I know organizing and storage and closet solutions are topics most people think about in January. You know, New Year's resolution, fresh start, blah, blah, blah. I think about it in all seasons. Organizing is a year-round (and life-long actually) pursuit for me.

Growing up, my mom would ask me to clean the bathroom - I would then hang two hand towels next to the sink and drape a washcloth diagonally over them. Apparently, I thought decorating and organizing was a much better idea than scrubbing a toilet (still do). I'll never forget my 8th grade Home Economics teacher saying

"A place for everything

and everything in its place."

Yes. That makes sense to me!

I was lucky enough to have my own room growing up (just one older brother), so my first big challenge came my freshman year at Mizzou. Ask any of my college friends - my roommate was by far the messiest (and least hygienic) person in our dorm! She would leave clothes all over her half of our tiny dorm room - and just go to class. She had this giant trunk that was intended to house her massive collection of bulky sweaters, but they never seemed to make it in there.

The Container Store is one of my favorite places on the planet. It's like Disneyland for me. I could spend hours there. I don't like to shop, but that is a very calming store for me. Everything is definitely in its place. About six months ago, I found something new there: sueded drawer organizers, designed to "pamper your delicate garments." I wish I could put them in every drawer in my house.

After much consideration, I have decided my shoes can no longer hide in my closet. Actually, they are outgrowing my closet, but they also really should be on proper display. And this past weekend, I found a double bookcase with glass doors to house them. There are now 20 perfect little cubbies to showcase my shoes plus a bottom shelf for sunglasses and handbags. Now that I have merged my two passions (organizing and shoes) into one, my work is done. Until I outgrow my closet again.