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Yard or Garage Sale Dos & Don’ts
Do you want to have a successful yard sale this year? Maybe you are getting ready to move or maybe you have just been decluttering and would like to make a little extra cash for your stuff. If you have a lot of things to get rid of, it may be worth having a yard sale. Donation centers can get…
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Traditional Stairway & Hall Makeover Part One
Do you have a traditional stairway and entrance hall in need of a makeover? A friend reached out to me for some advice on paint colours to choose for her stairway and hall makeover. She already decided on the neutral Cloud White by Benjamin Moore for the walls, but wanted something different for the stairway. Keeping the traditional character of…
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How to Reverse Downsize
If you are facing the daunting challenge of downsizing you might want to try reverse downsizing. What is reverse downsizing, you ask? It is the process of downsizing where you focus on what you love and use to keep. Everything else you know you can let go. There are similarities with decluttering with Swedish Death Cleaning, the Kon Mari method…
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How to Refinish Leather Chair & Ottoman
My latest DIY project has been refinishing my leather chair and ottoman. It had become worn, faded, stained and had extremely cracked arms. Although I think some natural wear adds to the patina, I wanted to restore them to prevent further damage. After watching some You Tube videos I decided to give it a try myself, and although they didn’t…
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Small Space Decorating and Organizing Tips
Do you live in a small space? Whether you live in an apartment or a small house, you know that having enough storage space for all your “stuff” can be a challenge. You may not be a minimalist, and your style may be an eclectic mix of different styles. What do you really need to create an inviting, comfortable, organized…
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Spring Cleaning 101 Brief History & Tips
It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to refreshing our homes with a good spring clean. Spring time is a time of rebirth and renewal. After a long, cold, dark winter we want to embrace a brighter and more energized home. Deep clean all the areas that don’t normally get cleaned. Today we can deep clean our…
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Curate a Wardrobe That Works for YOU
What is in your wardrobe? Do you only have clothes that make you feel and look your best? Is everything in your closet suitable to the lifestyle you live now? Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what we really need in our wardrobes. Styles change, jobs and seasons of life change, and so do our bodies. What do…
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Maximizing Food Storage in (Pantry) Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers
No pantry, no problem. If you lack a walk-in pantry, you will need to utilize your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Are you are looking for ideas to maximize your food storage in cabinets (& drawers)? Continue reading to get my favorite tips. Pantry “closet ” 2014 when I used to eat a lot more processed food. I’ve never had a…
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IKEA Kitchen Update – What Worked & Regrets
It’s been a few years since I completed my Ikea kitchen and decided it was time to give an update. For the most part I still love it, but I do have a few regrets. Are you looking to do a kitchen reno? Even if you aren’t planning on using Ikea cabinets, you might want to consider the benefit of…
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Why You Should Go Through Everything You Own At Least Once a Year
Do you go through everything you own every year? Once upon a time we all had very little, just a few things our parents gave us. As time went on, we acquired more and more. You may have decluttered some over the years – clothes that didn’t fit you or suit your style anymore. Maybe some household goods or personal…
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Make a Meal Planning System
Meal planning can help you save time, money and maybe help you to eat healthier too. With the high cost of food these days, who can afford to let food go to waste? If you are a busy person, having a strategy can help you have nutritious meals and still get out the door in time without blowing your budget.…
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Counter-Depth Fridge Organization Tips
Counter-depth fridges have their own organization challenges. Obviously they aren’t as deep as other fridges and there is less room in the freezer. Prioritizing what you really need to keep in your fridge is crucial. Also recognize that organizing a fridge will be constantly changing, as the food stored changes. Click here to read Fridge Organization for Optimal Food Safety…
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Ten Frugal Tips My Mother Taught Me
With real inflation going through the roof, you might be looking for some ways to save money. We have been spoiled with rampant consumerism and the ease of access to almost everything. My parents both grew up during the Great Depression and World War 2. They lived through rationing and adopted a frugal mindset that lasted their whole lives. Some…
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How to Do a No Spend/Low Spend Challenge
You may want to try a no spend challenge. You may have overspent a little over the holidays, or you may just have a hard time making ends meet. When you are trying to organize your finances, this can be a great way to reset or help you reach a goal. It may also help you to get to know…
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Planner Tips for Beginners
Planning is a crucial part of being organized. Are you a beginner to the planner world? (Yes – that is a thing.) Do you use a planner, or just keep it all “in your head”? Or do you write things down on scraps of paper, which you frequently lose? Maybe you use one for your work schedule and appointments only,…
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Christmas Gift Ideas You Can Make
There is something extra special about receiving a gift that is home-made. You know the person giving it put time, thought and effort into it. It may, or may not, be less expensive than a purchased gift… And some things you can’t buy in a store. Give the Gift of Your Time… Do you have any special skills or specific…
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Common Holiday Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
I’m sure everyone has been stressed out because of holiday mistakes. Knowing what those mistakes are is the first step in avoiding them. Holiday Mistake #1…Forgetting what’s most important… The reason for the season is not supposed to be promoting commercialism to the extreme. (Although I’m sure big businesses and banks would disagree.) It is being with the people we…
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Favorite Recipes – Creamy Tuscan Chicken
A new favorite recipe of mine is this creamy Tuscan chicken which can have variations to suite your tastes.. Tuscan chicken recipe ingredients… 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced. 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter salt & pepper ( *For a variation use pork chops instead of chicken.) For Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce: 1-2 cups chopped fresh…
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Front Door Painting DIY (& What Not to Do)
Painting a door is easy – right? Well, that depends on the door. My front door had a large window in it and I think it was a custom made. The plastic frame had got yellow over time and I wanted to spray paint it. The wood parts of the door also had a lot of scratches and gouges. I…
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10 Organizing Tips for the Home Office
Organizing all those different supplies, books, files, electronics, etc. in your home office can be daunting if you have a lot. Do you have an entire room for your home office or just a small space? Your home office may be a multi-functional space and have some unique organizing challenges. The following tips may help. Home Office Tips #1, #2…
