The Big "O"!

I am always in pursuit of the big "O" but it doesn't come naturally. Of course, I'm talking about ORGANIZATION. And, I'm sure not getting better as I get older. Combine a bad memory with too much stuff to keep track of, and you have one big mess!

I knew I needed some help! This will give you an idea of what I was dealing with.

This started out as my staging inventory. Then I discovered tablescaping, and things grew out of hand. And, I have another five complete sets of dishes elsewhere in my house. The deciding moment for me was when I bought the same dishes twice! I knew I needed some way to get ORGANIZED!!!

I created this for my tablescaping, but it certainly would work for any obsession hobby! The first step was buying a photo album. These are not as easy to find as they used to be. I didn't want anything fancy. I found this one at OfficeMax for $12.

I loved that I could slip a tablescape photo in the cover!

I always choose black because I have two black dogs and two black cats, and well, you get it.

It's very important to put something in the album that identifies who it belongs to, in case you leave it someplace. A phone number is all you need. I never lose things in stores. Just in my own house!

Now, you just add the information you need. Eventually, I will add more, but this just gives you an idea!

I took photos of my dishes and glasses, and did that ever give me an idea of how many I have! I will eventually add candlesticks, centerpieces, colors and sizes of tablecloths and napkins, etc.

And, then I printed them, and cut them out!

They are organized by dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, etc.

I write in how many I have and where I bought them. As I start to use this book, I will write down prices, too.

You can even include fabric samples! See if a smart phone can do THIS!

I think this will definitely prevent me from buying the same thing twice, and I feel good and ORGANIZED!!!

Thank you to Between Naps On The Porch for hosting this Metamorphosis Monday! I also need to thank Mr. Wonderful, who is still waiting for the Italian dinner I promised to cook for him tonight!

Be sure to visit my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...

And, you are always welcome to visit Elaine's Wonderful World!