No matter what size pantry you have, it can be hard to organize. There are some tools that can help. I will also share three tips to help keep it organized.

The lazy Susan or the turntable comes in different sizes; I would look for the small to medium size so you can place more than one on the top shelf. This is good for smaller items that tend to get lost when things start to pile up.  You can purchase one single-level or tiered. They also come in many colors and materials. Choose something to match your kitchen or pantry style.

The over-the-door organizer is going to give you the added space you’ve been looking for. I suggest putting commonplace items here, things your reach for everyday. Not only are they easy to reach, you will easily keep an eye on when you are getting low and can add those to your shopping list.

A rolling cart for the bottom of the pantry is my last tool suggestion.  You can make a cleaning cart, a baking cart, a coffee cart, etc. Pull it out to use, and roll it back in when you’re finished.  You can now use that space for more than those rarely-used kitchen appliances (although you could make a cart for that, too!). Again, choose a style to complement those lazy Susans from above.

The first tip may sound simple but will greatly improve your organization and ability to find things. Organize your panty by zones. Put like items and items frequently used together in the same zone. If you are just getting started, start with one shelf and go from there.  There are no rules, group in a way that makes sense to you.

Next, place your items with the closest expiration date near the front. When you purchase new items, place them behind those already on the shelf.  This is common practice in restaurants and grocery stores.  It is a good practice and, not only keeps food fresh, but also limits waste (i.e. saves you money).

My third tip is a big one. Work your pantry organization and cleaning into your weekly cleaning schedule. You’ve worked hard to organize your items, so lets keep it that way. Take 10 minutes once a week to make sure items are grouped and organized by date. Throw away any expired foods and donate any not likely to be consumed.

Your pantry is now organized and ready to use . You can decide how to group and what shelves to use for different groupings. No more searching for the paprika while the chili is simmering!

You finally have the fireplace you’ve always wanted. Now, how do you stage the mantle? I have some simple suggestions to get you started.

First, let’s find an anchor. This is the large decorative piece for the center of your space. Large means 1/2 up to 3/4 the width of your mantle. The ceiling height will determine the height of your piece. For a lower ceiling, look for a horizontal or oval object. For vaulted ceilings, go more vertical. You can choose a large clock, mirror or picture.  Make it something you love and don’t be afraid to switch it out or try a few different options.

Next, we want to balance the ends. You can do this a few ways; you can match your ends or mix. This is also a personal choice, just keep the weight of your objects balanced. A vase or lantern on one side with two or three candle sticks of varying height on the other, or a large candle opposite two or three stacked hardback books are some examples.

Finally, let’s talk about depth. This is where you will find your fillers and where you will stack, overlap, or layer objects. Vary your heights, weights, and materials here to make it your own. With your anchor and ends in place, you can play around until you have the look you are happy with. My fillers are switched out with the seasons, while my centerpiece and ends typically stay the same.

There you go. Mantle decorating made easy! Anchor, balance and then fill for visual satisfaction.

Modern farmhouse is a very inviting style.  If we look at your home from room to room, simple changes can garnish oohs and ahs and compliments galore. This decorating style is about muted colors and rustic decor, but also about minimalism. Removing things will be as important as the things we add.

Let’s look at your living room first. Because the color scheme here is pale grays and whites, you need to take away all bold colors. Rugs, art, and lampshades can be removed and replaced in those farmhouse colors giving the room the muted look. Because these colors can work with almost any sofa, we are eliminating the need to purchase new furniture. Replacing decorative pillows with larger throw pillows with stripes, tassels, or arrows gives the room a feel of comfort. Everything is taken from the shelves and mantle, and fewer items take their place. The focus here is mixed wood and metal, distressed and farmhouse items like wood candlesticks, a windowpane mirror, and a small plant (real or faux).

Moving into the dining room, you will again remove all bold colors.  If you have a wooden table, you can leave it or paint it black or white. If you need a wooden table, buy secondhand. Chairs need to be different from the table. You can easily add slipcovers or thick chair pads; either work. Just keep those colors muted or striped. If you want to purchase a dining bench or 2 chairs for the ends, you can accomplish the look without the expense of buying all new chairs. Sheer curtains and a single large print with a scripture, hymn, or song lyric finish the room.

Remove all the clutter from your countertops in the kitchen. You can leave your wooden or metal spoon rest, cutting boards, and cookbook stand. Add a tiered serving tray for the finishing touch. The curtains and area rug are, again, in the pale colors, leaving the emphasis on those few rustic décor items.

The bedroom will have two options. For the first, you will change to a tall padded headboard or a metal bed. This will be the focal point of the room so go for cream or gray, just go for the opposite color with the bedding. A wood bench will be added at the foot of bed. Option two is to paint your wooden bed, white, black or gray with the contrasting bedding. Keep the muted, simple colors going and the minimalist décor. Remember the large throw pillows and framed quote from the living room? Do the same here. Add a  corner chair if there is room or a large basket for smaller spaces.

You now have a modern farmhouse feel. Just remember to keep those bright, bold colors put away. Minimize the number of items on shelves and countertops. Rustic simplicity without the shiplap!

First, clean the gutters. Channeling gallons of water a year away from your home, gutters can become clogged with fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris. Be sure you are inspecting as you clean, or hire a professional company to do both. Gutter guards or added mesh can help keep them clear. If your home needs new gutters, now is a great time to protect your home and enhance the curb appeal.

Next, you want to check all doors and windows in your home. By replacing caulk and weather stripping, you can lower your energy bill. An easy way to look for drafts is to hold a candle close to the frames and look for the flame to flicker. This is a simple, cost efficient repair all homeowners can do.

As you prepare for cooler weather, your home’s furnace should be checked. You should change your filter; this not only helps your unit run efficiently but also keeps the air quality in your home high. Keep in mind, all homes are different, and filters need to be changed frequently based on your individual home. You will also want to hire a professional to service your system to keep it running smoothly through fall, winter, and spring.

The final suggestion is to prep your fireplace. Your wood burning fireplace should be cleaned once a year by a professional chimney sweep. Ask them to check the chimney masonry, cap, damper, and firebricks, and do those repairs now. Electric or gas fireplaces need cleaned and fired up to make sure they are working correctly. Service companies will be easier to schedule now rather than in colder months when they are busy with heating emergencies. Don’t forget to check your smoke and CO₂ detectors as well as the fire extinguisher.

Now, it’s time to grab a cup of coffee or cocoa. Let’s light the fire. You can sit back and relax in your warm home!

It is the first of September, and you can feel it in the air⁠—fall! With all the joys it brings, it also means fall cleaning if you are a homeowner. I enjoy cleaning my front porch, so I can put out my autumn décor. It’s such an easy way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. 

To start, remove everything from the porch and door and sweep them down. This includes the ceiling, walls, windows, railings, floor, and door. You will want to include front windows and garage doors. Remove the window screens and scrub those down before cleaning the windows and replacing them. The last cleaning step is to pressure wash or wipe down all surfaces. Now, you have a clean, fresh space to decorate.  

Now, it’s time to choose a color scheme. This is a personal choice and can be the classic orange and black, but cream and purple, green and yellow, or white and blue can all work too. You can start with what you have and build on that or pick your colors and purchase new supplies. I have a large cream pumpkin that says “welcome” I hang on my door every year; I can mix and match my colors with it.  

Some items to include are a large striped or solid outdoor rug, your smaller themed door mat, a door hanger of autumn colors or pumpkin theme, and one or two larger decorative pieces–maybe a large planter with mums, a stack or group of artificial pumpkins, or a porch sign.  You should see it all coming together and can add or take away pieces until you have your desired look.  

There you go, a fall themed porch. I love pulling up to my home every day with my pumpkins greeting me.  Plus, with my cleaning done, it will be an easy transition after Thanksgiving to my Christmas porch!