Lemon Body Cream | Spring Essentials

First it was vanilla beans, now it is lemon.  I've been on a major lemon kick.  It all started with the creamy lemon mousse...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M1VWJratK0KSxjjBXSXooHIpn333ccnCbKZdx2_S8A3qFEcP0kybE3XhjfHRcdbbzzYjytxwXzAjHdo9AG_2IscS5fK5bw8FeopuUeSPfDp0DtH84chB0V_EWLgb7cnCwSvac5GDRQI3/s1600/b005_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M1VWJratK0KSxjjBXSXooHIpn333ccnCbKZdx2_S8A3qFEcP0kybE3XhjfHRcdbbzzYjytxwXzAjHdo9AG_2IscS5fK5bw8FeopuUeSPfDp0DtH84chB0V_EWLgb7cnCwSvac5GDRQI3/s1600/b005_1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Now I'm on to creamy lemon body butter!  I think I'll be stuffing my own Easter basket with some of this! <br /><br />Buy it here at <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802239189&pubid=21000000000393866">C.O.Bigelow</a>.  $19.50  *Use the code BIG20 for 20% off!

Lemon Body Cream | Spring Essentials

First it was vanilla beans, now it is lemon.  I've been on a major lemon kick.  It all started with the creamy lemon mousse... Now I...

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Shrimp in a Chorizo, White Wine & Tomato Broth with Crusty Garlic Bread

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvGKIDOMmqi4RhCthbkofyfCiyP6IsBypATtbIZStBvbrnPTJyJiyBwBCJaNGQyVzjHKVAzoQXOIdtbAQLHyj5o2xW1neAe418UvyCa-hXvXob6J4V3vEcoj7Va5DWLDFFYLg3Z-yCXg/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvGKIDOMmqi4RhCthbkofyfCiyP6IsBypATtbIZStBvbrnPTJyJiyBwBCJaNGQyVzjHKVAzoQXOIdtbAQLHyj5o2xW1neAe418UvyCa-hXvXob6J4V3vEcoj7Va5DWLDFFYLg3Z-yCXg/s640/IMG_2336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />When we were in Kansas City a couple of weeks ago, we went to dinner with friends (one of our first nights out without Emma) at a new spot on the Plaza - <a href="http://gramanddun.com/menu.php" target="_blank">Gram & Dun</a>.  I had one of the best meals I've had in a while.  Yes, it could very well have been the company - old friends - or the fact that I could have an entire glass of wine.  All of that considered, the Mussels in a white wine, chorizo and tomato broth was the cherry on top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuEGceuDVYtAu3L3I5xhrwwwua1pTTjhTk2nhJVi7KqgwpypxndYKZQXOVUjjD1v6T-xJY5XePmgdJdukWyM2h1w9X4pIFFRtXnT2PURdRjNfJm_4B5yFzKaZsUYMx0uMIBft6JZHz7U/s1600/Gram+and+Dunn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuEGceuDVYtAu3L3I5xhrwwwua1pTTjhTk2nhJVi7KqgwpypxndYKZQXOVUjjD1v6T-xJY5XePmgdJdukWyM2h1w9X4pIFFRtXnT2PURdRjNfJm_4B5yFzKaZsUYMx0uMIBft6JZHz7U/s1600/Gram+and+Dunn.jpg" /></a></div>I think I've mentioned my dining strategy before - I hardly ever order an entree for my meal.  Mike and I typically start with a shared light appetizer followed by a large salad (in this case we had a grilled romaine salad - also great).  Then, for my entree I usually order another starter - it is usually seafood or fish of some sort of seafood.  If there are mussels on the menu, then I almost always order them.  Nothin' better than mopping up a great wine broth with a piece of crusty bread.<br /><br />As I often love to do, I recreated this recipe for us this week.  Mike is not a huge fan of mussels, though.  Maybe that's why I order them any chance I get?  Instead, I substituted shrimp.  It was amazing.  Almost better, dare I say.<br /><br />The star of the show was definitely the chorizo and garlic.  And the crusty baguette I toasted then rubbed with raw garlic.  Always a hit. <br /><br />I highly recommend you try this tonight.  It is fairly simple, quick and all made in one pan - and gives you an excuse to crack open a bottle of wine on a Thursday night. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmQ6Q6dDzIxKddgt9XHpq7iYndyvb8mrTM50o4y0_TmyXwDJL1YA8zXt-QAR6ccF_3FQvp9D2j5hj3kSlqtt13dPH7k50VEJAIyaNR3kIyWAqu_xuekxgrVIojen_jpTgyi8Jjs_ayyY/s1600/IMG_2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmQ6Q6dDzIxKddgt9XHpq7iYndyvb8mrTM50o4y0_TmyXwDJL1YA8zXt-QAR6ccF_3FQvp9D2j5hj3kSlqtt13dPH7k50VEJAIyaNR3kIyWAqu_xuekxgrVIojen_jpTgyi8Jjs_ayyY/s400/IMG_2331.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Shrimp in a Chorizo, White Wine, Garlic & Tomato Broth</span><br /><i>served with crusty garlic french bread</i><br /><br />1 pound of shrimp, peeled<br />1 pound of chorizo sausage<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil <br />1 shallot, sliced<br /><br />6 cloves of garlic, sliced <br /><br />2 cups of white wine<br />1-2 cups of chicken broth<br /><br />1 can of whole tomatoes <br /><br />fresh thyme<br />baguette, sliced<br /><br />1 clove of garlic, whole <br /><br /><br />Remove the sausage from its casing and break it up into small/medium pieces.  Cook it in a saute pan on a medium/high heat, rendering some of the fat.  Add the shallot and cook until soft.  Add the olive oil, shrimp and garlic.  Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and garlic begins to sizzle.  With a slotted spoon, remove the sausage, shrimp, shallots and garlic and set it aside, leaving the fat and flavor bits on the bottom of the pan.  Pour in white wine and stir - scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all of the flavor from the sausage into the wine.  Add the tomatoes by squeezing them in one at a time.  Continue to break them into bite size pieces with the spoon.  Add the juice from the can of tomatoes.  Add a couple of sprigs of thyme.  At this point you can add the chicken broth in to thin the wine sauce to your liking.  Cook for 3-5 minutes. <br /><br />Slice the baguette, place the slices under the broiler for 1-2 minutes just until it starts to brown.  Remove it from the oven.  Rub a raw clove of garlic on the crusty side of bread.   <br /><br /><br />Add the sausage ans shrimp back into the wine broth.  Serve in big bowls with bread.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_3h0zWodseC_gm4VEKtM2_NueKLKJHW3blHF-TMS2J7mHUCGLyqgbCJO9VECygg-uvTUEasMgPBTp_OgfDngNNfnvy3JN8ZgLUww0_i6KNIPrS0RRsAQdKI1pveHYqLYey9FJ3PVJts/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_3h0zWodseC_gm4VEKtM2_NueKLKJHW3blHF-TMS2J7mHUCGLyqgbCJO9VECygg-uvTUEasMgPBTp_OgfDngNNfnvy3JN8ZgLUww0_i6KNIPrS0RRsAQdKI1pveHYqLYey9FJ3PVJts/s640/IMG_2314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> All of my ingredients - ignore the bibb lettuce in the back.  That was for a salad that was never made.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPe1HlR6G5f7aQ9YHur0oOCuzhrHV-jAAhWlvCDJjI-UFBS6ltWrOjfxHu6TbXxvB_32j1dhP9szk-BGqoehjyCdELp-C5-5k_Fxun82bVBJmqbiI0sxtQOQhT9eLg_VbogxeKpBUxy4/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPe1HlR6G5f7aQ9YHur0oOCuzhrHV-jAAhWlvCDJjI-UFBS6ltWrOjfxHu6TbXxvB_32j1dhP9szk-BGqoehjyCdELp-C5-5k_Fxun82bVBJmqbiI0sxtQOQhT9eLg_VbogxeKpBUxy4/s640/IMG_2321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Chorizo, Shallots and Garlic in the pan.  Shrimp is next.  <br /><br />Sorry for the blurry photo - haven't quite mastered dealing with the steam element in my photography.  Tips? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYIsw4teWEDCzTTgddvI7tLY2uzxJ4hNvHuo-na6mfYsnD9-c730Ay_H0qEaUldycWvzOilZEz2P-Smp2StI9A4DLNFe67vFdtjEAgwtKPBSOq_amxuSyuiVx6hgHGcDFt40oOikZcE/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYIsw4teWEDCzTTgddvI7tLY2uzxJ4hNvHuo-na6mfYsnD9-c730Ay_H0qEaUldycWvzOilZEz2P-Smp2StI9A4DLNFe67vFdtjEAgwtKPBSOq_amxuSyuiVx6hgHGcDFt40oOikZcE/s640/IMG_2323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Shrimp! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9h4Cw6Jpiwr8w9WIdKya1JW43n9T1fORPkObdyTtvfIyedF6z5lvTXC3VMmrIvAqHT-FOugQaxGXIHfv6S9obNfLXrfgGGY7Fz4QehnA-VsowDiSC2HkxfbfHiBe8xdUqD7SRuXtoX0/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9h4Cw6Jpiwr8w9WIdKya1JW43n9T1fORPkObdyTtvfIyedF6z5lvTXC3VMmrIvAqHT-FOugQaxGXIHfv6S9obNfLXrfgGGY7Fz4QehnA-VsowDiSC2HkxfbfHiBe8xdUqD7SRuXtoX0/s640/IMG_2324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Everything has been taken out of the pan and the white wine has been added for deglazing.  Scrape up the bits with a flat wooden spoon. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeATqwHzawZY2-1WxN5AR2XHr-qVLQm2x6oCPuSTMUexfAMrH-3bIKRUmBcSFQRyWCi7yr4pG9LY9UvoX1s3exefNfRSqr9P2prwogwXOqcMqh4Y-qd0UTRE-_-O-am6uYqNWWzgjmkY/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeATqwHzawZY2-1WxN5AR2XHr-qVLQm2x6oCPuSTMUexfAMrH-3bIKRUmBcSFQRyWCi7yr4pG9LY9UvoX1s3exefNfRSqr9P2prwogwXOqcMqh4Y-qd0UTRE-_-O-am6uYqNWWzgjmkY/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />All done!   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzJgBOCq-ioHMbfzMiX-QyP79R1XwMlXVgqzGIWjztehGBGkYHxK4p8eXrcQvyM6j6Hc3lJlQLdTx4KuiQzcwNJbiws986T6WdJDLrORXOnIhQPH_QaYR7ZhFZD87X_VJd5Fpf0qMAtQ/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzJgBOCq-ioHMbfzMiX-QyP79R1XwMlXVgqzGIWjztehGBGkYHxK4p8eXrcQvyM6j6Hc3lJlQLdTx4KuiQzcwNJbiws986T6WdJDLrORXOnIhQPH_QaYR7ZhFZD87X_VJd5Fpf0qMAtQ/s640/IMG_2329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Shrimp in a Chorizo, White Wine & Tomato Broth with Crusty Garlic Bread

When we were in Kansas City a couple of weeks ago, we went to dinner with friends (one of our first nights out without Emma) at a new spot o...

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Spring Organizing Projects : Martha Stewart Labels & Home Office at Staples

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oyb74zg8nK_8QtZXYolGosP3HtUN1eSccxIZcr6Oh3WTMosV0iYEecfrTZuU_ikTOwUbCNnNk7Calq83pPw5bfygZddNlAQhTpxDiw52_ea07aMUrUqbX4r0XYDZmWwoyW4IvDy1Wrk/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oyb74zg8nK_8QtZXYolGosP3HtUN1eSccxIZcr6Oh3WTMosV0iYEecfrTZuU_ikTOwUbCNnNk7Calq83pPw5bfygZddNlAQhTpxDiw52_ea07aMUrUqbX4r0XYDZmWwoyW4IvDy1Wrk/s640/IMG_2578.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHp1-UffZEb1vJ_NFHyeAMbnHtNyl72xdNHXGU368f4D-HtSprucVhfxb3hr5rlzjHj5jelmp7FOd5HFcRdkAp2zaBoe5NCQ4V-0Hstu9BVS4A8yQuzTT1i8bTjFP66Sfmybq3dAYQNc/s1600/IMG_2575.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHp1-UffZEb1vJ_NFHyeAMbnHtNyl72xdNHXGU368f4D-HtSprucVhfxb3hr5rlzjHj5jelmp7FOd5HFcRdkAp2zaBoe5NCQ4V-0Hstu9BVS4A8yQuzTT1i8bTjFP66Sfmybq3dAYQNc/s400/IMG_2575.jpg" width="300" /></a>Watch out unruly USB cords, uncivil stationery, and unsatisfactory files - I've just returned from Staples.  I've been bitten by the organizing bug.  </div><br />It all started in the grocery store aisle.  Spotted : Martha's newest 'Organizing' special edition.  I bought the one of these 3 years ago when we were moving into our first home (as you might remember me referencing when I was <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/work-room-office-utility-laundry-room.html" target="_blank">organizing my workshop/utility room last Summer</a>).  All of the MS Editors' favorite home organizing 'good things' in one edition.<br /><br />I already had planned to redo our guest bedroom desk into a functioning office for me, now I was really inspired.  <i>***Follow me today (1PM EST) on twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/%23JennyOrganizesWithMartha" target="_blank">#JennyOrganizesWithMartha</a>) as I turn this into a well stocked and organized home office! </i><br />Inside the front cover there is a spread featuring the new Martha Stewart line of Home Office products at Staples (partnership with Avery).  <br /><br />As I looked at it I thought I <i>should</i> head over to Staples for a little R&D.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEoSg8tRwVuWILXdeE-AnpOvMzTIW1fH2fjoVvvD4D9Ux7feYbeaw44B-ZKnX2EETLDFCed6jqUZTJW1TI196d-X2AByNw0C5pSAaVMjlNTP_qPHIwOvIXwVbAG_7bZW4Eur7a8lYa8A/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEoSg8tRwVuWILXdeE-AnpOvMzTIW1fH2fjoVvvD4D9Ux7feYbeaw44B-ZKnX2EETLDFCed6jqUZTJW1TI196d-X2AByNw0C5pSAaVMjlNTP_qPHIwOvIXwVbAG_7bZW4Eur7a8lYa8A/s640/IMG_2579.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't plan to buy anything - I have a philosophy when it comes to home projects.  I do the hard part first before I allow my self to go spend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLolu9kwy11ZlHEt_P3KXaxLUi_e526fFBnMLXLIx2QsoNRJmoRhm3HA0QLLSol0zroAXPdC5njfn0ke4jBkrcWIJcE0JdSvfkiT8-AEYB8bpJK2kVExjCbqkT7YetkLQKfls2rhv_pM/s1600/IMG_2581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLolu9kwy11ZlHEt_P3KXaxLUi_e526fFBnMLXLIx2QsoNRJmoRhm3HA0QLLSol0zroAXPdC5njfn0ke4jBkrcWIJcE0JdSvfkiT8-AEYB8bpJK2kVExjCbqkT7YetkLQKfls2rhv_pM/s640/IMG_2581.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is easy to get excited about a project while shopping <i>before</i> doing the actual work of cleaning out, throwing away, demoing (in the case of most home reno projects). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRx7pILiNuUMfGYhEngoDtdZ2Jpzoh8yM_pwNlvJXpYlp9XtUp2CFEH0g35YSgpl6M0r15h2GLbCy8sAHsolN7ZfA-fcFktbBUITa33I6LGhly0pGJSjdWlD0-lh2OiHcqTijJEFsK4I/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRx7pILiNuUMfGYhEngoDtdZ2Jpzoh8yM_pwNlvJXpYlp9XtUp2CFEH0g35YSgpl6M0r15h2GLbCy8sAHsolN7ZfA-fcFktbBUITa33I6LGhly0pGJSjdWlD0-lh2OiHcqTijJEFsK4I/s640/IMG_2551.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlpWE3qpYBcRXW9En4wD4NhP5JPcKktmZYKaArrbFpJJMg_cldom4CF2n9_efCJzxFOCBdrDZgtulpVqO3IslRW-V0G8C8M6zGbXXFNBWFAdOTDViQPoI18XJNwBWqsGD2Z_L0e3s53M/s1600/IMG_2548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Often times I will get all worked up about a new project, immediately go to the store spend a bunch of money, then I would never get around to getting it done.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_mPutHIHayNWdT8NmXJebRt1GGozlWcdDgn3ZUOEeUZZSTcJ6NGCKlYt3rDLg2VI_84SjmRUWf_znNLBRcoPgHcWr1CyVls70Dgp1V_A8PR7GGfGuipKlOBcx-j4_jcGKc_lQj2ZW4E/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_mPutHIHayNWdT8NmXJebRt1GGozlWcdDgn3ZUOEeUZZSTcJ6NGCKlYt3rDLg2VI_84SjmRUWf_znNLBRcoPgHcWr1CyVls70Dgp1V_A8PR7GGfGuipKlOBcx-j4_jcGKc_lQj2ZW4E/s640/IMG_2553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now, I <i>try</i> to make myself wait until the work is done before I reward myself with a shopping trip to gather supplies.      <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaehwwKnJS9EJ4K_BHqH_qsed7CuV0Onl2zK1PWqATjrZkbJqb9vzHBuB7idPm3mp0sPny6qeEVXpWwX0K3u3Ku11Nz-0GBLz43bJS80C4Ub8h9fyZ7bAyCvE1Nh9fRG28Hc5xwUIhF7c/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaehwwKnJS9EJ4K_BHqH_qsed7CuV0Onl2zK1PWqATjrZkbJqb9vzHBuB7idPm3mp0sPny6qeEVXpWwX0K3u3Ku11Nz-0GBLz43bJS80C4Ub8h9fyZ7bAyCvE1Nh9fRG28Hc5xwUIhF7c/s640/IMG_2552.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Emma loved it so much.  She wouldn't let me leave the store without buying <i>something</i>... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx_r27Qp5-KyBUH7P5B6-Twll10HDZZDvXglHfOBPTQuQiVgtn8HBm8B6cIrOIbJqVpv3ezAIab2BUWbkGEQXKG7y-hi_uQAOecqRn3fMyV8LG01YTmWg05x27ptyho30ahztnYgreBY/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx_r27Qp5-KyBUH7P5B6-Twll10HDZZDvXglHfOBPTQuQiVgtn8HBm8B6cIrOIbJqVpv3ezAIab2BUWbkGEQXKG7y-hi_uQAOecqRn3fMyV8LG01YTmWg05x27ptyho30ahztnYgreBY/s640/IMG_2564.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Oops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DKbdo_U3_EfrjnAUOdlI3ZJ-loi9kDyR4MdYYmUzY5lzOC2z38l9Xny8RwuSSV0AESJHqCvh84TJmK5heRGoMtN-1hEw5UCeMQvo8NxpwSLKRkTKeiIUsPes5JtrYcLudROCRgnLz5k/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DKbdo_U3_EfrjnAUOdlI3ZJ-loi9kDyR4MdYYmUzY5lzOC2z38l9Xny8RwuSSV0AESJHqCvh84TJmK5heRGoMtN-1hEw5UCeMQvo8NxpwSLKRkTKeiIUsPes5JtrYcLudROCRgnLz5k/s640/IMG_2571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br />Just a little something... right?<br /><br />Fortunately I made myself come home and immediately address the problem areas : my guest bedroom desk area (soon-to-be home office), closet, entry way/mud room.  Here are the before photos...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv-NYn6K6ZndtEWp07XjYuAOYBGBVnGwRxDe1U2-MMrsSMp8jK20_jULVX6OZXqsmmM4kacKR2rGGyXJPDdL8nIRjihCHGgPgp9zNtmLV9RdRduQ4cOExik-1wgT4u9H8gSkkkvJoNXQ/s1600/IMG_2586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv-NYn6K6ZndtEWp07XjYuAOYBGBVnGwRxDe1U2-MMrsSMp8jK20_jULVX6OZXqsmmM4kacKR2rGGyXJPDdL8nIRjihCHGgPgp9zNtmLV9RdRduQ4cOExik-1wgT4u9H8gSkkkvJoNXQ/s640/IMG_2586.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />This is the porch area right before you come in the kitchen.  It works well for what it is, but not really lovely to look at.  We really stocked up on boots this year in preparation for the Boston snow... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNWECauJ00EvgqWMUORFAZUom9t5u2iiv2xjR3JSjhOdWyKr9yoUpt5UtYwsJ6M2s2lveRZNpyTq91eonHTSPBAx_mb0GX4NRG_1rKoWJhLmBsSCCyF-SsE1oOrGPB1ELwU60QaoBiyY/s1600/IMG_2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNWECauJ00EvgqWMUORFAZUom9t5u2iiv2xjR3JSjhOdWyKr9yoUpt5UtYwsJ6M2s2lveRZNpyTq91eonHTSPBAx_mb0GX4NRG_1rKoWJhLmBsSCCyF-SsE1oOrGPB1ELwU60QaoBiyY/s640/IMG_2588.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Not a disaster, but not pretty or nice to look at.  And, yes, even another pair of winter boots. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mEMcFGxo_ZyCeVEkrgJZMwVyWxJM_pyZUP8Ql-yZk3QtlEcRcThhmRwA2z1bt32E2FRGdSjjQsbdW0WwjalywHmYN4BRT4-x_giUqIf0eZxvSIe0-JpaEuWf77MBthA81snVE7KEXP0/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mEMcFGxo_ZyCeVEkrgJZMwVyWxJM_pyZUP8Ql-yZk3QtlEcRcThhmRwA2z1bt32E2FRGdSjjQsbdW0WwjalywHmYN4BRT4-x_giUqIf0eZxvSIe0-JpaEuWf77MBthA81snVE7KEXP0/s640/IMG_0482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Guest room desk - clean and tidy, but not functional for me.<br /><br />I'm going to be tackling this project this afternoon!  <i>***Follow me today (1PM EST) on twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/%23JennyOrganizesWithMartha" target="_blank">#JennyOrganizesWithMartha</a>) as I turn this into a well stocked and organized home office! </i>

Spring Organizing Projects : Martha Stewart Labels & Home Office at Staples

Watch out unruly USB cords, uncivil stationery, and unsatisfactory files - I've just returned from Staples.  I've been bitten by t...

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