Found: The Biggest Shoe Box Ever!

This is the last installment in my mini home makeover series -- for now.  I just want to share my kilig when I found the biggest shoe box that I've ever laid my pretty eyes on.

a

a

Big enough to fit a pair of boots!

a

a

Perfect for my tallest pair.

a

a

Both of them have a new home now.  They didn't come in a box.

a

a

These Glassy boxes are love!  Found these at the Index (the Thai version of IKEA) flagship store at Bagna for Thb195/Php273 each.  They can be used for men's shoes as well.  

a

a

They come in different sizes too -- for sandals (Thb65/Php91), pumps (forgot how much).  They even have boxes for children's shoes! 

a

a

These boxes are a bit pricey though, so I can't afford to put all my shoes in them -- just the ones that don't have boxes so they're protected from dust.  I really wish I could because I dream of having this:

a

a

Notice the stack of shoe boxes on the right?  *Drool!* 

Image from Howard's Storage World

Mini Home Makeover

I spent the last week redecorating and reorganizing stuff at home and I'd like to share with you some of the stuff that I did.  Who knows, you might be able to pick up a thing or two :)

a

a

Pantry labels.  It all started when my friend Cia posted a photo of her labels on Facebook.  I was inspired!  Plus, since my labels at home are like three-years old, some of them are starting to fade already.  It was really time to replace them.  Thanks, Cia for the idea! 

a

a

Before: handwritten on clear stickers (wala pa kasi kaming printer noon).

a

a

After: printed on white paper and "sealed" with strips of the same clear sticker that I used before (they come in A4 sizes) to make them waterproof.

a

a

Picture frames. I updated some photos by replacing the old ones and added new ones.  I also rearranged them.

a

a

Before: picture frames arranged in a square-formation of sorts.

a

a

After: I added the new frames that I got from the household fair in Bitec, placed them lower and spread them farther apart.  Mas ok ba?

a

a

Before: notice the blank wall on the left side by the shoe cabinet?  Sorry this is the only photo that I have of the house.

a

a

a

After: I moved the smaller frames here so they will be easier to look at.

a

a

Added the newest member of the family as well -- my nephew Eli :)

a

a

Another thing worth sharing about this particular makeover is how I stuck those frames on the wall.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to drill holes on the wall and I don't have the tools for that so these became my best friends:

a

a

These 3M Command strips stick like a dream and they don't damage the surface that you stick them on.

a

a

For the heavier frames, I use these.  They stick like velcro.

a

a

Color-coded chopping boards.  Richard says I have too many but I told him we need separate boards to prevent cross-contamination.  He doesn't quite get it so I bought these when he wasn't looking.  Haha!  Napailing na lang sya when I pulled these out of the bag.  Heehee!  Anyway, I printed out a guide to avoid confusion.

a

a

I made smaller versions of the chopping board using Powerpoint.

a

a

And placed it here where nobody will miss it.

a

a

Dust-free boxes.  I also moved the contents of this rack into these clear, plastic boxes so they won't accumulate dust.  Saves me from having to clean them on a regular basis too!  It also makes the rack look less cluttered.

a

a

Baskets.  I bought these cheap baskets from Tesco Lotus (Thb40 each/Php56) to organize the cubby under the sink.  I also organized my stuff and placed similar items on the same basket -- laundry stuff, dishwashing soap, cleaning stuff, etc.  Having these baskets made it look less cluttered.

a

a

Notice that I only use either white or clear bins.  Same color dapat for a coordinated look.  I don't like mismatched colors because I think it looks makalat.  But that's just me.  I'm maarte like that.  What matters is these bins make your stuff look organized and uncluttered.  Also, some items in the bin under the sink like the dishwashing soap have been cut open.  I'm always nervous about the container tipping over and spilling so having these baskets will prevent that.  It's not really just being OCD and wanting everything to look nice and neat.  It's also for preventing spills and being mess free --ok, that's still being OCD.  Heehee!

a

a

So there you have it!  A cleaner, more organized and happier home.  Hope this helps! :)

Cupboard Map

My cupboard map.  It's just a photo of my cupboard that helps me see what's inside, especially the inner part.

a

a

I taped it behind the door for convenience.

a

a

Due to a recent trip to Chatuchak, I had to re-organize my cupboard.  I just can't help it!  I always get gigil with the stacks of plates, bowls, platters, etc. that I see there.  Plus they're super cheap!  It makes me ker-razy!

a

a

Mom said that when buying dinnerware, the rule of thumb is to get at least 12 so that when you have guests over, hindi magkukulang ang props mo.  We don't really entertain on a regular basis but even if there's just three of us at home, I try to buy a dozen of everything just in case :)  Unfortunately, since I don't have much space, not to mention I can't carry that much stuff since I prefer to shop alone (I get pressured when the hubby's with me because he gets inip AND he vetoes some of my purchases -- grrr!), I have to practice restraint when I shop.  Boo!

a

a

Anyhoo, since my collection is getting bigger, I decided to make a map of my cupboard for two reasons: #1 so I can easily see what's inside and know where everything is, especially at the farthest end; #2 so I can actually use all of them and not just the ones that I always see.  Sayang naman if I bought them and I don't get to use them, right?  

Cleaning Out Our Closets

Richard and I bought a couple of these storage containers from Tesco Lotus last weekend.

a

a

 

They were on sale.  Only Thb199 each (Php275)

a

a

So I spent the last couple of days cleaning out our closets.   I downsized our wardrobes; took out the ones that we haven't worn in a long time -- small clothes, sweaters and jackets...I also cleaned out our storage closet and boy, I didn't know we had so much junk at home!  That, aside from the two luggages filled with old clothes and other stuff that we're planning to give away.  If I had my way, I would have had them shipped to Manila through our suki in Pratunam just to get rid of them, but they probably weigh around 50 kilos or more and that's going to cost a lot.  Thankfully, Richard goes on business trips quite frequently and he flies Thai airways so he  just brings home as much as his baggage allowance would allow.

a

a

I also saw this big paper bag filled with more paper bags:

a

a

a

a

And this does not include the other bag where I keep my gift boxes.  The funny thing is, I kept all these thinking that I might need them someday -- for what exact reason, I don't really know.  But that day never came, and they just kept piling up so they all had to go.  I gave them to the housekeeper, hoping that they will find a way to recycle the bags.

a

a

My closet looks better too, by the way.

a

a

 I labeled them with post-its for hassle-free searching.

a

a

Speaking of labeling, I also fixed Aly and Richard's DVD cabinet.  I know how these two tend to look for things with their mouth, not with their eyes i.e they will ask me, where is my (insert name of object here)? Even when it's right in front of them.  Sooo, I left a note for the two.

a

a

I should have taken a "before" photo.  Sayang!  Anyway, this is the "after".

a

a

Here's the note up close.  See how I used a bold marker?  Ewan ko na lang pag hindi pa nila ito nakita.  Hmph!

a

a

The next day, I was supposed to put the other DVD's in a spare container and I found this:

a

a

Looks like I have a magical elf in the house.  Heehee!

a

a

I don't think Aly was happy with my note so she made a new one.  Haha!

Organizers

I am OC and I'm not ashamed to admit it. It drives my husband crazy sometimes but that's how I roll :) Allow me to share with you my organizing tools. Who knows, you might be able to pick up something from this :)

a
a
Drawer organizers. I got these organizers during the clearance sale at Central Chidlom. Oh, how I love clearance sales where they practically give away all their stuff at 70-90% off! These come in sets of three, and I got them for only Thb99 per set. I think I bought five sets. I just went crazy because I don't think I'd buy them at all if they were sold at regular prize. Heehee!
a
a

I like how these drawer organizers keep everything compartmentalized. Here, I used the smallest in the set for my swimsuits and tank tops.
a
a
They also help hide the clutter. The large ones on the top shelf I use them for our seasonal clothes like scarves, sweatshirts.
a
aRichard's socks are separated by color. Black socks in the large organizer, while the white socks are in the medium one.
a
aAly has only two drawers in her closet and this one is her underwear drawer. I used medium and small organizers to separate her underwear from the colored socks, the white socks and other stuff.
a
a

I think having a drawer organizer not only makes your drawers look neat and organized; they also allow more room for your stuff. Next, I will show you my acrylic boxes. I did not get these on sale, unfortunately, so I had to buy them little by little. They come in different sizes, prices range from Thb15 for the smallest one to Th85 for the biggest ones
a
a

My earring drawer.
a
aI bought separate boxes for my wedding accessories. Yes, I brought them with me even if I don't know where and how to use them. Heehee!
a
aThe bigger earrings are in bigger boxes as well.
a
aThis is where I keep my necklaces and cocktail rings...
a
a...my make-up and my hair accessories.
a
aNo box for my bangles yet, so for now, I placed them in a white basket together with my headbands.
a
a

I wish I can also put my shoes in acrylic boxes, but it's too much. Buti sana if I have Jimmy Choos, Manolos or Gucci. Heehee!
a
a
Now, I'm going to show you my luggage organizer. My friends know about this because I was making them kulit if they can buy this for me. It's sold only in bazaars and through their multiply shop.
a
a

I got three sets. Pink for Aly, blue for Richard and purple for me.
a
aThis is how it looks like inside the maleta. Just like the drawer organizer, this makes more room in your luggage for your stuff. I also like how our clothes are segregated so that when they ask me for a shirt, pants, socks, I don't have to dig through the maleta to find what they need.
a
aEach set comes with their own storage bag. I got these from Trendy Travel Tools, by the way. Each set is around Php700 I think. It's a good investment na rin since we travel naman at least twice a year. Just Google them and check out their site for more info.
a
aMore packing tools. I also got these from the Central Chidlom clearance sale. Set of two for Thb129. I use these for Richard's long-sleeved shirts and pants. Perfect for his business travels.
a
aMay folding instruction pa.
a
a

Martha Stewart much? You should see my cupboards and pantry. Well, if you have a husband and a daughter who tends to look for things with their mouth and not with their eyes (i.e asking you the wherabouts of something when it's right in front of them), everything should labeled. Peace! I love you both! Heehee! But really, I think being organized makes things easy not just for me but for everyone who lives in this house as well. Being clutter-free makes me more efficient. Kapag madaming kalat, I get stressed and masungit. Like I said, that's how I roll :)