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WIWW – Inspiration Pinterest

It’s What I Wore Wednesday time again. For me browsing through all the links and admiring other women’s clothes isn’t about “wanting” or “buying” something I don’t have. It’s all about finding inspiration to wear what’s already in my closet, because let’s face it, the closet could be full and I’ll still stand around in my robe saying I have nothing to wear.

This week, I looked to Pinterest for inspiration. If you cannot find inspiration on Pinterest, you are either dead or a man. No offense men.

So here goes…It’s What I Wore this week.

For this first outfit, my inspiration came directly from Pinterest.

Thursday

Jeans Kohl’s , Shirt GAP, Necklace Francescas

Shoes Famous Footwear

I just knew you’d want to see my feet. That’s why I took this picture.

I jest.

Thursday

I am really thankful for some sunshiny days this past week. I love sunshine!

Skort Kohl’s, Shirt GAP, Sandals Thrifted

Friday

FringeMan and I had a date at Panera Bread. The kids participated in Parent’s Night Out. My children refer to it as Kid’s Night Out and I don’t care what it’s called as long as I get OUT.

Once again my inspiration came from Pinterest. I already had these clothes in my closet.

Same jeans from Kohl’s, Shirt is Hand-me-Down, Sweater is Yard Sale, Shoes K-Mart last spring

Saturday

Out with my daughter making memories and buying fish.

Shirt & Skirt Old Navy

Sunday

I know this outfit doesn’t “match” or even “go”, but I was in a hurry and couldn’t find anything to coordinate. I just pretended I meant to look miss-matched.

Skirt Thrifted, Shirt Old Navy

Shoes K-Mart

And that’s it for this week. I quit taking pictures on Sunday, because I can only bore you to death with so many pictures of my feet. Now go check out The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for some real inspiration.

I linked the Pinterest photos to their original sources, so you can click on the photo for the source.

Comments 15 Comments
Categories Passions

I Stop for It

22 May

Sometimes FringeMan and I have different opinions. We don’t always agree, especially when it comes to junk. I see treasure in things he thinks are trash, and sometimes he sees the diamond in what I know is lump of useless coal. That’s what keeps us from being hoarders. We compromise, throw stuff out, and vow to never bring another piece of junk into the house again.

I promised myself in my head that I wouldn’t stop at any yard sales this summer. I mean, what do I need? If I’ve lived this long wihtout it, it most certainly cannot be a need. I told myself not to do anything impulsive, especially when a trash heap is involved. On Saturday I passed by four SALE signs without even a second glance. I was pretty confident I had temptation beat. It’s been about six weeks since an M&M went through my lips and if I can have victory over candy-coated chocolate, anything is possible. I was flying high until Sunday night.

The glance was purely accidental. I promise and my fingers are not crossed behind my back. I didn’t mean to fall in love, but that’s the way it happens isn’t it?

The pile of junk was so small, just four little things. My head spun on my shoulders like a broken record, and before I could utter a gasp, Fringeman said, “Oh, no. Don’t even look! We can’t bring any junk into the house.”

All I heard was “Blah, blah, blah.”

“Did you see that metal cart?” I asked.

“You mean that piece of junk? No way am I stopping.”

“But it’s sunshiny yellow.”

He turned around of course. He loves me, and besides I went to the Harley Dealership with him. Remember?

She cleaned up real well. Don’t ya think?

FringeMan always wants to know “What are you going to do with it?”

I can’t always answer that question right away, mostly because I know he won’t like the answer.

I don’t think he’s noticed that it’s in our bedroom yet. By the time he does, it will be part of the family. Besides, it was FREE. How could I let it go to the dump?

I’m historian almost, a rescuer of Americana. Now I just have to convince FringeMan of that.

Do odd items in the middle of a rubbish heap sometimes call your name?

P.S. The lamp is another rescue. You can see my $10 makeover HERE.

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Passions

Shopping with A Camera

16 May

It’s What I Wore Wednesday time again, and I realized something this picture-taking go around. I should shop with a camera. There are outfits I wear that I think look cute, but after I see myself in a photo, I don’t like them so much.

Has that ever happened to you?

This picture is from Mother’s Day. You already saw it, I know. I only have so many pictures from this week though, so you’re stuck with a repeat. Sorry.

My outfit: Top is GAP clearance (with an extra 40% off!), Jeans are from a liquidation sale at a local shop ($9.99), Shoes are Miz Mooz, Necklace is Charming Charlies. My daughter’s dress is Kohl’s from last spring and my son is wearing Kmart.

I’m kind of digging the rolled jeans.

Have you tried that look yet?

I’ll be honest, it takes a little bravery to walk out of the house looking like Huck Finn, but I think it works.

The bonus is that it showcases your shoes, so if you try it, wear cute shoes.

Here’s an outfit I thought looked better than it does. Jacket is a hand-me-down, shirt is GAP clearance, Necklace is Charming Charlies.

My daughter is all dressed up for an art show at school. Dress is from a local sporting good store (believe it or not) and the shoes are Kmart.

I’m not a big fan of this outfit in photos, but in real life, it’s so comfy. I actually love wearing it. Skirt is H&M last spring and I can’t remember where I bought the shirt. Boots are Target.

FringeKid’s outfit is Children’s Place last spring.

The item I would love to add to my wardrobe this summer is a pair of brightly colored jeans. Have you bought into that trend yet? I think it’s super-cute.

Yup. Easter egg legs. It’s just what I need!

How about you? What item would you like to add to your spring/summer wardrobe?

Don’t forget to visit The Pleated Poppy and The transatlantic Blonde for outfit inspiration that is way better than mine.

And head on over to BonBon Rose Girls for Monday Mingle! See you there.

Photo Source: zuuzstyle.com via Lorna on Pinterest

Comments 18 Comments
Categories Passions

Fixin the Face – Fashion Friday

4 May

Source: 9gag.com via Tricia on Pinterest

In honor of Fashion Friday, I thought we could chat about makeup.

Although I wear makeup, I’m not an expert. I’m just a girl, so I go buy some makeup from time to time and add a little color to my face so no one mistakes me for dead.

I shouldn’t admit this, but I still have a blush I bought when I was pregnant with my daughter. My daughter is TEN! I should probably throw that out before I get some sort of face-fungus and my skin melts into a pool under my chin. Heaven knows my chins don’t need any extra baggage these days.

Because I’m often a trial and error type of person when it comes to makeup, I like to take advice. If someone tells me they would take a product to a desert island, I will take note of this product. When I run out of my current supply in 2043, I might even splurge on buying said product.

Up until the last year or so, my makeup routine consisted of washing my face (always a good place to start), moisturizing (my skin is like your garden during a drought), and then adding a little color so no-one sees me in zombie form; however, I’ve recently noticed that I’m getting some lines on my face and this sent me into panic mode. I mean, gray hair is bad enough, but lines too? My daughter already thinks I was around when Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. I don’t want her seeing the lines, because she’ll put me on the nursing home waiting list, and I’m just not ready to play Bingo five nights a week.

So when I saw a review on MAC Strobe Cream, I decided to give it a try.

My fountain of youth came wrapped in tissue paper and MAC did something I’ve never ever seen a company do before. About two weeks after I made the purchase, they sent me a Thank You card. Can you believe it?

Obviously it was a first date for me and MAC. I hadn’t ever purchased from them before, and I bought the small tube just in case I didn’t like it.

It was expensive after all. I think this was around $15, but seeing how my makeup lasts for decades, I felt confident I’d get my monies worth.

I actually mix this with my foundation to make a tinted moisturizer. The Strobe Cream is almost pearlessant. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s lightweight and shiny and makes you look fresh as the day you bought your first pair of high heels.

The first day I used this cream, I found myself driving somewhere with FringeMan and the kids. The sun was shining and I was feeling twenty-nine. I looked over at him and said, “Do you notice anything different about my face?”

He glanced my way and said the safe thing. “You look good babe.”

“No. I mean, does my skin look dewy?”

“Dewy?” He burst out laughing. “What’s dewy? Do you mean like the grass in the morning?”

Now it’s a standing joke. Whenever he thinks I need a compliment, he tells me I look dewy, but not without a snicker.

I actually like this cream. Dare I say, I would buy it again? In my opinion, and don’t you dare ask FringeMan his, it does add a bit of youth to my face. It looks refreshing, like a good nights sleep or a sunshower on a summer’s day. I think it’s good for my skin too. I have no idea what pickling agent is in it, but there are some things I don’t need to know.

Next up is an eye shadow. I suspect I should be calling this pigment, so correct me if I’m wrong.

I purchased this from Laura in one of her mini blog yardsales. She’s the makeup artist, so if you have questions about using this stuff, you should watch one of her cool videos.

I’ve loved purple ever since I was a child with naturally dewy skin, so I bought it at her sale. I suspect I’ll still be wearing it when I’m ninety, because a little goes a looooong way.

No worries. I plan on being the tackiest woman in the retirement community. Preferably that community will be beachside in Flordia. You’ll recognize me when you see me. I’ll be the one wearing flowered capri pants, purple eye shadow, a floppy hat, and too much cheap jewelry. And, I’ll have dewy skin.

I bought this new highlighting blush about the same time I purchased the Strobe Cream. I own two other blushes, the one I bought during my second pregnancy and one I bought about four years ago. I’ll have those for another ten years, but I felt like I needed something new, fresh, dewy. This is filled with white sparkles, but it’s not too sparkly. I don’t look like Edward Cullen in the sunlight or anything. It’s simply refreshing. Good for summer.

And finally…

Laura sent me this fun set of eyeshadows as a gift when she mailed the purple shadow. At first I didn’t think I could wear these colors, but then I tried them, and I love them. I’ve used all them! I think I use the bright pink the least, but it’s a pretty color and I do use it on occasion. The other three colors I use often.

They are all shades out of my comfort zone and I would never have chosen them myself, but they work. Sometimes it’s good to have someone else make a suggestion and ease me out of my ordinary.

So that’s it. Those are the beauty products I’ve been loving lately.

How about you? Have tried anything recently that you like?

Linking to:

Hope you have a marvelous weekend!

~FringeGirl

Comments 13 Comments
Categories Passions

It’s like Gag-Me-With-A-Spoon & Go on a Cruise WIWW

2 May

It’s What I Wore Wednesday again and I’m participating. If you’re new around The Domestic Fringe, you may be wondering why in the world I would post a cheesy picture of myself just to show you my outfit. Well, I guess I have a few reasons.

1. I’m a dork.

2. I’m a girl, but not all girls are dorks, so don’t misunderstand me.

3. I enjoy going through The Pleated Poppy’s list of WIWW participants and seeing what all the girls are wearing in blogland, because it’s kind of like having a million sisters, or being in high school and playing dress-up in the mall. You know the deal – gather all your friends and swarm the fitting room with armloads of clothes you never intend to buy. It’s fun. If you’re a girl.

4. There are only so many days my husband can see me in yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

That’s it. I feel like there should be a fifth reason, because I like the number five and I hate the number 4, but I can’t think of anything else at the moment. So, here goes.

I forgot what day I wore this dress, but that’s not really important. I can guarantee it was during this last week. It’s a maxi from the GAP and I bought it at summer’s end last year. In reality, I think I bought it more into the onset of winter, because it was on final clearance (no returns) and with tax, I paid less than $20. That’s a good deal in my book, especially since they have the same dress out right now with blue and white stripes and it’s $74.95.

I will admit, floor length horizontal stripes are probably not the best idea for my body shape, but sometimes you have to wear a dress just because you like it. I like stripes. It’s my downfall.

I’ve been wanting to show you this necklace forever. It’s very cute (cuter in person) and it’s made really well. I know the girl who makes them and she has an amazing variety to choose from. If you’re a Hunger Games fan (or any other book/movie fan), you must visit. You can opt to leave the wood back painted or unpainted, but I love painted. It finished it for me.

They are super-reasonable too. Pretty designs and a great price. Can’t beat that. You can find her shop HERE.

She’ll make customs designs for you and everything. I gave a few as gifts this Christmas and they were a hit. Do stop by and tell her I sent you.

Next up – FringeKid. She’s never shy in front of a camera and strikes a post naturally. Sometimes I think my baby must have been mixed up at birth and I brought home another woman’s (probably a models) child. I smile cheesy and put my arm behind my back because I don’t know what else to do with it, but FringeKid always knows. She’s camera ready!

She thinks 80′s hair and side pony-tails are like totally awesome, gag-me-with-a-spoon kind of cool.

To give her some volume, I attempted sock curls. It’s so simple. I used four of my socks (knee socks) and divided her hair into four sections, one on each side and two in the back. She slept on the curls all night and in the morning she had this hair. So adorable!

It really worked well, but all the curl fell out by the time she came home from school. Her hair is fine and pin straight and I’m used to working with hair that you have to fight with a machete and tame with weed killer. I’m a bit at a loss when working with her hair, but I am trying. I think I will add some curl enhancing gel next time and see if that doesn’t add a little staying power.

Any suggestions are welcomed. After all, she does like her some big hair.

Here’s another fashion nod to the 80′s. If only they would make stirrup pants again…

Kidding! Don’t break out into cold sweats just yet.

FringeMan took this picture. It’s me saying “What? Don’t smile? Really??”

He’s fancying himself my personal photographer and he would not allow me to smile. A smile did not fit into the look he was trying to capture. What’s next, I ask?

Are your eyes crossing from the polka dot shirt and thatchwork coat? Don’t look too closely. You may leave blinded and I’ll bear that guilt forever.

Coat is Ann Taylor Loft (lots of years ago), Blouse is Kmart clearance (I’m fain-cy like that), and the jeans are a story (originally from Macy’s, but bought on closeout at a local shop). Oh, and the shoes are Miz Mooz. Love em.

And yes, I’m wearing a shade of odd neon (ish) purple lipstick. Again, sometimes a girl has gotta wear it just because she likes it and not because it’s fashionable.

This is me pretending I’m about to go on a cruise. I was playing dress-up, because it was cold and rainy outside and I had a fire going in the woodstove, but living in a fantasy world is nice sometimes.

My aunt is having a hearty-tack over all the colors I’m wearing; however, I matched the sandals to my toes to my necklace, so really the only pop of color is my bag. It’s a big pop, I realize, but that’s how I justify things in my head. Be glad you can’t read minds.

I’m pretty much in love with this cute little cotton dress from Fresh Produce. Have you seen their line of clothing yet? It’s adorable. They have an entire line of cruise dresses, and you all remember that I know all about cruises (read my cruise story here). I’m wearing the Sunshine Dress in Augustine.

Here’s why I love it:

1. It’s cotton.

2. It’s easy, just throw it over it over head, no fussing involved.

3. It’s washable – always a plus when you live in my house.

4. The little ruffle on the bottom flounces up and down when you walk down a flight of stairs. So cute! I’d buy it just for the ruffle.

The only thing I’m not thrilled with is the price-point for their dresses. I think they are slightly high for a casual cotton dress, but this is completely subjective. I’ve been stuck in a clearance rack for one too many years and I think that’s showing.

Here’s the message Fresh Produce sends on their tag.

“Fresh Produce clothes are made especially to fit you and your lifestyle. We hope you find yourself wearing them on all your favorite days – as you laugh with friends, play with family, and enjoy life’s sweetest pleasures.”

I think that sums up their spring clothing line perfectly. I can just imagine myself laughing, playing, and enjoying life in this dress. Hopefully it will be on a beach with lots of sunshine and lounge chairs.

Please excuse the goofy photos. I’m certainly not a model. I just try to get a photo with some resemblance of normal. And that my friends is not easy!

Hey, did you notice? I got my hair did. New color and everything. Now you can collectively say, “It’s about time!”

Thanks for putting up with me on this very long Wednesday. Have a blast of a day!

Comments 28 Comments
Categories Passions

Blogging: It’s In The Stars

20 Apr

I love blogging. I really do. It’s like free therapy. I can lay down on my own couch and spill my guts to a world who really doesn’t care if I’m crazy or not.

I rarely blog about anything important or serious, because this blog is for fun – my fun. I get to share photos and talk about the silly things my kids do and say. This blog is the reason I took the time to write our love story and remember the details associated with the birth of my children. It’s like a giant memory book for me, and I can pull it up on my laptop and let it sit on top of the coffee table if I want. Originally I thought I’d write for friends and family, but I suspect few of my friends read this and almost none of my family does, but that’s ok.

Because I never kept a diary when I was young, I sometimes think I would not write if no one read; however, not keeping a diary was really an issue of Imightdieathousanddeathsifsomeonereadsmydiary. I didn’t think I could adequately hide my diary from my mother. That’s the real reason I didn’t write. Now I’ve grown old enough to realize I’m not the only crazy woman in this world, so who cares if people glimpse into the abyss that is my mind.

Although I will admit, the idea of writing a lifetime’s worth of delicious diaries filled with silly stories delights me. My kids would find them when I’m gone and spend the rest of their lives wondering if mom’s stories are “truth” or “fiction”. How I could mess with them!

But instead, I blog and a few random people read my blog.

The thing is, I love you random people. I feel like some of you have become friends, people I would invite over on Friday nights for a pizza and burp night. (Don’t ask about the burping. Please.)

There’s just one thing that makes me loony about blogging and it’s in the stars. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is on auto-play in my mind and I can’t shut it off. At the end of each post there’s a little strip of stars. Have you seen it? It’s right down there at the bottom.

Source: encoreuneminute.tumblr.com via Abbey on Pinterest

Hardly anyone ever notices the stars. In fact I forget that they’re there until a new post pops up in my right sidebar. There’s a little widget that keeps track of my posts with the highest ratings. Apparently they are the posts that you, the reader, likes, because you take the time to click on the stars.

One Star = Very Poor (this is the MOST pathetic rating)

Two Stars = Poor (a little less pathetic, but still LOSER)

Three Stars = Average (it’s like being a “C” student)

Four Stars = Good (ok, but you could’ve done better)

Five Stars = Excellent (like very good baby, home run, atta girl, etc.)

These stars are a report card of sorts and I absolutely hate failing. You should have seen me the time I got a “D” on a Shakespeare test in college. I was certain I saw Juliet roll over in her grave.

When I made the stars to automatically appear at the end of each post, I didn’t think anything of it. It was just an option with a little box I could check, so I did. I mean, why not? Who cares? It’s just a few stars, right?

Wrong. So miserably wrong. I’m addicted to checking the stars, not for my astrological readings, but for my bloggy report card. I hate to say it, but I’m a failure more often than I’d like.

Most of the time I get zero stars. I’m totally good with this, but when I get two or three stars, I put myself on detention and make myself stay late after school so I can practice writing words that make sense.

And then it happened.

The other day, while I was still jet-lagged from my trip, I got one star. One pathetic shooting star. It crashed and burned right by my new family photo.

Obviously I’m not making the honor roll anytime soon. I think I’ll tuck that post into the file with the Shakespeare paper. Juliet will never rest in peace.

So now I’ll sign off and try to forget the stars, because I love you all, even the person who gave me one lousy star. Hope you have a delightful weekend! Remember tonight is pizza-burb night if you want to come.

Comments 19 Comments
Categories Passions

Enticement, Tackiness, and True Love

18 Apr

I’m in love with a store and I don’t care who knows it.

Charming Charlie knocked the socks off me. It’s an estrogen paradise.

Everything in the store is sorted by color, proving my theory that color-coding life is the way to organize the world. In work, I once color-coded all the files in the electrical engineering department. It was not a welcomed gesture, but I was, and still am, convinced it a superior coding system.

Charming Charlie does bling well, very well. In a world of accessories, it’s absolute perfection.

I may have gone to the store three times in one week, but I’m not addicted or anything. It’s my daughter’s fault.

FringeKid is my resident junior diva. There were so many cute hats, she was positively verklempt.

What is a girl filled with X chromosomes to do?

Buy a cute new bag, that’s what!

This bag is a million times better in real life than it is in this photo. It’s so lovely that my sister-in-law drove to Atlanta from Florida, took one look at my bag, and dragged me out the door to go find another. It’s just that cute folks.

Now we are sisters by marriage and twins by shopping.

It’s a good life.

I walked away from the store with one purse, one of the cutest wallets this side of the Mason-Dixon line, and two necklaces. I couldn’t stop myself. I felt like Eve munching down on the crispy apple. I’m almost certain the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil looked exactly like an earring tree filled with colored crystals sparkling in the sunlight. It was like I had a snake on my shoulder enticing me to give in to my tacky. I need not be tempted twice.

Call me Tacky Tricia and hand me a zebra striped wallet with a large leather 3D flower in hot pink. Thank you very much.

Comments 9 Comments
Categories Passions

Happy Palm Sunday

1 Apr

Posts on The Domestic Fringe are going to be spotty this coming week and probably the week after too. We’re going away for Easter and planning all kinds of fun times with family, so I’m sure I’ll pop in every now and again to say hello and make sure you’re all alive, but I can guarantee there won’t be any regular posting.

Let’s be honest, you all need a break from me anyway. How many messy drawers can I show you in one month? I desperately need a break, a change of scenery, and some new adventures.

Since today is Palm Sunday, I wanted to share two of my favorite Easter finds for kids. I’ve used these with my own kids and also with children in a group, like Sunday School or Children’s Church. I think they are a pretty fantastic way to teach kids why we celebrate Easter. As fun as bunnies and chicks and chocolate can be, that’s not the real Easter story.

I know many of you have traditions that you and your family participate in during this season, and I’d love to hear all about them in the comments. You probably already know about the two items I’m going to show you, because they’ve been around for a long time, but maybe someone hasn’t seen them. I thought I’d share.

1. Resurrection Eggs

2. Benjamin’s Box

You can use the resurrection eggs with the book. It’s so fun! Kids love it. Once I bought little treasure boxes and all the items mentioned in Benjamin’s Box and used that as a coordinating craft/activity. I’ve provided links, so you can hop over and read the descriptions. No sense in my rehashing everything that’s already been said.

Hope you had a lovely day!

Are you excited for Easter? It’s such a big holiday, but I’m afraid I sometimes don’t celebrated it with the passion it deserves.

So now it’s your turn…

Do you have special traditions or things you like to do on or around Easter?

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Passions

My Mission: Organization Part 2

29 Mar

I couldn’t leave yesterday’s post alone, now could I? There had to be a part two, because by now, every single one of you thinks I am a slob. I am not. I’ve been reformed!

I ran to the dollar store and bought eight little plastic boxes. Eight isn’t a magic number, but since I had a $10 bill, it worked with the budget.

Those little drawer organizers came in sets of three. Now that’s a bargain! The colors are what they had and cheapskates can’t be worried about the color of organizers that will be hidden in drawers and cabinets, at least this cheapskate isn’t worried. I’m new to the whole organizing deal, so don’t burst my bubble and tell me everything should match. Ok?

First I tackled the drawer that was a sea of serpent like phone charger wires, webcams, and other assorted chargers. I moved all those to a plastic box and put the chargers we use the least into little baggies, so the wires don’t become like a bowl of spaghetti.

If I were really organized I might move my chapstick to the bathroom and put it in my makeup case, but I like to have a Burt’s Bees chapstick in every room. Call me crazy. I am. I just hate chapped lips and I’m addicted to this stuff.

Here’s the cabinets in my kitchen island. Pretty impressive, huh? It might not be Martha Stewart good, but it’s a far cry from the jumble it was this morning.

I have a box for chargers, a box for extra party supplies (like ribbon, tissue paper, extra balloons, etc.), a box for for packing supplies that I use for my Fringe Vanilla (including my business cards), a box for batteries, and a box for kitchen gadgets that I only use once in a while. Now I need labels, but one thing a time.

Is there a twelve-step program for reformed slobs?

Maybe we should start one…hmmm…God grant me patience to accept the clutter I cannot change…ya, I don’t know. If you hear of a program, pass along the info. I’ll try and find a sponsor.

That’s as far as my ten dollars and ambition got me.

You must check out this kitchen though. It’s like nothing I have ever seen. Ever!

After you look at it, you’ll be finding yourself a sponsor and signing up for twelve-step program too.

Today I’m linking with…

Happy Weekend! I can assure you, I will not be thinking of organizing this weekend, so don’t expect more pictures next week.

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Passions

My Mission: Organization

29 Mar

For some reason, I’ve had the urge to organize. It’s almost a nesting instinct, but it’s coming ten years after my last pregnancy. What can I say? My hormones must be slow to catch up with my life.

I actually walked into my closet with every intention of reorganizing the space to make it more useful and pretty, but after shifting around some clothes and scratching my head, I gave up in despair. I don’t have an ounce of organizational fortitude. I don’t know how to do it. My mind thinks in colors and swirls, not in straight lines. My thoughts aren’t even organized. How did I expect to organize a bunch of clothes, shoes, books, linens, pictures, sporting equipment and a wedding dress (yes, those are really the contents of my closet).

Then today, when I was filling the dishwasher and wiping down the kitchen counters, all I saw was clutter. I’m terrible with clutter. I do throw things out and despite FringeMan’s long-held belief, I hate the random papers my children constantly bring home from school. I admire other people’s order, but as much as I try to emulate it, chaos creeps in like an unwanted house-guest.

I’m going to bare my very ~~soul~~ mess to you in a desperate plea for help. I need organizational intervention. Is there a TV show for that? I’m not a hoarder, so don’t even think about calling them and I really don’t have enough stuff to qualify for Clean House. Believe me, I’ve thought of taking every single thing we own and dumping it all into the three rooms we most need redone. I figured one call to Clean House and all our remodeling problems could be solved. That plan might have worked if we lived in California, but I’ve never seen them come to NY. Besides, I honestly don’t think we have enough junk. I could borrow some though. Keep that in mind when dishing out recommendations.

Example A, Kitchen Clutter

Originally I put this little wooden tray on my counter to collect the smalls. I know I’m not the only with with smalls, but I may be the only who has no clue what to do with them. I thought this was a step towards being better organized. Turns out it’s a magnet for clutter.

What in the world does an organized person do with their bread? That’s my question to you world.

First I removed the medicine and relocated it to a kitchen drawer. It joined the vitamins, Advil, and other assorted medical type things. Can you tell we have sinus problems?

Forget the Netti-Pot. You can drown yourself just as easily with one of these giant size saline filled bottles, providing you’re into drowning yourself with saline. I don’t want to assume.

I sorted and relocated. I even threw away the garlic that began growing a new plant. What I wonder is could that actually grow into a full plant if I just let it hang out on my counter until summer? I mean, it’s easier than tilling a garden. Know what I mean?

Where does an organized person keep strawberry flavored straws? Better yet, where do you keep your bread? I threw mine in a cabinet, but if my kids ever find it in time to make toast before school, I’m certain it will be green with mold. I just don’t think cabinets were meant for bread, but I could be wrong.

At first I reduced my mess down to this. Better, but not where I wanted to be, so I pushed through my thoughts of mediocrity and set my dreams on a clean counter.

Success.

But…oh, ya, there’s a big but, I’m a bit of a “closet slob”. That’s what my husband tells me anyway. I think I’ve become rather creative when it comes to hiding my junk, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m a creative keeper not a closet slob. Please understand that.

Until I look for a phone charger or the cord for my camera.

Please tell me you have one of these drawers? Better yet, tell me how to clean it!

This is the face of my failure, a little cubby-hole under my counter. It’s where I stash cookbooks, papers, the dust buster, a few bottles of Fringe Vanilla with crooked labels, and the pitchers I hate until I really want a glass of iced tea or lemonade and then I love them. Oh, and the old irons are acting as bookends. Can’t you tell?

Help me here. Is this stuff even supposed to be organized?

Every time I think I’m making strides, I see something like this and realize I’m on the other side of the world from true organization. It could take me more than 180 day trip to get organized.

At least my jewelry has stayed neat after this project.

So, how do you hide your junk?

Where do you keep your cookbooks?

Are you neat and tidy by nature or are you a recovering slob like me?

If anyone dares suggest I sign-up for the Fly-Lady program, I will be forced to clutter my counter back up. I tried that once a long time ago and the emails telling me to shine my sink and put my shoes on almost drove me to insanity and beyond. I wanted to email her back and tell her there’s more to life than a shiny sink. I mean that!

I’m sure Fly-Lady is a lovely person, but I can’t handle her. All I want to know is where to put my bread. That’s all I ask. Kay?

Anyone want to volunteer to help me tackle the closet?

I’m over at Life in Grace Girls talking about Fringe Vanilla if you’d like to pop over. It’s a busy day.