10 Beautiful Kitchens Pins to Inspire You

It's basically spring (March? Spring? Same thing) so spring cleaning is among us, but you're probably awfully unmotivated- here's some clean kitchen motivation from my Dwell board on Pinterest, and you can go follow me here.

Declutter Your Life Part 1: Phone & Email

Even if you're the cleanest, most organized person, your phone and email can be the most cluttered things in your whole life. Inboxes get unorganized so easily, because every day you have new emails coming in at you without even giving you a chance to stop them. And your phone (especially if you have kids) can get cluttered quickly because there are so many apps and music and videos it can all form a big ball and run down your memory, just like in Raiders of the Lost Ark with that big boulder chasing Indiana Jones. 

EMAIL

-First, you're gonna want to unsubscribe from as much as you can- that's where Unroll.Me comes in handy. Unroll.Me is the most helpful app ever, because it helps you unsubscribe, roll up, and keep all of the emails you've been meaning to tackle for months. Here's how it works- you just sign into your email, and then swipe away all of the emails you want to unsubscribe from, and roll up the ones you want to read, and keep the ones you want to stay subscribed to. You need to be ruthless- remember, if you miss it, you can always subscribe again. 

-Try to reply to emails ASAP. If not, then the sender will become frustrated/impatient and maybe even forget all about it if you leave it in your inbox for a week. As soon as you see an email for work/etc. then reply to it, if you can't, then leave yourself an important note on your phone/stick a sticky note to your computer or something. Leaving it there will cause it to become buried and you'll forget about it. 

-Finally, go in once a week and delete as much as you can. Whether you have 5 minutes or 25 minutes, delete everything that isn't important from all of your folders. My social one is just all YouTube, telling me every single day when a YouTuber uploads something. But try to build a routines of this, going in and cleaning things out and making sure it's organized. 

*Just one little tip that will make checking your email sooooo much better- if you use Gmail, then click on the little settings drop bar in the top right corner, and select "Themes". There are so many beautiful photos to put behind your inbox- personally, I chose Lake Tahoe, because nature can be really soothing when you're overflowing with emails. 


PHONE


-First things first, delete all of those apps you used like crazy for the first hour and haven't touched since you downloaded them. I had quite a few- and most I wasn't worried about, because I could save my progress and if I missed it I could get it again. No, apps don't take up a terrible amount of space at all, but clearing out a few will get you some memory back and plus you'll have room for more. 

-Now you're gonna tackle those photos. No, I don't really think you need six pictures of a hamburger, you can't taste something through a photo- and twenty five selfies that mostly look the same? Keep the good ones, delete the bad. What you should really be worried about it your videos- the can take up over 70 MB of space, AKA a lot. Either upload them to your computer or delete them, because honestly I don't think you need them. Finally, upload most of them to your computer, except for the ones you want to keep on your phone for whatever reason. 

-You know what also takes up a lot of space besides videos? Music. I only have 7 songs on my phone (the rest is on the cloud, I can download them any time) so I don't have to worry about this as much, I'm talking about you over there who has 8,000 songs- do you listen to them all? Just take off a few every day, and if you really love music, then either buy an iPod just for music or download Spotify, which takes up so much less space and it's cheaper to pay for Premium than it is for 8,000 songs on iTunes. 

*Plus, get a wallpaper & lock screen that you actually like- it will make going on your phone so much better, and plus you'll smile every time you look at it. 

I really hope these helped you today, and I can't wait to do more of these in the future- it's kind of fun to help people declutter. And if you liked this, then you will LOVE Marie Kondo's book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It's available on Amazon for about $7.00, and I can't wait to check it out.... as soon as I order it which I haven't done yet. 

xo Savannah

FREE Inspirational Desktop Background!

Hey, guys! A couple of months ago I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers, MyLifeAsEva, and she actually inspired me to make this. It was her "Make 2015 YOUR Year" video, and she was talking about how you could make a really pretty and trendy desktop background for yourself just by saving a few inspirational photos and then going on PicMonkey and making it into a DIY background for your desktop/laptop/iPhone/etc. I had a lot of fun saving cool pictures I found on Pinterest, and then finally putting them into one big collage. You can do this, too, if you don't like what I put together! You can download this and save it as a background, and if anyone compliments it, just give me credit ;)

DIY Craft Supply Organization

I recently went to Michael's and did a huge craft haul, which you can read all about here, and that resulted in me having to tidy and organize my room/studio in order to make room for ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS I BOUGHT. Beforehand, I cleaned out under my easel, which I have grown accustomed to stuffing random things under and making a big mess. I cleaned out my drawers of my desk, moving things around, putting most of everything in my closet. Anyhow, in the end, I had SO much more room for my upcoming haul of everything ART. I brought back more than intended, but still luckily had a place for everything. Here are a few ideas for your own art & craft supplies- I hope this sparks a bit of inspiration~

First, and I've been thinking about this for a while, use a big wooden crate for certain things. You probably don't have one on hand, nor the energy to make one of your own, so it's a good thing Michael's has a wide selection in all sizes. I didn't get a big one, though I'm saving that for my next trip, but I did snag a fairly small one for less than $2 and it's the cutest thing ever. I put my chalkboard markers in it, and it's the perfect size for so many things. I really want to go back for a larger one to hold random things from around my room- pillows, books, sketchpads, stuffed animals, etc. This option is just so simple, and if you buy a few, you can even make this DIY wood crate bookcase great for art supplies (or even shoes?) made by The Pleated Poppy. I love this idea, and it's SOO easy!

The cheapest and most obvious one of all- thrift store mugs. They don't cost more than a dollar, usually their pretty cool, and you can do anything with them. Use one or two for paintbrushes, maybe one for pencils, colored pencils, a couple for Copics, they're really great for anything. But if that idea really doesn't appeal to you, a cute alternative is Mason jars. Yes, you've seen them all over Pinterest, and they're probably in your cupboard right now. I use them to hold my gel pens, and my Sharpies, and my fineliners, and everything else because we make a lot of jam so the jars that don't have lids are stuffed in the cupboard to die. Unless I grab a pretty one to hold my things. Go ahead and search Pinterest for "Mason Jar Crafts"- it's ENDLESS!!!

Use an old TOOLBOX for crying out loud!  It's cute, it's portable, and it's customizable. Plus, and I just came up with this, you can write "CREATIVE TOOLS on it. Paint it pink, paint it green, do whatever- make it glow in the dark, make it metallic, do anything you want! This is great for kids art supplies or maybe just your art supplies. Depending on the size, add coloring books, sketchbooks, markers, crayons, composition books, etc. 

And finally, you guys have all heard of the cardboard and TP tubes organized thingamajig that you can stick on a lazy susan and anyone can make one and here's a really cool tutorial by SoCraftastic that you will LOVE. Try it out and tell me what you think!

I hope this will help you to tackle the mess that is art & craft supplies, but if it doesn't, then maybe you just have way to much. And that's okay because I understand and I am also a creative hoarder. I wan tot art so bad right now... and watch Youtube.... and cuddle all three cats around me right now. Thanks for reading!

xx Savannah

 

 

 

25 Ways to Simplify Your Life

Simplification is the art of convenience. You can make everything in your life so much more simple in just 25 ways! I was going to write about 100 ways, but that's a lot and I thought some people would be a whole lot more pleased with just 25 ways. Maybe I'll do 3 more posts just like this, so that it all adds up to 100 ways. These are just a couple different ways to organize things and make things a whole lot better and easier for you! You can save a lot of time by just saving small amounts every day. These can help you save time and organize your life- if you're not already doing them, try it today. You might be surprised by just how much easier your life can become. 

1. Pick out something to wear the night before instead of in the morning. Even better, get your outfits for the whole week ready on Sunday night!

2. Have a minute list- it's great. Write down things that only take a minute (or a couple minutes, your choice) to do and that aren't priority, like a to-do list, but with easy things. For example: clean out desk drawer, fold clothes, check email, sweep stairs, etc. 

3. Instead of dozens of random sticky notes stuck to your fridge (that's a lot of paper!), have a white board to record your lists, reminders, and everyday smiley faces. The best part- it's cheap and you save paper!

4. Clean out your purse/bag every few weeks or so, depending on how messy it gets. This can help you keep things organized and where they need to be, which helps you save time searching for those Tic Tacs. 

5. Carry a mini emergency kit with you- you can make your own using a small makeup pouch, some band aids, hairties, bobby pins, chapstick, etc., or just order one here (where I got mine- it's so convenient!).

6. Keep a bullet journal- read my post on it here and check out the official website here. 

7. Instead of spending money on a pricey tote that might not last too long, bring out your inner crafty side and try these 3 uber easy totes, the Easy, Easier, Easiest.  

8. As soon as you wake up, get dressed. This sounds weird, and I know you want to keep your PJs on while you make coffee and watch TV, but doing this helps you stay awake and if you change your mind about what you're wearing, you have time to change. Trust me on this. 

9. Always have these 2 things with you- a pen and a rubber band. You never know when you might need them; there are 100 uses for a rubber band, and writers always need a pen to write because pencils break and need erasers (pens are always there for you). 

10. If you write a blog or are a writer, keep an inspiration book on you at all times, to write down ideas for blog posts or stories, or just inspiration. 

11. Keep a list book. I have one of these, and I record all of my lists in here- wish lists, gardening lists, gift lists, shopping lists, writing prompt lists, book lists, etc. The possibilities are endless!

12. Paint the inside of a cupboard or pantry door with chalkboard paint to write down measurements and grocery lists.

13. You can also install Command hooks on the inside of cupboards and/or pantry doors for easy storage. Hang up measuring cups & spoons, tote bags, plastic bags, paper bags, etc.

14. Always have a jar or baggie full of hair ties so that you don't have to hold your hair while you search the house for the purple one you had just 10 seconds ago. 

15. Instead of having a cord that is too long and gets in the way (Samsung chargers are like this), bunch it up and tie it with a rubber band. I do this with my computer mouse. 

16. Every few weeks or so, depending on how messy it is, reorganize your dresser by refolding clothes, hanging up dresses/cardigans, and donating clothes that you no longer need but are taking up space. 

17. Have a special place for mail, such as a folder/box, so that it doesn't start to pile up on the kitchen island, like at my house. 

18. Get up 15-30 minutes before your alarm goes off to apply makeup, put on a shirt, brush your hair, start the coffee, etc. then go back to bed. I do this every morning and it saves me a ton of time!

19. Watering flowers with water jugs? Every time you water, refill the jugs for next time. 

20. Practice the one-for-one rule: for every new item acquired, donate one item. 

21. If you aren't using a light, turn it off and save some energy. Try not to sleep with the light on every night, like my sister does sometimes!

22. Optimize your wall space and hang things up, including bags, shelves, and other storage options. 

23. Hang up motivational quotes; it sounds cheesy, but the more you look at them every day, the happier you will feel (how cheesy it that? so cheesy I need some crackers!).

24. Find a little bit of time every day for certain things. I try to take 15 minutes every day to knit, read, or maybe just watch Netflix, as a little break.

25. Recycle an old 6-pack box to make a craft caddy (I've done this before). 

Don't forget to look to the pictures for a little more inspiration. Which one was your favorite? Tell me in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

xx Savannah
 

6 Steps to Speed Clean Your Home

A lot of people like to deep clean their home in the Spring and call it Spring cleaning, and I do that, too. But if you don't have a whole lot of time, and just can't scrub every single surface ever, then here are some tips to speed clean. This shouldn't take too long, as long as you have less than an hour. This is for those people who don't live in a mansion and have 10 different maids on call at all times- this is for those people who overslept and is having guests over really soon. 
 
Step 1: Put things away. That bag of chips on the counter, the giant panda bear on the couch (there's a giant panda bear on my couch right now, I kid you not), that suit case that you took to Hawaii last week but never put back in the attic- put that stuff where it belongs so that things are out of the way. 

Step 2: There's got to be laundry randomly placed all around the house, and if there's not, look again. Grab a laundry basket and walk around, picking up dirty clothes and bringing them to the laundry room. Do 2 runs- one for clean, one for dirty. Tip- have kids fold their own clothes, just put the clothes on their bed, tell the to PLEASE fold their clothes, and then give them candy (when they're done). 

Step 3: Now pick up a paper bag or a plastic bag (or something) and go around and pick up all the garbage. This should be a quick process, just get all the garbage together. Then throw it all away. 

Step 4: Now, quickly check for dishes everywhere and bring all dishes into the kitchen and put them into the sink- there's no time to wash them all, just pick them all up and put it all in the sink.

Step 5: Grab the broom (or the vacuum, maybe both), get everything off of the floor, and sweep till you drop.  

Step 6: Finally, straighten up a bit- fold that blanket draped across the couch, straighten that rug over there, and please push the table a bit to the left- it's totally crooked. Also, put out a plant to liven things up a bit- it looks good. 

I hope this has helped you at least a little bit in speed cleaning your home, and if I have clearly forgotten a key point/step, leave a comment below telling me- I would hate to have such an error in a post. 

xx Savannah

How to Maintain a Cute & Tidy Workspace

As both a blogger and an artist, I like to keep a tidy workspace- which is difficult, considering I MUST have papers, pens, pencils, markers, etc. sprawled everywhere; all over my desk & the easel. So I've compiled a list of tidy tips to keep an organized workspace, because that is just completely necessary.

-Keep pens, pencils, markers, etc. in separate jars so that you don't have to dig through one drawer to find that one pen. Find a cute coffee mug or simply use a decorated Mason jar. 

-Papers should be sorted into stacks and possibly labeled with sticky notes or color-coded. 

-Keep a trashcan/shredder nearby so that you can immediately throw away crumpled up paper and other trash. 

-Make sure any books are lined up, using a plant as a bookend. Or, you can stack them and put the plant on top. 

-Change up your desktop background and browser theme! I got my cute desktop background from Fat Mum Slim here and I have cute cherry blossoms as my browser theme that you can get here. 

-Make sure you have a comfy chair; sitting uncomfortably whilst writing, drawing, and/or blogging is NOT good. You should definitely have a chair worth sitting in. 

-Keep a coaster on your desk in case you're constantly drinking something while working. 

-Hang up a mirror to give the illusion that there's more space.

-Hang up a few inspiring quotes to keep you motivated and positive!!

-Organize and label your wires so that they aren't in a tangled mess. 

-Hang up a calendar so you aren't constantly wondering what the date is and what you have to do that day. 

-Plug in your charger next to your computer so you don't have to get up every time you need to check your phone. 

-Put a plant in there to add a little life to your office. 

-Hang up a whiteboard or chalkboard to write little notes to yourself c:

-Make sure there's proper lighting; you don't want to strain those eyes of yours ;)

-Always have a notepad/sticky notes ready; you never know when an idea may strike. Also, you will need it to write down important info and phone numbers, etc. 

-Add a lamp for some instant warmth, or string up some white Christmas lights for a little festivity. 

-Be able to find your office supplies quicker using a cute little organizer. 

-Keep markers (such as Copics) in jars so that they're easier to find and see. 

-Eucalyptus leaves add a great touch of green, but don't require any work. Same with cacti!

-Make an easy DIY bookend by painting rocks gold (to look like gold nuggets) or sew together a rice-and-beans filled bookend. 

-Hang up some string and use clothes pins to pin up a few photos. 

-Make some hanging clips to hang up on that same string using this easy paper clip hack.

-Spruce up your mouse pad (if you have one) using paint and tape. 

-Instead of keeping your Prismacolor pencils in the little plastic tray, put all of them in one ten and set it by your easel. 

-Use a tray to keep everything organized. 

-Put a nice pillow on your chair to make it comfy, or simply a sheepskin blanket. 





 

Organization Hack: Eyeglass Organizing

Nail up a ribbon on the wall and hang your glasses/sunglasses on it to optimize space. 

 

Image credit: Buzzfeed/52 Totally Feasible Ways To Organize Your Entire Home.