More random bits

I'm not sure what has come over me, but I'm riding the wave while it lasts. I'm on a cleaning/organizing binge. I've cleaned parts of my kitchen that haven't been cleaned since, well, possibly never. I've rearranged cabinets, thrown out clutter- do sprinkles have a shelf life by the way? Cause I can't tell you when I've sprinkled anything, but I had four bottles of sprinkles. Had being the key word. I actually have two cabinets with nothing in them now. Imagine that! I threw out canned goods with '05 expiration dates. See what I mean about riding the wave while it lasts. It may be years before it hits me again. I'm not a slob, I like things clean, but I just don't have the energy to be a clean freak. I wish I did. It is noticeably  easier to clean a house with two occupants than a house with four, especially when two of the four are teens.  I still have to tackle the dreaded junk drawer and the darn tupperware cabinet. For the life of me, I can't keep plastic bowls and lids neatly placed in a cabinet. I organize and straighten, think everything's cool, go back to find an explosion of bowls and lids strewn about. It's worse than socks in the dryer. Nothing matches up. What happens inside that cabinet when I turn my back?
Along with scrubbing and scouring, I've done some prettying up too. Some new shelves (built and hung by my sweetie)  to hold pretty bowls and plates and changing out the lighting over my bar made it feel like a new kitchen.

We had recessed lighting over the bar. I never liked them, it was a harsh, bright light so I rarely turned them on.  One day in Lowes, I noticed these. They were a little more than I wanted to spend on something that really wasn't necessary.  I kept watching them though. I'd stroll down the lighting isle and consider putting them in the cart, then tell myself, maybe next time. Last week I took my stroll through lighting, and what's this? Clearance?!! I didn't even have to put them in the cart, they jumped right in.  The best fifty dollars I've spent in a while.

I think the next project, once I get control of my tupperware cabinet and junk drawer will be to paint my lower cabinets black (and all of this cabinet that surrounds the oven and microwave).  Sound like fun?


I also want to remove that useless piece of real estate (aka a desk) in the photo above. It is right beside the door and ends up being a catch all space. It's never been used as a desk, so I want to replace it with this.
Another project I'm itching to tackle is putting sheers on my back porch. I can't be blamed, how could I possibly resist after seeing this? Heaven on earth!

Gotta go, that junk drawer isn't going to clean itself.

Comments

[Amber]

I was just looking at my tupperware drawer yesterday. Guess I know what I'm doing this morning!

[Coleen]

I love love love your kitchen wall color. It reminds me of a Tiffany's box. :)

[Jenny]

Ah yes Autum, the dreaded tupperware cupboard - I do believe that tupperware comes with little invisible tupperware fairies..., at night, when everyone is asleep they have a jolly old party in there and throw everything into kaos! And they also have a little e.s.p, they know which lid you are going to be looking for and hide it in the back of some obscure cupboard then put it back when you don't need it any more! I hate to admit this but I threw nearly all my tupperware into a box for the Salvation Army about 2 years back, I just couldn't stand cleaning it up anymore and didn't use half of it - well, actually two thirds of it, I find gladware is just as helpful and when I can't find a lid, I simply throw it away and buy a new one.. {costs me a little but saves my mental health :)!} And your kitchen is looking gorgeous!, love the new shelves and the fleur de lis tea-towel rack. The buffet will look wonderful too, it is really nice and will go with the new black paint you are going to use! Such an artist you are Autum! Hugs
Jenxoxo
(ps - I can see one of the little kittens under the desk :)... That always used to be sweet Gracie... she loved to walk into your photos didn't she, the little sweetheart!)

[Cheryl]

LOL, I have a cabinet of Tupperware that is out of control as well. I need to clean it out and stock with glass containers and lids.
I do know what you mean about being on a roll. That throwing out bug bit me a couple of weeks ago,except the room I was working on was our unifinished basement that we still have moving boxes that are still packed from when we moved here 3 1/2 years ago.
Love that buffet you are looking to put in place of that desk. It will be a nice addition...and those new countertop lights are really nice and good for you getting them on clearance. Just goes to show ya that waiting pays off.
Oh, and I am so loving that link with the porch sheers. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs

[Lynne in NC]

Hey there!
The buffet will look great in your kitchen and you'll get more storage, too.
Oh my goodness~ is all I can say about the gal who put sheers on her porch. How lovely! Go for it!
Peace.

[Ali]

Oh, it looks good! Do you think any of those cleaning ripples might make it this far? Because my kitchen could use some TLC.

[Jane Weston]

Good things come to those that wait :o) The lights look great and suit the space perfectly.

I'd like to have a cup of what ever you are drinking...my junk draw needs a tidy too :o)

[joyce]

Beautiful kitchen! I feel the same way about my kitchen desk. I'd like to replace mine with a floor to ceiling unit that is file drawers on the bottom, and bookshelves from the top of that to the ceiling. That however would entail paying a ton to the cabinet maker I fear....hubby would not be excited about that since the kitchen has only been done less than 10 years.

[April]

Seriously! That porch is to die for! Thanks for the link. So full of pretty things. But your kitchen is awesome too! I love it. And glad to see you blogging again. I love your posts.

[randi]

I just love the color on the walls. Very pretty!

[MidCityGal]

Hi! I found your blog a little while ago when I googled "i don't have a bias tape maker" and found your DIY bias tape page. Which was awesome! Thanks for providing a lifesaver for me. Your instructions worked perfectly and I'm glad I didn't spend money buying a bias tape maker. Anyway, I'm going to link to that page from my blog if that's okay with you. Thanks again for all of your great ideas. Oh and your kitchen is beautiful, BTW.

[natalie jo]

Pure serendipity to read your post today! My kitchen has definitely seen better days and the reality of that fact was becoming a bit of a downer for me. Now I see I don't need a remodel, just a kick in the pants to get me moving...thanks for sharing your "wave!"
natalie jo

[anina]

So pretty! You give me a new will to paint those darn kitchen cabinets.

[Piper]

Your kitchen looks great! I have been on a cleaning binge myself recently. It feels good while it lasts! Love the new cabinet you want for the kitchen. Makes me want to take a trip to Walmart and see what new things I can find!

[LISA]

I'm right there with you sister on the tupperware cabinet. We got to one point when we would open the door quick, throw the item in and close the door quickly. Of course, it was a whole different issue if you needed something out!

[laura]

I had one of those stupid desks in my old house and we never used it. It was wasted space and a junk collection point. I painted all the kitchen cabinets in my next house all by myself. What a job! Taking the doors and hardware off and then two coats of primer and two coats of paint. Actually I think your kitchen is very pretty and airy. Do you really want to paint the lower part black?

[GS in PACA]

Just wanted to let you know that I stumbled upon your blog a while back when looking for good ways to make my own bias binding without getting a ton of different sized tools. I love your method! And then since I've subscribed, I've just loved reading about your exploits, your accomplishments, your joys and sorrows. This blog is such a "comfortable" yet practical & inspirational one. Your life seems to be so full, caring about others (human, canine, feline...) and making things beautiful. Thank you!!!

[jessica]

wow, that's a lot of good energy being used for good stuff. it's wonderful when we get that burst of "let's clean" energy. good job. nice kitchen.

[Jennifer]

My husband and I decided to change the living room around a little the other night. We were up till 2:00am cleaning and throwing things out. It felt soooooo good. I found ear drops from 06:)

[Autumn]

It's funny how you randomly come across something or someone.....in this case it's your blog. My name's Autumn, too, but with the n. I'm also left-handed. ;o) I love the baby quilt, using the wee play/recess, I can't tell. What are the blocks called? I'd love to look it up. Thanks.

[amy ( sew~amy)]

I love you wall color, it is so calming. and those lights are to die for. I know what cha mean about the tubberwear cabinet.

[Mimi]

My kitchen is currently under construction.It is literally a war zone in there.I look at yours in awe...Love the colors!

[Melissa Stramel]

I was surfing and came across your blog. Cute! Check me out sometime too. Bless you!

[tearosehome]

Hi! I found your blog today and I love it! I love your kitchen and the colors! Someday, I want white cabinets....

[Rachel]

Hey Autum! did you get lost in that junk drawer? I miss you!
☺ Rachel