Working Towards Simplicity

I need all the help I can get when it comes to keeping my place clean, organized, and clutter-free. Here are some recent strides in that direction...

Hooks. Hooks are good for me because otherwise things end up in piles. So here are my newly hung Norwex cleaning rags. Mom got us each a set for Christmas; she's real into them. Personally, I'm very skeptical. They're great for mirrors, but on surfaces such as the bathroom sink, I have a hard time believing that they are really disinfecting. I find myself wanting to use a cleaner along with them.

But it's hard not to want to use my amazing chemical-free all-purpose cleaner. I'm really sold on this brand...

This is part of a line of all natural products including dish soap, counter cleaner, hand soap, and hand lotion. My sister Laura got me a pack of them for a housewarming gift and I was hooked. I've been giving them as gifts lately. There are a few different scents, all smell SO good. You can find them at Target.

For things that pile up in my living room. I now have a storage ottoman/side table. Plenty of space inside to keep blankets, a stack of magazines, or whatever random thing I don't know where to go with.

And finally...it was high time I do something about this...

Before

After

Well I have many ideas and necessary tasks that need done, but I think I'm off to a good start. I'm realizing I'm much better at coming up with the plans, than actually implementing. (I think this pattern should be considered in future career decisions.) My January Real Simple had tons of fun ideas, so we'll see what I will actually end up doing...