DIY Cute Storage Boxes

This summer is the summer of the deep clean.  I even made a banner for it!

As I started organizing, I realized I could use some more small, cute boxes!  So I took some old boxes, and covered them with scrap book paper,  and voila!, practically free and cute boxes for organizing!

Before

After

Filled one with headbands!

Filled one with permanent markers for the office.

Filled one with highlighters for the office.

I'm in love with these boxes so far!  I am planning on making a few more even to help with organization in my office as I continue cleaning!

If you like'd to repeat this project, all you need is an empty box from around the house and some colorful paper (scrapbook, wrapping, etc) and tape!  Good luck!

To-do List

With the goal of simplifying my life this year, I'm constantly on the search for new organizational methods.  While searching the Internet for helpful printable, I came across the cutest To-Do list.  It's simple, to the point, but still has a little dab of flair.  I've been using a new one everyday so far in 2014, so I thought it was time to share my awesome find from Saved By Love Creations.

What do you use to keep you on task each day?  Do you have any favorite printables?

P.S.  Check back next week for a surprise update in my kitchen!

Kitchen Deep Clean!

Spent all day thoroughly cleaning the kitchen today.  I pulled out every single item, cleaned the self/counter/drawer, then reorganized everything as I put it all back away.  All the coffee like items are now finally together instead of strewn all of the kitchen randomly!  All the coffee stuff is together by the Keurig.  All the dishes are above the dishwasher!

I'm so excited that everything is organized and has a place and it's squeaky clean!   I don't think it's been this clean since I moved in!  A special thanks to Mom (who helped!), Clorox Wipes (aren't they amazing!)  and Dollar General (for having tons of plastic storage bins for 1 or 2 bucks!)

Note: Thought about posting pictures, but rows of crackers organized in a pantry doesn't really seem that exciting to see!  Just image the most organized and spotless kitchen ever and pretend!)

Divergent

When I heard the movie was being released this year, I knew I wanted to read it.  Then, after all my students started reading it for a class assignment a few weeks ago, I knew it was time to dig into this book!

Right away I was reminded of another dystopian novel, Matched.  So I wasn't super pumped about reading the rest of this book...but then it really captured my attention.  In contrast with Matched, the leading lady in Divergent takes a much more edgy route to rebellion leading to a lot more action in this novel.  

There is a little of everything in Roth's series starter: futuristic setting, action packed scenes, danger, betrayal and even romance.  I can see why this novel is such a hit with my 8th grade students!  As an adult, though, I did finding myself doubting some of the characters choices.  Based on the characterization that Roth gives  in the first half of the book, I found myself thinking, "...but would she really do that?" or, "I doubt he would say that!".  

Despite these surprise reactions, I found the plot engaging and I'm excited to see what happens to these characters in the second book of the series (and how they turn out in the movie!!)

Rating:  7/10

New Social Media Buttons!

Thanks to Lori Lawson @ Pure Imagination,  I know have very cute media buttons that match my new background!  Horray!   I'm also now officially on Bloglovin', so please give me a follow!

I'm loving my new color scheme!  What are your favorite colors to use on your blog?

Forever Young

The heart that loves is always young. ~Greek Proverb

If the heart that loves
is always young
let time fall from our lips
we'll stay in love forever
and grow young together

                                                

Hole

the history thief
and his crooked passport
heal nothing

Broken

shadows
dance around
a broken soul

time crosses
empty eyes

Stairway

everybody climbs
their own staircase in life

some flights are steep, some will creak
sometimes you climb two at a time
sometimes you sit on one and cry

but not matter what, keep moving up
keep moving towards the sky

Hearts on Fire

as your melody
floats up to the stars
I worry about this fire
you've started in my heart