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Archive through August 06, 2004

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions: 2004 Aug - Oct: TVCH's Home & Life Organization (ARCHIVES): Archive through August 06, 2004 users admin

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Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Monday, August 02, 2004 - 12:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lkunkel...WOOHOO! Another English teacher makes a difference! (I can't tell you how excited we get when we see references like yours!)

Spinner
Member

10-27-2003

Monday, August 02, 2004 - 5:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Can't beat a good book and a glass of iced tea--with or without the marshmallow fluff (which I confess to loving, btw!).

Sorry, the rest of you, Vee and I are just discussing a book . . . <G>

Welcome, Gidget, Teacher, and Schoolmarm! Isn't LK awesome, with her creative assignments!

Purplecow
Member

12-08-2003

Monday, August 02, 2004 - 5:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
So many newcomers since I left. Welcome, all of you. I feel your pain! Schoolmarm and Gidget, You're making my head spin!

Still reading . . . Not fair with the challenge, LK. I disgorged last month!

Vee, I've done a couple of Original Sewing and Quilt Shows, but none in Maine. Farthest North I've been lately is the DC area. I'm not a quilter, myself, yet. Ditto heirloom sewing.

LK, I met Dana Young. She's a sweetie with the most beautiful long curly hair I've seen outside of storybooks.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 11:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sorry folks, I'm going to stop talking to Spinner entirely......it's just that she never visits her folder so I know I can catch her here.

Purple, you still have me wondering, but I feel that I may be zeroing in...hmmm...make a mental note...has done quilt shows, but is not a quilter...

No kidding about Schoolmarm and Gidget as my head spins reading about all their doings. They are both working so hard that they are putting me to shame.

Hiya, Lk, hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Spinner
Member

10-27-2003

Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 1:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, my gosh, Vee, whatever have I done that you won't talk to me anymore? It's true, I don't often remember to visit the folder! I'll try harder, whatever it is! I know I'm long-winded; I'll try to do better! Maybe that's the clutter I need to work on--too many words!

Purplecow
Member

12-08-2003

Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 3:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Gosh, Vee. This might be fun. I have something to do with sewing and quilters who have the equipment use my products and take my classes, in addition to those who sew and have the equipment, but do not quilt. Ditto heirloom sewing.

My folder disappeared entirely.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 3:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Purple, check again, I think you have mail!

Spinner, you too!

Purplecow
Member

12-08-2003

Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 4:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Gosh, thanks, Vee. I guess you had to make me a new folder.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 7:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lk's suggestion to Gidget about imagining led me to do a bit of imagining of my own, not with regard to decorating, but with how I wanted a certain closet to function. The problem was/is that the closet is too deep. This means that everything on the shelves got backed to the wall and I had to fight to find anything...very inefficient use of space.

All I knew on Monday was that I had a recurring hotspot of papers stacked on the dining room table. They were waiting to go in the file cabinet also located in said closet. Why weren't they going in? Because there were cat food bags on the floor in front of file cabinet. Why weren't they on the shelves? Because the shelves were full. One whole shelf was being used to store extra towels.

I closed my eyes and saw the closet as I really wanted it to function. This is the saga of how I solved my problem and got my closet back. First, those extra towels have been packed away awaiting the time when they can replace worn out towels. Following the success of the first aid kit basket I spoke of awhile ago, I purchased five more baskets and placed like things in them. I also repurposed two baskets that I already had by removing their handles. These baskets are all square and fit nicely on the shelf...oh, I removed one plank per shelf to reduce the depth of the shelf. Now I have three extra hard wood shelves to use elsewhere.

These are the "kits" I created: TAPE(includes all sorts of tape from duct to transparent), GLUE (everything from glue sticks to Elmer's to super, etc., CANDLES, CLOTH NAPKINS, PAPER GOODS(paper plates, napkins, etc.), HAIR REMOVAL (Nads, razors, etc.), and LIGHTBULBS. Now all I have to do is grab the basket and go.

Everything is located together and not just where it will fit. I am a big proponent, however, of keeping stuff where it is used so I have an upstairs arsenal of cleaning supplies, etc. in addition to my downstairs supply...even a basement supply. Also there are scissors located in the places where they are most often used.

This kit idea is so exciting that the possibilities are endless. I also redid the toolbox that had become just a jumble of junk. Now it is an efficient working toolbox with everything one could need.

Thanks for letting me share...have a great day!

Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 11:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
WTG, Vee!

I love repurposing things. The whole point of the exercise is to start people thinking outside of the box.

I am doing the same exercise.

How goes the clearing out? Mine has gotten somewhat delayed--Potshot has car write ups due, and I'm trying to help him assemble the car in his mind. (2D puzzles aren't his forte--3D puzzles kill him!)

On a bright spot, all of the car write ups are due by Friday, so I'll still have 9 days to bust butt on decluttering and fall cleaning. Potshot did say that he is going to help with the fall cleaning, so I have a great shot at getting things finished up around here.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 11:55 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
My clearing out is going very well, thanks for asking, Lk. Great to see you by the way!

It's going well because all that stuff that is being stored for a yard sale or for donation to Salvation Army is going to be given to a good cause for their yard sale and the best part is that they will come and take it away. Phew!

Puzzles are not my thing either...my mind just does not bend that way so I sympathize with Potshot on that one. I'm sure that he will appreciate your help...I always have to call my daughter if a schematic or something like that gets me in a knot.

Hope all goes well with the car write ups. That explains where you've been, friend!

Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 12:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks for the welcome...we've only been in our new house 5 1/2 months, so controlling clutter so far has been easy (We went from an 1100 sq.ft. trailer to a 3400 sq. ft. walkout!) My dad and I built all the cabinetry and trim in the entire house and this summer we've completed cabinet doors, drawer fronts, a fireplace surround that is 8 ft. by 8 ft. and a desk for the kitchen....NOW, my rooms are arranged as I'd like, but I need ideas for a couple of BIG walls.

I like warm, cozy but not cluttery surroundings (my living room, kitchen and dining have NO pics because I have wall to wall windows). Any suggestions?

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 12:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Can you give us more information such as whether you prefer traditional, country, contemporary- country, rustic or formal, etc? Also, exactly how large are these wonderful walls of yours? Do you have any window treatments? Do you have any pictures of your home that you could share?

Sounds as if you have some really terrific space.
I'm sure that you are really enjoying it!


Grandmato2
Member

07-16-2004

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 12:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I, too, have moved into a new place in May. Still not all unpacked.

But, I have resisted putting stuff up on the walls. The only thing that has been placed is a calendar and a clock. I want to take my time and be sure things are exactly like I want them to be. I am enjoying the clean, clear lines of not having a lot of clutter on my walls.

I do intend to put up the big picture of my grandsons soon.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 5:58 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
When you do, Grandmato2, it is going to feel more like home than ever before.

Spinner
Member

10-27-2003

Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 7:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ooh, Vee, love your "basket kit" ideas! I am such a basket person--love the way shelves look with baskets on them instead of loose items, and it's so much easier to dust and to see what you have. But I hadn't thought of the kit idea you've thought of; must keep that in mind.

Interesting new living spaces, Grandmato and Teach! What great ideas all of us will get from both of you as you share how you're organizing the areas.

Thirty pounds of books went to an online friend of mine today! I didn't think there was anything in this stack that anyone would want and I knew if I took them to the library sale they probably wouldn't sell and they'd just get shredded so it was terrific to find someone who really wanted them.

Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 12:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Great Job, Dipo! Spinner, I missed your 30 pounds...I put it in my spreadsheet for the next chart update.

Sorry everyone, just been out of it on top of being busy.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 7:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lkunkel! I'd like to give that old fibro a kick in the pants for ya! Hope you are feeling better very soon. I think you are amazing getting all that you do accomplished in spite of the challenge. Didn't know you were serving as inspiration did you?

Spinner, I don't take credit for the basket ideas because so many are using that technique. I actually got the first aid kit idea from Martha Stewart's book Good Things for Organizing. I also use her cutesy idea of having a tag for each basket just in case the stuff is not peeking up over the edges. In fact, I use the typewriter font on my computer to get the look I want. Then increase the font, print it off, place in a sunny window, and trace over it with my handy dandy permanent marker. Looks great every time!

Now I just want to run around and organize a bunch more things this way...do you think it would be too much?

Hope that Teach and Grandmato2 will share all their secrets too.

Oh, the best thought just struck me...when we get rid of that yard sale stuff, I am going to have so many pounds to post it won't even be funny. I mean the whole top floor of the garage is loaded to the gills. Yahooooo!

Have a fantastic day all you flutterers!

Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 1:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Vee: Nope, didn't have a clue.

My baskets are also labeled using my free labeler. (One of my former employers, a lawyer, was given a newurl{http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536879710&prodBlockOID=46372,Brother P-Touch PT-65 Personal Handheld Label Maker} for his birthday by one of his sisters. He opened it, snorted, and threw it away. I retrieved it, and asked what he was doing. He said: "you like it, take it home." So, I did!)

I also label cabinets, shelves, a variety of things that need to be identified.

GrandmaTo2 has a lot of ideas. We try to chat everyday while doing blitzes--20 minutes of work and 10 minutes of chat. She has a ton more ideas than I do.

Can't wait to see those garage sale numbers--make sure to arrange for a chrity pick up the day after the yard sale so you don't rescue anything to bring back into the house.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 4:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Morning, and a quick one it will be at that...love this idea that you and Grandmato2 have worked up, Lk. It sounds as if it would really be a great incentive to move and it keeps you both accountable in a non-threatening way. That's cool!

You got the best deal of all on that labeler!

I know...the numbers are going to be staggering! Truly! The best news is that they will start hauling it off this coming Monday. They have some sort of arrangement with a flea market to take the remainder of the stuff so sis and I are off the hook about ever taking it back.

Now, if anyone has a great idea for a beautiful space upstairs in a garage...I'm thinking we'll start hosting a few square dances or something!

Love all you flutterers and I mean it! Happy day!

Grandmato2
Member

07-16-2004

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 12:58 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks Lk but you also have lots of ideas. We seem to do a good job of bouncing ideas off of each other.

I, too, loved the idea of baskets. Never thought of that for at the house. Hmmmm . . . pondering how I could implement that idea.

I have so much stuff that I keep for teaching that I have to do some organizing or I would go crazy. Since I travel among schools, I have my main backpack on wheels. I also keep separate book bags for each school.

I am slowly throwing more clutter out - mostly paper. My mother is shocked that I can throw out old ultility bills. I believe she has our light bill from when I was a child and that was a looooooooooooooonnnnngggg time ago.

Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 8:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, GT2. And next week you and I should be able to kick butt--since Potshot and I are only working on the textbook--and probably in the afternoons.

I put my candle and soapmaking stuff in separate baskets and placed them on my kitchen soffits (for now, until I get the craft shelves). I need to get more baskets when I get the craft shelves--it is such a nice & neat way to store things.

Our grocery store has a bunch of lined baskets--I'm going over to snag some more. I already snagged ones I wanted that are similar to one of the catalogs: you store an upright tissue box in the center, and then a roll of toilet paper on either side. It fits on the back of the toilet and is neatly covered. The one I bought was the same price, but woven board, not rattan. Plus, no shipping. What I really like is that if we don't have two bathrooms, we can repurpose the round ends into holding something else.

I've also been doing the assignment I gave to Gidget--reimaging the various rooms. I decided that while I like "themes" (lighthouses, southwestern, etc.), I'm going to stick with "nature"--especially through color.

I am a Soft Autumn--which rules since that is my favorite season. Autumn, in fact, joined TVCH just enough ahead of me, that she took the name I was going to use. I ordered from Looks by Leslie a swatch booklet for soft autumn, perfect cheek color (#393 tea rose) and perfect lip color (#143 burnished rose) and they arrived today. I put on the lipstick and blush and was amazed at how good they looked. I'm not sure about the prices--whether they were too expensive or not, since I haven't bought make up in...forever. The cheek color was $10 and the lipstick was $8. The swatch booklet was $20, but to have colors in my hands that I can use to not only decorate me but also the house, strikes me as mega cool. Plus, she only charged $1.00 for shipping, and according to the postage meter strip, postage was actually $1.06.

So, my plan, as I do my imagining, is to choose some accent colors--like the ones in the canister set--to set against a neutral background (maybe earthtone beiges, camels, etc).

I'm also imaging what I want in and on cupboards, countertops, etc. For example, on the kitchen cabinets of my imaged kitchen, I have some "autumn leaf" window clings. This will also help balance the kitchen. As a Syncretic Witch, I try to balance the four elements--earth air, fire, and water--and that would only leave air to be represented--which can be done by adding more clings in the form of winged creatures: dragonflies, butterflies, and birds. So, I have a very pretty imaged kitchen, with most of the decor being flat, inexpensive, and unexpected.

This is also helping me clean off my Mental Clutter List (MCL) of shopping ideas for each room. It's allowing me to think reduced clutter, yet still cozy and homey.

So, yes, Autumn, in the next few weeks, I will be ordering the canister set, actually, to clear out the pantry of flours, sugars, and other things, I'll be ordering two sets, since they are airtight. I know you were concerned that I wouldn't, but I will be.

Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 8:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
In trying to decide my "style," I'd have to say I don't have one! LOL

I don't have country, although I live on 40 acres and we have an orchard. It's definitely not modern...Not one white wall in the entire house.

I'll just tell you what it looks like, and let you figure it out for me!

First, my "neutral" color is a light yellowish tan (called Golden Garden). My kitchen is a lighter yellow on one wall, while my LR (which is open to the kitchen and DR) has one dark red wall (hot apple spice). Not a brick color, but not quite terra cotta either. The guest bedroom has the same red on one wall. The master bedroom has 3 darker green walls (meant to be a sage, but "weeping willow" color I picked had more green and less gray. Looked good, so we kept it). Master bath is a very, very pale green. Family room has one wall w/ "Stuart gold" as accent color -- a deep gold that has definite orange undertones. Finally, the study has one brownish/bronze wall in a color called autumn bronze.

We have all clear-coated oak trim (that my dad and I made) as well as oak cabinetry. Basically we've used an "autumn" palette with very warm colors. The lights, bathroom fixtures, appliances, sinks, etc. are all brushed nickel or stainless steel. I'd guess I'd call it traditional.

Oh good heavens, I'm a little dense. We have a yahoo site where you can SEE the darn colors! If you're interested...here's the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/glerums/

Ack..yahoo is down at the minute...but I think the pictures are in the album somewhere around mid-december or January.

There ya' have it...whatever it's called! I was thinking of adding a wrought iron wall clock to one of my light yellow walls in the dining room area, but that's the ONLY idea I've had so far! LOL

Autumn
Member

10-29-2003

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 8:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
*peeks in* Hey I saw that. And I can't help it that Great Minds Think Alike! lol!

Autumn is my favourite time of year! And...one of my other nics is "dragnfli" cuz...yep: I LOVE those too! So...we have similar tastes. ((hugs))

Oh wow, I just saw the end of your post as I was typing this ~ how did I miss that? I'm glad you're getting the canisters and I knew that you would because you said you would!!! They are very pretty and I know you'll enjoy them for some time!

I've been checking out the links you posted - nice stuff! Not that I'd expect any less from you.

Autumn
Member

10-29-2003

Friday, August 06, 2004 - 8:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Teach, I wondered what was up with yahoo tonight!

I saw a pic of a deck - from what I saw, you have a beautiful place.