Organization
More Makeup Storage Solutions for You
Recently I’ve been obsessing on this subject since I yet again had to do an update. I settled for the typical white Sterilites, being that it was one of the best solutions for my current situation. I transferred everything I had from my Target Castelas to those tiered plastic towers. The Castelas are now housing smaller items e.g. layering camisoles, scarves, stockings, nailpolish etc. I also thought of all of you who have been wrestling with how to organize all your things. You really can get many great ideas off of You Tube, so as an avid YT viewer, I’ve collected a multitude of good and creative ideas (wood, plastic, acrylic, metal) I’ve seen from various gurus, cosmetic princesses and queens alike.
*Photocredit or Sources: Amazon, Staples, Organize.com, The Container Store, Target, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, Lion Star, Walmart, Michaels Craft Store, Rubbermaid, IKEA, Marshalls, USP Home.com, Office Depot (Realspace), TheClearCube.com, etc.
Dream Closet
I actually overlooked posting about my dream closet. These are similar to Rachel Ashwell’s French armoire. If you are lucky enough to have high bedroom ceilings, love French or shabby chic furniture, and are able to splurge on luxury I’d definitely say run out and get this! I’ve been told by antique dealers that these armoires are hard-to-find and can cost $3500+ but don’t let that hinder you =) The first picture (armoire with exterior mirrors) is my favorite; a two-in-one. The last closet pictured with wood frame and see-through glass details I’d imagine to look beautiful filled with neatly folded pastel linens and things.
*Photocredit: Various Resources
Hair Barrette & Jewelry Organizers
Great organizers/holders from Household Essentials for hair barrette and jewelry storage. The pocket holders protect from dust and prevent tangle with other accessories. The HE organizers can easily be hung in your closet, on your rolling rack, or behind any door using a hook or over the door hanger. They look neat, are awesome for small living spaces, and are very affordable. So worth it; love them!!! Jewelry trees and dishes are another great idea if you have lots of tabletop space (which I don’t have). Besides Amazon, I’m pretty sure another retailer like The Container Store would sell something similar.
Household Essentials 80-Pocket Cotton Canvas Jewelry Organizer
Household Essentials, Necklace Bracelet Organizer, Hanging
*Photocredit: Amazon
Makeup etc. Re-Organization Ideas
My efforts to re-organize have been long overdue. I used to keep my makeup in train cases or plastic boxes… An okay solution if you have ample living space. Since my area isn’t spacious, I had to rely on vertical storage. I found a fairly reasonably priced storage unit (Castela) on Target’s website that’s perfect for small spaces and apartments, that’s also attractive to help store things like makeup, nail polish, socks, backup toiletries etc (small items). It also protects my things from getting too dusty. I used small box lids to act as dividers. It’s been working well so far in keeping everything neat, colors and labels visible. I’ve placed books on top so I cut-to-fit a brown drawer/shelf liner to protect the wood from scrapes. Just wanted to mention that the Castela is pretty small (sort of like the size of children’s furniture). If you need a big shelf with drawers, you may be disappointed. For eye pencils, mascaras, and the like, I used an old Pottery Barn spinning desk organizer to keep similar items together (I will include a pic when I get a chance). I suggest places like Target, Marshalls, Michaels/craft, The Container Store, Ikea, office supply, 99 cents/dollar/discount stores, and eBay to look for inexpensive storage solutions. Please comment if you can recommend any others I have not covered. Thanks to all the numerous You Tube makeup and organization gurus who have inspired me. I dedicate this blog post to you.
*Photocredit: Target & NYCupcake
Please Support The American Cancer Society
One of the charitable causes that’s dear to me…
The Discovery Shop
(an upscale resale shop which benefits The American Cancer Society)
They are in need of gently used, small furniture pieces (excluding upholstered items).
For larger pieces, pick up may be available.
They accept donations of men’s and women’s spring and summer clothing, jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and housewares.
All donations are tax deductable
Location:
400 King Street
New Castle, New York
Contact:
914.238.4900 regarding questions concerning donations and their hours of operation.
How To Buy Nothing & Housekeeping (Self-Improvements)
*Reference: http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Nothing*
I found a really good self-improvement article that I’d like to share. It takes strong will and lots of dedication to achieve shopping self-control, but I think it’s not impossible. There have been times when I was amazed and realized I actually didn’t feel that sorry about walking away from something that initially enticed me. So I guess I didn’t really love it that much or I would have still been pining for it. There’s nothing wrong with buying things you need or love and will get much use out of. The presence of clutter and unloved items are some of the signals that change is warranted. These are challenges that many people face, including myself. Another problem I have is I dislike parting with certain things because of an emotional attachment to them. One of the many things I have to work on =}.
Here are some other references I have found to be very helpful and effective:
Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston
Smart Closet Makeovers by Cynthia Overbeck Bix
Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet with Style by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli
Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home by Martha Stewart
Organizing Plain and Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Solutions to Your Everyday Clutter Challenges by Donna Smallin
It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff by Peter Walsh
http://clutterdiet.com/sample_weekly_plan.php
I also believe in 10-15 minutes nightly housekeeping activities rather than spending a whole weekend cleaning like crazy. What a waste of a good weekend! Binge cleaning has never worked well for me; it’s so over-whelming, unappealing, and shame-provoking.
