The Organized Life, Monthly Challenge

How do you feel about organization?  Are you a free spirit or a neat freak?  Do you spend a lot of time staying organized or do you let things pile up? I am pretty obsessive about how my house looks, I really can’t relax if everything’s not in place, but don’t give the baseboards the … Continue reading

The Organized Life, “Mise en Place” Oh, the things you can make!

“Mise en place” is a French phrase which translates to “put in place” It is referenced often in the culinary world, to describe the way chefs prepare their ingredients before cooking Wouldn’t you love to be a chef on TV, and have little bowls of chopped ingredients, spices, and herbs neatly arranged for you,  so … Continue reading

The Organized Life, Art Studio Secrets, hiding in plain sight

The question I get most often is, “How do you do it?”  The answer is simple, but easier said than done… “Organize and stay organized.” My studio is in my kitchen so I have to keep it neat.  It is technically the breakfast nook, but as my children grew, and with other places to dine … Continue reading

the Organized Life, The December Paint Bucket

The “Paint Bucket” is my bucket list of recipes that I want to try.  I compile this list near the 1st of every month, browsing my Pinterest boards, looking at virtual recipe boxes I have on allrecipes.com, the Food network, and Ziplist.  I also keep a master file of categorized recipes on my computer, that … Continue reading

The Organized Life, Jars, Chia seeds and Oatmeal in a Jar

JARS! Lately there are recipes all over the place for this and that in a jar.  Last year I made Vanilla body scrub in a jar for Christmas party favors, which was EASY and my guests seemed to love them. This month I made Trick or Treat  candy jars to give to my friends just … Continue reading

The Organized Life, November Paint Bucket

My prayers are with all of those suffering from Hurricane Sandy, as I know yours are too… I had so much Halloween fun in October I am sad to see it go…but I must confess I am weary of black & orange, witches & skeletons, and ghoulishness in general!  I made 8 things in October … Continue reading

the Organized Life, September Paint Bucket

Here’s my bucket list of recipes I want to make in September: APPETIZERS ……………………………… KALE, SAUSAGE & MUSHROOM DIP BAKED WON TON CRISPS ROASTED EDAMAME w/SEA SALT MINI MONTE CRISTOS LASAGNA CUPCAKES ……………………………….. …………………………… BAKED POTATO CHIPS ORANGE & BLEU GRILLED ROMAINE SALAD VEGGIES IN PORTOBELLA CAPS MUFFIN TIN POTATO STACKS SPINACH & ZUCCHINI GRATIN … Continue reading

the Organized Life, Clean your fridge!

OK, when was the last time you cleaned out your refrigerator, as in take everything out, wipe down the shelves, check expiration dates… I have had more than my share of refrigerator “Encounters”.  My mom, bless her heart never threw anything away ever and when I would get to California to visit her, it could … Continue reading