I found some great organization tips through this post from Black Eiffel. The post directed us to Kevin Sharkey's kitchen he had organized by Martha Stewart...and I'm absolutely crushing on this small kitchen.

I'm a wee bit jealous of his Under Shelf Basket...you should be too. It's fabulous. (So are the mugs.)




I might also be jealous of the lower drawer...and the rice cooker. Just saying.



Keep on Keepin on.

Check Out Checklists!

My mind has been in a frenzy trying to organize this upcoming road trip. I can't keep it all straight in my head. If you can, then you are absolutely amazing and I absolutely envy you. The mind is not perfect, especially mine. So, checklists are definitely necessary.

I started an Itinerary Binder for this trip so that I could keep all the details in order. It has been incredibly helpful. I will share it with you very soon.

For now, the preparations are getting very detailed and I don't even know what to put on my checklists I have been wanting to make for myself. So, I went to the internet for help. I found a couple of "checklists" sites that are very helpful. The checklists I found are not perfectly designed specificly for me, but they certainly help for many reasons.

First, the checklists I found are great for giving me a starting point. I may not use all the items in each checklist that I found, but most of the items pertained to my situation very well. I can either re-create my own personal checklist using one I found online as a guide or just use the one I found online and mark out or add items as I see fit.

Second, the checklists definitely made me go "Oh yeah! I will need that!" and "Oh my gosh! I would have never thought of that!". So, referring to other created checklists and other's ideas is definitely a good idea for reminders. When there is so much to think about and prepare, the mind just might forget something very important.

I found three checklists at SimplyChecklists.com that I think are great for my trip. I printed off the "Personal Hygiene Products Checklist", the "General Traveling Checklist", and the "Petsitter, Reminder Checklist". These were all found under the "travel & leisure" link on the left hand side of the homepage. You will need Adobe PDF in order to print off their printer-friendly checklists, but the best part is that the checklists are FREE!

I also found a checklist at printablechecklists.com that will work for this trip. I liked "The Traveler's Expense Checklist". Since Sparky and I are not married, we want to make sure each of us is contributing to the trip fairly (in the monetary sense). So, this is a great checklist. It offers categories for "food", "car", "entertainment", and "other".

There were so many other categories for checklists at both websites that I think I will definitely take advantage of in the future. I found a "closet organization" checklist that I absolutely fell in love with, but will have to enjoy when I get back from my vacation.

For now, I'm off to create, perfect and mark off items from my checklists.

In preparation for this trip, I'm also making the following lists/checklists:

1. Packing list- His and Hers (other than personal hygiene since I got one from SimplyChecklists.com)

2. Grocery list (items needed to take on the trip)

3. Feeding intructions for each dog.

Luckily, Sparky and I have someone who will be dog/house sitting the entire time we are gone. This is such a relief. Knowing that someone will be present everyday at our home and with our dogs while we are gone is just one less thing to worry about while away. I highly recommend this. Try to find a family member or a close friend to do this for you while you are away.

Keep on Keepin on.

Road Trip

I have been planning on my upcoming vacation for a few months now and the organizing wheels are spinning in my head. Why? Because it's a week long road trip, lovies! It will be so fun!

First, I made an itinerary binder to start off with and I will blog more about it throughout this week. But for now, I want to share with you some super uber fun organizing traveling items that can give your road trip a little bit more ease and a little bit more spunk and funk.

As would be expected, I heart all things Organize.com...I mean I really really HEART this site. I check it often to get cute little ideas in my head. The items I am sharing with you today are from organize.com.

I hate trash in a car just as much as anyone else, but I will have to admit that I may be the worst about letting it accumulate in my car. I need this or something very similar to this. I like that this hangs in the back seat area so that it doesn't take up leg room and it doesn't accumulate in the front where a guest riding in your car is more than likely going to be sitting. Plus it comes in more than one color and it's very affordable.
Auto Litter Bag in Pink by Talus. (It also comes in dark blue and black)
$9.99


Here is another option for trash collecting in your car if you prefer having it on the floor.
Auto Trashstand - Extra Large
$14.99


I love this little tote for a road trip. I am not much of a fast food eater although I am a huge snacker. This tote will be great for pre-bought items that are non-perishable and can be kept easily separated and nearby for easy munchy access.
Baguette Bag - Paisley Princess by Bungalow
$21.99


I also love this tote for the same non-perishable snacky food items. Pre-bought boxes of food items can be easily stored in this tote. You will probably still have room for napkins or plates and utensils as well.
Tote Bag - Brown & Lime Damask by Buckhead Betties
$30.99


We all know that traveling sure does not eliminate the dirty clothes pile from creeping up with us. I love this little lingerie bag for it's cute little design but I also would use it for a good way to separate my not so fresh clothes from the very fresh clothes. Or you can use it for it's original purpose for just keeping your lingerie separated from the rest of your clothes...clean or not so clean.
Get Fresh Travel and Storage Bag - Ooh La La!
$16.99


I think this check off list/pad is way super cute and it serves a purpose.
Pack This! Pad from Knock Knock
($6.99)


So, stay organized and cute during your travels! It will definitely help make your trip more relaxing and fun!

Keep on Keepin on.