Last week I turned my island around. You know the one in my kitchen, with the giant butcher block on top? It had been that way since it arrived in my kitchen – in fact, I’d decided how the island would stand ever before we bought the house. Moving it seemed like a weird idea…
But I gave it a spin 90 degrees and viola! instantly improved the flow and appearance in my kitchen. It’s amazing! Unloading the dishwasher is no longer a crowded, awkward chore. Food prep seems just a little simpler, and my counter space is a full 13 inches closer to the fridge (which lives in the next room) and let me tell you, this saves steps. Granted, this does mean that the back, unfinished side of the cupboards face my door and give guests their first impression of my kitchen, but you know what? I’m ok with that.
It had me thinking – where else could I think outside the box to improve my household? My schedule? My attitude?
I’ve repeatedly taken little things like food prep and folding laundry and organizing to the Lord and He has often given me inspiration. It often involves breaking out of my comfort zone, putting a different spin on things, looking at a problem from someone else’s perspective. And it’s always been a blessing when I get a fresh new angle on a task or idea. Remember, He cares about what you carry.
Got a problem? Organizational issue? Relationship conundrum? Take it to God. Ask a friend for their perspective. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Frankly, I’ve got a conundrum with putting the laundry away. I get it all clean and folded, but I procrastinate about putting the laundry away. Got any tips?
Here goes with some laundry tips…
1. Family closet right in the laundry area
2. Make it Jesse & Claire's job to put it away 🙂
3. As soon as it's folded, make a race out of seeing how fast you can get it put away, or set a timer and try to get it done in a short amount of time
4. Reward yourself with a special treat each time you accomplish the loathed task (1/2 hour with a book, a special snack, game with the kiddos, etc.)
5. Pay yourself for doing it! Sock away a couple dollars each time you get it done to save up for something you've been wanting – – a new piece of cookware, that fun fabric floral pin you found on Etsy, a new purple purse, some scrapbook supplies, hiring a maid… 🙂
P.S. About the island… Is the side opposite the unfinished one painted or finished? If so, just turn it 180! 🙂 Then guests will only see the unfinished side when they're sitting in the living room.
I know we've talked about my hatred of laundry too…
..but my only encouragement to you is to remember (say it right out loud if you have to) that when it's done, and all put away, it's a fantastic feeling. I just adore clean surfaces, so to know that there isn't a pile of laundry on my dryer is an awesome thing for me.
So true! God cares about even the smallest issues in our lives, which is amazing. And I think you can definitely cover that side of the island with something or other – wainscoting comes to mind although I don't know if that would work or not.
I too procrastinate on putting my laundry away. Looking forward to any tips on it that you receive.
great post, so true. haven't been commenting lately (no internet until recently) but am still enjoying reading!
I dump my laundry on the dining room table. Big folding surface, and looking at it every time I walk by motivates me to fold a few pieces (or the whole load). I also only have 3 laundry baskets which helps me not wait too long between loads.
Daisy, thank you for that outsied-the-box idea! 🙂
Laundry tips, anyone??? 🙂
A good reminder he cares about the little things…thank you! Jyl
It's amazing what a little change will do for everything else! And give the kids some colors and let them decorate the unfinished side of the cabinets!
We have the most awkward little kitchen ever, but about six months ago, we did the same thing with our ktichen table: turned it length wise in the kichen instead of cross ways. Though the kitchen is still awkward (always will be until we get it remodeled) that little change did improve the flow dramatically.