Take it from Oprah.

I'll have you know that organization is on the mind of one of the world's most powerful women. That's right.

Oprah has announced her 'Ultimate Favorite Things' of 2010.

Coming in at 28 of 44, you will find:

Elfa Customizable Closet System from

the Container Store

Oprah says one of the most exciting dates she's ever been on was when Stedman took her to the Container Store. "I get excited by all those containers," she says.

While Stedman isn't available to take everyone to the Container Store, the Container Store can come to you!

Not only is the elfa closet system completely customizable, but the Container Store also has designers ready online, in-store or by phone to help you design the closet of your dreams.



Isn't it BEAUTIFUL?...
All my hopes and dreams combine to form the wonder that is this majestic closet. *sigh*

Refrigerator Organization

Remember how everything has a home?
Well, this little snippet of knowledge can be applied to practically every part of your dwelling, including the dreaded refrigerator.

First thing's first.
There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to have moldy food items. After all. You won't have worry about rancid food if you have taken a daily inventory of the inhabitants of your fridge.

Proper refrigeration etiquette requires constant maintenance.
This can include:

• Wiping up spills as soon as they appear.
• Throwing out leftovers after seven days.
• Getting rid of items you don't easily recognize. (Though this can be applied to that fuzzy, green Tupperware you believe may have contained cooked rotini in a former life, I am more specifically referring to those items that were purchased and never/rarely used.)
• Combining two opened containers of the same product. (No need for two ketchups people.)
• Storing similar items together.

This last step is by FAR the most important when it comes to staying organized.

Now, the clever refrigerator engineers of the world have devised a very ingenious solution to this dilemma. It's a little thing I like to call compartmentalizing.

Ever noticed how certain areas of the fridge are often labeled? I'm sure many of you were simply stupefied to learn that there is such a thing as a 'crisper' drawer or a 'dairy' shelf. Don't even get me started on the eighth wonder of the world that is the cooler door.

Beyond strange. I know.

So here's the thing. After hauling all the groceries in from the car, divide them into piles of a similar nature. Dairy with dairy. Produce with produce. Meat with meat. You get the idea.

Then, group on/in the appropriate refrigerator shelf/drawer as needed. No problem, right?

When you become a true pro, you'll start to do this without even realizing it. No joke!

And then, one day, you'll be putting the cheese away and (without even thinking) it will end up back with its dairy buddies.

I shed a glistening tear for the glory that is that moment.

It's a thing of beauty, I tell ya. A thing of beauty.

Rule Number Two.

Here's the thing.
Organization doesn't have to be all time consuming.

If you were to spend 10 minutes a day deep cleaning a particular area of your home, there would be no need for major Spring cleanings or stressful Saturdays, elbow deep in sudsy water.

So here's the second important thing to remember: KISS.

Now... little do you know, this can be interpreted two ways.
#1 is pretty self explanatory. Feel free to participate in said activity as much as you want.
#2 is more specifically the issue at hand. Keep It Simple Stupid!

You don't need to be super-mom or anal-girl to keep things under control. Follow these few simple steps and you'll be fancy-free:

1) Constantly pick up after yourself.
Messes can't pile up if you take care of them right away. Just like when you were little and your mom said, "You have to put away the blocks before you can take out the Barbies." Now, this may seem a little juvenile but, if you need to limit yourself in this way, heck, it's a place to start.

2) Make sure your SCHED-ule will allow it.
Life is all about priorities. Decide today that you want to make your home a haven from a world of chaos and clutter. Though most people don't relish mopping the floor or scrubbing the toilet, it will not get done if you do not do it! Buckle down and get to work.

3) Organize yourselves.
I don't know how to state it more simply. Straighten out. Straighten up. I'm always willing to help.

4) Make home feel like 'you'.
This can be the most self-gratifying step of all. I am telling you to go out and find objects, colors, forms, etc. that scream 'you' then incorporate them into your space. You will feel ever so happy with the house you have now transformed into a home.

Moral:
Follow these simple steps on you'll be well on your way to becoming the organized goddess that you've always known you could be.