A New Season

Not technically fall, but I can smell it in the air. And now that school has started and the weather has cooled somewhat, it really does feel like fall! I'm so ready.

Since we've returned from our vacation, I've had this very strange urge to clean, organize and get rid of stuff. I even cleaned & vacuumed the car. I know, strange. I'm just so tired of the stress of messes. I desperately need a fresh start with this new season.

I've discovered the one of my problems is that I have too many baskets, bins, containers and little doo-dad holders. Because, if you have a container, it WILL get filled. I've been sorting things and going through piles of stuff that I've been ignoring for a long time. And getting rid of the extra containers.  What a wonderful feeling to walk into a room and not see these little piles anymore. And it's getting addictive. I'm looking around excitedly wondering what to clean next.   I'm sure it's a phase that will pass, but while it lasts, I'm rolling with it.  Husband reminded me that I went through something similar last year at this time, but I don't recall...

So, in honor of the upcoming change of seasons, I made this wonderful "Autumn Chopped Salad" that I found on pinterest. We added some cut up turkey cold-cuts on top and it was a very nice main dish salad for dinner yesterday. And it was so pretty too!

Have Toothbrush, Will Travel

We just returned from a nice camping trip to the mountains. We had a wonderful relaxing time. Except for the long drive of course, and some of the usual sibling bickering, but overall lots of fun. My only other two complaints were some overly curious bears (this was at our neighbor's campsite) -

and some very chilly/rainy weather-

I know it seems crazy to complain about that when its still over 100 here and dry as a bone. Wish we could've brought some of that rain home with us!

Anywho, while preparing for our trip, in the midst packing and cooking and cleaning and laundry, I managed to sew this little gem. I saw this idea on pinterest a while back, a roll-up toothbrush 'caddy!' Since it was just a listing on etsy, there was no tutorial or instructions, I just winged it. And I winged it in a matter of minutes. It was so easy!

I bought two regular sized washcloths at the dollar store. I folded one in half and placed it on top of the other with the fold in the center. I sewed around the sides & bottom, then sewed seams to separate the folded cloth into four sections. I also sewed in a piece of elastic. (forgive these gosh-awful pics!)

So, you can slide your toothbrushes & flossers into the slots, then fold the top down.

Then roll it up & loop the elastic around it to hold it closed.

I love that it's an absorbent holder, I always hate just throwing everyone's toothbrush into baggies and I've never met a plastic toothbrush holder I liked. Then, when you're back from your trip, you can just toss it in the wash. Genius!

I love this idea & wish I would've discovered it sooner. It's a keeper!