Organized Spices

It's hard to believe that GeMoOrgNo is done.  I still have a couple of posts of organized things.  They'll show up sometime.

These shots are of my spice and herb collection.  I bought the wooden racks and some of the jars (white lids) at Cost Plus.  I don't remember how much they cost, but they couldn't have been too expensive, because I'm rather frugal.  I made labels with the label maker and also use a black or silver sharpie.  Silver sharpies are the greatest.  The star sticker tells me that I have a giganto Costco bottle out in the utility room to refill the smaller bottle when it's empty.

I separate the "sweet" spices and keep them together in one area.  The rest are arranged more or less in alphabetical order.  I'm not compulsive about it - a zone kinda arrangement.

A big thanks to Lara the Lazy Organizer for motivating me to post every day this month.  It's been fun.  I've also made a few new organizing friends... Multi-tasking  Mommy, Corrie at Tyler's Triumph and Andrea who is Just About Perfect

It's been fun.  And #31 is done.

Organized Pantry

This is my pantry cupboard in my kitchen.  I have a lot of food storage in a utility room outside.  My utility room is like a garage, but there is no where to park cars.  Canned goods and extra stuff is kept out there.

These are Tupperware containers.  They are 2 deep.  The top shelf has all the staple stuff like flour, sugar, open pasta, etc.

The next shelf down has smaller containers.  Stuff like corn starch, raisins, crackers.

The bottom shelf is always the least organized.  It's the transient stuff.  The box of cereal we are eating instead of cookies, chocolate covered edamame, and more crackers.

I label the containers with either labels with my label machine or with these cool write on-erase off labels.

GeMoOrgNo is almost done!

Organized Baby Clothes

Grom's clothes are all carefully stored and sorted by size. Rubbermaid bins are the greatest.

Sometimes I wonder why in the world I'm storing all of these clothes. I don't think (God knows though) Grom is going to have any siblings.

BUT... He is going to have a cousin.

My sister is pregnant! Praise the Lord!

I'm praying it's a boy. Someone needs to wear all these clothes.

Organized Earrings

A while back there was a backwards Works for Me Wednesday. Backwards because the blogger gets to ask for help with a problem.

I asked for help with organizing my earrings.

I got a lot of great suggestions. And here's what I came up with... a cross between a few of the comments with a little Robin thrown in.


The egg carton was inspired by Lara's idea of using an ice cube tray and putting the dangle earrings through the lid was inspired by my commenter who suggested putting the earrings through cards and then "filing" them.

I plan to paint and decorate my earring organizer. Bet you can't wait to see the pictures.

Read more GeMoOrgNo posts at:
The Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

My Aunt Rocks!

To celebrate and acknowledge my 40th birthday, one of my favorite aunts (all of my aunts are wonderful) sent me a lovely gift.

HAND KNIT SOCKS!

They are so soft and cuddly. They fit perfect AND they are orange.

What more could a girl woman over-the-hill broad want?

Thank you Aunt Rosemary!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm feeling thankful
for the small things, today
I'm feeling thankful
for the small things, today

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
and to you

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
and to you-ah

from Happy Birthday to Me by Cracker

I'm 40 today
and I feel fine.

Organized Wrapping Paper

Here's an organizational problem that I just threw money at. My Aunt had one and I had to get one too. This is the Elfa Wrapping Paper Organizing Cart. I've had it a couple of years and as I looked for a link - it looks like it has been improved. Don't you hate it when they do that to you.

It's great. It holds roll wrapping paper, sheet wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tissue paper... all the necessities. And the top is a flat surface for wrapping the gifts. Notice that you don't get to see said flat surface in the picture - it's got some stuff on it that has to be taken care of before the Christmas wrapping begins.

Just a few more days of GeMoOrgNo.

Read more at:
The Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized Eggs

I have yet to find a better way. Ha Ha!

Join the Lazy Organizer every day this month for GeMoOrgNo - Get More Organized Now!

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Organized School Supplies

These are MY boxes of crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors and glues. Grom and I use these supplies during our Before Five in a Row adventures.

Grom has his own crayons and markers. I can't count on them for our activities, so these are set aside for school.

I bought the boxes at Staples during their Back to School sale - quite a deal. I labeled them with lower case letters (better for learning letters and reading - I'm told) using my handy dandy labeling machine.

GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

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Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

If this was Emeril's recipe I'd be yelling...

BAM!

But it's Bobby Flay's recipe. What would Bobby yell?

I was assigned Sweet Potatoes for our family Thanksgiving dinner. I didn't want to make the usual marshmallow laden - sugar filled dish.

I found Smoked Chile Sweet Potatoes at the Food Network. I used half and half instead of heavy cream. I love my family after all.

They were a hit. Zippy but not too spicy. Delicious!

Next time, I'd use yams - for the color - the light yellow color of the sweet potatoes was bland. I might also try adding some jack cheese for an au gratin version.

It's here!

If only I had time to get it out of the box.

Organized Brain

I'm letting you into my Brain. Brain book that is. It's the book that is always with me. It contains my lists. Scraps of happy things. It's all inside. Bring on the pictures...
This is my current book. I pick up journals, notebooks, composition books on sale or at garage sales. Sometimes I decorate the covers. This one came as is. I'm almost ready for a new brain - this one is full.
The pages above are examples of random quotes I find. I fill up empty space in my Brain with them. I try to group phone numbers on one or two pages. I also add in fun stuff that comes my way like Grom's art work, fortunes from Chinese Food, pictures of friends and babies.
I rewrite my to do list most every day. Anything that I need to do gets put on the list. I code items with p - phone, w - work, b- blog, e- errand, etc. I have a page marker so I can find this page easy.
I use the Motivated Moms chore list to keep up with the house. I like that it's mindless for me. I just do it.
This is my habit chart for Smart Habit Saturdays. You'll see I wasn't doing that good with my habits. And some pictures of a cute baby I know from church.

I keep a running shopping list. I cross things off as I buy them.

Prayer list

Notes from teaching Bible Study

Notes from Staff Meeting at Church

I try not to have to remember anything but to make sure it gets into my Brain.

Read more GeMoOrnNo posts at
The Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized Resources

Organized Junkie

It's been a busy day and I haven't had the time to get some more photos for GeMoOrgNo. Here are some links for my favorite organizing websites (above) and stores (below).






Organized A to Z


I enjoy surfing these websites for inspiration and ideas. Hope you enjoy.

I hope to be back tomorrow with some photos.

GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

More Participants
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized BFIAR

Grom and I are having a lot of fun with Before Five in a Row(BFIAR). We are both learning a lot and enjoying some classic children's books. So far I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Every week we read the "best book ever".

I have one of these drawer organizers that I'm using for our BFIAR journey. I request a lot of books from the library and have supplies to gather.

I put the materials we are currently using in the top drawer.

The second drawer has stuff for the next book.

The bottom drawer has the books yet to come.

I love coming home from the library and loading up the drawers. I get to anticipate the fun, the learning and the memories.

GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

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Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Done #65 - Get a Mac

I just ordered my MacBook. WAHOO!

5 business days and it's here.

I'm so excited.

Any Mac / Apple tips for a newbie?

Organized Surfboards

Surferman surfs. Waves, not the internet. He has a great time. All that he lacks in form and finesse he makes up with his enthusiasm. Surferman like any respectable surfer has a quiver full of boards. All longboards, but each for a different kind of wave and ocean conditions. Surferman wants them protected from the sun. I want them neat and organized (isn't that a surprise?).

Here's our solution... The Surfboard Shack.

Here's the view of it closed.

Here's the view of one of the side doors opened.

Here's the gate we (uhh.. I mean Surferman and Wonderful BIL) cut out of the fence.

And here's how the boards slide in and out.

Grom and Surferman painted it a couple of weeks ago. We used up all the leftover blue shades in our paint cupboard. I think it's going to get plastered with surf stickers and maybe a Bible verse or two.

You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. Psalm 89:9

The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Psalm 93:3

and probably "PRAY FOR SURF"

Join the Lazy Organizer every day this month for GeMoOrgNo - Get More Organized Now!

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Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
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Organized Garage Sale Shopping

Most every Saturday you can find me out at garage sales. I have realized that another way that I am blessed is that I get to live in California where we don't have "Garage Sale Season" like so many parts of the U.S.

My Dad, my Mom, my Sister and Grom and I head out. I drive. Dad navigates. We have a great time and there is usually a stop at a Starbucks or similar. We have great fun, find some things to sell on ebay, find lots of stuff for Grom and my mom talks to everyone and tells them way more than they need or want to know.

Today, we were without my parents (they are travelling), but we still hit the sales. I scored 3 pairs of shoes for Grom - Vans, Tevas and Airwalks all in great shape for $1/pair. Anyway... on to the GeMoOrgNo part of this post...
We organize our outings. Every Saturday morning we scour the newspaper and Craig's List - get the addresses and plug them into our Thomas Guide Software. It's great for marking all the sales and makes it much easier to not missing any of the good stuff.


GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

More Participants
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized Silverware

The hardest thing to find at my house is a spoon. They aren't in a drawer. They're in cupboard.

I don't remember where I found this tote, but it's perfect. It comes out of the cupboard and the clean silverware is shuffled into it from the dishwasher basket. It comes out of the cupboard, goes to the dining table and the table gets set.

Join the Lazy Organizer every day this month for GeMoOrgNo - Get More Organized Now!

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Multi-Tasking Mommy
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Organized Budget

Surferman and I have been using an envelope system for budgeting for a few months. When we started I had paper envelopes that I carried around. They always wore out way to quick.

I was doing some decluttering and found this great wallet that I had spent too much money for from Levenger. Keep me away from Levenger's I have no resistance when it comes to the stuff they sell. Stuff no one needs, but I WANT it! Anyway... I refound this great wallet. It has multiple compartments that are great for separating the cash from our different budget categories.

The blue heart is a magnet off my fridge. It covers my monogram.

Under the flap there is a zippered coin pouch.
All change goes to our change jar.
The first section holds my grocery money and receipts.
The next section holds our dining and entertainment money.
The next section holds our blow money.
The last section holds the money for fun and food with Gigi.
The back of the wallet has card holders where I keep club and loyalty cards.

There is a pocket on the outside of the wallet where I keep grocery coupons.

Dave Ramsey would be proud.

GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

More Participants
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized Calvary Kids Club Stuff

If it's Wednesday... it's Calvary Kids Club!


Today I'm showing off one of Lara's Organizing Bags. I bought a sample pack and all I can say is THEY ROCK! I keep finding better and better uses for them.

Grom started Calvary Kids Club this fall. He goes every week. He has stuff that he is supposed to take with him each week to earn beans for his age group. His kids page, his starter book and his Bible all fit easy in a large bag. He loves to carry it, and is happy to show his cKc stuff to anyone who will take the time to listen to him talk about it.

I love the pocket on the organizing bag that is sized perfectly for a business card. I got free family cards made through Vistaprint. I keep a few there and then if I meet someone new at church I can easily share our contact information.

Today's GeMoOrgNo post is a blantant commercial for Organizing Bags. Get your's today. They're great!

Read more GeMoOrnNo posts at
The Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Ask Mr. Bear

I remember this book from when I was a kid. One of the fun things about doing BFIAR with Grom has been all the memories it stirs in me.

We did some of the activities from the curriculum and I found these things on the internet.

Printout for lapbook - I couldn't get Grom interested in coloring these cutouts until this week. If something comes of them, I'll post a picture later.

Fun lapbook example

Books and Music a Magical Mix - active activities (didn't get to these)

Bear Hug Puppet

Animal Scoop - Bears
Bear Den Next time, I'll do more with studying bears.

Here's a couple of pictures from our row.






Grom loved counting and sorting gummy bears. I had my first experience with Grom "stealing" food. I had our school stuff out on the table and was doing something quick in the kitchen. I glanced over and he was sneaking some bears.

We made cards that had the elements of the story. The games were to sequence the cards and also to match the animals with the gifts they offered. Grom has a sense of humor and lately he's been saying wrong things just to be funny. Stuff like... "We get milk from chickens, right Mommy?" Hard to judge what he learned with the cards, but I got a good laugh out of them.

Organized Comforters

I'm recycling a Works for Me Wednesday post for today's GeMoOrgNo. Read about how I organize our comforters here.

GeMoOrgNo was started by Lara the Lazy Organizer. I'm joining her every day this month with photos of organized things.

More Participants
Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Tyler's Triumph

Organized Gifts

These drawers are in the closet of my studio. They hold my gift stash. The drawers are labeled - "Adult", "Kids", "Operation Christmas Child", and "Baby"

I pick up cool things at garage sales, on sale, and some are ummm.... regifts.

I can usually find something for any occasion.

Join the Lazy Organizer every day this month for GeMoOrgNo - Get More Organized Now!

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Multi-Tasking Mommy
With an Angel on my Shoulder
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I have a WINNER!

Shelly is the lucky winner of my blogiversary giveaway! I hope the chocolate bar can be a great treat after one of her runs.

YAY Shelly!

Daily Bible Reading Update

I was doing so good with my Daily Bible Reading plan.

The best that I have ever done.

I don't know what happened. I don't know why I stopped. It happened so quickly. I tried to catch up, but I seemed to get farther and farther behind.

I gave up.

I've been thinking more about my time in God's Word than the time I actually spend. With our new earlier to bedtime routine in full swing, I'm getting up earlier and I hear my Father calling me. I haven't been opening the Word because I didn't know where to go and because I felt so discouraged by my failure at the reading plan.

I was talking to Surferman tonight. He encouraged me to keep going. So what if I won't finish on December 31st. It may not be until March or whenever, but I will be better off for having read His Word. There is no time schedule. Just my desire to have regular time learning, knowing and reading my Father's heart.

God... I'll see you in the morning.

Like It or Not... Here comes Monday

I know that these posts I make on Sundays make such a difference in how my week goes.

I have managed to get the cold that first Grom and then Surferman have been dealing with. I hope I have it worse, because I haven't been very sympathetic with either of them. I feel b a d.

A new week is here and I have to get it together.

I did better this week with my habits. I was consistent with earrings and going to bed earlier (thanks to Surferman). I'm going to focus on drinking water this week. Fluids should help my cold too.

Habit 7 - Wear earrings daily - HABIT!
Habit 3 - Lights out by 10 pm nightly. - Surferman has been a great encouragement.

Habit 2 - Drink 3 qts of water daily.

Monday
Leftover Pork Ribs - Some Yummy Carb - Veggies - Salad

Tuesday
Enchilladas (from the freezer - didn't eat last week) - Rice - Beans - Salad

Wednesday
Meatloaf Sandwiches - Tomato Soup

Thursday
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole - Salad

Friday
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce - Garlic Bread - Salad

Saturday
Dinner out before church

Sunday
Family Dinner - Menu TBD

My life has been Lovelier. I completed some of my tasks and have some new ones to add.

I'm back with the same tasks this week.
1. Clean out and organize the drawers on Grom's bed.
4. Spiff up guest bathroom.
7. Have a tea party with Grom and Gigi.
8. Pack Surferman's lunch 3 times this week - add love notes.
9. Organize Gigi's bathroom drawers.
10. Wear perfume daily.
11. Restart and be consistent with Daily Bible Reading plan.

101 Things - Still working on Psalm 8

Have a great week!