Organize & Recycle Paint

If you live in the colder regions, you should always bring in your paint from your garage or shed. Be sure to label each color by dabbing a spot on top of the paint can or you can label the color with a sharpie marker. Another easy way to keep a record of your paint colors is by dipping a paint stick into each gallon, allowing it to dry and then keeping that paint stick readily available for decorating as well.

My handy tip- I recommend that you wrap the mouth of the paint can with cling wrap - basically sealing in the paint and then tightly secure the lid on. As we repaint and decorate rooms, we should do away with the old paints that are no longer in your home.

If your paint is old and has an odor, you should fill it with kitty litter and allow to get hard then recycle through your local waste management company. If you have various gallons of paint left, here are a few tips on recycling:

*Call your local Good Will or Thrift Store
*Contact your local high school's drama department - they are in need of supplies all the time!
*Call Habitat for Humanity

The new buzz word in the world of recycling is now "Precycle" - which is basically purchasing the correct amount of paint. No need to over buy paint..you can always go back and buy a quart for touch-ups as oppossed to storing a gallon for a few years! A few websites that can help you further recycle your paints:

*PaintCare.org
*Earth911.com
*www.local.com

Organize that Closet...Finally!

Yes, it's that time of year again...to clean out and organize your closet! I'd like to share a few simple tips that have helped me tremendously part my ways with clothes that I will never wear again but will donate and make someone very happy with their new find!

*Distinguish clothing and shoes that you wear and the for sure items that you will never wear again
*Golden Rule of Thumb for the above - if you have not worn it this past year, donate it
*Stop hanging on to those skinny jeans - donate again! When you hit your goal weight, you'll want to treat yourself to a new trendy pair of jeans anyway!
*Check with your local consignment shops as well. It's okay to make a few bucks on a piece of clothing that you paid a fortune for! Donate the rest!
*Be sure to reorganize your clothes, hang items you use frequently at eye level and rarely used items on the upper shelves.
*Save those clear shoe tubs or even shoe boxes - they are great for your bikinis, socks, belts and scarves.

So, stay tuned for a few more quick, realistic organizational tips this week!

Read Part II of "Organize that Closet"