Items IHeart: Kitchen Storage!

This month I have really been thinking hard about our kitchen and how it functions for us.  I am sure many of you can relate when I say that the kitchen is the most common and heavily used area in the home.  Sort of the "hub" if you will. 

I am always taking note of the things that work and what absolutely is not, and try to problem solve those problematic areas, which I then share with you darling friends.  And although our kitchen isn't perfect, as I sit and reflect on it this month, there are quite a few items we have been using for years and years that have made our lives in the kitchen so much simpler and easier.  So today, instead of reflecting on the bad, I am going to reflect on the GREAT!  And share with you items that I specifically heart to use in our own kitchen {and two that have made their way onto my wish list for the future}.

{ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 }

 

Now, time to review:

1. I am not a huge fan of kitchen counter clutter, I am however, a fan of easy access and being smart about storage.  Keeping a pretty utensil jar on our counter next to the stove keeps daily cooking utensils right within reach and allows you to use your drawers to store less frequently used items and everything else you don't want out in the open.
2. I use small baskets all over my kitchen.  I keep one on the opposite side of the stove, to corral cooking oils and vinegars.  I also use them in my cupboards to group common food packets and small food packages together.
3. By now, you all know I am the biggest advocate for drawer liners in any shape, color or style.  Not only do they allow you to quickly wash up and clean out your drawers, but they also add a happy smiling surprise every time you reach in to grab a measuring spoon or apple cutter.
4. Pull out drawers are the best.invention.ever.  We were fortunate enough to have our already installed within our cabinet when the home was built, but I can't imagine life without them.  They allow you to easily gain access to items stored in the back of the cabinet, that are typically out of site, out of mind.
5. If there is anything I want out of site, out of mind, in the kitchen, it is our knives.  Not necessarily for our sake, but because our kids are in the kitchen just as much as we are.  By using a drawer knife block organizer, we are able to keep the knives tucked away and add a child safety mechanism to the drawer as well.
6. Large glass jars are awesome for keeping frequently used baking items, cereals and puppy treats on your counter, while doubling as adorable, functional accessories.
7. These shelves are wish list item number one for me.  They double the available storage space within a cabinet, and allow dishes to be stacked for simpler access.
8. We added a bakeware organizer to our cabinet a few years ago and it has made life so much simpler ever since.  It allowed us to place our baking sheets and cutting boards vertically vs. horizontally stacked.  Now, they just slide in and out with ease vs. having to dig through a stack.
9. This fam of five goes through a lot of cereal.  So by using cereal keepers we can always see our inventory {we absolutely can't allow it to run out or we will have grumpy kids, lol}, and it keeps it fresh for longer, since when we keep cereal in the box, the bag tends to be left open.
10. Wish list item number two is the tiered cabinet organizer.  Or, I may just DIY one, but regardless, I love that it allows you to easily see items in the back of a cabinet, so nothing is forgotten and everything is within reach.
11. The multi-purpose bins are typically used for the home office and around the house, but I find they work best in the kitchen in the fridge or freezer for keeping food contents separated and organized.
12. Drawer organizers have been a winner around here for years.  Rummaging isn't the name of the game, and organizers not only prevent things from getting mixed up within the drawers, they also prevent you from placing too many things in without thinking about where they belong.
13. Since food is expensive, we store leftovers, freshly cut fruits and vegetables in glass food storage containers.  I went with glass a few years ago since they are BPA free and keep food contents nice and cold.  Plus, they last far longer than any plastic option I have come across.  Well worth our investment.
14. I have to admit, iHeart my coffee tin.  It's the simple things.  I don't use ground coffee, which I think the tin was initially intended for, but I do toss my box of K-Cups inside and keep it right next to the coffee maker.  Again, any way to group common items together wins in this kitchen!
15. Raise your hand if you have paper piles on your counter.  That was us too.  Every single day.  Then, I invested in a wall pocket system and now we can sort family papers in their appropriate bin, hang our keys, drop our change and keep stamps and notepads all within reach, but not on the counter.
16. For all of our dried foods, we now store them in clear, air tight containers.  We can always see what we have, everything stays fresh and by adding a vinyl label on the side, I can use a chalk marker to write in the date that we put the food within the container.  Now it I never have to question how old something is or if it is still good enough to eat.
17. No kitchen is complete without mason jars.  They are so versatile for everything from spices to sprinkles.  I am in love.
18. Our kitchen isn't huge, but it isn't small either.  However, we did eventually outgrow it as our family grew.  I don't hoard excessive entertaining pieces or small appliances, but we did need to expand our storage.  Purchasing a sideboard cabinet allowed us to have a place to store serving items, crock pots, food sealers and tea kettles.  It greatly expanded our storage for all of those things we don't use daily, but still use often enough to keep, and was far less costly than building a new kitchen or home.

Now that I shared my favorite kitchen storage items, and why, what are yours?  Anything you couldn't live without in the kitchen storage department?

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IHeart Handmade Walls!

My name is Jen and I am addicted to color.

Color makes me smile and since I spend so much time within the walls of my home, I try to incorporate cheerful colors in any way that I can.  Throw pillows, rugs, accessories and through painted furniture and walls, the colors in our home make it feel like spring and summer year round!

However, I struggle a bit when it comes to adding art on our walls.  Which is probably one of the most important and key ways to liven up your home and make it feel all warm and fuzzy... but I get nervous.  Nervous to pull the trigger on a huge art investment.  Nervous that what I pick won't make sense or jive with the rest of our home.  Nervous that I will change my mind five minutes after I put something up.... so, I chicken out, toss a few pics of the kids on the wall, use mirrors as space fillers and call it good.

But it isn't good.

My home is asking for more.  More life.  More character.  More color.

That is where my new favorite read comes in.

The authors behind one of my absolute favorite blogs, the Handmade Home, have created the happiest, most colorful and creative eBook I have seen.  It gave me joyful goosebumps and is where I plan on gaining oodles of inspiration to give more life to the walls in our home.

It is quite fitting really.  I mean, look at their home!  Isn't it incredible?

 

Not to mention, they were the inspiration behind our first major art DIY project that I still hug daily, and have The Handmade Home to thank!

Sometimes I look at their projects and think there is absolutely no way I could create something as beautiful.  I am no artist.  I would totally screw it up.  But their book gave me the confidence I needed to realize that art is imperfect and I totally can do it!

I downloaded the book on my iPad and it lit up the screen with joy.  Seriously, this book is so darn colorful, whimsical and eye catching, I couldn't stop turning page after page!

I really love that they make it easy for DIYer's to understand how much they can tackle.  Meaning, they have a great guide that estimates skill level, time and moolah needed for each project.

They also cover different types of love for your walls.  Frames, artwork, mirrors and clocks, this book has it all!  They even chat about different painting techniques and share their favorite beautiful colors!

I love that everything has a sense of life, of dimension and can be given a personal and unique twist.  The book filled me with so many new ideas, I can't wait to whip something up for our entry, the playroom, Preston's room and our master bedroom! That's right, I now have newly inspired ideas for spaces all over our home!

I wish I could give the folks over at The Handmade Home a big sloppy kiss for being so awesome and putting so many wonderful ideas in one place!  For now, virtual hugs and smooches will have to do.  The walls of my home will benefit from their creativeness and ability to create masterpieces with paint and wood, and for that, I am eternally grateful!

Are you looking to bring more smiles, warmth and interest to the walls in your home?   You can find The Handmade Walls eBook here and be well on your way to jazzing up your happy home as well!

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Washi Tape File Labels

It took me awhile to join in on the Washi tape trend, but now that I have, boy am I smitten!

I have found it around the www. and on Etsy, and even recently spotted some at Target!

Four rolls for $4.  Sweet!

If you check out Pinterest, you can find 1001 ways to use Washi tape.  So, this little idea of mine is probably out there 24 other times, but I was so excited I couldn't resist sharing.

Labels.  Washi tape makes great labels.

I discovered this the other day when looking at a jumbled pile of manila folders that I was using for a few miscellaneous blog and contributor projects.  I have been taking on so many different tasks that I have been keeping details for each in unlabeled folders, and it was getting out of control.

I could have just whipped out my handy label maker or printed out some pretty options from my computer, you know I am a sucker for pretty file labels...  But I wanted something quick, funky and easy to change in the future since the projects I am working on seem to shift at the drop of a hat.

Washi tape.  So simple!  I just put some over the manila folder file tab and trimmed off the excess edges with a small pair of scissors.

Fab right?  And my trusted black Sharpie pen finished it off!

And as I mentioned, my favorite part of it all, is I can swap out the labels quickly and easily and no mess is left behind!

Happy to have made this little discovery.  I have a feeling the ol' tape is going to start getting a lot more use around the Jones abode.  Label happy mama right here.

What is your favorite use for Washi tape?

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Items IHeart: Etsy Storage Solutions

Our oldest guy is in need of a few bins for his bedroom and after realizing that we didn't have much around the abode to fit our needs, my brain started to go through the typical places to check out...

Then that oh so happy moment hit me like a ton of bricks.  Etsy.  Why is Etsy a forgotten storage source?  There are so many fabulous storage solutions available on Etsy, it should be the FIRST place I check!  So I did.  And then I started to find so many cool ideas on Etsy, I thought it would be oh so generous of me to share the delightfulness with you!

{ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 }

Fabric decoupaged buckets, makeup brush holders, mini bins, bag organizers, coupon files, knit bowls, canvas bins, wall cubbies and the gotta have it chevron bins, Etsy proves to be a one stop shop for all sorts of storage needs!  And for the DIY'er in you, many of the shops offer the option to purchase the plans to make the items yourself!  I am smitten!

Now, back to my big boy bedroom bin shopping {say that three times fast!}... Decisions decisions!

Feel free to share your favorite Etsy organizing shop in the comments, it would be fun to highlight special shops that have made you smile for storage!

Pssst.  I wasn't paid or swayed to feature any of the Etsy shops or items mentioned in this post.  Just thought it would be fun to share some storage solutions that have caught my eye.

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The Goodies In My Paint Supply Bin

As I mentioned yesterday, I have been busy painting!  Again!

I took this....

And turned it into this...

I have been getting a lot of questions about how I paint furniture, so I thought I would make it a two part mini-series and post about my favorite paint supplies today {for all projects} and do a play by play and more before and afters of the entertainment center later this week.

I have been painting the walls and furniture in our home for the last 10 years, so I have definitely learned a lot of what I know over time, but I am sure I still don't know it all.  A lot of talented bloggers in blogworld have also provided me with "Ah Ha" moments and the tools I need to learn to be a better painter. Why do I paint so much?  It's a small investment for a big bang and it's easy once you get the hang of it.  It's amazing to me the power paint plays in a space and how quickly it can take a piece of furniture from trash to treasure.

The following items are in absolutely no particular order, don't need to be used for every single project and are just what I have personally fallen in love with over the years.  Here is what you will find in my paint supply bin:

1.  As I mentioned, these are in no order, and this first item is typically one you would use at the end of a furniture painting project.  To ensure your newly completed furniture lives a longer life, it's a good idea to give it a protective finish.  I like Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish since it's low odor, easy to apply and dries quickly.

2.  A paint tray {plus liners!} is essential for using your wall and foam rollers.

3.  Wood filler is great to have on hand when working on repairing an older piece of furniture, I like to use it if I am swapping out hardware or fixing a crack or dent.

4.  This spray paint grip and trigger helps give control for a smooth, professional spray paint finish.  It also prevents "spray paint finger".


5.  Spackle is a must for a wall painting project, so that you can fill any damaged areas and holes {a.k.a. swiss cheese walls} for a nice and smooth finish!

6.  Masks are a good idea when you don't have the luxury to work outdoors.  I also like to use them when spray painting and working with certain primers.

7.  Mineral spirits is great to keep on hand for cleaning brushes and equipment when using oil based items.

8.  This little clip is worth the $1 price tag.  It clips to the side of your paint can {or utility sink}, and gives you a strong magnetic place to set your paint brush if you need to take a quick break.  It's also great for holding them while drying after a good cleaning!

9.  A paint can opener typically comes with the purchase of paint and makes opening the can easy peasy.

10.  I love to keep plastic wrap on hand to wrap my roller heads and paint brushes in-between coats.  Instead of washing out my brush when I know I am going to be using it again in a few hours, the plastic wrap seals the brush from air and drying.

11.  I like to keep a tape measure in my bin for determining my paint project size {when figuring out how much paint I need to purchase}, or for measuring out some fun stripes to paint!

12.  Painters tape is great for protecting the areas you don't want painted!  I typically keep it on hand for doing special paint treatments and patterns.

13.  I don't use painters tape for trim any longer.  I know, gasp right?!  But I don't have to now that I found my most favorite paint brush EVER!  The angled Wooster brush has a super short comfort grip handle and nice silky bristles to make every paint project quick and simple!  The combo of the angle and short handle ensures your cutting in job goes quickly and ends up with a clean finish.  My favorite painting supply hands down!

14.  I like to keep a couple different grits of sanding wedges in my paint bucket, to give pieces a quick sanding for a smoother finish in-between coats.  I find the wedges are easier to work with than single sheets of sanding paper.

15.  Roller covers.  The type depends on the wall finish, it's important to get the smooth for flat walls and the semi-smooth for certain textured walls.  A good roller cover will give you better paint coverage and help reduce the overall number of coats you may have to do.

16.  A putty knife is helpful when using that wood filler and wall spackle to ensure a nice clean finish!

17.  I always like to keep an old rag or some paper towels on hand for quick cleanups if you accidentally drip or get paint on your fingers or down your brush.  Because no matter how hard you try, paint will find it's way all over you and your items!

18.  I always use a drop cloth when painting furniture and to keep under my paint tray and paint can while painting to protect the floors and other surfaces.

19.  Foam rollers are great to keep on hand for those smaller projects.  It gives you a nice smooth finish in furniture that you can't get from a brush.  I also like to use them on cabinets and doors.

20.  A hammer and nails for painting?  It's actually a fabulous combination for adding some holes into the rim of the paint can.  That way, when you pour your paint and a small amount puddles in the rim, it will find its way back into the bucket through those holes you just created and ensure your lid can get a nice seal when you are done!

21.  The paint brush comb is extremely worth the investment and is wonderful for cleaning your brushes after a project.  It has absolutely extended the life of each brush I have purchased, and as you may know, those brushes aren't cheap!

22.  When it comes to using a roller, I prefer a telescoping handle because I am a bit on the short side and it helps me get higher and lower in continuous motions.  Even for the hubs it's great because then he doesn't have to break out the step ladder to roll out a room and it saves us lots of up and down time!

23.  A caulking gun and white painters caulk is helpful when working with our white trim and molding to clean up holes and cracks and again is critical in giving us a nice professional looking finish.


Again, I am by no means a pro at this painting stuff, I just learn as I go and these are the items that have been working well for me along the way.  Any surprises or "light bulb" moments for you?  What is your favorite painting tool and why?  Did you know there is a painting season in Wisconsin {just like there is a football season?}  Well, it's in full swing and I am loving it!

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Items IHeart: Martha's Home Office Collection

Oh. My. Greatness.

She has done it again.

The queen of everything "HOME" has created a new line.  Yes, my gal Martha Stewart, not only has craft supplies, home furnishings, bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinets, pet supplies, bed and bath products and even cookware, has gone and done it again.  And I LOVE love everything she already had to offer, it's all so stinkin' pretty, but she really got my heart smiling this time. 

She went and created a whole slew of fantastic office supplies...

And no, I haven't been paid, swayed or perked to write this post.  I am doing it because I personally got giddy excited by this new line.  If I would have designed an office supply line, it would have been just like this.  It's yummy.  In fact I went and checked it out personally and was totally a little kid in a candy store. 

Here are some of my favorite things:

1.  Binders and Accessories 
2. Color Coded Labels 
3. Dividers 
4. Accordion Files 
5. File Folder Labels 
6. Kitchen Labels 
7. Stackable Trays 
8. Sticky Notes 
9. Wall Pockets
10. Notebooks

I am such a sucker for pretty office supplies, and these absolutely don't disappoint.  It's a large line with anything and everything you could think up.  Chalkboard labels, dry erase labels, folders, notepads, organizers, etc...  And the prices are surprisingly reasonable which is a nice plus {and I just saw there is a 30% off coupon on Staples website to make things even better!}.

So I get crazy happy about labels and organizing supplies... it may make me a bit of a nerd but I am OK with that.  What is the one thing that gets you head over heals excited?  Anyone already snag some of the Martha products and if so, what goodies did you go home with?

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A Little Organizing Window Shopping

As I mentioned yesterday, Parker and I had come down with the flu last week.  We were the last of the entire family to snag it, so you can imagine that by the time it got to us, we were already exhausted.  And we were quarantined for days so I couldn't wait to get out!  In fact, reading my post yesterday about the desk put some fire in me to do a quick IKEA run to price out add-ons and storage.

While I was out, I couldn't resist snapping some pics with my phone to share.  I saw lots of inspiring storage and organizing ideas.

Of course, you could tour the entire IKEA showroom and feel inspired room after room.  They piece all of their furniture together to create endless amounts of storage and smart space saving living.  It didn't dawn on me to take pictures of most of the items I saw, since I was with a child and we were in a bit of a hurry, but when he finally stopped for a minute, so did I.

I just love this little kid's playroom setup.  Like head over heals in love.  Love the bookcases with cabinet doors and the little crafting/play tables.  All of that storage and wall space just brings pure happiness to me.  We hung out here for a bit.  Then, it was time to move on.

I didn't come home with much, just a couple of cabinet doors and drawers for the new desk and some plastic toy storage bins for the playroom.  I tried to find some good under-mount lighting, but they were all corded so I didn't invest in anything quite yet.

On our way home from IKEA, we just happened to drive past a HomeGoods.  I told Parker I wanted to run in really really quick to look at a mirror.  I was a good mommy, I was pretty quick in there {it's usually a time pit for me and I can't get out without walking every inch and touching everything}.

I couldn't help but stop in the basket/storage aisle really quick, you know, for the sake of the blog.  Wink wink.

Many of you ask me frequently where I got these fantastic white lace baskets:

They were expensive little numbers {which have held up fantastically over the years so I am OK with that}, and from The Container Store.  They discontinued them awhile ago, so I know there have been a lot of sad faces because of that.  I was excited to see that HomeGoods provides a similar option.  Sure, their baskets are made of tin, but they offer a great "cutout" pattern and endless varieties of colors at a fraction of the white lace basket price!

Another basket I get asked a lot about are the green numbers in my laundry room:

Another discontinued basket, but HomeGoods had a similar FANTASTIC option!

Moral of the story.  Check HomeGoods for great, stylish storage.  I find a lot of the designer looks for less there.  It's always so lovely!

I really went in there for a mirror though.  I would love to add one in my studio since I am without natural light.  This one has been catching my eye for awhile now, but I just haven't brought myself to pull the trigger:

It reminds me a lot of one of my most favorite mirrors, Nicole from Making it Lovely pulled it off perfectly:

I try and have a one in, one out rule, and I have a mirror I could use, so if I want to replace it, I have to sell the other.

But it's still fun to look and find inspiration!  I also really loved this option from HomeGoods:

But I think I love Katie Bower's DIY version even better:

After HomeGoods, I had to pick up some groceries.  And since I had allowed myself to get sidetracked thus far, I stuck with it.  And I was at Target.  How do you not get sucked in at Target?  It's my happy place.

Because so many individuals are itching to get organized in January, Target really brought their storage game.  So many fun options to select from, above and beyond their typical fabulousness!

I started out in the budget dollar section.  Always try to find storage on a budget first right?  They had decorative paper trays, which would be great for keys, mail or a desk "in" box.

And lots and lots of receipt/coupon envelope options!

These tin bins have always been a favorite of mine!  They would be great for a Lego "build bucket", or girly girl things like hair supplies, or even corralling laundry essentials in a laundry room!

I also get questioned frequently on the source of the kid's blue quilts in their bedroom.  They were from Target long ago, and Target recently brought back an almost identical option at a great price!

They had some fun little bowl four-packs that I thought would make fun drawer dividers:

But what really left me drooling was the vibrant colors brought into their new storage bin line!

Check out the chevron options!

I also love that they had simple green baskets, but brought in some texture to keep them visually interesting!

I always check out their office supply section always.  They bring out a lot of fun designs and colors.  Like this fun Jonathan Adler-esque file box:

Or these super vibrant organizing bins, sorters and magazine files:

I did happen to get pulled into one tealy aisle that really caught my attention:

Lots and lots of loveliness!  And in my favorite color.  I was so proud of my ability to walk away empty handed.  This time anyway!

Those loving the zig-zag trend, love away!  They had pillows!!

And their new kitchen product line is full of more teal {along with a couple of other color options}, and I fell hard for the honeycomb cutout baskets!

By this point, I had to move along or else more storage would have hopped into my cart.  I was a good girl.  Groceries only this trip.  Not that it was easy... I think I am still twitching...

I know that we find a lot of inspiration these days from blogs, Pinterest and magazines, but I also love to look through store catalogs and even physically walk through stores.  Often times, they have the latest "trends" and offer up so many great combinations and color ideas, that will leave your mind spinning and inspired.  Even if that means re-creating your own versions at home DIY style on a budget!

Where do you go for inspiration?  Anyone else been spying lovely storage options out and about?

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