3 Done and 1 To-Do.

So, lingering little annoying house projects. Anybody have them? I have had a few things on my list of to-do's for several months (maybe even years) that take very little time to accomplish but somehow are impossible to complete.

I finally reached a point where I could stand it no more and told myself that another weekend would not pass until said tasks were done. 

And I did it! I know, I was kind of surprised that I actually listened to myself and for realz followed through. I even sacrificed my Sunday afternoon nap for one of them....that's a big deal. Sunday afternoon naps are kind of my favorite thing.

So I present the 3 Done's:

#1: The spice cabinet (cue dramatic and suspenseful scary musical interlude):

I forgot to take a 'before' picture of this adventure but it looked pretty close to something like this...

Can you relate? Things I found...an almost full bottle of Grapeseed oil expired in 2012, 2 empty jars of black pepper, several nearly empty (and expired) bottles of fancy vinegars and an Onion Powder from 2009!!! Not to mention that most of the other spices that I use on a daily basis were past expiration by more than a few months. Sheesh....how embarrassing. In addition, I had to constantly move spices out of the way to find the one I needed. 

Time for a complete overhaul. I tossed all expired spices, oils and vinegars (which was pretty much everything) and restocked with the basic spices I use most- I splurged a little and went with Penzey's across the board because they are amazing and I just wanted to. 

Then, while at Menards for a different project, I picked up a few organizational racks to make each spice visible and accessible for all my future cooking needs. $6 each I think, plastic, simple. 30 quick minutes of work, and boom:

Organized, functional and NOT EXPIRED. I feel so spicy and free.

#2- Hair Appliance storage:

On any given morning, I use 1 to 3 different appliances to prepare my hair for the day. My bathroom cabinet is less than awesome at organizing stuff as it has no drawers and just one big, open space. Blah (someday I am going to update the bathroom...it will be glorious. But that day is far from today.)

I had been storing them (hair dryer, round brush dryer and flat iron) in a basket under the sink when not in use. But each time I needed one (or 3), I had to wrestle with a tangled mess of cords and always knocked over some bottle of something in the process...maddening, I tell you. And messy:

And if I'm totally honest, most days they all just lay strewn about the counter and toilet. 

But, do you know what's dangerous (and painful)? Stepping on the prongs of the cord at 5 in the morning when it's dark and you're tired and it's on the floor and you forgot it was there.

Enough! Another quick and inexpensive solution- metal hanging basket + cord hook:

Guys, it's a bathroom revolution up in here. And another annoying house project checked off the list. 

#3- The Raspberries:

My raspberry plants are in their 2nd year of life and have produced a modest yet delicious harvest. But, dude, they were quickly becoming quite unruly (as raspberry plants are known to do). My tomato cage set up from last year was no longer cutting the mustard and a better solution had to be found. Some pals of mine have an amazing system in their back yard involving metal u posts and wire....I was determined to duplicate.

For reference, here's the before:

Ahhhh! It's like an alien creature from outer space! Help me!!

Another trip to Menards, a little sweat (and a few tears- I totally hit my hand with the hammer as I was holding the post to drive it into the ground. Note to self: Use the proper tool for any given job. Lesson learned.), some wire strung across from post to post in three tiers and I was in business:

Future bountiful harvests are certain to be in my raspberries' lives...and in my mouth.

And 1 'To-Do': 

I'm pretty sure that my garage door feels sad that it's not pink like the other exterior doors on the house- so next project on the docket is to make the garage door feel pretty like it's friends. Stay tuned....here's the before for future reference:

Just a little encouragement to knock some of those pesky little projects off your list....you can do it! Give yourself a pep talk and a deadline and make it happen. You will feel so happy when you can step back and see the difference a little time and energy can make- and then you can enjoy that Sunday afternoon nap in total peace:)