Cleans: REUSABLE Bleach Wipes

Yes, you read that right!

REUSEABLE Bleach wipes, not just DIY Bleach wipes.

I love bleach wipes. With three little ones,it helps keep me sane. 

See a spill, Grab a wipe, clean it up. So Easy.

But I hate how expensive they are. Even the "knock off" ones add up.

So after thinking about it. Why not make reusable ones?

So I can use, throw in the washer, reload into the container, and reuse!

Now, I'm shaking my head thinking why didn't I do this sooner?

To make your own Reusable wipes you need:

A container 

Bleach Solution

Wipes

For my container, I just reused one of the store bought wipes came in. 

I also thought about using a giant  canning jar, plastic baby wipes container or tupperware.

For my bleach solution, I used 1 cup bleach to 3 cups water and a squirt of dish soap.

Just like when I made a bleach solution for my dried out wipes, or DIY bleach Spray.

For the wipes, I originally thought about using flannel squares. If you have the patience to hem your squares, go for it. I didn't! If you have knit fabric, cut yourself some squares and your good to go! 

But I went the easiest route! Baby washcloths! We have a huge pile of washcloths so I decided to weed through it in an effort to Purge. Organize. Clean. Repeat. (January's motto!) And I noticed we had a large amount of these thin baby washcloths. They were the perfect size, and took no extra time to whip up, like the other options would have!

So far I am loving them! I've been cleaning things just to be able to use them! 

Once I use one, I rinse it off and throw in my laundry pile. 

When they come out of the dryer I just put them right back in the container.

As the container needs it, I add some more solution.

Organizing Recap.

This month has flown by! I started the month by declaring it  Purge. Organize. Clean. Repeat.  Month.

And I have to say I did pretty good! 

I didn't blog about everything I did. But I went through the kids toys, clothes, some of my clothes, shoes, plus what I shared here! After two weeks of getting rid of things here and there, I started to notice! It felt great, so I am going to continue as I feel I still have some areas to work on!

My best piece of advice? Start small. Whether it be a cabinet, or you supplies for something.

I did my Canning Supplies awhile ago, and it's nice when I need something it's right there. 

And you may notice that my baskets match! 

It doesnt have to be this way, but I found a basket I liked and stuck with it. 

These were found in Family Dollar, but  I have since found the same ones in my local Dollar Store too.

I used the smaller size in my medicine cabinet, and I love how it hangs out of the way, using up some wasted vertical space!

And seriously, my shampoo bottle turned pen holder? I'm already waiting for another bottle to be empty! I'm thinking a magnet on the back, or hanging it on some pegboard to hold small tools. Endless possibilities!

And with Valentine's Day coming up, I am so glad I took that time last year to organize my cards! 

Ever have leftover valentines from the packs? Us too! Why not save them for the kids to play with or give out a random assortment! 

While these are just some of my most recent organizing projects that I run into everyday, you can see more of my organizing ideas here, or ideas I've pinned on my organizing pinterest board.

Organizes: Easy Upcycled Pen Storage

Are you always looking for a Pen? Pencil? Sharpie?

Me too.

Before kids, I just had a big old cup full of them on the computer desk.

Not anymore. They disappear, they write on walls, and doors. 

So away went the cup.

But now we can never find anything to write with!

I even had a pen on a string hanging by the calendar that went missing!

Not anymore!  

A simple upcycle of a baby shampoo bottle, and I have a perfect hanging pen cup!

I left mine plain, but you could dress it up if you wanted. 

Paint, scrapbook paper, fabric... The options are endless.

I've seen cell phone holders made this way too!

 I've been on the lookout for simple solutions to corral every day items without spending a fortune!

So far, I've corraled my medicine cabinet and my toothpicks! 

Organizes: Medicine Cabinet

Here's another way baskets are taking over my home, but this time in a good way!

Last year, we moved our full bathroom downstairs, so that Ellie's room would be upstairs with the rest.

As I packed up the old to move into the new, I tried my best to get rid of expired, old and unused items.

Even with purging some of the excess, my medicine cabinet was filled to the brim!

To help corral some of my jewelery (I like to just open the medicine cabinet and pick a pair of earrings) I put a skinny basket on the middle shelf. 

And it worked for a while, but then it looked like this.

Overflowing, and corraling non jewelry items that wanted to fall out of the cabinet as the door opened.

So I decided that I need another basket.

After playing around I decided to use the vertical space above the basket that I already had in there.

To attach: Simply add a screw through one of the holes in the basket!

So much better! 

Who knew a simple dollar store basket ( these are 2 for $1) would tame some chaos in my medicine cabinet?

Would it be too much is I had two baskets on each shelf? 

It's working so well, that it's tempting!

Organizes: Toothpick Holder

I doubt I need to go into much detail here, but I will. 

I had a box of toothpicks that once I opened it, the toothpicks were everywhere.

Not anymore! A simple pull the label off, rinse out the bouillon cube jar and I was done!

I wish finding "homes" for everything was this easy!

Do you have any easy, perfect fit combinations?

Purge. Organize. Clean. Repeat.

Every year around mid December I get this strong urge to throw everything in sight away.

I'm not sure if it is just from being inside so much, or the extra decorations for the holidays taking up space, but I always want start to declutter mid December.

And this past December was no different.

After the great collapse of August, and crashing on the couch for a couple months while we rebuilt upstairs, I couldn't wait to get rid of stuff.

But December is always busy with birthdays, and holidays.

So January is my month to Purge. Organize. Clean. Repeat!

Are you like me and have piles of things everywhere?

Or do you stash it in baskets? Bins? 

I've got a little bit of both going on.

And I'm trying my best to clear out some of the excess!

I think I've done pretty good so far too! I have donated 6-8 bags of clothes!

I've had a lot of people hand down to me, and I could clothe a family of 10 boys easily!

Here are some of  my past favorite tips that I use ALL the time:

Donation Station!

Under the Sink Storage

Plastic Bag Storage

This month I will be sharing some tips and tricks that I have found to work for me!

Do you have any "go to" ideas that help you organize your self?

Organizes: Canning Supplies Station

For the most part my Canning Supplies were all in the same cabinet. 

The cabinet above my wall oven. 

And if you don't know me in person, I'm pretty short. Just 5 foot.

So, this is what it looked like. 

I would just reach in and hope for the best. 

The tray was a good idea for being able to slide in and out like a drawer, but items would fall off often.

I had an extra basket around, and man did it make such a difference!

Canning has never been easier! Pull basket out, can, put basket back!

Make any simple switches lately, that were so helpful? 

Wish all my organizing attempts were this easy and successful!

What's your favorite organizing trick?

Please share! I need all the organizing help I can get it seems!

Organizes: Kitchen Corner Revamp

Ever have a moment where you sick of looking at something, and just go at it?

Yea? That was this corner. It never had a purpose. 

When we bought the house, the door led to a small "walk through" to outside. 

Well. We didn't need three exterior doors, our house is not very big.

So we converted the "walk through" into our pantry. One of our best ideas ever.

For as long as we have lived here (really will it be 7 years? Yikes!)

 I had a small 3 hook thing, that just collected junk. 

Aprons, bags, you name it.

And whatever didn't hang on the hooks, would be tossed on the floor. 

As a family of 5 plus one furry friend, 3 hooks didn't make any sense.

So that's where it all started. I pulled down the 3 hooks, and got to work.

What is most exciting about this revamp. It didn't cost a penny!

 I had everything either hanging somewhere else, or stored away somewhere.

I recently took the board of hooks off the back porch because I added a closet rod instead. 

So I just had the hubs trim it down to size! 

Next I addressed the space above, and my bulletin board fit perfectly! 

Added a piece of art from another wall, and that part of the wall was done! 

Now the little part that is between the door and the corner.

I had the key hook there all along, didn't even move it up or down.

Then I found this piece of stained glass that I believe my aunt made my grandmother. 

So I finally found somewhere to put that.

Then I wanted somewhere to stick an envelope for my coupons.

Dug around and found a plate hanger! How perfect!  

Last thing on this wall is my clipboard with all my meal plans!

 Did you see how I updated my meal planning!? 

It's streamlined so well, I don't think I will have to write another grocery list for a long time!

As for the door, it's still the exterior one from when it went to the outside, and it has a window. 

Odd I know, but we just haven't gotten around to updating our doors...

And I haven't found a curtain I loved for the kitchen either...

So I used my canvas chalkboard to hide the window. Fits perfectly!

I am loving this corner as it functions so well for us! 

No more piles, things falling off hooks and wasted space! 

The boys even know to throw their shoes in the basket when they come in now!

Meal Planning Change Up!

Every summer I fall off the meal planning wagon... Okay, maybe even every spring.  

I'm way better at meal planning when it's cold outside! 

So in an effort to keep up on meal planning, I'm changing how I do things!

Here's how I used to do things before: 

(And it worked, but took some time and seemed redundant after a while)

Sit down plan out the month, make a grocery list for each week.

And if you noticed by a couple of my month meal plans, is we eat pretty similar stuff each month.

So why not simplify and change it up even more?

So much so, meal planning is pretty much planned for the year! 

Just by shuffling the weeks around!

Instead of rewriting each month with similar items ( just on different days),

 I decided to use DIY Home Sweet Home's weekly printable, but with a twist. 

Here's how I am using them:

First, I printed out 8-10 copies.

I started plugging in all of our favorite meals, Monday through Friday.  

( just like I used to do on a monthly calendar and bulky binder)

 I filled out the grocery list like I normally do, going meal to meal thinking of every. single. item I need.

Laminated all my sheets.

When I am ready to go to the store, I will double check what we have and check it off the list.

Plus, I can use a post it, on top to add things that we may need. ( Toilet paper, toothpaste, etc)

I'll bring my sheet with me to the grocery store and use a dry erase marker to mark off what I pick up.

Now, as I find new recipes that we like and want to add, I just print another weekly planner, fill out the week and laminate it.  Shuffle it in with the rest and my meal planning is essentially done for the year!

Another bonus: No more time wasted writing things over and over. Or a clunky binder.

Now everything is nice and neat on a clipboard!

Love it! 

Do you  meal plan? 

I am loving how easy this is, and it takes little to no time now that a better system is in place. 

And because I have so many weeks planned, it won't feel like we are eating the same thing over and over! 

Grows: Garden Harvest Tracker

As you may have noticed, I am garden obsessed. 

I've even told a friend that it's my mental health place. 

If the kids are driving me nuts, I run out there and nosey around to see what's growing.

And I always come back calm and re-centered.

And as my obsession grows (pun not intended) I want to figure out how to perfect my little space. 

To help with that I started my garden journal. And so far it's really helping! As things are started to be harvested I am noting the dates, for reference next year. 

With that said, I want to keep track at how much I am producing too.

I want to be able really know just how many tomatoes my 15 plants are giving me. 

So I can plan accordingly next year. More of this? Less of that?

Now I know each year will vary to a degree but it will give me a better idea.

So here's what I created. Warning! Nerd Alert!

Using excel I created a landscape spreadsheet, and listed all the plants we have. 

Then I just left the rest blank so I can put it in my journal, and fill in as I weigh/count things. 

I was writing it down in my journal, but then it would be strewn across pages of notes, this way it is in one place!

Are you planting anything? Have high hopes for anything?

Fingers are crossed for Edamame, Cantaloupe and those pesky raspberries. 

I've had raspberry canes since 2007/2008 and not a single berry! 

Organizes: Donation Station

Ahhh! I am completely over the moon about this idea I found over at Organizing Junkie!

I hate throwing items away, especially if someone could use them in some way. 

But I normally pile items up, and hang on to them until the pile is ridiculous. 

And sometimes their are multiple piles. 

And then I forget why I piled.

But I have been doing this since right before I had Ellie, and it's perfect.

One of those no brainer ideas.

A Donation Station. 

So simple.  I found a basket, and designated it as the "Donation Station". 

Laura at Organizing Junkie empties weekly,  which I love. I fill it until it's full, put it in a bag and bring it to the car. Then, next time I run out I drop it off. That way the box doesn't have to be big, and pile up between trips!  

Last week alone, I stopped at my local donation drop box at least 4 to 5 times! 

It's so simple to fill the basket as you are going through, instead of "looking" for items to get rid of.

Shirt to small? Donate. Kids haven't touched toy in months? Donate.

Haven't used that baking pan in ages? Donate. Got something new to replace older one? Donate.

I think I am doing pretty good with my declutter, and organize goal!

How to you manage donations?

Organizes: Bathroom Towels & Washcloths

As we were coming to the end of our construction, I started planning how I wanted to decorate and accessorize the bathroom. Since we were starting from scratch, I thought why not get new towels while we were at it.

But then I didn't know how many to buy.

Did you know there is an equation for how many towels you should own?!? 

I looked it up out of curiosity, as I felt we had WAY too many towels! 

Here's how many you should have:

How many people live in your house x 2 = how many towels you should have on hand per bathroom

So for our family of 5, we should have 10 towels, 10 washcloths.

 We will have only one full bathroom once the construction is complete. 

Luckily I had mentioned I wanted to get new towels, and I was lucky enough to get some for Christmas! So with what I received and what we had I purged down to 10, not counting the kids hooded towels. 

I wish all organizing questions had straight forward answers! But this way of thinking has definitely gotten me thinking about other objects and items we have!

Did you know about the formula for towels? Will you be using it?

Do you have an abundance of them?

DIY Mail Station

While, I loved my command center it lacked in mail/paper storage.

It had one pocket, and clearly that wasn't enough. 

There were times it would burst open and everything would fall to the floor. Boo.

After looking around for options, I always came back to the stacked multiple file sorters.

And after looking for options, I looked at this box and thought. Huh. Would it work?

First, I took the top off the box ( It was a gift box) and cut the top and bottom in half the long ways.

Then I took the four pieces and measured the corners to create "angled" sides.

Which really all you have to do it go from top back corner to the bottom front. 

Cut on the line, but do not cut the bottom out of the box.

I folded the bottom up the back so papers won't slide down.

Repeat for all four.

If you flatten your piece this is what it should look like.

My measurements are:

Top Side triangles: 3 1/2" Wide, 4 1/2" Tall

Main Rectangle: 15" Wide, 4 1/2" Tall

Bottom Rectangle: 15" Wide, 3 1/2" Tall

Bottom Triangles: 2" Wide, 3 1/2"Tall 

Mine is all one piece, 

but if you had to use all those measurements as individual pieces and build it should work too!

Time to Assemble!

I used a hot glue gun, and tape. 

Thinking A.) this isn't going to work B.) This is my prototype.

(Which ironically has been up for almost a month with no issues!)

To assemble, I folded the bottom rectangle up the back and small triangles inside the angled sides. 

I had to trim them a little to fit, but then just glued and taped. 

Then, I stacked them, and lined up the backs.

Here is a better look at the backs, and how I hung it. 

Since it's so light I just put two push pins in each level!

Add a large calendar, and I've got a new Kitchen Command Center!

Yea!

Organizes: Under the Bathroom Sink

Sorry everyone! This was supposed to go up yesterday, but I didn't think ahead! 

Construction equals no Internet! Oops.

(Lately, that seems to be happening more and more. Maybe it's the three kids under four?)

Anyways, last week I shared how I organized under my kitchen sink area.

Today I am sharing how I (similarly) organized under my sink in the bathroom!

Just like in my kitchen, I put down the sticky floor tiles for easy cleanup if anything spills or leaks.

I didn't have to clean this cabinet out, because it is new to us! 

(We are hopefully in the long stretch of our construction project.)

(Little by little we are chiseling away at things in there!)

Then I started out with a basket, just like in the kitchen.

 I added items that were needed quick, baby shampoo, baby washcloths, extra creams etc.

Then each container on the left has a "purpose"

One is hair items.

Extra ties, pins, curling iron, straightener.

I added a magnet to the box to hold my pins too!

The other one is cosmetics.

Makeup, lotions and such that I don't use everyday but want in arms reach.

We also have two drawer in the vanity that I have claimed as "His" and "Hers"

"His" has his razors, clippers, gels, deodorant and such.

While "Hers" has my hairbrush, some ties, deodorant, Ellie's hair bows ( for her bald head). 

Are you on an organizing frenzy?

I am!

With a small house, a family of 5, plus a golden retriever. 

I am working really hard to declutter, and organize what we have!

What's on your organizing agenda?