*~*Springtime Closet Maintenance and a Little 'ol Computer Crash*~*

Spring in the closet...

First thing to do is pull out all the sweaters.

I keep mine on the shelf above the hanging bar.

Then go through the sweaters and either

wash or have cleaned the ones that require such.

I put all of the sweaters through the dryer on "air" setting

with a few drops of cedar oil on the wool dryer balls.

Also, when the sweaters are off the shelf,

I wipe it and the hanging bar with cedar oil as well.

I just got a little spritz bottle and keep the oil in it.

I use an old sock so if I feel like the oil won't wash out very well, I can just throw it away.

The other thing that happens during this time, is that I 'make a run'

through my clothes and pull what I haven't worn, what might not fit well, and what is so uncomfortable I cringe at the thought of wearing it.

I have pulled all of those items and

hung them on one end.  A couple of the items, I have decided to keep, but at least 95% of them have gone to the bargain counter.  I do still have a few things to try on.  I have come to the point that 'if I don't wear it, I don't want to store it.

My sweaters are now all organized and folded nicely awaiting next fall.

The closet smells fresh and clean when we enter - don't you love the smell of cedar?

I also have an abundance of hangers now; whereas before,

we were always searching for an empty one.

Doing this each spring keeps things in good repair 

and keeps me from 'acquiring' too many items I don't wear.

It's a reminder every time I consider bringing home more clothes.

I think, "Will I have to try it on and pass it on in the spring?"

My reply to myself is usually, "Ugh," so I pass.

I would also like to apologize for my absence.

My computer did a sorta crash.

I was able to back-up my information,

but it was taking about 30-45 minutes

just to turn it on.

I am now working with my little Acer that was not intended

for the work load of a 'real' computer.

It doesn't have the same programs or functions,

but until I save enough for a new computer,

I will attempt to limp along.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

On Organizing: Before and After

I am usually pretty organized.

There are those hot spots though.

This reminds me of that episode of 'Friends'

where they break into the closet at the end

of the hall in Monica's apartment.

It is just packed full!

She says that it is all the stuff

that doesn't fit into a category.

I think we all have this 'stuff'

in our lives.

The question is what do we do with it.

Obviously, I love the fact that my computer is

in a closet so I can shut the door.

And you can see why.

Well, at some point enough is enough,

and we just have to deal with it.

Now, I am one of those that my spices are alphabetized. 

Please don't judge me -

see above photos.

So after a couple of shelves,

a few arguments with spider webs and dust bunnies

(they almost won,)

and some good ol' elbow grease,

this is what I came up with.

It's still not entirely complete

as I have lots of papers to go through.

My solution for those was at the $ store.

I bought a couple little notebooks

and started writing all the information

that I had on sticky notes and corners of paper

into the notebooks.

I can flip through pages

much easier than digging through a pile.

So far so good.

Now I just have to figure out where to put

the filing cabinet.

That will probably lead to another project:)

Just how it goes around here.

The other thing is 
every time I really clean, I end up with 
a stack of things to take to the bargain counter.
Look at the 'extras'
just in time for back to school.
And this is after I kept
a generous supply.
They were in there - 
you just couldn't see them behind
the file cabinet:)

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches