Day 145: Scarves + Tension Rods = Brilliant

Get your Neat Freak Cheat Sheet ready to go, because I spotted an incredible idea for scarves the other day from apartmenttherapy.com ...

Now, technically this a solution for people who live in apartments (or who have little storage space), but it can be easily adapted for a bathroom or closet, no matter where you live! 

I think the photos speak for themselves, but the idea is that you get several tension rods (which are usually inexpensive ... BONUS!) and hang them up in what may be a typically unused space, like behind a door or in a small nook in a closet or a bathroom.  Get out that colorful collection of scarves and hang them up by slipping them on the rods using an easy-to-remove knot. 

It looks amazing, it takes up very little room, it's all organized... AND it's so easy to get your scarf pick for your outfit that day!

Now, THAT's neat!

Day 144: The Mini Vac - My Salvation, My Sanity

I got a purple Shark Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum this past Christmas.  Don't judge!  I received a full-size vacuum cleaner for Christmas several years ago! :)  (Hey - it's NOT a bad gift for a neat freak.)  It's such a handy "neat freak cheat sheet" item that every household should have, especially if you have pets... or kids!

I've decided that this little wonder is one thing that helps me keep my cool each and every day with three children... and a dog... and a husband with a dirty job!  I no longer have to break out the "big guns" when cereal gets all over the floor or when dirt clumps create a "welcome" mat on the hardwood floor, right in front of the door to the garage.  Better yet - even my 4-year old can use this lightweight mini vac!  The kids actually ENJOY cleaning with this machine!

The mini vac has truly been a lifesaver, even this morning when I had to vacuum eggs out of my son's hair.  Yes.  Eggs.  And, yes... I vacuumed them out!  I had just sucked up the mess he left on the couch, so I turned toward him and spotted the food he was wearing/storing... or whatever was going on there.  He thought it was pretty funny.  And... it worked!  Way to save the day - and my sanity - again, mini vac! 

Now, THAT's neat!

Day 143: Cleaning, scheduling and staying organized

I'm one of those people who has the exact same "cleaning day" set aside, each and every week.  I can't help it.  In some ways, I even get a little bit excited about it!  After all, I am a neat freak, and I just LOVE the look, smell and feel of a clean house! 
Some people, however, love to use lists and check off cleaning and organizing items throughout the week.  For instance, Monday may be the day you clean out the refrigerator.  Tuesdays may be laundry day.  And Saturdays may be set aside for disinfecting the bathrooms. 
See, I just can't bring myself to work this way.  If I do little bits and pieces, scattered through the week, I feel like things are left undone... and are never truly clean.  I know it can be quite a chore and quite a challenge, but I like EVERYTHING clean at ONE TIME! (I guess I have a little OCD mixed in with my neat freakishness!)
What about you?  Do you prefer to work on a little at a time... or do you, also, attack the whole shebang?  (Somebody tell me I'm not alone!  Ha-ha!)

Now, THAT's neat!