Office Under the Stairs

This is a better use of a space the usually becomes a closet, isn't it? via

Shark Day at My Cottage

Did the title of this post get your attention? A few days ago, I washed and cleaned all the filters and the canister on my Shark Bagless Vacuum Cleaner and it was like new again. Yesterday, I decided to use it instead of my upright Hoover. Here is the end result in my living room. I have a hard time doing inside housework in the summer, do you? It's a necessary evil though! It was somehow quite satisfying to see all the dirt and dust I collected. I did a really thorough job in my living room and kitchen (moving furniture) but only gave a lick and a promise to the 2 bedrooms, bath, and entrance vestibule on my main floor. I had to empty the canister 3 times! My windows are all open and the outside dust is on its way inside but I don't care. I like being clean as a whistle once again. Doesn't it look nice? xo

Pallet Garden Tool Organizer

I love this idea. Pallets are free and this photo makes me happy. My garden tools are organized in the vestibule but I could use something like this at my back door or in the barn/garage. Step by step instructions for making it here.

Here's another link from Country Living Magazine for you: 12 DIY Backyard Storage Ideas You Need to Try

New Toolbox for My Gardening Tools

I pulled this cool aluminum box from a friend's dumpster. The men cleaning out her barns figured nobody would want it. Wrong! I made them put it in the back of my SUV.  It had some rust on the side handles and the steel piano hinge. No problem since I am the queen of cleaning and polishing.

I had this wooden base on casters in my attic. It was from my previous house and a previous life. Perfect fit too.

Here's an interior shot of the beginning stages of garden tool storage. Now I have all the things I need for my front garden right inside the front door. So handy. So happy.

Almost Finished with My Taxes

Today's goal is to finish gathering all necessary paperwork for the accountant and get my life back. via

Kitchen Pantry Under the Stairs

This is a great idea, isn't it? Tour the rest of this renovated open kitchen in California here.

Lovely Kitchen Details

I like what I can see and want to see more, don't you? via

Bedroom and Orderly Closet

This is very inspiring as we approach the new year with resolutions of order in the house. via

Mostly Porch Cottage

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Not exactly a Christmas image but it caught my eye. I love that they made the porch almost as large as the first floor. I am making great headway toward Christmas, are you? All I need is a week and I was in full throttle yesterday. Today, so far, has been excellent too. xo

Pantry with Repurposed Screen Doors

This pantry door treatment is a great idea for a country kitchen. The extra storage behind the raised panels is very clever and so handy in this location near the range. via Pinterest

A Friend's Walk-In Closet

She says it's like going shopping every day when she's getting ready for work. 

Her home is for sale. 

Chester Township NJ - MLS # 3253972

A Delightful Office in the Attic

Thisis fabulous, isn't it? A place to daydream and pay bills. via

Bathtub Storage for Towels

I have never seen this tub-surround treatment before, have you? via

Fun with Shelves

It's so much fun to play with your treasures and arrange them on shelves. I've been doing this all week. Hopefully tomorrow I will show you the shelves in MY bedroom. Good night. xo

My Kitchen Pantry, Newly Organized

My Labor Day Cottage Project included real labor to clean and reorganized the shelves of my kitchen pantry.

I must confess that this is the first time I have ever cleaned the top shelf and I was amazed that it really wasn't that bad. I'm still not finished but this is a good start. I find that I do better when I do a major project in dribs and drabs rather than all at once. I started by cleaning and reorganizing the first shelf last week. Then when the spirit moved me, I did the middle shelf. I was putting off the top shelf because I thought it would be dreadful but it wasn't after not being touched since 2004. I thought 11 years of dust would be much worse than it was and I was pleasantly surprised. 

I need to reorganize my cookbooks by size so they will look neater. I did get rid of some for donating to the annual firehouse auction this month. I hardly ever use them anyway. I always grab my few favorites or use a recipe I've discovered online anyway.

Are there any labor plans in your Labor Day? Have a good one. xo

Kitchen Cabinet Detail w/ Spice Rack and Chalk Board

I like the corner of this kitchen and would like to see more! This cabinet door probably stays open all the time, right? I think the things on the bottom shelf would bump into the lower spice shelf. How handy this must be to have all those little things and your favorite cookbooks in one place. Love it. via

Gallery Wall Behind a Desk

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This is quite wonderful, isn't it? What a great place to sit and day dream. I love it all! xo

WOW. What a Laundry Room

If you've ever dreamed of a combination laundry room, flower arranging, potting room, this is definitely it. via

Beautiful Family Entry

This is too pristine to be called a mudroom and I'm sure everyone is trained to leave the mud outside. It's beautiful, isn't it? via

Seaside Cottage Bedroom DIY Closets

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Well, if this isn't the cutest little seaside cottage bedroom! I never even thought of adding closet space this way in my own cottage that is very short on hanging space for clothing. A window like this one over the bed is on my want list as well. I could have one so easily since my bed is on a north wall with no openings. I would schedule a carpenter today if only I could snap my fingers and make it disappear in the by October since my bedroom is on the chilly side in the winter already. This would be perfect in the summer though since I am a fresh air freak.