Room Challenge.  And no, we weren't really that lazy, we only purchased enough to do the living room side and that is exactly where we ran out.  Hoping to get the rest finished up in the next week or two.  Just sort of funny how that worked out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, still not the most amazing setup, but I love how it worked out to create more of a nook or alcove for the door, making it almost look like intentional placement.  And the paneled look on the door is much more polished and matches the remainder of our interior doors.  Definitely happy with how it all is turning out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last but not least, we finally have a fridge!  It is counter depth, and also finally framed out.  Or in?  Whichever way, it is so much cleaner.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we began the kitchen planning process, we realized quickly that to maximize our space and to accommodate the island with cooking appliances, that our fridge would be best at a countertop depth.  First, I ordered a white side-by-side option.  There are not a lot of white countertop depth refrigerators on the market, especially with great reviews and decorative bar pulls.  And the ones that did have good reviews, were about a few thousand dollars over our budget.  But I found one and ordered it and when it arrived, it was completely dinged and dented and the pulls were nothing like they were pictured online.  The company took back the refrigerator at no charge, and we were left starting over with our search.  We thought that a side by side was the way to go since that was what we were use to, but after quite a few recommendations to try out the french door option, that is what we ultimately landed on.  I have to say, I love how much more space there is in this style and that the doors can swing wide open and leave us a ton of room to navigate, even with the island directly behind us (we purchased <a href="http://www.maytag.com/kitchen-1/refrigeration-2/french-door-3/-%5BMFC2062DEM%5D-1112110/MFC2062DEM/" target="_blank">this model</a>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCy0kzbUFYHLEBiCvThJgZ1bxr9br2kCP26RZEt-ogt90jKQqfNz9bXgvpfEbJ11CNwXCkfzbFU2mfNPwMAeBHc5LHeYUDizZs3lYHUDpAXNpeQwZYP-o30CTqIcdeN7g0dKVnJDvsvpf/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCy0kzbUFYHLEBiCvThJgZ1bxr9br2kCP26RZEt-ogt90jKQqfNz9bXgvpfEbJ11CNwXCkfzbFU2mfNPwMAeBHc5LHeYUDizZs3lYHUDpAXNpeQwZYP-o30CTqIcdeN7g0dKVnJDvsvpf/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I don't love is the freezer drawer.  This thing terrifies me.  But I always love a good organizational challenge so I will let you know if I ever get this thing figured out.  We also kept our previous fridge in our garage as a replacement to our freezer chest, which we will love for holding six packs of be... I mean soda.  And for party throwing and entertaining and freezer overflow.  Also, for some reason my regular stainless cleaning solution does not work on this fridge, so I would love recommendations on streak-free stainless cleaning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, a month later we have a fully functioning sink and fridge and even started unloading (but not organizing) our fridge and cabinets.  After the counters are in next week, we can have our stovetop hooked up and start cooking on real appliances again!  If anything, this process has given us a much deeper appreciation for everyday kitchen conveniences.  <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3Mb8z2TcUE/?taken-by=iheartorganizing" target="_blank">Like making coffee</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr8CtHukYypbqiNksujqcD0RTXrBitjfBOxI9avdyq3Uvz29vNHkuJNG6IdFT6yboSfvpqveYOBxwVvHZriZNbXkw76j3_PiN5yE1LkbuRn0E9PNgHutxhJIh9TAmDrpPx1SfsJEiLKeq/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr8CtHukYypbqiNksujqcD0RTXrBitjfBOxI9avdyq3Uvz29vNHkuJNG6IdFT6yboSfvpqveYOBxwVvHZriZNbXkw76j3_PiN5yE1LkbuRn0E9PNgHutxhJIh9TAmDrpPx1SfsJEiLKeq/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Updates_19.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just when I am feeling like the end is near, it is time to get real and take a look at what is left before we call this renovation complete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li>Install <strike>HVAC</strike>/Oven/Cooktop</li><li><strike>Install</strike> counters</li><li><strike>Set island cabinets</strike></li><li><strike>Install hardware on island cabinets </strike></li><li><strike>Replace garage door </strike></li><li><strike>Install flooring</strike></li><li><strike>Frame in refrigerator</strike></li><li><strike>Finish installing cabinet side panels </strike></li><li>Install cabinet toe-kick</li><li>Install cabinet crown moulding</li><li>Panel gap above fridge </li><li>Trim floors, doors and windows </li><li>Install backsplash</li><li>DIY a coat closet door</li><li>Add shelving and doors to nook above coat closet (?)</li><li>Install legs to built-in side cabinet</li><li>DIY message center</li><li>Hang window panels and roman shade</li></ul><br />I can't wait for layering in finishing touches to really start warming up the space.  Things like rugs and new dining chairs and window panels, oh my.  And cutting boards.  We still have a lot of items to pick-out that we haven't landed on yet like backsplash (although my heart is set on one) and also have to troubleshoot a moulding issue we may run into with the beams and cabinets.   But everything left is really just a lot of finishing touches at this point!  And after next week, it should at least be 100% functional (fingers crossed).  With that big list lingering above, I think you know where you will be able to find us when we aren't at the baseball fields.  Happy weekend everyone!<br /><br /><br /><i>You can follow all of the kitchen progress <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/IHeart%20Kitchen%20Reno" target="_blank">here</a>.</i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />

IHeart Kitchen Reno: Four Weeks Later!

Wow!  Another month has come and gone since our previous kitchen update.  I was really hoping that we would be able to wrangle both kitchen and living room projects and updates all at once, but the living room sort of took over at the end, both on the blog and in our lives.  After the last update, I…

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UHeart Organizing: A Handy Craft Station

Pegboard is here to rescue another crafting fanatic!  I must say, it must be about the most functional type of storage in existence.  The lovely Courtney from <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place Blog</a>, always has a knack for making her projects look simple yet elegant.  Who knew pegboard could be associated with elegance?  But my girl did it again!  She has created the perfect spot to work on projects for around her home, and now she won't ever lose her favorite "go-to" supplies again.  <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz46Wjn9xEHYhrAN8bGFIop_uQVhdWVtaZqnKmY-yx2gtkjfkkgkIwZ71FcicgxxxHyU6HlU-XoOCKVXhZLLIu5QedexEXJSfHV1dQevWm4RriwQ78cu2ni7CcfGOqjlyeHRQsXNkpQIc/s1600/Peg_Board_UHeart_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz46Wjn9xEHYhrAN8bGFIop_uQVhdWVtaZqnKmY-yx2gtkjfkkgkIwZ71FcicgxxxHyU6HlU-XoOCKVXhZLLIu5QedexEXJSfHV1dQevWm4RriwQ78cu2ni7CcfGOqjlyeHRQsXNkpQIc/s1600/Peg_Board_UHeart_Header.png"></a></div><br><br>So I have a confession to make. I have been in an organizational slump for quite some time. Can any of you relate? I swoon over other people’s spaces as of late, but have had trouble getting motivated to create changes in own home. While we have many procedures in place around our home that do keep us relatively organized, it is my own craft supplies and project necessities that I continue to trip over or lose. I finally took some action and with very little effort refreshed my garage craft station.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNdSasjyUvP5hnMSunJYHRGWd8wGSjq5L4BJGBiiIFk-vE-d81DbslReNMcK2z331wT9CmTaADu2IGEhOCt2n8OMhMurHyOCKt77uOYkpn88CnY1vZ-Z71cLkxYNvTLd_SGf4Rx5yUwGq/s1600/IMG_9081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNdSasjyUvP5hnMSunJYHRGWd8wGSjq5L4BJGBiiIFk-vE-d81DbslReNMcK2z331wT9CmTaADu2IGEhOCt2n8OMhMurHyOCKt77uOYkpn88CnY1vZ-Z71cLkxYNvTLd_SGf4Rx5yUwGq/s1600/IMG_9081.jpg"></a></div><br>So here is the deal. I know not everyone has a little spot in their garage for crafting. Truth be told, there is no real crafting space in my home {every project takes place on my dining room table} but my craft supplies seem to be multiplying. Funny how that happens, right?! A couple of years ago we installed some cabinets in the garage. This was after I took over a rolling cart elsewhere <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/organized-garage-craft-project-supplies/" target="_blank">in the garage</a>. My husband uses the tall cabinet for tools and the shorter cabinets are for my supplies. But there are so many "go-to" items that I go to grab all the time. I needed an organized spot for them. This easy pegboard solution provides just that.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYz6n7s5xc55fY9pmtV_nBWl-uSmCSNR5lhOWVvGiZ6Iz7nGW7M9aeglaEXUuQkjegvHO67iJcs2oCB6c8lZkUAHZK85DtgE8ZWPXcWbFB7PPbzfDvqUTiNF8WLQgvea8gg878mxdsrSW/s1600/IMG_9098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYz6n7s5xc55fY9pmtV_nBWl-uSmCSNR5lhOWVvGiZ6Iz7nGW7M9aeglaEXUuQkjegvHO67iJcs2oCB6c8lZkUAHZK85DtgE8ZWPXcWbFB7PPbzfDvqUTiNF8WLQgvea8gg878mxdsrSW/s1600/IMG_9098.jpg"></a></div><br>I went to my local big box store and grabbed everything I needed to put this on the wall. In total, I only spent about $36. So worth it to have these supplies so handy. And it means I have a clear work space for putting together my projects.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPACQi5hR9xdY1a0nd3NbANZ1e3-SZu4nHQIhCz1U_CuUh0VztzBPwP2fWHuM7iTClb65PnZGMhY6HNzr3wvWGeZ9vhftxvg0lONz912BqAoubVIwDfv2CfZRYZ7-oLTWqom6To3l91gvu/s1600/IMG_8935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPACQi5hR9xdY1a0nd3NbANZ1e3-SZu4nHQIhCz1U_CuUh0VztzBPwP2fWHuM7iTClb65PnZGMhY6HNzr3wvWGeZ9vhftxvg0lONz912BqAoubVIwDfv2CfZRYZ7-oLTWqom6To3l91gvu/s1600/IMG_8935.jpg"></a></div><br>They sell the pegboard already in white so I was able to give them the dimensions and they made the cuts for me. I love that. We also picked up wood to use as supports to mount to the wall. I also grabbed a set of three bins and racks to hang supplies from. And no project is complete without my trusted gold spray paint.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiE7aaB1zpOMyJoHipJtMp8pK9h9QtPBi2wGwOqnfrnIS99y2nq95g6XMO1uk_X8dJE-WSpSP9SVusYvgRH4Dpat1TnUrHKf6IFKL3lZUMO0osy1yjj_U7W32t3Wht7g8_tQyw4nfd_JZ/s1600/IMG_8938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiE7aaB1zpOMyJoHipJtMp8pK9h9QtPBi2wGwOqnfrnIS99y2nq95g6XMO1uk_X8dJE-WSpSP9SVusYvgRH4Dpat1TnUrHKf6IFKL3lZUMO0osy1yjj_U7W32t3Wht7g8_tQyw4nfd_JZ/s1600/IMG_8938.jpg"></a></div><br>These were a breeze to spray and dried very quickly. While I sprayed these, my husband worked on mounting the pegboard for me. Just don’t forget to clean your items before you spray them to eliminate any dust or dirt which can create a poor final product.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-nfOFSyhdavKgWAnHV5unrJ9WGtX5fGeaO_S1NUmuAG7uqo90_O9NeaJr7rK3VB_qSjNIjNhqbsfFVkWzwE2KEC1_Hct3NqIW16Aaox7mbEBiCUBqiuCOwuN4cp8US9R1c9z_QC7ipgd/s1600/IMG_8944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-nfOFSyhdavKgWAnHV5unrJ9WGtX5fGeaO_S1NUmuAG7uqo90_O9NeaJr7rK3VB_qSjNIjNhqbsfFVkWzwE2KEC1_Hct3NqIW16Aaox7mbEBiCUBqiuCOwuN4cp8US9R1c9z_QC7ipgd/s1600/IMG_8944.jpg"></a></div><br>We were lucky enough to hit a stud with the support on the right. We mounted three pieces of wood to the wall and then drilled the pegboard directly into those. That was enough to secure it and keep it steady.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa3KIek96AuSA395dHNyZB2poDKC02b_avup53z3xTO_xHeC08ob7PkBUopK6H4yy7xOU1q4T1-WlQPF1xAZIeIQ6G8_cREZ1huegJSun5Y6BOI9C8nI17fOCplVkIeZhyphenhyphenBoDzLdgSnAb/s1600/img_9059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa3KIek96AuSA395dHNyZB2poDKC02b_avup53z3xTO_xHeC08ob7PkBUopK6H4yy7xOU1q4T1-WlQPF1xAZIeIQ6G8_cREZ1huegJSun5Y6BOI9C8nI17fOCplVkIeZhyphenhyphenBoDzLdgSnAb/s1600/img_9059.jpg"></a></div><br>Pretty craft supplies hanging on this white board make me giddy. I am almost afraid to admit that.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcphdKxXkUqJ955nmMDYNUschKsqX7-X8oeyu-WrCVjQQrk1-UfxHRv6KWdEUc83Lf_ayzCsCIYqtl77wCKr16MuqSRYQh4B28MoRFo7kMigwQ2QR0HEsMmmrrs5xZq7ab-FOlPOGvIi/s1600/IMG_9063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcphdKxXkUqJ955nmMDYNUschKsqX7-X8oeyu-WrCVjQQrk1-UfxHRv6KWdEUc83Lf_ayzCsCIYqtl77wCKr16MuqSRYQh4B28MoRFo7kMigwQ2QR0HEsMmmrrs5xZq7ab-FOlPOGvIi/s1600/IMG_9063.jpg"></a></div><br>These scissors are actually quite special to me. They were my moms and I love having them. They remind me of all of the sewing projects she created while we were growing up. I gave the handles a quick spray of gold paint. I think she’ll like the update. And now I can’t misplace them!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1w1K3djSclZOYHmO6cHVMAQklGx4vGx2_5HBaD5b0WbEIpTjwbLia2E7YmC4niy85YFUl8Y5T0q13omc2c9TmCZtK4Qse618PQ3wJDGkoy7F3wwWZr-DM8zwJiWmyKvX5oqnbJk2RuEE/s1600/IMG_9067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1w1K3djSclZOYHmO6cHVMAQklGx4vGx2_5HBaD5b0WbEIpTjwbLia2E7YmC4niy85YFUl8Y5T0q13omc2c9TmCZtK4Qse618PQ3wJDGkoy7F3wwWZr-DM8zwJiWmyKvX5oqnbJk2RuEE/s1600/IMG_9067.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUPzUGIVG0Q98lfJ7bwWcIMSnhC6yAeJPuDh5p-yAHJz9PC8qqmjqzMh-_j-xKV0iBnJikEfKpABfNpCmxIpQPiNZVOj-sYnEtg6PLok-ShwmqwE3ua-xf4SDCnJFdovcueq27a_RoUpM/s1600/IMG_9057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUPzUGIVG0Q98lfJ7bwWcIMSnhC6yAeJPuDh5p-yAHJz9PC8qqmjqzMh-_j-xKV0iBnJikEfKpABfNpCmxIpQPiNZVOj-sYnEtg6PLok-ShwmqwE3ua-xf4SDCnJFdovcueq27a_RoUpM/s1600/IMG_9057.jpg"></a></div><br>My husband is thrilled that I have these key items in a known spot now. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost that large paint brush {I use it with the vintage décor paint}. The hanging buckets also disguise the outlet. We used a jigsaw to cut out a hole so that we can still use it.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh837hhMzrySUyGrmEJLUlyor0k_p73_vlWKuKCaf_HOqCn06dx9AlogiElRHWCbIW7CRGtx1Cb86CS5XbjLCbzqaNKx5rwcSAYoNWfuUi4FW17FCLPEraLVvw8PWt4dVPPTEgRLi9MaN0_/s1600/IMG_9071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh837hhMzrySUyGrmEJLUlyor0k_p73_vlWKuKCaf_HOqCn06dx9AlogiElRHWCbIW7CRGtx1Cb86CS5XbjLCbzqaNKx5rwcSAYoNWfuUi4FW17FCLPEraLVvw8PWt4dVPPTEgRLi9MaN0_/s1600/IMG_9071.jpg"></a></div><br>So now I can easily remove the bucket and plug in a glue gun or lamp if I am working without natural light.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiqBBlUzWfuK6gywGVq5IZM99bWeyN4L5bVBoK8ZTKkN9aP3FN43EWpTciGWI8Cqv9ovl_0BruUOnmNQ2rAASNf_L4d8wYxgSQb7oe7Z_DoSFQPrXhSHOKIQE_uEj0agzmmzjhnpa7pX1/s1600/IMG_9089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiqBBlUzWfuK6gywGVq5IZM99bWeyN4L5bVBoK8ZTKkN9aP3FN43EWpTciGWI8Cqv9ovl_0BruUOnmNQ2rAASNf_L4d8wYxgSQb7oe7Z_DoSFQPrXhSHOKIQE_uEj0agzmmzjhnpa7pX1/s1600/IMG_9089.jpg"></a></div><br>Crafting tip: Stock up on those sponge brushes. They are very inexpensive and clean so well. I use them almost every time I use craft paint. I created the Greek Key trim on the work surface with black electrical tape.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm2l1Tm8O7qgG_LYQWW8uii-NDU8gv-Z2TU4PQ9KZhre5d1zh8kj1eF0-lTogbPaXe4FEqE3Oiiv1KJjW_cVveTzLf5GFQzSMB2VZQLbLC0qZkTLv4rfky1Vmxdubautf2bcnDUYlsujZ/s1600/IMG_9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm2l1Tm8O7qgG_LYQWW8uii-NDU8gv-Z2TU4PQ9KZhre5d1zh8kj1eF0-lTogbPaXe4FEqE3Oiiv1KJjW_cVveTzLf5GFQzSMB2VZQLbLC0qZkTLv4rfky1Vmxdubautf2bcnDUYlsujZ/s1600/IMG_9090.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgec0a53m_mZw14qCsli9WyLbzrl8aRWaGTHor6mhCfHGuxH4FLizLMuIZ65-7eYk5gmgZozePHJF_BC4cmYv8r_qA3K_sDI_B_kT6Wigi7JwTJ2UhyQnSV1gdZQCX94UzPuuMngXiw-TO6/s1600/IMG_9095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgec0a53m_mZw14qCsli9WyLbzrl8aRWaGTHor6mhCfHGuxH4FLizLMuIZ65-7eYk5gmgZozePHJF_BC4cmYv8r_qA3K_sDI_B_kT6Wigi7JwTJ2UhyQnSV1gdZQCX94UzPuuMngXiw-TO6/s1600/IMG_9095.jpg"></a></div><br>This sweet little jar was a salsa jar from Trader Joe's. With a bit of gold spray paint it’s a nice spot for my markers. I always keep a journal nearby when I do projects so I can write down measurements or ideas.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2UIckUj_PO9-DOK3pQbO14zpRm1xvoobXPt0ItuTwOqVfoF3MhBqqHbUtD1QWnJyyCP5wmsRZTYe6WNI_f5SZc-wcl-TZcMcgmi4QNkMyFwV2n3h6cZL6Cr6m6e48mMzOWPfTvudHZvp/s1600/IMG_9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2UIckUj_PO9-DOK3pQbO14zpRm1xvoobXPt0ItuTwOqVfoF3MhBqqHbUtD1QWnJyyCP5wmsRZTYe6WNI_f5SZc-wcl-TZcMcgmi4QNkMyFwV2n3h6cZL6Cr6m6e48mMzOWPfTvudHZvp/s1600/IMG_9100.jpg"></a></div><br>Here is one last look. And thank you to my sweet friend, Krystine, for the darling “Hey Y’all!” print. It brings a smile to my face when I work in here. And side note. . . the TV is in our garage because we often entertain and the boys migrate out there to watch sports while they play table tennis. It’s the hardest working garage around {if only we had a basement!}. Hoping this newly refreshed space will keep me crating without losing my favorite pair of scissors every five minutes. You can see the other part of our <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/organized-garage-craft-project-supplies/" target="_blank">garage organization here</a>.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">_______________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 38.5px; opacity: 1; position: absolute; top: 7864.7px; visibility: visible; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/07/uheart-organizing-simple-desk-solutions.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_lJR5RrkgvFQxoJzzHpLpWkEqywQRBAJqzcT2oaSpUsb8eO-ErpJoMkIi52oASteTTMRdN5kxuzxqfO5_9JFkO8irHlUADYXVmEamXxSjdCc_w8dJJ0N5pVrw1iFjg0Kgyw15YtbMMI/s1600/courthead1.png&description=26UHeart%20Organizing:%20Simple%20Desk%20Solutions%20for%20Children" style="display: block; outline: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/PinIt75px_zps9d0b45d7.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -o-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: transparent; border: 0; box-shadow: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;" title="Pin on Pinterest"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rzJYEX8PoqbrwzFgtKlJnbgG6-bwnB99NTYp1B7TY4A1KesqR5t1RD5MB2HzdeefbOnaUEP7vB56cELkrQ66vTkIrWL9UwXJ39OvjAIR17iQFz2d5gBBwwyUEe2g7316dvwKBF8oscL4/s1600/pink300-round+150.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rzJYEX8PoqbrwzFgtKlJnbgG6-bwnB99NTYp1B7TY4A1KesqR5t1RD5MB2HzdeefbOnaUEP7vB56cELkrQ66vTkIrWL9UwXJ39OvjAIR17iQFz2d5gBBwwyUEe2g7316dvwKBF8oscL4/s1600/pink300-round+150.png"></a><i>"Do you believe in love at first sight? I sure do because when I first stumbled upon I Heart Organizing I immediately fell in love with Jen's mad organizational skills. I think we all long for a calm, organized, well styled life. I am the author of <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place blog</a> where I dish on all things related to decorating, organizing, entertaining, and of course DIY-ing! To be quite honest, working on making my house a home is my happy place. It fulfills my need to be creative and I love sharing ideas {both big and small} with my readers. Along with my blog, I am a contributing writer to <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/" target="_blank">House of Fifty</a> and have recently started my own decorating firm, <a href="http://www.caseygracedesign.com/home.html" target="_blank">Casey Grace Design, LLC</a>, with my talented sister. I call Orange County, California home where I live with amazing husband and two children. At the end of a busy day, I love to enjoy an ice cold beer on the front porch with my hubby while we watch our children ride their bikes or run around. Life is sweet and I am thrilled to be a part of the IHeart Organizing Team."</i>

UHeart Organizing: A Handy Craft Station

Pegboard is here to rescue another crafting fanatic!  I must say, it must be about the most functional type of storage in existence.  The lovely Courtney from A Thoughtful Place Blog, always has a knack for making her projects look simple yet elegant.  Who knew pegboard could be associated with eleg…

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Reader Space: Loads of Love for Laundry

Reader Spaces, oh how I have missed you!  Today's space is just what I needed to feel re-inspired about my own laundry situation.  Our laundry room makes me happy and isn't the most troubled spot in our home, but lately it has become a tornado of a mess and I have fallen behind with our daily washing routine.  There are a few lingering projects I would love to tackle in there, and I think that Jessica just bumped those up on our priority list.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMTVtq3NU-zxgLfRi0M1quD1TC3j_mcSRHhUK-46pi-ibkgzY0ukv5i9hfxWWsIgfXlPQ6eDTkhfZOpQgPwHG9THwMtSPbI5lIHgm_mFcv1DsTbAFvocemwe9WKg1LAYqoKIOTYCX_Ko1/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMTVtq3NU-zxgLfRi0M1quD1TC3j_mcSRHhUK-46pi-ibkgzY0ukv5i9hfxWWsIgfXlPQ6eDTkhfZOpQgPwHG9THwMtSPbI5lIHgm_mFcv1DsTbAFvocemwe9WKg1LAYqoKIOTYCX_Ko1/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Jessica blogs over at <a href="http://livethefancylife.com/" target="_blank">Live the Fancy Life,</a> and I love her mission!  <i>Live the Fancy Life is all about making every day count, living life to the fullest and enjoying the days we’ve been given.</i>  And she is practically my neighbor, so I can't help but feel a connection with her!  Not to mention, she offers amazing advice for dressing little dudes.<br /><br />When I first saw <a href="http://livethefancylife.com/our-dream-room-makeover/" target="_blank">her laundry room</a>, I quickly showed Bryan and begged him to finish up our laundry room projects.  He reminded me that we have a different project to finish up first, but he agreed, this is one heck of a transformation.  <br /><br />Let's begin by taking a look at Jessica's laundry room before her recent makeover.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqHTj_0Kqekng8_fVnwKCCLIiLnnzsrXHl8j7_HNtPDwzvxS_MTbj30ZCDoPGci5CFOo3_JNOHsDHS4oQj8dEMX-Qdo0pkfZsVntwI1toABhqbIGdjz9fsutY71PsEMJV8rz1KmBs_CN/s1600/Carpet+One+Dream+Makeover+Laundry+Room+Before+photos+%25281+of+5%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqHTj_0Kqekng8_fVnwKCCLIiLnnzsrXHl8j7_HNtPDwzvxS_MTbj30ZCDoPGci5CFOo3_JNOHsDHS4oQj8dEMX-Qdo0pkfZsVntwI1toABhqbIGdjz9fsutY71PsEMJV8rz1KmBs_CN/s1600/Carpet+One+Dream+Makeover+Laundry+Room+Before+photos+%25281+of+5%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see, it was begging for a little love and updating.  And that is just what happened!  I asked Jessica to stop by today to share more details.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #a20067;"><b>What is the main function of the space?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Q8xuEl8ORhSMkqAlQx301VXcl53g3JK5BnmgoAMqQ4mOOQzuX9dM7Sj8qu_2XAQw9uB-yt1wA0qxIApTw4C5xM-S4kO4Dq4COn1ObJcpT6cxgqn1bqnuhmsFPrK_Tc0nDyzh8uK85fR-/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Q8xuEl8ORhSMkqAlQx301VXcl53g3JK5BnmgoAMqQ4mOOQzuX9dM7Sj8qu_2XAQw9uB-yt1wA0qxIApTw4C5xM-S4kO4Dq4COn1ObJcpT6cxgqn1bqnuhmsFPrK_Tc0nDyzh8uK85fR-/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_004.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Laundry, laundry, laundry. I LOVE that this space allows us to fold and hang everything. If our boys are in bed, our clothes aren't stuck in baskets or laying on our bed. That always turns into a bad situation where they don't get put away for weeks."</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #ff6373;"><b>Any superstar tips for keeping the space organized?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bB4N6wcpM3sRb9wZwFkHhI-nP2eLkRhQxZJB6WJZrDXLiFAxjM0B6n7PkqcEXLLPqbp-uMaesgqkmepAWDPzDbR-be7IAnxriQWuI1SmoBAZ_zfAY-GANBRYqryCKsD1E1SfPa9Xon9u/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bB4N6wcpM3sRb9wZwFkHhI-nP2eLkRhQxZJB6WJZrDXLiFAxjM0B6n7PkqcEXLLPqbp-uMaesgqkmepAWDPzDbR-be7IAnxriQWuI1SmoBAZ_zfAY-GANBRYqryCKsD1E1SfPa9Xon9u/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_018.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"For us, the individual baskets for each member of our family and different colored hangers and spaces on the hanging bar make a huge difference. Keeping the laundry detergent and dryer sheets organized is easy with a beautiful tray. The cabinets allow us to keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes and even allow for extra storage for things like sheets. And a hidden trash can is a pretty nice bonus."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-stEHBDugXVSiG5Of0A5RUaZBwoKLVg_s79S1pBI6Zo07A87S0GhNdr-mCl4Rmoo1xAmwikvV5magbK90DkXzoHMeBFBQguqmCVD7jiolhy4XnhHCop4thz4-IjufM_cPcFtTzpx5hKGQ/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-stEHBDugXVSiG5Of0A5RUaZBwoKLVg_s79S1pBI6Zo07A87S0GhNdr-mCl4Rmoo1xAmwikvV5magbK90DkXzoHMeBFBQguqmCVD7jiolhy4XnhHCop4thz4-IjufM_cPcFtTzpx5hKGQ/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_023.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #0ba89f;"><b>What items did you find were essential when organizing this space and why?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBG-5iFFd_eccQyYQSDB0-fnhCthknjtoGV3MVfLWIIEqnaPbX0pO_fd1DX0zgrNCZdHEdyzklRFFg7GWQBsSVVQAlAcOAbvSg5ofFr7QwBhTndVSTDkd1ButS1IFZbgBDRgvpkSkkV-C/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBG-5iFFd_eccQyYQSDB0-fnhCthknjtoGV3MVfLWIIEqnaPbX0pO_fd1DX0zgrNCZdHEdyzklRFFg7GWQBsSVVQAlAcOAbvSg5ofFr7QwBhTndVSTDkd1ButS1IFZbgBDRgvpkSkkV-C/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_013.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Hands down, the hanging bar, built-in hampers and counter spaces. Several friends recommended the little tray for random pocket change and that is also so nice vs. having everything just laying on the counter." </i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #3a9545;"><b>What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugxvrl7o6FW79AKGeGdwi0VVCRyOEfsxAQqPwSYmbw6Fji2ITrx0ri284dZj4L5S96e5lJuW8eWSoB0iG9HAX0eWXWFxuSf2Ra8C6mdPCZldcHVKp59wV7ocREGPctQEUW9frgunChWRa/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugxvrl7o6FW79AKGeGdwi0VVCRyOEfsxAQqPwSYmbw6Fji2ITrx0ri284dZj4L5S96e5lJuW8eWSoB0iG9HAX0eWXWFxuSf2Ra8C6mdPCZldcHVKp59wV7ocREGPctQEUW9frgunChWRa/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_019.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Two words. Marble backsplash! Oh my! The backsplash has my heart. Is it necessary in a laundry room? Absolutely not, but it gives the room a stunning finish that could not be achieved with paint. I also love the laminate counters that are faux marble. They were exceptionally budget friendly, but make the room look higher end than it actually is. And the simple but pretty art from Rifle Paper Co. is so nice to look at."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6QDtiU1CH6zZuOS5Oz9-o7ogxNadGk9M1ud2c6BkCNPzULSq0QlubX-ikw8wDiHNy3ELil7FcNFg75mlZyzMGCEXCQFIc88g1bM-JmiX-5WHDdsCt1nAXae7kBR1EhA9OPVNAXl_4ADr/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6QDtiU1CH6zZuOS5Oz9-o7ogxNadGk9M1ud2c6BkCNPzULSq0QlubX-ikw8wDiHNy3ELil7FcNFg75mlZyzMGCEXCQFIc88g1bM-JmiX-5WHDdsCt1nAXae7kBR1EhA9OPVNAXl_4ADr/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_Collage.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #afdece;"><b>What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg3bnPbnhDSERHE5Pelg32yOtGoKR6haYWYQHBgOG9lMxqBkZw7XGiYl0VBUxFMMuP2YpBUg60hhvywlhcOMoJicGW8BRlhp60w5S3cJmj9-1K11bQ4iohaYCRjuU6SijOUQ0m85gT48J/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg3bnPbnhDSERHE5Pelg32yOtGoKR6haYWYQHBgOG9lMxqBkZw7XGiYl0VBUxFMMuP2YpBUg60hhvywlhcOMoJicGW8BRlhp60w5S3cJmj9-1K11bQ4iohaYCRjuU6SijOUQ0m85gT48J/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_003.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Please keep in mind that this project was mostly sponsored, but I did buy cabinets that were in stock and affordable. I went with very inexpensive laminate countertops that still achieved the look I was going for. And finally, the tile on the floor looks great, but it is actually vinyl and is a very budget-friendly option." </i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #004c6c;"><b>How has it impacted your life for the better? </b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAp_-3qeDGBRkzxABF6OicU2BDhH7PtAE15TSeceq3n4k6eA3umFH-Adm8GddHFzQODEyPGNkiQbRMuGqUgyVdZxHjuA8cb7JaQ30S3OyUtOs7j0LlabafnQoUJNpp53h-FCy-HNfl4oA/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAp_-3qeDGBRkzxABF6OicU2BDhH7PtAE15TSeceq3n4k6eA3umFH-Adm8GddHFzQODEyPGNkiQbRMuGqUgyVdZxHjuA8cb7JaQ30S3OyUtOs7j0LlabafnQoUJNpp53h-FCy-HNfl4oA/s1600/Life+the+Fancy+Life+Editorial_005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Besides being pretty, this space is incredibly functional. It allows us to fold laundry and leave it until we have time to put it away. We have space to create organized piles and hanging things immediately means it doesn't end up in a basket for weeks. We have been caught up on laundry for the full two months since this space wrapped up. I definitely couldn't say that before. I don't even want to tell you how many loads of laundry were sitting in our hampers before this room change occurred." </i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A complete transformation at its finest!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDUTlUBLEJDgzFRgNK384xleckTxR83DutBgPCWMA0zzZJd7l73BZTgr3kKwXQsJ4cyYNelSk4CDIsIMxLUDcehmU_AXZPhKlAL6Su1UIKx4ExHtTQT6TOysqvQXN6vn68xav1CInNEtQ/s1600/Carpet+One+Dream+Makeover+Laundry+Before+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDUTlUBLEJDgzFRgNK384xleckTxR83DutBgPCWMA0zzZJd7l73BZTgr3kKwXQsJ4cyYNelSk4CDIsIMxLUDcehmU_AXZPhKlAL6Su1UIKx4ExHtTQT6TOysqvQXN6vn68xav1CInNEtQ/s1600/Carpet+One+Dream+Makeover+Laundry+Before+After.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><br />Having a similar setup with the folding counter and hanging bar, I can attest that it makes such a dramatic difference in our laundering process to have a place to fold and hang items to dry.  Toss in all of the added storage within the cabinets above and below, and you are able to display the pretty and tuck away the day-to-day visual clutter.<br /><br />What we don't have and have always lusted after, is a counter over the washer and dryer.  What a difference it makes to have accessible solid surface for both storage and stacks of clothing.  It also provides a streamlined appearance in the space.  I adore that Jessica now has a place to display her decorative bins of laundry care items, as well as a catch-all tray for pocket items.  Pretty flowers are a plus.<br /><br />Other takeaways are a tucked away trash can and color coded hangers for the family.  And backsplash.  Glorious, beautiful backsplash.  I agree, it was a game changer.<br /><br />A <i>load</i> of thanks to Jessica for sharing her incredible makeover with all of us today.  I hope she is ready for all of the grumbling husbands around blogland.  I think many have laundry room projects in their future.<br /><br />You can read more about Jessica's smashing space on her blog <a href="http://livethefancylife.com/our-dream-room-makeover/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*  All images courtesy of <a href="http://livethefancylife.com/" target="_blank">Live the Fancy Life</a> and Melissa Oholendt Photography.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b>ATTENTION!!</b></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i><b> </b> Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life, big or small.  <b>They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room</b>.  Please submit your story and photos to <a href="mailto:iheartreaderspace@gmail.com">iheartreaderspace@gmail.com</a>, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  <b>Photos should be high resolution and unedited.</b>  Please include a description of the project and how it has changed your life or routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!</i></span></span></i></span></span></span></span> </div><br />

Reader Space: Loads of Love for Laundry

Reader Spaces, oh how I have missed you!  Today's space is just what I needed to feel re-inspired about my own laundry situation.  Our laundry room makes me happy and isn't the most troubled spot in our home, but lately it has become a tornado of a mess and I have fallen behind with our daily washin…

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IHeart Murchison-Hume & a GIVEAWAY!

I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend!  The boys had a four day school vacation and I really enjoyed their daily company.  We were able to mix some housework with a lot of play, leaving us all exhausted in the very best of ways.<br /><br />Speaking of chores, although spring is already almost over, we are just starting to think about our spring cleaning sessions around here.  The fact that spring always seems to arrive later here in the Midwest paired with our major home projects as of late, we are a bit behind our normal cleaning and decluttering schedule.  But I am ready!  In fact, I personally find an odd excitement in a good deep cleaning session.  But you already knew that.  You also probably know that we made the switch the more homemade and healthy cleaning products a few years ago.  It is always nice to know that I don't have to worry about what I am spraying into the air that we all breath each day.  And that I don't have to be concerned when the dogs lick up random crumbs from under the kitchen table.<br /><br />But I know not everyone wishes to take the time to make homemade cleaners.  Or maybe you are skeptical about how well they really work?  Whether you have never used green cleaners or you spend your evenings whipping up a batch of laundry detergent during your favorite sitcom, I have an AMAZING giveaway for you all this week.  It is definitely one near and dear to my heart.  Say hello to <a href="http://www.murchison-hume.com/" target="_blank">Murchison-Hume</a>!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFEKYAomXv9t9BktiGZwYRuryYPSS0HOb3PIJdnwubf0XGZCaVYAJ8Jy1Q3xgjZJcJFG7lHg8Z7z_oKpjPPoxdTm1ayIZX5qXt_7lXiK_WJmGdQ8RYXzIAVQd38iY6I_bnbpWUmw6UKSB/s1600/320512-Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+5.29.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFEKYAomXv9t9BktiGZwYRuryYPSS0HOb3PIJdnwubf0XGZCaVYAJ8Jy1Q3xgjZJcJFG7lHg8Z7z_oKpjPPoxdTm1ayIZX5qXt_7lXiK_WJmGdQ8RYXzIAVQd38iY6I_bnbpWUmw6UKSB/s1600/320512-Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+5.29.05+PM.png" /></a></div><br />Murchison-Hume was created by former Fashion Editor and mother of two, Max Kater, when her son developed allergic sensitivities to common household cleaning products. She made it her mission to create products that would be stylish to look at, safe and easy to use and still work just as well as ordinary supermarket brands. Clean is beautiful.<br /><br />And let's be brutally honest for a minute.  Stylish packaging is HUGE!  Having the ability to leave cleaning products out in the open only promotes more cleaning.  Am I right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzeYIAVhSDwk2nZRd_rJf4Gl2QF4sOJH-zeoX-SUdMUysoNvOmbCIgkWHmT6u1G6signnuO1oYNLo43aYzqIBUtg1Da4UGeJfiHx5oAMKFjHRzeidn9oEnCnjmBqVcZGM-4Ci3EDe4KKU/s1600/11312992_1095272867154953_8837836363270700072_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzeYIAVhSDwk2nZRd_rJf4Gl2QF4sOJH-zeoX-SUdMUysoNvOmbCIgkWHmT6u1G6signnuO1oYNLo43aYzqIBUtg1Da4UGeJfiHx5oAMKFjHRzeidn9oEnCnjmBqVcZGM-4Ci3EDe4KKU/s1600/11312992_1095272867154953_8837836363270700072_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />OK, so we have <a href="http://www.murchison-hume.com/pages/our-ingredients" target="_blank">healthy and earth friendly</a> (check, check), stylish (check), <a href="http://www.murchison-hume.com/products/bamboo-caddy" target="_blank">portable cleaning caddy</a> (check) and they also clean really well (check)!  What could make them any better?  Why an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99301949/customized-childrens-chore-chart?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">iHeart Organizing chore chart</a> of course!  I just love seeing it in their most recent promotional photo! ♥  See, we are a match made in cleaning and organizational heaven! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbUU-3cc5jaUOeAhp9lkK04mZc4kSsUmrONzmX-Et9vKde84DDovE8LNHD4Bo9sePulP1j2fDyBv1sjHHJoNUb_SHyC9Kv6fDK767OjRSVERC7Z4SQmeo5VVLsY6A3isLki9NhyphenhyphenEQD0em/s1600/Please+use+this+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbUU-3cc5jaUOeAhp9lkK04mZc4kSsUmrONzmX-Et9vKde84DDovE8LNHD4Bo9sePulP1j2fDyBv1sjHHJoNUb_SHyC9Kv6fDK767OjRSVERC7Z4SQmeo5VVLsY6A3isLki9NhyphenhyphenEQD0em/s1600/Please+use+this+photo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />OK everyone, I want to get these cleaners into your paws. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy_hENWZeONZEyuOibDByFYkv2fz6p-M0ilO3NFhZqwBk8XYYlh-D6F9TJbCkrRl_S0-ZvXlpMl_eF1VDPx8P0tajpNvFeyigb2nZrcsrUj6ljXfMBQI8-TfmEWuZyL3ZIGMtKPgnK98C/s1600/Murch_Hume_WinMe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy_hENWZeONZEyuOibDByFYkv2fz6p-M0ilO3NFhZqwBk8XYYlh-D6F9TJbCkrRl_S0-ZvXlpMl_eF1VDPx8P0tajpNvFeyigb2nZrcsrUj6ljXfMBQI8-TfmEWuZyL3ZIGMtKPgnK98C/s1600/Murch_Hume_WinMe.png" /></a></div><br />This week, I am giveaway away an amazing cleaning prize pack.  So whether you are ready to change your daily cleaning routine or are about to dive into a deep spring cleaning like myself, be ready to fall in love with your chores (it really is possible).<br /><br />One lucky winner will receive the <a href="http://www.murchison-hume.com/collections/around-the-house/products/classic-six-cleaning-set" target="_blank">Classic Six Box Cleaning Set</a> which includes:<br /><ul><li>Boys’ Bathroom Cleaner</li><li>Premium Glass Polish</li><li>Spit & Polish Stainless Steel Cleaner</li><li>Everyday Furniture & Upholstery Cleaner</li><li>Counter Safe All-Purpose Cleaner</li><li>Effortless Floor Cleaner</li><li>Bamboo Caddy (Measures - 10”L x 7"W x 4.5” H)</li></ul><br />I am also throwing in a $40 gift credit to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/IHeartOrganizing?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">my Etsy printable shop</a>! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFO5r_uUUO5C0QjNmQg70ObFWcN3TwgVLDKsOnCQuie3tR1Cwrww7vQoVb5eJfxa84XxILncHelqynLyMubQ3CdEU-ymhB0Y-G4V-pQ2ToqIIUf27IRlPTDWBncz0EGX3GjQwqyJx1CvD/s1600/enterthegiveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFO5r_uUUO5C0QjNmQg70ObFWcN3TwgVLDKsOnCQuie3tR1Cwrww7vQoVb5eJfxa84XxILncHelqynLyMubQ3CdEU-ymhB0Y-G4V-pQ2ToqIIUf27IRlPTDWBncz0EGX3GjQwqyJx1CvD/s1600/enterthegiveaway.png" /></a></div><br /><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="5a368ad2190" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5a368ad2190/" id="rcwidget_nty15yar" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGR46V06xkxcgMPZ9l-48htT0z4f8cP2PXD1_CpqHp5lBL5SX0Un9lYnwCryJN-cvJfi-WWvDaPGolxySNA3Cep-zSyNljRTvBtlL26Z817MXI8bIi8HOLRMUob9iI1PAvcnqQZyXuzM/s1600/MoreGoodness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGR46V06xkxcgMPZ9l-48htT0z4f8cP2PXD1_CpqHp5lBL5SX0Un9lYnwCryJN-cvJfi-WWvDaPGolxySNA3Cep-zSyNljRTvBtlL26Z817MXI8bIi8HOLRMUob9iI1PAvcnqQZyXuzM/s1600/MoreGoodness.png" /></a></div><br />From now through Wednesday, June 3rd, Murchison-Hume is offering 20% off to iHeart Organizing readers with the code <span style="color: #a20067;"><b>iheart20</b></span> at checkout.  And I am offering 20% off all printables in my shop with code <span style="color: #a20067;"><b>iheartspringcleaning</b></span> at checkout.  Win, win friends!<br /><br />Good luck everyone!<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><i>Must be 18 years old or older. Open to continental US residents only.  No purchase necessary to win. All rules and entries must be followed to be eligible to win. Winner will be selected at random using rafflecopter.com and will be announced on original blog post upon drawing. IHeart Organizing official giveaway entry rules can always be found <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/oh-so-important-giveaway-fine-print.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span>

IHeart Murchison-Hume & a GIVEAWAY!

I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend!  The boys had a four day school vacation and I really enjoyed their daily company.  We were able to mix some housework with a lot of play, leaving us all exhausted in the very best of ways.Speaking of chores, although spring is already almost over, we are…

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UHeart Organizing: Painted & Pretty Bath Storage

Long time color fanatic here, and I know I am not alone.  Maybe we should start a color loving club?  Do they have those?  I could probably be president.  Pair color with organizing and my heart really goes wild.  That is one of the many reasons I fell in love with Aniko's blog, <a href="http://placeofmytaste.com/" target="_blank">Place Of My Taste</a>.  She shares that love of color and organization and always knows how to inject happiness into each project she tackles.  That includes some recent bathroom updates she made, which she is sharing with us today.  And not only do we have the privilege of oohing and aahing over her beautiful and bright bathroom, she is also gifting us with some beautiful, <i>free</i> artwork!  Thank you Aniko!<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgstcp2f6VZBxZ69x0VNDOCVBNpCMh51S8cpqMCbx8kNn8UK8f_jfFXSuyTwBp_hu-jFdNRcb-is1X14eJJsoD_N-J3yCFXmjsmgNQdeJs93yrmrObD1laU_7Xj2B5w2dPWfKu23HFWaB/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgstcp2f6VZBxZ69x0VNDOCVBNpCMh51S8cpqMCbx8kNn8UK8f_jfFXSuyTwBp_hu-jFdNRcb-is1X14eJJsoD_N-J3yCFXmjsmgNQdeJs93yrmrObD1laU_7Xj2B5w2dPWfKu23HFWaB/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-header.png"></a></div><br>Today I am going to show you how I quickly refreshed our bathroom with a little pop of color. At the end of last year we tackled our bathroom makeover and I haven't really touched anything in there since then. The bathroom wasn't completely finished (and it still isn't which seems to be the story of my life), however, we were so pleased with the how far we came with the it because it is now bright, cheery and definitely more spacious. You can see more of the bathroom remodel <a href="http://placeofmytaste.com/2014/12/bathroom-update-kendrick-wall-mirrors-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a>, you may want to see the before picture, it is pretty dramatic.  If you have been to my blog, you know that I am not afraid to use color. Not at all. I found a terrific coral shower curtain at Target, my favorite one stop shop, and it was the driving factor to use coral as an accent color throughout the entire bathroom.<br><br>I recently spied a $1 ceramic soap dispenser and soap tray at Dollar Tree, and I immediately put them in my basket.  I just knew that a little <i><b>coral</b></i> paint would make these the perfect addition to our space.<br><br>I am going to show you a quick tutorial of how you can make your own custom painted soap dispenser. Super easy and no, you don't have to be an artist to do this.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb53IwugNIS11uA9df3uuIqVTcPhrzbuds8WrYCtkYlt3OPRPpeCt-mXwy9QOVW05nX6K8P6_0zUjZx_0L_H00fRLCQdAoUUtePfHrv1p7VpQRJJVFnceOzuHf6BsyjsUHZHmFJ6uJ1pQ/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb53IwugNIS11uA9df3uuIqVTcPhrzbuds8WrYCtkYlt3OPRPpeCt-mXwy9QOVW05nX6K8P6_0zUjZx_0L_H00fRLCQdAoUUtePfHrv1p7VpQRJJVFnceOzuHf6BsyjsUHZHmFJ6uJ1pQ/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-1.jpg"></a></div><br><span style="color: #999999;"><b>Things you will need:</b></span><br><ul><li>Ceramic soap dispenser and tray (Dollar Store)</li><li>Glass paint (I used Martha Stewart - Coral color)</li><li>Paint brush</li><li>Gold sharpie pen - optional</li></ul><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5tZ9QQDoBt8CQgeOpy0a5VAJu75t4aEZaUaQySpN5ZKlpuF9mZB1kY4dz04I4L8u6HOGRllf-4Dt3QucyxuIv6uMQzpE3ER7zUhrw5rX4sFsqPAK48YaLobBAmb4b9iWb5_ifxofN9zb/s1600/Painted-soap-dispenser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5tZ9QQDoBt8CQgeOpy0a5VAJu75t4aEZaUaQySpN5ZKlpuF9mZB1kY4dz04I4L8u6HOGRllf-4Dt3QucyxuIv6uMQzpE3ER7zUhrw5rX4sFsqPAK48YaLobBAmb4b9iWb5_ifxofN9zb/s1600/Painted-soap-dispenser.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As I said, you don't have to be an artist to do this. My lines were not perfect at all, but in my opinion, they don't really have to be. I just went on with my paint brush and painted my simple design. For the tray, I used the golden sharpie to highlight the edges.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FjMuo_TSBl209lftgHjSDNkyhsVJD3iqFYI2ME3COcJk7ITiPxGd24f3VArfXeNxraGQBb5udUXaTCq-aG0Vv73abIUiEPn2OF-SxR3ilyMxKGJFHD1emDVRanlHimc3eWAstKklnsf2/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FjMuo_TSBl209lftgHjSDNkyhsVJD3iqFYI2ME3COcJk7ITiPxGd24f3VArfXeNxraGQBb5udUXaTCq-aG0Vv73abIUiEPn2OF-SxR3ilyMxKGJFHD1emDVRanlHimc3eWAstKklnsf2/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-6.jpg"></a></div><br>I re-purposed the soap tray for my rings. I like to take them off before I shower and this pretty tray makes perfect holding spot. The design is so imperfect and that is what I love most about it. It gives these ceramic pieces a super custom look.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXjlU3zHZr7TQxGdHV1Y4wokW3Lu2EMca4-tNVoKwNlK_2PmUod4XnD6Tgi5NhOCFrWrs59Igu8Bm_gMPL_PrQcqLheMWvcy_SpiG2eONC3UH8SmYbbuA8oEt1dfrKH-4_8J_bQtdH9CC/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXjlU3zHZr7TQxGdHV1Y4wokW3Lu2EMca4-tNVoKwNlK_2PmUod4XnD6Tgi5NhOCFrWrs59Igu8Bm_gMPL_PrQcqLheMWvcy_SpiG2eONC3UH8SmYbbuA8oEt1dfrKH-4_8J_bQtdH9CC/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-101.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Vth8BiiL_wHham4fh7GlkC6zBOkbTqXXHX2DkIGEEpXyifd6XQia4QYUHKnh8j9fGHK60IPb2zZ6y1sYu4jQJicNnfQl2zft9vuis0gnZRktND3Ppik8WYV2Kkd985BfAnAvdxYgVZW/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Vth8BiiL_wHham4fh7GlkC6zBOkbTqXXHX2DkIGEEpXyifd6XQia4QYUHKnh8j9fGHK60IPb2zZ6y1sYu4jQJicNnfQl2zft9vuis0gnZRktND3Ppik8WYV2Kkd985BfAnAvdxYgVZW/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-15.jpg"></a></div><br>I wanted to go further and show you how I keep my bathroom organized and pretty at the same time. I use baskets, small vases and plastic bins to hold things that we use on a daily basis. I love to have everything handy in the morning because I don't have much time to get ready and look for things at the same time. I keep my quick make-up items handy, as well as my facial products, cotton balls, shaving products for hubby, and few wash cloths.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3LRixSY_OmmOgA4XSxv8iS6WHPOMIq4pySwPsf_MaVaDwef3H8bN-zSUXwPzjawexdU0cho3zW1gv8beREFl2eE4glhDuAIPw4D7kHQJiFfPyknuTOJnoKwfR4QFkNC0-MapF6j-7v7c/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3LRixSY_OmmOgA4XSxv8iS6WHPOMIq4pySwPsf_MaVaDwef3H8bN-zSUXwPzjawexdU0cho3zW1gv8beREFl2eE4glhDuAIPw4D7kHQJiFfPyknuTOJnoKwfR4QFkNC0-MapF6j-7v7c/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-8.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W4KfpxAgNruoZKoOnFi8NlNTu2AYD1XEM2j2Av2ZIUBg1m8fQ4SPHdheGQMv20WhCo78vOnDPfs2sHkITz6JPnxzpEFNg7893HPBxs0ZBBsKWn0bU8Niqajq-BcgoyS7kTE49I7NnOfy/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W4KfpxAgNruoZKoOnFi8NlNTu2AYD1XEM2j2Av2ZIUBg1m8fQ4SPHdheGQMv20WhCo78vOnDPfs2sHkITz6JPnxzpEFNg7893HPBxs0ZBBsKWn0bU8Niqajq-BcgoyS7kTE49I7NnOfy/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-16.jpg"></a></div><br>I have a shelf unit that I placed between my two vanities and it has baskets that hold extra hand towels, bathing and hair products. It fit perfectly and they keep everything easily accessible.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa5XzSJiM2cv6V_luUo86SHLDQ1F7xFX_J6waGArSjY9eXDzxZAW8WnxEV-V0cXEoddU2G86mn6Zlg2nUmk3LpJMBCA9B9vZ7Z-CNbScmb4ziJMZpkhjDATitpGx7ft4XJoUi_Ez-7-HN/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa5XzSJiM2cv6V_luUo86SHLDQ1F7xFX_J6waGArSjY9eXDzxZAW8WnxEV-V0cXEoddU2G86mn6Zlg2nUmk3LpJMBCA9B9vZ7Z-CNbScmb4ziJMZpkhjDATitpGx7ft4XJoUi_Ez-7-HN/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-9.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfCAC_M1q1DBO7q6Mvg7BYh2oBj_KdWWlO3aiBLAEzYHZTXSipJTmacpdA-ntO-5gXWUGO3JW7dh0Pxae8xqdE-YOUf7wYhw6vWRAPFxcmIanzdY_D43KPr1_6n505JfBkkqMlCW9ONzu/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfCAC_M1q1DBO7q6Mvg7BYh2oBj_KdWWlO3aiBLAEzYHZTXSipJTmacpdA-ntO-5gXWUGO3JW7dh0Pxae8xqdE-YOUf7wYhw6vWRAPFxcmIanzdY_D43KPr1_6n505JfBkkqMlCW9ONzu/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-19.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5NzWlSipvEZ4tDSYeWC1TKOl2rX5xmjT3V2TKIJD1NaAwozgIomC1t8VIGGX3LAVMxymaf6GKuEnTH2sKr6XjThyphenhyphenOKVt7KQqjPC6BKYLrD0FINV3pIu02S-GaLdLhvuNkgs_xG2ih988/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5NzWlSipvEZ4tDSYeWC1TKOl2rX5xmjT3V2TKIJD1NaAwozgIomC1t8VIGGX3LAVMxymaf6GKuEnTH2sKr6XjThyphenhyphenOKVt7KQqjPC6BKYLrD0FINV3pIu02S-GaLdLhvuNkgs_xG2ih988/s1600/Bathroom-countertop-organizing-11.jpg"></a></div><br>To make this bathroom feel a little more summery and beachy, I painted a piece of lobster artwork that I display right in front of my mirror.  I am offering this watercolor art for FREE if you like it.  I have been feeling a little artsy lately (if you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/place_ofmy_taste/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you can see sneak peeks of my creations) and I have to admit, I absolutely love creating new designs. I am lucky to have talent in my hands from my dad, who also paints wonderful artwork.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuSMSef0eVZjASEP8TWPyJYi8-IcMLz63wHkmXDVjbeXfoI3gAQjzKi7IVNIXmab5QUm6LjxmtTDVZZHyXwKEifMzxccBX872_jIAJr6xvjt75rlm8_9t2kp9qYRMUq9BeAxg9Mqa9psS/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuSMSef0eVZjASEP8TWPyJYi8-IcMLz63wHkmXDVjbeXfoI3gAQjzKi7IVNIXmab5QUm6LjxmtTDVZZHyXwKEifMzxccBX872_jIAJr6xvjt75rlm8_9t2kp9qYRMUq9BeAxg9Mqa9psS/s1600/Quick-bathroom-refresh-7.jpg"></a></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/rlwa7l8vp9hkw06pb1tceu2z4aj6aws9" target="_blank">Download your FREE copy here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/rlwa7l8vp9hkw06pb1tceu2z4aj6aws9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7XYFM9Nf112gEz4oH4x8aJ5Amxxs-RVL1X8ZjkXdqlr-zG1zQ6KFd6uCvpf0zGfRaPGHRK1gjlTr4vBweRVyo09rgkRl3OKPSZn9EMt-tnnf2X0H_cIySCE5E0k5PwHrcl1gR5nf5CnQ/s1600/Styled-stock-photography-23-350.jpg"></a></div><br><br>Thank you for reading today. I hope you are inspired to run to dollar store and grab a few ceramic pieces that you can custom paint. I will be back here in a couple of months, but until then I would love for you to visit me over at <a href="http://placeofmytaste.com/" target="_blank">Place Of My Taste</a> where I share lots of fun, colorful projects and yummy recipes, or go check out my <a href="http://placeofmytaste.com/shop-2" target="_blank">shop</a> and my creations over at <a href="http://society6.com/anikolevai" target="_blank">Society 6</a>.<br><br>Cheers for a long and sunny weekend!<br><br><br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICgIC8VUe-mMP7l2yCrVlUZc9AtoFSPimLU8_aRsilc5SfmfGtOZKZEkIwnxCLN8cxUk04XkLsWq-kxvUgB9IJeIoiFsYx9gicvU1ZtV_CmAgldnfgXlc4nBGfJ3TaPkZSEC27TOZJSA/s1600/Ancsi-Round150.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICgIC8VUe-mMP7l2yCrVlUZc9AtoFSPimLU8_aRsilc5SfmfGtOZKZEkIwnxCLN8cxUk04XkLsWq-kxvUgB9IJeIoiFsYx9gicvU1ZtV_CmAgldnfgXlc4nBGfJ3TaPkZSEC27TOZJSA/s1600/Ancsi-Round150.png"></a><br><i>"Hey there. My name is Aniko and I blog over at <a href="http://placeofmytaste.com/" target="_blank">Place Of My Taste</a>. I am a wife, mother, business owner by day, DIY-er by night, design, decor and photography lover by heart who loves to cook, taste wine, dance for therapy and create all things beautiful. I share all this love over at my blog - at my happy place. Come see me there. xo"</i><br><br><br><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("data:image/png; border: medium none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 364px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

UHeart Organizing: Painted & Pretty Bath Storage

Long time color fanatic here, and I know I am not alone.  Maybe we should start a color loving club?  Do they have those?  I could probably be president.  Pair color with organizing and my heart really goes wild.  That is one of the many reasons I fell in love with Aniko's blog, Place Of My Taste.  …

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