Make Over Your Life - the affordable way

Hi Designers!


Ever wished there was a 'Make over My Life' button you could push when things are not going according to plan? I certainly have. While there is no such button, there is a way to maximize control of our lives. It's called organization :-) My last post had some ideas for organizing your drawers and clothes (click here to view). This week I'm giving you very affordable ways to regain control of and brighten your home.

De-clutter

You've heard this a zillion times, but if you haven't done it thoroughly, you could still be suffering from the negative effects of clutter, i.e disorganization, chronic lateness, de-motivation, etc, etc. Sound familiar?

Taken from California Closets

A - Start with your wardrobe and dresser and eliminate all the clothes you have not worn in the last year and a half. I'm serious. Donate these to a charity of your choice.

B - Group remaining clothes according to similar characteristics such as color, type (pants, dresses, skirts, etc). Your wardrobe will eventually look something like the picture to the right

All those complaints "I have nothing to wear!" will instantly disappear, because you can easily identify your options, and not feel overwhelmed. And, you'll wear the clothes you actually love. Trust me, you won't regret it. Best part is, you don't have to spend a dime!


C - Get rid of some of your shoe boxes (not the shoes!)

Decorative Molding Shoe Rack

I get inspired by shoes. Yes, they actually dictate my outfits LOL. Thus, digging through multiple shoe boxes at the bottom of the closet / wardrobe does not cut it for me. Sometimes I look at multiple shoes before deciding on the one. Not being able to see the shoes immediately really annoys me. I wanted to recreate the 'shoe store' effect in my bedroom. Initially I thought of doing something like the picture to the right.



Love it! Using decorative molding adds instant glam, and is low cost. But I don't have a lot of wall space available in my bedroom, so I scrapped that idea, and chose instead to use my bookcase. I have a friend to thank for this, she got this from interior designer Saleem. My days of school are over (praise God) so there is no need for 3 bookshelves on my home, not unless they are in my home office / library. Besides in this digital age, many of my books are now on my Kindle app or iBooks. Here's the transformation so far:

Bookcase to Shoecase Transformation

There's ample space for more shelves, so I'll be adding a few. I purchased this bookcase eons ago from Ikea, dirt cheap. This transformation cost me $0.00 :-)


Control

I've been thinking about this idea of controlling our lives, and why we do it. Control ultimately means power, and if I control, (i.e. organize, plan for, direct, measure...) my life I'm should have greater power, right? Not quite. As much as I'm pushing us to be more organized, I'm not in denial about how much control we have. Yes, we control our destinies, and preparation is the key that unlocks most doors. Curbing our bad habits, appetites, thoughts, etc are important facets of life. But what about the things we can't control, like people's feelings / reactions to us? Or, being in the right place at the right time? How about nepotism / favoritism? See what I mean?

God, is a keeper of those who entrust their lives to Him. He doesn't force Himself on anyone. But if we choose to surrender ourselves to Him, we have nothing to worry about. Why do this?

1. God has only good intentions for us: "I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11
2. God is protector: "And behold, I am with you, and will keep you in all places wherever you go..." Genesis 28:15
3. God wants to bless and preserve us: "The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and You will not deliver him unto the will of his enemies." Psalm 41:2 
4. He sends us His angels: "For He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11, 12

Does any of that sound like an evil dictator who wants to control us? Nah. It's all for our good. And the more of ourselves we give to Him, the more power we inherit. Isn't that the best deal ever?

Happy designing!

Kyla