Clearing The Clutter

It just seems that once January rolls around we all jump on board the organizational craze that sweeps across Blogland and Pinterest.

 

I imagine it has to do with clearing out all the holiday décor. Once we put away everything, it seems a natural progression to want to continue to clean and clear our homes, and keep them clutter free.

 

I actually started with my linen closet right before Christmas, and I'm delighted to have that project done.

 

In completely non blogger fashion, I neglected to take even one photo before I started. Not sure how that happened....I must have just wanted to jump right in and get it done.

 

 

But doesn't she look pretty now that's she's all tidied up and organized?

 

I keep opening the door and admiring how tidy and neat everything is, complete with labeled bins!

 

Martha Stewart Living Fabric Drawer

Am I the only one who is obsessed with these fabric drawers? I used a bunch of them in my master closet, in the built in cabinets in my bedroom, and in the linen closet....and every time they are on sale I pick up a few more! They are so handy, and fold when you're not using them for easy storage.

 

 

There's only one shelf where I couldn't use the fabric drawers, because the space between the shelves is too short. But that's ok, I needed a place to store placemats and runners anyway, so it works out well.

 

The next spot that needs some TLC is my pantry. I know, I know....I'm very lucky to even have one. And if I lived alone, no doubt it would stay a lot neater. However, every single time my daughter goes rooting around for something in there I want to toss her out in the snow when I see the mess she's made of my pantry.

 

 

I try to keep things as organized as I possibly can in there, but it's tough.

 

 

I see photos on Pinterest and other blogs of perfectly organized pantries....and I drool. Honestly.

 

 

Sigh. Maybe someday. Meanwhile, I do the best I can. But at this point, it needs some help.

 

Any volunteers?

 

 

Meanwhile, Christmas has been removed from the house for another year. The living room always looks a little naked after the tree comes down. I tried moving things around a little, moving those little stacking tables in front of the sofa to act as a coffee table of sorts, but I'm not sure I'm liking it.

 

The weird shape of my living room makes furniture arrangement challenging, for sure.

 

But something I am loving is actually removing color from this room for a while, to give my eyes a little rest after all the holiday décor was packed up.

 

By spring I'll be ready to add some color back again, but for now I'm loving the soothing neutral pillows and throws.

 

And for once, I got a photo without the Monkey plopped in her little chair in front of the fire.

 

Oh wait, I  just remembered that's because she was on one of the leather chairs you can't see in this photo.

 

That makes more sense.