Organize Simplify Create Design

It is perpetual, living life and keeping it simple. Peace of mind comes from having a place for things. As I watched "Horton Hears a Who", with my grandchildren I thought about no matter how "tiny" the thing, it deserves a home. So I live by the old adage, a place for everything and everything in its respective place...

About Me

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Houston, Texas, United States
Ten things I am or have been: 1 Wife, 2 Mother of five, 3 Grandmother of 16, 4 Hair Dresser, 5 Bookkeeper 6 Bank Teller, 7 Scrapbook Store Owner, 8 Reporter, 9 Gardener, 10 Photographer,

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Getting to know that little label on your apple

Is it me, or do those annoying little fruit labels send you over the edge? I know, it's not about organizing, but it cuts into my organizing time.....
What exactly does PLU mean? It is fairly simple...Price Look Up
I can hear it now..."Hey Al, can you get me a PLU on this eggplant?"

So what good are they, anyway?
They help the cashier charge the right price for the item, perhaps speed the checkout process, help supermarkets track sales of certain items and control inventory. So they next time we pop in for a 4135 apple, it's on hand.

What good are they to us?
They are difficult to remove.
They sometimes tear the skin of the fruit when we attempt to remove them.
They add to the ever-growing landfill problem.
The International Federation for Produce Standards controls the labels which can assist us in knowing what we are buying. There is also a Produce Marketing Association, and a Produce Electronic Identification Board.
It is said that the adhesive used is food-grade, but the label itself is not edible, although it would not harm you if you ingested it, after all it is reportedly lead-free. I never ate glue in Kindergarten either, although some of my peers did.

Fact is, even though they aren't necessarily designed to assist us. If you crack the code, there is a bounty of information to be had! And I finally discovered the best way to remove them, as they ARE here to stay, or are they?

My research found:
1.  A four digit code means the produce was conventionally grown.
     These items have pesticides used on them, they
2.  A five digit code preceded by a 9 means the item was Organically grown.
3.  A five digit code means your food has been genetically modified.
4.  The numbers also indicate, country of origin, brand names, etc,.

That number three on the list. If you want to understand more about this code you can find some pretty interesting FACTS at   www.ornl.gov
Basically, the GM title means scientists have altered the genetic make up of what you are about to eat. Supporters profess that we might enjoy enhanced taste and quality, they can reach maturity quicker, we might enjoy more dense nutrients, they enjoy more yield since the insects are staying away. hmmm?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding GM. Some fear the human health impact, that include possible allergens, and other unknown effects. It could even affect how our current antibiotic stream works.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm sure there is an artist somewhere producing grand amazing works from the lovely little labels. In 2007 there were discussions about laser etching our produce instead. Whether etched or labeled, the authorities like being able to track produce items in case of salmonella outbreaks for instance.
I'm done.Oh, I almost forgot. The best way to remove this pesky little sticker is to take a sharp knife and scrape it along the skin slightly lifting the label. It can then be grasped for removal. If you are knife-less and forgot to remove the label before you were on the run....a dig of a fingernail works nicely, but only after gently trying to pry it loose.
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Friday, January 21, 2011

Scrapbook Storage News!

I received a coupon via email this morning from Micheal's Arts & Crafts offering 40% off on scrapbook storage solutions!


It appears that a company by the name of Jetmax now offers a modular product line and shelf similar to the ones Making Memories used to produce. I heard from many friends who wished they had bought the items before they were discontinued. If you are new to my blog, I have a number of storage ideas for scrapbook supplies in previous posts. Pictured above is my embellishment center that I painted black to match my Scrapbook Studio. When I searched for who else is carrying the Jetmax Craft Storage Systems I discovered Amazon, Two Peas in a Bucket, and many others. Micheal's 40% off coupon sounds like a pretty good deal though if they are in stock. When I purchased my unit, the coupon was not valid on the embellishment center. Have fun gathering your supplies together for a creative year of scrapbooking.


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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Attack that closet now!


Hello! Yes I know, I have been MIA! So I have allowed you to have a nice holiday hiatus! Now back to organizing!
When seasons change, it is time to purge clothes in the closet. (You will determine when to do this task from the climate you live in) I am fortunate to have a spare closet to store "out of season" clothing. If you do not have this option, try under bed storage, attic space, or Space Bags are a great way to conserve space. Some people use stored suitcases to store out of season wear.
As you can see I group pants by color using hangers that come from the dry cleaners. Additionally, the items are grouped by type, ie., casual, jeans, and dress, etc.
Be sure you examine each piece of clothing you are about to store. Are they worn out? Did you wear them this past season? Do they need repair, ripped or missing buttons? And are they clean?
Then as you pull out your past season clothes, ask yourself... Do I still like this? Has the trend past for wearing this? Is it really worn? Then purge again. It is nice to keep a pad and pencil handy to make remarks for shopping. If your black tank is snagged and faded, maybe it's time to treat yourself to a new one.


If you do not have upper and lower rods in your closet you are missing out on valuable storage space. Photos in magazines always have 8 or 9 shirts neatly hanging there and of course the closet looks beautiful, and I always have to chuckle at the ads because most of the time all the shirts are the same color. Unfortunately, your closet or mine is never going to look like the ad. If you are like most people you have a lot more than a few shirts, and you own different colors.
In this view sweaters, and turtleneck tanks are left and then tanks sorted by color that I wear underneath jackets in the winter where I live. On the end by the wall are print styles. Note I always put empty hangers at the front of the rod when I take something out to wear, then they are handy when I'm ready to hang laundered clothes or things I plan to wear again. You can buy a basket to toss them in if you prefer. But when I hang them up I always put the item back in color order.



This shows the upper rod of the closet where all of my blouses, 3/4 sleeve T's and a few winter color T's  are.  Check out the nifty belt rack that I purchased at Lowes from ClosetMaid
 This hides behind the door but is perfect for accessorizing, right inside the closet! I have a full length mirror in the closet for dressing.


Think all of my closet space is organized? Think again! I saw some great acrylic shelf dividers in a magazine that I plan to purchase from The Container Store to remedy this problem I have with purses and bags. I promise to show you the end result!
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