Organize for CreativityWritten by Kathleen Wilson
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spring-tension curtain rod, tie it on with ribbon, or try my favorite, velcro stick-on tabs! Organize your kitchen logically, and not only will you reduce clutter, you'll save time and energy! Place items in cupboards near area where you normally use them. For instance, spices near stove, everyday dishes near dishwasher, cutting board and knives near sink - you get idea! Use small boxes turned upside-down to make higher "shelves" in back of your spice cabinet. You don't have to buy expensive storage cubes for your kids' rooms! Covered boxes, sewn drawstring bags from extra material, even an old suitcase under bed make good storage. A wall of simple metal-strip utility shelving (they sell it in white, as well) can accommodate a large amount of stuff, especially for older kids, and is relatively cheap at home improvement stores. I save old baby-wipe containers to store crayons, hot wheels, and that endless supply of useless toys from fast food joints! You can cover them with contact paper. Try labeling what goes where, even for older kids, so there is no arguing about what "putting it away" really means! Finally, attack one area at a time. Try to fit in a little re-organizing each day, and you'll be recognizing that creative décor you lost in clutter again soon! Copyright 2002 K. Wilson
Kathleen Wilson is the author of "Quick Decorating Ideas Under $20: The Budget Decorator's Bible" and the editor of The Budget Decorator, a free ezine dedicated to the "budget impaired" home decorator!For more free projects visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com.
| | Scents for the Holiday Season Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
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Using toothbrush, paint and decorate your pumpkins. Fill with dips, salsas, and sour cream, etc. and surround entire top with fresh parsley held in place with toothpicks. Use largest for your chips. Colorful, useful, and a "different" touch to your buffet table. ******************************** Recall scent of gingerbread and you have all kind of memories spilling over. To make fragrant gingerboys that you can string on your tree, use in a wreath, or place in bowls of potpourris - 3-1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ground cloves, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cut butter, softened, 1/2 cup molasses, 3/4 cup water Combine dry ingredients. Cream in butter and molasses, alternating with water. The dough will be very stiff. Roll out dough to 1/4" thickness or thinner. Cut out cookies with a 2-1/4" gingerbread cookie cutter. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 350 for 15-20 mins. This will overbake and dry cookies. Paint with acrylic paint to decorate. Fragrant, very nostalgic, and perfect for your Holiday home decor. ******************************** Just a few touches to add to your home to bring very essence of Season to those you love and care about. ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November
Arleen has written numerous books, articles, newsletters: http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com http://www.arleenssite.com
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