Texas Tuesday- The Tennessee Edition

Our group of crazies headed North right after the kids got out of school in June.  Kids got out on Friday...Red had two basketball games on Saturday and by Sunday morning, we were packed and loaded in the truck.   Our ultimate destination was New York but our first major
stop would be Nashville.  Chief heard about the George Jones Museum that had opened earlier in the year in downtown Nashville.  What 8 year old boy has the George Jones Museum on his bucket list?!  Mine does!  He played the Possum  old cassettes and records non-stop until we left. 

I will say we picked the worst possible night to arrive in Nashville.  We got into town about 7:30 that night (the museum doesn't close until 10 or after).  It was Sunday but it was drunk people galore!!  It's never good when your kids are watching people getting put into their cars by their friends because they are sooooo wasted.  It was only after we got to our hotel later that night that we discovered it was the start of CMA Fest.  Needless to say, we did not do much sight seeing on our 2 hours in Nashville.

Now to the main reason for our stop in Nashville...the George Jones Museum.  It was pretty cool.  When we walked up, the hubs asked these 2 men where we entered the actual museum.  Now, I am not sure if these 2 were hired by the museum or if they just did this for the fun of it.  I am not calling  them short... but I am 5 foot 4 and I was a good 6 inches taller than them. Their neon orange rimmed glasses (they both wore them) wasn't even the best part. They looked similar to Weird Al Yankovic and wore black t-shirts that read "BANG THIS" in big neon orange letters.  I wish I had gotten a picture of them but to be honest, I was seriously flabbergasted and slightly confused by them.

We entered through the doors into the gift shop.  At the entrance is  small open-air lounge with a band playing.  This museum has 4 floors. The actual museum is on the 2nd floor.  You can rent the 3rd floor for a wedding reception or other event.  The rooftop houses the restaurant and bar.  It has an amazing view!!  It overlooks the Tennessee Titans Stadium.

The museum exhibit was put together by George Jones' wife, Nancy.  She handpicked items that were personal to the Possum such as contents of his wallet.  I have a Costco card just like George. 

There were items such as the chair he sat in while he watched Sunday Football and his own personal barber shop setup.  It was a very well put together exhibit that showcased his personal side as much as the entertainer part of him.

Here's Chief with George Jones' truck that sits in the gift shop.  He feels that it is important for you to know there is a "moonshine maker" in the bed of the truck.  (Yes, my sweet son read my blog over my shoulder as I type.)

 

If you've gotten to the end of this post and wondered why I made this a Texas Tuesday post, know this...George Jones grew up in Saratoga, Texas and raised in Vidor, TX. 

 

So the next time you venture through Nashville, be sure to put this one on your list to see.  You won't be disappointed.

 

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Thirsty Thursday-Nail Polish and Cocktails

I choose nail polish based on the name about 75% of the time.  If I want a pink polish, I will look through every bottle until I find one with a name that amuses me.  I am also that person that will choose a book based on the cover or the title.  I have read some really great books using this method. 

I started realizing there could be themes to the nail polishes I have...one being cocktails.  This post was a fun one to research and play with the different colors.  I am sure the cosmetic lady at Walgreen's thought I was completely crazy but ask me if I care.  It was for research purposes!

During last summer, I decided to treat myself to a manicure.  I knew I wanted a bright pink but not neon.  Then I found it...OPI Strawberry Margarita!  It was the right shade of pink-cute but not overbearing.  I ended up buying it yesterday so that I could do my toes when the rain finally stops!  In case you are now craving a margarita, check out this Thirsty Thursday post for recipes! 

 

I currently have my nails painted two different colors.  I couldn't decide which one I liked better so I used both.  They are both from Essie.  The first is called Peach Daiquiri.  It is definitely bright but not so overwhelming.  I am not a big neon nail color girl and I still like the brightness of this one.  The other is Mojito Madness.  It is a deep mint color and looks great with Peach Daiquiri.  Both are great for summer!  Once you get your nails painted and dried, be sure to make a Frozen Peach Diaquiri or a Mojito. 

 

I have two last colors that are not in my collection but still really cute.  One is a nude (which I don't wear.  I am pale enough!) and a gray color that I haven't be able to find.

 

 

(photo from imabeautygeek.com)

Cocktails and Coco is really cute but like I said I am pale enough.  I paint my nails so that I have a little color.  I don't need my nails tanner than my legs and arms!

(photo from lacqueredlover.com)

 

Cocktail Bling is adorable!  I love grey polish.  I have looked and looked for it but each store I have been to, it was sold out.  I guess it's pretty popular.  I am adding some simple cocktail recipes for your enjoyment as well.

 

By the weekend gets here, your nails will be looking good and you will have a few new drink recipes to try out on your friends!

Hugs y'all,

Melissa 

 

Texas Tuesday- May Festivals

I had planned for this post to be published at the beginning of the month.  But then I got busy and did not get it written!  So I am bringing you the "What's left of May Festivals" edition.  Get your calendars ready because they are some good ones!

May 16: Rockwall Founders Day is great excuse to get out in the sunshine.  It is located at a beautiful park in Rockwall.  You can find everything from live music all day to food to vendors!  Did someone say shopping?!

May 15-17: Pasadena Strawberry Fest will unveil the world's largest strawberry shortcake!  YUM!!  Live music will feature Texas favorites Wade Bowen and Granger Smith.  There's also a MUD volleyball tournament and a washing pitching tournament.  Where do I sign up?!

May 15-16: Tailwind Regional Balloon Fest can be found in Canton this weekend.  It features a car show, kids' fun, and a Glow 5K.  It is located on the west of side of the First Monday grounds.

May 23-24: Rockport Festival of Wine and Food pretty much has my vote for best festival of the weekend!!  Who can go wrong with food and wine?!  It is the largest fundraiser for the Texas Maritime Museum.  So go enjoy the food and wine AND feel good about donating to a good cause.  Added bonus...it's Memorial Day weekend so stay an extra day!

May 30: Rockwall Country Fair is a cute fair.  I went last year as a vendor but got to enjoy the live music afterwards.  It's in a new location this year with new hours.  Plus it's free admission!!  Family fun to be had by everyone.  They feature local bands so that makes for a great hometown event.  It's always cool to see a friend up on stage singing.  The fair will also have a kids' zone and vendors. 

Hope you are able to get out and enjoy some fun this May.  That is IF the rain can stay away on the weekends!

Hugs y'all!
Melissa

Family Friday- Movie Night!!

If I can keep from taking my kids to the movies, I do.  I hate sitting in a movie theater.  Like seriously HATE it!!   Why do I want to over pay to sit in a seat that 1,000 other people have sat in?  God knows what they did in that seat!! (I might be a slight germophobe.)  I can't sit still for that long and worst of all- I HATE LISTENING TO PEOPLE EAT!!  Especially popcorn. It seems like any movie I go to has the guy that just won the "Loudest Eater Award."  So there's really no point in going to the movies with me. 
But I do enjoy a good family movie night.  My favorite time is around the holidays.  We have the fire place roaring, surround sound is booming and we have no where to be the next day.  With the kids getting older, our movie night doesn't have to be a cartoon.  It can actually be something we all might enjoy.  I think the kids get more excited about a movie at home than they do if we take them to the theatre.  It doesn't take much to make us happy.  Here's some tips to make your family movie night a great one!

1.  Break the Rules!  Cook dinner just as you usually would.  But instead of eating at the table, create a nice little dining area on the coffee table where you will be watching the movie.  Make sure your dinner is movie night friendly.  We do soups if it is cold.  If the weather is warmer, we do nachos, quesadillas, hamburgers.  Usually something that does not require silverware.  Bring plenty of napkins or paper towels.  Then you can either pause the movie or wait until the end to put away the dishes.

2.  Close the curtains and lower the lights to give that movie theater feel.  We usually leave a couple of small lamps on if we are having dinner and a movie.  The kids love when I turn off all the lights and close the curtains.

3.  If you have surround sound, use it!  Don't just utilize it during sporting events.  That will achieve the movie theatre feel even more.

4.  Keep candy and snacks close by.  Just recently I moved a cabinet (that used to be our old kitchen island) into our living room.  My next trip to Costco will include buying candy bars and other movie snacks to stock that cabinet.  Keeping snacks in close reach will allow us to not miss a moment of the movie.  Buy a small popcorn machine to stash in the corner for quick refills of the popcorn bucket.

Most of these seem pretty obvious but I am sure I am missing something too.  The point of movie night is to keep it casual and comfortable.  You've all had a long week and deserve some family time.

Hugs y'all,
Melissa

Thirsty Thursday-Simple Strawberry Cocktail

             

 

We've made it through another busy week.  For the readers that are teachers in the state of Texas, congrats!!  You made it through another year of STAAR testing.  You deserve a break.  (If you want to know my opinion about the STAAR testing, check it out here.)  Today's drink is so super easy and can use up some of that vanilla vodka from the Easter cocktail.  That is if you still have any.  I would post the link but the recipe seems to have disappeared from the site.  So here it goes:

Ingredients include:
3oz.  Moscato
1 oz. Vanilla Vodka
1 oz. Strawberry soda
Optional-Strawberries for garnish

Combine moscato and vanilla vodka with ice in a shaker.  Shake and then pour into your favorite cocktail glass (or in my case, a mason jar) and top with strawberry soda.  Feel free to garnish with a strawberry.

Hope you get a chance today to relax and sip slowly on this sweet little cocktail!
Hugs y'all,
Melissa


 

Grilled Cheese Heaven

                  

  

I am just gonna put this out there:  if you don't like grilled cheese sandwiches, we can't be friends.  Seriously, what's not to love?  Bread-good.  Cheese-good.  Butter-good.

Grilled cheese sandwiches used to be just that; bread toasted with cheese in the middle and grilled to a gooey mess.  Now there's all these different ways to change it up.  I make my kids grilled cheese pizzas and they love them.  The simple grilled cheese has come a long way.  Today, I am bringing you a few of my new favorites that will be repeats on our family menu.  

Lasagna Grilled Cheese

Adult Grilled Cheese

Breakfast Grilled "Cheese"

I can't wait to try out some of these this weekend.  Red has basketball games on Saturday so the breakfast sandwich will be perfect as we head out the door!

Peace, Love and Grilled Cheese!

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Thirsty Thursday- Simple Coke and Vodka

Ever have that week when every morning, you wake up convinced it's Friday?  That's been me for the past 2 days!  To put it bluntly, it sucks!  At least it's Thursday.  I can see the weekend...which is a whole lotta cleaning!  But for tonight, I am going to enjoy Thirsty Thursday.   

I am keeping it simple today-vodka and Coke (really a Coke, not a Dr. Pepper).  This is my husband's "go to" drink.  He puts more Vodka in his than I like.  He's 6 ft 4 and holds his alcohol better.  Take your favorite cup and pour an entire can of Coke.  Mason jars work great.  I bought a great cup at Kirkland's yesterday that held an entire can.  

Then add your vodka.  I bought vanilla vodka last week so we've been using that.  You could use cherry flavored vodka instead.  I add about 3 tablespoons of vodka since I don't like for my drinks to taste like alcohol.  Stir or shake to mix the coke and vodka together.  Then sit back and enjoy!!

Keep truckin' friends...Friday is almost here!!!

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

Wonder Woman Wednesday- Why I Don't Care...and It's OK

                

                                         Photo by Suzie Bell Photography

   

This morning as my alarm went off, I thought "I got this!  It's Friday.  Just a couple of clients and the kids get out early from school!"  Imagine my disappointment when I realized it is Wednesday.  And just like that... My motivation and excitement was gone.  But I have still have a full day and the kids still have school.  After a few moments of moping, I got out of bed and started my morning routine.  Now don't get me wrong.  I love my job.  It's just nice to have a day off every once in a while.  One of those days when you say "I don't care."

We live in a society that indirectly peer pressures us into working in and out of the home.  No one person means to bullies us but Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest does.  If I'm friends with Sally on Facebook and every night she posts the epic home-cooked dinner she made after she got off work, it COULD make me feel bad about that oven ready lasagna I just popped in the oven.  I COULD feel like a bad mom/wife for not preparing a healthier meal for my family...but I DON'T CARE.  

That room mom that hand carves bunnies out of chocolate for the entire class should make me feel bad...but I don't care.

That mom at Starbucks with immaculately dressed kids (while my son is in shorts and cowboy boots) could make me feel like I'm a lazy mom...but I don't care.  

That friend that keeps her house tidy and organized every time I visit should make me feel lazy for not keeping mine the same way...but I don't care.

Why do I not care?  Because they are not me.  I value sleep.  I value time with my kids.  I value the time I spend cheering my kids on at their sporting events.  I value quiet time with hubs at night.  I value my own personal quiet time.  Organize the pantry or soak in a warm bath...hmmm, Yep I picked the last choice.  If my daughter and husband want to watch a marathon of "Criminal Minds," the laundry can wait until tomorrow.

I will get to the laundry room...eventually.

I will get dishes done...eventually.

I will cook a meal from scratch...eventually. 

I will organize my office...eventually.

"Everything will get done eventually" has became my motto lately.  For right now, I don't care and I am ok with that.

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

Texas Tuesday- Bluebonnets in the Spring

             

This is the best time of the year.  Easter has passed so that means spring is officially here.  The color blue is beginning to line our little country roads and big state highways.  I love it.  After feeling inspired by the beautiful drive this morning, I decided to dedicate today's post to bluebonnets!  Don't worry...I fought the urge to pull over and take selfie in a field of them this morning.

There are several family friendly festivals going on in the coming weeks.  I also found a map that combines bluebonnet sightings and wine tours!!!  Just click the links below for more info.

1.  Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival: April 11&12, 2015

2.  Ennis Bluebonnet Trail: April 1-30, 2015

3.   Ennis Bluebonnet Trail Festival: April 18&19, 2015

4.  Burnet Bluebonnet Festival: April 10-12, 2015

I also found a great website that reports bluebonnet sightings.  Go check out www.bluebonnetlove.com to report sightings near you or to find that great spot for pictures.  

Last but not least...  Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail

Wishing you all luck as you head out to find the perfect spot for bluebonnet pictures!

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

Thirsty Thursday- Vodka and Jellybeans

                   

I have certain candies I hoard around particular holidays.  Halloween is candy corn and those marshmellow creme pumpkins.  Christmas is chocolate covered cherries ( don't you DARE eat the chocolate and leave the cherry!).  Easter is jelly beans.  One year, I bought a bag of all black jelly beans...talk about heaven!  My husband says that's just gross but I don't even care.  Any fellow black jelly bean lovers out there?

Jelly beans are yummy.  They are even better in vodka.  For best results, use 1 color of jelly beans.  This recipe is easy and flexible.  You can use regular vodka, vanilla, marshmellow flavored or cake flavored vodka.  Soak 1/4 cup of jelly beans in a 1/2 of vodka for 2 days.  Strain the vodka after 48 hours into a mason jar (or a martini glass).  Stir in 2oz of chilled ginger ale.  If you are using a mason jar, just put the lid on and give it a few good shakes to mix the vodka and ginger ale.  

You have plenty of time to soak your jelly beans!  Start soaking by Friday and you will have the perfect cocktail by the time the eggs are hunted on Sunday!!

Happy Easter!!!

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

Wonder Woman Wednesday: Am I the Only One? Technology vs Paper Calendar

                   

I consider myself a person of this decade.  I have Facebook and Instagram.  I overload my Pinterest boards with pins I will never do.  I can navigate my computer, phone and IPad...all at the same time if needed.  I don't have Twitter because I think it might be overload on social media.  I don't snapchat or Vine because I think I am a little too old for those.  But there's one thing I prefer to do "old school."  No, I don't churn my own butter! (But I like the idea!).   I have an actual, real life paper calendar that I keep my weekly appointments in.  I have to take a pen/pencil and HANDWRITE my appointments in every week! (Gasp!!).   No schedule goes into my phone.  Not one appointment.  I have attempted to be tech savvy and keep things on my phone calendar.  I don't like it.  Want to know why?

1.  I'm a visual person.  I like to see my entire week at one glance.  When I can see Monday thru Friday's work schedule, I can easily find my open slots to add more clients or a meeting quickly. 

2.  My days are not always the same.  I am in different places everyday and clients aren't always the same.  So I need to have a quick reference in the mornings.  This also where I tend to keep my "to do" list.

3.  As a private speech therapist, I do all my own billing.  It's much easier to check off a client after I have billed them.  For private pay clients, it's easy to write a check number next to the sessions they've paid for.   I keep notes in my weekly calendar about client visits and things to try for the next time.

4.  I actually like the feel of my appointment book.  I like actually taking a pen to write in appointments.  While I am on the phone, I can still look at my calendar to schedule things.  I like looking back on Friday and seeing everything I accomplished that week.

5.  Since I document so much in my calendars, I keep them for a time period.  They go up in a cabinet so they are out of the way.  I keep them for at least 5 years.  

Everyone has their way of keeping themselves on track for the day.  I realize lots use the calendar in their phone.  Maybe one day I will convert.  But for right now, I am happy with my pencil and paper.

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Mom Monday-Easter Activities that say "Fun Mom!"

Easter's coming!!!  That means spring is coming!  Yes, I maybe a tad excited about warm weather.

Back to Easter... It's such a fun holiday.  Getting together with family, cooking out, dressing up in the cutest spring dresses...  There's also some really fun activities for kids too.  

One of my favorite books is "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick."  Such a cute story about the old lady swallowing cute things to make a great Easter basket.

                   

I love this next activity.  It's simple and requires very few materials.  It calls for colored tape but you could easily use any WASHI tape you have laying around.  

Kids love jokes!!!  At least my 8 year old does!  So what kid wouldn't love to find a joke in his lunch box?!  One joke a day in the lunchbox and you are immediately the coolest mom!

http://childhood101.com/2015/03/easter-jokes-for-kids/

This sweet little craft is something that could be treasured forever.  Moms love art work with their kiddos' hands.  Very easy and few materials needed.  

http://funhandprintartblog.com/2011/04/handprint-peeking-bunny-craft-start.html

Have fun mamas!!!

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

Friday Find-Shutters to Picture Displays

                   

I have been working on projects for my daughter's room lately.  She decided she wanted to keep the paneling up in her room.  I can't stand it but whatever...it's her room.  We came up with idea of a dark, girly lodge theme for her room.  She wanted lavendar and bright turquoise but I added the brown, cream and touches of gold.  It's not finished but I was able to get her picture displays done.  Red loves to have pictures in her room.  She taped them to her closet door until now.

Here's what I started with:

Two ugly little shutters... They were singles so there were no hinges for me to take off. I found these little guys at an antique shop in my hometown.  I had looked at them a few months ago but had no idea what to do with them.  But then I figured it out!!!

I used Rustoleum's spray paint in Seaside to change the look of these shutters.  Each one got at least 2 coats.  Then I took strips of 3 inch ribbon ( I used ribbon with wired edges but it's not necessary) and hot glued the edges to the back of the shutter.  It created a hanger.  

Now to attach pictures.  I covered simple clothespins in WASHI tape that my daughter chose.  In order to clip the clothespins, we had to open the shutters slightly.  

Here's the finished project:

My daughter is loving these.  I made 2 for her.  Pretty easy little afternoon project, right?  Plus it looks so much more organized than taped to her closet door.

Have fun DIYing!!

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Thirsty Thursday- Agua Loca

Seriously?!  After several days of nice 80 degree days, I woke up to a brisk, windy 52 degree day.  I was just sitting on my porch last night enjoying the weather.  Now I would get blown off my porch!  I realize that the north is way colder and still covered in snow.  But I live in Texas for a reason!  I don't do cold.

Well, if I can't change today's crappy weather, then I can at least drink like it's warm outside.  I found this great and simple drink on Miss Information's blog The combo of coconut and pineapple will make you think you are on an exotic beach somewhere far away.  It's pretty easy to make.  

Here's what you need:

Ice

3 oz pineapple juice

2 oz coconut rum

Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Recipe: 

Fill a glass with ice.

Add pineapple juice and rum; stir.

Garnish with a cherry.

Enjoy.

                          

Go check out her page to get the recipe to make a larger serving size.

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Wonder Woman Wednesday- Kitchen Challenge...the last leg!

                 

I am combining two weeks into one post today!  Last week, with my kids on spring break, I didn't get as much as I should have done.  Surprise, surprise!!  If you remember, last week's challenge was supposed to be organizing the pantry.  Here's a few tips for tackling that area!

1.  Clean out!  Get rid of expired foods.  If you stocked up on canned veggies 6 months to 1 year ago in the hopes of healthier eating, donate some or all of it! Be honest with yourself about what you actually need in there.  

2.  Take note of your space!  If you have a shoebox size pantry, obviously you can't buy EVERYTHING in bulk.  Some people use their basements for storing bulk.  In Texas, we don't have basements.  So unless you have a larger extra space, keep the size of your pantry in mind.  Crammed pantries don't stay tidy for long!

3.  Categorize!!!  Group cans together, keeping each type together.  For example, I buy Rotel in bulk.  All my canned foods can go on one shelf but, the Rotel stays together on that shelf.  That way I know when I am out (which rarely happens!) by just glancing in the pantry.  

4.  Use baskets, bins, jars!  Keep them cheap though.  I love dollar store containers.  Make sure your containers fit on the shelves.  Nothing worse than buying great baskets that don't fit!!!  Keep your pasta in one, oatmeal in another, bags of rice,etc.  Make sure to label everything!!

Now that your pantry is tidy, let's get to cleaning!  Everyone has their preference on cleaning supplies.  I like to pull everything off my counters in sections to throughly clean the counters.  I bleach my sink and let my self-cleaning oven do it's thing.  Whatever your method is, get to it!  Then stand back and enjoy the smell of a clean kitchen!  Don't forget to mop the floor!

               

                      That's my clean kitchen!  Hoping it lasts through the week!

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

 

Thirsty Thursday- March Madness Sangria

I am sure I am in the minority on this but...I am a chick who loves March Madness.  I love to watch basketball but I am not a big watcher of regular college season.  Add the pressure of "win or go home," great "Cinderella" stories, and the "little guy" stories...you've got my attention.  After the first few games, my Texas teams are gone.  No Baylor, no Texas, no SMU...just like that.  

What to know what can ease the pain?  Sangria!!! More specifically, game day sangria!

                

                               www.thecookierookie.com/game day-sangria/

I found this great recipe and thought it might be the way to drown my sorrows!!  Hopefully the Texas Women will win tomorrow and it can be my celebratory drink!  So cheers to your team!

Hugs y'all, 

Melissa

Mom Monday- Lucky One

St. Patrick's Day is a great time to talk about being lucky with your kids.  With shamrocks everywhere, it's an easy topic to bring up.  Today, I am bringing you a fun idea to do with the kids.  Talk about ways you feel lucky.  Things like great kids, roof over your head, food on the table,etc are good starting points.  These are ideas that will get the kiddos thinking.  Cut out a shamrock from a sheet of green construction paper for each of your kiddos (and yourself!).  Write "I Am Lucky Because" at the top.  Then have your kiddos write all the reasons they are lucky.  When they are finished, tape the shamrocks to the fridge!

Hugs y'all!!

Melissa

Thirsty Thursday- Eat, Drink & Be Irish

I love how we take other countries' holidays and celebrate like they are our own.  St. Patrick's Day is my most favorite Irish holiday.  I don't know any other Irish holidays so it wins by default.  Anyways, it seems like we take our favorite green holiday as prime time to get a little tipsy.  So I have brought you some fun drinks to help you celebrate your inner Irish!

The Tipsy Leprechaun 

The Ginger Hooley

                

Green Sangria

                  

May you have the luck of the Irish!

Hugs y'all!

Melissa

   

To Do Tuesday- Dollar Tree St. Patty's Wreath

Anyone else like being creative?  Anyone else feel that wreaths are terribly overpriced?  Ever see a wreath and think, "I could do that with my eyes closed!"?  Well, you are in luck my friends!!  Today's tutorial takes a dollar store foam wreath, 2 feather boas, and 1/2 a package of glittery shamrocks.  For a whopping total of $4, you can make this wreath.  So here it goes!

Take one of the feather boas and hot glue one end of it the wreath form.  As you wrap it, add a dot of glue every so often.  This will make sure the boa stays where you want it.  Once it's completely wrap ( should cover half of your wreath), glue the end down.  You will wrap your second one just like the first.  I overlap just a bit to make sure there is complete coverage. 

           

Easy so far right?  Now, take your package of glittery foam shamrocks and hot glue wherever your heart desires!!!  I left room on my mine for a piece of ribbon.

                       

 

Drum roll please... Here is the finished product!!!

                       

 

Wonder Woman Wednesday- Get Your Pots Together!

Let's say you are the woman that has her kitchen all together.  In less than 5 seconds, you can pull out your medium saucepan with matching lid.  You're so organized your husband can easily navigate through the kitchen when you're not home.  You can find your big pasta pot without emptying the entire cabinet onto the floor.  Sound like you?  Then go away!  This post is not for you!  Just kidding...you can stick around as long as you don't comment about how perfect your kitchen is.😉

When we moved into my childhood home, I knew space would not be an issue.  My kitchen is ginormous!  Cabinet space is amazeballs!  But I still needed to organize my pots and pans.  Growing up, my mom had a deep cabinet (with a sliding shelf) and a tall cabinet next to the pantry that stored her pots and pans.  You had to look in both spots when looking for a pot.  I decided I was only using the deep cabinet for our pots and pans.  I went to a home improvement store to buy those racks you stack your skillets in.  I mean, they worked great in that perfect Pinterest kitchen I saw!  After they sat on the counter for a year (slightly longer), I decided to use them.    Lesson 1: when you buy those things, make sure they will fit in your cabinets.   So they continue to sit on the counter... 

 Plan B only cost $1!  I cleaned out the cabinet and gathered all the lids.  My skillets and saucepans sit stacked neatly on the sliding shelf.  On the bottom sits my big pasta pot, 2 Dutch ovens and a new red bin that holds my lids!  It was that simple!!  Buy a red bin from Dollar Tree... Problem solved.

After I finished I sat there thinking, "Why did I pin 5 thousand ways to organize this cabinet?"  I didn't use any of them!  

So here's the motivation you need to get organized!  We are starting small-just pots and pans.  You could do it in a Friday night or Saturday morning.  Each week in March, I will challenge you to one spot in your kitchen to get organized.  A sliding shelf and a dollar store bin might not be enough to solve your chaos, so work with the desired space and make it work for you!

Next week, we tackle the fridge!!!

                       

 

Happy Organizing friends! 

Hugs y'all,

Melissa @The Lone Star Ginger