Loving My Raskog Cart

After patiently waiting for my local Ikea to restock Raskog carts, I could barely wait to take one home for assembly when I spotted the turquoise trolleys at the store.  

Raskog cart Ikea $49.99

The sturdy steel cart is easy to assemble.  I found a spot for it immediately but contemplated what I wanted to put in the cart baskets.  I was looking for function with a bit of aesthetic.  I was able to make more space in my kitchen drawers and cabinets by moving just a few items to the cart.

Hubby realized that the cart fits perfectly in the mudroom.  This space was meant for large bags of dogs food.  Since we are "between" dogs right now, a Raskog cart would be perfect for gloves and scarves in the winter.  I think I'll purchase a gray cart this time.

If you are in need of storage space in ANY room in your home, consider one of these extremely affordable carts.

Ikea Crave

Raskog Kitchen cart Ikea $49.99

I think this cart is fantastic for the price.  It is available in gray as well as turquoise but since turquoise is a favorite color, I'll have that.  

The Raskog cart may be called a "kitchen" trolley but why keep all the fun in a kitchen.  It would be great in a bathroom for extra storage, a craft room, or kids room.  

I can't show photos of how I use the cart since it is out of stock at my Ikea and I'm waiting...and craving.

Where would you use the cart?  Gray or turquoise?

Memorial Day That Felt Like Labor Day

It wasn't cool weather that made it feel like Labor Day, it was laboring and organizing that made our weekend work.  Hubby was on call so that meant we were at home all weekend.  

We decided to refinish the outdoor furniture, not because it is great stuff but because it stores so well.  The chairs form one nice stack in the basement and the table folds and fits against a wall in the garage during the winter.  So we sanded, stained and sealed and - 

-voila!  Almost good as new!  

I do like my little bistro set but it isn't really big enough for two people.  I had Sunday breakfast al fresco while hubby made rounds.

I got ambitious and went through some boxes in the storage room.  The result is trash, Craigslist and Purple Heart donations.  Feels good to purge and free up some space.  

The deck plants are looking really healthy despite 90 degree temperatures. 

Did you do projects or plant over the weekend?  Do you eat outside several times a week? 

Have a good week.  

Colorful Organization

Probably one of the top New Year resolutions made each year is to become more organized.  I decided that the beginning of 2011 would be a good time to re-evaluate my record keeping.  I purchased some colorful office supplies to make the task more pleasurable.  Office Depot markets a line of otherwise mundane office products in vibrant hues and patterns.  Fuchsia rubber bands, teal paper clips, orange binder clips, and animal print magnets are just a few of the tempting options.  

What are your tricks for being organized?

One Thing Leads to Another

We've had Sydney for three weeks and she is showing great promise as a Leader Dog.  She has been on many public outings and remains under control and calm.  She is learning to obey commands and is mostly house broken.  Following Leader Dog requirements, we needed to acquire a crate for Sydney.  Which led to ...

... reworking the mudroom.
Custom laminate counter top mounted on adjustable Ikea table legs and an Ikea shelf with drawers and charging station from Target clearance.  Which led to ...

...adding shelves in the coat closet for bins to hold the mittens, scarves, and hats.  Add to that a bin for boots and a bin for dog food.  

All the closets in the condo were unpainted and pathetic.  
Which led to ...

 

... painting all the closets in the condo and installing ClosetMaid shelving systems.

Closet space is maximized for our personal paraphernalia leaving space for guests belongings. 

And that is what we did on our summer vacation.