Tag: Inside & Out

The Grand Kitchen Cabinet Cleanout

The Grand Kitchen Cabinet Cleanout

Rev-A-Shelf

With my Spring cleaning deadline looming, I decided it was time to tackle my messy kitchen cabinets last week. I sorted, stashed and said good-bye to old food, rarely used gadgets and space sucking storage containers. . . and it felt gooood!

I have a pretty small kitchen, as kitchens go, with only three regular-sized lower cabinets to the whole place. Unfortunately, this means I have to cram fit a lot of mixing bowls, pie plates, baking dishes and Tupperware in a pretty tiny place. That is why I opted for some smooth-gliding pullout organizers from Rev-A-Shelf to help me store everything after the grand cabinet cleanout.

I organized my pots and pans with a Rev-A-Shelf about two years ago, and it was one of the best kitchen choices I ever made. This sharp-looking, heavy duty pullout shelf has lots of room and slides like “butta.” Now I will admit that this storage solution is not the cheapest thing going, so shortly thereafter I tried a bargain brand organizer and was completely disappointed. I guess you get what you pay for and the Rev-A-Shelf is worth it. This brand is also super easy to install, which is a bonus!

cabinet cleanout

So I finally decided it was time to make a go at my other two cabinets, and I opted for the two-tiered sliders this time because I certainly needed the room.  I purchased my Rev-A-Shelf organizers at Lowe’s, but I’m sure you can get them other places also. Be sure to correctly measure your opening (with clearance for hinges) so that you can pick out the right size. The directions said it should take about 20 minutes to install each unit, and that was probably my average between the two. The top slider can even be installed at three different heights — pretty handy, indeed.

cabinet cleanout

After some measuring and a few screws, the tough job began as I sorted and stashed every last item previously buried in that black hole beneath the countertop. I’m proud to say that everything now fits nicely, minus the mixing bowl I broke in the process, and I can easily see and reach what I need without the groaning and gnashing of teeth that previously accompanied my baking ventures.

cabinet cleanout

 

Cheap and Easy Lavender Bunny

Cheap and Easy Lavender Bunny

lavender bunnyI am just so happy with my newest Easter-themed home addition that I had to share it with you today. It may not take up much space, but it sure does look cute on my kitchen counter; and for under $7, the price can’t be beat.

I picked up, put down and picked up again this cute little bunny planter (although it was labeled a candy dish???) at Target several weeks ago for $3 and have been so excited for Easter time to roll around just so I could use it in my spring-themed décor. I have been trying to be more mindful of the items I purchase by visualizing exactly how and where they will be used before I actually bring them home.  And since I’m in the midst of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge, I am so glad this cute little guy turned out pretty close to my original vision.

I thought I might plant grass seed in the back of said little bunny, but that takes time to grow; so when I saw this perfectly sized lavender plant for less than $4 at Wal-Mart, I knew it would be a great choice. I simply repotted this wonderful smelling herb in the back of the bunny and added a bit of water. Since there isn’t any drainage I’ll have to be careful not to soak the plant; but when spring is finally finished and summer comes along, I’ll simply transplant my lavender outdoors. Meanwhile, this little lavender bunny will cheerfully sit in my kitchen and most definitely brighten my days.

lavender bunny

 

IKEA Calls It Tablecloth, I Call It Valance

IKEA Calls It Tablecloth, I Call It Valance

valance

February has been a very long month at our home, which is really weird since it’s actually the shortest of the calendar year; but when you’re struggling with the revolving crud that’s been plaguing Winter it makes the weeks really drag.

So now that the month is almost over, I’m finally feeling like doing something productive with my days. In fact, yesterday I was so energetic that I hung two cordless shades in the dining room and converted a tablecloth into a valance. . . and all that before noon! These projects were simple, but were a long time coming. Why is that sometimes the easiest tasks are the ones that take forever to complete?

valance

The shades and the tablecloth came from our local IKEA store and were very affordable. The shades were under $30 each and the tablecloth was on sale for $8. I’ve been looking for a valance for a seriously long time, but when I saw this cute country pattern I had a feeling it would fit the bill.

These cordless IKEA shades are some of the easiest I have ever installed, and I highly recommend this choice (especially if you have children in the home where cords can be dangerous). They come with installation brackets but mounting screws are not included. Go figure; but some basic screws will work just fine.

valance

To create the valances, I simply tore the tablecloth in two pieces lengthwise and then hemmed the torn edges. I then created rod pockets by folding each piece of material in half and sewing a straight stitch a couple of inches in from the folded edge. The finished product is actually a double thickness, which adds some weight and opaqueness to the valances.

I was so happy with my completed project and it felt so good to finally be useful again that I happily took an afternoon nap!

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