Decluttering the Make-up and Body Products

I have a slight obsession with make-up and body products. I'll see something I like or something that smells great, and I'll get it, even if I already have plenty of other products to do the job. Lotions, eyeshadow, bubble bath, it doesn't matter. I love it all. I realized the other day that I need to clean out what I don't use. I sometimes fall into the trap of "I'll use it one day," but that day never comes.

I have a unique place. In our bedroom, we have an extra sink and cabinet. Weird, but so handy for me. That sink is mine. It is so easy to add more stuff if you have enough space. That's what happened to me. So, clean out time! Here's what I did.

(I took the photos with my iPad thinking they would be as clear as my iPhone pictures. Hmm...not so much. I'll stick to the phone next time.)

Step 1: pull everything out of the cupboards and off the counter.

You can see my kitty wanted to help with the process. Yes, lots and lots of pretty things.

Step 2: sort into piles based on category (make-up, hair products, face products, etc.)

This sorting process made a huge task much better. This way, I knew what I had in each type of product so that I could make the best decision on what stayed and what was tossed. I realized I had more than I thought when it was all lumped together.

Step 3: eliminate the unused products.

Step 4: organize and display.

I have a make-up tray now on my counter. Getting rid of make-up was hard, but I knew I needed to get rid of what I don't use. I have my lotions and other essentials out and displayed. The rest (bubble bath, hair products, and summer products) are in organized containers under the sink. Now, I feel much better.

Questions? Ask in the comment box!

Monday Madness

Well, taxes are done! It was another way I really felt married since we filed married. Taxes, surprisingly, don't bother me. I'm extremely organized, so it takes me about an hour to two (depending on what I'm watching on TV!) to get them all ready and tallied. I itemized these past two years due to grad school, which helped! Two years ago, I had to pay a lot, so I always worry when it's tax time. 

My system is very easy. I use an accordion folder. Mine is plastic and durable. By the end of the year, it's hard for me to put the strap around it. Here's what I keep in it (each has its own folder pocket):

1. Paycheck stubs
2. Medical receipts
3. Checking/savings stubs that have cleared
4. General receipts that can be written off
5. Car payment stubs
6. Insurance info and receipts
7. Credit card statements

It sometimes changes each year, especially as I get older. Tailor yours to fit you. You can buy some really good, sturdy ones at Wal-Mart and Office Max. Try to get a sturdy plastic so it will last year after year without tearing!