Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge!

I have come to a point where I need to take back our home.  And I keep trying to figure out how to get to the meat of this post without it sounding like we are:<br /><br /><ul><li>Slobs</li><li>Lazy</li><li>Whining</li><li>Lame</li><li>Un-motivated</li></ul><br />When it fact, that really has never been our style.  Although we will forever have problem spaces lingering, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to stay on top of our home.  Whether it be with cleaning plans or meal plans or organized kits and caddies galore, our systems have been years in the making.  Our goal is not perfection; our friends, family and neighbors have definitely seen our home in a tornado-esque state... We just love to find ways to make our routines easier (and our home prettier).<br /><br />But wow.  Over the course of the last five months and being knee deep in a home renovation, we have somehow lost our way.  It is amazing how quickly we can fall out of our routines, create piles, and let our daily chores slide.  And not having storage in the main areas of our home for many months, has had a trickle effect to almost every other room in our home.  The moment we took down our wall and tore apart our kitchen, not only did we remove a few systems that we heavily relied on, we also shifted our priorities.  Suddenly everything else could wait and getting our kitchen / living room finished was more important.  It feels as though we are always focusing on some sort of project or running here and there.  And when we have a few spare seconds, we want to spend them with the boys, not cleaning or doing more house chores.  Always a balancing act right?<br /><br />Well, it has gotten to a point that the kids have forgotten what their daily responsibilities are and I can't seem to focus on a single thing due to all of the chaos going on around me.  I have always been one to thrive when my surroundings are clean and clutter free, so as the months have gone by, my drive has slowed down.  I am totally, completely overwhelmed with our home.  There, I said it.  I already feel better.  Say it with me?  Just saying it is the first step.<br /><br />I decided that I don't care that the kitchen still needs trim and the spices need to be labeled.  The rest of the house needs my attention.  It is time to take back control of a few spaces that have been controlling us, and our moods.  I am not waiting any longer!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3l0LrQpDJpGVsielnDw6LXmhhOfIx1T8VO-woECSP0age7LQebTIDucAJDOFUO_SIUl8I9Rlj8d58SWDv2wcw6WmYBgDuo8lNXcbd0oSZgjXtOlUbu9qYmOPDQa3n913iZu5v5aeVgYe/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3l0LrQpDJpGVsielnDw6LXmhhOfIx1T8VO-woECSP0age7LQebTIDucAJDOFUO_SIUl8I9Rlj8d58SWDv2wcw6WmYBgDuo8lNXcbd0oSZgjXtOlUbu9qYmOPDQa3n913iZu5v5aeVgYe/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" /></a></div><br />For the next four weeks, I am going to tackle our top four trouble areas.  And I am not talking about the garage, which definitely has seen better days, I am talking about the spaces we use all of the time and have a real impact on our days.  <br /><br />Will you play along with me?  Do you have an organizing project you have been putting off?  Are you in an organizing slump? <i>(cough, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/uheart-organizing-handy-craft-station.html" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, cough)</i><br /><br />Although I typically look for some sort of motivator when it comes to organizing a drawer, closet or entire room... this time, my motivator is quality of life!  Not crafting or painting or listening to an audio book while I sort.  Those are the perks, but not the drivers this time.  But that doesn't mean I can't find ways to make it fun, stay on track, and be sure that I achieve my goals.  So I put together a printable to get myself started.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8y5k1uUkBDP32xV_LWI_STUwAa4hd6M8a1Td8xaRDajuj089-ljlBAVwmuwnLgnekRWUCvnOcVNUbCP9FtFhFmSX2fYnnhyphenhyphentWh7zy4d9iCFcop8eiXmmx8dN3k4bUYhzc4MvJjm18bLH/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8y5k1uUkBDP32xV_LWI_STUwAa4hd6M8a1Td8xaRDajuj089-ljlBAVwmuwnLgnekRWUCvnOcVNUbCP9FtFhFmSX2fYnnhyphenhyphentWh7zy4d9iCFcop8eiXmmx8dN3k4bUYhzc4MvJjm18bLH/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />And because I plan to bribe you all to organize with me, <b><i>I am giving you this printable for free <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6ccw426rjtyehhgk4lt9nkrd87842ag7" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl-KnMaBhT6DugZGVLdOaa282MyIo3FSwRMz0MRuXFNzDNRJp0jSOZeIG-yrKuAZ0WG6dyeHc9nz3TmeFdBj0u3PYkoWmxsV22nUGc3p49TjYnPV5NTthdfU7lAJQOnhrRTys5CwH_gF/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl-KnMaBhT6DugZGVLdOaa282MyIo3FSwRMz0MRuXFNzDNRJp0jSOZeIG-yrKuAZ0WG6dyeHc9nz3TmeFdBj0u3PYkoWmxsV22nUGc3p49TjYnPV5NTthdfU7lAJQOnhrRTys5CwH_gF/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Let me just say it was fun designing a printable again.  It has been far too long.  It was a nice way to ramp up for the next Planner release!  Moving on...<br /><br />Using the form is really straight forward, but I thought I would show you an example of how it will help with each project I take on over the next few weeks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboUWGSDXFdUYt5cK4V_dwLkt8SM3KF2Lz1cBE24t8XCdvE9p7sFLZz63hvGPNujg-6hq5tefw-ds_GkZXKobSyH-u0ul4wZclQ0OQutWCnLMWOX0o8Prpye7HsFGnGu9If8ZicKzaR7Nu/s1600/Example560.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboUWGSDXFdUYt5cK4V_dwLkt8SM3KF2Lz1cBE24t8XCdvE9p7sFLZz63hvGPNujg-6hq5tefw-ds_GkZXKobSyH-u0ul4wZclQ0OQutWCnLMWOX0o8Prpye7HsFGnGu9If8ZicKzaR7Nu/s1600/Example560.png" /></a></div><br />My first step was to identify my four biggest problem areas.  I selected the following:<br /><br /><ul><li>Master Bathroom</li><li>Master Closet</li><li>Both Vehicles</li><li>Daily Schedules/Papers/Time Management</li></ul>  <br />The example shown above is filled out for our Master Bathroom project.  An important part of the process was also to set some sort of a due date goal.  Because I want to tackle a new space each week, I selected the first Friday as my due date to complete the space.<br /><br />Before just diving in, I really want to reflect on why the spaces got so bad.  Sure, a lot of it is because we have just been too busy to maintain them.  But I also questioned whether it is because we are just not utilizing our existing systems, or if the existing systems are truly failing us (and most of the time it is both).  It is important to recognize both the good and the bad here; list out things that are working, and think about those yay-areas as you also reflect on what is not working.<br /><br />Now that I know what is not working, I can start coming up with a plan for the organizing project.  Things like addressing my make-up storage and dealing with too many un-used toiletries.  And of course, each project always starts out with a good blank slate, a deep cleaning and a purging of clutter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt204j14DdKDDwpJycwPgFYSjsHM5EXZVPKXuJNXsXD7zxRGeoRhite1ko0Ci8U8oVt_hWNG5h21ZO8frcbYGL20vMriVudLJAOfDmuI-x8mi6ySrTi8OogdcNlRWbGc2zjOz2E4ZqHn7H/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt204j14DdKDDwpJycwPgFYSjsHM5EXZVPKXuJNXsXD7zxRGeoRhite1ko0Ci8U8oVt_hWNG5h21ZO8frcbYGL20vMriVudLJAOfDmuI-x8mi6ySrTi8OogdcNlRWbGc2zjOz2E4ZqHn7H/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />There is also a section on the printable to list out any organizational and storage needs.  This is a good time to think about items you already own, what you can easily DIY, and what you may need to purchase.<br /><br />And last but not least, give yourself some realistic goals to strive for over the course of each week.  It is a busy time of the year with kids getting out of school, nightly sports and picnic dates at the park.  So match up the Project Planner Printable with your personal calendar and utilize the space at the bottom of the form to schedule in your organizing tasks.<br /><br />There!  Not so bad!  We have already recognized and planned!  We are halfway there!<br /><br />And because things are about to get real, and we are going to be ruthless, I got out my handy sorting signs!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ltgoLkQSqachA59T-8J1jDpz5b5zaBqcNejy1PchRMOCCmXWqvvRRACjyUbdp3s8dzuvtYSxX59eC9B9a57i5GaERJqJheMVlBwnwZVX0E-MU-8hgwGQC8gnu5U8A6FJwfFwfce3BXdd/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ltgoLkQSqachA59T-8J1jDpz5b5zaBqcNejy1PchRMOCCmXWqvvRRACjyUbdp3s8dzuvtYSxX59eC9B9a57i5GaERJqJheMVlBwnwZVX0E-MU-8hgwGQC8gnu5U8A6FJwfFwfce3BXdd/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />I printed them, cut them, glued them to colored cardstock and pushed them through my laminator.  Now, I can just clip them to any box, bin or basket during a good organizing session.  Did I just hear that you would like a set for your organizing sessions as well?  <b><i>You can download the Sorting Signs for free <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6anxypu95du1d7cjlanpz2fo5t9y79yj" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b><br /><br />And if you are looking for more printables to help during the sorting, donating and decision making process, you can find <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235619769/donation-printable-guide-instant?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">my Donation Kit here</a>.<br /><br />Now for the REALLY fun part!  My goal is to share my personal results with you each Friday.  When I do, I am going to provide a place for you to link your project back to me!  You don't need to have a blog to play along, you will be able to link from Instagram as well as other photo sharing sites.  And remember that I said I was also going to bribe you to participate in this challenge with me?  Because sometimes our own messes aren't motivation enough, I am going to use random.org to select one person from the link party each week to win a $50.00 Gift Card to one of my favorite organizing-friendly stores <i>(no need to participate each week to win)</i>.  Not sponsored, just my personal way of saying THANK YOU for hanging out with me.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" /></a></div><br />The fun starts next week!  I am not sure which space I will tackle first, but it is on!  I can't wait to see what projects you all select.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu85jmOQUpRp3bLgfbUx8aRKjPzmB1-LGq-flddOmHovXsIjov8vFczK77BF3hWy6yHzyGuNR4ge-BvTuudpWLvmcj53NTzNstVRAiGNYlnrVNvvepqhRFN4hXSCEnEY577r44l8TtHV0/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu85jmOQUpRp3bLgfbUx8aRKjPzmB1-LGq-flddOmHovXsIjov8vFczK77BF3hWy6yHzyGuNR4ge-BvTuudpWLvmcj53NTzNstVRAiGNYlnrVNvvepqhRFN4hXSCEnEY577r44l8TtHV0/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />So get out your sorting bins, print off your worksheet and labels and get ready to tackle the organizing projects you have been putting off for far too long. Your "Monica" closet is calling your name! You in?

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge!

I have come to a point where I need to take back our home.  And I keep trying to figure out how to get to the meat of this post without it s...

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May Organizing Challenge - Let's Get This Party Started!

It has been a few months since I have pulled out an organizing challenge, so we are definitely due!  It is time for you to take on a project (or two or three) and share it with this fabtastic community!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xcmNFPyQokS1Bdx6WX2MRIQz1sZJNK-ZrDCFdsmsn9kqFk5-oPINHzKuWrq_kMxdLtdPAVc-jdLgSqB8YzF_lLFtswV3U9gbcHKClu8xXW1qnbMBzqXBgCg-nF-6clCt13hiLCBh0WI/s1600/LinkPartyHeader.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xcmNFPyQokS1Bdx6WX2MRIQz1sZJNK-ZrDCFdsmsn9kqFk5-oPINHzKuWrq_kMxdLtdPAVc-jdLgSqB8YzF_lLFtswV3U9gbcHKClu8xXW1qnbMBzqXBgCg-nF-6clCt13hiLCBh0WI/s1600/LinkPartyHeader.png" /></a></div><br />I can't wait to see what you have been up to or what do you have planned this month.  <i>Closet takeovers?  Drawer cleanings?  Cabinet organizing?  Furniture building? </i> I can't wait to see!<br /><br />I just shared a tiny bit of all of the awesomeness from the last link party <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/march-monthly-organizing-challenge-link.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  I am blown away each time these parties role around, and I find so much pleasure taking time to read more about YOU!<br /><br />So what have <i>we</i> been up to since the previous link party?  <br /><br />Most days lately I feel like we are constantly working on things, yet have about 524 unfinished projects.  Yet, as I sit here and type in my dining area and gaze over at an almost complete kitchen, I know that every last small detail adds up in the overall renovation equation.  Slowly but surely, we will get there!  And just knowing how much we have been able to take on ourselves is completely worth every late night.<br /><br />Here is a recap of the past two months around the iHeart home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeSkrIbjsCeKjwiBO7EETqjqYkpcQmTDirPA40W4K5MZEIHm1lu99epgb0x_V9SauJ9E1SIU_DVZs78YLH-34509DTLzXnfbjzhaxxlXFa-lrCeYGqbbgglNn-AzflRIewSg3pDnppTw/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeSkrIbjsCeKjwiBO7EETqjqYkpcQmTDirPA40W4K5MZEIHm1lu99epgb0x_V9SauJ9E1SIU_DVZs78YLH-34509DTLzXnfbjzhaxxlXFa-lrCeYGqbbgglNn-AzflRIewSg3pDnppTw/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_14.jpg" /></a></div><br />Starting off in the kitchen, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">we gave our coat closet some new storage</a>.  We have been using it for a couple of months now and really love the new drawers.  Also, we have been able to hang both a winter jacket and a spring option for the entire family without any space issues.  Overall, this project receives a huge A+ for the first time in the history of makeovers this closet has received over the years.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP1pl_nK1_C1v75Tf1ibiQ1DKZAI0bN5ZrjjtIlsSuMmLUWr6QGDgt3JqvOgU-LQsHcdKWaAu-Hztrxg9tYPOrPNGgNDXw8Ou3j8BNzMIeLEik6y3yoU-Up3q2SPYXlQ5wWbRDM1T2HAM/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Reno_Hardware_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP1pl_nK1_C1v75Tf1ibiQ1DKZAI0bN5ZrjjtIlsSuMmLUWr6QGDgt3JqvOgU-LQsHcdKWaAu-Hztrxg9tYPOrPNGgNDXw8Ou3j8BNzMIeLEik6y3yoU-Up3q2SPYXlQ5wWbRDM1T2HAM/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Reno_Hardware_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />Also in the kitchen, we selected and <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/iheart-kitchen-reno-getting-handle-on.html" target="_blank">installed all of the cabinet hardware</a>.  We also DIY'd some cord covers for the hanging pendant lights.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL9bDTtjEI9iefqeJcqtNm-tTjEB9ZZdhAVHC7YGqnUjG4Slx9kc2AekZzlAwhaIcm-R2NV7o-wx8OifepsuKWz30rWf7Llod6YSsaGCY-vzc-xg6-4kCRlz4qJrHKk2LYY-JSujiQTZS/s1600/IKEA_Pantry_Organization_Drawer_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />It is probably no surprise that one thing I couldn't wait to do, is <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-organized-pantry.html" target="_blank">organize our new kitchen pantry</a>!  In fact, I would say it has been one of my favorite kitchen projects since we started the entire renovation process.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm98El78xmQkf3HI6WPM7RG9jm7GRX9rekchEsKhVEIqP8Yn4dxqt1bo-xCg7fRY_7X0zDeQ9wlxlnhqr_oiE4K3hROXYdrbSkf4RvCKy6RA4n7kF44GBx9b8Odax-_LPjP47G6Atb5h-k/s1600/Chic_Shelf_Paper_Lined_Junk_Drawer_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm98El78xmQkf3HI6WPM7RG9jm7GRX9rekchEsKhVEIqP8Yn4dxqt1bo-xCg7fRY_7X0zDeQ9wlxlnhqr_oiE4K3hROXYdrbSkf4RvCKy6RA4n7kF44GBx9b8Odax-_LPjP47G6Atb5h-k/s1600/Chic_Shelf_Paper_Lined_Junk_Drawer_9.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/an-organized-happy-drawer-with-chic.html" target="_blank">Organizing our utility drawer</a> was also one of those small-yet-big kitchen celebrations.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcW-UUaODQHAVq-W7qm6Q69AM_YoZF-xgELZz2S7wQxTncI4U6DMW9CLnQMzsmHHZvDJmzKWIPuG_y5NNoKTgcwVEJASROKV5UrAqijyvydGn0RofhVFQjpTW6qdmfyELhMCM17UMRioP/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Reno_Is_Chand_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcW-UUaODQHAVq-W7qm6Q69AM_YoZF-xgELZz2S7wQxTncI4U6DMW9CLnQMzsmHHZvDJmzKWIPuG_y5NNoKTgcwVEJASROKV5UrAqijyvydGn0RofhVFQjpTW6qdmfyELhMCM17UMRioP/s1600/IHeart_Kitchen_Reno_Is_Chand_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />In <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/iheart-kitchen-reno-chandelier-island.html" target="_blank">our last kitchen update</a>, we shared our chandelier story and also had just received our center island cabinets. <br /><br /><br />Although we have since finished installing the flooring into the kitchen, everything else went on the back-burner while we switched gears and placed our focus on the living room side of things.  We took the space from sub-floors to fireplace fabulous in about five full weeks!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBrW9nY8IXqRX9EEgwEVvBD0aXphKo3RpfSGijjECu-MeurN1Ra2YngSWE-prqqTSa5mz-ekuzXDccZ_xHvLjrSIDKSTHgrIfnCh-TwQRLn1uklsVzh8hXs4x5fQDZrvGjF0RWWrm5lTg/s1600/One_Room_Challenge_Collage_Numbered.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBrW9nY8IXqRX9EEgwEVvBD0aXphKo3RpfSGijjECu-MeurN1Ra2YngSWE-prqqTSa5mz-ekuzXDccZ_xHvLjrSIDKSTHgrIfnCh-TwQRLn1uklsVzh8hXs4x5fQDZrvGjF0RWWrm5lTg/s1600/One_Room_Challenge_Collage_Numbered.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-1-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">week one</a> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-2-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">week two</a> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-3-painted-shoe.html" target="_blank">week three</a> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-4-fabrics.html" target="_blank">week four</a> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/one-room-challenge-week-5-hot-mess.html" target="_blank">week five</a> | <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/one-room-challenge-week-6-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">week six</a></div><br /><i>You can catch up on the entire living room One Room Challenge process <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/One%20Room%20Challenge" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br /><br /><br />I always try to keep a healthy mix of big projects and little projects, and being knee deep in a major renovation, doesn't always make that easy.  But as much as I love the dramatics of our big transformation, it is those little projects that I am most passionate about.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHV2CU1lcm75vCSGFEzgv8htfSFIWKLsKd5Dix4SyjN_KyaGBZg6_Sojpqsl8pxtWjhfkH3cXrAtOpi6yCvwgmtBh0RM60-GZKMqQuB6Eqye2y8tm22R5k51GyVCCpBb4RuPM-PcrUyD7/s1600/DIY_Window_Box_Hairtool_Organizer_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHV2CU1lcm75vCSGFEzgv8htfSFIWKLsKd5Dix4SyjN_KyaGBZg6_Sojpqsl8pxtWjhfkH3cXrAtOpi6yCvwgmtBh0RM60-GZKMqQuB6Eqye2y8tm22R5k51GyVCCpBb4RuPM-PcrUyD7/s1600/DIY_Window_Box_Hairtool_Organizer_12.jpg" /></a></div><br />I built this sweet <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/diy-hair-tool-organizer.html" target="_blank">hair tool organizer</a> and the project really was as simple as it looks!  And hooray for conquering bathroom counter clutter!<br />  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOQiYjLpJTe7AbbSXV_ZKC3lzDdMrghpay2Xiih8A0-EIHDLwH4E1jr-zGYLPXheBt7chmEfA8VSpxiG5yHT3EEQoJoFuxz8P7n0nPmmMa0lTI3YzPc081kwiOG0PTu3Zwa_eA8LDo0Af/s1600/Embroidery_Thread_Hanging_Terrarium_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOQiYjLpJTe7AbbSXV_ZKC3lzDdMrghpay2Xiih8A0-EIHDLwH4E1jr-zGYLPXheBt7chmEfA8VSpxiG5yHT3EEQoJoFuxz8P7n0nPmmMa0lTI3YzPc081kwiOG0PTu3Zwa_eA8LDo0Af/s1600/Embroidery_Thread_Hanging_Terrarium_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was challenged to <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/styled-x3-hanging-air-plant.html" target="_blank">style a basic hanging air-plant</a>, so I played with wire and embroidery floss to create a playful addition to our lower level bathroom.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjChg53Tvaylc3JGKJ8-yunN035iybKEdZxRA8wYAPtMBVqdS384zJ7RGIDtXOiMy-Xd7wdD3nZwR7AKaXX6u_NSI7kMBngdVZSuvXBiM8HGK0Utup1DfypWdMVu92-MzMiAFP_ZDDFyJt/s1600/Acrylic_Remote_Caddy_Stand_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjChg53Tvaylc3JGKJ8-yunN035iybKEdZxRA8wYAPtMBVqdS384zJ7RGIDtXOiMy-Xd7wdD3nZwR7AKaXX6u_NSI7kMBngdVZSuvXBiM8HGK0Utup1DfypWdMVu92-MzMiAFP_ZDDFyJt/s1600/Acrylic_Remote_Caddy_Stand_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />To try and prevent the remotes from running off at night, I created a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjChg53Tvaylc3JGKJ8-yunN035iybKEdZxRA8wYAPtMBVqdS384zJ7RGIDtXOiMy-Xd7wdD3nZwR7AKaXX6u_NSI7kMBngdVZSuvXBiM8HGK0Utup1DfypWdMVu92-MzMiAFP_ZDDFyJt/s1600/Acrylic_Remote_Caddy_Stand_8.jpg" target="_blank"> remote control caddy</a> from a desktop organizer.  I have already been enjoying the added slots for my iPad, current magazines and notepad.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KMnmrbiSA0MyjmxiTKlusZUmfaENVxXfEB9fD8IYkvLNHpPfC3nWBT5Jhxu36glWqIOtesNFPpjWwJnBiTOKDsA78wOMFGUGxl5deVTXN5oOJs4Cdl8HOTJhbCN3S0YmRM1qeyVhcPe/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KMnmrbiSA0MyjmxiTKlusZUmfaENVxXfEB9fD8IYkvLNHpPfC3nWBT5Jhxu36glWqIOtesNFPpjWwJnBiTOKDsA78wOMFGUGxl5deVTXN5oOJs4Cdl8HOTJhbCN3S0YmRM1qeyVhcPe/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />Quick and easy DIY projects are my jelly jam, and the <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/diy-tray-turned-mirror.html" target="_blank">wood tray mirror</a> was no exception.  Quick, easy, done at a fraction of the cost of my inspiration and a piece that causes me to smile at it each day... I call that a jumbo win!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolYpLQ8_nWCElTCkoWalV5ZmGgzdlL4h68QFVkerF1rPfm7f8ls3wE2wRw2aG-belL0zY3njvrjOuCLR-lMgHNfkz90E4oMfR3-EXs7pT9I380Qi-hbJN_U8lTMZ5mSKTsmQ4aYNGKsQP/s1600/DIY_Sweater_Box_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolYpLQ8_nWCElTCkoWalV5ZmGgzdlL4h68QFVkerF1rPfm7f8ls3wE2wRw2aG-belL0zY3njvrjOuCLR-lMgHNfkz90E4oMfR3-EXs7pT9I380Qi-hbJN_U8lTMZ5mSKTsmQ4aYNGKsQP/s1600/DIY_Sweater_Box_18.jpg" /></a></div><br />Taking a small break from the kitchen and living room, I switched my focused to something that has been on my list for far too long.  One too many snagged sweaters later and beautiful <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/diy-sweater-boxes.html" target="_blank">new sweater boxes were born</a>.  Goes to show that anything wrapped in pretty paper or fabric can look amazing and also function fabulously.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1WpktpLXjOKd7-KG0-twGlX35rw9Y-DFrH24miy5oUnrG3R999ehLzjdI1oTcZf5eeVe339UcRyl1qalOqbG5LM3ORoeKWBVJm5jai5wgnuil2WwEvgPTPwaz7UBbQz2QFk-hTd6Fss/s1600/MH_Homegoods-0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1WpktpLXjOKd7-KG0-twGlX35rw9Y-DFrH24miy5oUnrG3R999ehLzjdI1oTcZf5eeVe339UcRyl1qalOqbG5LM3ORoeKWBVJm5jai5wgnuil2WwEvgPTPwaz7UBbQz2QFk-hTd6Fss/s1600/MH_Homegoods-0088.jpg" /></a></div><br />Between the kitchen, living room and smaller projects, I also managed to squeeze in some travel to NYC.  It was such a fun opportunity <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/blog/2015/04/17/homegoods-by-i-heart-organizing/" target="_blank">partnering with HomeGoods</a> to <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-happy-home-office-with-homegoods.html" target="_blank">create a happy home office</a> that reflects my personal style.  Definitely an experience I won't forget!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQuj4LlByMSOU_C6OHHiFuKQ6TwwXRFdazGh0r6qu99WMamxQdiTdj9x0u1fpfmssQXvCLo2WwDd7uDRM3Lf7TzF5lmm0mMq8XE94EEOV9S3uzscJMyg3HbdZQMHPDgKDx9ygiC5KiT3i/s1600/Organized_Packing_Tips_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQuj4LlByMSOU_C6OHHiFuKQ6TwwXRFdazGh0r6qu99WMamxQdiTdj9x0u1fpfmssQXvCLo2WwDd7uDRM3Lf7TzF5lmm0mMq8XE94EEOV9S3uzscJMyg3HbdZQMHPDgKDx9ygiC5KiT3i/s1600/Organized_Packing_Tips_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />While I was away, I couldn't take a break from blogging.  I used it as an opportunity to share some of <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/quick-tip-tuesday-oragnized-travel.html" target="_blank">my favorite packing tips</a>!<br /><br /><br />And to top things off, we continued to find "quick" ways to tweak things around our home as well.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; width: 500px;"><tbody align="center"><tr> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/quick-tip-tuesday-food-wrap-storage.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/FoodWrapStorage_zpssqsmdxxb.png" /></a></td> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/quick-tip-tuesday-gift-wrap-drawer.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/DrawerLiners_zpsb3nozc2l.png" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/quick-tip-tuesday-handy-pick-up-helpers.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/HandyHelpers_zpsfb18k9fn.png" /></a></td> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/quick-tip-tuesday-magical-stain-be-gone.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/StainBeGone_zps5feeefol.png" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/04/quick-tip-tuesday-multi-purpose-band.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/BandBoard_zpsjwkgdyi8.png" /></a></td> <td width="250"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/quick-tip-tuesday-painting-pane.html"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/PaintingPanes_zpsfgobuhgf.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Now, it is your turn to link up and share your favorite projects with all of us (the last organizing challenge had almost 58,000 views!  That is A LOT of LOVE).<br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="525743"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=525743" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><br />As always, an over-sized <span style="color: #a20067;"><b>thank you</b></span> to all who participate in these challenges.  Checking out your posts is my guilty pleasure every month, so bring it on!  As always, I will be sharing some of your projects via social media and doing a recap at the end of the party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>IHeart Organizing is not responsible for the content uploaded and shared within the Monthly Link Parties on within the #wiorn hashtag feed.  However, it is a great way to join together in making organizing fun, so let's use our best internet etiquette and have a great time with this social party.</i></span> <br /><br />

May Organizing Challenge - Let's Get This Party Started!

It has been a few months since I have pulled out an organizing challenge, so we are definitely due!  It is time for you to take on a project...

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