Master Closet, Organized

 It's been an organized frenzy around here lately.

Sometimes I just get that urge to purge

and tweak our storage systems.

One thing about keeping an organized home,

you can always improve on your methods.

The master closet was revisited this weekend.

   

Clothes had already been donated,

so just a bit of tidying up was in order.

These crafting supplies were moved 

to one of the shelves.

Now two pairs of shoes occupy the space.

 The air mattress kept for (rare) company was resting

on a crate that holds the collection 

of Bookswap books.

They were relocated to the shelves 

directly next to this area.

Shoes that aren't often used go here.

Everyday shoes are kept on a handy shoe rack

next to the front door.

These shelves were rearranged 

to better fit the contents.

This system has adjustable shelves

so that you can customize it to your needs.

Now the air bed and the files for Mimi 

use the space more efficiently.

Here's where the files were,

along with Big K's handheld Sega.

(Don't mind all of his Lego sets.)

The Bookswap crate fits better here.

Most of the Lego kits will be sold,

so the floor will be clear.

Behind one of the closet doors, 

we installed a linen shelf.

This houses the sheets and towels for the master area.

Linens for the other bedrooms 

are kept in a hallway closet.

 

A few things were added to a half-empty bin.

These clear containers are great to see 

what you have at a glance.

 The shelves are full, but not stuffed.

As this closet doubles as our safe room 

in case of bad storms,

 our emergency kit is kept here, 

along with a flashlight.

With the air bed and an extra blanket, 

all that's needed is to

carry in a few snacks and water.

We have a hand-crank radio 

that will also be stored here.

While hurricane season doesn't start until June 1st,

it's never too early to be prepared.

~I keep this quote hung by my dresses.
It reminds me as I get ready for the day
to enjoy and cherish each moment.~

Purging and organizing are continuous efforts.

When a new and more efficient space is created,

the sense of accomplishment is its own reward.

The time spent organizing saves time in the long run

for doing things more pleasurable.

Lost time is never found again.
-Proverb


Organize It!  link party

Mimi's Madeleines

My mom was probably the best home cook I've known.

Although I can't hold a candle to her abilities in the kitchen,

I'm grateful for growing up in a house

where food was valued.

And even though she is no longer able to cook,

I can relive my childhood through her recipes.

Madeleines are a classic French cookie.

They are light, airy with just a touch of lemony goodness.

Yumminess awaits you!

Mimi's Madeleines

1 1/4 C sifted flour

1/2 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

3 eggs

1 t vanilla

2/3 C sugar (we use sucanat)

2 t grated lemon (we used one)

3/4 C melted butter

powdered sugar for dusting

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together.  Set aside.

Beat eggs until light, add vanilla and gradually beat in sugar.

Continue to beat until volume increases fourfold.

Fold in lemon zest, then fold in flour mixture.

Stir in butter.

Brush a bit of melted butter on madeleine pans

and pour 1/4 C batter into molds.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.

Remove to wire rack to cool and sift powdered sugar on top.

Enjoy!

Shared at

and at the homestead barn hop.

Potty Project

We're working on small projects
to make our home more attractive to buyers.
One thing realtors tell sellers is to remove personal photos
and add art pieces instead.
We're not much into art although I love photography,
so I compromised.

These frames were found at one of our favorite thrift stores.

Now, what are the chances that someone who collects otters

would happen upon frames with otters in them?

There are no coincidences...

Another interest of mine is outhouses.

I'm quirky that way.

I had a couple of favorite photos from last year's calendar

and a photo I had taken back on vacation.

The frames were painted a rich chocolate brown.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea,

but we like it.

Still looking for a shelf and a couple of window boxes for above the hamper and potty.

We're gettin' there...

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tidings

We've had quite a few dreary days of late.

No complaints from me though.

I love those days when the weather is dismal

because it's just the excuse I need 

to bake something or start an indoor project.

Plenty of those going on that I'll be sharing soon.

On a recent day when the sun actually showed itself,

a few photos were taken.

Here's winter in Central Florida.

 

The blue skies were appreciated,

although they didn't stay around for long.

 

Sweet ladybugs run rampant around here!

Guess this cutie found a nice place to get some sun.

 

The bulbine adds a nice pop of color 

to the backyard bed.

 

After Halloween, 

we place our jack-o-lanterns in the rear bed.

Guess this one decided to make a comeback!

The African Iris don't mind the cooler weather and lack of sunshine.

 

Some of the greenery used to decorate 

for the holidays gets placed back here too 

for the birds to use as shelter.

 

Hope you have some sunshine comin' your way!