Organized Linen Closet

Being absolutely fed up with my tiny linen closet and the fact that there never seems to be enough room I had to make some changes. As I pulled all the the linens from my closet I began to ruthlessly make decisions about what to keep and what could go. I do an ok job of folding, however I am not the only one that accesses the linen closet. Folding neatly is not enough to keep it orderly. Consistency of technique was going to be more important after taking into account the specific items stored and the size of not only the closet itself, but the individual shelves. Once I learned what would work for my specific situation I was going to have to transfer that information to the rest of my family to ensure it stayed that way.


I have towels that are roughly in two sizes. If I used the same technique for folding all the the towels, they wouldn't stack evenly. After some experimentation I figured out that the small towels should be folded in thirds and the larger towels could be folded in half (length wise) and then in half again for all towels to be relatively the same width. Now I can fit approximately 16 towels on one 17" by 36" shelf.
I also remembered that years ago I watched a segment of a Martha Stewart television show explaining how to fold fitted sheets. It was fascinating, but I didn't record it and it was impossible for me to remember all the steps. This was before the internet so I've continued on in frustration all these years folding my fitted sheets into puffy wads. Then I had a sudden realization that I might be able to find a reference to sheet folding by Martha on the internet. I was extremely amazed to find that Martha is not the only one to be skilled in the art of sheet folding. Click here to see one popular instructional video on You Tube called "How to Fold a Fitted Sheet Like a Pro" There are tons of videos on the subject.

Now fitted sheets are flatter and I go a step further and fold the fitted sheet inside of the flat to create a little package.


Now there is plenty of room and even added empty space.

Organizing After The Holidays

Happy 2010. I am still working on my paper filing system and have already cleaned up and packed away my Christmas items, removed gifts from their wrapping and flattened and recycled boxes, but wanted to share a post from Benita of Chez Larsson about how she stores her holiday stash.

New Years Eve Resolutions

To get ready for the New Year I have resolved to spend the day weeding papers, shredding, recycling and reconfiguring my home "office" which happens to be an armoire in my kitchen. The holidays are kinda crazy. We also have three December birthdays in our family so I've had enough partying. If I feel like I've accomplished enough, I will make sure to have some champagne and chocolate.

Aebleskivers for Christmas

Yum. I remember dad making aebleskivers, a Danish dessert kind of like a cross between a doughnut and a popover, for the family years ago in that funny pan that was made just for making aebleskivers. He was the only one that cooked them, but I loved to eat them. This Christmas morning we got the old pan out of the depths of the cupboard and decided to give it a try. I whipped the egg whites into "soft peaks" while my mom mixed the rest of the ingredients. I decided to take over the cooking as I wanted to learn how to make these things. They look so complicated, but actually were kind of fun to make. We found this recipe on the internet. We did not add filling, but served with syrup and a dusted with sugar and cinnamon.


This particular recipe called for one tablespoon of oil in each cup, but I used one teaspoon and they turned out just fine. Our pan is probably 50 years old and cast iron, but I found this one over at William Sonoma in case you'd like to give it a try.

Taking a Break

I'm sorry, but I realize that my posting is few and far between. I will take a break for a while, regroup and hopefully begin again when I feel I can contribute in a meaningful way.

Thank you.

Project Awaiting

My latest acquisition of vintage items waiting for a little sprucing up. I never find anything with hairpin legs, but found these two in separate places within one week. The desk and chair make a good set. The smaller table may become a plant stand. The other thing? Well, that is to be determined.


After cleaning up the chair it seems to be in really good condition. Holes remain where there had once been an attached pad, but that's an easy fix. At $5, who can complain?


The desk will take a little more doing. The top had been covered in dark contact paper and judging by the horizontal ribs around the edge I'm guessing there may have been a metal trim at one time. I'll have to decide whether to paint in a color or to simulate the metal trim by using a silver metallic paint.


Don't ask me why. It just intrigued me. The inner can is removable to reveal the mesh outer cylinder. The gold zigzag trim is weirdly removable too. Trash Can? Umbrella stand? It's quite an odd, but useful thing.


I love Mid Century Modern, but I'm a little inspired by the eclectic nature of these desk and chair sets by Dottie Angel

Veteran's Day

It's a work holiday and I have a cold, but instead of sitting around the house I went down to the harbor with my son to get some fresh ocean air and a warm coffee.
Thank you to the men and women of the armed forces who have allowed us the freedoms to do these things that we may take for granted.
Thank you to
Uncle Hal,
Wigs,
Will S.
and
Mike