UHeart Organizing: A Summer Ready Mudroom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seasonal changes are always welcomed, but I tend to get most excited for the arrival of spring and summer (hello warm weather and pretty lawns!).  Not only does the climate change significantly each season, but our lifestyle changes seasonally as well.  How we utilize our home and our systems are all impacted by the type of weather and activities that correlate with specific times of the year.  With the first day of summer right around the corner, are you prepared for trips to the beach, parks, the longer days and sporting events?  I know I had to get our baseball bleacher bag all stocked up again a few weeks ago. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Megan, of <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, is also getting into the summer swing of things.  Although I think she has one of the most amazing mudrooms in all the land, I really appreciate that her tips can inspire and work for anyone (mudroom or no mudroom).  Here she is now to share how she has made a summer-ready home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM09JtxlKrf5zP3IzDfI7P0N4a-71_52kxFrUZX5dUXKsbflYbEEu6O_tf_D4o-12eUAzN9yNzxL0ZRYXF00S4kwf6JuElKjVUgSdCj7RTaAAeMh0v60g2b7iNF1t99CZBUfrwKvGIBE9/s1600/SummerMudroomHeader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM09JtxlKrf5zP3IzDfI7P0N4a-71_52kxFrUZX5dUXKsbflYbEEu6O_tf_D4o-12eUAzN9yNzxL0ZRYXF00S4kwf6JuElKjVUgSdCj7RTaAAeMh0v60g2b7iNF1t99CZBUfrwKvGIBE9/s1600/SummerMudroomHeader.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi friends! It's happy summertime over here since our 5 year-old just got out of school for the summer.  He'll be starting kindergarten next year and he told me that he's ready, having worked so hard in Pre-K4!  I swear, these times with our kiddos are so precious and I seriously want to bottle this current age.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We don't have any major summer vacations or trips planned this year, but in Houston it is super hot and humid, so we will be making multiple trips to the local swimming pool.   Having everything ready to go in a portion of our mudroom makes impromptu pool trips easy.  Welcome to our hardworking  summer <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2012/04/our-mudroom-gets-update-envelope.html" target="_blank">mudroom</a>! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gTqRTwsQgQbGI3B1RpIu-_Vw4c4QHZigvG_KuvILKwPJYdKRSzGJJTz0_YMiyC9sLl9b10EMf1pQgEKc9lpgJF0Y95alqJP4QrHkWn9E2tGj49oCK6Y9VdBqLLsSZyIrpl6Bq20vuOj/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gTqRTwsQgQbGI3B1RpIu-_Vw4c4QHZigvG_KuvILKwPJYdKRSzGJJTz0_YMiyC9sLl9b10EMf1pQgEKc9lpgJF0Y95alqJP4QrHkWn9E2tGj49oCK6Y9VdBqLLsSZyIrpl6Bq20vuOj/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.269.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/09/painted-mudroom-door-sherwin-williams.html" target="_blank">light blue door</a> shown above leads to my garage, so bags and pool supplies are appropriately stored here for quick grab and go.  Everything from our insulated picnic basket, towels, sunscreen, koozies, and pool toys are kept in the upper cabinets. </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/AVvXsEjzQrlSdsV0Bdqsbt1QoohVAahuKrbjMfaIB9-BhLG6atQHxv7YRUxMFY5JX3WRWfTgJjM9v1aheNF1lTwmmdN67oAXggu9sz5cvKPxJCK9uYlQYQRsZS3U_Zeq3xwP-2VfKpwgcKevadwh/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQrlSdsV0Bdqsbt1QoohVAahuKrbjMfaIB9-BhLG6atQHxv7YRUxMFY5JX3WRWfTgJjM9v1aheNF1lTwmmdN67oAXggu9sz5cvKPxJCK9uYlQYQRsZS3U_Zeq3xwP-2VfKpwgcKevadwh/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.284.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the cubbies below, we store flip flops in a woven basket that I picked up at Target.</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/AVvXsEhRpsltmtP4JVTIdaEn2htiR6KPwN5JTRbhojsAcZopOSJrGP-9t2SXnzyNl9IyxvfnrVAzObApr4zE9L4Nfv-2uzuhrTyizQQ6TmO0Y4MyMkP1Yv-EdO3T3mbV6rnUD0bDPaSTv5DRh59M/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpsltmtP4JVTIdaEn2htiR6KPwN5JTRbhojsAcZopOSJrGP-9t2SXnzyNl9IyxvfnrVAzObApr4zE9L4Nfv-2uzuhrTyizQQ6TmO0Y4MyMkP1Yv-EdO3T3mbV6rnUD0bDPaSTv5DRh59M/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.258.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This giant pool bag is too big to use as an everyday tote, but for the pool, it works perfectly.  I picked it up at a local holiday fair last year and this year I'll have to pick up a few as gifts.  It would be super cute with a monogram too.  I keep sunscreen, an extra pair of sunglasses, my son's goggles, a hat for us both, and a few squirt guns in there at all times so they're never forgotten.  Other things like towels,  change of clothes, snacks, floaties, and magazines can be piled in too and still fit. </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/AVvXsEjO1bIlJGIpODmLukfG-22lWxGPoY_uIl946BHJ2LZHa9exNpDaqAVgcK5ywlWuJEISzYJ0VI__IskAixMEqM21JZZFQKBR9jJn1MdTcR2qiQ50ArAfwe_JMLiQJ6Cs8RkWIRxfcpAT9shQ/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1bIlJGIpODmLukfG-22lWxGPoY_uIl946BHJ2LZHa9exNpDaqAVgcK5ywlWuJEISzYJ0VI__IskAixMEqM21JZZFQKBR9jJn1MdTcR2qiQ50ArAfwe_JMLiQJ6Cs8RkWIRxfcpAT9shQ/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.251.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The key to keeping our shelves organized is not having too much stuff.  As much as I'd love to buy new colorful beach towels, the ones we have suffice, especially since our pool supplies towels.  We mainly take these towels (that we've had for years) to the beach or use them in our own backyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my son likes to bring his own cartoon towel to the pool, so we do bring one of those for him. </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/AVvXsEgL8hndfxNveWYyUglP6FMrxVfrFQF0XrD9bPeE5dhVQPkvdRSxBF42tXDKqzrDyi2Frw1S-JTjW8BoMbUyPwYVJ1vtE0CZz6kDPSS-dvaRhaq3n4Wo1V2T97u-O7Fct11CNTtqgLb63xpx/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.31.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8hndfxNveWYyUglP6FMrxVfrFQF0XrD9bPeE5dhVQPkvdRSxBF42tXDKqzrDyi2Frw1S-JTjW8BoMbUyPwYVJ1vtE0CZz6kDPSS-dvaRhaq3n4Wo1V2T97u-O7Fct11CNTtqgLb63xpx/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.31.23.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/AVvXsEiR-IB4vMfWm8a_h11MsRQavVz_2_f2ONiGWfIGcHV0rIhAjFzKEaIPHVy0ViOTWFTn1YYVXTQSO0fnXPPawa9Zzrl3cZSVuXmqxT-1G_wSXwdUgvTCfIhoY1KWeOYyEgE6XMWUp_LIpGxo/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.30.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-IB4vMfWm8a_h11MsRQavVz_2_f2ONiGWfIGcHV0rIhAjFzKEaIPHVy0ViOTWFTn1YYVXTQSO0fnXPPawa9Zzrl3cZSVuXmqxT-1G_wSXwdUgvTCfIhoY1KWeOYyEgE6XMWUp_LIpGxo/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.30.26.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My label-loving self had to create a couple cute tags for the sunscreen and koozies, but it was easy with my label maker and pre-cut tags from my craft store.  </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/AVvXsEiTQOXnMQo1jU3G-X9dRzdu94ozo-ivBl90ZIFrNnlTjBg_hXts-tlldPKWDkoOJ9G-3V4TBIQMCaiFqAvZGBsSEDQab3oE6nVdOy3H48Flte28u_jToEbQSMA0xBCAofByplzieEKQwbIa/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQOXnMQo1jU3G-X9dRzdu94ozo-ivBl90ZIFrNnlTjBg_hXts-tlldPKWDkoOJ9G-3V4TBIQMCaiFqAvZGBsSEDQab3oE6nVdOy3H48Flte28u_jToEbQSMA0xBCAofByplzieEKQwbIa/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.240.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/AVvXsEjgOVygyFG66W6l03e-SYxdzudZJh6nmM6QqX5z7G1h-u7pklaYV_oIBJ0YVNx44vVB1VpUQIy28u3_cSED3561XMulxWwFw0SeD9sHyJQaDCHXbl1HKx1xvtAYNAUmVxptHcHKUzx5mxhN/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOVygyFG66W6l03e-SYxdzudZJh6nmM6QqX5z7G1h-u7pklaYV_oIBJ0YVNx44vVB1VpUQIy28u3_cSED3561XMulxWwFw0SeD9sHyJQaDCHXbl1HKx1xvtAYNAUmVxptHcHKUzx5mxhN/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.248.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/AVvXsEj6QU9pM-FX5nz-B6GkzTT-CHootE6mvVTKN8Ws4pkcDkGoIpng0vKEyyp8buBbFXWEI-sO6FQCrh-PmaoFeunYzK56RlJ_G7Zf3SE_sVUEBM1Ixtui1OU7Bt5YNm37rX-FLj6NZfA5FvW4/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QU9pM-FX5nz-B6GkzTT-CHootE6mvVTKN8Ws4pkcDkGoIpng0vKEyyp8buBbFXWEI-sO6FQCrh-PmaoFeunYzK56RlJ_G7Zf3SE_sVUEBM1Ixtui1OU7Bt5YNm37rX-FLj6NZfA5FvW4/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.245.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This summer, my son is signed up at a few different day camps that he can go to each week (although he doesn't have to go if we decide to stay home).  He'll also resume swimming lessons since he still needs help becoming a stronger swimmer.  We'll be starting with an everyday for two-weeks class to give him the most exposure and water time.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To keep track of these summer activities, I made a sign in PicMonkey (free online photo/design editing tool) with clip art and fun fonts.  You can see more of <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/03/creating-graphics-in-picmonkey.html" target="_blank">how I use PicMonkey here</a> if you need a tutorial.  I also printed out our <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/07/summer-fun-bucket-list-fun-things-to-do.html" target="_blank">Summer Fun Bucket List</a> that we created last year.  It was awesome to see that James can actually read the list now!  He has worked hard in PK4! </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/AVvXsEhAWmH1shROx7AjkDJ09f7eX3auHagIRaJC1kyn8DkhUcVew384Dih6AiHuQl1g2cbwvg83Jow5eaObBNnqJzMtQWBl3RfS2yN9d3UIr0RazI82VQNdVzbZh5QjX0TaMR0Pfj1DV63hJbqX/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWmH1shROx7AjkDJ09f7eX3auHagIRaJC1kyn8DkhUcVew384Dih6AiHuQl1g2cbwvg83Jow5eaObBNnqJzMtQWBl3RfS2yN9d3UIr0RazI82VQNdVzbZh5QjX0TaMR0Pfj1DV63hJbqX/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.71.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/AVvXsEgDgzvpXC3GO7OOpnB6zRICE0OkYn3SR1q8Y6xRyaUD5H7yXB2Ou-ieoqhpS8CzfnbV9Yeae-qxyp1yJAgk0NzhdsuVh9zPuRlfjAcADLpNKxAdp6vyIyzJ8-0GzGyr6wDHdFIkx1lY191x/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgzvpXC3GO7OOpnB6zRICE0OkYn3SR1q8Y6xRyaUD5H7yXB2Ou-ieoqhpS8CzfnbV9Yeae-qxyp1yJAgk0NzhdsuVh9zPuRlfjAcADLpNKxAdp6vyIyzJ8-0GzGyr6wDHdFIkx1lY191x/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.241.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My trusty laminator will help keep the pages from tearing. </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/AVvXsEjWRetUehNJzHadihdNE0eeQgk2HvPnlHUoh-8WILCBIvm8KChjSSJeLf6e8f5bmVv8PoQc84HN9_l_H1e5xI2eKDK9ed-z0yChBEnFsUHr4LrvWw4QdlaYprleUbvtDP0ODChIbzLcEJYY/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRetUehNJzHadihdNE0eeQgk2HvPnlHUoh-8WILCBIvm8KChjSSJeLf6e8f5bmVv8PoQc84HN9_l_H1e5xI2eKDK9ed-z0yChBEnFsUHr4LrvWw4QdlaYprleUbvtDP0ODChIbzLcEJYY/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.243.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I originally planned to hang these signs inside the cabinet doors, but our doors are so high, they would've been hard to read.  I opted to place them on the wall near the door and figured keeping them at my son's height is more appropriate anyway.  </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/AVvXsEg7FRk1693wwFNIVxz90glGNRFa4aU4hrs_l9P26GlTnQkQ8RbX8Cq0iO2H8vSXlKjjHRJQTfLrtH_QbM_fTiwL_XgQLwl-2aruYYfFgFRIPKSSY3eXXoYjQVYVN1XetKDDdMuJgttwAnIs/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FRk1693wwFNIVxz90glGNRFa4aU4hrs_l9P26GlTnQkQ8RbX8Cq0iO2H8vSXlKjjHRJQTfLrtH_QbM_fTiwL_XgQLwl-2aruYYfFgFRIPKSSY3eXXoYjQVYVN1XetKDDdMuJgttwAnIs/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.282.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Washi tape is practical for hanging since it won't take the paint off the wall, but also adds a fun pop of color to the space!</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/AVvXsEgnS5jNlwUoLW3kIYEkEa0-aAw7-Ze1_ycPhSSi3H1uK4YIEhHJ4YxTuwGhP4uFOjfYYJcNFyM4WSZekmDLgK9h6Lu6LKShPsy5UNM1L0I2-KEsHe1NLFO0yk6xKWHqeXmuyuKBpU_PBYrF/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS5jNlwUoLW3kIYEkEa0-aAw7-Ze1_ycPhSSi3H1uK4YIEhHJ4YxTuwGhP4uFOjfYYJcNFyM4WSZekmDLgK9h6Lu6LKShPsy5UNM1L0I2-KEsHe1NLFO0yk6xKWHqeXmuyuKBpU_PBYrF/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.275.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think we are off to a great start to our summer!  I hope you have a lovely summer too!  Big thank you to Jen and all her sweet readers for letting me stop by and share our summer mudroom with you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">______________________ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+150.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+150.png" /></a><i>"My name is Megan and I am a lawyer by day, design and decor lover by night, and Mama to the sweetest 5-year old boy you've ever seen.  I'm passionate about fitness (and chocolate!) and could not live without my relationships, girl talk, and my morning coffee.  I've been blogging for four years over at <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, sharing my love of keeping things organized and beautiful at our house.  My efforts to live in the moment and cook more are an adventure in progress."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

UHeart Organizing: A Summer Ready Mudroom

Seasonal changes are always welcomed, but I tend to get most excited for the arrival of spring and summer (hello warm weather and pretty law...

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UHeart Organizing: "Tray" Chic Organizing

Once you take the steps of simplifying, sorting and purging down your spaces, the next step is to organize!  That process typically requires corralling/grouping items by type and purpose.  Baskets, bins and drawer organizers are the "go to" solution for this step, however, decorative trays are an ideal solution for keeping items used daily nice and neat.  Megan of <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a> blog agrees, and uses trays all over her home in beautiful ways.  What I love most is that she always has quick and clever solutions for giving them a sweet refresh every now and again.  She is here today to share how trays both decoratively and functionally all around her beautiful home.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgd-pmP2pGftTOCpfVjv1m0kjPXSi8xYjIoy4wf_AN8sG2d_4Evio0VmfWYzU9MLxuP4aBT6Sf7vBgpGIqEgd-BK5sxZo7TtyZVzFX0iJmA-dkxDz8OTS-bsSEsA1Vqlb1Nj9L4CqNYaY/s1600/Tray_Chic_Uheart_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgd-pmP2pGftTOCpfVjv1m0kjPXSi8xYjIoy4wf_AN8sG2d_4Evio0VmfWYzU9MLxuP4aBT6Sf7vBgpGIqEgd-BK5sxZo7TtyZVzFX0iJmA-dkxDz8OTS-bsSEsA1Vqlb1Nj9L4CqNYaY/s1600/Tray_Chic_Uheart_Header.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy to be over here at Jen's blog today talking organizing.  I've actually been on an organizing kick at my house since January when I resolved to tackle the <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2015/01/top-10-home-organization-challenge.html" target="_blank">10 biggest problems areas of our house</a> and hallelujah! I just completed #9 on my list, the <a href="http://bit.ly/1EtEsiV" target="_blank">Master Closet</a>!  It feels good to get those major spaces decluttered.  But, sometimes just corralling small things or making little spaces more organized and pretty is very satisfying too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I organize and "make pretty" our home by utilizing trays in nearly every room.  Are you with me that things just look better when they are sitting in a nice tray?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2010/10/kitchen-reveal.html" target="_blank">our kitchen</a>, we currently have three trays defining our space.  First up, this gorgeous blue and white bone inlay tray I picked up at HomeGoods.  Such a bright, happy color goes perfectly on our white counters, sitting right by the stove and holding the spices and oils we reach for most frequently while cooking.  (I also keep <a href="http://honeywerehealthy.blogspot.com/2013/03/quick-morning-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">prepped ahead oatmeal</a> and ground oats with flax for my protein pancakes in those jars to the side).  Makes busy mornings run much smoother.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrkyBYhXL3jkQ7UvUCo9WeF49zDiQvk9l5zkcxRMVayKzC66g6iHtj36DCurptb6xAJ-QDu94UaLariP2DcQciBnHy97_DnM0LqyNOvZEmaV8X1Q3ckpUL5P3ehlJMPkJndLeITDKP7Ud/s1600/Organizing+with+Trays+Honey+We're+Home.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrkyBYhXL3jkQ7UvUCo9WeF49zDiQvk9l5zkcxRMVayKzC66g6iHtj36DCurptb6xAJ-QDu94UaLariP2DcQciBnHy97_DnM0LqyNOvZEmaV8X1Q3ckpUL5P3ehlJMPkJndLeITDKP7Ud/s1600/Organizing+with+Trays+Honey+We're%2BHome.6.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What kitchen would be complete without a coffee station?  At least in my house it's a daily necessity! We don't have an elaborate set-up, but I do like to decant the coffee beans and sugar into glass jars. It doesn't take long and it's much prettier to look at. And a simple cutting board can function as a tray too. The cute little fox is a tea bag holder, but I like to use it for my spoon after stirring my coffee.  I picked him up at Target. </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/AVvXsEg1ETBN1J065_kG8yWv7ZbQqtaoFcv2zWJyDpaT0r6nUXxakJFsShmrBvvkx22B-DdrjwDA1mDx8gnLKdaZvceb5sbD-WbeHKy-pQMwbl9eQp5HP69IIzu8wMgwmWboaQVkqXGqO9cMjUoZ/s1600/Organizing+with+Trays+Honey+We're+Home.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ETBN1J065_kG8yWv7ZbQqtaoFcv2zWJyDpaT0r6nUXxakJFsShmrBvvkx22B-DdrjwDA1mDx8gnLKdaZvceb5sbD-WbeHKy-pQMwbl9eQp5HP69IIzu8wMgwmWboaQVkqXGqO9cMjUoZ/s1600/Organizing+with+Trays+Honey+We're%2BHome.9.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/AVvXsEi_-P0c5YB_P3ByxS4DgXTKA_E4MAKqak1-fjH6Q9TmbLJw_crCWhl4qbrqP5N8jAXt46C2mA9MEb7VGUzIYUhHCSc3eiS4i5OYpkrPgKEc2vxUgpgdazS8xW3AD0iaYU_xBRtcPkdHHsKu/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're+Home.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-P0c5YB_P3ByxS4DgXTKA_E4MAKqak1-fjH6Q9TmbLJw_crCWhl4qbrqP5N8jAXt46C2mA9MEb7VGUzIYUhHCSc3eiS4i5OYpkrPgKEc2vxUgpgdazS8xW3AD0iaYU_xBRtcPkdHHsKu/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're%2BHome.8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the sink, we have a small white/clear plastic tray that holds our dish soap (again, decanted into an inexpensive oil jar and I love bright green soap!) as well as our hand soap.  </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/AVvXsEh_Y0ED1awfy7xeLYY1H26Xg-zNk-sf24fZE0f6L4niOTXje553Z9xf3GvYH253k_tJBAVS_ylRwAyFR8UsZESrmppOxd-LkYh4S-PiPN7Z255p6TBDBsYo5ZObQL5KcZxxUCVuE9xYqwnI/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're+Home.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y0ED1awfy7xeLYY1H26Xg-zNk-sf24fZE0f6L4niOTXje553Z9xf3GvYH253k_tJBAVS_ylRwAyFR8UsZESrmppOxd-LkYh4S-PiPN7Z255p6TBDBsYo5ZObQL5KcZxxUCVuE9xYqwnI/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're%2BHome.7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now that SPRING is upon us, I can use my bright yellow tray from West Elm to hold a few bottled waters and paper straws.  Combining decorative and functional is the goal.  </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/AVvXsEheVEj0lEtOdB7jk6ENxD-sAsfbpJ9ddQl8w6QEclEBwsoLedoaPXWnbaURlf5TKsnBTB1jwHSpBNCfZbv4MRXMi4z9zi-MwLS4FYIQ2w3uU7a2atq9Nq4mNHTc1r2biwVfKbjEBuJ9AMWi/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Spring+Honey+We're+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVEj0lEtOdB7jk6ENxD-sAsfbpJ9ddQl8w6QEclEBwsoLedoaPXWnbaURlf5TKsnBTB1jwHSpBNCfZbv4MRXMi4z9zi-MwLS4FYIQ2w3uU7a2atq9Nq4mNHTc1r2biwVfKbjEBuJ9AMWi/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Spring+Honey+We're%2BHome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You don't have to have a bar cart to create a mini bar station in your home.  A large tray can hold your liquor bottles, glasses, and other accompaniments.  The natural raffia on this tray gives it a great texture. </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/AVvXsEiL4U5c1OYrBNlW3rRL-cNzXcaIUEKHyCCIJFWFnCXmiDCWDyg7THz-ZE1JCpog_QKQy8kp81Viu4OqFb7bbT89CsBbLgy0wyNIiW1wxRAcGHYXUle2LX35t_DnQmjkEaH-0wztf4h_AlCz/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-13+12.06.59+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4U5c1OYrBNlW3rRL-cNzXcaIUEKHyCCIJFWFnCXmiDCWDyg7THz-ZE1JCpog_QKQy8kp81Viu4OqFb7bbT89CsBbLgy0wyNIiW1wxRAcGHYXUle2LX35t_DnQmjkEaH-0wztf4h_AlCz/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-13+12.06.59+copy.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This mirrored tray from Target was a steal at $40.  I've kept my eye out for another one, but so far I haven't seen it.  We usually keep all.the.remotes here, but I wanted to show you how pretty the tray is without them. This reflective tray really brightens <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2015/02/spring-living-room.html" target="_blank">our living room</a>.  Of course, I do have to wipe a certain 5-year olds fingerprints off of it on a regular basis. </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/AVvXsEgcUBntN51jy6AW71yAqgtYMLHnpeTx-2Awme_9yrmXzzG-FmRhXaV-XkLSCJUgg3IMRNFOQSSDLyjaV30zNgYtE6GbBYfcBal9nlf3FCvXqgo5LesrAjoAcVxfgHe5kEcAJZaNRc-eCjNa/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-17+14.16.15+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUBntN51jy6AW71yAqgtYMLHnpeTx-2Awme_9yrmXzzG-FmRhXaV-XkLSCJUgg3IMRNFOQSSDLyjaV30zNgYtE6GbBYfcBal9nlf3FCvXqgo5LesrAjoAcVxfgHe5kEcAJZaNRc-eCjNa/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-17+14.16.15+copy.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For my birthday recently, some friends put together a spa gift basket (thank you!) and it came with this unique wooden decorative tray.  I put it to use in <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2012/06/our-master-bathroom.html" target="_blank">my bathroom</a> to hold my toiletries.  Now when I'm getting ready in the morning, all my products are close at hand and I have the fond memory of a special gift from friends. </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/AVvXsEgpgf-h1CFSTysqt3c4_v4bj6BsbZC-c9EcFwQQRJXlAMAu3e8TjNS9F3SCK5nMffM0W6xdNYaL1bTm7EGQVbX0BHrphS0l1-IQAgWlVvhlJ8AGcQrvf_uRLIc1Or0NMp6IbsQ1a5f5ZbrW/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're+Home.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgf-h1CFSTysqt3c4_v4bj6BsbZC-c9EcFwQQRJXlAMAu3e8TjNS9F3SCK5nMffM0W6xdNYaL1bTm7EGQVbX0BHrphS0l1-IQAgWlVvhlJ8AGcQrvf_uRLIc1Or0NMp6IbsQ1a5f5ZbrW/s1600/Organizing+Trays+Honey+We're%2BHome.3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you realize you can make a small tray out of a shoebox lid and duct tape?  That's what I did with a sturdy shoebox lid and snakeskin patterned tape.  Just cover the lid completely with the tape, aligning as best you can the pattern and pressing down as you go to push out any air bubbles.  Have you seen all the different patterns and colors  that duct tape comes in these days?!  So many 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/AVvXsEjHFIur5YrXrzz3wot7KixjoMy3183OYq0DtZO2LyyCzvXMKlZyh5EIfT9-tyPp8J9BF0uWTrAW7zNaNxD4PejinfQD16dOmzDCN-LmkTl2s3CN_pXBnqG6Ksh5dKLhimjZ-o5GYkmia2WG/s1600/snakeskin+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFIur5YrXrzz3wot7KixjoMy3183OYq0DtZO2LyyCzvXMKlZyh5EIfT9-tyPp8J9BF0uWTrAW7zNaNxD4PejinfQD16dOmzDCN-LmkTl2s3CN_pXBnqG6Ksh5dKLhimjZ-o5GYkmia2WG/s1600/snakeskin+tray.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPFNSn2i5zKHzzWAYd-kpTpw-YslKjPV7x694DQDuVPZ5LcOSrsI9-acI8gDjTHCZUXEG-AWboAnj7kToQL0gfrO8YpI8kY8b92Wc0zOiP40pyhrq9ZMsHx2Advv8QQEJvCtgKPxRjMGg/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-13+12.07.56+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPFNSn2i5zKHzzWAYd-kpTpw-YslKjPV7x694DQDuVPZ5LcOSrsI9-acI8gDjTHCZUXEG-AWboAnj7kToQL0gfrO8YpI8kY8b92Wc0zOiP40pyhrq9ZMsHx2Advv8QQEJvCtgKPxRjMGg/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-13+12.07.56+copy.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or you can use fabric or paint to give a tray more personality.  I added a feminine pastel fabric (shhh- it's a shower curtain from Target!) to the bottom of a rather boring brown tray and then topped it with plexiglas to protect the fabric from spills, etc.  You can get the plexiglas at most craft stores and they will cut it for you for a nominal fee.  To get the fabric cut just the right size, lay the plexiglas on top of the fabric and trace around it.  You'll be able to position your fabric exactly how you want to this way too. </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/AVvXsEg0fnxi5YOslpZuX5hT_hywiyx7PdSabZL1xvrdEh4sl03GI_c79w9H_raBHZGzD2_nt3qEHv45-0EA20ZAhoSINgueJrVTMZ6eLKUNr9UoJhFo1LyfUsgghU0WpP3wJsBkGK7oSNGaTdYa/s1600/Floral+Tray+Honey+We're+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fnxi5YOslpZuX5hT_hywiyx7PdSabZL1xvrdEh4sl03GI_c79w9H_raBHZGzD2_nt3qEHv45-0EA20ZAhoSINgueJrVTMZ6eLKUNr9UoJhFo1LyfUsgghU0WpP3wJsBkGK7oSNGaTdYa/s1600/Floral+Tray+Honey+We're%2BHome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I modernized a traditional wooden tray with a couple of coats of craft paint.  Just let the paint completely dry between coats and you shouldn't have any issues with paint peeling off with the tape. </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/AVvXsEjPnox7nvLS3z6wIn5S_mwe96ipvc0TgnIWHUgjW7P-wYkkKYUPLIHTYY4Ar1TKHMka4S5lITrCUoXMOigu5Vr5UWLkEw2z5G3SeZmWOeLyIbJEf4yj8lyX0OrDFYFpavS7k9sx70D-mDch/s1600/Wooden+Tray+Makeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnox7nvLS3z6wIn5S_mwe96ipvc0TgnIWHUgjW7P-wYkkKYUPLIHTYY4Ar1TKHMka4S5lITrCUoXMOigu5Vr5UWLkEw2z5G3SeZmWOeLyIbJEf4yj8lyX0OrDFYFpavS7k9sx70D-mDch/s1600/Wooden+Tray+Makeover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And don't forget, trays also make great <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/11/uheart-organizing-organized-holiday.html" target="_blank">stationary stations</a> either during the holidays or even year round!</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/AVvXsEgwRxN-CAYbAsviX7q2oPLzm48nkLuirCk9hrYYW8T2UB30vthfR4TEFPg5-63w_CHkEBVS0zqoQ1tE18BSAw1X1dYBPrMT-HfRiY46Ay6tkIqgcqaa9KIRsHTq3VEOnQxvtfT0zkLbPto/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRxN-CAYbAsviX7q2oPLzm48nkLuirCk9hrYYW8T2UB30vthfR4TEFPg5-63w_CHkEBVS0zqoQ1tE18BSAw1X1dYBPrMT-HfRiY46Ay6tkIqgcqaa9KIRsHTq3VEOnQxvtfT0zkLbPto/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're%2BHome.0818.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm constantly switching out the trays in our house and always keep my eye out for good deals.  Please tell me I'm not alone!  I'm sure my husband thinks I'm a crazy tray (and basket!) lady.  Thanks again Jen for letting me share some of my organizing tips here.  I'd love to hear your ideas for tray transformations and how you use them in your house.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">______________________ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+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/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+150.png" /></a><i>"My name is Megan and I am a lawyer by day, design and decor lover by night, and Mama to the sweetest 5-year old boy you've ever seen.  I'm passionate about fitness (and chocolate!) and could not live without my relationships, girl talk, and my morning coffee.  I've been blogging for four years over at <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, sharing my love of keeping things organized and beautiful at our house.  My efforts to live in the moment and cook more are an adventure in progress."</i></div>

UHeart Organizing: "Tray" Chic Organizing

Once you take the steps of simplifying, sorting and purging down your spaces, the next step is to organize!  That process typically requires...

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UHeart Organizing: Organized Holiday Card Caddy

Well my organized friends, it is about that time again!  We just had our first snowfall and I am beginning to see signs of the winter season around every corner.  And with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it means that it is almost time to pull out the stockings and the ribbons and begin preparations for the holiday season.  <br /><br />Megan, my dear friend from <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home blog</a>, is ahead of the holiday organizing game and well on her way to a very successful year.  I am so excited to have her here today to inspire all of us to begin thinking of ways we can make the hustle and bustle of the holidays flow as smoothly as possible.  Take it away Megan!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcPO8FxWzJR-qo_Tbi5Fwk_TiGSa0E_reRfJyUFdyuDyIIU5goU29GVbjSj0DiMimlbNqum5ICK4sdcJOEYL-y_pLr4ZO2GVjssE1u_u_V8mHhYEAoim2gN1p5lM9LfJ6U5WxYVytmqI/s1600/Organized_Holiday_Card_Caddy_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcPO8FxWzJR-qo_Tbi5Fwk_TiGSa0E_reRfJyUFdyuDyIIU5goU29GVbjSj0DiMimlbNqum5ICK4sdcJOEYL-y_pLr4ZO2GVjssE1u_u_V8mHhYEAoim2gN1p5lM9LfJ6U5WxYVytmqI/s1600/Organized_Holiday_Card_Caddy_Header.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy almost holidays friends!  Thanks for having me today Jen, I've been blown away lately with your <a href="http://bit.ly/1u2UgUM">bedroom reveal</a> and all those <a href="http://bit.ly/1qErmXG">wonderful DIY money-saving projects</a>.  So good!  In light of the upcoming holidays, I've got Christmas cards on the brain (we are just ordering ours for this year now), and soon it will be time to address them and get them in the mail, off to our family and friends.<br /><br />To make the addressing a little more fun (and convenient for moving around), I created a holiday card caddy tray stocked with everything we need to make our mail more festive.  Well, everything except stamps.  I was waiting to buy holiday-themed stamps and couldn't find any yet.  They should be available soon though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6Zi3LmlepYcvSxGnhPfWHWRFLEugY9AkoQ24uU4szze6fUweV3ZCAtfhwqufBknO4Drf7u49MHyq6KIZeDIWvamgtyAOtH5CKNbYGFkLXq6WTt2HHpL_czDOUYmO3gDaKYV7O3UKOUw/s1600/holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6Zi3LmlepYcvSxGnhPfWHWRFLEugY9AkoQ24uU4szze6fUweV3ZCAtfhwqufBknO4Drf7u49MHyq6KIZeDIWvamgtyAOtH5CKNbYGFkLXq6WTt2HHpL_czDOUYmO3gDaKYV7O3UKOUw/s1600/holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.816.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The holiday caddy is made from a bamboo silverware divider ($7.99 at Home Goods) and inexpensive gold handles ($2 from Lowe's).  Instead of screwing the handle in (the screws were too long and I didn't know if this bamboo could handle being screwed into), so I used a hot glue gun to glue on the handles.  On my first try, they didn't hold.  The problem was I didn't put the handles onto the tray fast enough and press and hold long enough (holding very firmly right away for about 30 seconds did the trick).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq9qfWznlcpn1VzN9DWepH_B24m5ERAhZvDEsznqlE8pMJ2mALUPzqjILwSGTDVDsWBj61D_e6ddW2qxsVcJ11mwP_-aMMXWqEyLCGj9UcA3ghYJYRs2F1PakImcUEFSztidKpw_rJlg/s1600/tray+before+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq9qfWznlcpn1VzN9DWepH_B24m5ERAhZvDEsznqlE8pMJ2mALUPzqjILwSGTDVDsWBj61D_e6ddW2qxsVcJ11mwP_-aMMXWqEyLCGj9UcA3ghYJYRs2F1PakImcUEFSztidKpw_rJlg/s1600/tray+before+.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLIlEKMlz7sBKttdJHi_xDWgr_8Shr3dJYHCzzfyz2xrg3I_EjGcIL9BLlxyRH0ZpHP45DNJ2wXuTHvqGKE-esXm-u57H_JGpfMLFY4MZ0FKkchf5nOhsILGRQqHmm-s1rIFfoVW8G5Y/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLIlEKMlz7sBKttdJHi_xDWgr_8Shr3dJYHCzzfyz2xrg3I_EjGcIL9BLlxyRH0ZpHP45DNJ2wXuTHvqGKE-esXm-u57H_JGpfMLFY4MZ0FKkchf5nOhsILGRQqHmm-s1rIFfoVW8G5Y/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji2f6lKCxvgBlaFZDQ4JP8EzimUO423NcxdhSlgVp2ORfncIX9ElE3ey9YZWMqQz7udzlXlEs1uXS1PNjwxkU1J4jVLbyUDHrGGhW-0LsQhBqs2vkQsm2pMRbU3qboY7PIGLypKQavsg/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhji2f6lKCxvgBlaFZDQ4JP8EzimUO423NcxdhSlgVp2ORfncIX9ElE3ey9YZWMqQz7udzlXlEs1uXS1PNjwxkU1J4jVLbyUDHrGGhW-0LsQhBqs2vkQsm2pMRbU3qboY7PIGLypKQavsg/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.833.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Then, I used red snowflake packing tape and a festive "Merry Everything" sticker to embellish the tray and make it more holiday-ish. You could also paint it in different holiday colors; that would be cute too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeJaEWh1bHLKPDECu-9bsTWmTWOEOdc2XV3KOvBbe7IayP_GEr9Oo7lFe3faDHIboZDxHqf-x_PyDT0zhE4y4UVcnFX_FZdOvH_HHKETc0T9Qp0p9WxUbohtCVwUkg8QbGUKwNtsVRLw/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeJaEWh1bHLKPDECu-9bsTWmTWOEOdc2XV3KOvBbe7IayP_GEr9Oo7lFe3faDHIboZDxHqf-x_PyDT0zhE4y4UVcnFX_FZdOvH_HHKETc0T9Qp0p9WxUbohtCVwUkg8QbGUKwNtsVRLw/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.829.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The fun part is adding all the decorative elements that I like to use to the tray.  Makes sending out holiday cards and letters that much more fun.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRxN-CAYbAsviX7q2oPLzm48nkLuirCk9hrYYW8T2UB30vthfR4TEFPg5-63w_CHkEBVS0zqoQ1tE18BSAw1X1dYBPrMT-HfRiY46Ay6tkIqgcqaa9KIRsHTq3VEOnQxvtfT0zkLbPto/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRxN-CAYbAsviX7q2oPLzm48nkLuirCk9hrYYW8T2UB30vthfR4TEFPg5-63w_CHkEBVS0zqoQ1tE18BSAw1X1dYBPrMT-HfRiY46Ay6tkIqgcqaa9KIRsHTq3VEOnQxvtfT0zkLbPto/s1600/diy+holiday+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.0818.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga520N9YAlx1FlXfSWG0cCV8v3BaToBEELKJDoX4s_4GWngyJNk3y_5SxoQKHl1r6wY0ZHlxKFnj479AW6anRcDeO-Y-FKPwuToJkTNu27p_F1R8tqK-KLtY7-BWammjrNk66IYhNNsP8/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga520N9YAlx1FlXfSWG0cCV8v3BaToBEELKJDoX4s_4GWngyJNk3y_5SxoQKHl1r6wY0ZHlxKFnj479AW6anRcDeO-Y-FKPwuToJkTNu27p_F1R8tqK-KLtY7-BWammjrNk66IYhNNsP8/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.814.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Using holiday ink stamps is an easy way to decorate your envelopes.  I got mine in a multi-pack, so there's lot of designs to choose from.  Washi tape is another quick decorative touch I like adding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzsrWiiraZYiAy-9xvgQI-5DKEm5L1jab9JkKiLlFz5czNuJzp3rY2bLnAgTv7Cb6mbH7YoangD8XzAKY24oATNnY3Zjr1VJNnU-hlND_vkTSMqRXSfEVqsMVjLJvL6AC_C-ZUJw1Si8/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzsrWiiraZYiAy-9xvgQI-5DKEm5L1jab9JkKiLlFz5czNuJzp3rY2bLnAgTv7Cb6mbH7YoangD8XzAKY24oATNnY3Zjr1VJNnU-hlND_vkTSMqRXSfEVqsMVjLJvL6AC_C-ZUJw1Si8/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.827.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMpQuXuOVzdFvHr1sEYqRVAnFrv5rgNfuTOPrLDLitAVVxP3s1Ox8RVcf8z22TLfOnkdNFEzuvhRC75qjODd0370zrfE6cIj6w1dXlTrxQ9tgTUrHRnNF9ZqCzx9t1JdvKHC0JjfCiG0/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMpQuXuOVzdFvHr1sEYqRVAnFrv5rgNfuTOPrLDLitAVVxP3s1Ox8RVcf8z22TLfOnkdNFEzuvhRC75qjODd0370zrfE6cIj6w1dXlTrxQ9tgTUrHRnNF9ZqCzx9t1JdvKHC0JjfCiG0/s1600/diy+holiday+card+caddy+Honey+We're+Home.824.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Have your ordered or bought your holiday cards yet?  My next contributor post won't be until 2015, so I wanted to <span style="color: red;"><b>THANK YOU</b></span> for having me here at iHeart Organizing and wish y'all a very happy holiday season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AjYL1S1RZSPs1YDOF3egp5dIpIPhZUF91nPkdjwGFL8s4EdrJeyrl8ojYu9OpSjtraZG9j30GUsXzdXj6mDNjaniVVCLuHgOXRDKbxQ5n-JZCr4l5eRZ6LavKjmzk1NqQ41wE5V1vFw/s1600/Megan+Picture-Round.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AjYL1S1RZSPs1YDOF3egp5dIpIPhZUF91nPkdjwGFL8s4EdrJeyrl8ojYu9OpSjtraZG9j30GUsXzdXj6mDNjaniVVCLuHgOXRDKbxQ5n-JZCr4l5eRZ6LavKjmzk1NqQ41wE5V1vFw/s1600/Megan+Picture-Round.png" /></a><i>"My name is Megan and I am a lawyer by day, design and decor lover by night, and Mama to the sweetest 4-year old boy you've ever seen.  I'm passionate about fitness (and chocolate!) and could not live without my relationships, girl talk, and my morning coffee.  I've been blogging for four years over at <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, sharing my love of keeping things organized and beautiful at our house.  My efforts to live in the moment and cook more are an adventure in progress."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><br />

UHeart Organizing: Organized Holiday Card Caddy

Well my organized friends, it is about that time again!  We just had our first snowfall and I am beginning to see signs of the winter season...

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