organizing

I am all about a pretty space.

I’m also all about a real life space.

The problem is that pretty + real life don’t always work together.

And real life tends to trump pretty everyday of the week.

I always struggle with finding that happy balance between pretty and real life in the kitchen.

Prime example: the chips will always live on top of the fridge. No, its not pretty, but that’s where we expect them to be, so that’s where they will always be come hell or high water unless we magically get more pantry or cabinet space…which I won’t hold my breath for.

That being said, these are my best kitchen ideas for merging real life and pretty.

Doritos bag on the refrigerator not included.

Every year, usually a day or two after Christmas, something very liberating happens at our house.

No bra burning.

No marches on the courthouse lawn.

We purge.

I go through every nook and cranny of this house and I get rid of stuff.

Lots of stuff.

And it feels so good.

And then after I’ve went through every nook and cranny, I start selling all that stuff.

And I make a little money.

And that feels damn good.

This year, I wanted you to get in on the excitement of purging and finding money, so I whipped up this little printable to share what I do.

10+ Kitchen Ideas for Decorating, Organizing, and Storage

15 Days to a Clutter-Free Home…And Some Extra Cash