Show and Tell Friday.....So Simple, So Useful

As my title suggests, today on "Show and Tell" I want to show three very simple, but oh so useful tips that have made my life easier. And who doesn't like easy?

This first tip is so easy I can guarantee just about everybody has heard it before......but how many people actually do this? I know I went years without hanging up a simple keyholder even though I knew it was probably a good idea. Believe me, it's not only a good idea, it's a great idea. I use this particular holder for our "everyday" keys only.....we have three drivers in the family right now. I suggest you keep other spare keys in a more secure location. I like this particular one because I think its kind of cute, but you can use just about any kind as long as you put it in a handy location. Mine hangs on a wall right beside my kitchen cabinets.....a prime location in our house. Until you've tried this you really have no idea how much time and hassle it will save you. This one is a real stress buster!

We've always been breakfast eaters at our house so for quite a few years now I've kept a shelf set aside especially for breakfast items. As of this morning, this is how mine looks. It just makes it so easy to quickly grab what you need without rummaging through other pantry items. If you're anything like our family it's a rare morning when we have lots of time to spare. This makes it so much easier, and so much more pleasant to get everyone started on their day.....whether you're down to three like we are, already an empty-nester, or still have a house full. Do yourself a favor and give this one a try.

Finally this last thing I want to share is simply a basket. Maybe I need a pretty name for it but basically it is just my "stuff basket". In it I keep my Bible, a study notebook, a devotional book,

and a highlighter and pen for my prayer and study time......if I don't keep them in one place half my time is spent getting it all together. In it I also keep a current catalog or two....anything I'm trying to get a chance to look through. Right now I have my "Garden Guy" guide to desert gardening in it because we're coming up on prime planting time here. There's my Household Notebook in there for planning purposes, a small timer to keep me from losing track of time, and an older book that I have been enjoying reading again. If you look closely you see there's an extra pair of reading glasses and a pair of sunglasses for reading outdoors. When it's warm enough you'll find me outside on my backyard swing. On chilly mornings I'll be indoors sitting by the fireplace. In the evening it just may be sitting by the bedside for a quick look before I go to sleep. No matter what time of day, it's so handy to just pick up my basket of stuff and take it wherever I want. It looks pretty tidy in the photo, but believe me I'm constantly having to clear it out so that it has only the things I need for the present in it. I try to keep it from becoming just another book or magazine holder. If you're anything like me and have a dozen or so things going at once you might find this is one way to keep it all sorted out and going in the right direction. To check out more "Show and Tell" posts be sure to go on over to Kelli's. Oh and have a great weekend everyone! It's hard to believe tomorrow is the last day of January.....the second month of the year is already here. Life does come at us fast doesn't it? Give these tips a try in the coming month, or go ahead and try some of your own that you just haven't got around to doing. Try some "So Simple, So Useful" things in February and see what a big difference it will make.