Friday, December 30, 2011

Packing My First Night Box

When preparing to move it is important to remember to pack a first night box....or if you plan to take your time unpacking (like me) a first month box.

This box will make it easy for you to access the essentials of everyday living and should be separate from other boxes.

I have mine (which turned into more than one box) all packed.....

So here are a couple of ideas of items to add to your "First Night Box" checklist:


  • Cleaning supplies
  • Toiletries
  • Change of clothes
  • Flashlight and light-bulbs
  • Paper towels 
  • Telephone
  • Trash Bags
  • Dry food and snacks
  • Pet food and necessities
  • Bath mat, shower curtain, and towels
  • Water or filter system
  • Basic tools (ex. screwdriver)
  • Blankets and linen
  • Paper Shades
It is great to have this box prepared not only to get you through the first night, but to have supplies to last a couple days as you unpack so that you can unpack with ease and avoid having to run to the store for things.


Monday, December 26, 2011

A Place for Everything

As I prepare to move, I have been focusing on ensuring that I start off on a good note...that means making sure everything I bring in the new house has a place...neat and organized.

I have been searching for and purchasing items that I hope will keep order.

So far I have been focusing on the master bedroom, which means organizing my shoes, accessories, and cosmetics.

I took a trip to The Container Store.  So in love with this store!!.... it was hard to focus on why I was there:  Shoe Containers!
 My next concern was my cosmetics and other small things like my nail polish.  I purchased some cute sturdy baskets to separate these items.

I already have a lot of papers that I must organize...and I didn't want to carry the madness to a new place...so I organized the papers into accordion folders.


Still a long way to go, but I am getting there.

What ways do you stay organized in your home?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My New Dish - Corn Casserole

Within the next month I will be closing on a home with a great kitchen.  That made me realize that I needed to learn how to cook more than 4 things.

Since me and a couple of co-workers had planned a pre-Thanksgiving feast, I thought that was the perfect time to try a new dish.

So I found a great recipe for corn casserole...
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/corn-casserole-recipe/index.html


I love the dish so much, I making it for my family for Christmas dinner.

Not only was it super yummy, but it was very easy to make and super affordable....I think I spent $5 making this dish.

After such a great success with my first new dish...I am even more excited about trying new dishes in my new kitchen.