Space Treat: A Bag a Day Keeps the Clutter Away.

December 17, 2008

donationsWell, we’re deep into the holiday season now. I’ve been to quite a few parties and have more to come. Every time I arrive somewhere, I’ve always got gift in hand and so does everyone else. You know what that means, more stuff… and where is it all going? So even if you’re not hosting a party, you’re probably bringing some kind of gift through your front door this time of year. Continue Reading

Wall Decoration Shelves. Squared.

December 15, 2008

Sometimes you need shelves for organization, and sometimes you just need to show off terrific items like flowers and picture frames. When it comes time to forgo roomy shelf space for a design that demands attention and acts a de facto display case, albeit one that hangs on the wall without a glass door, the perfect choice is this delightful Collection Box from Organize-It.

Sold in a handy set of 3 in varying sizes, these boxes are shelves, and visa versa. But here’s a hint (shh, don’t tell) – they actually CAN be used for storage and organization! I know! Many times I find it frustrating that decor and “style” have to intrude on good old-fashioned functionality. If I had my way, modern and tradition design would eschew the need for “glitter” as I call it: little flourishes that many find make a home or office “cozy”. I prefer pure the cold mathematics of shelf organization; optimizing anti-clutter expenditure and maximizing the available raw space of a shelf. But this is my opinion only. There is certainly room for both schools of thought, and the collection box is nothing if not versatile.

Not only do the boxes come in 3 sizes, but they also feature a gamut of color choices. Pick from natural, white, dark cherry, black, chocolate, honey, and mahogany if you, like many others, enjoy harmonizing your home or office’s look and color scheme.

I know my hard-edged opinions on shelf organization would classify me as “straight-laced”, “cold”, or even “square” — but these collection boxes prove that squares can be cool, too.

Cool Shoe Tool #2 – Shoe Polishers

December 11, 2008

My #2 Cool Shoe Tool Pick: Electric Shoe Polisher

For a totally polished, perfect look, consider purchasing a shoe polishing system. If you have nice shoes, especially expensive ones, then you should polish them often to keep them looking their best at all times.

A newly polished shoe serves two functions:

  • It looks like a new shoe and you look classy
  • It also keeps leather shoes in tip-top shape, maybe even extending their lifespan.

There are many levels of shoe polishing methods, and each has its pros and cons. Check out my guide below to selecting a home shoe polishing system – It is broken into three categories – choose the one that matches your needs and make sure to keep it right by your shoe rack so that you’ll actually use it!

1. Shoe Polish and Sponge Method – This is by far the most affordable method, great for young adults and college students. It also takes up the least amount of space, but, it requires the most amount of elbow-grease, so, you have to really want polished shoes if you are going this route. Polishing shoes is surprisingly easy and very gratifying. You just buy shoe polish at any shoe store or even drug store, rub it on the shoes, wait a minute and shine it off and… voila! An instant facelift for your favorite shoes! Make sure to cover the floor with a towel or newspaper to avoid stains.

2. Shoe Valets and Boxes – This is one step up from method 1. You still have to use your very own muscles to polish, but the nice thing here is that the shoe sits up on the box (less mess) and more comfortable. Also, there is usually storage in a box underneath the shoe for polishes and rags. This cedar shoe valet comes with everything you need to get started.

3. Electric Shoe Polisher – I have to admit I don’t have one of these and I’m not sure I’d necessarily spend the money on it this year, but I have tried an electric polisher at a friend’s house and it is really nice. They fit right into the closet and do all the buffing for you, you don’t even have to use cleaners or chemicals – great if you have kids and pets.

Now, Get Polishing!!!