Monthly Organization: Project 3 "Laundry Hamper/Laundry Room" continued...

I have found some nice pictures of neat and tidy laundry rooms.  I am hoping with the right inspiration, I will be able to transform our laundry room to an efficient, yet pleasant, room.

This one is from a Real Simple article on creating and efficient laundry room:

And another from Martha Stewart's website:

I love this one from Decorati (who has that much space in a laundry room?):

I even spy that cute little French wire laundry hamper from PB in the corner!

I like the use of the clothing hamper on wheels and the fresh and clean feel these rooms evoke. 

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I am also in need of some type of shoe collector.  My husband and I tend to dump our shoes off as we come in the door.  Our shoes have just sort of ended up in the laundry room.  I really like this tray for storing shoes.  It is slim and streamline and won't take up too much space.

I found a boot tray I like at Williams Sonoma, of course (they think of everything!):

And another from GrandinRoad:

Copper is nice but might be a bit too traditional for this laundry room.

Then, there is this super inexpensive option from The Container Store:

At only 6.99 it would be a great super affordable option.

And I just love this idea from none other than Martha Stewart (we share a love-hate relationship):

The pebbles inside the tray look so nice and give an added element of texture in an unexpected place.

I strayed a bit off topic on this post BUT I really hope that I can transform our untidy "catch all" laundry room into a great space...on an affordable budget!

I'll keep you posted.  Do you have any great ideas for great laundry room organization and efficient flow?

Monthly Organization: Project 3 "Laundry Hamper/Laundry Room"

Ok, so I have completely slacked off on my Monthly Organization projects.  This summer has been a busy one.

One area that does not run so smoothly in my house is the laundry room.  The washer is constantly running because I hate the stacks of clothes that pile up on the floor.  I don't have a hamper in our laundry room to collect dirty clothes that get thrown in after a messy supper with 2 kids.  This was never a problem with 1 kid because I could easily keep up with the small stack that mounted on top of  the washer.  But now with 2 little ones and my husband, I desperately need a place to collect dirty clothes.

I have always longed for a neat, tidy and stylish laundry room.  I spend so much time in there.  It should be lovely!

I love the vintage and industrial look of a rolling laundry hamper with heavy duty stainless steel casters.  I have found a couple I like but many are pretty pricey (especially for a dirty clothes collector!).  I am still on the hunt for that perfect  hamper that marries bright shiny stainless, quality and a canvas collection liner. These are the latest contenders:

From Pottery Barn:

This one has all the right pieces but might be a little too vintage for me.

This one is from BedBathStore.com:

This one has the modern stainless but doesn't have the nice stainless caster wheels.  I know, too picky!

From KitchenSource.com:

This one is nice but lacks the wheels!

And from The Container Store:

So far, this one is the best yet.  I like the heavier duty look of the wheels.  I am not a fan of the black plastic casters.

I will keep you posted when I get this project done.  

How do you organize your laundry room?  Are you a once-a-week washer or is you machine constantly running like mine?  I am going to find a way out of all the laundry woes!

Morning Balloons over the Lake

We recently got up earlier than the sun and madly rushed out of the house (with 2 groggy kids) to see a spectacular sight.  We saw hot air balloons launching over the lake.  Each year, this hot air balloon group gets together to launch their balloons over the quiet morning lake.  It was so quiet.  I never remember how quiet the morning is until I experience it.

The majestic balloons prepared to launch by filling their colorful balloons with air.  We enjoyed watching them prepare for their magical ascent into the peaceful morning sky.  

As they ascended and the morning sun rose, the colors of the balloons popped out vividly against the soft blue sky.  It was beautiful!

I can only imagine that this must be as wonderful as the famous Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico.
After the ascent, many balloons floated down to touch the water.  It was as if we were watching toys play a game together on the lake.

I highly recommend finding some to watch!  Here is a link to US Balloon Festivals.  It is so much fun.

Come Fly with Me

"Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away...

Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue.

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day...

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly
Pack up, let's fly away!!"

Song lyrics from Frank Sinatra

Waiting...

We're just waiting...

Yes, it's hot, but we don't mind the wait.

Especially when the mower appears.

And the guy who is pushing it, promises to swim with us when he is done.

There's nothing like waiting for something great!

Dear Dr. Brown

Dear Dr. Brown,

Although we have never met in person, we are ever-grateful for you and your bottles.  Your glass bottles made it through a year of feeding, bumping, washing and yes, dropping.  We love your bottles. 

Last night, we officially said goodbye to you.  It seemed that Momma had a harder time with this transition than the growing babe did.  Thank you for a year of soothing and nourshing.  You were the only one that stopped gas problems and made bottle feeding pleasant for our little babe. 

It is bittersweet to clean your bottles for the last time.  Yes, they have many parts, but we have grown quite attached at the sink together (yes, I hand wash).  Washing has become quite relaxing--a mundane act that allows the mind to drift. 

With the departure of your bottles, comes the finale of babyhood.  Oh, I don't know how the time passed so quick.  It is exciting to travel ahead to all the wonderful toddler stages but sad to leave sweet babyhood behind.  Time is a funny thing when children are concerned. I will miss holding my little babe in my arms while she relaxes and enjoys drinking.

Thank you again, Dr. Brown.  The babe is not a great sippy cup drinker (often spewing milk out all over) but we are going to give your sippies a try.  Right now, our best bet is an open-faced cup with lots of parent supervision. 

With sincerest thanks for your most-fabulous bottles,
The babe and her grateful parents

12 months

Today marks 12 months since you were born.  These past 12 months have passed entirely too quick.  All the sweet baby stages have come and gone in a whirlwind of diaper changes, bottles, play-dates, naps, eating, playing, and watching your big sister's every move.  As we embark upon the toddler years ahead, we look forward to every sweet minute with you.  You have been a delight and an ever-happy presence in our lives.  We love you dearly!

Birth: We were amazed at your long and slender body.  The doctor even commented on your legs, calling them "long and skinny chicken legs."  We called you our "yoga baby" because you rarely cried and seemed to be at peace with everything.  You were even a great sleeper in the hospital--going 4 hours between feedings.  We were in awe of this sweet and happy baby we had been blessed with.

Month 1: We were delighted when you smiled at us while soaking in your baby tub.  Your smile is jovial and radiant as it captures everyone around you.  We were worried when you got sick with a cold for the first time.  

Month 2: We were entertained at how you love to kick in the water at bath-time.  Your kicks splash water all over and seem as rhythmic as a little machine.

Month 3:  We were blessed to have you baptized in our church with all your family present to share in this joyful time.  We loved swaddling you in soft and breathable muslin swaddle blankets.  You still sleep with one in your crib.

Month 4:  We were captivated by your distinct big blue eyes which opened wide with your growing expressions and personality.  We were charmed by your coos, smiles and squeals as they increased in intensity and emotion.

Month 5:  We were nervous when we gave you rice cereal for the first time.  You gagged just terrible and scared Momma so many times.  After a couple days you got the hang of it.  We marveled at how much you watch your older sister.  We loved watching your sweet personality emerge with giggles and so many smiles.

Month 6:  We were terrified when you had RSV and were so sick for the entire month. We enjoyed holding you a lot this month.  We held you, slept with you, talked to you, sung to you, and stayed so close while your sweet little body healed.  Despite being sick, you began sitting up so straight and tall.  You were so proud of yourself.  We were proud of you too! 

Month 7:  We were thrilled to watch you, watch the snow for the first time.  I sat you in front of the large windows.  You were so entertained watching the large flakes fall from the cloudy grey sky.  We were slightly obsessed with germs and keeping them away from you.  Our big boy helped protect you a lot that month!

Month 8:  We were so excited to see you move across the living room floor...by yourself!  You began crawling with your right leg turned out.  Daddy called your crawl a gimp crawl but we still loved it!

Month 9:  We were happy your hair thickened enough to hold a little bow on the side.  I enjoy putting a little bow in your hair to keep it out of your eyes.  We were elated when you began sleeping soundly through the night.  You woke up so happy after having a full night's rest, we did too.  We were tickled pink to see you looking at books.  This month you preferred looking at books over playing with your toys.

Month 10:  We were overjoyed when you began to wave by holding up one arm (almost like a salute).  You have continued waving in this manner and you especially love to wave at your Daddy.  We were broken-hearted when you began crying anytime we left you.  We were in disbelief when you raised both hands and said "all-don" at the end of your meal.  We were relieved to see that you did have teeth in your mouth and they were beginning to break through.

Month 11:  We were concerned when you began climbing everything in your way.  We got rid of little chairs, little tables and all the little toys you could stand on to reach higher.  We were amazed at your limber body, strength and determination.

Month 12:  We are so proud of you!  You are the most wonderful gift.  You make so many people so happy with your contagious smile, wiry ways, witty personality and happy heart.  Happy Birthday sweet girl!