Ellie & Elizabeth

When I moved, something bad happened. It was called, 'Let's stuff all I can into the armoire and use it as a suitcase and I'll organize it when we unpack.' Two years later, the armoire looks like this:

*Is that Christmas wrapping paper?? Why did I cram wrapping paper in there???*

I know! How embarrassing! Whose great idea was that??

So now you probably think I've got it all cleaned out and I'm going to reveal the new improved organizational system that I just implemented.

Nope.

It still looks like that. Sorry, that would take half the day and it's fall. I"m too busy being outside. Have you seen the mountains lately??

I did take a little step forward, though. Before the storm of clutter and who knows what was thrown in there during the move, the armoire was organized and housed blankets and some mementos. It had baby clothes from my boys and some things from my dad who has passed away. I once heard that the things you cherish should be treated with respect in your home, not wadded up somewhere stuffed in a closet (or thrown into an armoire 'suitcase'). Those baby clothes and items mean the world to me (and it represents a time before those stinkers pranked me and talked back, ha!). I love the thought of decorating with things that have special meaning, and the laundry room was really needing some love. I found a couple of these shadow boxes at Hobby Lobby, they are usually half off every other week:

They come with a hinged door and stickpins so you can open it and pin in anything you want to display. In went my boys' baby clothes, including Mickey Mouse pacifier, who was a big deal to my Little B at one time. I'm sure the boys think it's corny, but I love seeing their little clothes displayed in my laundry room. I'll reveal the whole room soon, I've got a few more things here and there to finish.

Do you have things in your house that are special to you that you could turn into decor? It's a great, inexpensive way to decorate a room! Or do you have a crazy armoire/closet in your house that needs major attention?? That one of mine could be on 'Hoarders'. (Which, by the way, is a great show to watch if you're feeling stressed about your housework, etc., because no matter how bad yours is.....is probably not THAT bad. lol). I have a friend who is a professional organizer and one of her greatest joys is to organize, so I may need her help on that one, it's too scary to take on alone. Check out her website and blog, Sheri Bertolini, she has organizing tips and talks about how to decide what to keep and what to throw out, discusses how to handle mementos, there's all sorts of good stuff there.

But for now, go outside. Those mountains!

Love,

Elizabeth