Too Much of a Good Thing is Bad

This weekend, there was an article in the NY Times about overindulgence.  It states that "buying more, and buying for ourselves — are ineffective at turning money into happiness".  So think about it: the more you buy (for yourself), the less happy you are AND the more clutter you have.  

According to this article, "people are happier when they spend money on others rather than on themselves".  Save yourself space and money buy purchasing only what you really need and donating the excess to others.  

Tell me, Appleshiners, what could you buy less of to save space and money?

Also, remember this article about technology and productivity in the office?

(Photo by Brock Davis)

My IKEA Kitchen

When I moved into my apartment (7 years ago!), I immediately got to work on kitchen solutions.  I knew I needed to make the most of my wall space because, frankly, that's all this eat-in kitchen had other than 3 upper and lower cabinets plus one drawer.  So I went to IKEA and bought myself a kitchen.  

Fortunately, they had a plethora of wall storage.  (Plethora- fun word, right?)  I grabbed a couple of these rods with these hooks and this basket.  And I really liked this spice rack, too.

I added a few other pieces like a hanging produce basket and a butcher's block where I keep my 'garage bin', a cloth basket full of tools, batteries, flashlights and other miscellaneous items.  All in all, I'm pretty happy with my kitchen space; it's functional and organized.  Just how I like it.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what tricks do you have for an organized kitchen?

Also, remember this loft kitchen that I unpacked and Appleshined?  I had cabinet envy soooo bad; look how well it turned out.