Recycle Relief

As I continue along my journey to simplify my life, I realize that have been struggling with my kitchen garbage. The first problem is my trash can. When something messy is put in this trash can, it gets all over the lid. The lid also allows smells to linger because it doesn’t close, it swings. 

The next problem is with my recycles. Each time I have something to recycle, I have to take it out the back door, though the pool deck, and around to the side of the house where the recycle bin is. We do not have a garage so the garbage cans are kept on the side of the house.  Sometimes when I am busy, I just stack it by the garbage can until I get a pile. I don’t like this because Bella tries to lick the can for leftovers and I am afraid she will cut her tongue.  

Bella

I have been thinking about this problem for months. I didn’t want the type that opens with your foot. They do not last with kids. While I was in the Keys for the July 4^th holiday, I found my solution. Our friend’s trash can would work perfect. I had never seen this kind before. When I saw it, I was like YES!   

 When I got home, I stood by my current trash can trying to figure out how to fit two of these trash cans in the same corner as our water cooler. After a bit of rearranging, I realized there just wasn’t enough room in that little corner.  I moved the water cooler to the opposite corner. Then all was well.   My new trash cans fit perfectly.

Next, I had to put labels on them so that I wouldn’t have to resort the trash.  I found some free labels on the internet. I copied & pasted them to my computer and just typed in my words. After they were printed out, I cut them and used packing tape to laminate them on the cheap.

  Here are my new trash cans and water cooler in their new home. 

Simplify Life One Step At A Time

Daughter Room Refresh

Last week my daughter was assigned to clean her room when she came to me and said, “There is just too much stuff in my room!” She sure knows the way to get my attention. The very next day we were in her room clearing out stuff.  She is so good at getting rid of things she doesn’t want.

 At one time, her room was all princesses. One day she decided that she didn’t like them anymore so she took everything “princess” out of her room  and into the hallway for me to give away. All that was left in her bedroom was a bed, tv, dresser, and chair. I thought for sure that she would change her mind and want the stuff back but she never did. My girl had made up her mind.

OK, so back to present day. Here are some before pictures.

She has such a small room with a love for stuffed animals.

Let the refresh begin:

We sorted her clothes & took everything out of the bottom of her closet.

Next, We put all of her toys in one basket.

We keep extra blankets in her closet for her sleep over guests. 

Everything went back in the closet.

The book shelf was in order once again. 

This guy was allowed to stay.

The bed was made.

 We changed her bed around and gave her a night stand for her radio. 

A list of things that found a different home:

• 8 stuffed animals

• 40 books (“too kiddy,” she said)

• Little toy organizer

• Remaining dress up costumes (3 sizes too small)

This is not a big list but it makes a BIG difference in a small room.  

My girl is happy with her room once again. 
 

Simplify Life One Step At A Time