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Creative Paper Towel Storage
One of my subscribers on my YouTube channel gave me this idea after seeing my bathroom organizing video- use a tension rod to hold paper towels in a cabinet- BRILLIANT!!! Thank you @MissRockinRose!!
How to Organize Acrylic Paints
Does anyone else like to paint? Here’s how I organize my acrylic paints: I use a portable (has a handle) spice rack (which also turns like a lazy susan). It’s from Pampered Chef: http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=31034&categoryCode=KW
Here’s How to Get Free Post-It Notes
I LOVE post-it notes! I just received my free sample of post-it label pads (the removable all-sticky post-it labels)- If you’re not a “Post-It Perks Member”, you can sign up for free here and they’ll send you samples and coupons of their newest products: www.post-it.com/perks 
Posted in Home Office | 
alejandra costello, coupons, free, organizing on a budget, post-it notes | 
Leave a commentIt Feels Better Getting Into a “Made” Bed at Night
A good way to start the day off productively is by making your bed. Doesn’t need to be perfect and it only takes 3 minutes. Plus, it feels better getting into a “made” bed at night. Can you tell Mojo wasn’t ready to get up this morning?! She just wanted to cuddle up with my blanket. 
Simply Stashed Door Pockets 20% Off Now Through 5/27/12
My favorite door pockets that I use to organize my makeup (you can use them to organize anything) are 20% off. Go here: http://simplystashed.com/and use coupon code “color” to get the discount. The pink polka dot one is my favorite (anything polka dot I LOVE). Sale ends 5/27/12.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Ed & I saved up our money and bought one of those fancy schmancy blenders that blend ANYTHING! This called for following the “one-in, one-out” rule- in with the new, out with the old. Today I’ll donate the old one to someone who needs a blender. P.S. – I’m trying the “glowing green smoothie” today to see if it really makes my skin glow. Anyone else into blending?!
Posted in Kitchen / Pantry | blendtec, decluttering tips, downsize, one in one out rule | Leave a commentMy New Favorite Organizing Magazine
My old favorite magazine back in 2008 was called “Organize” (it was AWESOME but then discontinued. Earlier this year “Getting Organized Magazine” came out- I just sat down to read it recently and wow- new idea after new idea! You can subscribe here –> http://bit.ly/L0lmTq
How to Save Space in the Laundry Room
If you have a tiny laundry room (like me), use collapsible laundry baskets instead of the traditional bulky plastic ones to save space. When you’re done putting your clean laundry away, fold the basket, and hide it away (no more bulky basket sitting around!). Here’s a picture of mine- $10 from Target!
Watch Alejandra in Clean Freaks on HGTV
By now you’ve probably seen my home tour YouTube video. Well, recently I was featured as one of the five most organized people in America by HGTV. On this one-hour special entitled Clean Freaks, I gave HGTV a tour of my home and gave more explanation on the reasons behind my organizing systems than what is included in my YouTube video. Check out the episode below. What do you think? Is labeling everything really over the top?
House Preparation Before Going on Vacation
We are now into vacation season, that time of year when families head off to the beach for some rest and relaxation, head south to spend some time with Mickey Mouse and his friends, or take refuge from the daily grind at a quiet peaceful get-away.
Regardless of your destination, the fact for all of us is that we will be leaving behind our home; the place where most of our personal belongings will remain while we take this excursion. When leaving home, you should always take a few simple steps to ensure that your home is as safe and secure as possible. And if you are like some of us, you constantly second guess yourself about whether or not you turned off the coffee maker or shut off the water supply to the washing machine.
Step 1: The start to a great vacation begins with leaving your home in a safe and secure manner. Burglars look for homes that appear vacant so take some steps to not draw attention to your home. A pile of papers on the driveway or an overflowing mailbox is a clear sign that you are out of town. Ask a trusted neighbor to bring in your paper each day and put your mail on hold with the post office. Inside the house, you can set up timers on certain lamps in your home to come on in the evening and go off at night. If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set before leaving.
Step 2: Make sure that you have reset the thermostats. When you are not home, your house does not need to be a comfortable 75 degrees. However, you do not want to turn off the air conditioning unit in the middle of the summer and allow your house to get too hot. Remember, most of your worldly goods are still inside, so resetting to a higher temperature addresses practicality and efficiency.
Step 3: Make sure that you have secured all other items in your house. A checklist can be very helpful to ensure that you have done everything necessary to head out and be able to relax while away; avoiding any worries about whether or not you turned off the coffee maker.
Here is a sample of a simple checklist:
* Blinds closed.
* Lights and lamps off.
* Windows closed and locked.
* Water off (toilets not running, sinks off, showers off).
* Water supply to washing machine off.
* Thermostat set to higher setting in summer.
* Small appliances off/unplugged (coffee maker, toaster oven).
* Stove and microwave off.
* Front and rear doors locked with deadbolt.
* Alarm system activated.
If you have or use a checklist to prepare your house for some time alone while you are on vacation, share your checklist ideas with us.
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