Week 1- The Kitchen- A Bowl Full of Lemons Organizing Challenge

Kitchen Tour

This first week was an easy challenge for me. It was a good way to start out!! :) Our Kitchen is usually pretty tidy. As you can see from the pictures, our main living area is one big room. So, that forces me to try and keep it semi presentable. I did have a few drawers/ cabinets that needed some help though. Below you can see the before and after pictures of those.

Our trash can is made by Simple Human. Its about11 years old and probably one of the oldest items we have from our first home. It still looks brand new and has been though four moves. We bought it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond with a 20% off coupon. We own a few Simple Human products and they are all awesome! Click on the highlighted words to check it out!

Our Counter Stools are the Rustic Bar Stools from West Elm. You can check them out HERE. 

These are my favorite cleaners for cleaning granite counter tops. I use plain soap and water first, then Method Granite Cleaner. Its available at Amazon and Target. Shaklee is a great non harmful cleaner- I love adding pure essential oils to the cleaner. It smells so good! My favorite is peppermint and Lemon.

 

 

Madison likes to ring this Dinner Bell. I found it at Marshalls a few years ago.

 

I used to put magnets on the front of the fridge, but I noticed our old fridge was scratched a bit. But, I love the cleaner less cluttered look. So, I just keep a few things hung up on the side.

 

JR bought me this Mixer for my 30th Birthday a couple years ago. I LOVE IT! Everyone should have one!! He found it a Kohl's at a great price!

 

This is my favorite lotion- JR Watkins Lemon Lotion. It smells sooo good! You can find it at Target or HERE on Amazon.

I found this little sign at a local craft fair. I thought it was so cute! I normally dont like too much kitchen clutter. But, I had to make an exception for this. 

I made this chalkboard frame from a goodwill picture frame. 

I love decorating with plants. They are natural air purifiers and I love pops of green and life they bring into the home.

I painted this little guy at the ceramic shop :)

Okay, so here are pictures from the organizing challenge. These drawers and cabinets were not too bad.

Above the microwave is mostly candles and candle sticks.

This is Madison's cabinet, and she is in charge of it. So I just leave that one alone. She does like to organize it every few months. 

Here is where it gets out of hand........

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE: (This is junk drawer no. 1) Mostly just random school stuff and any paperwork or coupons I have to sort through ends up in here.

All this went into the Recycle bin!

AFTER: Much better!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:(Junk drawer no.2)

AFTER: DONE!

Did you participate in this weeks challenge? If so, how did you do? Its not to late to start!!! Check out my blog post a few down and get caught up!! :O) Happy Organizing!

Week 1- ABFOL HOME ORGANIZATION CHALLENGE- The Kitchen

source

 

If you missed my first post you can read about it more on A Bowl Full of Lemons blog or on my blog post a couple down.

 

The first thing you need to do is print out your 14 Week Schedule. Go HERE to find it.

 

via ABFOL Blog:

 

WEEK #1 TASK – The Kitchen:

The kitchen is the hub of the home.  Everyone ends up in the kitchen at some point during their day. So it gets messy fast!  The best way to conquer the mess and the clutter is to get organized.

To begin the process and in order to be fully organized, everything really should be emptied out of the space, so you can see it clearly and start fresh.  Its time to clear the clutter.  Empty out every Cabinet and drawer in your kitchen.  Only do this if you can have everything put back in its place within the week.  WE ARE NOT ORGANIZING THE PANTRY THIS WEEK.  We will address the pantry in a couple more weeks.   Get a babysitter (or send the kids to the neighbors), put on your comfy clothes, and turn up the music. Its time to organize!!  *Before you start, look around your house to find bins, baskets, etc… You can use these for your kitchen organization.

WEEK #1 CHECKLIST:  (Print out the checklist HERE)
1. Clean out and organize all cabinets.
2. Clean out and organize all drawers.
3. Purge everything that is not used, expired, doesnt belong, collecting dust.
4. Clean out & organize fridge & freezer.
5.  Mop, wipe down cabinet doors, clean counter tops & tables.
6.  Take everything off the refrigerator door.  It makes the kitchen look messy.
7. Clean all appliances.

THE PROCESS:
1. Clear off the kitchen table. This is your dumping grounds.
2.  Empty out all cabinets & drawers!  Place ALL items into “categories” on the table.
3.  Wipe down the cabinet doors, shelves and drawers. Add new liners if necessary.
4.  Discard (trash) old, expired, and no longer used items & food. Check the dates.
5.  Place all items that are able to fit, into baskets.
6.  Place everything back into the cabinets & drawers (in categories).
7. Take everything off the kitchen counters and place onto the table.
8. Wipe down the counters & backsplash with a good natural cleaner.
9. Wipe down ALL small appliances & large ones too!
10. Put back items you use on a daily basis, onto the counter top.
11. Mop the floors and wipe down the table & chairs.
12. Empty fridge/freezer. Wipe out. Put back in an organized manner.
13. Clean and organize under the kitchen sink.
Tip: Keep all clutter off the counters at all times. If you take it out, put it away!

 

Here are several blog posts that will inspire you to get your kitchen organized.

1. Kitchen Organization

2. Under the Kitchen Sink

3. Spice Organization

4.  Fridge Organization

5. Pantry Organization

6. Kitchen Utensils

7. Baking Cabinet Organization

8. Tupperware

9. Coffee Station Organization

 

 

 

2015 Home Organizing Challenge- A Bowl Full of Lemons

Happy New Year! This year I am working on simplifying and decluttering my life in all areas. Cheers to a brand new year with and clean blank slate!! New beginnings, positive thinking, and exciting new adventures will be happening in twenty fifteen. 

One of my favorite bloggers- Toni from A Bowl Full of Lemons is hosting her yearly organization challenge. Every year I want to do this and for what ever reason, I never complete it. This year I'm gonna make it happen and I will be sharing it on the blog to stay accountable:) 

How the challenge works and how you can join too-

• Sign up for the challenge here. The challenge begins on January 4th!
• Join the Home Organization 101 Facebook group (optional).
• Print out the 14 week schedule.
• Check your email on January 4th (or visit ABFOL blog), for your first assignment.
• Take the full 7 days to complete each assignment.
• Follow A Bowl Full of Lemons on FB for updates!
• Follow ABFOL on Instagram for updates & grab my challenge picture to share!
• Use the hashtag #abfolorganizechallenge and share your pictures on Instagram.

Huge Christmas Wreath Craft

 

Christmas Edibles

Candy Cane Yarn Wreath